VENGEANCE IN THE SHADOWS [KIM MINGYU]

{36} The shadows of fear

Chapter 36

"The shadows of fear"

┌── •✧• ──┐

The morning sun kissed the horizon, painting the villa in warm golden hues. Alara stirred under the soft sheets, her body humming with memories of the night before.

She opened her eyes slowly to the faint scent of salt from the ocean breeze and... something else. Cigarette smoke.

She sat up, her hair tousled, and glanced toward the balcony. There he was, Mingyu, leaning casually against the railing with a cigarette between his fingers.

He was shirtless, his sculpted chest catching the sunlight, and his dark, brooding eyes were fixed on the endless blue sea. The sight of him made her chest tighten he was effortlessly intoxicating, even first thing in the morning.

"You smoking again?" she asked, her voice still laced with sleep.

Mingyu turned his head, a small smirk forming as he flicked the ash away. "Only when I need to think," he replied, his voice smooth and low.

Alara rolled her eyes, throwing the covers off. "You look like you're filming a cologne commercial," she teased, standing up and stretching.

Mingyu laughed, his eyes following her as she walked barefoot toward the bathroom. "Can't help it if I look good, baby."

She shot him a playful glare over her shoulder before disappearing into the bathroom. The sound of running water filled the villa as Alara stepped into the shower.

The warm water cascaded over her skin, washing away the remnants of sleep and rejuvenating her. She let herself linger for a moment, savoring the quiet.

When she emerged, wrapped in a fluffy towel, she felt ready to take on the day or at least the trip to Jeonghan and Portia's anniversary party. She dried her hair and carefully applied her makeup: a flawless base with soft contours that enhanced her natural beauty, a subtle smokey eye with neutral tones, and a glossy nude lip.

Her lashes were long and dark, her brows perfectly arched, adding an air of elegance to her look.

For her outfit, she chose a chic yet comfortable ensemble: a sleeveless halter-top that tied elegantly around her neck, its flowy fabric hinting at sophistication, paired with high-waisted belly pants that accentuated her curves.

The pastel hues of her outfit perfectly matched the destination vibe. She slipped into matching heeled sandals, the delicate straps wrapping around her ankles, completing her look with a gold anklet.

When Alara finally stepped out, Mingyu was all ready, his cigarette now extinguished. He turned as he heard her approach, his eyes roaming over her, taking in every detail.