This book follows the dark, obsessive love story between Vishakha, an innocent Indian girl, and Kim Taehyung, a ruthless mafia lord. Vishakha's parents work under Taehyung, but her life takes a terrifying turn when Taehyung becomes fixated on her. K...
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The grand estate of Kim Taehyung was a fortress of opulence and power, a fitting reflection of the man who ruled over its halls. Vishakha’s previous visit had been a formal meeting with her father and Taehyung, but today she was here for the first time without her parents, summoned directly by Taehyung for what he had described as a "personal introduction."
The marble floors and luxurious furnishings of the mansion were intimidating, yet strangely captivating. Vishakha’s nerves were on edge as she walked through the expansive corridors, the sound of her heels echoing off the walls. Her heart was racing, a combination of curiosity and apprehension swirling within her.
She was guided to a private lounge where Taehyung was waiting. The room was elegantly decorated, with plush velvet chairs and a grand piano in the corner. Taehyung was seated on a low, modern sofa, his posture relaxed but his demeanor was as controlled as ever. He looked up as Vishakha entered, his dark eyes narrowing slightly as he took in her presence.
“Miss Agnihotri,” Taehyung said, his voice smooth and authoritative. “Please, have a seat.”
Vishakha nodded and took a seat across from him, her posture straight and her gaze steady. “Mr. Kim, thank you for inviting me.”
Taehyung’s eyes lingered on her with a hint of intrigue. “I’ve been looking forward to this meeting. I wanted to get to know you better, beyond the formalities.”
Vishakha felt a shiver at his intense gaze but tried to maintain her composure. “I’m glad for the opportunity to speak with you directly.”
Taehyung leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Your family has been an important ally to my organization. It’s only fitting that we establish a more personal rapport.”
“I agree,” Vishakha said, her voice steady despite the undercurrent of tension.
Taehyung’s gaze softened slightly, though it remained intense. “I’ve heard much about you, Vishakha. Your family speaks highly of your intelligence and grace.”
“Thank you,” Vishakha replied, feeling a flush of warmth at his compliment. “I try my best to live up to their expectations.”
Taehyung’s eyes gleamed with a mixture of interest and something else—something Vishakha couldn’t quite place. “Your efforts are evident. But there’s more to you than just the image you present.”
Vishakha raised an eyebrow, unsure how to respond. “What do you mean by that?”
“There’s a certain...innocence about you,” Taehyung said, his voice thoughtful. “A purity that is rare in our world. It’s intriguing.”
The comment caught Vishakha off guard, and she looked at him, puzzled. “Innocence?”
“Yes,” Taehyung said, leaning back and studying her. “Despite the world you come from, you seem to carry a certain naivety. It’s both captivating and unexpected.”
Vishakha shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “I suppose it’s just how I am. I try to stay true to myself, even in this environment.”
Taehyung’s gaze remained fixed on her, his expression a mix of admiration and curiosity. “Most people in our line of work lose themselves in the darkness. It’s refreshing to see someone who retains their sense of self.”
His words, though flattering, made Vishakha uneasy. She knew that Taehyung’s reputation was one of cruelty and manipulation, and his current demeanor seemed almost too calm, too flattering.
“Mr. Kim,” Vishakha began, attempting to shift the conversation, “why did you want to meet with me personally?”
Taehyung’s smile was enigmatic. “I wanted to understand the person behind the family name. And, I must admit, I find myself...fascinated by you.”
The admission made Vishakha’s heart skip a beat. “Fascinated?”
“Yes,” Taehyung said, his gaze unwavering. “Despite my reservations about women, there is something about you that defies my expectations.”
Vishakha swallowed hard, trying to process his words. “I’m not sure what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything,” Taehyung said softly. “Just know that you’ve piqued my interest in a way that is...unexpected.”
Vishakha’s mind was racing. Taehyung’s attraction to her, despite his apparent disdain for women, was confusing and unsettling. She wanted to retreat but found herself drawn into the conversation.
“How do you suggest we proceed?” Vishakha asked, her voice steady but her hands clenched tightly in her lap.
Taehyung’s eyes sparkled with something like amusement. “Let’s take things one step at a time. I’m interested in seeing how you navigate the world around you and how you handle the challenges that come your way.”
“Challenges?” Vishakha echoed, feeling a twinge of anxiety.
“Yes,” Taehyung said, leaning closer. “Challenges. Our world is full of them, and I believe you have the potential to face them with strength and grace.”
As the conversation continued, Vishakha found herself both intrigued and unsettled. Taehyung’s demeanor was a stark contrast to the ruthless image she had been presented with. There was a certain allure in his gaze, a magnetism that she couldn’t ignore, even though she knew it was dangerous to be drawn to him.
The meeting eventually came to an end, and Taehyung rose from his seat, signaling that it was time for her to leave. “Thank you for meeting with me, Vishakha. I look forward to seeing how you continue to evolve.”
Vishakha stood up, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. “Thank you for your time, Mr. Kim.”
As she walked towards the door, Taehyung’s voice stopped her. “One more thing, Vishakha.”
She turned back to face him, her heart pounding. “Yes?”
Taehyung’s gaze was intense, his smile a mixture of warmth and calculation. “Be careful in our world. It’s not always as it seems.”
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Vishakha standing alone in the room. As she left the mansion, her thoughts were a jumble of emotions. The encounter with Taehyung had been both unsettling and intriguing, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that her life was about to change in ways she couldn’t yet understand.
As the car drove away from the mansion, Vishakha looked out at the city, her mind occupied with thoughts of Taehyung and the strange, magnetic pull he seemed to have over her. She knew that her future was now intertwined with his in ways she had not anticipated, and the shadows of their world were closing in around her.
