Contract Marriage with My Secret Partner in Crime-Chapter 27: Request

Kendrick stepped into Room Three, the air filled with the faint scent of polished wood and leather.

The walls were lined with shelves stacked with books — most likely decorative, but convincing enough to pass as a gentleman’s library.

A large mahogany desk sat in the center, paired with a high-back leather chair that added to the illusion of sophistication.

The room was designed to project elegance and wealth, but Kendrick’s mind wasn’t on the décor. His eyes flickered over every corner, searching for the mechanism Cassius had promised.

After all, if Cassius already knew his secret identity as Obscura, there was no point in pretending. Kendrick had decided to take advantage of that knowledge, negotiating for resources that would make his work easier.

His fingers brushed against the bookshelf, testing the edges. He knew Cassius wouldn’t make it obvious. It had to be something subtle. A small panel or a misplaced object — something that would blend in perfectly.

Then, he saw it.

A classic bronze clock sat perched on the second shelf. The hour hand was just a bit too long, the minute hand suspiciously bent. With a smirk, Kendrick twisted the clock’s face to the left. A faint click echoed, and the bookshelf slid open, revealing a narrow, dimly lit passage.

"Of course," Kendrick muttered under his breath.

He stepped inside, the door closing silently behind him. Cool air brushed against his skin, and the faint hum of machinery resonated from below. At the end of the corridor, another door awaited. It slid open at his presence, revealing what Cassius had clearly taken pleasure in designing.

The room was massive, bathed in the glow of countless monitors mounted on the walls. Sleek black desks lined the space, each equipped with multiple high-end keyboards and touch panels.

The technology was leagues beyond anything the public could get their hands on. Advanced surveillance systems, decryption programs, and customized software — all perfectly tailored for someone like Obscura.

Kendrick ran his fingers across the polished surface, his lips curving into a satisfied smirk. "Not bad, Cassius."

He sank into the leather chair in front of the central console. With a few quick keystrokes, the screens flickered to life. A live feed of the apartment appeared — every angle, every corner. The garden. The living room. The kitchen. Even the narrow side paths around the estate.

But then, something caught his eye.

One particular screen showed an angle no ordinary CCTV should cover. The lens was tucked away, hidden within the molding of the ceiling. A spy camera.

"Really, Cassius?" Kendrick’s voice was laced with amusement. He stared directly at the camera, his icy gaze unwavering. Then, without breaking eye contact, he smirked.

---

Far away, Cassius lounged in his office, his eyes locked on the monitor displaying Kendrick’s face.

The smirk. That infuriating, all-too-familiar smirk.

Cassius chuckled, shaking his head. "As expected of him."

But before he could enjoy the moment further, the screens flickered. The live footage glitched. One by one, the monitors went dark.

"Well played," Cassius murmured. "Well played, Obscura."

He leaned back in his chair, the amusement never leaving his expression.

Kendrick had blocked his access.

"As expected of him," he repeated with a laugh, savoring the brief satisfaction before plotting his next move.

--- freeweɓnøvel.com

Back in the high-tech room, Kendrick hummed softly as he disabled the remaining surveillance feeds. The only one he left untouched was the gate entrance, for safety reasons. It would be useful to see who came and went.

Satisfied, he powered down the system. He had no doubt Cassius would try something again, but for now, he had the upper hand.

---

Zephany’s Side

Zephany stepped into Room Four, her eyes scanning the soft blue walls. The atmosphere was peaceful, the sunlight streaming through the glass doors that led to the garden. It was almost too serene — a stark contrast to the chaotic life she was used to.

But she wasn’t here to admire the view.

Her focus was on finding the secret passage Cassius had promised. She needed to maintain her cover, and with Cassius knowing her identity as Eclipse, she’d shamelessly demanded the hidden exit. It would allow her to slip away unnoticed when missions called.

After a quick sweep of the room, her gaze landed on a decorative wall panel. It looked ordinary, but to her trained eyes, the slightest misalignment was obvious. She pressed her palm against it.

Nothing.

Frowning, she tried again, this time pushing on the edges. A faint click followed, and the panel slid open, revealing a dim passage.

"Bingo."

She stepped inside, the door closing seamlessly behind her. The passage was narrow, lined with steel walls that emitted a low hum. At the end stood a small garage-like space — and there it was.

A motorcycle.

The sleek black design was sharp and polished, built for speed. The engine gleamed under the dim lights, and the key rested in the ignition, waiting. Zephany’s grin widened.

"Now this," she murmured, running her fingers over the handlebars, "is my kind of ride."

She straddled the seat, her eyes catching the small control panel next to the keyhole. It had a few simple buttons, including two that resembled elevator controls — Open and Close.

"Convenient."

Pressing the Open button, the steel doors in front of her slid apart, revealing the exit. Outside was a secluded dirt road, with no sign of nearby houses — the perfect cover.

Without hesitation, she twisted the key, the engine roaring to life. The sound was like music to her ears.

She drove out, the cool breeze whipping past her. The road stretched ahead, surrounded by clusters of trees. Zephany made a mental map, noting landmarks and turns.

After a while, she returned, parking the bike exactly where she found it. She still had to report to work—and she couldn’t let her new husband get suspicious.

Not that it mattered what he thought.

Still... basic manners dictated she should at least inform him about her whereabouts. After all, they were going to be living together for a year.

Once she returned to her room, she stepped out of the hidden passage, carefully sealing the door. She barely had time to gather herself before a knock echoed through the space.