Soft spot

New life

As the days turned into a blur of new routines and unfamiliar faces, Daisy gradually acclimated to her new life in the mansion. Minho’s presence was a constant, his authoritative demeanor both intimidating and comforting. He took it upon himself to introduce her to the rules of the house, outlining the expectations with a strictness that made her feel like she was being molded into something he could control.

At first, she bristled at the notion of being treated like a possession, but as time passed, she began to see a different side to his rigidity. Minho’s rules weren’t just about control; they were his way of ensuring safety in a world rife with danger. He explained the threats posed by his enemies, his tone serious as he detailed the lengths he had to go to protect those he cared about. Daisy started to understand that his insistence on certain protocols was rooted in a fierce desire to shield her from harm.

As she listened to him speak, something shifted within her. The coldness she initially felt began to thaw, replaced by a budding sense of security. It dawned on her that she was not merely a possession in his eyes but someone precious to him. He respected her opinions, often engaging her in discussions about her thoughts and feelings, making her feel valued in a way she hadn’t experienced before.

Daisy found herself wandering the vast rooms of the mansion, exploring the hidden corners and the intricate decor that told stories of its past. She discovered a library filled with books that piqued her curiosity, and Minho encouraged her to dive into stories, often joining her to share his thoughts on the tales they uncovered together. It was during these moments that she witnessed his softer side, the one that contrasted sharply with his cold exterior.

He would surprise her with small gestures—arranging her favorite flowers in her room, leaving little notes with sweet messages, and sharing quiet moments where he’d simply hold her hand as they watched the sunset from the balcony. Each touch and each look felt imbued with meaning, and she began to realize that the affection he showered upon her was genuine.

Minho was not just a mafia leader or a strict guardian; he was also a romantic, capable of surprising her with the depth of his feelings. He would steal glances when he thought she wasn’t looking, a soft smile playing on his lips that sent warmth coursing through her. Daisy found herself responding to him in kind, her heart slowly opening up to the possibilities of their connection.

As she settled into her new life, the mansion transformed from a gilded cage into a sanctuary—a place where she could be herself without fear of judgment. She felt a sense of belonging that she had longed for, the shadows of her past slowly receding.

Every day, she learned more about Minho, each revelation peeling back layers of his complexity. He was brave and intelligent, driven by a desire to protect not only his own life but also those he cherished. With each passing moment, Daisy began to see him not just as a cold CEO or a mafia leader, but as a man with passions, dreams, and a capacity for love that resonated deeply with her own desires.

In this unexpected chapter of her life, Daisy found hope—a glimmering promise of something beautiful forming between them. No longer did she feel like a possession; she was cherished, protected, and loved in ways she had never dared to dream. And as she embraced her new reality, she realized that perhaps this life could be everything she had longed for and more.

As days turned into weeks, Daisy felt her world shift once more. The mansion had become a refuge, a place where she could shed the weight of her past and embrace who she was becoming. With Minho by her side, she found the freedom to express herself in ways she had never imagined.

Whenever they were alone, she transformed into a whirlwind of energy, her thoughts spilling out in a delightful stream of consciousness. Her laughter echoed off the walls, and her animated stories filled the spaces around them. With Minho, she felt safe enough to go a little crazy, sharing her oddball thoughts without fear of judgment.

“Did you know that snakes can actually recognize their owners?” she exclaimed one afternoon, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I mean, wouldn’t it be amazing to adopt one? They’re just misunderstood!”

Minho chuckled, leaning back in his chair, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. “You and your creepy ideas, Daisy. I think I’ll start calling you ‘Mis Creepy’ from now on,” he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

She giggled, delighted that he embraced her quirks. “Oh come on, Mino! You have to admit it would be cool!”

“Mino,” he repeated, letting the name roll off his tongue with a certain softness that made her heart flutter. It wasn’t just a nickname; it was a sweet reminder of the connection they were building.

But when they ventured outside, something changed. The fresh air brought out her introverted side. The vastness of the gardens felt overwhelming, the openness amplifying her shyness. In those moments, she often found herself quiet, retreating into her thoughts, feeling the weight of the world around her. Minho noticed this shift, and with gentle patience, he would encourage her to speak.

“Hey, sunshine,” he would say, using one of his many endearing nicknames. “What’s on your mind?”

His voice was warm, like a comforting blanket, and it coaxed her out of her shell, but the process was slow.

“I… I was just thinking,” she’d say hesitantly, staring at her feet. “About how nice it would be to see someone jump from the seventh floor into a river. I mean, think about it! They could float all the way to the Pacific Ocean and see wild sharks and dolphins!”

Minho raised an eyebrow, a mix of amusement and intrigue dancing in his eyes. “You really have a thing for dramatic escapes, don’t you?”

“Maybe I just like the idea of adventure,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, but the spark in her gaze gave away her excitement.

“You’re full of surprises, Daisy,” he said, his tone affectionate. “And I think that’s one of my favorite things about you.”

His words made her cheeks flush, and she smiled shyly, a warmth spreading through her. She loved how he saw her for who she truly was, quirks and all.

Though she struggled to find a nickname that suited him, she settled on “Mino.” It wasn’t about the name itself but the way she pronounced it—soft and tender, as if she were holding a secret just between them. Each time she said it, it felt special, wrapping them in an intimacy that was growing stronger with each passing day.

As they spent more time together, the affection between them blossomed into a beautiful bond. Minho’s protective instincts softened as he watched Daisy blossom, his heart warming at her laughter and her unique perspective on life. Each moment they shared, whether in playful banter or quiet reflection, solidified the connection they were building.

One evening, as they walked through the gardens, Daisy turned to Minho, her heart racing with the weight of her thoughts. “Do you think it’s possible to change someone’s life just by being there for them?”

Minho glanced down at her, his expression thoughtful. “Absolutely. Sometimes, just being present is all it takes to make someone feel loved and understood.”

Daisy felt a flutter of hope at his words, realizing how far she had come since stepping into the mansion. She was no longer just a girl sold like an object; she was someone cherished, someone with a voice that mattered. And with Minho, she was discovering the beauty of love and the power of connection in its many forms.

As the sun set, casting a golden hue over the gardens, Daisy leaned against Minho, feeling his warmth envelop her. In that moment, surrounded by the gentle rustling of leaves and the sweet scent of blooming flowers, she knew that this was just the beginning of a beautiful adventure—one where she could truly be herself and perhaps, find her place in this world alongside the man who had transformed her life.