VENGEANCE IN THE SHADOWS [KIM MINGYU]

{24} Behind closed doors

Chapter 24

"Behind closed doors"

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Alara hesitated at the top of the grand staircase, her hand gripping the smooth, cold railing. The soft murmur of voices and the clinking of cutlery drifted up from below, mingling with the faint scent of roasted vegetables and seared meat.

Her stomach churnednot from hunger, but from the weight of what awaited her.

She didn't want to go downstairs. Every fiber of her being screamed at her to run, to hide, to do anything but face the man who had torn her from her life. But the memory of his earlier warning lingered in her mind, and fear pushed her forward.

She took a deep breath, smoothing down her simple but elegant outfit, and descended the stairs slowly. Her steps echoed faintly, each one a reminder of how far removed she was from her normal life.

As she reached the bottom, she was greeted by a lavish dining room, lit by a massive crystal chandelier that cast a warm glow over the long table set for two.

Mingyu was already seated at the head of the table, a glass of red wine in hand. He looked up as she entered, his piercing gaze locking onto hers instantly.

"There you are," he said smoothly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I was starting to think I'd have to send someone to fetch you."

Alara stopped just inside the doorway, her hands clenching at her sides. "I didn't have much of a choice, did I?"

Mingyu gestured to the chair opposite him. "Sit," he said, ignoring her comment.

She hesitated, her gaze darting to the grand doorway behind her. Could she make it out before he caught her?

"Don't even think about it," he warned, his voice low but carrying a weight that made her stomach twist.

Reluctantly, she moved to the chair and sat down, her movements stiff and wary. A maid appeared, placing a plate in front of her, and Alara stiffened as Mingyu's sharp eyes tracked her every move.

"You should eat," he said, his tone softer now but no less commanding. "I won't have you starving yourself."

Alara glared at him, her fear giving way to anger. "You won't have me starving myself? You kidnapped me. You don't get to pretend you care."

Mingyu leaned back in his chair, taking a slow sip of his wine as he studied her. "I didn't kidnap you, Alara. I brought you here for your own good."

Her fork clattered onto her plate, her eyes flashing with fury. "For my own good? Are you serious? You tore me away from my life, my family-"

"Your family," Mingyu interrupted, his voice like a blade. "Do you even know who they are?"

The question caught her off guard, silencing her for a moment. "What are you talking about?" she asked finally, her voice trembling.