One thing about working with Maddy in the gang was the sumptuous payments made after every successful assassination. Growing up knowing that her foreign accounts and safes were stashed with cash was a big flex when all Emily loved was clubbing in her early teen years but with the weight of her job and how risky socializing was becoming, she resulted to a quiet life.

So money wasn’t a problem when she chose the fifteen-storey building apartment for herself. Gabriella had finalized the payment under her name. Her next task was getting the keys from the apartment maintenance office.

“Are you miss Emily Grant?” A round-looking woman asked, Emily just nodded.

“Okay, your key has been handed to your roommate and you are in luck because she’s in.”

Emily’s ears tingled, her feet going numb swiftly, “I think you’re making a mistake can you check again?”

The round lady scanned the file in front of her nodding affirmatively. “Yes, the key to your apartment…” touching the lines, “which is the building’s penthouse has been handed to your roommate.”

“Roommate? How’s that even possible?”

“Yes, I spoke to you three days ago and you confirmed it.”

Emily immediately knew it was Gabriella so she forced a smile. “Thank you, I’m sure I forgot.”

The lady waved her goodbye although there was a puzzled look on her face.

Stepping into the elevator, Emily rooted her phone from her bag.

“Gabriella, are you out of your senses? Why would you choose an apartment with a roommate?”

She was an advocate of enjoying her private space. Even Maddy knew that silence was part of her therapy especially whenever she had to execute a brutal kill.

“How are you going to explain being a mere personal assistant when you’re living in a twenty thousand dollars monthly apartment alone?”

“That’s my business, Gabriella. I could come up with something, you know I wouldn’t even accommodate a pet in my space and you fix a whole human being?!”

Gabriella heaved a sigh, “I chose the best apartment for you. The penthouse gives you a window view with exquisite glass walls. You’ll love it there.”

“That’s not the point!”

“I know…but at least if you have a roommate, it wouldn’t raise too many eyebrows. Moreover, I did a brief research on her, she’s a nice person.”

The elevator dinged on the last floor. Emily standing in front of the door. “I don’t care if she’s the nicest saint in the world, I just want my space!”

The apartment door opened, and a tall slender lady stood holding out a bento cake and wearing a smile. “Welcome roommate!”

“Just kill me!” Emily cussed, attempting to change the frown on her face but couldn’t. “Hi.” She waved coldly.

The lady wagged her head, “You sound different in person,” her freckled face smiled as she spoke, “Your voice is so…stern in real life. Not the same person pleading with me to let us split the rent.”

Emily shook her head, pushing off the swear attempting to force its way out. “Emily Grant,” she stretched her hand for a handshake instead Jasmine pulled her into her embrace, stifling Emily’s words as her cologne filled Emily’s nose.

“I’m Jasmine Carter. It’s so nice to meet you, my friend.”

Emily shrugged successfully after several failed attempts. “Are you always like that?”

Jasmine shrugged, “like what?” Reaching for Emily’s bag, “Let me help you with that!” Instead, her hand received a firm hit, “Don’t touch my things!” Pushing Jasmine off the door, Emily made her way into the apartment.

Enjoying the ambiance of the sun stealing its way in through the transparent glass walls, the kitchen, and its upgraded utensils in the center of the apartment. Feeling the chairs, a smile crossed her face at how soft the leathers were.

“Let me show you your room.” Jasmine pulled her before the words of resistance could be voiced. “Since I arrived first, I chose the bigger room.” Pointing to the room on the left, painted pink with several portrait designs.

Emily hated the bright colors and was grateful that it wasn’t hers.

Especially as she stood in front of the second room in the apartment. The grey paint on the wall just like the rest part of the apartment graced Emily’s heart. The king-size bed and beautiful white couch made her even happier.

“I know it’s so plain and ugly now but as soon as I’m done painting mine. I’ll come paint yours.”

Emily’s blood spiked her into a reaction. “No!”

Jasmine pushed back in fright.

“Don’t touch anything, here!” Emily reaffirmed almost pleading. Throwing her bags on her bed, she turned to still see Jasmine standing there.

“Aren’t you going to leave?”

“Of course!” Jasmine smiled in a way that pricked Emily’s skin.

“One more thing!” Emily advanced towards her, “I have one rule…” her eyes darting into Jasmine’s with the direct intent of sending enough fear with her statement, “No matter what you do, never touch my things. Never step into my room or use my things. In fact, act like I don’t exist.”

Jasmine pouted, “What if it’s an emergency and I’ll return it before you notice.”

Emily breathed, “I will know, even if you as much touch my door handle…I’ll know. Now you can get out.”

“What about the kitchen?” Jasmine narrowed her eyes like she was enjoying it, “I was thinking that I’ll be the one cooking since my job provides me the laxity to work from home.”

“What job is that?”

“I’m an artist…” she yelped, “not a con artist but a true creative; a painter, and a dancer.” Tugging uninterested Emily’s arm, “Do you want to see some of my moves?”

“No!” Emily clasped her hands. Her head already banging from Jasmine’s ranting. “I don’t care what you do…stay away from me and my things.” Pushing Jasmine out, “And don’t cook for me. Just stay away from me!” Slamming the door on Jasmine’s yapping face.

“Can my life get any worse?” Throwing herself on the bed, “Now I have to focus on the good part.” A smirk crossed her face, “I’m close enough to eliminate my target, this should be faster than I thought.”