Obey me, Stepmom (VERSION 2)

Chapter 25

Y/N'S POV

I remember cuddling with Ran all night after everything that happened. I shouldn't feel this happy, though, because things haven't magically gotten better just because we got close again.

I know the situation is more complicated now, especially with Saki likely hunting me down.

 But for the moment, I wanted to live without stress, especially with Ran assuring me that he'd never let anyone hurt me.

The next day, before he had to leave for an important meeting with Mikey at their hideout, Ran took me shopping. 

It made me so happy to have him by my side, knowing things would probably get worse soon.

"Wait for me here," I told him as he carried all the shopping bags. 

I needed to use the restroom, so I stepped into the public bathroom inside the mall. 

It was oddly quiet for a women's restroom.

I went into a stall, and after I finished, I walked over to the sink to wash my hands and freshen up. 

That's when I suddenly got a bad feeling, as if someone was watching me. 

My heart sank when I noticed an unfamiliar man standing next to me, staring at me through the mirror.

"Excuse me? This is the ladies' restroom," I said, trying to sound firm, but I was creeped out.

Didn't Ran notice him coming in?

"Look at you... such a beautiful face, perfect skin, and an amazing body. I'd love to touch—"

"Hey! What do you think you're doing?" I slapped his hand away as he reached for me.

What the fuck is wrong with him?

"Don't reject me!" he snapped, grabbing my shoulders and slamming me against the wall. Pain shot through my back as I hit the hard surface.

"Stop! Don't touch me!" I struggled to break free but froze in horror when I saw what he was about to do next.

I stood frozen, my heart racing, trying to process what was happening. The man's eyes were cold and predatory as he leaned closer, his grip on my shoulders tightening. 

Just as I opened my mouth to scream for help, his next words made the blood in my veins turn cold.

"You shouldn't think you can live happily ever after, especially now that you've made an enemy of Saki."

My breath hitched as the name left his mouth. Saki. This man wasn't just some random creep; he was one of her men—here to hunt me down.

My mind raced, panic overtaking me. I tried to shove him off, but he was too strong. His grip felt like steel as he shoved me harder against the wall, pinning me in place. 

I felt trapped, the air knocked out of my lungs.

"Saki won't stop until you're gone for good," he hissed into my ear, his breath hot and disgusting on my skin. "You're a fool. She'll find you, and when she does, your pretty little life will be over."

I gasped, fear taking hold. "P-please, let me go!" I begged, struggling, my voice barely a whisper.

"You don't get it, do you?" he sneered. "You're marked now. There's nowhere to hide. She'll kill you—slowly—and no amount of love from Ran will save you from what's coming."

He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against my ear as he hissed his final threat. "I could end you right here, right now... but that would be too easy. Saki wants you to suffer."