Love in a Forbidden World

Under the Streetlight — Night

Cathan panted heavily, hands on his knees.

> "What… was that place…?"

His breath shook as he looked up—and froze.

There she was.

Scarlett. Crimson silk robe flowing, eyes like flames, an aura that silenced the wind.

> "Am… am I hallucinating…?" he whispered.

She raised her hand.

In a flash, a silver ghost knife shimmered into existence.

SLASH.

The blade pierced his shoulder in the blink of an eye.

Cathan fell to his knees, crying out in pain.

> "HOW DARE YOU BETRAY ME!" Scarlett's voice thundered.

> "I… I'll never work there…"

Scarlett scoffed, eyes narrowing.

> "You don't need to now. Because you'll become a customer soon."

She raised her hand again, this time glowing with blue light.

But—

> "Stop!" Cathan shouted, voice breaking. "Please don't kill me… If I die… my younger brother… he'll be all alone in this cruel world…"

Scarlett paused. Slowly, she leaned forward, her face close to his.

> "After learning the secret of my world… you don't get to step back. If you do, you'll vanish—without a trace."

A beat of silence.

Cathan's hand clutched his bleeding shoulder.

> "I… I'll work. I accept it…"

Scarlett straightened up, smirking.

> "That was easy. Report to the hotel by 8 p.m. tomorrow."

She turned to leave—but stopped.

> "I understand now… why my secretary chose a weakling like you."

She smiled, satisfied—and vanished into thin air.

The knife disappeared. So did the wound.

Cathan sat there alone, trembling.

> "She's not human… Is she a ghost too…?"

Cathan's House – Late Night

Mike was sitting at the table, books spread out.

The door creaked open. He lit up.

> "Brother! You're so late! Did you have a lot of work today?"

Cathan smiled weakly, shutting the door.

> "Yeah… I let you wait, didn't I? I'll make you something good—"

> "No need! I ate at grocery aunt's place."

> "That's good." He ruffled Mike's hair. "Come sit."

Mike looked at him.

> "You look tired. What's wrong?"

Cathan exhaled slowly.

> "Mike, from tomorrow… I'll start a new job. I'll be leaving in the evenings and coming back in the morning. So you'll have to lock up and sleep alone at night, okay?"

> "You won't work during the day anymore?"

> "No. I've quit all that. I will now work in a hotel."

> "A new job at a hotel? I hope it's legal…" Mike frowned suspiciously.

Cathan chuckled. "It's… complicated. But yes, don't worry. And hey—study hard. Because… you're going to college."

Mike's eyes widened.

> "I can go?! Really?! But it's expensive…"

> "I've sorted it out," Cathan said, voice firm.

Mike ran and hugged him tightly.

> "You're amazing, brother!"

Cathan smiled, holding back tears. "You're my little brother, Mike. I'll do anything for you."

Next Morning – Cathan's Room

Cathan jolted awake, drenched in sweat.

> "That dream again… Who is that girl? Why can't I see her face…?"

He shook it off, got ready, and headed into the kitchen.

A warm breakfast and a handwritten note awaited him:

> "Brother, I have an early class. You rest well today and go to work safely. – Your little Mike"

Cathan chuckled, wiping a tear from his cheek.

> "He's growing up already…"

He sat and ate the slightly burned egg with a smile.

Afternoon – Outside Grocery Store

Cathan, now dressed in his father's old but neatly pressed suit, walked with confidence.

> "Dad, do I look cool?" he whispered to the sky.

The grocery aunt saw him and lit up.

> "Cathan, you look so handsome today! Going to a party?"

> "No, just starting work at a hotel."

> "That's wonderful! Take this apple, eat it on your way."

> "Thank you, please give the keys to Mike later, okay?"

> "Yes, yes. Go work hard!"

She waved, and he waved back, heart full.

Hotel Alma – Night 7:55 p.m.

The gates loomed once again.

Cathan entered slowly, the garden glowing under moonlight.

The same staff greeted him with a warm smile.

> "Welcome to your new job, Mr. Cathan."

> "You're the same guy from yesterday…"

> "Yes. Please, allow me to escort you to the elevator."

Cathan nodded and stepped into the elevator.

But—

> The mirror reflected only him.

> The staff had no reflection.

His stomach flipped.

> "He's a ghost too…"

The elevator arrived at Scarlett's chamber.

Cathan took a deep breath and knocked.

> "Come in," her voice called out.

Scarlett's Chamber

She sat like a queen on her throne—flowy black dress, wine glass, and that ever-striking red lipstick.

Cathan bowed.

> "Good evening, Miss."

She smirked.

> "You look rather fit… for someone I stabbed yesterday."

> "The wound disappeared after you left."

> "Of course. That knife only works on spirits. It was just… to mess with your mind." She winked.

> "Well… it worked."

She laughed lightly.

> "Since it's your first day, I'm giving you an important job."

> "Yes, Miss. I'll do my best."

Scarlett stood and paced slowly.

> "Every spirit who rests here is granted one final wish before they depart to the afterlife."

> "Understood. What's the task?"

She turned to him, her eyes serious.

> "You'll go to a spirit's former home. He was murdered by his wife and her lover. He hid a large sum of money in the house before dying. His final wish is to give it to his mother."

Cathan's eyes widened.

> "Wait—what?! They killed him?!"

> "Yes." Scarlett sipped her wine. "And they're still living in that house."

Cathan took a shaky breath.

> "You expect me to walk in there and search for hidden money… while the murderers are still inside?!"

Scarlett raised a brow.

> "Why?

Are you scared?"

Cathan clenched his fists… then slowly nodded.

> "Terrified, actually. But… if it helps someone's mother live better… I'll do it."

Scarlett's lips curled into a smile.

> "Interesting…"

To Be Continued…