Fallen Crown

Chapter 5

Young Do did not let go of her hand until they crossed the threshold of his home. It was so strange to Eun Sang to step into a house like his through the main entrance. She was used to going through the back doors, like a secret to be hidden. She was used to walking quickly through corridors to remain unseen. Apprehension filled her heart as they stood in the foyer. Unlike Tan's residence, Young Do's home was contemporary furnished, lacking a feminine touch. It had no doubt been put together by a top interior designer, with emphasis on modern curves and masculinity, making it look like a place featured in magazines. There was a certain cruel coldness to the blue, gray, and metallic palette that was almost clinical. She glanced about taking in the meticulous arrangement which was so symmetrically precise that it made her feel like her presence ruined the harmony.

Young Do glanced at her. He had a way of perceiving her emotions which never failed to surprise her. "I don't like it either. That's why I don't live here.

This was news. "You don't?"

"Things have changed," he looked about thoughtfully. "Memories haven't. I hate it here."
She wondered what he meant. He stared ahead at something she couldn't see. Was it a memory? Eun Sang couldn't imagine what kind of scars he had on his heart that it made him seem so distant at times like that. Could she ask him? Would he answer? Were they even close enough to swap painful secrets? He already knew so much of her. She realized that she knew nothing of his life. She had been too busy fighting him to care or even wonder.
Have you tried?

A maid stepped out from the hallway on the left, bowing respectfully at them. She looked impeccable in her uniform, her mannerisms graceful despite possibly being as old as her mother. He didn't greet her and just handed the bag which Eun Sang had brought him.

"Serve this for two and bring it to my bedroom."
Eun Sang shook her head. "Please don't take it to his room."

Young Do raised a brow at her. "Already giving orders like the lady of the house?" Eun Sang sighed.

"It's improper—-"

"Should I make you the lady of the house then? I'm not opposed to this."

The maid looked a bit baffled. Eun Sang felt just as confused. How could he say those things with such ease and disregard for appropriateness?

"Bring it to my bedroom." His tone left no room for argument.

Eun Sang was tempted to stomp his foot just because his stubbornness was infuriating. She elbowed him instead. "What are you making me seem like?"

He chuckled. "Did our lamb just strike the wolf in his own den?"

"Is this a time to be joking?"

He grinned. "We already fight like a married couple."

"Choi Young Do." She was close to stomping his foot regardless of consequences. "Would you—"
"Choi Eun Sang," he drawled the name.

"I should have poisoned those noodles." But her heart felt strangely queasy upon hearing his name with hers.

"Our maid has seen a lot worse, Cha Eun Sang." He pulled her toward him in a half hug, smiling brightly at her. "We look too good and innocent to be misunderstood. Correct?"

The maid regarded them studiously. Her eyes darted from him to her.

"Does she seem like the type who has commonly gone into a certain bedroom of this house?" His eyes slid toward the maid, unfriendly. "Do I seem like my father?"

"I will bring it to—"

Her words were interrupted by a loud bark. From behind the maid an enormous rottweiler charged forward. Eun Sang's eyes widened as it went straight for Young Do, who knelt with arms wide open, only to have the dog pass him by. The animal jumped on her with another bark, tumbling her backwards into an ungraceful heap. Once on the floor the dog nuzzled her neck, then licked her cheeks.