Burning Love| THV

19th Birthday

The last thing you expected on your 19th birthday was sit through a boring, silent 4 hours drive. The car ride to God knows where was so oddly silent and you could practically feel the tension in the car.

Few days back, when your dad told you to pack all your necessary things and clothes, you got confused and also excited at the same time. Because growing up, you hardly got to get away. Your parents would always be secretive and protective with you. As if they are always hiding something from you that you shouldn't find out. Indeed they were hiding that they were part of the most dangerous mafia at that time. They wanted to keep you safe from this world and were willing to do anything for their daughter's safety. Hence, being 'secretive' and 'protective'. Until your mom passed away due to some tragic accident, that's what they told you. Your dad quit this mafia thing cuz he knew it could further get unsafe for you and started living a normal life.

Your father seemed very tensed and distanced since yesterday night. As if he was worried about something. I wanted to ask him what's troubling him but before I could even utter a word, he left his unfinished food on the dining table and stormed to his room. In the car too, he was glancing at me through rear view mirror, from time to time. I saw the look in his eyes which reflected clear worry and hesitation. I knew him very well to know that,  as we are close to each other since mom passed away. And I definitely was sure that something was disturbing him, troubling him. You didn't like him being all gloomy.

Last time you checked, he never acted like this, except that one night when your parents returned from some 'important' work. You couldn't see your father worried so, 7 year old y/n even asked him innocently with puppy eyes "Is something troubling you dad?" Your dad just kissed your forehead and ignored you for few days.

You were tired and you slept at one point. You didn't know when the car reached its destination, as you were zoned out for the most of the part. You looked out of the window, realising you were somewhere in the middle of the secluded place faraway from the city, in the midst of a forest? Before you, stood a huge mansion. You were so busy admiring it that you didn't even realised that your dad had already opened the door for you, waiting for you to step outside. Still gawking at the mansion, you stepped out of the car. You took a quick look of the surrounding before asking "Where are we? Why are we here?" You were always a curious cat.

Your dad just stayed silent giving you a blank look. Suddenly, some men came and started carrying back your heavy suitcases from the boot of the car to the mansion. The men were so intimidating and scary. They seemed so strong and would kill someone by just a snap of the neck. Now, curiosity got the best of you. "Is this my birthday surprise!? Why are we even here? And who are those men? Why are they carrying my suitcases to the mansion? Are you staying too?" you asked him in one single breath, following him to the mansion. He took a sharp turn, resulting in me halting abruptly in my track. He gave a stern look before speaking "Don't ask more questions and just be quiet. And no, I am not going to stay here but you are." You was now hella confused and was going to question him again but he grabbed my arm softly before dragging me with him.

The main door to the mansion was kind of big. One of the similar men from earlier approached towards them. "Mr. Lee?" "Y-yes that's me" answered your father. "Well, Mr. Kim's been waiting for you" said the man, gesturing to follow him. We followed the man for minutes, you were busy admiring the interior of the mansion, it was so luxurious and modern. We halted before a door at the very end of only one of the god knows how many hallways. The man knocked the door and small "Come in" could be heard from the other side. Your dad stepped inside with you following from behind. There stood a man and a boy, he seemed to be the same age as me or a little bit older. He had this arrogant look on his face which really irritated me. Your father shook his hand with the other man, "Mr.Lee, you made it" my father just simply nodded to that. The man turned to me with a smile "You must be y/n, nice to meet you, my soon to be daughter in law".