(viewer discription is advised
the following content in this chapter contains strong language and it may upset some readers)
In the bustling city of Seoul, Chalee and Snow had made a monumental decision—to register their wedding. The air was thick with excitement and anticipation as they prepared for this significant moment in their lives. Just as they were about to step out the door, Snow's phone rang with a sharp, insistent 'trrr...trrr.'
Chalee watched as Snow answered. Her face turned pale as she listened to the voice on the other end. "Who is it?" Chalee asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and concern. Snow handed him the phone without a word, her eyes wide with an unspoken fear.
The voice on the other end was unfamiliar. "I know your girlfriend's secret," it hissed. "If you don't show up at the location I'll send within ten minutes, I'll plaster her secret all over the internet."
Chalee's mind raced. A secret? Snow? What could it be? He glanced at her, standing beside him, her face a picture of anxious beauty. "What do I do?" he thought desperately. "What if it's true? What if he's lying? Can I risk it?"
Snow, sensing something was very wrong, grabbed his hand. "I'll come with you," she insisted, her voice trembling yet resolute. "Please, let me come."
Chalee hesitated, but in the face of her determined, rabbit-like pout, how could he refuse? "Alright," he said softly, "Let's go."
The stranger's location led them to a dilapidated warehouse. Snow felt a chill run down her spine. "Something's not right," she whispered. Suddenly, a deafening boom erupted behind them. "What was that?" they exclaimed simultaneously, turning around in alarm.
The lights went out, plunging them into an eerie silence. Snow's senses were on high alert. She heard footsteps, stealthy and sure, approaching them from behind. Before she could react, a hand clamped over her mouth, dragging her into the darkness.
Chalee was left standing alone, his heart pounding. "Snow!" he shouted, but the silence swallowed his cries. Without warning, a sharp pain exploded in his head. The world darkened as he collapsed, unconscious.
He awoke to Snow's voice, frantic and close. "Senior, wake up! Please, wake up!" Blinking against the harsh light, he saw her bound before him, her eyes filled with fear and determination. Two men stood nearby, their conversation chilling. "We'll kill them for the money," one said.
Chalee's mind raced. "I have one lakh dollars in my pocket," he shouted. "First come, first serve!"
The men rushed towards him, greed blinding them. Chalee seized the moment, kicking them away and using the chaos to free himself. He quickly untied Snow, their combined fury turning the tables on their captors. They bound the men with the same ropes that had held them, demanding answers.
"Why did you do this?" Chalee asked.
"It was just for the money," they stammered. "We never intended to hurt you or your girlfriend."
"How do you know she's my girlfriend?" Chalee queried, puzzled.
"Isn't she?" they replied, equally confused.
Snow, catching Chalee's eye, blushed deeply. "I love you," she blurted out, her voice both a plea and a confession. "When I said I wanted to marry you, I meant it. I love you for who you are, not for any other reason. Will you… will you be my boyfriend?"
Chalee's heart swelled. He gently tapped her head with his fingers, smiling tenderly. "Silly, let me finish. You're not my girlfriend," he began, his smile growing wider, "because you're going to be my wife. Soon."
Snow's eyes sparkled with joy and relief. She flung her arms around him, and he held her close, the world and its dangers fading away. They had each other, and that was enough.
(Author's note: The captors, still tied up, could only watch in exasperation as the couple shared a tender moment, their own predicament momentarily forgotten.)
Chalee and Snow looked like two adorable puppies, their love palpable and pure. With renewed determination, they left the warehouse and headed to the registry office to officially seal their commitment.
As they stood inside, Chalee looked at Snow and smiled. "This is just the beginning," he said softly.
And with that, their next chapter began, filled with love, challenges, and endless possibilities.
Stay tuned for the next chapter, dear readers. Keep fighting for love, and thank you for reading "Dear Heart."