The Night Before
Snow drifted lazily outside the window, blanketing the estate in a serene white glow.
Sophia was nestled in the corner of the sitting room, flipping through a book as Ji-hyun’s excited voice filled the air.
“Oppa, I’ve already decided! Tomorrow we’re going ice skating, and Sophia’s coming too!” Ji-hyun declared, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
Sophia blinked, lowering her book. “I… don’t know how to ice skate.”
Ji-hyun grinned. “Even better! Oppa can teach you.”
Mr. Lee, seated on the opposite end of the room with a glass of wine in hand, raised an eyebrow. “Don’t volunteer me for things, Ji-hyun.”
“Oh, please. It’s not like you have anything better to do,” Ji-hyun shot back, unbothered by his icy tone. “Besides, it’s Boxing Day. Time to relax.”
Sophia shifted uncomfortably. “I really don’t think I should—”
“Nonsense,” Ji-hyun interrupted. “You’ve been working so hard, Sophia. You deserve some fun.”
Mr. Lee’s dark gaze flicked to Sophia, making her heart skip. “Fine,” he said after a pause, his tone indifferent. “But don’t complain when you’re freezing.”
---
The next day, the trio arrived at the rink, which was privately reserved, courtesy of Mr. Lee’s influence. Ji-hyun darted ahead, already eager to hit the ice, while Sophia lingered nervously by the edge, clutching the rail.
“I can’t do this,” she muttered, watching Ji-hyun glide effortlessly across the rink.
°bloody they won make i break head°
Mr. Lee approached silently, his imposing presence making her shiver more than the cold. “You haven’t even tried,” he said, his voice low.
Sophia glanced up at him, her cheeks flushed. “I’ll fall.”
“You will,” he said matter-of-factly, stepping onto the ice. “But you’ll get back up.”
Before she could protest further, he held out his hand. “Come on.”
Her heart hammered in her chest as she hesitantly placed her hand in his. He pulled her onto the ice with a steady grip, his other hand resting lightly on her waist.
“Just follow my lead,” he said, his voice softer now.
Her steps were wobbly, and within seconds, she stumbled. He caught her effortlessly, his hands firm yet gentle.
“I told you,” she mumbled, embarrassed.
He smirked, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “I’ve got you.”
Her breath hitched, and for a brief moment, the world around them faded.
His hand lingered, patting her head lightly in an almost affectionate gesture.
Her heart skipped, and reality came crashing back.
He’s married, she reminded herself. Too old for me. Too far out of reach.
She pulled back slightly, her voice shaky. “Thank you, Mr. Lee.”
“Lucius,” he corrected, his tone unreadable.
She swallowed hard, focusing on her footing.
---
The fun of the day faded as they returned to the estate. Over dinner, Ji-hyun brought up school, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Oppa, why doesn’t Sophia come to my school?” Ji-hyun suggested out of the blue.
Sophia froze, looking between them. “Boarding school?”
Mr. Lee’s expression darkened slightly. “It’s time you consider continuing your education, Sophia.”
She gaped at him. “You want to send me to a boarding school? Like… away?”
“Isn’t that what you wanted?” he countered, his voice cool. “To study, pursue your dreams?”
Sophia whined, her tone edging on a pout. “Not like this.”
Ji-hyun grinned, clearly enjoying the banter.
“She can come to my school in Seoul. We’ll be together!”
Sophia latched onto an excuse. “But I don’t speak Korean.”
Ji-hyun waved it off. “Learning Korean is a piece of cake. I’ll teach you.”
Mr. Lee leaned back, his gaze sharp. “What if it’s not Ji-hyun’s school?”
Ji-hyun narrowed her eyes. “Then where? Some random place where she’ll be miserable? Or maybe you’d rather sell her off.”
The room went still. Sophia flinched at Ji-hyun’s words, her past bubbling to the surface.
---
Ji-hyun tilted her head, her voice softening. “How did you even end up here, Sophia? You’ve never really told me.”
Sophia’s chest tightened. “It’s not a happy story.”
Ji-hyun’s gaze was curious but kind. “We’re family now. You can tell me.”
Sophia glanced at Mr. Lee, who nodded slightly, giving her permission.
“I was sold,” she began quietly. “By my aunt Rachel in Nigeria. She handed me over to traffickers. I… ended up here, in his house.”
Ji-hyun’s eyes widened, her shock evident. “Oppa… you bought her?”
Mr. Lee’s jaw tightened. “I saved her.”
Sophia looked down at her hands. “He didn’t have to. But he did.”
Ji-hyun reached out, squeezing Sophia’s hand. “You’ve been through so much. But you’re here now. And you’re not alone.”
Sophia nodded, her throat tight. “Thank you.”
---
Later that night, Sophia sat by the fireplace, lost in thought. Mr. Lee entered the room, his presence as commanding as ever.
“You’re quiet,” he observed, sitting across from her.
“I was thinking about what Ji-hyun said,” she admitted.
He raised an eyebrow. “Which part?”
“About being family.” She hesitated. “Do you really see me as part of yours?”
His gaze softened, and for a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of vulnerability. “You’re under my protection. That’s all that matters.”
Her heart ached at his distant words, even as she knew better than to expect anything more.
“You should rest,” he said, standing. “Tomorrow will be a long day.”
She nodded, watching him leave, her mind a whirlwind of emotions.
He’s married, she reminded herself again. And he’s more dangerous than I’ll ever know.
But even as she tried to push him from her thoughts, the warmth of his touch lingered, impossible to ignore.
YOU ARE READING
SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)
Romance"Beyond Shadows" In a world where darkness reigns, a young orphan's dreams of becoming a veterinarian are shattered by her aunt's cruelty. But when she's drawn into the mysterious world of enigmatic Mr. Lee - a powerful figure rumored to be "more th...
