Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Jamie stared at the ceiling, unable to find solace in sleep. His mind was a whirlwind of confusion and despair, haunted by the recent events. The night seemed endless, a stark reminder of how far he had fallen.

Surprisingly, his father hadn't reached out, leaving Jamie to navigate his own turmoil. Seeking distraction, he decided to visit the university and stop by his favorite coffee shop.

"Hot chocolate, please," Jamie muttered, his voice heavy with fatigue.

The cashier, eyes fixed on the door, spoke up unexpectedly. "You know, I was waiting for him every day."

Jamie raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

"I know, it sounds a bit creepy, but I just like seeing him," the cashier admitted, her gaze still lingering on the entrance.

"Miss…"

"Park Lara. But you can just call me Lara," she said with a bright smile. Jamie rolled his eyes, bemused.

"I can see the weight on your shoulders from here," Lara said with an empathetic tone.

Jamie's lips tightened into a thin line. He was growing more irritated by her intrusive demeanor.

"I need my order, Lara-ssi," he repeated, trying to keep his composure.

"Don't be so cold! You're a regular, right? Hot chocolate and butterscotch, correct?" Lara giggled at Jamie's bewildered expression.

"Yes, whatever. You're incredibly nosy!" Jamie said, though Lara simply laughed, unaffected by his annoyance.

"I know, I know. But you seem sad, and I can't help but empathize," Lara pouted, still hovering despite Jamie's clear disinterest.

"I don't have all day," Jamie insisted, his patience wearing thin.

"Oh my god! He's here!" Lara exclaimed, her attention suddenly diverted to a tall man entering the shop. "Okay, your order is on the house because you look so down, and I'm not feeling depressed anymore. Now, go!" Her words came out in a rush, leaving Jamie momentarily stunned by her peculiar charm. He grimaced before retreating to his seat.

After finishing his food, Jamie intended to thank Lara, but she was nowhere to be found at the counter. He shrugged and left the shop, his mind still troubled.

Back at the university, Jamie immersed himself in painting, a subject where he had once struggled but now excelled. His brush moved with practiced grace, blending colors seamlessly. His professor watched in surprise as Jamie, once a failing student, now displayed prodigious skill.

Classmates observed in awe but dared not interrupt him. Jamie reveled in the nostalgia of his past confidence, the joy of creation, and the satisfaction of seeing his work come to life. He missed his many sketches and paintings, particularly those of dandelions swaying in foreign fields.

Once the painting was complete, Jamie handed it to his professor wordlessly and left the room, ignoring the murmurs of his peers. Bella was occupied with her shop, so Jamie retreated to his apartment, unable to face the mansion after the previous night's confrontation.

The small space of his apartment felt like a haven. He collapsed onto his plush sofa, spreading out like a starfish, and took deep, measured breaths. He reflected on the past two months, grappling with the reality of his new life.

Jamie didn't want to be Kim. He longed for a simple life, to start from scratch and build himself up once more. He was brave, but fear still gripped him. The Mafia lifestyle was a far cry from his previous existence, and he detested violence and bloodshed. The mere thought of a knife sent shivers down his spine, a lingering trauma from his past. His body felt ill-suited for the demands of combat, leaving him feeling vulnerable and inadequate.

He mocked himself for being so unprepared, frustrated and angry. With a sigh, he grabbed his laptop and focused on time management.

Today marked the beginning of his official training. He wasn't aiming to match Lee Gongyun's greatness but hoped to achieve a reasonable level of fitness. With a university break in progress, Jamie was grateful to avoid the mansion, where his mother's harsh words still echoed in his mind.

His father was in Russia with his mother, and Jamie hadn't seen his siblings yet. He counted it as a blessing. Bella's praise for his work had boosted his ego, and he appreciated the positive feedback.

Jamie checked his timer and began his workout. He had joined a nearby gym and purchased a modest car for practical use. Without access to his money, he made do with what he had.

He also worked on a new program, set to launch next month. He had started independently, retaining all rights to the project. Bella's continued praise fed his ego and brought him genuine happiness.

As Jamie continued his routine, he recalled his old techniques. His progress was evident, though he was still far from his previous physical state.

The ease with which a stalker had ended his previous life left Jamie questioning his own competence. It was infuriating, a blow to his pride. He focused on managing his time effectively, attending university, and occasionally visiting the mansion. His father's business was a mystery to him, but he knew it was dangerous.

"Damn! Another cargo is missing!" Jamie heard Joon shout into the phone, his voice filled with frustration.

"Kun will kill me, you idiot. I told you to report any issues! I gave you clear instructions—are you that incompetent?!" Joon's rage was palpable, his face flushed with anger.

Jamie, who had only come to retrieve a book, watched with concern. Joon's outburst made Jamie shiver, prompting him to retreat to his room to avoid the scene.

A knock on his door interrupted his dark thoughts, providing a welcome distraction.

"Young master, Master Kim is looking for you," the butler announced, catching Jamie off guard.

His father wanted to see him? Why?

Jamie followed the butler at a measured pace, confusion clouding his thoughts. He entered his father's office to find Kun and Joon already present, their expressions serious. Jamie's anxiety spiked as he faced his father, whom he hadn't seen since his parents' departure to Russia.

"You're here," Kim Gohyuk said coldly, his gaze sharp as he regarded Jamie.

"I heard you're graduating with flying colors," Gohyuk continued, his tone unreadable.

"Yes, Father," Jamie responded with a controlled tone, unsure of his father's intent.

"Good."

Jamie nodded, sensing the conversation was far from over. He needed to understand why he was summoned.

"There will be a meeting in Japan next week. Jamie, I want you to accompany Kun. Kun knows what needs to be done. Joon will manage things here," Gohyuk's command was firm, making Jamie's eyes widen in surprise.

"Father… I-I don't think—" Jamie began to protest but was silenced by the weight of his father's gaze.

"Yes, Father."

End of Chapter 18