The Legacy (Underworld 1) JC

23: Fretting Over Ghosts of Past

In the hazy golden light of a late summer afternoon, Rubina and Seungcheol raced through the sprawling gardens of Rubina's family estate, their laughter echoing through the air like tinkling bells. They were inseparable, two children bound by a friendship forged in the innocence of youth.

As they chased each other through the maze of flowering bushes and winding pathways, their laughter rang out like music, filling the air with joy and exuberance. For Rubina and Seungcheol, the world was a canvas waiting to be painted with the vibrant colors of their imagination.

But amidst the carefree abandon of their play, there lingered a shadow of adult expectations, of alliances forged not by choice, but by obligation. Rubina's father and Seungcheol's father were old friends, their bond rooted in a shared history of power and privilege.

It was during one such gathering of the two families that Seungcheol's father, Sangwoo broached the subject of marriage, his gaze fixed intently on the two children as they frolicked in the garden. "They make a charming pair, don't they?" he remarked to Rubina's father, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips.

Rubina's father, Riwan nodded in agreement, his eyes following the playful antics of Rubina and Seungcheol with a mixture of pride and contemplation. "Indeed, they do," he conceded, his voice tinged with a hint of reluctance. "Perhaps it's time we consider joining our families in more than just friendship."

And so, amidst the laughter and sunshine of their childhood, the seeds of a future alliance were sown, their fates intertwined by the hands of fate and the whims of their fathers. But as Rubina and Seungcheol continued to chase each other through the gardens, their laughter masking the weight of expectation that hung heavy in the air, they remained blissfully unaware of the shadows that lurked on the horizon, casting a pall over their idyllic existence.

                                       _

Seokmin, his voice steady and composed, addressed Rubina, the leader of the Amber gang, with a sense of urgency in his tone. "Lady Amber, according to our sources, there are a total of seven main members in the Midnight gang," he reported, his gaze unwavering as he relayed the information.

Rubina's brow furrowed in contemplation, her mind already racing with the implications of Seokmin's revelation. "And during our attack two years ago, only six members were apprehended," she concluded, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration at the oversight.

Seokmin nodded gravely, confirming Rubina's assessment. "Yes, precisely. Which means there's still one more member who managed to evade capture that night," he affirmed, his expression betraying the gravity of the situation.

Rubina's jaw tightened with determination as she processed the implications of Seokmin's report. "Find out everything you can about this elusive member," she commanded, her voice firm and unwavering. "We cannot afford to underestimate their presence within the Midnight gang."

Seokmin's voice faltered slightly as he delivered the grim news to Rubina, the leader of the Amber gang. "Rubina, there's something else," he began, his tone heavy with sorrow. "Yoon Junghoon, the famous businessman, his headless body was found recently."

Rubina's expression remained impassive, her features betraying little emotion as she absorbed the information. "And Jeonghan?" she inquired, her voice cool and detached.

Seokmin hesitated before responding, a sense of unease settling over him at Rubina's apparent lack of concern. "Jeonghan's body is still missing," he admitted, his words weighted with the gravity of the situation.

Rubina's gaze hardened, a flicker of annoyance flashing in her eyes. "No doubt he's met a similar fate," she remarked dismissively, her tone tinged with indifference.