Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 35

The Unveiling

Few hours ago 

The rain outside poured relentlessly, creating a rhythmic drumbeat against the large windows of the Obsidian Mansion. The dimly lit study carried an air of tension as Jeonghan sat across from Daniel, his fragile frame seeming smaller in the oversized armchair. The shadows cast by the flickering firelight danced across Daniel's sharp features, making his piercing gaze even more unsettling.

Jeonghan shifted uncomfortably under Daniel's intense scrutiny. His fingers trembled as they fidgeted with the hem of his sweater. Gathering every ounce of courage he could muster, he broke the suffocating silence.

"W-what do you mean by obsessed?" Jeonghan's voice cracked, betraying his nervousness. "A-and... who's obsessed with me?"

Daniel leaned back, a faint, unsettling smirk tugging at his lips. He crossed one leg over the other, his movements unnervingly calm compared to Jeonghan's visible unease.

"Choi Seungcheol," Daniel said, his tone deliberate and sharp, each syllable slicing through Jeonghan's composure.

The name fell heavy in the room, unfamiliar and alien to Jeonghan, who furrowed his brows in confusion. "Who... who is Choi Seungcheol?" he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Daniel chuckled lightly, the sound devoid of warmth. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he clasped his hands together. "You don't even know his real name, do you?" His voice carried an air of pity, as though he found Jeonghan's ignorance amusing and tragic all at once.

Jeonghan's stomach twisted, his grip tightening on the armrest. "W-what are you saying?" he asked, his voice shaking as tears welled up in his eyes.

Daniel's smirk faded, replaced by a cold, clinical expression. "I'm saying your beloved S.Coups is none other than Choi Seungcheol. The legal heir to Choi Industries—a powerful conglomerate now in his hands—and..." He paused, letting the weight of his next words sink in, "...the infamous leader of SVT. The top mafia gang in the nation"

Jeonghan's heart plummeted. The words hit him like a physical blow, stealing the breath from his lungs. "No..." he whispered, tears streaming down his face as he shook his head in denial. "That... that can't be true. Why—why are you telling me this? Why am I here?"

Daniel exhaled softly, his demeanor shifting as he stood. "That's not my story to tell," he said, shrugging into his coat with practiced ease. "It's for Seungcheol to explain. I came here to bid farewell to the team and to warn Seungcheol about the possible outcomes of his... reckless actions."

Jeonghan's tears fell faster, his voice breaking as he cried out, "Then why tell me? Why are you doing this to me?"

Daniel paused, his back to Jeonghan. His voice softened, losing its edge for the first time. "Because, Jeonghan," he said, turning back to face him, "as someone who's lived this life for years, I've seen how it ends. You're too innocent to be caught in this crossfire. If you stay, you'll either destroy him, or he'll destroy you. And I won't stand by and watch SVT crumble because of something as dangerous as love."

Jeonghan shook his head, his lips trembling as sobs wracked his frame. "I-I can't believe you. I can't..."

Daniel took a step closer, his expression softening even further. Gently, he cupped Jeonghan's face, his touch surprisingly tender. "I have no reason to lie to you, child," he said, his voice low and almost fatherly. "If I had a son, I'd want him to stay far away from men like Seungcheol. If you don't believe me, ask him yourself. Ask him where he's been tonight. Ask him what kind of work took him away from you."