VENGEANCE IN THE SHADOWS [KIM MINGYU]

{19} Diamonds in the dark

Chapter 19

"Diamonds in the dark"

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She squinted, her annoyance piqued. "Okay, seriously, who are you? You keep calling me every night, like a shadow I can't shake. How do you even have my number?"

The voice chuckled softly, the sound sending a subtle chill down her spine. "Let’s just say I know a lot about you, Alara. More than you’d expect."

She scoffed, trying to maintain her sassiness despite the strange mix of mystery and allure he carried. "Yeah? So what’s the obsession? Why the calls every night? Don’t you have anything better to do?"

A pause, heavy with unspoken meaning. "Maybe I don’t," he replied smoothly. "Or maybe, I enjoy knowing you’re safe. That no one can hurt you. Even if you don't see me, I'm around."

She raised an eyebrow, not sure whether to be creeped out or oddly flattered. "Oh, so you're my guardian angel now, huh?"

The silence lingered again, and then his voice softened, almost teasing. "More like... someone who cares. Someone who likes the thrill of being close but hidden, like the shadow that never leaves your side."

Alara bit her lip, torn between rolling her eyes and letting her heart race. "You’re lucky I’m too tired to argue right now. But why are you doing this? What’s your game?"

“Maybe it's just to see you smile... or to see you wear something I chose,” he replied cryptically.

As Alara processed his words, she sat up slightly, still tipsy but undeniably intrigued.

"Oh, by the way…" he began, his voice low and smooth, "did you open the gift I sent earlier today?"

She blinked, briefly confused, until the image of the lavishly wrapped box and bouquet of dark red roses flashed in her mind.

She'd left them on the table, admiring the luxurious packaging before dashing out to the party. “The roses and that box?” she murmured, curiosity piqued again.

"Yes," he confirmed, his tone laced with something almost possessive. "Open it, Alara. Go on."

Alara shifted off the bed, her bare feet making soft sounds against the floor as she walked over to where she’d left the gift.

Her fingers trembled slightly, a mix of anticipation and intoxication as she untied the perfectly tied ribbon and lifted the lid.

Inside was a breathtaking dark dress, the fabric so smooth it almost shimmered under the dim light.

Beneath it, nestled against soft velvet, was an exquisite diamond necklace, glittering in all its opulence.

She gasped softly, her eyes widening as she took in the beauty before her. “This… This is incredible. You really went all out, didn’t you?” she whispered, part awe and part suspicion coloring her tone.