𝔒𝔟𝔰𝔢𝔰𝔰𝔦𝔬𝔫 𝔬𝔣 𝔐𝔞𝔣𝔦𝔞

6

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*The Next Day*

Taehyung woke up early in the morning, sitting on the edge of the bed as he watched Hye-rin sleep peacefully. A soft smile crossed his lips as he leaned down, placing a gentle peck on her lips. Then, he got up and headed toward the bathroom.

After a while, he emerged, and she was still sleeping. Deciding not to wake her, he made his way downstairs to the living room, settled onto the sofa, and began reading a book. A maid soon arrived with his morning tea.

Hye-rin stirred awake, rubbing her eyes as she sat up in bed. She quickly headed to the bathroom, and after some time, she emerged, sitting on the edge of the bed. *Why am I feeling this way? I hate this feeling. Hye-rin, don't forget he forced you into this marriage. He's not the soft person he pretends to be; he's scary and dangerous. He can kill anyone. I don't want to live in this mafia world where the sound of bullets is like music to everyone's ears. And don't forget, he tried to kill your grandmother. I hate him! I will never let myself fall for him. I have to escape from here. I won't give up, no matter what!*

After gathering her resolve, she made her way downstairs, her anger boiling as she approached Taehyung, who was still engrossed in his book. No, he wasn't reading; he was lost in thoughts of Hye-rin. When he noticed her presence, he looked up and smiled, closing his book.

"You're awake! I was waiting for you so we could have breakfast together," he said.

Before she could respond, he reached for her hand to guide her to the dining room. But Hye-rin pushed his hand away. "Don't touch me! I hate you! Never forget, I hate you with all my heart!"

Taehyung's expression darkened, fury boiling beneath the surface as he clenched his jaw. Ignoring her protests, he hoisted her onto his shoulder and carried her to the dining table. He sat down and placed her on his lap, his voice low and intense. "Don't disrespect me or push me away again. This is my last warning. Don't test my patience."

She glared at him. "Leave me! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!"

He fought to control his anger, trying not to yell at her. But before he could respond, Hye-rin shoved him away and bolted toward her room, locking the door behind her. He was about to follow her but paused when his phone rang.

After answering, a man informed him he had to go to the office for urgent matters. Taehyung called for a maid and instructed her to send Hye-rin's breakfast to her room, telling her to take care of her, then hurriedly left for his office.

Meanwhile, the maid approached Hye-rin's room, a tray of breakfast in hand. Inside, Hye-rin was sitting on the bed, staring at the door as the maid entered and placed the tray in front of her.

"Please, eat your breakfast, ma'am," the maid urged.

Hye-rin looked at her, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her onto the bed. "What's your name?"

"My name is Shin-Hana," the maid replied nervously.

Hye-rin's eyes sparkled with hope. "Hana, can you help me escape from here?"

Hana's eyes widened in shock. "I... I'm so sorry, ma'am. I can't do that."

"Please, I really need your help! I can't stay here!" Hye-rin pleaded.

After a moment of hesitation, Hana bit her lip, her resolve softening. "Okay, I'll help you."

Hye-rin smiled and hugged her tightly. "Thank you so much, Hana! But where's Taehyung?"

"He's gone to his office," Hana replied.

"Then please help me escape!" Hye-rin urged.

Hana grabbed Hye-rin's hand and led her to the library room, filled with countless books. She pulled a specific book, which triggered a hidden mechanism in the wall. Hye-rin's eyes widened in shock as the wall slid open, revealing a passage.

Hana guided her inside, and they arrived at an exit door. Hana opened it and stepped outside with Hye-rin, who felt a rush of adrenaline.

"Wait until I distract the guards," Hana instructed. "Then you can slip out the back."

Hye-rin nodded and hugged her again. "Thank you!"

Hana went off to engage the guards, and Hye-rin took the opportunity to slip through the back exit door.

Once outside, Hye-rin ran as fast as she could, putting distance between herself and the mansion. She flagged down a taxi and gave the driver her grandmother's address, hoping to find safety there.

Meanwhile, Taehyung returned home, heading straight for her room. Frustration mounted as he found no sign of Hye-rin. Calling for the maids and guards, he roared in anger, "Where is Hye-rin? Tell me now, or I swear I'll kill every last one of you!"

Everyone trembled in fear, their voices shaking as they insisted they had no idea where she was. Taehyung clenched his jaw, fury coursing through him. He withdrew his gun, his gaze falling on Hana, who stood trembling, her eyes cast down.

He approached her, gripping her chin and forcing her to meet his gaze. "Why are you trembling? Is something wrong? Do you know where Hye-rin is?"

Hana flinched at his touch. "I-I don't know, sir. I swear!"

Taehyung's smirk was icy. "I think you want to die. Tell me where she is right now."

Hana trembled, tears brimming in her eyes. "S-She... escaped..."

Taehyung's face darkened in rage, and without hesitation, he shot her in the head. Hana collapsed to the floor, blood pooling around her as everyone around them gasped in horror, eyes wide with terror.

Taehyung stormed toward his car, jumping into the driver's seat. His bodyguards piled into another car, armed and ready, as they set off in pursuit of Hye-rin.

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