𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞 || 𝐒𝐞𝐨𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐨

Chapter thirty

The dawn of a new day crept into the vast, gothic mansion, its imposing silhouette a stark contrast against the tender light of morning. Seokmin stirred from his slumber, his heart immediately beseeching him to check on his son. He swiftly turned and sighed in relief upon seeing the child nestled beside him, lost in innocent dreams. Gently, he pressed a kiss upon the boy’s forehead and enveloped him in a warm embrace, staying thus for a few moments before rising to his feet.

The clock read 6:30 am, signaling the commencement of his daily routine. Though his son enjoyed a holiday, Seokmin faced a demanding schedule at the law office. He reached for his phone to inform his secretary of his intent to cancel the day’s appointments when a resounding thud echoed through the mansion. The sudden noise jolted his memory back to Joshua, and disdain filled his thoughts.

Opting to use the guest bathroom adjoining Joshua’s quarters, Seokmin completed his morning ablutions. The mansion, with its dark and grandiose design, reflected Joshua's sinister presence—a mafia member who paradoxically claimed to shield them. Seokmin scoffed at the irony.

Upon emerging, he found Joshua in the hallway, the dark circles beneath his eyes betraying sleepless nights. Joshua cradled Seokmin's son, gently rocking him as the child’s silent tears began to subside. Seokmin's heart clenched at the sight of his son’s anguish, a pain that traced back to the harrowing night they had witnessed his wife’s brutal murder. The trauma had stolen the boy’s voice and burdened his nights with relentless sorrow.

Seeing his son find solace in Joshua’s arms ignited a tempest within Seokmin. He strode forward, his fury palpable, and wrenched the child from Joshua’s grasp.

“Don’t you have any sense? You're touching my kid, you who—” His words faltered as his son’s doe eyes met his, but the anger returned swiftly.

Joshua’s voice was soft, almost pleading. “He was crying, I couldn’t help but to pacify him—”

“Don’t,” Seokmin interjected sharply.

“He’s a child, Seokmin. I couldn’t just—”

“You're heartless. How would you know about people's feelings while you're enjoying their sorrows?” Seokmin’s voice rose with each word.

Joshua stood silent, his gaze steady but wounded.

“You're happy here, but what about the families of your victims? What about them? You’re heartless and emotionless, Joshua,” Seokmin spat out, the words laced with venom. “You revel in your power, while countless families are destroyed by your actions. You’ve caused so much pain, yet you stand here acting as though you care.”

“But I don’t care about them, Seokmin,” Joshua began, “I care about you and Seungm—”

“Don’t lie! You only know how to take care of yourself. You’re selfish, evil. But remember, justice will always win. You have no one, Joshua. You’re alone. A loner who only cares about his own happiness. Your empire is built on the suffering of others, and one day it will crumble. Every innocent life you've taken, every family you've shattered, will haunt you. You live in this grand mansion, but it's nothing more than a gilded cage, trapping you in your own monstrosity.”

Seokmin's voice trembled with righteous fury. “You’ve traded humanity for power. How many lives have you ruined with your trafficking rings? How many mothers have cried over their lost children because of you? You stand here in luxury while your victims rot in despair. You’re a monster, Joshua. A predator who thrives on the suffering of the weak. No matter how much you try to mask your crimes with hollow words of protection, you will always be the harbinger of misery.”

Each word struck Joshua like a physical blow, his silence a testament to the truth in Seokmin’s tirade. He sighed, the sound heavy with unspoken pain and regret, but he did not attempt to argue. He could only watch as Seokmin, holding his son close, turned away, his steps echoing with resolute determination.

“Whatever you say, Seokmin,” Joshua whispered painfully. “But I’m always yours and you’re mine. No one is ever going to change that.” His voice held an obsessive edge, eyes following Seokmin as he walked away.

Once alone, Joshua retreated to his room, staring at his reflection in the mirror.

“You want to know why I have these trafficking rings, right? I'll tell you.” he muttered to his reflection. "You’re right, I’ve ruined many lives. But that’s who I am. You called me a loner, and I am. But I’m content with my life. I have money, I have fame. What else do I need?”

His voice lowered to a whisper, eyes darkening with determination. “Only you. I need only you. No one is going to separate you from me.” He wiped away a tear, his expression hardening. “Not even death itself.”