로그인The sound of the car engine slowly came to a stop in the mansion’s courtyard just as the main wall clock showed twelve thirty past midnight. The Manhattan air that night felt colder than usual. Richard stepped out of the car while loosening the top buttons of his shirt that had begun to feel tight around his neck.The bodyguard immediately opened the mansion’s main door for him.“Good evening, Mr. Richard,” Claire greeted softly.Richard gave a short nod. “Has Young Master come home yet?”“Yes, Sir.”Richard handed over his black coat before casually walking through the dark and silent living room of the mansion. Only the small lamps in the corners of the room remained dimly lit.His steps slowed slightly when his eyes landed on the large staircase leading upstairs.Aurora must already be asleep.For some reason, that thought made Richard stand still for a few seconds longer.The image of the girl had been lingering in his mind ever since earlier. Her innocent face. The way her gaze a
The lights of Manhattan shimmered faintly beyond the glass windows of the exclusive restaurant. Soft jazz music filled the room while several well-dressed men sat around a long table, each holding a glass of wine.Richard sat casually at the far end of the table while loosening his black tie slightly. His expression remained calm as usual, even though his mind was not truly focused on the business conversation around him.“So...” one of the men beside him finally spoke with a quiet laugh, “are you really serious about that young girl?”Richard glanced at him briefly. “Which girl?”“Hey.” The man chuckled softly. “Half of Manhattan is talking about your much younger fiancée.”Richard slowly picked up his wine glass before replying casually, “News spreads fast.”“But I’m curious.” His friend leaned back in his chair while watching Richard carefully. “Why did you choose her?”Richard fell silent for a few seconds.The question was actually simple.Yet somehow, he did not immediately have
The digital clock in the mansion’s living room showed ten at night when the front door slowly opened. Cold air immediately entered along with Ethan’s slightly unsteady footsteps. The expensive suit that had looked neat on his body since morning now appeared wrinkled, while the black tie around his neck hung loose and messy. The faint scent of alcohol instantly spread the moment the man stepped into the house.Claire, who was arranging flowers on the table, quickly turned around. “Young Master Ethan?”Ethan rubbed his face roughly before answering quietly, “Is Daddy home?”Claire shook her head carefully. “No, Young Master. Master Richard left about two hours ago.”“Where did he go?”“I don’t know.”Ethan laughed softly while loosening his tie even more.Claire observed Ethan’s face for a few seconds. “Are you alright, Young Master Ethan?”“Do I look like I’m alright?”Claire immediately fell silent.Ethan walked past her without waiting for another answer. His steps quickly climbed th
The hotel ballroom was filled with golden light from the massive chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. Classical music flowed softly between the conversations of the guests crowding the room. Women in sparkling gowns and men in expensive suits walked around laughing elegantly as if their world had always been perfect.Aurora felt out of place among all of it.Her hand was still in Richard’s grasp since they got out of the car earlier. The man walked calmly beside her as though he was already used to being the center of attention.And that was indeed the reality.The moment Richard entered the ballroom, several people immediately approached him with wide smiles.“Richard! Long time no see.”“You look healthy as always.”“You look much younger now.”Richard only gave a faint smile while shaking their hands one by one. Aurora stood beside him with her body slightly tense. People’s gazes had now started falling on her.“And who is this beautiful woman?” a middle-aged man asked while
Aurora still felt awkward as Richard held her hand while leading her down the mansion stairs. The man’s fingers were warm and calm, a complete contrast to Aurora’s heart, which had been beating uncomfortably inside her chest the entire time. The white dress she wore felt far too expensive for her own body.The moment they reached the last step, Aurora immediately saw Ethan standing near the foyer table while adjusting his watch.The man was already dressed in a formal black suit with a dark gray shirt that made him look even more mature. His hair was still slightly messy as if he had been in a hurry, but that was exactly what Aurora used to love about Ethan. There had always been something too alive about him even when his face often looked cold.And now Ethan’s eyes immediately stopped on Aurora.His body seemed to tense for a split second.Aurora could clearly see the small movement of his jaw tightening, while Ethan’s fingers slowly stopped adjusting his cufflinks. His gaze moved s
“So the man you were talking about back then...” Ethan’s voice sounded low and full of anger, “was my Daddy?”Aurora froze.Her wrist was still trapped in Ethan’s grip, which felt tighter with every passing second. The pain began spreading up to her elbow, but Aurora did not try to pull away. She only stared at Ethan silently while trying to steady her uneven breathing.The look in his eyes was truly different now. There was no longer the warmth that used to make Aurora feel safe. All that remained was anger and hatred.“Answer me!” Ethan suddenly shouted, making Aurora’s shoulders tense reflexively.Aurora closed her eyes for a moment. Her chest felt so tight that it was hard to breathe normally. She knew sooner or later this moment would come. Ethan would never stay silent after seeing her arrive at this mansion with Richard.Slowly, Aurora lifted her head again. Her eyes met Ethan’s. She forced a small smile onto her lips. A smile that somehow felt even more painful.“Don’t you alr







