Ransomed Fiancée (Michaeng) ✔️

Summary (Part 26)

Chapter 41:

Nayeon sat on the couch, her legs crossed. She was filled with unapproachable authority. Jeongyeon sat beside her with a polar opposite demeanor. She was warm and welcoming, her kind smile offered a sense of calmness. They both watched the person seated across from them. They were in Jeongyeon's office.

"I apologize for the sudden invitation but I suppose Ms. Chou has already enlightened you about us? Ms. Uchinaga Aeri?" Jeongyeon started politely.

Invitation? That wasn't the word Aeri would use. She had been on her way to work when two men suddenly stopped her, practically dragging her into a van. Now, here she was caught in an uncomfortable situation she hadn't agreed to.

"Yes, I'm aware, Ms. Yoo," Aeri replied carefully. Her eyes flickered toward the other woman—Nayeon whose cold, unyielding stare bore into her like a scalpel. Aeri's composure wavered,
"And.....Ms—Ms. Im." She averted her gaze quickly, the intensity of Nayeon's stare leaving her unsettled.

"Can you tell us everything about Mina?" Jeongyeon asked.

Aeri hesitated, the words caught in her throat. "I—"

"Did you sign any confidentiality contract with her?" Jeongyeon interrupted.

Aeri shook her head slowly, unsure of where this was heading.

"Then you should be able to tell us, no?" Jeongyeon raised an eyebrow, "Work for us. You don't have to do anything drastic or sabotage her. We just want to know her schedule and what's she doing, who she's meeting etc,"

Aeri's mind raced. Her agreement with Ms. Chou flashing before her eyes. She had only agreed to learn the truth about Mina and her past, not to be a direct informant. She was not exactly a mole. Jeongyeon noticed her hesitation then leaned in closer. "5 million KRW," she added.

Aeri's eyes widened in disbelief. The offer stunned her, leaving her momentarily speechless. "Th-that's..." she stuttered, unable to process the amount.

The silence stretched. Nayeon, who had been watching the exchange finally spoke, her voice low and laced with a subtle threat. "Your girlfriend..." she began. Jeongyeon snapped her head towards Nayeon, concerned. Nayeon noticed but proceeded anyway, "I'm sure you'll do anything to ensure her safety."

"Please," Aeri interjected quickly, her heart racing as panic set in. She had to stop them before this spiraled further. "I didn't mean—"

Nayeon's gaze softened slightly, "We will try our best to get her from the refugee camp at the border of China and North Korea. It's a political issue, so I can't promise anything but we will try our best to save her,"

Aeri sighed in relief, no it was indescribable. It was gratitude and overwhelming happiness. Aeri quickly rose and bowed repeatedly, "Thank you, thank you so much,"

"Now, can you tell us everything?" Nayeon smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. Aeri nodded. She answered their questions, feeling the pressure of each one. She tried not to lie but each word felt like a betrayal. Aeri hadn't heard from Ningning in days and the silence suffocating her with worry. The only contact she had was a brief daily message confirming Ningning's survival. The constant fear gnawed at her. The dread of what could be happening to Ningning behind those borders, out of reach and beyond her control. Aeri had no choice but to cooperate if she wanted to bring Ningning to safety but every answer deepened her guilt toward Mina.

Aeri left after a few hours. She escorted by Nayeon's guards. Nayeon exhaled deeply while Jeongyeon moved closer, resting her head on Nayeon's shoulder, "It sounded like lies," Jeongyeon said. "Has Mina really changed that much?"