VENGEANCE IN THE SHADOWS [KIM MINGYU]

{35} No turning back

Chapter 35

"No turning back"

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Mingyu moved effortlessly around the sleek, modern kitchen, his robe loosely tied, revealing glimpses of his toned chest as he chopped vegetables and stirred a sauce.

His shorts peeked out just beneath the robe, his casual yet undeniably magnetic aura filling the room. The dim lighting of the villa cast soft shadows on his face, making his sharp features look even more defined.

In the living room, Alara lounged on the plush sofa like a queen, her legs tucked comfortably beneath her as she scrolled through Netflix.

She wore one of Mingyu's oversized shirts an unintentional gift she had commandeered from his wardrobe and held a glass of wine in one hand.

The screen flickered in front of her, but her attention wavered. She kept glancing toward the kitchen, her lips curving into a small smile at the sight of Mingyu moving with surprising grace.

"Wine, Netflix, and a personal chef?" she teased, raising her voice just enough for him to hear. "I could get used to this."

Mingyu smirked, glancing at her over his shoulder. "You should. This is your life now, baby." He turned back to the stove, adding a dash of seasoning to the pan. "I hope you're ready for the best dinner you've ever had."

She laughed softly. "Oh, we're setting high standards, are we?"

"I don't do low standards," he replied smoothly, his tone dripping with playful arrogance. He reached for the wine bottle beside him, pouring himself a glass before carrying it over to her.

She looked up at him, her almond-shaped eyes sparkling. "Is this your way of keeping me quiet while you work?"

"Maybe." He leaned down, brushing his lips against her forehead in an affectionate gesture before straightening. "Or maybe I just wanted an excuse to see that smile of yours."

She rolled her eyes, but the warmth in her cheeks betrayed her.

A few minutes later, Mingyu returned to the kitchen, plating the food with precision. The aroma of the freshly cooked meal filled the villa, making Alara's stomach grumble.

"I hope you're hungry," he called out as he set the table, lighting a few candles for ambiance. The soft glow reflected in his eyes as he looked at her. "Dinner's ready."

Alara padded into the dining area, her glass of wine still in hand. The sight of the beautifully arranged table, paired with Mingyu's casual-yet-irresistible presence, made her heart skip a beat.