Love in a Forbidden World

Morning – Cathan's Home

Warm light filtered through the kitchen window as Cathan, wearing a floral apron, stood by the stove with a serious expression.

> "Flip it now," he instructed. "Gently—don't break the yolk."

Mike, standing beside him with sleeves rolled up and hair tousled, furrowed his brows.

> SIZZLE

> "Brother!! I burned it… again!"

Cathan burst into laughter.

> "You really have a talent for burning eggs every single time."

Mike pouted, puffing his cheeks.

> "It's the weekend! Let's go out!"

Cathan ruffled his hair.

> "Alright. Once we're done here, I'll treat you to a delicious lunch."

> "Really?! Brother… You're awesome!"

Mike grinned brightly.

> "But I'll have to leave for work after that," Cathan added, flipping an egg with expert precision.

Mike sat on the table, kicking his legs.

> "Alright. So, how's work? Is the hotel five-star? Do celebrities go there?"

Cathan chuckled.

> "What celebrity? That hotel is only for—"

Suddenly, a rush of cold wind surged through the room.

In a blink—Cathan vanished.

Scarlett's Chamber

Cathan reappeared mid-sentence, still in his apron, spatula in hand.

> "—spirits... Huh?!"

Scarlett stood at her window, wine glass untouched.

> "You! Who gave you permission to talk about my world to a human?"

Cathan blinked, flustered.

> "Miss! You can't just teleport me without warning! I was with my brother! Wait… are you spying on me?!"

Scarlett's glare darkened, her voice sharp.

> "You stupid human. If you ever utter another word about my world to anyone, I'll kill that person myself."

> "No! Please… it's my fault! I won't make that mistake again, I promise!"

With a snap of her fingers, the chamber disappeared—

Back at Home

Cathan reappeared at the stove as if nothing happened.

> "—spirits."

Mike blinked.

> "Huh?"

Cathan glanced around. Everything was still in place. The egg sizzled. Mike didn't seem to notice he had vanished.

> (She paused time...) he thought.

> "Brother?"

> "Oh, right! Last night I saw celebrities at work!"

Mike's eyes sparkled.

> "Wow!! If you see them again, bring me their autograph!"

> "Ah… I can't. Hotel rules."

> "Okay!"

Cathan smiled, crouching in front of his little brother.

> "I'll work really hard, Mike, I'll make enough so you can go to your dream college."

> "I'll study hard too! We'll both succeed, brother!"

> "Good. Now, go get dressed. We're going out for lunch!"

Mike dashed off gleefully, apron trailing behind.

1:00 PM – Fancy Restaurant

Cathan and Mike sat at a window-side table. Plates of sizzling steak and fine side dishes filled the table.

> "Did you like the steak?" Cathan asked.

Mike's cheeks were puffed like a squirrel's.

> "Brother… I didn't know steak was this good! Now I know why rich kids like this so much."

Cathan chuckled.

> "If you like it that much, I'll buy it for you again."

As Mike chewed happily, Cathan glanced to his right—and paused.

There, sitting alone at a nearby table, was a woman in a flowing, dark-blue gown. Her long hair cascaded down her back, her nails painted a matching sapphire. She sipped wine elegantly.

> She looks… familiar.

Just then, she stood and turned. Their eyes met.

> "Miss…?"

Mike looked up.

> "Who?"

Following his brother's gaze, he gasped softly.

> "Wow… she's beautiful."

Scarlett walked toward them like royalty gracing a humble realm.

Cathan stood and bowed quickly. Mike followed.

> "Miss? What are you doing here?"

Scarlett smirked.

> "What do you mean? I'm here to enjoy wine. This restaurant has the best in the city, don't you think?"

> "I wouldn't know. I don't drink."

> "Tsk. This is why you're boring."

Cathan smiled awkwardly.

> "By the way, this is my younger brother, Mike."

Mike bowed politely.

> "Hello, Miss. You're… really beautiful."

Scarlett stared at Mike as if reading his face, raised a brow at the compliment, then smiled softly.

> "Such a well-mannered boy. Cathan, look at your brother—so attentive. Much better than you."

Cathan scratched his head, embarrassed.

> "Miss… are you leaving already?"

Scarlett's eyes dimmed a little.

> "Yes. Today I'm… a little sadder than usual."

> "Why?" Cathan asked.

She tilted her head, voice light.

> "You'll find out when you come to work."

Turning to Mike, she added with a smirk:

> "And you, kid. Study hard… and don't hang around tall buildings."

Mike blinked, confused.

> "Huh?"

Scarlett scoffed and walked off gracefully.

> "She's like a celebrity!" Mike whispered.

Cathan ruffled his hair.

> "Don't be fooled. She's terrifying when she's angry."

Mike laughed.

> "But are you blushing?"

> "No, I'm not!"

Cathan laughed along, eyes soft with affection.

6:00 PM – City Park Bench

The two brothers sat watching the golden sky melt into twilight.

> "Brother… today was the best day of my life," Mike said.

> "I'm glad you had fun," Cathan replied. "I'll work even harder so you'll never need to worry about money again."

> "And I'll study hard and become rich too! We'll live in a huge house together!"

Cathan smiled and hugged him briefly.

> "That's right. Do what makes you happy."

He glanced at his watch.

> "It's time. Mike, can you go home by taxi?"

> "Yes! Don't worry. I'll text you when I reach."

> "Good. Go carefully."

They waved goodbye, parting ways under the setting sun.

7:55 PM – Hotel Alma

The hotel was quiet… too quiet. The chandeliers sparkled, but the warmth was gone.

The staff lined the lobby, faces neutral—but their eyes… looked solemn.

> "Welcome, Mr. Cathan," one said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Cathan frowned.

> "What happened? Why does everyone seem… sad?"

> "You'll know soon."

Just then, Scarlett descended the grand staircase.

But today—she wore a simple, old-fashioned black dress. Her usual glamour was gone. Her face was unreadable.

Cathan stared. Even in simplicity… she was striking.

> "Everyone," Scarlett called. "Get in position."

Staff quickly lined the hall, forming a path from the door to Scarlett. Cathan took his place beside her, confused.

The grand clock struck 8:00 PM.

DONG… DONG…

The massive front doors creaked open.

All the staff bowed in unison.

> "Welcome, customer."

Cathan turned toward the door—and his eyes widened.

> "That's…!"

A man entered quietly, wearing a clean black suit. His face was calm… tired… and familiar.

Cathan's breath caught.

> "It's… Scarlett's ex-secretary."

Scarlett's eyes locked onto the man. Her lips didn't move. But her eyes were sad. For the first time cathan saw Scarlett like this and it made him sad for some reason.

To Be Continued…