kidnapped

Ahana's POV

I woke up with a dull ache in my arm, but the pain was nothing compared to the storm brewing in my mind. How was I supposed to face him now?

Flashback

Did he just…kiss me? The warmth of his lips still lingered on mine, leaving me stunned. He had pulled back, his forefinger tilting my chin.

"Didn't I tell you not to test my patience? Don't do it again, or you'll face the consequences," he'd said, his intense gaze sweeping over my face.

I was frozen in place, barely able to breathe, let alone respond. He straightened up, commanding, "Sleep," before walking out of the room like nothing had happened.

Sleep? How could I sleep? He'd kissed me—my first kiss—and then told me to sleep! My thoughts raced as I sat there, replaying the moment over and over. I wrapped myself in the comforter, trying to calm my pounding heart.

But no matter what I did, every time I closed my eyes, the scene replayed itself. His kiss, his words, his eyes. My world had shifted, and he…he had just walked away like it was nothing.

End of Flashback

I needed a plan. Avoiding him seemed like the best option.

After freshening up, I cautiously opened my door and checked the hallway. It was clear. Relieved, I headed to the kitchen in search of coffee.

The shelves were too high for me to reach, so I stood on my toes, trying to grab the coffee beans. After a few futile jumps, I felt a presence behind me. A hand reached over my shoulder, effortlessly grabbing the box.

I froze. His scent engulfed me, and my cheeks burned crimson. I couldn't turn around. I couldn't face him.

He placed the coffee beans on the counter without a word and walked away. I let out the breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

I stared at the beans, realizing I had no idea how to use them. Resigned, I grabbed a water bottle, planning to head back to my room.

But as I turned, I almost bumped into him. He was still there. Why?

I stood there, staring at the floor, counting tiles, until his deep voice broke the silence.

"Why aren't you making coffee?"

"I…I don't know how to use coffee beans," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I've only ever worked with premade coffee at the café."

He sighed and guided me to a stool by the counter. Taking out the coffee machine, he began preparing the coffee himself.

I should have been paying attention, but instead, I found myself watching him. No one had ever done something like this for me. He moved with practiced ease, and before I knew it, he placed a steaming cup of coffee in front of me.

"Take a sip," he said.

Hesitant, I lifted the cup to my lips. The rich, velvety taste was unlike any coffee I'd ever had. My eyes widened in surprise.

"Is it good?" he asked, his expression unreadable.

I nodded, unable to find the words.

He leaned against the counter, studying me. "I need to leave for two days. Something important has come up. Mr. Jung will stay here. If you need anything, tell him."

As he turned to leave, I impulsively grabbed the back of his shirt. He stopped, glancing over his shoulder.

"What is it?"

"I'm scared," I admitted softly. "What if…those people with guns come back?"

He stepped closer, his voice firm but reassuring. "They won't. Security has been increased. And if anything happens, there's a gun in the drawer beside your bed. Use it."

"I don't know how to use a gun," I whispered, shivering at the thought.

"You won't need to. It's just for protection," he said. "No one will get in."

I released him, and he walked away.

---

That evening, the house felt eerily quiet without him. I tried to distract myself, deciding to grab some ice cream from the kitchen. But first, I went to my room to get my water jug.

When I opened the door, I froze. My room was pitch dark. I always left a light on. My heart pounded as I fumbled to turn on my phone's flashlight.

In the beam of light, I saw a shadow near the corner of my window. Panic surged through me, but before I could scream, a sharp sting pierced my neck. My vision blurred, and the world tilted.

"Mr. Ryu…help…" I whispered before everything went black.

---

Mr. Jung's POV

It was dinnertime, and I decided to call her down. I knocked on her door, but there was no response.

I knocked again. Still nothing.

Concerned, I opened the door to find it unlocked. My blood ran cold as I saw someone jumping out of the window, carrying her limp body.

"Stop!" I yelled, alerting the guards.

The intruder dashed toward a waiting car, and despite our best efforts, he got away.

Grabbing my phone, I called the boss.

"Mr. Ryu, she's been kidnapped!"