Cost Hart, the Duke of Hart, was a whirlwind of love and concern. He enveloped her in a hug, his arms strong and comforting. He smelled of leather and sandalwood, a scent that instantly grounded her, reminding her of the world she'd been transported into.
"You gave us quite a fright, my darling," he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. "What happened? Did you overwork yourself again?"
Maeng Haru knew she had to tread carefully. She couldn't reveal her true identity, not yet. "I think I just... felt a bit faint. I've been a bit overworked lately, that's all."
He looked at her with concern, his brow furrowed. "You know I worry about you, Kyla. You're too hard on yourself. You need to take better care of yourself."
He pulled back, his gaze lingering on her face. "You've been working on your… project, haven't you? I hope you're not pushing yourself too hard. Remember, your brothers are here to help, and so am I."
"I know, Father." Maeng Haru smiled, a warmth spreading through her chest despite the turmoil churning within. The affection and concern in his voice felt genuine, a stark contrast to the portrayal of Cost Hart as a cold, distant father in the novel.
"Let's get you settled back in bed," he said, gently guiding her back to the four-poster bed.
As he tucked her in, she noticed the way his eyes flicked to the window, a flicker of unease crossing his face.
"Is everything alright?" She asked, sensing a tension she couldn't quite place.
"Just… a little restless tonight," he said, his voice tight. "The city seems a bit… unsettled."
He hesitated, then continued. "There have been rumors circulating. Something about the Crown Prince and the Necronomicona family. I think it's best you stay indoors for now, just to be safe."
His words sent a shiver down her spine. The rumors he spoke of were just the tip of the iceberg. The story of "Love Me, Daddy" was about to unfold, and she was in the middle of it.
"I'll be careful, Father," she assured him.
After a moment, Cost Hart gave her a final squeeze and left, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.
Maeng Haru lay in the plush bed, trying to make sense of the conflicting emotions that surged through her. She was Kyla Hart, a villain in a world that was far more complex than she ever imagined. But she was also Maeng Haru, a normal office worker with a love for fantasy and a penchant for getting caught up in stories.
One thing was clear: she had to find out what the truth was. The "Love Me, Daddy" she'd read was a carefully crafted lie, and she wouldn't let the villains get away with it.
She had a family who loved her, even if she didn't fully understand them yet. She had a destiny to uncover, and a world to navigate.
And she knew, deep down, that she had to start by looking within. She had to find the Kyla Hart that existed beneath the layers of lies and deceit. And she had to find the strength to be the hero of her own story.