PAST

The orphanage hall echoed with the sounds of children playing, their laughter mixing with the rustle of leaves from the open windows. Eight-year-old Wang Jangfei sat on the wooden bench, her frail figure hunched over as she drew on a piece of paper. Her big, hopeful eyes occasionally glanced around, searching for a familiar face amidst the chaos.

Despite the lively atmosphere, a certain loneliness clung to Jangfei. She had been here for years, and though many children had come and gone, she remained. Often overlooked because of her weak constitution, she found solace in the few things she could control, like her drawings.

"Jangfei!" A bright voice broke through her thoughts. Park Jiwon, her best friend, bounded over with a wide smile. Jiwon was everything Jangfei wasn't—confident, strong, and full of energy. But their bond was undeniable.

"Look what I found!" Jiwon said excitedly, holding up a small, colorful butterfly clip. She knelt beside Jangfei, carefully placing the clip in her friend's hair. "There, now you look like a princess!"

Jangfei's eyes sparkled with joy as she touched the clip. "Thank you, Jiwon," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. "It's beautiful."

Jiwon grinned, taking Jangfei's hand and pulling her towards the open field. "Come on, let's play before Mrs. Kim calls us in for lunch."

The two girls ran across the grass, their laughter harmonizing with the chirping birds. Jiwon was always careful, never letting Jangfei push herself too hard. They played a simple game of tag, with Jiwon often letting Jangfei catch her, their giggles filling the air.

After a while, they collapsed onto the grass, breathless but happy. Jiwon turned to Jangfei, her eyes serious for a moment. "You know, Jangfei, one day someone will see how special you are. You just have to believe it."

Jangfei nodded, her small hand gripping Jiwon's tightly. "And we'll always be friends, right?"

Jiwon smiled, squeezing her hand back. "Always and forever."
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The orphanage had changed little over the years. The same worn-out wooden benches, the same creaky floors, and the same faces, albeit a bit older. Wang Jangfei, now fourteen, sat in the same corner where she and Jiwon used to play, clutching a tattered stuffed bear—a gift from Jiwon from years ago.

Today, however, was different. The air was heavy with an unspoken tension. The news had spread quickly: Park Jiwon was being adopted. A family had come, well-dressed and kind-looking, eager to welcome Jiwon into their home. But with this new beginning came an unexpected and painful end.

Jiwon, usually so vibrant, stood rigidly by the doorway, her eyes not meeting Jangfei's. The silence between them was deafening. Jangfei's heart pounded in her chest, fear and confusion swirling inside her. She forced a smile, trying to mask the hurt.

"Jiwon, isn't it wonderful? You're finally getting a family," Jangfei said, her voice trembling despite her efforts to sound cheerful.

Jiwon's expression hardened, a coldness in her eyes that Jangfei had never seen before. "It's not like that, Jangfei," she replied, her voice devoid of the warmth that used to define their friendship. "I... I can't be friends with you anymore."

Jangfei felt as if the ground had been ripped from beneath her. "What? Why? We promised... always and forever, remember?"

Jiwon took a deep breath, her gaze finally meeting Jangfei's. "Things are different now. I have a new family, a new life. I can't be held back by the past. And you... you just don't fit into that future."

The words struck Jangfei like a physical blow. Tears welled up in her eyes as she struggled to understand. "But I thought we were best friends. I thought you cared about me."

Jiwon's expression softened for a brief moment before hardening again. "I do care, Jangfei. But caring doesn't change anything. I have to think about what's best for me now."

Jangfei's tears flowed freely as she clutched the stuffed bear tighter. "So, this is it? You're just leaving me?"

Jiwon hesitated, her resolve wavering. But then she steeled herself, her voice cold and final. "Yes, Jangfei. This is goodbye."

Without another word, Jiwon turned and walked towards her new family, leaving Jangfei standing alone in the hallway, her heart shattered. The sounds of their laughter and excitement as they left the orphanage only deepened the sense of loss and abandonment.

Jangfei watched through the window as the car drove away, taking with it her best friend and the only sense of stability she had ever known. The ache in her chest was unbearable, a raw, open wound that she knew would never fully heal.
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At eighteen, Wang Jangfei had already endured more hardships than many faced in a lifetime. The loss of her best friend, Park Jiwon, had left a gaping hole in her heart. Yet, in the face of adversity, she had grown stronger, her resilience becoming her most defining trait.

Living on her own, Jangfei managed to balance her studies and part-time jobs to cover her bills and tuition. Her small apartment was modest but well-kept, a testament to her determination and hard work. Every morning, she would rise before dawn, squeezing in hours of study before heading to her classes. Afterward, she would work long shifts at a local café, serving customers with a smile despite her exhaustion.

Late at night, she would return home, her body weary but her spirit unbroken. She would prepare simple meals, often consisting of instant noodles or leftover pastries from the café. The solitude was palpable, but Jangfei had learned to find solace in her own company, the quiet moments allowing her to reflect on her goals and dreams.

Despite the relentless grind, Jangfei excelled in her studies. Her grades were exemplary, earning her the admiration of her professors and peers. She applied for every scholarship and grant available, each small victory adding to her growing sense of accomplishment.

Graduation day was a bittersweet milestone. As she walked across the stage to receive her diploma, the absence of family or friends in the audience was a stark reminder of her loneliness. Yet, the applause and recognition of her achievements filled her with a profound sense of pride.

With her diploma in hand, Jangfei set her sights on securing a job. She meticulously prepared her resume, highlighting her academic excellence and the myriad skills she had developed through her part-time work. She attended countless interviews, each one a test of her resilience and determination.

Finally, her perseverance paid off. Jangfei was offered a position as a secretary at one of the most prestigious companies in the country —Jeon Enterprises. The CEO, Jeon Jungkook, was known for his ruthless business acumen and demanding nature. It was a challenging role, but Jangfei welcomed the opportunity with open arms.
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WANG JANGFEI'S P.O.V

I stared at him, my eyes brimming with tears. For a moment, I couldn't speak. My throat tightened as the floodgates of my emotions threatened to burst. The long, torturous day, the relentless work, the humiliation from my manager—it all came crashing down on me. And here, in front of Jeon Jeonggukk , I could no longer hold it in.

"What should I say?" I whimpered.

I raised my tearful eyes. "I don't have anything to say," I sobbed.

"What do you want me to know?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. His hand lifted before my face, and he swiped his thumb roughly under my eyes. "I do not take pain; I give it." He swallowed, but his eyes roamed over my face as I hiccupped.

I took a breath, frustration evident. I knew he dealt in pain, but what about me? Where should I go? "I know, Mr. Jeon. I'm not so desperate as to burden you with my pain. I don't want to tell you anything—why I'm an orphan, why nobody loves me, why my one and only best friend left me alone. I'm not going to bother you with all of this," I took a deep breath. His face twitched in astonishment as he leaned back on the couch, folding his arms over his chest, showing no pity.

My throat tightened further. "Why would you even want to know about my life? I've only had pain throughout my life, which seems to be my only companion. I managed my studies, bills, and everything on my own. I hoped for a little ray of hope with this job, but all I got was frustration, extreme exhaustion, humiliation and this—" I gestured to the stack of files in my bag. "What did I do to deserve this, Mr. Jeon? Why me?" I wailed, the last of my patience unraveling as I continued to sob.

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"Do you see this paper, little girl?" a deep voice rumbled beside Jangfei. She looked up at Jeon Jungkook's face, which held an inscrutable expression as he stared at a paper with her Italian notes. She frowned and tilted her head, wiping the remaining tears from her cheeks.

"Yes," she meekly replied.

He turned his gaze to hers, leaning closer. "If I burn this, what will it turn into?" he asked.

She gulped and answered with her hoarse voice from crying, "It will turn into ashes and leave its mark."

He picked up the paper and took it to a lit candle. She gasped as he set it alight from the corner, looking at him bewildered.

"Flames of redemption burn the fuselage, leaving a mark of cruelty," he whispered in his deep voice, each word resonating with profound meaning.

"What?" she asked, unable to decipher the depth of his words.

"You endured and burned under the flames of redemption, leaving a cruel stain on you," he said, looking at her as the ashes of the paper settled on the floor. He lifted his foot, smashing the already ruined ashes with his expensive boot. "But don't let it stain your mind," he remarked.

"All the pain you have endured with pride, are you going to break into pieces over a small inconvenience?" He raised his brows, his pierced lips lifting in a smirk. He brought his hand closer to the candle, gripping the flame and extinguishing it with his bare hands. She gasped at his audacity and strength.

"Your bravery brought you here, allowing you to speak to me while meeting my eyes," he rumbled.

His firm yet enchanting words echoed in her ears, stirring an unknown attraction to his darkness. His magnetic allure, contrasted with an evil contentment, stood efficiently before her. Her heart thumped loudly; his words were anything but comforting.

She felt warmth in his cold words, a strange comfort she had never known. She looked up at the man before her, bathed in his dark glory. His firm, muscular frame made her tremble, her body aching for affection.

She sought solace in someone who had never consoled anyone. His predatory eyes now shone with unknown emotions. He had never felt this attraction before, never been one to comfort. It was his way of understanding the situation.

His eyes fell on her soft-featured face, marred with sadness, so vulnerable yet enchanting. His form leaned closer, his knees unknowingly inching nearer. Her breath hitched.

The closeness between them was palpable. The smooth attraction, which shouldn't be there, concerned him. He didn't care about such things, but why now?

She moved her hand to touch the demon's hand, the same hand that had extinguished the candle. She showed concern for the demon who played with danger every day. Guns and blades were his toys, blood his companion, yet she touched his hand, examining the rough skin. There was no sign of harm or burn, but her concern was clear.

Her teary eyes met his darkly lit ones. He frowned. Her soft touch was enticing yet thrilling. His chest heaved, but his face remained stoic. Her next attempt at warmth made him freeze; his fists tightened.

She enveloped him in her warm arms, her soft touch radiating against his body. He had only known darkness, but how could she indulge herself in it?

His mind hazed, problematic. Playing with danger, hugging someone who wasn't desperate for it, was palpable. She didn't know who she was seeking comfort from, and he, being the demon, wasn't helping at all.

Her warm body pressed against his cold one, an unknown comfort and contentment enveloping him. The demon who never comforted anyone was now in the embrace of a fragile girl.

Her hands pressed against his muscled back, flexing with each touch. His fists clenched hard, but he immediately pulled her away, his brows furrowed. He had let his body go uncontrolled, his emotions out of his trance. She looked at him with doe eyes, a pout forming on her lips.

Sighing, he left her, still unable to comprehend the way he felt.

She just looked up at him, her eyes filled with gratitude and a small smile that thumped his heart. Unknowingly, he leaned back and stared at her.

"I do not entertain anyone, choco cake lover. I let you do it because you had courage. I hate it when people get vulnerable and I certainly don't allow anyone this close to me," he said, his voice softer than usual.

"I was surprised by your outburst, but I understand the frustration you just vented. You did well. Now, focus on refining yourself rather than crying over your past," his deep, dark voice returned.

His dark, dominating eyes, which held untold sins, were back. What could she expect from the demon he was? The predator who let no one stand in his way. She knew everything from Taehyung, who had warned her about the kind of man Jeon Jeonggukk was because he wanted her to be safe.

But here she was, in the demon's lair, under his sinful gaze.

"I will, Mr. Jeongguk," she said, shivering. His gaze was too dominating, too commanding to withstand.

"Good. There is food on the table. Eat and leave, and take a day off. I'll handle Jungkook," he waved his hand dismissively and stood up, heading toward his room while removing his black shirt, revealing his muscular torso.

She blushed and hurriedly got up, making her way to the table. Every utensil was filled with food as if untouched. Had he not even eaten?

She picked up all types of food and ate it ravenously, savoring every bite. Indeed, it was a great meal after a bad day.

At least not a bad night.

But his words still glimmered in her mind, again and again.

"The frustration you just vented, you did great with it. Now—focus on refining yourself rather than crying over your past."

Rather than crying over the past........

His words were demonically comforting, laced with a haze of darkness and evil. He did not comfort with sweetness; he comforted with the sin he created each day. He was the demon everyone feared, the shining light of bright rays his enemy. He found solace in darkness.

The swirling contrast of her emotions left her tense yet comforted in the darkness.