The sun began to cast its soft morning rays over Marvin’s mansion, heralding the start of a new day. But for me, it was a day filled with a difficult decision I had resolved to make. I had lied to Marvin that I was not emotionally entangled with the workers when I was. With a heavy heart, I gathered all the employees of the mansion in the grand hall, a place that had been bustling with activity just a short while ago.

As the employees assembled, their expressions were a mix of curiosity and apprehension. I knew that I had caused some anxiety this particular morning and I hope I don’t regret it. I stood at the front, a sense of responsibility weighing down on me. I knew that what I was about to do would affect the lives of those who had dedicated their time and efforts to Marvin’s family's estate.

"Cass, what's going on?" one of the employees, Sarah, asked, her voice.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "I want to thank each and every one of you for your dedication and hard work over the years. You've been an integral part of this place, and your contributions have not gone unnoticed."

The room was filled with a heavy silence as if everyone could sense the gravity of what was to come.

"But," I continued, my voice quivering slightly, "due to unforeseen circumstances, your security inclusive and a need to restructure, we will be terminating your employment here."

Gasps of surprise and whispers of disbelief rippled through the gathered employees. It was a decision that I had agonized over, but it was necessary to protect their lives and their future, or was I just following the instructions of the one I love that I was supposed to kill?

"We will provide each of you with termination letters outlining your benefits and compensation packages," I explained, my voice carrying a note of regret.

"Please know that this decision was not made lightly, and we are committed to assisting you in your transition to new opportunities."

Have I become this soft that the lives of other people affect my emotions? How did I start to think I was an office person? Although I looked good in office apparel, I was a trained assassin.

As I distributed the termination letters, the atmosphere in the room grew increasingly somber. Employees exchanged glances, their futures uncertain. It was a moment of upheaval, and I couldn't help but feel the weight of Marvin’s decision to let them go and his family's legacy resting on my shoulders. I made myself believe that he was protecting himself from harm and also protecting them.

Marvin could be right, if his life was still in danger, it would be better with fewer casualties. He couldn't allow Ken's interference to dictate the course of his life any longer.

Marvin came to the hall where we were. He was looking very official in his grey suit and white shirt. I had thought he was going on a fake date with Shantel.

Why did he have to dress as if it was a formal meeting?

“Hello everyone! I am truly sorry we had to take these steps to ensure your safety. I will take it personally to see that you are all comfortable even as you leave here. Please you can reach out to Cass for anything, I mean for anything,” Marvin said,

Looking at me, he waved and I followed him. I followed like a robot that was controlled by the Master. “Please let the guards see them off, okay? I will be going to Shantel’s place later in the evening, so you may not see me till after then,” Marvin said,

There was something bossy about him since yesterday that made me desire the previous version of him.

“Are you going with only two bodyguards to Shantel’s place? I asked.

“Yes, is that a problem, or is it too much?” He asked.

“I think it makes your security too thin and puts your life in danger. You don’t know who is after your life yet,” I said, looking very concerned,

“It’s okay, let the bodyguards earn their pay and you know you are not on my security detail, so don’t worry,” he said.

“Well, I am glad to inform you that I am coming,” I said.

“No you are not, and besides I got it covered, it is Shantel! For crying out loud, give me a break. Attend to these people and meet the consultant as planned to get us new staff but at the number I told you,” Marvin said.

“I hear you, but I am not concerned about Shantel, I am concerned about you,” I said.

“I have a black belt in Judo and Karate, I can take care of myself,” he said. He was so loud that by the time he finished that statement, everywhere was quiet. The workers thought that we were arguing about them and their safety.

“You are not an assassin, and for your information, and since I care about you, your safety is paramount to me. It is my current and future concerns,” I said, moving backward, and then turning to the group of people waiting for me.

I hoped I would not regret the decision to allow Marvin to leave with a thin security detail, I thought to myself.

I had asked Sarah to share the cheques that contained how much they would be receiving. Their names were on the envelopes. They were now smiling as they opened the envelopes. I looked confused or was I missing something? I did not know why someone would be smiling and some of them were already hugging each other.

“Sarah, please come here,” I said. Is everything okay? Can I see your cheque?" I asked.

She showed me her cheque and I smiled too. Marvin was a generous man. He had paid them ranging from two hundred thousand dollars to five hundred thousand dollars as benefits.

After a while, I thought about it, Marvin had used me as bait to make them happy. He created a scene and influenced the argument this morning. He made it look like the decision was mine, but of course, they knew I was not their paymaster, so the benefits were from him. I felt the pity that grew in me suddenly for myself.

My emotions were not allowing me to think clearly as I should. I hoped that I would not regret the decisions I was now taking just because of my feelings for Marvin.

I went to his room, I selected a nice t-shirt, and I asked the bodyguard attached to me to follow me to my apartment where I had left. I met Larry there.

"Hey, what's up? He asked. Larry saw that I was looking very concerned.

I told the bodyguard to wait for me in the car. I opened my weaponry, a hidden drawer by the side of my bed, and took out my long-range gun and a bulletproof verse.

"Cassie, please what is going on?" he asked, taking out his gun and getting ready too.

I held his hand to stop him. "I will not be needing you today Larry, but if I need to clean up, I will call you," I said.

"Then let me know what is happening," he said.

"The Contractor had not called and Marvin is going around with a thin security detail," I said.

"Well, that makes your job easy. I think it is time you ended this shit," Larry said.

"I don't have the documents, you really want me to kill him without the documents, then my job is not complete," I said.

"Cassie, do what you have to do, it is only a job, but if you ask me, it is becoming too complex and the longer it takes, the more we are exposed and the more difficult it gets. Close this now because we need other jobs too," Larry said.

I tapped him on the shoulder, saying "I will. Larry, I surely will. There will be no regrets."