Obey me, Stepmom (VERSION 2)

Chapter 23

AUTHOR'S POV

Y/n stood outside the tall, intimidating building, nerves twisting her stomach into knots.

The last time she'd been here, she was on a mission, confident and focused. But now? Now, she was here to quit.

She wasn't a spy anymore, and she didn't want to be involved in this twisted game between organizations and criminals.

With a deep breath, she pushed open the door and walked inside.

The familiar scent of antiseptic and paper filled her senses as she made her way to Saki's office.

She hesitated for just a moment before knocking and stepping inside.

Saki didn't look up right away, her eyes focused on a stack of documents on her desk. "You're late," she said, her voice cold and clipped.

Y/n's throat felt dry as she forced the words out. "I'm done, Saki. I'm quitting. I can't do this anymore."

The room fell silent. Saki finally lifted her gaze, her eyes narrowing into slits as she studied Y/n. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife.

Without warning, Saki shot out of her chair, crossing the room in a few swift strides. Before Y/n could react, Saki's hand was around her throat, slamming her against the wall.

"You think you can just walk away?" Saki hissed, her grip tightening. "After everything I've done for you, after everything you've done for us, you think you can just quit?"

Y/n gasped for air, her hands clawing at Saki's arm. "I can't take him down," she choked out, barely able to speak through the pressure on her windpipe. "It's over, Saki."

Saki's eyes flashed with fury as she pressed harder, her voice a low, dangerous whisper. "I don't care what you think you can't do. I've put too much into you, Y/n. You don't get to back out now."

Y/n felt the world closing in, black spots dancing in her vision. Just when she thought she might pass out, Saki suddenly released her, shoving her back.

Y/n stumbled, clutching her neck as she sucked in air.

"You're pathetic," Saki spat. "If you're really done, then get the hell out of here. Run. Hide. Because from now on... we are enemies."

Y/n didn't need to be told twice.

She bolted out of the office, heart pounding in her chest, legs barely carrying her fast enough. She didn't stop running until she was outside, the cold air hitting her like a slap to the face.

But she didn't have time to catch her breath. As she sprinted down the street, a black car screeched to a stop in front of her, cutting off her path.

Before she could react, the door swung open, and a pair of hands grabbed her, yanking her inside.

Y/n's instincts kicked in, and she thrashed against the grip, but it was no use.

Panic surged through her as she fought to get free, her heart pounding so hard she thought it might burst out of her chest.

But then she saw who was sitting in the driver's seat, and her panic turned into confusion.

"Kokonoi?" she gasped, her voice shaky.

Kokonoi glanced at her in the rearview mirror, his expression unreadable. "Relax. I'm not going to hurt you. I'm taking you to Ran."

Y/n's heart skipped a beat. "Ran? Why?"