A NEW BEGINNING

Jiah's POV

Just as Sungmin attempted to strangle him to death, Yangmu disappeared in his bubble-like spell. He couldn't help but fall to the ground and cry like a baby — he cried helplessly.

"I am sorry!" I yelled, feeling like hitting myself again and again.

"Yangmu was right. I think we are being led by the blind, and yes, we are all blind! He planned to do more harm, but he got exposed too quickly," Yula said. I think she is right. Her words were like a piercing arrow, but they were facts.

"I want to be better. Please help me," I cried at Sungmin's feet, holding onto them.

"You have no idea what it took me to get that diamond stone," he let out a bitter laugh. "Now Guyong would be extremely careful because he knows his enemies now. What have you done, Jiah?"

I couldn't help but cry.

"What have you done?" he growled as if in pain. Yula stood, watching us. She did not believe what I had caused.

"You betrayed us!" she said. "All of us!" she muttered.

After saying a lot of hurtful words, they left. Sometimes, Sungmin acts like he doesn't love me. Even if I made mistakes, he shouldn't be hating on me. Yula, on the other hand, has always been blunt, so I got used to her. If you must hear a thing the way it is, you should ask Yula. I can't remember the last time I got too emotional like this. Only the fact that Sungmin spilled words at me was enough to give me a headache throughout the rest of the day. I wasn't good at taking harsh words or pure truth; they hurt me so much.

As I cried, I remembered my dad. If he were here with me, I would have rested my head on his shoulders. Dad was good at comforting me and making me feel better in situations like this. Dad would tell me that I was the best version of myself and no one in the world could be me. He would say I was good at being me, better than anyone else.

Sungmin must be regretting having me in his life right now, but to someone else, I was a perfect being — just perfect for them. These are the words Dad usually says to me anytime anyone wants to make me feel less of myself. He would remind me that I was the best version of myself that the earth could produce. Even though I began to feel better after a while, I wept harder after remembering how Dad would say these words to me!

Kangdae's POV

I was at home sipping my wine from a new glass cup when Soyoung and Maesong came in. As I set my eyes on them, I adjusted my shirt and crossed my legs, feeling young again. I signaled Kaasong to usher them to me, which she did.

"Oh! You are welcome, beautiful ladies," I said, offering them a seat and pouring some wine into the glass cups I placed in front of each girl. I saw the wild smile on Soyoung's face. She was overreacting to a little notice from me.

"How have you been?" she rushed a question at me. I darted her a side-eye, but Maesong did not notice.

"Yeah, as you can see, I'm good. Thanks for your concern," I said, looking away.

"Here's my friend Maesong, the lady you requested to have a word with. So at this juncture, I will take my leave." She slammed the cup on the table, making a full thud that distracted us. I did not find that funny at all; I am sure Maesong didn't either.

I managed to smile. "I will see you at the office," I said into the quiet air — no response.

"So I…" I was distracted, trying to forget the embarrassing drama Soyoung just acted here before leaving. I hope she didn't take that to heart.

"So how are you, Maesong?"

"I am good. My friend Soyoung says you are interested in me." Hahaha… that was too sharp to begin a conversation that is expected to start romantically. She already stood up and sat on my big lap, confusing me.

"Do you mind if we go in?" she asked in a soft, flirtatious tone.

"Oh yes! Of course, yes!" I mumbled, my voice louder than before but still uncertain.

We lay in my luxurious bed. "From the first day I set my eyes on you, I felt something different," I said to her. "I just knew that you were the one for me. Different ladies flock to me every day, but I do not even look at them, let alone talk to any. It's just that, I don't know…" I said, easing into silence, unsure of the right words that would complete the sentence.

And the next minute, I couldn't control the lust that consumed me. I rested my hands on her butt; they were soft and succulent, my manhood rising like an iron rod raised to the sky. She held it firmly, fixing her eyes on me. We were just a breath away; my heart raced. I haven't had sex for a donkey's years now. I wasn't letting this opportunity slip through my fingers.

Maesong was good at it, I could tell from her body language and the way she handled me. We soon gave in to our lustful demand. As clothes dropped lifeless on the ground, I stroked her with every bit of strength that I had. Her voice was soft and pleasant in my ears. I loved what I was getting. The energy was real, and the bond I felt — the connection — was one of a kind. There's something different about her.

Almost an hour later, we stepped into the shower together and took our bath while Kassong brought our food into the room. We ate inside because she said she didn't want to go to the dining room as she was feeling shy. I understood her completely — anything to make her happy. Maesong did not return home that night; we stayed in my room until we fell asleep in each other's arms.

"I have also loved you, Kangdae. You know why?" she asked just before we slept off.

"I don't think I know why."

"Your personality is unique. Your hard work is what has brought you here. I love a hardworking man — one who isn't distracted by just any woman. One who can compose himself and put his family together even without a wife! These are the reasons I love you exceptionally."

I was amazed to hear these words from a woman at that. I placed a kiss on her forehead as we dozed off.

Sungmin's POV

It was Yula and I in a mind-link with each other.

"I still find it hard to believe that Jiah could be fooled like this."

"I am just as surprised as you are…" she said, and paused for a second. "Wait, Sungmin, she said you left her in the middle of her fears?"

"Yes," I cut in abruptly, in the bid to defend my actions. "Frankly speaking, I longed to be in control of my time, my world, and everything that happens around me. I just wanted to be alone and clear my head of all the mess we had created for ourselves."

"And that was what led to this!" she said plainly.

"Yula, I do not see the reason why we are having this discussion. After tonight, we will have just one more night until the full moon, so what we should be discussing now is how to patch all the loopholes!"