Chapter 2
11 a.m. in the morning.
Ethan was already outside the warehouse, and felt the warm heat from the sun, when he suddenly remembered the key he was holding
" thus this mean I have to open and lock the warehouse every work day?"
" I should have ask Mr Ross about this, "
Ethan could only take a deep breath and , let out a sigh, because
It finally came to him that the his new boss didn't even leave the warehouse; he just stood up gave him the key, and went to the back maybe to his real office, so he had no choice but to go back and formerly thank his employer.
" this was the most weirdest interview, I have ever experience,"
" and just like that! I was hired in a heart beat!"
He politely called out the old man, who just introduced himself as Mr Ross. This was the moment when he could formally thank Mr. Ross but the moment he came back in , he saw a cat sitting on the old leather chair. It was staring ay him and gave out a meowing sound , Ethan loves animals, and he has a lot of them way back home, as he approached the cat ,and gently pick it up and saw it has a collar with a name on it.
"Hmm, so your name is Momo,"
"Cute name, Can you show me where Mr. Ross went? Because I would like to thank him."
Momo was still looking at Ethan , then afterward the cat just moved and force it self from Ethan's hold and jumps down and casually walked toward stacks of boxes, that was staked on top of each other from left and right , the boxes all have the same size , Ethan assume it was roughly the size of a normal fruit crate,
The ceiling of the warehouse was exposed and had this industrial look to it; exposed ventilation could be seen running all over the place; it was well maintained because Ethan barely heard any cricking sounds; the box and piles of brown envelops were dust free and were arranged neatly for easy access and deployment.
This was the only time Ethan saw the extent of the warehouse he was going to part with; it was a typical warehouse, and the only thing he was now concerned about was the fact there were no other people working there .
While following the cat, Momo he finally saw the office where Mr. Ross might have gone. Ethen was navigating the stacks of boxes that were nearly reaching the ceiling, but lucky for him, they were securely fastened by industrial rope, so it wouldn't topple down above his head and crush him to death. A path going toward what he assumed to be the main office was decent, two people could walk side by side,
At first glance, many might assume the place was neglecting safety, but as they enter, they will notice all available safety precautions were implemented. Ethan never judged the book by its cover, so the moment Momo stood in front of the office door, Ethan knocked, and when he heard Mr. Ross's familiar accent and told him to enter , Ethan opened the door and saw Mr. Ross was making tea. He casually smiled at him and asked
"Oh! Ethan, what can I help you with?"
"Mr. Ross, I came back to thank you."
"Oh, how nice of you to say that. By the way, do you care to have some tea with us?"
"us, Sir?"
"Come in, lad, let me introduce to you our main client."
" huh? ok sir!"
"Let me introduce Mr. Leonhardt Maier Siegert, the Chairman and Founder of the Conglomerate Company of Siegert, Incorporated ."
"This is Ethan our newly hired employee."
" as soon as he entered the warehouse I had the gut feeling about him, and instantly hired him on the spot,"
Ethan was still confused and bewildered, as everything was happening so fast, he could only smile and study the current situation, and based on his instinct the men in front of him were well mannered people, Ethan was raised and educated by his own parents to stay true but vigilant toward those that might come out as different. assumptions can be tricky , but either way Ethan just smiled and steady his heart.
"Hello, Ethan , I am Leonhardt Maier Siegert."
Ethan suddenly panicked and could only say a say a awful sentence, and that was
"I love your tie, sir; it's very stylish, and looked expensive"
Mr. Siegert chuckled and replied, "Thank you, Ethan.
"I appreciate your attention to detail."
Ethan felt a wave of relief wash over him as the conversation continued smoothly.
"Please join us for tea. my old friend here Mr. Ross here makes excellent tea in the entire district, maybe even the whole country."
"That's an exaggeration, Mr. Siegert., but thank you for that,"
"Come in, Ethan, please join us. I hope you like hearing old stories from old men like us."
Ethan smiled and nodded, feeling grateful for the invitation. He was eager to learn from the wisdom of Mr. Siegert and Mr. Ross as they shared their stories over tea.
"It would be my pleasure, sir."
As they sat down for tea, Ethan realized that his initial nervousness had dissipated and he was beginning to feel more at ease in Mr. Siegert's presence. The rest of the afternoon passed pleasantly as they chatted about work and shared stories over cups of tea.
Mr. Siegert, complimented Ethan for being knowledgeable in many fields, especially when it came to art, When asked if he was interested in moving to a different branch of his company, Mr. Siegert explained that he also owns this logistic warehouse.
Ethan was taken aback by the unexpected job offer, but he graciously declined and expressed his gratitude. The opportunity to work for the main company was both exciting and nerve-wracking for Ethan, but he told Mr. Siegert that he had already been hired by Mr. Ross and was committed to his current position. Ethan thanked Mr. Siegert for the offer and hoped they could stay in touch for future opportunities.
" such manners, you found a diamond, Ross, you lucky bastard,"
Mr. Siegert thought to himself, impressed by Ethan's integrity. especially considering the competitive nature of the industry. He admired Ethan's loyalty and professionalism. He made a mental note to reach out to Ethan in the future for any potential job openings at his company.
The three continued to have their conversation and got to know each other better over tea, discussing their career goals and aspirations. Mr. Siegert was impressed by Ethan's ambition and drive, while Ethan found inspiration in Mr. Siegert's success story. They both left the casual tea time feeling motivated and excited for what the future may hold.
As they exited the warehouse office, Mr. Siegert gave Mr. Ross a firm handshake and told him,
"See you next week at the same time, oh, by the way. Ethan, can I indulge you to join us again?"
"This tea gathering is actually part of our small group tradition, including you as a new member. We have grown to six members now,"
"Do you agree, Mr. Ross, that Ethan here is a valuable addition to our team, and we would love for you to continue joining us?"
Mr. Ross smiled and nodded, feeling grateful for the warm welcome into the group.
"So, if final, I will inform the rest of the group that we have a fine gentleman joining us in the coming weeks," he replied, feeling a sense of belonging and camaraderie among his new friends.
"Don't worry, lad, we are not a cult or something; we don't indulge in rituals or any strange practices."
" just a group of like-minded individuals; we just prefer talking, sharing stories and learning from each other in a casual and friendly setting."
He reassured the newcomer with a smile.
"You'll fit right in, I'm sure,"
He added that he was eager to make the new member feel comfortable and accepted.
"You'll find that we value open-mindedness and respect for one another above all else,"
He continued, hoping to alleviate any concerns the newcomer may have had.
"Feel free to join us whenever you're ready; no pressure at all."
He concluded, offering a warm invitation to participate in their group activities.
"I look forward to having you join us,"
" I am a student of art and knowledge, sir."
"I believe you'll bring a unique perspective to our discussions,"
Mr. Siegert said he was genuinely interested in what the newcomer had to offer. "Don't hesitate to share your thoughts and ideas with us; we're all here to learn from each other," he encouraged, eager to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.
Ethan added with a smile.
"It would be my pleasure sir."
"I'm excited to see how your creativity and expertise will enhance our group dynamic,"
Mr. Siegert replied warmly, appreciating the newcomer's willingness to contribute. "Your presence will surely enrich our discussions and broaden our horizons," he concluded, looking forward to the positive impact the new member would have on the group.
The one thing that Ethan forgot to mention was that he chose to be a designer but had a background in engineering and was a certified book lover. He never mentioned it because he assumed it was normal for a person to like and read books, paint, and use their hands to create things artistically without feeling the need to boast about them.
But Ethan's humility, charm , and diverse skill set would soon become evident to the group as they got to know him better. What Mr. Siegert saw in him was what set him apart among others. As you leave the confinement of the warehouse, Ethan once again thanks Mr. Siegert and Mr Ross with a firm handshake and went on their separate ways,
Ethan was the first person to leave; he was happy and delighted that the day ended with such progress, and he couldn't wait to see what opportunities would come next. As he walked back to the room he was renting, Ethan reflected on the positive impression he had made and looked forward to future collaborations with Mr. Siegert and Mr. Ross.
"So what do you think he can manage the job well?"
"Yes, he can, The moment he entered the warehouse Momo didn't even Flinch; he is a natural leader, and his confidence is contagious."
"I agree, I think he will excel in this role and bring a lot of success to the team."
"Do you think he can sway her?"
"How many candidates lost everything when they each finally faced her?
"Sigh! Too many to even recall!
"But this one is different; I can feel it!"
"So, Momo, do you think he can actually do it??"
" Meow! He smells nice, actually."
" I will reduce your nine lives to six; just answer my question, Momo.?"
"Geezz, fine, fine, based on what a sense he is truly a remarkable man, "
"When he picks me up, a saw, he is a capable and smart lad, and his background, attitude, and mind set are also impressive. I think he has a good chance of swaying her."
"Well, let's hope he can pull it off then."
6:21pm in the evening
Simultaneously, in a different corner of the city, a world away from the grit and grime of the streets, the air crackled with privilege and anticipation. Eclipse, a bastion of opulence nestled amidst the upper city's towering skyscrapers, was about to welcome its usual throng of the wealthy and powerful.
A procession of youthful, well-to-do gentlemen and women, their faces alight with the promise of an extravagant evening, streamed through the velvet ropes. Each step they took was accompanied by the soft clinking of designer jewelry against tailored suits and shimmering gowns. The plush, dark interior of the club swallowed them whole, a symphony of expensive champagne flutes clinking against crystal glasses, the murmur of hushed conversations punctuated by bursts of laughter. Their presence, a testament to their lineage and fortune, filled the space with an aura of exclusivity, a silent declaration of their membership in a world where money was the only currency that mattered.
In one corner of this club , a reserve VIP section awaited one person , complete with plush velvet couches and a private bar stocked with top-shelf liquors. The air was thick with the scent of luxury and privilege, enveloping them in a cocoon of opulence that seemed to shield her from the outside world. As soon as she came in, all eyes were on her. She was
Katarine Horn Siegert, a striking young woman of twenty, possessed a captivating presence. Her short, raven-black hair, styled in a sharp, modern bob, framed a face that held the promise of both mischief and wisdom. Her emerald blue eyes, the color of a stormy sea, sparkled with intelligence and a hint of defiance and arrogance.
Standing at five feet six, she commanded attention with her graceful yet seductive build. Her movements were fluid, a testament to a life filled with luxury and purpose. Katarine's energy was strong and magnetic, drawing people towards her effortlessly. Despite her youthful appearance, there was a sense of maturity and confidence that radiated from her presence.
The young lady was a formidable presence, confident in her thoughts and unafraid to express them. Her presence filled any room, leaving an indelible mark on those lucky enough to meet her.
She exuded an air of sophistication and charm, captivating all who crossed her path. Many rich young men would spend thousands of dollars just to get her attention , but she only allows one particular suitor to approach her, showing that her heart was not easily won. Her magnetic personality drew people in, but it was her discerning nature that kept them at a distance.
She had never been one to settle for superficial flattery or material gestures, always seeking a deeper connection with those around her. Many dared to show their weath, but it was meaningless to her. She will break any man's arm if they dare disrespect her, and her attitude will drastically change for the worse if she feels disrespected or taken advantage of. Her strong sense of self-worth and independence made it clear that she would not tolerate anything less than genuine respect and admiration from those around her.
Those men who tried to win her over with arrogance and force soon found themselves quickly dismissed from her presence, as she valued authenticity and humility above all else. A dozens had the chance to go on a date with her, but shortly after, this individual vanished from sight, and soon after that, rumors about her date would spread, declaring that this man was leaving the nation. Whispers started to spread that she always seemed to bring problems with her. She was not someone to be trifled with, even with the secrecy surrounding her romantic pursuits.
This time another young man was pursuing her, a visiting Korean pop idol, known for his charm and charisma. Despite his fame, he was drawn to her mysterious aura and wanted to get to know her better. However, little did he know that getting involved with her would lead to unforeseen consequences and a whirlwind of suffering.
Baek Hyeon, a name echo with reverence and envy in the opulent circles of South Korea, was born into a life of unparalleled privilege. His family, a generation of shrewd business acumen, held sway over many industries in their home country, their family name was synonymous with wealth and influence.
Baek Hyeon, their only son, inherited not just their fortune but also their imposing presence.
Standing a towering six feet tall, he commanded attention with his striking appearance, his white hair a stark contrast against the dark, piercing gaze of his eyes. His every move was a testament to the effortless grace that came with his upbringing, a symphony of tailored suits and expensive cologne that spoke volumes of his lineage. He was a walking embodiment of the Korean ideal of success, a man destined for greatness, his future as bright and unblemished as the polished marble floors of his ancestral home.
Katarine took a deep sniff of him and smelled a peculiar smell that she liked; it wasn't that strong but it was sufficient enough to gain her attention. She tolds her guars to let the Korean man enter her private club area, intrigued by the air of confidence and power she exuded.
Baek Hyeon entered with a confident stride; his presence wanted attention from everyone in the club to see what he could actually do. As the music continued to pulse through the room, Katarine couldn't help but feel a sense of weariness and disappointment as the smell she liked began to fade, replaced by a hint of something unfamiliar.
As soon as Baek Hyeon sat near her, Katarine's attitude suddenly changed, The pheromone excreted from his skin was now gradually getting unpleasant. Baek Hyeon came in closer as he spoke fluent English, while Katarine decided to answer in a different language to decrease his interest in her, as she discreetly covered her nose to block the smell,
hoping to deter him from further conversation. Baek Hyeon seemed taken aback by her sudden switch in her body, but continued to engage with her nonetheless.
Despite Katarine's efforts, Baek Hyeon persisted in trying to communicate with her, showing a determination that made her annoyed, She realized that she would need to come up with a different strategy to deter him from pursuing further conversation.
Baek Hyeon was rich and a popular Korean idol, but compared to Katarine Horn Siegert , his entire family's assets are just a drop in the bucket to her lineage . This knowledge only fueled Katarine's resolve to keep him at bay, knowing that his wealth and status meant little to her. She decided to remain firm in her resolve to avoid any unnecessary interaction with him.
Katarine's heart hammered in her chest as she spoke in Spanish,
not because she was afraid of the possible outcome, but the idea she might get associated with such a brainless and arrogant being, so she spoke a language Baek Hyeon wouldn't understand, instructing her guards to prepare the car for her imminent departure.
"Guardias, estoy aburrido y deseo irme a casa, por favor asegúrense de que mi auto esté listo para llevarme de regreso a casa".
It looked like a reckless move, a gamble born of irritation , but it was not, She hoped that Baek Hyeon, with his observation would notice the subtle shift in the atmosphere—the way her guards tensed up around he, as their eyes were darting towards the exit.
Perhaps, she thought, this would be enough to signal her disinterest and make him understand that their casual interaction was over.
but she also hope , he was like those other fools who will give in to their carnal desires and let his ego do all the thinking for him, another victim , or another prey?
The guards, stationed a few meters away, were oblivious to the drama unfolding within her. With a final, fleeting glance towards Baek Hyeon, she stood, her legs trembling, and walked away, a silent rebellion against the unspoken expectations hanging in the air. The club's pulsating music and the blur of faces faded as she stepped into the night, leaving behind the intrigue and the danger that had drawn her in.
She was standing outside , catching some fresh air , as if she knew what will happen next at the back of the club, after a few minutes Baek Hyeon came out and just dragged her toward the alleyway way near the club.
The head guard saw this but didn't give any order to intervene, not because Baek Hyeon was a powerful figure in South Korea As they disappeared into the darkness of the alleyway, a sense of foreboding settled over one of the new guards, unsure of what fate awaited the young woman at the hands of her captor.
The head guard told the new personnel that everything was fine.
" this kind of scenarios are common, this is not the first time she dealt with these type of men
"Lady Katarine Horn Siegert is not your average helpless woman."
"We have been guarding her for many years, and I know that before getting hired, certain information was already mentioned concerning the young miss."
" I assure you , she is not normal,"
" just stay were you are , and await for her command,"
The head guard's reassurance did little to ease the new guard's unease, as he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Lady Katarine Horn Siegert than met the eye.
The mysterious aura surrounding her only deepened his curiosity and concern. But he remained still, and with regret, he followed his superior's command.
Meanwhile, Katarine was being harassed by Baek Hyeon, who told her she was a bitch and an arrogant piece of work. She simply brushed off his insults with a smile, and when she kissed him roughly and even bit his lips before whispering,
"You have no idea who you're dealing with."
Her actions left Baek Hyeon stunned and speechless, as he realized he may have underestimated Lady Katarine Horn Siegert.
"How dare you bite me, you slut, I don't care if you are wealthier than my family "
"You'll regret crossing me."
He seethed, but Katarine's expression remained calm and collected, with a hint of amusement in her eyes. She knew exactly how to handle someone like Baek Hyeon. When he grabbed her by the neck and tried to choke her to death, she simply smirked and whispered,
"You're not the first person to try."
"Harder"
" your hands are too weak, you might look the part but, look at your face,"
" Harder.. squeeze my life out!"
" oh! would you look at that , I can see that you had your face remade."
"Your beauty, are all fake!"
Katarine laugh so hard in made Baek Hyeon's grip tightened as he tried to assert dominance, but Katarine's composure did not waver. She had faced much worse in her lifetime, and she was not about to back down now. When suddenly somebody punched Baek Hyeon in the face with such force he instantly released his grip on Katarine. She turned to see a tall figure standing behind Hyeon, a fierce look in their eyes. "You picked the wrong person to mess with," Ethan growled before rush in front of her delivering another blow to Baek Hyeon fake face.
"You dare harm a woman, you piece of shit."
Ethan's voice was filled with rage as he continued to defend Katarine, his fists flying in a blur of motion. Katarine watched in awe as her mysterious savior fought off Hyeon, upset and unhappy for the unexpected help. Because she was about to rip Baek Hyeon apart, while Ethan was busy beating the living day light of Baek Hyeon.
Katarine was ready to attack the Korean man out of his arrogance, but seeing this man savagely beat the crap out if Baek Hyeon she felt amused when something came to her attention. It was a mild, sweet scent; it was making her heart beat fast; it was an unknown feeling; it was mild, but the aroma was making her nerves twitch as if it were calling out to her.
Ethan was oblivious to what was happening behind his very back , completely focused on his own actions. As Katarine tried to identify the source of the mysterious scent, she couldn't shake the feeling that it held some kind of significance, pulling her attention away from the chaos unfolding in front of her.
Until Baek Hyeon was able to regain a certain amount of composure and landed a lucky punch on Ethan's right lip, a small cut was visible, and blood began to trickle down his chin. The sudden strike caused Ethan to turn around in surprise, finally noticing the tense atmosphere and Katarine's bewildered expression.
Ethan was confused to seeing the woman smiling at them. At this brief moment, Baek Hyeon was able to grab hold of a broken pipe and land a devastating blow to Ethan's head, making him lose consciousness. Katarine's smile quickly faded as Baek Hyeon's blow knocked Ethan unconscious, causing him to collapse to the ground. But Baek Hyeon's victory was short lived as Katarine grabbed her by the neck and lifted him up on the ground. He was about to pass out when he saw her demon horns,
"a demon!"
Baek Hyeon's heart raced as he realized the danger he was in, struggling against Katarine's supernatural strength. The realization that he was facing a demon filled him with fear and uncertainty about his chances of survival. When she just gave him a punch in the stomach , Baek Hyeon felt the wind knocked out of him, and his vision blurred. He gasped for air, and passed out as she tossed him toward the open garbage container unconscious.
Katarine body was emitting faint energy as she went toward the man who tried to save her. She was lying face down on the ground. As she effortlessly flipped him around, she saw his face and wasn't that impressed. He was alright, certainly, but compared to the Korean guy, his skin was rough and his features less refined. He was... manly, a word that, in this moment, felt like a curse.
She couldn't help but feel a pang of regret, a wish that it had been a gorgeous, chiseled model who had come to her rescue instead. The stranger's rugged appearance didn't quite match up to the image of her ideal hero, the one she'd envisioned in the midst of her distress—someone with flawless skin and a jawline that could cut glass. It seemed her fantasy had been shattered, replaced by the reality of a man who was, in her eyes, just a little too ordinary.
Her touch was gentle as she patted the unconscious man, her fingers searching for any sign of identification. The worn leather of his wallet yielded little comfort – a few crumpled bills, a testament to his poverty. His ID card revealed the name Ethan Abelard, a name that felt strangely familiar, like a forgotten melody. Driven by a sudden urge, she removed her own necklace, a silver chain with a simple pendant, and tucked it into his pocket, a silent payment for the help she was offering.
As she noticed the trickle of blood from his lower lip, a primal instinct surged within her. The metallic scent of his blood, sharp and potent, ignited a fire in her veins. She leaned in, her lips brushing against his, a desperate need to soothe the pain, to connect with the man who lay helpless before her. The moment their lips met, a jolt of electricity shot through her, a primal force that defied logic. It was an undeniable connection, a spark igniting a fire she hadn't known existed. She pulled away abruptly, her face a canvas of confusion and burgeoning desire.
'No no no... Why you?'
she whispered, the words tumbling out in a rush of disbelief. 'You're not even my type,' she continued, her voice laced with a strange mix of frustration and yearning.
'I want a good looking man, frail and tender, not someone like you.'
The words felt hollow, empty in the face of the overwhelming attraction she felt. She shook her head, trying to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to consume her. The unexpected pull towards Ethan, a man who seemed so different from her ideal, left her bewildered and intrigued. Who was this Ethan Abelard, and what was the meaning of this inexplicable connection? As she stared down at the unconscious man, a sense of wonder and trepidation filled her. Their destinies, it seemed, were intertwined in ways she could not yet comprehend.
"No, no, no. Why ?"
"You're not even my type; I want a good looking man who will treat me like a queen," she muttered to herself, trying to push away the confusing feelings that Ethan stirred within her. Despite her protests, she couldn't deny the strange attraction she felt towards him, a feeling that both excited and scared her.
But the pheromones coming out of his body were awakening her inner demon, igniting a desire she had never experienced before. She knew she was playing with fire, but she couldn't resist the pull towards Ethan.
"No!"
"We want him; he's the one, Set me free, you weak arrogant woman."
"No, we agree that I will be the one who chooses, and not base it on your lustful desires."
She shook her head, trying to make sense of the unexpected attraction she felt towards Ethan despite his appearance. As she pondered over her conflicting emotions, she couldn't help but wonder what other surprises lay ahead in their intertwined destinies.
"You foolish woman, what do you still do to resist hunger? Do you think that by doing this you can stop our true nature,"
" I am just a figment of your own mind, you created me to give sense to what you are feeling. Embrace your desires and let go of your inhibitions,"
"You keep telling your father that you have a split personality , but you don't."
"You are simply exploring different facets of yourself, trying to make sense of the complexities within you. Embrace all parts of who you are, even the ones that may seem conflicting."
"Trust in your own journey of self-discovery, for only through acceptance and understanding can you truly find happiness."
"honestly, look at your self , you keep resisting but you are still touching his face,"
"Perhaps you are drawn to him in a way that defies logic or explanation. Allow yourself to explore these feelings without judgment or fear."
"Remember, it's okay to be curious and open to new experiences, even if they challenge your preconceived notions of yourself."
"We are Succu.."
" shut up!"
"it's natural to feel conflicted about your desires and impulses. Embrace the complexity of your identity and allow yourself to explore all aspects of who you are."
"No, shut up!"
"stop talking!"
She had been free of her inner voice calling to her for a long time when all of a sudden she heard nothing and received no response.
This man lying on the ground may have caused her to suddenly have a moment of clarity and peace in which she was able to truly listen to herself without any interruptions from her inner voice. She swiftly removed a small handkerchief from her pocket to wipe the blood still dripping from his open cut lip and applied pressure to stop the bleeding, then unintentionally placed the luxurious piece of fabric back in her pricey jeans' back pocket.
Went her body guards and saw what just happened, Katarine told the two other bodyguards to take this wounded man back to his rented room, and pointed at his pocket mentioning the postcard with his address , and just took off.
" ma'am what about the other person on the garbage container?"
"oh.. Him, leave him be, his is worthless ,"
"but that one is somewhat…"
"just do as I order, l will be waiting inside the car, I want to go home,"
" immediately!"
" yes young miss , as you command,"
9:21pm in the evening