Jeonghan's POV:
The city sprawled beneath me, a glittering tapestry woven from a million tiny lights. From my penthouse apartment, perched atop the highest skyscraper in Seoul, I surveyed my domain. The view was breathtaking, a breathtaking panorama of shimmering towers and winding streets, a testament to my success, my power. The Lee Corporation, my creation, my legacy, stretched its tendrils across the city, its influence felt in every corner of this sprawling metropolis. My empire, built on ambition, cunning, and a ruthless pursuit of excellence.
The penthouse itself was a reflection of my success, a sanctuary of opulent comfort and exquisite taste. The walls were adorned with priceless artwork, the floors covered in hand-woven rugs, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfume and polished wood. Every detail, meticulously chosen, contributed to an atmosphere of refined luxury, a carefully constructed image of success and sophistication. It was a façade, of course, a carefully crafted illusion designed to conceal the truth of my existence.
The truth was far more ancient, far more primal. I was not merely a successful businessman; I was something far older, far more powerful. I was a creature of the night, a vampire, my existence a carefully guarded secret, a truth known only to a select few. My life was a delicate dance between two worlds, a constant balancing act between the demands of my human persona and the insatiable hunger that defined my true nature.
The sunlight, for instance, was my enemy. Its warmth, its life-giving energy, was anathema to my existence. I avoided it instinctively, my body reacting with a visceral aversion to its touch. My days were spent in the shadows, in the cool, dim recesses of my office, where the artificial light allowed me to function without discomfort. My nights, however, were different. They were a time of freedom, a time when I could move without constraint, when the city became my hunting ground.
The city lights, beautiful as they were, held a deeper significance for me. Each flickering point of light represented a potential source of sustenance, a potential victim. I didn't choose my prey randomly; my selection was a calculated process, a meticulous assessment of vulnerability and opportunity. I sought out those who were weak, those who were alone, those whose lives were already teetering on the brink. Their fear, their desperation, was a potent stimulant, a catalyst that heightened my senses and sharpened my instincts.
My physical attributes were a constant reminder of my nature. My strength was unnatural, my agility superhuman. I could move with a speed and precision that defied human limitations. A simple touch could leave a victim drained, weakened, their life force subtly siphoned away. The chill that seemed to emanate from me was a byproduct of my cold, ancient blood, a chilling reminder of the darkness that resided within.
Maintaining my human façade required constant vigilance, a relentless effort to control my instincts and suppress my true nature. I cultivated a persona of charm and sophistication, a carefully constructed image designed to disarm and distract. My public appearances were meticulously planned, my interactions carefully calibrated. I was an actor, playing a role, my performance flawless, my deception complete.
Yet, even amidst the opulence and the carefully constructed illusion, there were moments of vulnerability, moments when the mask slipped, revealing the darkness that lurked beneath. These moments were fleeting, brief glimpses into the true nature of my existence, moments when the predator within threatened to overwhelm the carefully cultivated persona.
Tonight, for instance, the city lights seemed to mock me, their brilliance a stark contrast to the darkness within. The weight of my existence, the burden of my secret, pressed down on me, a heavy cloak of responsibility and fear. The hunger, always present, gnawed at me, a constant reminder of my insatiable need. I poured myself a glass of aged Bordeaux, the rich, dark liquid a temporary solace, a fleeting distraction from the primal urges that threatened to consume me.
The phone rang, shattering the silence. It was Mr. Kim, my most trusted associate, his voice a low murmur on the other end. "The documents are ready, Mr. Lee," he said, his tone respectful, almost reverent. "The acquisition is proceeding as planned."
"Excellent," I replied, my voice smooth, controlled. "Ensure everything is handled discreetly. We wouldn't want to attract unwanted attention."
The conversation was brief, businesslike, yet it served as a reminder of my dual existence. The world of finance, of corporate power, was my camouflage, my disguise. It allowed me to operate undetected, to feed my hunger without arousing suspicion. But the darkness within remained, a constant companion, a reminder of the true nature of my existence. I finished my wine, the rich, dark liquid doing little to quench the deeper thirst that consumed me. The city lights beckoned, a silent invitation to the night's hunt. The apex predator was ready to feed.