Chapter 4-THE DEVIL'S PROPOSAL
562 Words
The clinking of glasses, the low hum of music, and murmurs of politics filled the lavish banquet hall....but all of it faded the moment Seo Joon-won wheeled his chair to the center of the room.
Everyone noticed. He rarely moved without reason. Even more rare was him approaching Ha-eun's family table. Her father, Chairman Yoo, stood abruptly, half bowing.
"Chairman Seo", he greeted with tight formality, "this is an unexpected honour".
Joon-won's cold gaze flickered to Ha-eun, then back to her father.
"I'm here to make my intentions known",he said clearly loud enough for nearby guests to quiet. Her stepmother stiffened. Ha-eun froze mid up.
"I wish to take your daughter under my protection", Joon-won continued, his tone unreadable. Officially".
A stunned silence dropped over the table.
Her stepmother blinked"Protection....?"
He looked directly at her father."I intend to name Yoo Ha-eun as my mistress".
Gaspes.Someone across the room dropped a fork. Chairman Yoo's jaw clenched. "You want to what?".
"She will remain under my household, my name and my watch"Joon-won said evenly."No harm will come to her. No man will approach her. Her safety becomes my responsibility".
Ha-eun's breath caught. Her stepmother was already shaking her head.
"This is inappropriate....."
"Necessary"Joon-won cut in,"If you knew what follows your daughter now......you'd offer her to me myself".
Her father's face turned pale."What are you saying?".he asked.
Joon-won glanced at Ha-eun.....his expression softer, almost respectful.
"Nothing much. I'm only offering protection, not romance,I do not ask for your blessing. I'm giving you the courtesy of hearing it from me first.
Then, without waiting for permission,he turned and left with her.
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The elevator doors closed with a chime, sealing them away from the glittering chaos of the banquet.
Ha-eun stood beside him in silence, her pulse loud in her eyes. The tension between them was tight....ime a thread pulled to far.
He hadn't spoken a word since they left the hall. Then as the elevator rose, he finally turned his head.
"You feel her, don't you?"he asked. "The spirit inside of you".
Ha-eun swallowed."Yes".
His silver gaze dropped to her hand where faint gold veins shimmered beneath her skin.
"She chose you", he said simply."But now that she's in you, others will come. Some will want your power, other......will want your body as the vessel".
Her eyes widened slightly."What does that mean?".
"It means you need protection".
A pause. Then with a voice so calm it chilled her.
"Become mine".
Her breath hitched. "What...?".
"My mistress", he clarified. Publicly. Officially. No one touches what I claim".
She stared at him, stunned.
"But why?"Why publicly.she whispered.
He met her eyes, unblinking.
"Because I recognize power when I see it. Because I too, am cursed. And because you intrigue me"."You don't want to die anymore, do you?".
She didn't answer."
You want to understand what you are"he continued. "And I want to know why the ancient spirit that once destroyed kingdoms chose a girl who was ready to end her life.
Ha-eun's heart raced.
"This isn't about romance, Ha-eun, it's survival. You become mine,and no one dare lay a hand on you".
The elevator doors opened into o private penthouse,dark and cold like a mausoleum.
He wheeled forward,then turned.
"Or........you can walk away, go back home and wait for whatever hunts you to find you first.
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