VENGEANCE IN THE SHADOWS [KIM MINGYU]

{12} Illusions of Romance

Chapter 12

"Illusions of Romance"

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Alara stopped mid-twirl, her dreamy expression faltering. A sudden realization struck her like a bolt of lightning. She hadn't even asked the most important question.

"Wait a second..." she muttered, her eyes narrowing as she stared at her reflection. She quickly grabbed her phone, scrolling through her recent calls.

With a huff of irritation, she tapped on her father's number and brought the phone to her ear.

The line rang twice before her father's familiar, warm voice came through. "Alara, sweetheart. What's going on?"

"Hey, Papa," she started, her voice sugary sweet, but with a definite edge of curiosity. "Just a quick question. You know, since I'm apparently getting engaged and all."

Her father chuckled softly. "I figured you'd be too excited to ask any questions, knowing you."

Alara rolled her eyes. "Of course, I'm excited. But... well, I just realized I don't even know who this guy is. Like, who's the lucky guy that's about to marry me?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm, though she kept her tone playful.

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, Alara wondered if her father was going to avoid answering. But then, with a deep sigh, he spoke. "Raiden. Raiden Kingsley."

Alara's brow furrowed. "Raiden Kingsley?" The name didn't ring any bells, and that was strange. In her world, she usually had a pretty good idea of who was who especially when it came to high society.

"Yes, Raiden Kingsley. His family is... very well-connected. A good match for us," her father explained, though his tone carried a certain weight that Alara didn't miss.

Alara flopped back onto the couch, her legs dangling off the edge as she stared up at the ceiling. "Okay, and what's his deal? I mean, what does he do? He's not some boring business guy, is he?"

Her father let out another chuckle. "Well, he's in business, yes. But his family has significant holdings, and I've been working on some important deals with them. This will help solidify everything."

Alara's eyes narrowed. "So it's a business deal?"

"Not entirely," her father said, his voice softening, but there was no denying the truth in his words. "Raiden is... charming. I think you'll like him."

Alara made a face, the excitement from earlier starting to fade. "Charming? Papa, no offense, but charming guys are usually charming for all the wrong reasons."

Her father sighed. "I wouldn't have suggested this if I didn't think it was a good opportunity for you. Trust me, sweetheart. It's a beneficial match for both of us."