Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Jamie returned home after a long day of working at Bela's boutique. Their collaboration had been intense but productive, and Jamie appreciated her dedication as much as his own. They had spoken little, focusing instead on their tasks—a shared trait that made their partnership seamless.

It was late, and Jamie was in no mood for a family dinner. Instead, he opted to head to the guest room, as his own room was still under renovation. He was looking forward to a warm bath and slipping into his favorite bunny pajamas—an odd but endearing gift from his mother. Butler Daesong was tirelessly updating him on the progress. His room was nearly finished, but his study and game room were still a work in progress. The anticipation of a new, fully functional space excited him.

Jamie moved through the quiet house, yawning as he walked. He thanked his bodyguard for his diligence, appreciating the calm night. As he approached the guest room, he noticed his father at the end of the corridor, engaged in conversation with a man who seemed to cast a palpable shadow.

The man stood tall, his presence both commanding and enigmatic. His doe eyes and smooth, sharp features were juxtaposed with an intimidating aura that made Jamie's heart race. He wore a simple black tee, revealing a tattoo on his left arm, and dark jeans with brown combat boots. Beside him stood a girl and another man who seemed to be his assistants.

Jamie's pulse quickened. He felt a chill, a remnant of the fear he had experienced in his previous life. The intense gaze from the man had him gripping his bag tightly, trying to suppress the instinctual urge to flee. The sense of danger was almost tangible.

Desperately trying to compose himself, Jamie kept his head low as he walked past, avoiding eye contact. The fear was visceral, making him feel as though he was being hunted. He couldn't help but wish for the comfort of his room, hoping to escape the unsettling energy that seemed to cling to him.

Inside the guest room, he collapsed onto the bed, his body still tingling with anxiety. The eerie presence of the man had left a mark on him, and he was determined to avoid further encounters.

After a relaxing bath, Jamie changed into his pajamas and began to unwind. His comfort was interrupted by a knock on the door. When he opened it, he was met by Yejin, who stood with her arms crossed, a smirk tugging at her lips as she took in his bunny-themed attire.

"Dad wants to talk to you," she announced, her tone both casual and commanding.

Jamie hesitated, glancing down at his mismatched pajamas. "I'll just change, noona," he started to say, but Yejin stopped him with a roll of her eyes.

"Don't bother. Dad is waiting," she said, clearly uninterested in his wardrobe choices as she turned on her heel and headed back down the hall.

Reluctantly, Jamie followed her. Each step felt heavier, the nerves from earlier returning as he approached his father's study. The hallway seemed to stretch endlessly, and he could only hope that the meeting would be brief and straightforward.

When they reached the study, Jamie took a deep breath before entering. The room was a blend of opulence and authority, filled with rich wood and luxurious furnishings. His father sat behind a massive desk, his face set in its usual stern expression.

"Jamie," his father said, looking up from a stack of documents. "Please, come in."

Jamie walked to the desk, trying to appear composed. "Is everything alright, Father?"

His father's gaze was thoughtful as he replied. "I wanted to discuss an important matter with you. We are considering a new business venture and need your input on the preliminary reports."

Jamie's mind raced. Business was not his forte, but he knew the importance of showing engagement. He nodded earnestly. "I'll review the reports and provide feedback."

His father's eyes softened slightly. "I know this transition has been challenging. If you need any help or have concerns, don't hesitate to ask."

Jamie was relieved by the supportive tone. "Thank you, Father. I'll keep that in mind."

His father gave a curt nod, signaling the end of the discussion. "You're dismissed. We'll talk more once you've had a chance to review the materials."

Jamie stood and made his way back out, glancing at Yejin as he left. Her expression was one of mild amusement. "Thanks for the heads-up," Jamie said, attempting to sound casual. "I guess I should get started on those reports."

Yejin shrugged, her smirk widening. "Just doing my job. And Jamie? Don't stress too much. Father can be intimidating, but he means well."

Jamie nodded, appreciating the reassurance. "I'll keep that in mind."

As he returned to his guest room, Jamie's thoughts were consumed by the day's events. The unsettling encounter with the man and the looming sense of danger still haunted him. He knew he needed to stay focused, both on the tasks at hand and the potential threats that lurked in the shadows.

For now, he would tackle the reports and seek solace in the comfort of his pajamas. The strange and ominous atmosphere of the day would have to wait for another time to be fully understood.

End of chapter 14