Love in a Forbidden World

8:00 PM – Hotel Alma Lobby

The grand doors of Hotel Alma creaked open as the clock struck the final chime of eight. Staff members, standing in perfect formation, bowed deeply in unison.

> "Welcome, customer!"

A calm warmth filled the air as the guest stepped forward—an elderly gentleman in a clean, pressed suit. His face was aged but serene, his smile soft and full of peace.

Cathan's eyes widened.

> "It's him… Miss Scarlett's ex-secretary."

Scarlett's usual cold gaze melted ever so slightly as she took a few steps forward, her voice quiet but affectionate.

> "You finally came."

The ex-secretary bowed deeply, his hands neatly folded.

> "Yes, Miss. I'm here. You… you look exactly the same as you did the day we met—on my first day of work. That was fifty years ago."

Scarlett smiled, a flicker of nostalgia in her crimson eyes.

> "I appreciate your wonderful work and everything you've contributed to this world as a human."

The old man chuckled softly.

> "It was the greatest honor of my life to serve you. If I were granted another lifetime, I'd do it all over again—without hesitation."

Scarlett nodded slowly.

> "Your next life is waiting for you. It will be a good one."

She turned to Cathan, her tone formal once more.

> "Cathan. Take Mr. Secretary to the VVIP resting chamber. His afterlife journey begins tomorrow. Ensure he rests comfortably tonight. Understood?"

> "Yes, Miss."

Cathan bowed low and gestured respectfully. "Please follow me."

VVIP Resting Room – Later

A peaceful room filled with warm light and old wood. The walls were lined with books and softly glowing paper lanterns.

Cathan opened the door gently.

> "Here is your resting room, Mr. Secretary."

> "Thank you, Mr. Cathan."

Cathan bowed deeply.

> "No, thank you. Because of you… I got this chance. My life has changed. You believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself."

The old man smiled kindly.

> "It wasn't me who chose you. It was the heavens. You were born for this work. You carry an honest heart and a rare spirit of goodness."

Cathan blinked, his chest tightening at the unexpected compliment.

> "Thank you… I'll remember your words."

He turned to leave but paused at the door.

> "Anything else you need?"

> "One thing."

The man's voice was suddenly heavy. "Now that I'm gone… Miss Scarlett will be very lonely."

Cathan looked back, surprised.

> "She's strong—"

> "Yes," the old man cut in gently. "But even strong ones break when left alone. Please take care of her… After two years, when her mission is complete… she'll vanish from this world forever. She is living here for generations now."

> "Vanish…?"

Cathan's breath caught.

> "You mean… Miss Scarlett… has been living here for generations?"

The old secretary nodded.

> "She's not like us. Not anymore. When the mission ends, so will her existence."

Cathan stood there, frozen.

> "You've now taken my place. You were chosen. So do your job well. You'll understand everything… when the heavens decide it's time."

Scarlett's Chamber – Later That Night

The wine was untouched on her throne-side table.

Scarlett sat, legs crossed, a half-broken posture of elegance and weariness.

Knock knock.

> "Come in," she said flatly.

Cathan entered quietly.

> "Miss?"

> "What?"

> "I know you're sad. You don't have to hide it from me."

Scarlett scoffed, rolling her eyes.

> "You're just a mere human. Don't act like you understand."

> "Miss… you can cry. It's okay."

She stood suddenly, her voice sharp and dangerous.

> "Don't cross your limit! Do you want to die?!"

Without a word, Cathan stepped forward and pulled her into a warm, firm embrace. She dropped her wine glass in shock. It shattered loudly, crimson wine staining the white marble floor like blood.

> "Let go! You—!"

> "Cry, Miss. Just cry…"

Scarlett resisted—but only for a moment. Then, like a storm breaking open, her shoulders trembled. Tears spilled quietly down her porcelain face.

Cathan held her tighter.

> "I'm sorry… I didn't know you were carrying all that alone. But you're not alone anymore. I'm with you. Always."

The moment hung—silent, sacred.

Then—

> THUD!

Cathan was suddenly thrown across the chamber by an invisible force, crashing onto the cold floor with a groan.

Lightning split the sky outside. Thunder rolled across the hotel rooftop.

Scarlett's eyes blazed.

> "You! How dare you touch me! I'm not like you!"

Cathan winced, rubbing his elbow.

> "I just wanted to help you feel better…"

> "Better, my foot! Get lost!!"

Cathan stood slowly… and stepped forward again.

He lifted her in his arms without a warning.

> "Put me down!"

> "Glass," he said simply.

> "What?"

> "The floor. There's broken glass everywhere. You'll get hurt."

Scarlett paused. Her gaze dropped to the shattered shards. Her lips parted, and for a moment… she was speechless.

Embarrassed, she looked away.

> "Fine… Just put me down already."

Cathan carried her gently across the room and laid her on her luxurious bed.

> "I'll clean the mess. Stay here."

He left.

Moments Later – Scarlett's Bedroom

Cathan entered to check on her. She had fallen asleep, one arm curled under her cheek.

He approached slowly, his heart beating oddly fast.

> "Miss…?"

He leaned in closer to look at her face—serene, calm, impossibly beautiful.

Just then—

Her eyes snapped open.

> "AHH!!"

Cathan screamed and fell backward onto the floor, arms flailing.

> "You scared me!"

Scarlett smirked.

> "Who told you to lean so close to my face?"

> "I—I was just checking if you were okay!"

Cathan turned to leave, flustered.

> "Wait," Scarlett said, her voice suddenly softer.

He turned.

> "You really love your brother, don't you?"

Cathan nodded immediately.

> "He's my everything."

Scarlett's crimson gaze lingered on him.

> "Since you helped me today… I'll share something interesting."

> "Something interesting?"

> "You know I can eliminate spirits, teleport things and people. But I have one more power you haven't seen yet."

> "What is it?"

Scarlett's eyes sparkled darkly.

> "I can see people's lifelines."

Cathan's eyes widened.

> "Then… can you see mine?"

She shook her head.

> "Strangely, no. I never could. But I saw your brother's."

Cathan smiled proudly.

> "I bet he'll live till he's old. Still handsome at seventy."

Scarlett's face turned serious.

> "He doesn't have much time."

Silence.

Cathan's expression froze.

> "...Liar."

His voice cracked. He looked at her, searching her face for a joke—but there was none.

He stepped back.

> "You're lying…"

> "I'm not."

> "No. No… he's fine! He's healthy! You must be wrong!!"

Scarlett didn't move.

Cathan turned away, fists clenched, eyes burning.

> This can't be true…

To Be Continued…