BACK IN CHICAGO

BACK IN CHICAGO
Brianna's POV

I stood at the airport, waving as Gia and Mom disappeared through the departure gates after our goodbyes. Dad and Eric had an important meeting this morning, so they couldn't see me off.

Great. Another two years away from home. But at least this time, I was leaving the country.

Once our plane was ready, we took off for China. The moment we arrived, my training started the very next day. I barely had time to breathe—every student here was practically a master of kung fu.

I couldn't compare myself to them. Most of them had been training since they were six, while I had only two years to prove myself. There was no time to waste.

I needed to earn at least a red belt. As much as I wanted a black belt, I knew it wasn’t realistic—not when it required eight to ten years of rigorous training.

Time flew by faster than I expected. Before I knew it, a whole year had passed. I missed home terribly. I wanted to go back, even if just for a visit, but I couldn't. My schedule was relentless.

I settled for phone calls, wishing my parents and Gia a merry Christmas as another year came to an end.

The second year went by even faster than the first. Before I knew it, I was facing my final exams and the ultimate test. I fought with everything I had—and I won my red belt.

It wasn’t just a belt. It was proof that I had accomplished something. That I had pushed beyond my limits.

Pride swelled in my chest as I prepared to return home—not just with my belt, not just with my skills, but with the confidence that I had truly achieved my goal.

I gave myself two weeks of rest before booking my flight back to Chicago. I wanted to surprise Mom and Dad, so I didn’t tell them I was coming.

The moment my plane landed, I took a taxi straight to our apartment. I knew Gia wouldn't be home—she had been working for Eric for two years now, and from what she told me, the job was demanding.

But when I stepped inside, my heart nearly stopped.

The apartment looked like it had been ransacked. Clothes and papers were scattered everywhere. The place was a disaster.

I sighed heavily, dropping my bags before rolling up my sleeves. It took me nearly four hours to put everything back in order.

By the time I was done, my entire body ached. I dragged myself to the bathroom, letting the warm water wash away my exhaustion.

After a long, refreshing bath, I made my way to the kitchen and started preparing dinner. Gia and I had a lot to catch up on.

Gia’s POV

Being a secretary at Beauty Care was no joke. Every day, I came home drained, but today was worse than usual.

Sales had skyrocketed, which was great for the company—but terrible for me. My workload had doubled, and my stress levels were at an all-time high.

I still had piles of orders to sort through. Tomorrow morning, I had to present the monthly sales report before payroll could be processed.

Hours of staring at my laptop left my eyes burning, a headache throbbing at my temples. I removed my glasses and rubbed my face, sighing.

I needed a break.

Pushing away from my desk, I grabbed my purse and rushed out to the convenience store. I bought some fresh fruit and a bottle of cold water, hoping it would help with the fatigue.

On my way back, I stopped by the printing office to pick up some documents I had forgotten earlier.

By the time I returned to my office, it was already 4:30 PM.

Two hours. That’s all I had left to finish up.

Taking a deep breath, I dove back into my work, double-checking the files before heading to Eric’s office to submit them.

When I reached Eric’s office, I knocked and waited for his permission to enter. It had always been like this since I started working here.

At the company, we were just a boss and an employee. But outside these walls, we were friends. Eric insisted on keeping work and personal life separate.

The only problem? He didn’t seem to follow his own rules.

His girlfriend visited him constantly, and she was an absolute nightmare. I still didn’t understand why I always had to suffer at the hands of Eric’s girlfriends.

“Gia, you can come in,” his voice finally called from inside.

I walked in, holding a stack of neatly arranged files. “I came to submit these as per your request,” I said, making my way to his desk.

“Did you finalize the sales reports?”

“Yes, from May to September,” I confirmed.

“Thanks, Gia. You’re a lifesaver.”

“Why are you thanking her when she’s just doing her job?” a sharp voice cut in from behind.

I didn’t even have to turn around—I already knew who it was. Hannah. Just as I suspected.

I took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to roll my eyes. “I’ll be heading out now. I really need to get home early today, if that’s okay with you,” I said to Eric, completely ignoring Hannah. I didn’t have time for petty people like her.

“Of course. Take your time,” Eric replied.

I gave him a small smile and turned to leave, feeling Hannah’s piercing glare on my back.

Back in my office, I packed my laptop and grabbed my bag. Thank God it was the weekend—I could finally clean the apartment.

Dragging myself downstairs, I sighed. My car was still at the mechanic, which meant I had to take a taxi.

Just as I stepped outside, I heard someone call my name.

“Gia.”

I turned around and found Adams standing a few feet away.

“Oh, Adams. Heading home?”

“Yeah,” he nodded. “Can I drop you off?”

“No, you don’t have to. I’ll just grab a taxi.”

“Come on, just let me do something for you,” he insisted. “You’ve rejected all the flowers I sent you, and I didn’t complain. At least let me drop you off.”

I sighed. He had been persistent ever since he asked me out and I turned him down. I felt bad rejecting him over and over again, but I didn’t want to lead him on when I didn’t feel the same way.

Then again… I had never really given him a chance.

“Fine, you can drop me off. And… thanks,” I said.

“You’re welcome,” he grinned. “Wanna grab some pizza on the way?”

“Maybe next time. I’m way too tired today.”

“Fair enough.”

Adams was kind enough to drop me off in front of my apartment. I thanked him and hurried upstairs.

The moment I opened the door, I froze.

The lights were off, and the place was… spotless.

A chill ran down my spine.

I had left the apartment in complete disarray. Who cleaned it? Did a ghost take pity on me? Did witches swing by and tidy up while I was gone?

My mind raced with a million questions until realization struck me.

The only person who had a spare key to my apartment was Brianna.

“Brianna, are you here?” I called out hesitantly.

For a moment, there was only silence. Then, just when I was about to doubt myself, a door creaked open.

“Gia, why are you coming back so late?”

My heart nearly jumped out of my chest.

Brianna. She was back.

Tears welled up in my eyes before I could stop them. Without thinking, I ran straight to her and hugged her tightly, sobbing against her shoulder.

“Gia, what’s wrong? Did your boyfriend break up with you?” she teased, a playful smile on her face.

I sniffled, shaking my head. “No… I just missed you. I didn’t even realize how much until now.”

She chuckled, rubbing my back. “I take it you were shocked when you saw the mess?”

“Completely. But you—you cleaned it all?”

“Of course. I couldn’t just sit in that disaster.”

I pulled away, wiping my tears. “Are you back for good?”

“Yeah, I am.”

“What about your belt? Did you manage to earn it?”

Brianna grinned and disappeared into her room for a moment. When she returned, she proudly held up a red belt.

“I am a kung fu master, Gia,” she declared, raising the belt like a championship trophy.

I laughed. “I’m so proud of you, my karate baby. And so happy you’re back! Now no one will bully me again.”

We both burst into laughter. My happiness doubled when I realized she had even made dinner.

As we ate, we caught up on everything we had missed in the past two years.

“Brianna, I’m so happy you’re back.”

“Me too,” she said, smiling. “I already applied for a job in Chicago. Now, I just have to wait for a response.”

“Which police department are you hoping to work at?”

“The head department, preferably. I have a good certificate and excellent combat skills, so I’m hoping for a good position.”

I beamed at her. “I’m already so proud of you.”

“Thanks, Gia.”

“Do Mom and Dad know you’re back?”

“No. I’m not planning to tell them until Sunday.” She winced. “Mom is definitely going to scold me. That’s why I need a little time before facing her wrath.”

I smirked. “Don’t worry. You know I’m Mom’s favorite—I’ll plead on your behalf.”

She laughed. “Good. I’ll need all the help I can get.”

Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she narrowed her eyes at me. “So… has Eric been treating you well?”

I groaned dramatically, resting my chin on my hand. “No, Brianna. He’s been burying me in piles of work and endless documents. And don’t even get me started on his annoying girlfriend.” I pouted.

Brianna raised a brow. “Wait. You mean Eric’s girlfriend is the one bullying you?”

I nodded.

A slow, mischievous smirk spread across her lips.

“Then she better be prepared for war… because Brianna is back.”