SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)

But I'm terrified of losing you.

The day slipped into evening, casting the estate in hues of orange and gold. The household gathered in the grand dining room for dinner, an unspoken tension simmering beneath the surface.

Ji-hyun sat next to Sophia, her chin propped on her hand as she lazily stirred her soup.

“Stop playing with your food,” Crystal scolded, her voice carrying an edge of motherly authority.

Ji-hyun huffed, picking up her spoon reluctantly. “I’m not hungry.”

Kai smirked from across the table, pointing his fork at her. “You’re never hungry unless it’s something deep-fried and sugary.”

Sophia chuckled softly, though her eyes kept darting toward Lucius at the head of the table.

He hadn’t spoken much since their encounter in the garden, his brooding silence unnerving.

Crystal glanced at Sophia, her brows furrowed. “You’ve been awfully quiet. Something on your mind?”

Before Sophia could respond, Lucius set his glass down with a sharp clink, drawing everyone’s attention.

“I need to leave for a few days,” he announced abruptly.

Sophia’s stomach dropped. “Leave? Where are you going?”

Lucius’s gaze flickered to her, his expression unreadable. “It’s business.”

Kai leaned back in his chair, his jovial demeanor faltering. “Business or something else?”

Lucius didn’t answer, instead rising from his seat. “Crystal, ensure the estate remains secure while I’m gone. Kai, keep an eye on Sophia and Ji-hyun.”

“Wait,” Sophia interjected, standing as well. “You can’t just leave like this. What if—”

“I’ll handle it,” Lucius interrupted, his tone firm.

Sophia’s fists clenched at her sides. “You always do this. You shut everyone out and act like it’s your burden alone to bear.”

Lucius’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t respond. Instead, he turned and strode out of the room, leaving an uneasy silence in his wake.

Ji-hyun looked up from her plate, her voice small. “Is he mad?”

Sophia shook her head, forcing a reassuring smile. “No, Ji-hyun. He’s just… complicated.”

Kai sighed, running a hand through his hair. “That’s putting it lightly.”

---

Later that night, Sophia found herself wandering the halls again, her thoughts a whirlwind of frustration and worry.

She ended up on the balcony overlooking the garden, the cool night air doing little to calm her racing mind.

“You’re going to catch a cold,” a familiar voice said.

Sophia turned to see Kai leaning against the doorway, his usual playful smirk in place.

“I needed some air,” she replied, turning back to the view.

Kai joined her, his hands in his pockets. “Lucius has a knack for pushing people away, doesn’t he?”

Sophia sighed. “He thinks it’s for our own good. That by keeping us at arm’s length, he’s protecting us.”

Kai tilted his head, studying her. “And what about you? Are you okay?”

She hesitated, her eyes fixed on the garden below. “I don’t know. Every time I think I understand him, he pulls away again.”