Rage

Ch-5Revenge

"What are your plans, commander?" I'm on a quest to find my cherished possession, which has slipped away unnoticed. I anticipate challenges ahead. We can leverage this situation to mask the activities of our scheming associates. They share secretive laughter, hinting at their cunning intentions. "Have you unearthed the whereabouts of your prized possession?" She's making headlines, projecting sophistication, yet ultimately, she'll find herself here, seeking mercy. How can you be certain of that? She has ascended to princess status, shielded by the influence of the most potent political family, making legal action against her an impractical endeavour. Observe how her reputation crumbles with each passing moment. Just a few days remain until the unveiling of the consequences. Despite her duplicity, I won't forsake my cherished possession by remaining silent. What strategies do you have in mind? I have a plan, but I prefer not to discuss it while I process unfolding events. "Who granted you the authority to casually question your commander?" I yearn for her to face challenges. My apologies, sir. I won't hinder your progress. That sounds agreeable. Repeat after me: "I'm sorry, sir," and apologize with a full, respectful bow at a 90-degree angle. That appears reasonable. Now, withdraw from my presence.

On the other side of the world, a cold-faced Rebecca commands respect as she enters the office, where everyone bows in acknowledgment. Rumors circulate that she is a princess, though nobody has ever glimpsed her family. Her henchmen trail behind her, carrying a significant piece of the day's gossip.

"Did you see the news? Spill the tea, Russ," someone urges.

The news of Kim marrying another woman spreads widely, though it's considered a private matter. Rebecca, seemingly indifferent, carries herself as if aware that the narrative is fabricated. Kim, however, still holds her close to his heart, and she remains confident that no one can replace her.

"So what?" she declares. "Grab my heart, believe it or not, and enjoy. I'll be watching."

On the flip side, her friends perceive her as unhinged since the news, but their concern is overshadowed by their focus on money. Haneul approaches her, out of breath, and she questions, "What is it?"

"Did you know your minions are taking advantage of you?" he retorts.

"Why do you care so much?" she replies.

"Not really. As a buddy, I considered giving you a heads-up before it became a big deal."

"You're not my friend, so no thanks. Don't use this chance to befriend me. We've only met once, and that was by accident."

Haneul advises Rebecca to take care before departing, leaving her lost in her thoughts. He adds, "I don't care what you say, but I know you have a big heart, that's for sure."

Living in the palace, Fang underwent extensive training in etiquette — from sitting and laughing to smiling, talking, greeting, maintaining distance from others (especially men), and executing daily tasks. She learned to turn special occasions into royal celebrations, uphold proper posture, dance gracefully at balls, impress everyone with her manners, and meticulously monitor her diet and behaviour. The intricacies of her roles were unexpected, and although life in the palace might not have been better, it was simpler with fewer rules.

Sighing for the ninth time, Fang found herself bored and drained by the demands of her dual roles. She marvelled at the residents' ability to live without constant complaints, exclaiming, "Ahhh, how constricting this dress is. How am I supposed to breathe?" Rebecca warned her about losing her cool, remarking on Fang's apparent naivety about the intricate clothing code.

"Who are you then?" Rebecca mocks Fang for not showing respect. Without saying a word, Fang bares her emotions and leaves, showcasing an inner strength that Rebecca observes.

Rebecca informs someone, "Madame, Rebecca used to be Master Kim's finance officer. Unfortunately, their nuptials were called off when Master proposed, and Fang responded with an 'ohh.'"

"Do you realize how useless the young lady is, Kim?" Rebecca complains upon entering Kim's home office. Kim replies after a pause, and his silence unsettles Rebecca. "Why didn't you tell me about your strategy earlier?" she questions. Kim removes his glasses and states, "I don't think you are appropriate for the plan," impressing Rebecca, who momentarily falls in love again. However, she regains composure, asking, "Why do you believe I can't handle the plan safely?" Rebecca responds, "Because I don't want to hurt you. She won't be mine."

"Is avoiding my 100 missed calls unfair?" Rebecca protests. "I'm not sure, just leave!" Kim replies. "Fine," Rebecca runs away, feeling overpowered. Frustrated, Kim rubs his temples and reflects, "Why did I behave badly to her? She was right; I never expressed myself clearly." Turning off his phone during a call with Rebecca, he decides to let her enjoy her life as it is, further angering her. Knocking over a flower vase, he generates a disturbing sound.

Concerned, someone says, "Is he all right? Don't leave, Madame; Kim Sir won't want anyone besides Rebecca. Please stay still, lady! I won't get wounded, Liaba, so don't worry. Just checking, and I'll be back shortly. As you say, madame."

"I can't do this!" Kim exclaims, expressing frustration over the agreement he has made with his replacement bride. Chaos reigns in the room, with shattered glass, scattered folders, and papers strewn about.

Fang cautiously peeks her head into the room, observing the aftermath. "I didn't mean to do anything; I was simply passing by," she stutters, after being deliberately shoved into Kim's office and falling into his line of sight. Kim, having stopped after smashing something, yells, "Who said you could come to my office?"

"What makes me think that? Do you have any justifications for who you are?" Kim questions, expressing frustration. He points out that he even placed a sign outside the office to prevent unauthorized entry, allowing access only for those with scheduled phone appointments.

"How did you miss it? Did you consciously pay attention to my caution when you were listening?" Kim continues, expecting an explanation. He wonders why Fang, who usually responds with challenging words, is standing silently.

"I apologize; I was not aware of that. Now what?" Fang claims.

"From here, get lost," Kim orders without waiting for further explanation. Fang is pushed outside, and he adds, "Don't show my face."

Someone informs another person over the phone, expressing pleasure at the success of their strategy. Fang experiences conflicting emotions, making it challenging for her to focus on her surroundings. The impact of the situation seems to affect her strongly.

Laiba observes her madame's troubled expression as she sits on a bench in the palace garden, gazing at the flowers with a dejected air. Ms. calls Laiba, and Fang chuckles, "Master Kim's advice shouldn't be taken too seriously. He didn't intend that... is that." Fang clarifies that Kim doesn't make her depressed; it's the current situation that's affecting her.

Laiba becomes perplexed by Fang's approach to the conversation but continues to pay close attention. Fang dismisses it, saying, "Never mind!" Liaba suggests, "Why don't you bake a cake, madame, for Master Kim? He enjoys cake a lot. You ought to attempt it. Perhaps Master Kim's mood will improve." Fang nods approvingly, and they head to the palace kitchen.

Once again, the enigmatic person watches the two, following them to the palace kitchen. It seems like someone is trying to portray Fang in a negative light in public.

Unbeknownst to Fang, a mysterious figure lurked in the shadows as they both immediately began baking the cake. However, Laiba had to depart suddenly when the head chef called her for additional tasks. Fang was about to call her back when the head chef summoned Laiba again, and she left before Fang could resume their conversation.

Left alone and puzzled about Laiba's mention of an allergy, Fang was interrupted by a second maid who conveyed that Liaba had instructed her to assist. Acknowledging Fang as the madame, the newcomer maid joined in to help with the baking.

The new maid suggested using avocado topping, as it was a preference of Master Kim. Unaware of any allergy concerns, Fang followed the suggestion. Little did she know, the entire scenario seemed crafted to thwart Fang's potential ascent as the ruler of the palace, possibly tarnishing her reputation in the process.

The cake was carefully placed in the refrigerator. An hour later, she descended the stairs to retrieve it. Standing beside Laiba, she remarked on its beauty, and both of them grinned widely. The responsibility for Kim's health and happiness rested on her shoulders. This cake was a potential game-changer, offering a chance for him to stand for the first time—a feat never achieved before. It was an opportunity to win his heart, and she hoped it would soon lift his spirits. Unbeknownst to them, another cake was being substituted.

With a mental image of the scenario playing in her head, she took slow steps, giggling to herself. Before entering their empty bedroom, she paused for a moment. Placing the cake on the table, she explored the entire room, assuming it was vacant. To her surprise, the bathroom door suddenly swung open, revealing Kim in a wheelchair. He had been in the bathroom the entire time, and she had mistakenly thought the room was empty. Kim inquired, "What are you doing here?"

"I made you a cake," she offered with a smile and a hint of hesitation. Kim frowned at what he perceived as childish actions, but to his surprise, she clarified, "For him." This revelation astonished Kim, as no one in the palace had ever baked a cake for him except her deceased mother, who used to make one especially for him. This softened Kim's heart slightly, and he grudgingly agreed, saying, "It's looking good," with a pleasant face. Fang smiled, hopeful for a positive reaction.

However, Kim's mood shifted dramatically when he noticed avocado toppings on the cake, and his expression turned to rage. Confused by the sudden change, Fang soon learned that the cake had been discarded. She sighed, and in response to Kim's stern interrogation about murder, she denied any such intent.

Kim, accusing her of staging the accident to marry him and then kill him at will, blamed Fang one after another. Standing there like a perplexed doll, Fang faced the accusations. In a creepy, psychopathic voice, Kim declared, "You deserve a penalty, don't you?" The guards responded to Kim's call, rushing in to place Fang in the black cell. "Yes, master," they said in unison.

Sobbing and pleading, Fang implored Kim to listen to her, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. She was transferred to a pitch-black cell, inducing a fear phobia due to her prior traumatic experience. The room fell silent, and despite her terror, she shivered uncontrollably. Feeling unwell, everything turned dark as she lost consciousness.

Meanwhile, in a meeting, Kim discussed the recent incident with one of his officials, aiming to identify the true perpetrator. Fang has to be held for a required number of days before interrogation can commence. Kim instructed sealing the palace, questioning every maid and servant, and checking CCTV footage. If anything was detected, soldiers were to be alerted immediately. Unaware of the escalating repercussions, Fang believed she had delved deep enough to find a solution, but finding the ideal one proved to be challenging.

"Within every real problem lies a solution; the key is to navigate the complexities with the right approach. Learn the tricks, and you'll craft a fantastic, lasting solution."