The Secret Island
CHAPTER 44: The Knock on the Door

Celine went to the island every year for two weeks. The places she went, the food she ate, and the activities she did were all the same as she did four years ago. She tried to keep his memories alive.

At least, once Martin came back, he could find her. But in truth, Celine relived the experience over and over again because she was scared-she was scared everything that had happened between her and Martin was just a dream. Everything happened a long time ago. It had been so long that she was surprised at herself for living with uncertainty for four years.

Her family and best friends were also baffled by the drastic change in her. She told them the story, but they didn't understand her decision. She didn't allow anyone to follow her on this two-week trip, even though it was during her birthday. The time should be for a celebration and usually every year before coming to Italy. She organized a big party every year. Her friends wanted to organize a party for her, but she didn't let them, not before coming here and not after. We had work to do.

Celine was walking back to the villa. She needed to pack. She had to leave tomorrow. She bought the villa she once stayed with Martin. If she had to sell it, some inspection was needed-it was tiring just to think about it. For the past two weeks, she had been cooking a meal for herself. In these recent years, she learned how to cook and arguably could do decent meals, but great, just better. She had to work after all. It was not like she had all the time in the world. Besides, her family had a personal chef. He would rotate between her parents' house in South Kensington and her penthouse in Hyde Park. She didn't live that far apart from her parents, but she wanted her own space. And that was their request out of concern that she would just throw herself into work and cut everyone off.

Celine laid down on the sofa and looked up at the white ceiling. The thoughts in her head battled one another. She had to start her process to move on. She had to try. As soon as she stepped out of that door the next day, she had to let go. No matter how difficult it was. But she couldn't help herself. She didn't want to.

Her tears welled up.

She hated her weakness when it came to anything related to Martin. She rarely cried anymore about anything. Perhaps the changed environment made her miss him less than spending time in the places they shared memories together. *Knock Knock*

The knock on the door startled her. Celine jumped up on her feet.

Her heart was beating faster, and a small hope emerged.

Is he back? Is it Martin behind that door?

That small hope expanded bigger with every step she took walking towards that door.

Martin?

Is that Martin?

Martin...

She smiled and prepared to greet someone on the other side of the closed door. She didn't even know what to say.

"Martin..." That was all she said once she opened the door. The only name that echoed in her head over and over again.

"Err..." The man she was facing kept staring at her. He seemed at a loss for words.

"...." Her small hope distinguished again, and it was replaced with a bitter disappointment.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" She asked wearily. But the tall man with a buzzcut smiled back at her. She remained expressionless.

"Happy Belated Birthday, Celine." The stranger wished her with a bright smile. He was American

"...Yes? How...?"

The tall man kept on smiling. She tried to figure out if she knew him. Tall like a basketball player, with dark brown hair and a child-like smile-I had never met him before. Then he started to speak. The words made her heart almost stop.

"I'm taking you to see Martin...."

****

Four years ago. New York, USA.

"You have promised us to bring back our one billion dollars and your traitor best friend. You have been lying after all, Martin." A middle-aged man in a ten-thousand-dollars suit spoke with great authority. These words were the only sound Martin heard in this large, securely locked auditorium. He knew his fate. He knew he didn't have that many choices in this situation.

His deal for going to Celine's graduation was to give clues about Joe's whereabouts. Of course, he gave them a fake address. When their hitmen arrived, they only found an empty warehouse in the middle of nowhere.

He wasn't lying. The place was Joe's hiding place. But it was a few months prior.

"You have been working for us for a long time and made us millions. But you should know better that failing a mission is unacceptable...." One of the company's partners stood tall in front of him. He stepped a few steps closer. "So...I want to give you a chance to choose...."

"...." Martin looked up at him. The unsympathetic face gave him a devil's smile. His clenched fists were sweating. He made up his mind.

Two men in black suits walked into the room. One was holding a document, and the other was holding something that slowed down his heartbeat.

The options presented in front of him were whether he would choose purgatory or a deeper level of hell.

The paper laid out in front of him was a legal document that accused him of committing billion-dollar embezzlement. And a black pistol was aimed at his head at point-blank range.