Two months have passed. Jasmine, the dominant model on the brightly lit fashion ramps of London, is now in an unknown location in Moscow. The two-month deadline is over. Her second encounter with Dmitry was inevitable, but this time, Dmitry took no chances.
Immediate Action!
Jasmine is now sitting on the floor of a dark, stone-built room. The environment is cold and damp. The night lights of the city outside are faintly visible through a massive, arched doorway—the tall towers of ancient Russian architecture piercing the sky.
She is sitting cross-legged. Her body is wrapped in a thin, white dress. It is not a nightgown, but something like an ancient Russian design, creating a strange contrast with her blonde hair and body.
Her hands are shackled with metal cuffs. Thick iron chains stemming from the cuffs are spread across the floor. But the most terrifying thing is her eyes—they are tightly bound with a white cloth patch. She cannot see.
She wasn't actually seeing anything. She was feeling.
Even with her eyes covered, Jasmine's entire focus was on her inner strength. She knew this captivity was a trap. She herself had stepped into the final stage of this game.
Jasmine sat still, one hand resting calmly on her chest. In these two months, she hadn't just modeled; she had prepared. Every breath she took was slow, measured. Despite the outside environment and the pressure on her body, her mind was as cold as steel.
The chains scattered on the floor, and her white dress upon them—this sight was a final display for Dmitry. He wanted Jasmine to understand—she was weak, she was in the palm of his hand.
But even with her eyes bound, Jasmine's mind's eye seemed to see everything. She could sense the silent presence of the guards around her, the heavy footsteps outside the door, and the danger emanating from every silence.
A heavy, familiar voice drifted from outside the door. Dmitry. His voice outside the door was calm, yet authoritative.
"Two months are complete today, Jasmine. Thank you for your courage. You know, I don't keep anyone sitting in this room. But you—you are an exception."
The voice slowly entered the room. Dmitry now stood directly in front of Jasmine. Her eyes were covered, but she could feel that sharp presence.
The sound of Dmitry's boots stopped right beside her ear. A wave of sharp, expensive aftershave fragrance reached Jasmine's nose—it was different from Ji-Han's, much rougher and wilder.
"I've seen your 'file'," Dmitry said. "Unbelievable. Not even Ji-Han would dare to create something like that. You pushed me to the brink of extreme danger, enchantress."
Dmitry's long, cold fingers suddenly touched Jasmine's chin. Jasmine did not try to violently shake herself away, only tensed her muscles.
"But your weakness, Jasmine," Dmitry whispered. "You gave me two months' time, yet you didn't inform Ji-Han. You wanted to prove yourself. You are now a world-famous model. Everyone knows you. This fame, your 'white hair'—which I saw on the magazine cover—that is now your shield. But I am a hunter, Jasmine. I know how to turn a shield into a weapon."
Dmitry's hand moved from Jasmine's head towards the white cloth patch.
"I will give you one chance. Join me. Forget Ji-Han. Use your power. My empire awaits you. If you stand by me, your so-called file cannot harm me anymore."
Dmitry's words were pouring poison into Jasmine's ears. Forget Ji-Han! Impossible.
Jasmine answered this time. Her voice was suppressed, but her words struck Dmitry's mind.
"I don't need your proposal, Dmitry," Jasmine said. "I came here to make a deal with you. Not to surrender. My file is still active. Your 12-hour deadline is over, but I didn't press the release button. I wanted to speak with you directly."
Dmitry smiled, but there was no joy in his laugh. "Speak with me? I admit you have courage. But you are my prisoner now. And do you know why your eyes are covered?"
Dmitry's cold voice became even harsher.
"Because your mind is not prepared for what you are about to see. Ji-Han has started his game, Jasmine. And your 'secret' lover... he is ready to die for your safety now."
Suddenly, screams and the intense sound of gunfire erupted from outside the door. The sounds were sharp, close, and rapid. Ji-Han's action team had attacked the building!
Jasmine's chest trembled. She knew Ji-Han wouldn't stay silent, but such a quick, direct attack!
"Ji-Han!" Jasmine screamed.
Dmitry squeezed her shoulder forcefully. "See? He came for you. He doesn't know what you brought to me. And if you don't give me the master key you possess—I will kill him right here. I will remove your blindfold now, Jasmine. And then you will watch your lover die."
Dmitry's hand quickly untied the cloth binding. Jasmine's eyes were scorched by the intense light. When she could see again, the sight before her turned her entire body to stone.
As the blindfold was removed, the intense light momentarily blinded Jasmine. When her vision stabilized, she saw a fierce firing exchange between Ji-Han's team and Dmitry's guards right outside the massive arched doorway, a short distance from her! Several black-clad bodies lay on the floor of the room. The action was right on her doorstep.
But Dmitry's attention was not on the action. He was waiting for his opportunity.
In the final moment of seeing Jasmine utterly devastated, Dmitry lunged towards her with intense speed. The sweep of her blonde hair brushed against Jasmine's face. Dmitry leaned in to kiss Jasmine's lips, with a wild, victorious smile in his blue eyes. This was the ultimate insult, the final attempt to break Jasmine mentally.
"Be calm, enchantress," Dmitry whispered, his voice now a cold mix of sexuality and dominance. He repeated that terrifying sound: "Shhhh..."
In that very moment, the training received from Ji-Han and her own inner mafia-like resolve awoke simultaneously. Jasmine would not surrender.
As Dmitry's face was barely an inch from her lips, Jasmine pulled out a small, sharp knife she had concealed in the folds of her white dress. She had acquired this knife over the last two months under the guise of preparing modeling clothes.
With lightning speed, Jasmine raised her hand and drove the knife forcefully towards Dmitry's throat.
But Dmitry was not just a wealthy mafia boss; he was extremely cautious and quick. His natural instinct saved him.
Just before the knife touched Dmitry's throat, he moved backward, almost miraculously. He caught Jasmine's arm mid-way. The knife stopped near Dmitry's jacket collar, just grazing his skin and drawing a single drop of blood.
The smile on Dmitry's face vanished completely. His blue eyes turned blood-red with rage.
"You... tried to kill me?" Dmitry roared, but his words were drowned out by the ongoing gunfire outside the door.
He gripped Jasmine's hand with immense force and twisted it. Tears streamed from Jasmine's eyes from the pain, and the knife clattered to the floor.
"I knew you weren't just a toy," Dmitry gritted his teeth. "But you are forgetting who you are playing with!"
Dmitry lifted Jasmine in one swift motion. He decided to use her as a human shield. As he moved towards the door, he picked up a rifle he was holding.
"Tell your Don, the game is over! If he enters this room, the first bullet will hit his lover's chest!"
As Dmitry forcefully lifted Jasmine, using her as a human shield and moving toward the door, the air inside the room vibrated with the continuous sounds of gunfire. The thick chains of Jasmine's handcuffs still dangled from her wrists. Dmitry held her waist tightly with his strong arm, her face close to his shoulder.
Even in this extreme moment, a cold, almost incredulous smile appeared on Jasmine's face.
To Dmitry's surprise, Jasmine whispered into his ear. There was no fear in her voice, only the quiet joy of revealing the ultimate truth.
"The one you call the Don... the one you fear," Jasmine said, "He is not the Don, Dmitry."
Dmitry paused for a moment. He was stunned by Jasmine's words in this situation.
Jasmine rattled the heavy chains of her handcuffs and laughed.
"The one you call Ji-Han... he is not my love, he is a Spy."
Dmitry was still bewildered. Jasmine then dropped her final bomb, which made Dmitry's face go white.
"He is not the Don of the Mafias, Dmitry. He is a spy from the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS). He came here on a mission to catch mafia bosses like you. And his only weakness is me!"
Jasmine's eyes turned back towards the firing, where Ji-Han's action team was fighting with tremendous courage.
"And you know, when a spy returns for his weakness, he can destroy the entire mafia syndicate in an instant. You are playing with the wrong person, Dmitry. And you are now waging war against the government of South Korea."
All of Dmitry's anger, his power, seemed to shatter in a single second. He was a mafia don, but he didn't dare to stand against a government. Ji-Han was a spy! This information completely overturned all of Dmitry's plans.
"You are lying!" Dmitry roared.
Jasmine didn't stop smiling. "If you have doubts, ask Ji-Han. But remember, spies don't speak without proof. And your 'file'?" Jasmine smirked. "That was just a ploy. To mislead you!"
Dmitry's face was a monstrous mix of disbelief and anger. He was completely disoriented by the revelation of Ji-Han's true identity. Jasmine knew this opportunity couldn't be missed.
Dmitry's arm was tightly gripping Jasmine, using her as a human shield. But Dmitry's attention was now focused on Jasmine's words and the intense firing outside the door. This was the moment his defenses were the weakest.
Jasmine gathered all her strength. Ji-Han had taught her that speed and aiming were more crucial than brute strength. Her feet were off the floor; now was the time to use them.
With a lightning-fast twist, Jasmine twisted her body and used the power of her knee and bone to strike Dmitry forcefully in his groin.
Thud!
The blow was accurate and devastating. No sound came from Dmitry's mouth, but his eyes seemed to pop out. His muscular body crumpled in intense, unbearable pain, and the grip of his arm loosened. The rifle clattered from his hand to the floor.
This one second was Jasmine's liberation.
As Dmitry doubled over in pain, Jasmine quickly aimed for his waist. Because Dmitry was focused on his personal pain, his hand inadvertently touched the bunch of keys attached to his belt. Jasmine snatched the bunch of keys in one quick move.
It took her a fraction of a second to find the key to the handcuffs. Click! The chains fell to the floor with a sound. Jasmine was free!
She didn't waste another moment. Wrapping the black coat over her white dress, she leaped up. Dmitry had by then fallen to his knees on the floor, his face red with agonizing pain.
Ji-Han's team was fiercely fighting outside the door. Jasmine quickly took two steps and walked over Dmitry's back, where he had dropped the rifle.
"The game has just begun, Dmitry," Jasmine said in a breathless voice.
Then she ran straight towards the door. In her free hand was Dmitry's bunch of keys. She saw Ji-Han's team—they were all risking their lives for her safe exit.
Reaching the door, she screamed, "Cease fire! He is in my hands now!"
Jasmine stood behind the door, her gaze still fixed on Ji-Han's action team—she was now like their commanding officer. The firing outside the door stopped for a moment at Jasmine's shout. Ji-Han's action team members, all NIS spies from South Korea, were stunned to see Jasmine walking over Dmitry. They realized that their commander's lover was no longer just a weak civilian.
Just then, Ji-Han's firm, familiar voice cut through the sound of the gunfire: "Cover! Get out now!"
Ji-Han quickly reached the massive arched doorway. His eyes were on Jasmine. He saw that Jasmine was free, but there was no fear in her eyes—only a new, steely resolve.
"Jasmine!" Ji-Han pulled her close. Their embrace was brief but emotional.
"You are a spy, Ji-Han," Jasmine said breathlessly. "I knew it."
Ji-Han calmly said, "No time to talk now. I'll tell you everything later. You did an amazing job, enchantress."
Dmitry was still crumpled on the floor, but he was trying to reach for the rifle lying beside him.
"Clean up! Activate Route 405!" Ji-Han commanded his team. Route 405 was a secret extraction route created by the NIS through the Moscow mafia network.
Ji-Han grabbed Jasmine's hand and pulled. The two of them quickly ran towards the corridor. The last two members of Ji-Han's team followed behind. Their job was to neutralize Dmitry's remaining guards and isolate Dmitry for the mission's success.
They quickly descended the stairs, avoiding the elevator. Ji-Han's spy team had prepared for this mission in a secret location in an old, densely populated area of Moscow.
A minute later, they entered a filthy, seemingly abandoned warehouse. A section of the warehouse floor quickly opened—revealing stairs inside.
"This way," Ji-Han led Jasmine down the stairs.
Inside was an entirely different world. This was a secret NIS operation center beneath the streets of Moscow. The corridors were bustling with modern equipment, screens, and the rapid movement of Korean spies.
Jasmine saw that there were not only Korean spies. American CIA agents were also sitting in front of some of the screens. This operation was not just South Korean; it was a joint mission of Western intelligence agencies to destroy an international mafia network!
Ji-Han quickly led her into a secured, small conference room.
"You are safe, Jasmine. This place is secure. Now tell me what you told him," Ji-Han said.
Jasmine smiled. That smile was the smile of a spy, just like Ji-Han's.
"I told him he is not your weakness. You are not my love. You are a South Korean spy. And fighting you means going against an international government."
A look of astonishment crossed Ji-Han's face for a moment. Then he smiled. This was a smile of victory.
"Then why didn't you give him that key? Why did you bring danger my way?"
Jasmine showed him the bunch of keys she had snatched from Dmitry. "I am not your weakness, Ji-Han. I am your partner. And if you had given up everything for me, I wouldn't have forgiven you. Our game isn't over yet, Don... or, Spy?"
Jasmine and Ji-Han both emerged from that secret NIS operation center in Moscow. There was no more hiding. Jasmine now knew that Ji-Han was not just her lover; he was a highly important international spy.
Their destination was now directly to the true commander of this joint mission. This commander was not just from the NIS; she was the main coordinator of this international anti-mafia coalition.
Ji-Han entered a secure, small conference room. Jasmine was right behind him. In the middle of the room was a large projection table, surrounded by two NIS officers and two stern-looking CIA agents. And seated in the main chair at the table was a middle-aged woman—her face was stern, her eyes sharp and reflective of deep intelligence. She was the real boss of this operation.
After entering the room, Jasmine's gaze fell on everyone. She looked directly at the female commander.
For the first time, Jasmine no longer saw herself as Ji-Han's weakness. She saw that the blackmail she had used on Dmitry, the extreme risk she had taken, had become the most crucial move of this mission.
Jasmine didn't speak. She didn't remove the black coat she had worn from Dmitry's villa. Instead, she pulled out a cigarette case from her bag. It was the same case she had used in front of Dmitry.
Slowly, she took out a cigarette and placed it on her lips. Ji-Han knew Jasmine didn't smoke. This was merely part of her newly crafted identity—a symbol of her courage.
Taking out a gold lighter, Jasmine lit the cigarette. She inhaled the smoke, then held it in her mouth.
The room was silent. All the spies and agents watched Jasmine's dramatic move.
Slowly letting the cigarette smoke out of her mouth, Jasmine blew it directly toward the boss's face.
Jasmine did not intend to insult anyone by blowing the smoke. It was a silent declaration.
Jasmine whispered, "Dmitry now knows that he is not just fighting the mafias. He believes I have the key to destroy his empire. But it will only be active for 12 hours."
Then she turned to Ji-Han, her eyes holding no accusation about Ji-Han's identity, only a question.
"What is your real plan? Tell me, Spy."
Jasmine was now in the game. She was no longer just the Don's lover; she was a partner in a new game. Her courage, her spy-like demeanor—all of this would determine the next step of this mission.