Chapter 197 - Negligence

Doctor John shudders even more when his hand touched the ripped medical reports of Seraphina just now.

"Sera… sorry, I didn't know." He mumbles, feeling remorseful to the grave mistake he had done.

At first, he was too focused on the project and the result if it was a success. Of course, aside from reaping some benefits from the said project, it will also make Seraphina the most powerful and influential man in the underground world or even overtake the power of the government.

Hence, he forgot to do a pre-checkup to Seraphina because she hates doing all those kinds of formalities anyway. Alas, it also led to much bigger negligence on his part.

Doctor John staggered as he rushed to dump the papers as sweats started to form on his forehead.

"She can't know… she'll kill me."

------

Seraphina felt her mind was about to explode any minute. She always denies Dragon's real identity. Despite all the pieces of evidence that were laid in front of her, Seraphina was always in denial.

She revved up her motorbike -- aimlessly strolling around the city. She was so mad about Dr. John for keeping that very detail from her.

After all, the first time she met Dragon, he was very doubtful about her and it took Seraphina a great effort to break the invisible thick walls surrounding him.

Hence, if it wasn't for the fact that Dr. John is her friend, she'll kill him that instant. So, for now, she better not see him or else, she's afraid that she might do something she will regret in the future.

After letting off some steam, Seraphina stops at the side of the country y's city metal bridge. Closing her eyes, Seraphina sighs heavily. She didn't utter a word as she calms herself down.

After a while, she felt her phone vibrate from the inside of her jacket's pocket. Checking who it was, Seraphina's gaze softens seeing the caller ID: My Heart

However, Seraphina just mindlessly stares at it until it stops ringing. She doesn't know what to say, she was afraid that he might detect that something was wrong with her. After all, he was too observant when it comes to her. So, he'll know for sure.

When the call stops ringing, a message pop up. Seraphina instantly opens his mail, it says;

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

A complex smile form on Seraphina's lips as she read his simple yet sweet message. After a minute, her phone rang again.

Seraphina breathes heavily and clears her throat before she reluctantly picked up the call. Alas, the moment the line went through, neither of them utters a word.

"What happened?" Finally, Dragon inquired. On the other side of the line, he could hear audible speeding cars and the harsh wind. Also, it's rare for her to stay so quiet.

"Erm, Nothing -- I was just thinking…"

"About?" Dragon patiently anticipates what is the cause of her unusual dispirited mood.

"Say, baby, what if you found out that I -- never mind. Hehe" Seraphina tries to contemplate her concern but gave up midway as it was too obvious if she asked him. After all, Dragon cannot be easily fooled.

"Sera, when you come back… I wanted to be honest with you, and hope you do the same… you might not understand my life but know that I, will always accept all your flaws and love you." his gentle voice and heartfelt words alone made her chaotic mind silence. If only Seraphina could fly to him that instant, she will.

Pressing her lips on a thin line, Seraphina answers. "Alright,"

After the short phone call, his words rang to her over and over again. 'Dragon… will you also accept me being Luciano?'

Seraphina stayed silent as she finally made her final decision. She decided to abandon the life of being Luciano, and just forget about the world.

"What should I do?" Seraphina murmurs as she peered at nothingness.

[Country S, Dragon's office]

"Master, it seems some researcher snuck into the project: AUGUR. Our men already got a hold of him." Max reported.

Dragon simultaneously taps his fingers on his desk. For some reason, he was reluctant to make a kill order. Hence, he inquired instead.

"What did he found out?"

"Master, it seems that Dr. John attempts to conduct his own experiment but his test subject was gone when we arrived." Max monotone flat voice, responded.

"Alright, don't kill him just yet. I need to know about something." Dragon commanded before gesturing for Max to take his leave.

As soon as Max left, Dragon opens one of his desk drawers and picked up a small sophisticated box. When he opened it, his gaze scrutinizes the simple yet, eye-catching ring.

"Ezt, I'm retiring." Dragon mumbles, audible enough for Eztli on the side to hear.

---

That night, Dragon flew from Country S to Country Y. Though Dr. John successfully snuck in and made a copy of the project, it wasn't gone unnoticed.

Dr. John was now being held by Dragon's men and all the doc_u_ments and records were been confiscated.