I woke up in Aera's apartment, the morning light filtering through the curtains casting a soft glow over the room. For a moment, I lay there, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. Despite the chaos of the previous night, being in Aera's presence brought a sense of comfort that I desperately needed.
As I sat up, stretching out the stiffness from my limbs, memories of my parents flooded my mind. It had been a whole day since I last spoke to them, caught up in the whirlwind of newfound freedom. Guilt gnawed at my insides as I realized how worried they must be now.
"Eva, baby you okay?" Aera's voice broke through my thoughts, concern etched into her features as she studied me.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, forcing a smile even as the weight of my guilt pressed down upon me. "I just... I need to call my parents. Let them know that I'm okay."
Aera nodded understandingly, reaching out to squeeze my hand in a silent gesture of support. "Do you want me to call them for you? Let them know you're safe?"
I hesitated for a moment, grateful for her offer but ultimately shaking my head. "No, I should do it myself. They deserve to hear from me directly." I grabbed my phone and dialed my mom's number, my heart pounding in my chest as I waited for her to pick up.
"Hello?" My mother's voice sounded on the other end of the line, tinged with surprise and relief.
"Mom, it's me," I said, my voice catching in my throat. "I'm sorry I haven't called sooner. I've been... caught up with things." There was a moment of silence before my mother spoke again, her voice soft and understanding. "It's okay, sweetheart. We've just been worried about you. Are you okay? Is everything all right?"
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I reassured her that I was fine, that I was safe and sound with Aera. And as I listened to her familiar voice, a sense of warmth washed over me, reminding me of the unconditional love that surrounded me, even in the midst of my darkest moments.
After I hung up, Aera engulfed me in a tight hug, her presence comforting me from these weird emotions swirling within me. "It's completely alright, Eva," she said softly. "They just want to know you're okay. Now go take a shower, then we will leave for the college." I just nodded.
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The Outfit
Taehyung
As I sat in my office, my mind consumed with thoughts of my Dove, I couldn't shake the feeling of rage that lingered within me. She had slipped through my fingers once, disappearing into the night without so much as a trace. But now, I was determined to uncover the truth, to find her and unravel the mystery that surrounded her.
"Jungkook," I called out, my voice cutting through the silence of the room. My right-hand man appeared at the door, his expression impassive as always. "Yes, boss?"
"I need you to do some digging for me," I said, my tone firm. "I want a file on the woman I had spent my last night. Everything you can find - her name, her background, her connections, her whereabouts. I want to know everything."
Jungkook nodded, a glint of determination in his eyes as he accepted the task. "Consider it done, boss. I'll have the file on your desk by the end of the day."
With that, he disappeared, leaving me alone with my thoughts once more. As I waited for him to return with the information I so desperately sought, my mind drifted to another name - Park Jimin. My most competitive business rival. He had been making moves on MY client.
The mere mention of his name brought a smirk to my lips, a twist of amusement dancing in my eyes. Jimin was known as the golden boy, the one who could charm his way out of any situation with a smile and a wink. But beneath his friendly exterior lay a darkness that few dared to explore.
I had heard whispers of his infatuation with his girlfriend's younger sister, the way he would light up whenever her name was mentioned. Not everyone knows about it, but I have my ways.
It was a weakness, one that I could exploit to my advantage. For if there was one thing I knew how to do, it was to manipulate the desires of others to serve my own purposes.
As I waited for Jungkook to return with the file, a plan began to form in my mind. My lil Dove may have slipped through my fingers once, but this time, I would ensure that she remained within my grasp.
