STRANGER [SEONGJOONG]

CHAPTER XIV

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// T/W: Mention of throwing up, mild eating disorder//

The place was colossal, almost like a royal palace. The huge gates were opened, guards standing on both sides. The lad in the maroon suit walked in front, his steps upon the gravelled garden path making a gritty noise, followed by the two in black right behind him. The doors of the mansion were immediately opened and the three were quickly ushered to a room right on the second floor.

The room was voluminous and spoke words of extravagance. The walls were painted with a rich brown color, peeking with a slight tinge of red, yet almost maroon but exactly not, a color combination the maroon suited lad couldn't clearly comprehend. A large chandelier hung on the artistically carved ceiling, as yellow and white lights brightly illuminated the room. Large casements were draped with thick, long curtains, preventing the interior view to be exposed to the outside world.

Besides digesting the quick view of the room, his attention was immediately grabbed by the mob of people in front of him. Right in front of his eyes was a huge table of mahogany, beautiful carvings endowing it in places. Surrounding it were a few chairs which were already occupied by people, while the rest stood around the place. The maroon suited lad took his seat in an empty chair placed for him, while the other two stood close to him, right beside the chair.

"Mars, long time no see, m'boy," a gruff voice spoke, belonging to the man who sat exactly opposite to the maroon suited lad.

The young boy settled himself on the seat, crossing his legs under the table, with his hands on his lap and with a look of seriousness and sheer amusement, he smiled at the man who spoke earlier.

"It's been a while, Mr. Wu," he replied, voice laced with elegancy and immense respect, "I'm glad my father allowed me to attend this important meeting with you. Due to certain inconveniences, he couldn't attend. I hope, you would genuinely appreciate my presence instead."

The older man laughed, "Of course! Why shouldn't I?" He took an immediate long draw from his cigar and blew the smoke to his left, and then continued, "The last time I saw you Mars, you were a baby. Pity that Mina couldn't live to see her boy grow up so fine. I'm still flummoxed as to why your father never revealed your original na-"

"We're not here to discuss about my family or the secret behind my incognito, Mr. Wu," The boy spoke cooly, "And, I would gladly prefer you to refer my mother as the 'Donna' and not by her name, if you prefer to speak about her which I, right now, don't. Trifle talks over, let's get into business."

"Sure, m'boy."

* * *

Night had fallen long back and it was a sharp 11 by the clock. Silence had enveloped the place and very few people were in sight. The corridors were partly illuminated as most of the lights were turned off. A few staff members and nurses were still at work, and perhaps a team of doctors who were assigned the nocturnal hours. The stench of cleaning agents were still lurking in the air, and so were the familiar smells of chloroform, antiseptics and other medicines.