Chapter 38

Masika took a deep breath and made her way to the living room. As she entered, she saw a woman sitting on the couch, sipping a cup of tea.

The woman looked up and smiled, but Masika couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.

"Hello, Masika," the woman said, her voice dripping with sweetness. "I'm so glad I finally got to meet you."

Masika's instincts screamed at her to be cautious, but she tried to be polite.

"Nice to meet you too," Masika said, trying to sound friendly. "What brings you here?"

The woman set her cup down and leaned forward, her eyes glinting with a sinister light.

"I'm an old friend of Joon's," she said, her voice dripping with malice. "And I have to say, I'm not impressed with his choice of fiancée."

Masika's heart skipped a beat. She didn't like the way this woman was talking about Joon, or about her.

"Who are you?" Masika demanded, trying to keep her cool.

The woman smiled again, but this time, there was something menacing in her eyes.

"My name is Sophia," she said, her voice dripping with venom. "And I'm here to warn you, Masika. You're playing with fire, and you're going to get burned."

Masika's instincts screamed at her to get away from this woman, but her feet seemed rooted to the spot.

Sophia's words hung in the air, leaving Masika feeling uneasy and threatened. She tried to stand up to her, but Sophia's next words cut her down.

"You think you're so special, don't you, Masika?" Sophia sneered. "You think you're the only one who can capture Joon's heart. But let me tell you, dear, you're not even close."

Masika's eyes narrowed, her anger rising. "What do you want, Sophia?" she demanded.

Sophia's smile grew wider. "Oh, I want nothing from you, Masika. But I'm here to warn you. You're in danger. Joon's world is not what it seems, and you're just a pawn in his game."

Masika's mind reeled as Sophia's words struck a chord. She had always known that Joon's world was complex, but she had never thought she was in danger.

Suddenly, Sophia stood up, her eyes glinting with malice. "You should leave Joon, Masika. While you still can."

And with that, Sophia turned and walked out of the room, leaving Masika feeling shaken and confused.

Masika sat in stunned silence, trying to process Sophia's words. She couldn't shake off the feeling that Sophia was telling the truth, that Joon's world was indeed more complicated than she had thought.

But despite Sophia's warning, Masika trusted Joon. They had been together since she was born, and she knew him better than anyone. Moreover, Joon had always been a mysterious figure, never seen with any woman. His reputation was spotless, and Masika had always felt safe with him.

Just then, Joon walked into the room, a concerned look on his face.

"Masika, what's wrong?" he asked, noticing her pale expression.

Masika hesitated, unsure of how to share Sophia's warning. But something about Joon's gentle tone put her at ease.

"Sophia was just here," Masika said, her voice barely above a whisper. "She warned me about you, Joon. She said I'm in danger."

Joon's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. "What else did she say?" he asked, his voice low and menacing.

Masika swallowed hard, feeling a shiver run down her spine. "She said I should leave you while I still can."

Joon's face turned cold, his eyes glinting with anger. "Sophia is just trying to cause trouble," he said, his voice dripping with venom. "You don't have to worry about her, Masika. I'll take care of her."

Masika's curiosity got the better of her. "Who is Sophia, Joon?" she asked, her eyes locked on his.

Joon's expression softened, and he sighed. "Sophia is an old classmate of mine from high school," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of regret. "She's been infatuated with me for years, but I've never returned her feelings."

Masika's eyes widened in surprise. She had never heard of Sophia before, but it seemed that Sophia had been harboring a secret crush on Joon for years.