Death end

Chapter 9: Me? Katie?

Kai's POV

My hands were trembling as I walked into the room. I'd had a feeling this might happen, but that didn't mean I was ready for it. Did he really have to show up this quickly? I approached slowly, my eyes darting to Jade, ensuring she was still okay. Relief washed over me as I saw her lying there peacefully, unaware of the storm that had just entered the room.

"Why are you here, Dad?" I asked quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. He looked at me, then stood up, adjusting his coat with deliberate slowness. As he walked toward me, I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze. My eyes were fixed on the ground, and I knew what was coming. I braced myself as his hand struck my face, the sting of the slap spreading across my cheek. I kept silent, refusing to look at him, even as he continued to hit me until I finally fell to the ground.

He stared at me with those cold, unyielding eyes. "I asked you to take care of her, didn't I? YOU COULDN'T EVEN DO ONE THING RIGHT, COULD YOU?!"

"I'm sorry, Father. Nothing like this will happen again," I replied softly, my voice barely holding steady.

He grabbed my arm, pulling me up roughly. "It better not, and you know exactly why I'm so furious right now."

"I do, Father."

"Good. Take care of her for the time being." He gave me a firm pat on the shoulder and then walked out, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I knew how important Jade was to our family. I knew I was lying to her, but it was the only way to keep her safe. She couldn't know the truth, not yet. If she found out too soon, everything would fall apart, and I wouldn't be able to protect her anymore. She would hate me for this, but I had no choice—she was my responsibility.

My father, the man who had just hit me, wasn't just anyone. He was one of the richest men in the world, a man with power and influence that reached every corner of the globe. He wasn't cruel; he was just ruthless when it came to protecting what mattered most. And right now, Jade was at the center of that.

"Don't worry, I'll keep you safe... Katie."

Jade's POV

My head felt heavy, the remnants of sleep still clinging to me as I tried to sit up. But before I could move, I heard footsteps approaching my room. Instinctively, I lay back down, closing my eyes and pretending to be asleep. The door creaked open, and I felt the bed dip slightly as someone sat beside me.

"He's so careless. How could he not even take care of you?" the voice said, deep and mature. I didn't recognize it, but the words sent a chill down my spine. Who is this? And how does he know me?

A few moments later, the door opened again. "Why are you here, Dad?" I heard Kai's voice, his tone tense and uncertain.

Dad? My mind raced. This is Kai's father? But why does he know who I am?

I stayed still, listening as Kai was slapped, their argument echoing through the room. Kai was supposed to protect me? My thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion. But why? Did he know me before we met? Who is this old man, and why does he need me to be safe?

Then I heard Kai's voice again, softer this time, filled with a strange mix of resolve and regret. "Don't worry, I'll keep you safe... Katie."

Katie? My heart skipped a beat. Did he just call me Katie? Who is Katie?

After the door closed, and the room was silent again, I slowly opened my eyes, glancing around to ensure I was alone. I sat up, my mind racing. Who is Katie? Who am I? Am I Katie?

So many questions flooded my mind, each one more unsettling than the last. Who am I, really?

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