Chapter 14: Lies and Lace

Kairo's smirk deepened, his golden eyes gleaming like a predator that had just found its prey. But Raine was no easy catch.

"Smart choice," he murmured, stepping back just enough to give her space—but not enough to release her from his grasp. "Let's start with something simple."

Raine crossed her arms. "Like what? A truth-or-dare game?"

Kairo chuckled. "Truth. Who are you really?"

She met his gaze, her expression unreadable. Lies were her second language.

"I already told you. Raine Vesper, an idol trainee."

Kairo's fingers traced along the edge of a desk, his movements slow, calculated. "You say that, but your eyes tell a different story. You don't react like a rookie. You don't move like someone who's just stepping into the industry."

He paused, then smirked. "You react like someone who's done this before."

Raine's stomach clenched, but her face remained impassive. "Maybe I'm just a fast learner."

Kairo tilted his head. "Or maybe you're a ghost from the past."

She forced a smirk. "You tell me."

Kairo let out a low laugh. "Oh, I will."