The Make Up Artist

Chapter 9: Blood Is Thicker

Let's run run run again! I can't help running
Only thing I can do is run
Only thing I can do is love you -Run x BTS

Tara's POV

The car had driven for a good hour before it stopped in front of a really tall building I didn't recognize. Kris held on to my arm the entire ride so when we stopped he yanked me out of the car. I stumbled to catch my footing and tried to take my arm back but his grip only got tighter.

"What is your problem Kris? I didn't know you were this kind of crazy." I spat as he pulled me inside the building.

"This is actually not my problem anymore. I was given instructions by my father and now that you're here, I can leave once you're delivered." He said casually.

"What the hell are you talking about? I don't even know your father, what does he want from me?"

"Oh but he knows you and your mother so any other questions can be directed to him." Kris handed me to a huge man, who looked like he ate pork and lifted cows for a living. I didn't dare resist being taken by him out of fear that he might crush me.

Inside the building was dark and it looked abandoned. We walked toward a shady looking elevator and I tensed feeling my fear take over.

"Do you know why Mr. Wu, might want to see me? Or why I feel like this has suddenly turned into some mafia type stuff?" I asked cautiously looking up at the scary guard. Of course he said nothing but it was worth a shot. We finally stopped on the 5th floor. The hallway was surprisingly well decorated in contrast to the dark and dirty atmosphere downstairs. We walked to a room at the end of the hallway. Mr. Scary Guy knocked and said something in mandarin before the door was opened. I was pushed inside and came face to face with a man who looked identical to Kris. I was pushed into a seat facing him. I looked around and saw 2 scarier looking men in the corner. The room was dark and the only light was from the dim lamps that sat in the corners of the room.

"Do you know why you are here Ms. Tara?" Mr. Wu said sitting across from me. Instead of speaking I shook my head no and he chuckled.

"Your Mother owes me money and since she has failed to pay me, I thought you could help her out."

"How much does she owe you?" I asked nervously.

"Just a little over 50 million won. It was 5 million first then you know taxes, interest, my labor or whatever started adding up."

"Where is she? I want to see her! I'm not giving you any money." I snapped at him. He smirked before he drew his hand back and slapped me hard across the face. The pain was unimaginable as I spit blood on the floor and looked at him. I felt my jaw swelling.

"Your mother said you wouldn't cooperate and that you were rebellious." He rubbed his hand where he hit my face. "Your mother is on her way so I'll take this time to tell you a little story." He sat down in front of me again. " I am a business man, people come to me to do business. An older lady came to me and said, I want to send my daughter to go to college in Korea but I can't afford it. Me being the kind-hearted man I am said give this desperate mother the money she needs." One of his henchmen came and whispered something in his ear. He stood up and looked at me with an evil smile.

"Looks like our guest of honor is here." he said mockingly. "Kris bring her in."

The door to the room opened and in walked Kris and my mother. She was handcuffed and she found my face immediately. Her eyes looked weary and sad. I felt my chest tighten at seeing her look so fragile.