SEDUCTIVE EMBER'S || HEESUN 𝟏𝟖+ ||

Trailing - Chapter 9

The grand chandeliers bathed the ballroom in a warm golden glow, casting intricate patterns on the marble floors below. Heeseung's mansion was alive with chatter and laughter, the air filled with excitement as guests mingled, exchanging pleasantries and admiring the opulent decorations adorning every corner.

As Heeseung made his way through the crowd, a proud smile graced his lips. Tonight was not just any celebration-it was his parents' anniversary, a milestone deserving of a lavish party. He glanced at the elegant display of sunflowers, his mother's favorite, adorning the tables and walls, adding a touch of vibrant color to the sophisticated ambiance.

Guests from influential families and high society were in attendance, their attire a mix of glamorous gowns and sharp suits, all befitting the grandeur of the occasion. The soft melodies of classical music floated in the air, enhancing the luxurious aura of the gathering.

Among the guests, familiar faces mingled seamlessly except the one he was looking for. His stubborn kitten.

Heeseung looked at Kim's who did shared a glance with him, fear evident in their eyes but they tried not to show as they approached Heeseung and his parents to wish them for their anniversary. Though they tried to mask it, apprehension brewed behind their polite smiles and formal bows.

"Happy Anniversary. Mr and Mrs. Lee." said Mr. Kim bowing, and Mrs. Kim also bowed to them, but Heeseung's mom immediately hugged Mrs. Kim warmly which she also returned smiling. Despite the circumstances, Heeseung's mother exuded a genuine warmth, embracing her openly.

"No need to be so polite Mrs. Kim." said Heeseung's Mom, hoping to put them at ease. Though there was an uneasy undertone to the gathering, she wanted it to feel celebratory first and foremost.

"After the cake ceremony. I think we should share a chat." she added more and Sunoo's mom looked at her husband before she nodded, smiling brightly at her.

"Where's your Son. Wasn't he supposed to join as well?" Mrs. Lee's questioned, a visible distress On Mrs. Kim's face as she fumbled to concoct an excuse for her son's absence.

"He got sick all of a sudden and needed rest," she finally offered, though her hesitation and darting eyes gave away the fabrication. Mrs. Lee saw through the thin lie but didn't push further, understanding the real reason behind Sunoo's absence.

Heeseung have already told her, maybe Sunoo won't come since he is still scared of these things and he is kind of stubborn and she didn't mind understanding that after all Sunoo is only 18.

Though part of her wondered if Heeseung was in the wrong, she couldn't bring herself to deny him this source of happiness he'd been lacking for years. So she held her tongue, not wanting to jeopardize the only light that had pierced her son's darkness lately.

While the women conversed, Mr. Kim gravitated toward Mr. Lee, leaving his wife isolated with Mrs. Lee's polite scrutiny.

Heeseung observed the exchanges with twisted amusement, inwardly mocking the lovely scene unfolding without his precious kitten there to complete it.

But he needs to find his kitten. Heeseung mingled with various business partners and supporters. However, his mind kept wandering to his Sunoo, who had stubbornly refused to come to the party despite his clear warnings.

Heeseung gritted his teeth in frustration just thinking about Sunoo blatantly disobeying him. No matter, he had thought, he would deal with his misbehaving kitten in few minutes, a smirk playing on his face as he thought what he would do next.

The cake cutting ceremony went smoothly, with everyone cheering for his parents. His mind was filled with thoughts of how he would punish Sunoo, that night for the unacceptable act of defiance.