CHAPTER 5
The day passed quietly as I sat in my room, engrossed in a book. The faint rustling of pages was my only company until a knock at the door broke the stillness.
Kim Migyu
Hyung, are you inside?
The voice was unmistakable—Mingyu.
Kim Taehyung
Come in. *Closed the book I was reading.*
The door creaked open, and in stepped Mingyu, his youthful energy filling the space. Despite my efforts to push him away in the past, Mingyu remained my only solace in this house
—a stepbrother who, time and again, reached out to me. His resilience was something I cherished deeply, though I rarely showed it.
Kim Taehyung
Do you need something, Gyu?
I greeted him with a soft smile, rising from my chair to meet him. His large, sparkling eyes studied me with an intensity that reminded me of his uncanny ability to notice even the smallest of changes.
Kim Migyu
Hyung... There's something weird about you.
Kim Migyu
Like you look... Different.
Kim Migyu
I can't explain it.
As expected, his observant nature had not failed him.
Kim Taehyung
Perhaps your brother simply woke up on the right side of the bed today.
Mingyu tilted his head slightly, as if contemplating my words, before his expression softened.
Kim Migyu
By the way hyung...
Kim Migyu
Are you not angry anymore? *Playing with his fingers*
His fingers fidgeted nervously, betraying his concern. I stepped closer and gently rested a hand on his head, ruffling his hair with care.
Kim Taehyung
No, brother is not angry. Brother was just being stubborn.
I paused, letting my words settle before continuing.
Kim Taehyung
I’m sorry for ignoring you, Gyu. That was unfair of me.
Mingyu’s face brightened, the worry fading from his eyes as he leaned into my touch.
In this moment, I made a quiet promise to myself: no matter what, I would protect him. My baby brother, the only true family I had in this cold, unfeeling house.
One week turned into a month, and with each passing day, my body grew stronger—sharper. The scars of my past no longer held me captive, and the weight of my suffering was slowly lifting.
The Duchess, true to her silent judgment, dealt mercilessly with those who had mistreated me.
The spies who dared infiltrate the mansion met their end without so much as a whisper escaping beyond these walls.
No one defied the Duchess Kim and lived to tell the tale.
Mingyu, on the other hand, trained under a private knight tutor, though he often sought my guidance as well. I ensured he learned more than just swordplay—discipline, strategy, and the subtle art of survival.
As for the Duke and my eldest brother... they remained unchanged, continuing their affairs as if nothing within these walls had shifted.
Mingyu lay sprawled across my bed, idly squeezing his stuffed toy as the golden glow of dusk poured through the windows. His excitement was almost contagious.
Kim Migyu
Tae, our first day at the academy is in three days! *Spoke with excitement*
Kim Migyu
Are you excited? *looked at taehyung*
I remained seated at my desk, my fingers skimming over the aged pages of a book. Without looking up, I answered.
Kim Taehyung
I am neutral... But you seem quite eager.
Mingyu grinned, rolling onto his stomach.
Kim Migyu
Of course! I want to make new friends—but I’ll stay alert. I don’t need any fakes hanging around me. *Shake his head while making a soft frown*
His words made me chuckle, a rare sight these days.
Kim Taehyung
Good. Just do your best... and keep your head down when needed.
Mingyu nodded, still smiling, unaware that I would be watching from the shadows, ensuring his safety—always.
I closed the book in my lap, my fingers tapping idly against the cover as I studied him.
His innocence was refreshing, but the world was never kind to those who were too open-hearted.
Kim Taehyung
And I’ll make sure those unworthy of your company don’t linger beside you. *Smiling faintly*
Mingyu tilted his head, curiosity flickering in his gaze.
Kim Migyu
Tae... You sound like you're planning something.
I merely chuckled, standing from my chair and moving toward the window. The night air was cool against my skin as I gazed at the distant stars.
Kim Taehyung
(Now that I think about it… I’ll soon be seeing my dear ex-fiancé again.)
A bitter smile ghosted across my lips. Memories of past lives flickered like dying embers in my mind—the betrayal, the mockery, the pain.
I could already picture his so-called friends, their sharp tongues eager to stir drama, expecting me to crumble once more beneath their cruel entertainment.
Kim Taehyung
Not this time... *Coldly, to himself*
I turned back to Mingyu, my eyes sharp, filled with unspoken promise.
Kim Taehyung
I’m sure they’re looking forward to a spectacle…
Kim Taehyung
But this time, I’ll be the one writing the script. *Coldly, with a smirk*
Mingyu sat up, his brows furrowing slightly at my sudden shift in demeanor.
I walked toward him as I placed a reassuring hand on his head, ruffling his hair lightly.
Kim Taehyung
Don’t worry. Just enjoy your time at the academy… I’ll handle the rest. *gentle, but firm*
Kim Migyu
The more I looked at you the more I see mom in you...
Kim Migyu
You two are like one piece in a pie...
Mingyu pouted at my cryptic words, but I was surprised at what he said... I nodded nonetheless as I know what the Duchess feels being a mother and being betrayed.
As he returned to playing with his stuffed toy, I turned back to the window, my smile fading.
I would make sure they suffer. Every single one of them.
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paŕtỳwtĥª..ĵªgʻaɓăŋ°°
update authyyy shiii
2025-04-20
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