Her phone? It was broken after she flung it against the wall in that moment of blind fury. She now handled communications through her laptop, which was inconvenient to say in the least. She looked up to him and replied, “It went off.“ She couldn't tell him the truth. Somehow, she felt it was questionable to destroy a phone for no good reason.

“You will represent me at the auction. Ensure everything goes smoothly and that the project is completed. There is no room for failure.“

He warned and walked out of the elevator, one hand in his pocket.

Indigo sighed. Their workplace relationship was a little strained after that encounter, and she preferred it that way. For the accomplishment of her goal, the lesser the obstacles, the better.

* * * *

The next morning, as the sun filtered through her window blinds, Indigo stretched lazily on the bed, then reached out for her non existent phone. Upon feeling nothing, she sighed and got off the bed in a long sleeping gown. She was taking a break today to sort out her plans.

A light breakfast of rice porridge and a fresh fruit drink was all she craved but in a country as Mexico, she could only rely on American breakfasts.

“Sandwiches, oatmeal with honey toppings and pancake.“ She mumbled, ready to place an online order.

She retired to her innermost room, which she had set up a mini library. She pulled open a drawer after inputting the pass code and brought out some brown paper files.

She went through the contents for the umpteenth time. A melancholic atmosphere descended in the room as she stared at her dead sister's photos.

Amber was a darling, a sister you could only wish to get one in a million years. She was very brilliant, sweet and kind but not very smart. She had become Indigo's role model at a young age. To cap it all, she had made the ultimate sacrifice for her little sister.

“And that is why I cannot let you die in vain. They must pay.“ Indigo said as she bit her lips hard to keep away the tears but they still fell like rain droplets. She went for a face wash in the toilet to cool her emotions. Her face didn't look good; the emotional trauma took a toll on her sometimes. But she had to look strong; her emotional pain locked behind her beautiful face.

* * * *

Her late sister was Amber Park.

That day, Amber had told her that a big corporation named Ethan International wanted her services. She was a low key genius in bio-technology. When Ethan International reached out, she agreed to work for them which was not normal; she had rejected every other company.

“You're not going because of the pay, are you?“ Indigo recalled asking out of worry.

“No, it's something else, love. I would never be swayed by their money.“ Amber had chuckled and pulled her, “Come on, let's go shopping.“

“So why did you accept it?“ Indigo insisted.

Amber just smiled, “I'll be back in 2 years latest. I'll come see you.“

“Two years? Amber, that's…“

“I'll come see you, I promise.“ Amber leaned in for a tight hug. They kissed each other on the forehead.

Two days later, Indigo escorted her to the airport. She watched her beloved sister leave, unease settling in her stomach.

Never did she realise that was their last physical goodbyes. For years, she spoke to Amber only through secret calls. Amber refused to reveal much about her work but kept assuring her of her return.

Two years elapsed but Amber never returned.

One day, during one of their secret calls—which was the last— she recalled listening to her sister speaking through intermittent sobs.

“They won't let me leave… They said I have to remain here for five years. I have to complete what I started, okay?“

“What about the reason you went there? Have you—”

“Don't worry about it. I promise everything will be fine.“

“Amber, please tell me the truth! I need to know what's going on there! Are you being forced to do something??“ she had pleaded with desperation.

That was when she heard a door open on her sister's end, and Amber went silent.

“What are you doing?“ She heard a threatening masculine voice.

Then a gunshot, and Amber's scream. Then the world went silent.

Indigo tried to speak into the phone but the connection was cut. She gasped for breath as her worldview swirled. She tried to scream but hyperventilated instead. Her eyes closed and her brain shut down out of defense.

She was out for three days. Suicide became a constant thought for months but the thought of Amber's sacrifice for her kept her going— though she barely held on. Then she realised she needed to soothe that hatred she felt or it could overwhelm her. She was drowning in the desire to avenge her sister so she quit her job despite her boss's plea and then embarked on her own mission: the revenge of her sister's death.

* * * *

Her doorbell rang, signalling the delivery man. Five minutes later, she opened the door expecting the delivery man to have gone away but there he stood in her porch, his helmet on.

Upon seeing her, pulled off the helmet and she smiled in surprise.

“Petals, you're a delivery man?? You're kidding, right?“

“I just started a week ago because of a bet I placed with someone.“ He sighed ruefully.

Indigo thought of something, then invited him in but he declined.

“You waited for five minutes so I thought you would like to come in.“ She explained.

“I don't wanna be late. Let's catch up with a video call by 6pm.“ He grinned and waved exaggeratedly.

She waved back then shut the door as he went away on his bike.

Placing the box on a table, she entered the kitchen. Upon passing by the kitchen mirror which was just after the door, something caught her attention—her hair.

Its jet-black luster shone more than usual—which was very strange. She watched as a subtle yet captivating sheen began to emanate from her hair, like the faintest luminescence of moonlight on a still pond. The luster was understated, yet undeniable.

But the next moment, it vanished— making her question what exactly she had seen.