Devil in the Shadows

Crazy Ex

Happy New Year 2024 to all my favorite readers. New Year, New Hopes. I wish all of you to be happy and healthy this year. Sorry for the late update, I had been busy at work and with the holidays. Finally, I am resuming the story from where I left off. Once again enjoy this year to the fullest. Happy New Year Onces.

"Minhyuk. My dear. You have done it." Kwan appreciated Minhyuk for his act.

"All thanks to you Uncle Kwan. I wouldn't have been alive if it wasn't for you." Minhyuk stood obediently next to his uncle. Kwan made Minhyuk believe that he was attacked by Nayeon's guards and saved by Kwan.

Flashback

Kwan stood in the living room; his expression taut with anticipation as he awaited Minhyuk's arrival at the mansion.  He had meticulously set the image of a rescuer. When Kwan found out the Minhyuk had been rescued, he had to protect himself. Somehow Kwan managed to get his men to retrieve Minhyuk from the hospital. 

Footsteps echoed in the hallway, and Minhyuk rounded the corner, his eyes locked with concern as he spotted Kwan. "Uncle Kwan! What happened?" 

"Nayeon's guards... they attacked my safehouse," he maintained a convincing facade. "But I managed to get away."

Minhyuk's eyes widened in shock and anger. "What? Why would they do that?"

"They found out about our plans," Kwan lied smoothly, weaving a tale of betrayal and danger. "They're onto us, Minhyuk. You're in danger too."

Fear flickered across Minhyuk's face, his trust in Kwan amplifying his concern. "What do we do?"

Kwan's expression turned resolute. "We need to lay low for a while. But first, we have to get you to father. I know you'll be safe there."

 "I need to make sure they don't track us. Trust me, Minhyuk, I'll take care of everything." Kwan added.

"You have to do something about the people who betrayed us." Minhyuk suggested.

"It's already taken care off." Kwan smiled and replied.

"I have one more request. Can you help me get Nayeon? We can use her as a leverage." Clocks turned inside Minhyuk's head.

"You are right. I could definitely help you with that." Kwan smirked.

He pulled out his phone, his fingers moving swiftly as he made a calculated call, ensuring that Minhyuk would hear the conversation with his men, so that he could continue with the good guy act.

End of Flashback

In the dead of night, the abandoned warehouse stood dark and bare, its rusty exterior proved to years of neglect. Inside, a single light flickered, casting strange shadows across the damp concrete floor.

Bound and alone, Nayeon sat huddled in a corner, her eyes wide with fear as she struggled against the ropes that held her captive. The cold chill of the warehouse seeped into her bones, and her muffled cries echoed in the empty space. 

Jeongyeon and Jihyo exchanged a tense glance as they sat in the grey van, parked a few blocks away from Eric Mun's private house. Inside the van, a complex network of screens displayed live feeds from hidden cameras strategically placed inside the house. 

"Are you sure about this?" Jihyo whispered, her voice filled with concern as they watched the monitors, capturing the movements of the Mun's family members gathered inside.

Jeongyeon nodded, her jaw set with determination. "We have to stop them before they put their plan into action. Let's start here".

As they monitored the screens, tension thickened in the van. "We can't wait any longer," Jeongyeon said, her hand gripping the communication device. "It's now or never."

With a nod from Jihyo, they sprung into action. Opening the side door they asked Taehyung to pull Yeri out of the car behind them.

"Remember what we told you. One wrong move and you will know what will happen. Tell the truth. " Jihyo stood in front of Yeri and gave her a final pep talk.

"Don't think that I am doing this for your favor. I am doing this for my unborn child. I want that man dead. You promised it. You better stick to the word." Yeri challenged the duo confidently. 

"I won't have it any other way." Jeongyeon replied eagerly.

They watched Yeri walk towards the house in unsteady steps. She glanced one last time at the soldier's van and entered through the gate. 

Eric and Kai along with Minhyuk sat in the living room discussing their plans to destroy Im and helping Kwan. Suddenly, a faint sound echoed from the hallway—a gentle rustling that seemed out of place. Eric Mun quickly pulled out his gun and pointed at the doorway. Disbelief etched on his face.

A moment of stunned silence gripped the room as the family's eyes widened. 

"Appa" Yeri called out, her eyes watering and her hands gripped the sides of the dress she wore.

"Is... is it really you Yeri?" Eric's voice cracked with raw emotion. 

Yeri stepped into the room revealing herself in the light. A mix of emotions flooded the room—joy, disbelief, fear. Yet, beneath the overwhelming relief, a sense of uneasiness lingered. 

Eric hugged his daughter and the brothers followed. They felt happy and relieved that she was still alive, but a question stayed in their head. 

"Honey, what happened to you? We were all told you died in a car accident." Eric immediately asked her.

"Appa," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "there's something I need to tell you."

 "What is it?". Eric asked.

Taking a deep breath, Yeri steadied herself. "I was in a relationship," she confessed.

Her father's brows furrowed slightly with a mix of curiosity and concern. "With whom?" he asked gently.

"Commander Kwan," Yeri said softly, her heart pounding in her chest. She watched her father's expression closely, bracing for his reaction.

There was a brief pause. His eyes widened shockingly. 

"Uncle Kwan?" Kai's voice filled with disgust and anger.

"How long has this been going on?"Minhyuk asked gritting his teeth. No one could believe what they were listening. 

Yeri ended up explaining everything to the family. Needless to say, the Muns had been triggered enough that within half an hour there were cars rushing out of the garage. Jeongyeon and Jihyo watched the SUVs sped up through the street.