Psychopath Billionaire | BBANGSAZ

iii

I looked at myself in the mirror.

My right cheek had turned a bluish-purple color. I picked up some light and compact powder from the various shades lined up in the drawer and carefully applied it to my cheek.

Jihyo had taught me yesterday how to hide those marks because she thought it was important that I learned the techniques of hiding behind a thick layer of makeup. I would need to use them more often than I could count, given how I had behaved with Minji yesterday.

Appearances are very important.

I lay down among the multiple cushions on my large bed shortly after breakfast, with a book in my hand that I was not really reading. I couldn't concentrate because my mind was preoccupied with escape plans that I knew had to be good and precise. Being here for three days had made me realize that begging wouldn't get me anywhere.

I needed someone on my side.

When I was almost asleep, I heard a knock on my door and sat up straight in my bed, like a soldier terrified of the sergeant.

Minji entered the room, all smiles once more, followed by a gothic girl dressed in black clothes and with piercings marking her face. Jihyo entered the room, placed a huge trunk on the floor, and left like a damn robot that functioned only on Minji's orders.

"Good morning, Hanni. Lily is here for your haircut," Minji said. She was dressed to impress in gray pants and matching olive green suspenders. Her rebellious hair, however, seemed perfect somehow. She had a strange smile on her face.

I tried to act cheerful. "Good morning." The gothic girl offered me a handshake and a friendly smile on her purple lips. "I'm Jin, but they call me Lily at work."

I shook her hand. "Nice to meet you, Lily. I'm Hanni."

"Likewise, Hanni. Okay then, I'm going to prepare everything I need for your haircut," she said.

"Of course." Minji slowly closed the distance and leaned in to whisper in my ear. "If you say anything, even one word against me, I'll make sure your beautiful face isn't so beautiful anymore. Are we clear?" I swallowed hard and nodded. She smiled and ran her fingers through my hair, then turned to Lily. "If you can give her a different look, change her hair color to a light brown with golden highlights, I think that would be lovely."

"Whatever you want, Mrs. Kim."

After Minji explained to Lily what she wanted done with my hair, Minji left the room, and Lily and I were alone. She set up all the supplies she had brought in her trunk and began preparing me for the haircut.

I could hear the soft snipping sounds as I felt the scissors cutting through my locks.

"How long have you been Minji's stylist?" I asked. Now was my moment to gather information.

"Two years," she said shortly. It meant she was holding back.

"So, you've known her for two years."

"I only know her on a professional level. I don't make it my business to delve into the private lives of my clients."

"That's quite understandable. Especially if the client acts like a damn psychopath, it would be better to stay away from their affairs."

"Excuse me?" The cutting stopped. I had her attention now. "Aren't you her girlfriend?"

"Do you really think that, Lily?" I turned to look her in the eyes, searching for an answer. "Do I seem happy here, sitting in this chair, getting my hair cut and colored without my input?"

"It's none of my business," she said, resuming her cutting.

I lowered my voice. "She's dangerous and you know it."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Help me get out of here," I said on the verge of tears. "Please, help me."

"You realize this is very risky? She could hurt you if she finds out what you're planning. The doors to this mansion only open with her permission. I can't help you right now. The last time I helped a girl..." she abruptly shut her mouth before the words came out.

A chill ran down my spine. "What girl, Lily?" I asked. "What happened? Was there someone else before me? I need you to tell me."

"All you need to know now, Hanni, is that you're living with a messed-up woman. There's no chance of opening those doors."

"When you leave here, please just get help," I took a black eyeliner from her kit and found a small piece of paper on which I scribbled the house address and my mother's phone number. "Call this number and tell my mother about my situation. My mom will help you. Please, this is my only way out of here."

There was indecision and fear in her eyes, it was evident. "I can try, I think..."

"Thank you," I stood up and hugged her. "Thank you so much."

I wished to leave this place soon.

Well, that's what I thought anyway.