Inferno Hearts | Xu Minghao

49. When Nightmares Become Reality

•°. *࿐

As Nabi stirred from her sleep, she gradually lifted her heavy eyelids, still weighed down by the tears she had shed the night before.

As her eyes gradually adjusted to the soft morning light filtering through the window, a rush of panic engulfed Nabi. She swiftly raised her head from the unfamiliar pillow, realizing with a jolt that she was not in her room.

As the blanket slipped slightly from her body, Nabi's eyes widened in alarm. She immediately noticed that she wasn't wearing the same outfit from the previous night.

But all these details faded into insignificance as her mind forcefully dragged her back to the painful moments of last night.

Her father, the man who had inflicted years of abuse upon her, had returned. He seemed even more formidable and menacing than before. Nabi was acutely aware that his reappearance had only one purpose—to reclaim her.

She yearned to continue shedding tears, but her eyes were dry, devoid of any more moisture. Her soul ached from the events of the previous night, and an unrelenting sense of fear coursed through her entire being.

Nabi felt utterly helpless. Escaping from Minghao was not an option, as it would surely lead her father straight to her. Seeking refuge with Keeho was equally perilous, as it would put his life at risk and inevitably expose her. Yet, even staying with Minghao and the other members of his group offered no respite. If Minghao ever suspected her of being his sister's murderer again, he would not hesitate to deliver her into the hands of her father.

She couldn't run to another country; she lacked both the funds and the necessary identity documents. Working was out of the question, as her father's relentless pursuit would surely track her down. It seemed there was no escape, no solution in sight.

Just when she believed she had finally carved out a semblance of a decent life, complete with a secure job and a modest apartment where she returned night after night following grueling hours of work, her world came crashing down once more — Minghao and the looming specter of her father.

Nabi's thoughts shattered like fragile glass as the bedroom door creaked open, revealing Minghao standing there, adorned in a sharp suit.

Minghao's gaze met Nabi's weary eyes the moment he entered, the door closing behind him with a deliberate slowness. He turned toward her, his voice calm but carrying a weight of concern as he inquired, "How are you feeling?"

Nabi observed his slow approach toward the bed where she sat, and in a hoarse voice, she finally voiced her question, "Why am I here?" She knew that room was his bedroom.

Nabi's frustration and pain from the situation with her father welled up as she continued, "And why am I wearing your clothes? I made it clear that you should never change my clothes again." Her voice carried a mix of exhaustion and annoyance, the weight of the past night's turmoil evident in her words. She watched Minghao's face closely, searching for any trace of explanation or remorse.

Minghao sighed, recognizing the need to keep his anger in check, especially given the gravity of the situation. His shoulders slumped slightly, and he spoke with a measured tone, "I understand your frustration but last night was... complicated, and I had to make a quick decision to protect you." He paused for a bit before continuing. "We'll talk about it, but first, tell me how are you feeling."

Nabi's voice quivered with confusion and mistrust as she confronted Minghao. "Why this sudden change? I don't understand. Just a month ago, you were the one who..." Her voice trailed off, haunted by the memories of her harrowing confinement in the basement. "You were the one who choked me and forced me into that wretched room, and now you help me and want to protect me?" Her eyes bore the weight of her perplexity as she grappled with the whirlwind of emotions and his bewildering behavior.