Chapter 50
“I’m hungry.”
“Okay, I’ll get up and prepare something for you.”
Eunwoo leaned over and brushed the back of her neck with his lips, tenderly, without causing any pain, before rising from the bed. His tall, solid figure moved out of bed, shirtless except for his pants.
I slowly sat up, watching as he sauntered out of the room.
As I placed my palm on the bed to support myself, I felt something small and metallic press against my hand.
“What is this?”
Startled, I pulled my hand back immediately.
Self-harm was something I knew too well. It was never something I wanted, but metal—a hard, cold material—had always been my method. Still, I recoiled instinctively, the touch was unnerving.
But to my surprise, this small piece of metal wasn’t a knife; it was a key.
Could it have fallen from Eunwoo’s pants? I held it in my hand, studying it, glancing towards the doorway where Eunwoo had disappeared. He was already in the kitchen, out of my sight. I looked back down at the key, recognizing it instantly.
It was a house key— Its ‘the house key.’
I checked the ceiling, where the red light from the CCTV camera, usually a constant reminder of surveillance, was conspicuously off. Quickly, I slipped the key into my pocket, my pulse quickening.
With his company expanded, Eunwoo had begun to hire others to drive us, ostensibly to keep his attention solely on me, never distracted by the road. On our way to the department store, I leaned my head against his chest. He seemed almost desperate to monopolize my attention, even while his gaze kept darting to my face, as if needing constant reassurance of my presence. I exhaled slowly, trying to maintain a relaxed expression.
The car moved smoothly until we reached our stop. The driver and passenger seat occupants stepped out to open our doors, and Eunwoo and I exited the car.
“I’ll be back soon.”
“Alright. Just don’t wander too much. It’s dangerous.”
His fingers toyed with my hair as he spoke, reminding me of the recent terrorist threats he’d mentioned. The normally bustling area around the department store was eerily quiet, a police presence conspicuous along the streets.
“When will you come to pick me up?”
“I’ll be back early. If you want to leave sooner, ask your guard to call me.”
Don’t go anywhere else.
I knew Eunwoo’s instructions were ironclad for everyone he employed. They might call me “Madam” and defer to me, but ultimately, they only answered to him.
“Alright.”
I nodded, giving him a faint smile. He returned my gaze, his eyes softening as he brushed a kiss against my cheek. For a moment, he held my hand tighter, reluctant to let go. Finally, I turned and walked into the department store, aware of the bodyguard shadowing me at a respectful distance.
From behind, Eunwoo’s gaze seemed to bore into me, tracking each step I took. My shoulders tensed reflexively, my hand
brushing against the key hidden in my bag. I knew I couldn’t hide it from him forever. I had to copy it soon, though the thought made my pulse quicken.
The department store’s air conditioning washed over me in a cool wave, the light mist settling on my skin. If I wanted to get the key copied, I would need to find a locksmith outside, a bit farther from the polished storefronts of this department store.
“Madam, please be careful where you’re walking,” my bodyguard murmured quietly from behind, reminding me of her constant, unyielding presence.
I stopped, lifting my gaze from the floor. No matter how many times I asked them to stop calling me Madam, it persisted.
Eunwoo must have insisted on it.
“Could I get a drink?” I said, glancing at the bodyguard. “Fruit juice, maybe?”
“There are refreshments in the VIP lounge, Madam,” she replied.
“I was thinking of some fresh juice,” I added, pretending nonchalance.
“Unfortunately, I can’t leave your side. We could get juice
together if you like.”
She took out her phone to notify Eunwoo of the change in plans. I knew he would be informed immediately. I turned to look outside, already plotting my escape.
As we stepped out of the department store, I felt the humid, almost stifling weather wrap around me, contrasting sharply with the cool indoor air. Just as I was about to cross the street, a voice called out.
“Kim So-young?”
I froze. It was a name I hadn’t expected to hear.
“Kim So-young!” the voice called again, this time more certain, almost in disbelief.
Slowly, I turned. The person in the wheelchair was unmistakable.
He was coming towards me, his smile widening, his gaze locked on mine.
“I can’t believe it’s really you,” he said, wheeling closer.
I felt my throat tighten, my legs suddenly unsteady. My bodyguard, alert to my reaction, stepped forward protectively.
“Do you know him, Madam?” she asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
He answered for me. “Yes, we were classmates. I’m Seungchan Kim.”
I drew in a sharp breath, the sound loud in my own ears. His name echoed in my mind, filling it with fragments of the past I had buried deep.
Soyoung… please… save me…
Panic flared within me, and without thinking, I spun around and broke into a sprint, my heels pounding against the pavement. Behind me, I heard my bodyguard calling out, but I couldn’t stop. I wouldn’t. My heart pounded violently, my skin damp with sweat in the heavy, oppressive heat. I couldn’t face him, not now.
In my frenzied escape, I collided hard with someone.
“Ah!”
I nearly fell, but a pair of strong arms wrapped around me, steadying me. I froze as the familiar scent washed over me, while grounding me.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Eunwoo’s soft, steady voice murmured above me. His arms held me firmly, and I looked up, breathless, my face wet with tears. I hadn’t realized that it was falling.
Eunwoo gently wiped them away, his expression as calm and tender as ever. He must have rushed here the moment the guard had notified him, and now, his intense gaze traced my face, watching me with a satisfaction that bordered on smugness.
Without a word, I pressed myself against his chest, trembling. The moment of fear had passed, yet something in his embrace felt just as terrifying.
Seeing my vulnerability, he let out a low chuckle, holding me tighter, his lips curving into a smile as if he had won.
—
