The Morning After
The New Year’s buzz had faded into a chilly morning silence. The estate was quiet, save for the faint clatter of dishes from the kitchen where Crystal worked, humming softly to herself. Kai leaned casually against the counter, munching on an apple.
“I swear, you’re going to eat me out of house and home,” Crystal teased, shooting him a playful glare.
Kai smirked. “Can’t help it. You make the best meals. Think of it as your good deed of the day.”
Crystal rolled her eyes, though a small smile crept onto her lips. “You’re impossible.”
“Yet you keep feeding me,” Kai quipped, his tone light, though his gaze lingered on her a moment too long.
---
Sophia descended the staircase slowly, her mind preoccupied with Ji-hyun’s latest Korean lessons and her simmering confusion about Mr. Lee. As she turned a corner, her heart froze at the sight before her.
Samantha was leaning toward Mr. Lee in the grand living room, her hand resting lightly on his chest. Her voice was soft, almost seductive.
“You know, Lucius,” Samantha purred, leaning closer, “we are married. Shouldn’t we act the part?”
Before Sophia could retreat unnoticed, Samantha tilted her head, lips aiming for his.
Sophia’s heart clenched painfully. It’s his right, she thought bitterly. He’s married.
° Why does it pain me so much?°
But Mr. Lee’s reaction shattered her thoughts. His eyes narrowed dangerously, and in one fluid motion, he pushed Samantha away, his strength sending her stumbling back slightly.
“Don’t,” he said, his voice cold as ice. “Don’t ever try that again.”
Samantha’s smile faltered, a flash of anger crossing her face. “What’s the problem? I’m your wife—”
“I didn’t choose this,” he snapped, his tone laced with finality. “And don’t forget that.”
Sophia couldn’t bear to watch anymore. She fled silently to her room, her emotions swirling in a chaotic storm.
---
Inside her room, Sophia paced restlessly. Her mind replayed the scene over and over, her chest tight with emotions she refused to name.
It’s his right, she told herself. He has every right to kiss her. She’s his wife.
But the image of Samantha leaning in and Mr. Lee’s cold rejection haunted her.
Why did he push her away? Was it because of me?
She shook her head violently. “No. Don’t be ridiculous,” she muttered, sitting on the edge of her bed.
A knock at the door startled her.
“Sophia?” Ji-hyun’s cheerful voice called. “Are you okay? You didn’t come down for breakfast!”
“I’m fine,” Sophia replied quickly, trying to keep her voice steady. “I’m just… tired.”
Ji-hyun hesitated. “Okay, but I’m coming back later! We still have to practice Korean.”
When the footsteps faded, Sophia buried her face in her hands, willing her racing heart to calm.
---
Meanwhile, Mr. Lee stood by the large window in his study, his hands clenched into fists. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions—anger, confusion, and something he refused to name.
Why had Samantha’s attempt annoyed him so much? And why did the thought of Sophia witnessing it twist his insides?
Kai entered without knocking, as usual. “You look like you’re about to murder someone.”
“Not now, Kai,” Mr. Lee muttered.
Kai raised an eyebrow, biting into another apple. “Let me guess. Sophia?”
Mr. Lee’s glare was sharp, but Kai only chuckled.
“You’re so obvious, Lucius,” Kai said casually. “Maybe it’s time you stop fighting it.”
“Get out,” Mr. Lee growled, but there was no real heat in his words.
Kai smirked. “Suit yourself.”
---
Sophia spent the day avoiding Mr. Lee, keeping herself busy with Ji-hyun and Crystal. Ji-hyun noticed the change immediately.
“Why are you so quiet today?” Ji-hyun asked as they practiced more Korean in the library.
“I’m just tired,” Sophia replied, her voice distant.
Ji-hyun frowned, sensing something deeper. “You’re lying.”
Sophia gave her a small smile. “I’m fine, Ji-hyun. Really.”
Ji-hyun didn’t believe her but decided not to push. Instead, she launched into a story about her latest antics at school, drawing a reluctant laugh from Sophia.
---
That evening, Mr. Lee finally cornered Sophia in the hallway.
“You’ve been avoiding me,” he stated, his tone low and dangerous.
Sophia’s heart raced, but she lifted her chin defiantly. “I haven’t.”
“Don’t lie to me,” he said, stepping closer, his presence overwhelming. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she said quickly, taking a step back. “I’m fine.”
He tilted his head, his dark eyes boring into hers. “You’re a terrible liar, Sophia.”
Before she could respond, his hand reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. The touch was light, almost tender, but it sent shivers down her spine.
“Stop,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
“Stop what?” he asked, his voice soft but laced with danger.
“Stop confusing me,” she said, her eyes filling with unshed tears.
He froze, his expression unreadable. After a long moment, he stepped back, his jaw tightening.
“I’m not the one who’s confused,” he said quietly before walking away, leaving her breathless and aching.
***********************************************************************
Meanwhile, across the city, Rose and Alex sat in a cozy café, sipping on steaming mugs of cocoa.
“You’re quiet today,” Alex observed, studying Rose.
“I’m just thinking about Sophia,” Rose admitted. “I wonder if she’s okay.”
Alex reached across the table, taking her hand. “She’s strong. She’ll be fine.”
Rose smiled faintly, grateful for his unwavering support. “I hope so.”
" By the way let's talk about something else" Alex change's the topic with a smile.
---
As the night fell, Samantha sat in her lavish bedroom, fuming. Penelope had wasted no time reporting Sophia’s Christmas outing with Mr. Lee.
“She’s a problem,” Samantha hissed. “And I intend to deal with her.”
Penelope smirked. “Good. She needs to know her place.”
But Samantha’s thoughts were darker, her mind already plotting how to eliminate Sophia from their lives entirely.
In the shadows of the estate, secrets simmered, passions burned, and danger loomed ever closer.
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...
