Psychopath Billionaire | BBANGSAZ

xii

We were sitting in a spacious room, like a mini auditorium. Minji and I were seated right at the front, and for some reason, Minji seemed quite excited about this. I guessed it was going to be the act that Jake had mentioned.

"Is Jake a magician?" I asked. Minji nodded beside me.

"It's just one of his hobbies. He's always been fascinated by tricks and illusions since childhood. He even appeared on America's Got Talent, can you believe it? Though he didn't bring the trophy home, he knows what he's doing," she smiled.

The curtains rose slowly, revealing a stage with numerous props and a young man in a tailored black suit. He spoke into the microphone, "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. As you know, parties in this house are never complete without a performance by our host. Tonight, we will see some of his most popular acts. Please welcome Jake Sim." The room filled with applause and cheers as the lights dimmed and smoke erupted in the center of the stage. When the smoke cleared, Jake was already standing in place, wearing a silver half-cat mask that only revealed his mouth and hair. Thirty minutes in, and I was already impressed by how good he was. He pulled a white rabbit out of a hat and then a dove. He performed some illusions involving sleight of hand with cards. Everything was so clean and elegant. The audience seemed mesmerized.

The young man in the suit named Niki said, "Now, ladies and gentlemen, we will see the final act of this show."

A large black rectangular box was brought onto the stage by two very beautiful women dressed in black. They had the whole gothic style; one of those girls I recognized was Yunjin, whom Jake had introduced to me. Jake opened the door of the box; it was more like a tall wardrobe, big enough to fit a person inside. He then proceeded to show the contents of the box, which was empty, and then turned the box around to show that there was nothing hidden.

"This act will need a lady from the audience. Who would like to volunteer? Any takers?" Niki asked. "Although, I can't guarantee you'll return home in one piece, ladies," laughter filled the crowd. There were a few raised hands.

My heart skipped a beat when Jake smiled at me. "Ohhh, it seems the magician wants to pick a volunteer," Niki said as Jake stepped down from the stage towards us. Jake extended his gloved hand to me. I looked at Minji, and she nodded. She seemed overly excited about this. She clearly trusted her friend.

I slid my hand into Jake's, and he led me to the stage. "What's your name?" Niki asked me.

"Aria," I said. It was always safe to stick with what I'd said earlier.

"Aria, are you willing to take this risk?" Niki joked.

"Yes," I nodded.

"Maybe you should ask your girlfriend's permission, because Jake might teleport you to an isolated island somewhere, or perhaps you'll leave tonight with an amputated arm," more laughter. "Everyone, please give a round of applause for the lovely Aria." Applause echoed through the small auditorium, and there was another cloud of smoke on the stage.

Before the smoke cleared, Yunjin whispered, "When you enter the box, there will be a lever to your right, pull it. You only have ten seconds. Don't mess it up."

"Aria, could you please step into the box?" Niki said. I stepped into the box.

Minji was still smiling and waved at me. I waved back.

Goodbye, fool.

Jake closed the door of the box, leaving me in complete darkness.

At first, I didn't know what was going to happen, but then the box began to spin, and as Yunjin mentioned, I saw a small barely visible lever to my right.

Only five seconds left.

It was now or never.

I could take this risk or die at Minji's hands.

I tightened my grip on the lever and took a deep breath.

Finally, I pulled it.