Secrets Of The Shadows | On Hold

Ch•11

As Taeyong slowly blinked her eyes open, she was enveloped by an oppressive darkness. A wave of dizziness washed over her, and a sharp ache coursed through her entire body. She strained to focus, but her efforts were in vain. Yet, through the faint glow of moonlight filtering in, she began to discern the outlines of the room around her.

Confusion gripped her; this was not her familiar sanctuary. The only remnants of her memory were the haunting words spoken by Jin: "You have a brother, and your father is alive."

Spotting a door, she made her way toward it, her heart racing with uncertainty. As she turned the handle and pushed it open, her breath caught in her throat. Before her lay a magnificent house, each corner sparkling as if adorned with diamonds.

Just then, a maid glided past her. Taeyong halted her with a gentle hand. "Excuse me, could you tell me where I am?" The maid offered no words, merely gesturing for her to follow. Without hesitation, Taeyong complied, curiosity propelling her forward.

The maid guided her into a dimly lit room, and as she crossed the threshold, the door clicked shut behind her with an ominous finality. A chill crept up her spine, but she steeled herself, determined to face whatever lay ahead. Just then, a voice sliced through the silence, sending her heart racing. It was a voice she recognized, though she couldn't quite place it.

"Ah, there you are. I've been waiting for this moment."

A shiver coursed through her as she swallowed hard, turning to confront the source of the voice.

"Who are you?" she demanded, her fists tightening at her sides. The man chuckled darkly, then sprang into her line of sight, causing her to recoil in surprise.

As he stepped into the light, his features became clear, and she stared at him, her mind racing.

"I know you," she murmured, realization dawning. The man simply grinned, a smug expression plastered across his face, and suddenly, her memory clicked into place.

"Minho?"

His laughter echoed in the room. "So, you do remember me." But the memories that flooded back were anything but pleasant.

Before she could gather her thoughts, a sharp knock interrupted the tension, and Minho gestured for the door to be opened. She turned, her heart pounding, as a man in his fifties entered, his face a mix of shock and recognition.

"Dad?" The moment hung heavy in the air as her father’s eyes widened in disbelief.

"Taeyong? What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

"Seems you two are acquainted," Minho remarked, a glint of mischief in his eyes. Her father stepped protectively in front of her, his gaze hardening as he faced Minho.

"Minho, you have no right to involve her. Let her go." Minho's laughter was cold and mocking. "You really think I’d just let her walk away after all this?"

He leaned in closer to Taeyong, his intentions clear, but before he could lay a hand on her, a sudden force sent him crashing to the ground.

As he looked up, bewildered, he found himself staring into the eyes of the very man he had underestimated.