This chpater has a triger warning for depression, suicide and abusive language. Angain, it was necessary for biulding up the character. Sorry guys, I'll try to right some lighter chapters to compensate 3


- One day, once I finish reading this book to you… I feel as if all my threads will untangle. - He looked me in the eyes, guessing I might me confused. - Oh. You won't know what I'm talking about. I'll explain later… It seems I've kept you up. Go to sleep now, young lady.

- As if you were much older than me. - I giggled.

- Either way, please rest. I don't want you to have a bad night in my house. - He chuckled. - Good night, Angelique. - He said, walking to the door.

- Good Night, Jumin.

I heard the door close and I closed my eyes, instantly falling asleep. At first it was a sleepless night, almost comfortable. But at some point I started dreaming and the dreams became nightmares. By this point of my life I was already used to it, I have those kind of dreams almost every night. This time it was different, in my dream, I was with the RFA and they started disappearing one by one, the last being Jumin. Then a soundless voice stated to talk.

- You know you are no good. You will ruin your life, like you did before. There will be no escape. The lives of those men are more important than you. There won't be anywhere for you to run away.

I ran from that voice, but got to nowhere. A sinister laugh echoed in my dream, I tried to fight, I tried to speak, but I was hopeless and was being drained out of my existence. Paralyzed, I fell and thought that there would be no escape for me.

- You whore. You are trying to flee from your past by dancing on rich man's lap. You are the cheap woman I always knew you were. Oh…. When he finds out your evil plan…. I just can't wait…

At this point I couldn't breathe, there was a pressure over my body and it was as if I was wrapped in plastic. I tried to make a sound for someone to help me, I tried to scream, but I failed to do it all. Another voice joined the chorus. It called my name while the first kept laughing.

- How long will it take until he finds out? - The first voice asked.

- Angelique... - The second called.

- Will you destroy him like you destroyed me?

- Angelique.

- And when you do… Will you be able to live with the image of your boyfriend hanging from a rope?

- Angelique!

I was choking from the lack of air, still unable to move and to breathe, almost sure I was going to die. In my last attempt to wake up I tried once again to regain my body, but it was in vain. I gave up at that moment and hoped to my death to be quick.

- Angelique! Wake up! - I heard Jumin shout.

His voice brought me back to reality, my body relaxed and I took a long deep breath, inflating my lungs once again. Finally I found Jumin's eyes. He was on top of me, holding me by the shoulders, he was worried about what was happening and was panting as much as I was. Our foreheads touched, him relieved and I still catching my breath.

- Thank you… - I gasped.

- A good thing I came in to prepare to go to work. - Jumin said. His breath smelled like wine. - What happened? You have sleep paralysis?

- No. I just have way too many nightmares. This was the first time.

- Are you sure? Were you having a nightmare? - He asked again.

- Yes to both. Nothing to be concerned about. - I tried to calm him down.

- How could I not worry? - He asked hugging me.

Slowly he started to release me from his embrace, we had realized how close we were from each other. The kiss was imminent. The corners of our mouth touched lightly, but both of us pulled away, controlling our instincts. We knew it wasn't the time, we had to wait.

- You should freshen up. I'll lend you one of my shirts while I send someone to buy you new clothes. - Jumin said, releasing me with care and getting off the bed.

- A shower sounds nice… but there is no need for the new clothes, thanks…

- Nonsense. Go to the shower and I'll make some calls. You are also staying in for the day, I'll ask my doctor to come check on you.

- Jumin…

- Please, don't make me use the "boss card". - Jumin crossed his arms, still concerned. - that would be bad for us both.

- Yes, of course.

Jumin guided me to his bathroom and gave me permission to use whatever I liked. The room was amazing, the black tiles against the white porcelain and the stainless steel iron work was so fancy that made me feel tiny. The double sinks, a double tub, a gigantic mirror and the dream-like waterfall shower behind the tempered glass wall made my jaw drop. Jumin observed the surroundings as if it was the first time that he saw it, the double sink catching his attention more than anything.

- A waterfall shower! Oh. My GOD! - I exaggerated my reaction to pop him out of his bubble.

Jumin crossed his arms over his chest, a little cross from my exaggerated reactions. He just observed me run around, impressed with everything.

- And this tub! - I said to myself, pointing to the tub with both of my hands. - Woooow!

- I don't see why you are so impressed. It is just a bathroom. - Jumins said dry.

- I'll take you to my place and show you what is "just a bathroom"….

I paralyzed on my feet. Did I just say what I think I said? Turning around slowly, I saw Jumin blushing slightly and I couldn't contain myself from doing the exact same thing.

- I'm sorry… - I started.

- It is settled. Tonight we go to your house. Now Freshen up. I'll get ready to make us some pancakes. - He said getting out of the bathroom and before I could do anything.

Not having other choice, I undressed and went to the shower. The warm water relaxed my muscles and I relaxed a bit more. I used Jumin's shampoo to clean my hair that was soaked in sweat. When I got out, the smell of fresh made pancakes started to fill the air. I spied outside just to be be sure he was the one making them and I changed to his shirt and a pair of his boxers he had left on top of it. I folded my own clothes to have something to take them to the laundry room to have something to change on my way back.

I rolled the sleeves of the shirt of to my elbow and went to the kitchen. There, Jumin was focused on the cooking, giving me the opportunity to sneak behind him to the laundry. Luckily, there was a maid there who helped me to use the fancy appliance. Trying to sneak my way back, he caught me in the act.

- I didn't notice you walking by. - He smiled. - A true lady has light footsteps, I presume.

- My mother said I have cat feet. I always scared her. - I said, looking at the pancakes. - oh!... and… thank you for the boxers... I had forgotten about that small detail.

Jumin's eyes burned, he reached his hand behind my lower back and spared a second before guiding me to dining room and to the food once again. He sat on the opposite side from me, taking a sip from the wine he had served for him.

- It is nothing. You haven't come prepared for a sleepover. It is the least I can do. - Jumin said.

- And on that matter. I know you said for me to stay in, but today is the photoshoot for your campaign. I have to be on site to coordinate things. - I said, trying to not devour the delicious pancakes in one go.

- I'll be there. There is nothing to worry about.

- Jumin. I have a job to care for. I can't simply miss a day.

- You will have medical excuse. - Jumin insisted.

- Jumin, I have to. And if you will be there, you can keep an eye on me.

- That sounds reasonable. I can work with that.

- Great! I'll be late. I have to go home and change to something fresh.

Jumin crossed his arms and looked serious at me. It took some time more to convince him I was and would be fine from now on. When we finished eating, my phone beeped for some replies from the guests from the RFA party. I logged into the app, silently thanking for it still be in choice options and quickly logged in the chat after that. There I found an excited Jumin typing in the chatroom.

Angelique entered the chatroom

Jumin: I made pancakes for a beautiful lady.

Jumin: Isn't quite funny,

Jumin: that we're both logged in the messenger when we're at the same place?

Jaehee Kang entered the chatroom

Jaehee: Mr. Han!

Jaehee: Finally, you're logged in.

Jaehee: I've waited for you.

Jumin: Good morning.

Jaehee:This isn't the time to say good morning.

Angelique: Did you go to work?

Jaehee: Yes, "only I" came to work.

Jaehee: Mr. Han

Jumin: Yes?

Jaehee: I did read that you wouldn't be coming to work because of Elizabeth.

Jaehee: but I sincerely hope that you will.

Jumin: Is something wrong?

Jaehee: Nothing is "wrong".

Jaehee: but there is a huge pile of documents that must be signed.

Jaehee: *Sigh emoticon*

Jaehee: … but I'm very sure that is not important to you right now.

Angelique: You will need to give a better excuse if you want him to come to work ^^;;

Jaehee: I'm not giving an excuse. It's fact.

Jaehee: And I shouldn't be "making" him come to work. He "should" come to work.

Jaehee: Right now at the office,

Jaehee: people are constantly talking about

Jaehee: The article that was released about you and Sarah.

Jaehee: He's missing work to prepare for the wedding.

Jaehee: That's what been coming out of people's mouth!

Jumin: How ridiculous.

Jaehee: Yes.

Jaehee: More reason why you have to show up at the office

Jaehee: and stop unnecessary rumors from getting around.

Angelique: Preparing for the wedding… That is not pleasant.

Jaehee: Yes!

Jaehee: The media is free to talk about whatever they want,

Jaehee: but you should stop your won employees from gossiping.

Jaehee: Not only for Angelique, but Elizabeth as well,

Jaehee: I'm sure she will be sad that such rumors are going around at your own workplace.

Jumin: Do you think so?

Jaehee: Yes! She will be distraught!

Jaehee: Isn't that true, Angelique?

Angelique: Nothing good can come out from such rumors getting around…

Jumin: I see…

Jumin: I can't let this affect Elizabeth the 3rd.

Jaehee: Yes!

Jaehee: I'm not asking much.

Jaehee: Please just make an appearance at the office. ^^

Jumin: but

Jaehee: but?

Jaehee: But what?

Jumin: What if someone kidnaps Elizabeth the 3rd while I am gone?

Angelique: I'll take her with me! Go ahead.

Jaehee:*Smile Emoticon*

Jaehee: That is such a good idea

Jaehee: *Smile Emoticon*

Jaehee: Don't you feel much safer if someone you trust is guarding her?

Jaehee: Especially if it's Angelique.

Jumin: Yes… I can trust Angelique.

Jaehee: That's it!

Jaehee: Then leave her and come to work!

Angelique: I agree. You can't ignore your work because of this.

Jaehee: Angelique! Thank you!

Jaehee: *singing emoticon*

Jeahee: You can't ignore your work.

Jumin: hmm…

Jumin: Wait.

Jumin: I'm thinking.

Jaehee: *... Emoticon*

Jaehee: Whatever you may be thinking,

Jaehee: I hope you decide to come to the office.

Jumin: Alright.

Jumin: I'll contact you once I finish thinking.

Jumin: Oh.

Jumin: Angelique just finished eating.

Jumin: We were supposed to be eating together.

Jumin: Then good bye.

Jaehee: I haven't prayed in a while but I should…

Jaehee: so that he comes to work.

Jaehee: *crying emoticon*

Jaehee: God… I have to leave because of a meeting.

Jaehee: Angelique… Please, convince Mr. Han.

Angelique: I'll try. Go ahead, Jaehee.

Jaehee: Yes! Thank you!

Jaehee: I'll get going.

Jaehee: Anyways… Please help him make the right decision…

- Angelique... - Jumin Called. - Your sleepy eyes look very cute. I haven't noticed he was looking at me. - He made a pause. I have something I want to say to you. Do you have a moment?

My mind went blank for a moment and I forgot what he was supposed to say now. My heart skipped a beat. I had to clear my throat in an attempt to get back to normal. God, that man makes me be on my toes all the time. He guided me back to his room and my knees started to shake. What was he thinking?

- Yes, go ahead. - I said.

- You read what Assistant Kang said earlier, right? I can't just sit and let strange rumors get around in my office. Of course, I will tell the bodyguards everything and I'll come back as soon as I can. If you take Elizabeth the 3rd, I'll feel safe while I'm gone. Will you be okay?

I started to feel the panic rise again inside me. It was time to Elizabeth run away. I hadn't thought about that it was my last opportunity to spare him the pain. But it would be for the best? Should I let Elizabeth go? Should I hold her? Only if that were not a choice, I would feel less bad about it.

- Yes, I'll take care of her. - I said, feeling my stomach sink. - Don't worry and go.

- You have a beautiful heart.

Jumins words felt like arrows piercing my body. The last thing I was feeling now was that I was a good person. I wanted to cry in desperation so bad, but I kept on smiling and said nothing in return. Maybe it would buy me time to take out the gigantic knot in my throat.

- Elizabeth the 3rd is important to me. But that's how much I trust you… So I won't have to be anxious while taking care of work. If everything goes well in the morning, why don't we go shopping in the afternoon? There is an outfit I'd like to buy for you. - He smiled. - A queen should have clothes fit for a queen. This is what my father have taught me since I was a little boy.

- Thank you for saying so, but don't worry about me and do what you have to do. - I smiled back.

- Yes, thank you for understanding. I'll make sure to make it up to you. If anything happens before we meet, you know to call me, right? - Jumin said. - You have to let me know if anyone tries to do anything to you. Of course, nothing like that will happen I'm sure… Just wait a minute. I'll introduce you to the chief of security.

As Jumin picked his phone to call the chief, I felt my stomach spin. I had bad panic attacks before, but that was one of the worst and it was too hard to keep a straight face to not burden him more. Everytime he peeked at me, I tried to flash him a smile and look outside the gigantic window of the living room.

- … Yes., It's me. Please come to Elizabeth's room I'd like you to meet someone. - He said over the phone, hanging up shortly after. We started to go to his pet's room. - He'll be there soon, I haven't even introduced you to any of the body guards here. They'll have to know your face to give you complete protection, so you should meet him.

- How should I take care of Elizabeth? - I asked.

- She's inside the cage, so there won't be much for you to do. I'll give her food before I go, so if I don't meet you until the afternoon, you can give her more. I'll show you how to give her food. - He said, grabbing her a bowl of cat food. - First you open the cage. Take out the food bowl… and give her the food. The food is under the bar table in the kitchen.

Elizabeth started meowing instantly as soon she saw Jumin. She tried desperately to get his attention, to show him she was stressed from being confined in such tiny space, compared to the freedom of roaming freely the entire penthouse.

- Elizabeth the 3rd, today's food is for your weight loss. You haven't been moving much in the cage. You will spend the morning with Angelique. She's a nice person so I hope you get to know her better.

Elizabeth meowed more again and I kneeled in front of the cage to take a good look at her. Her fur is beautiful, but it didn't seem a good idea to try to stroke her at the moment. Her sapphire blue eyes showed unhappiness and desire to get out of there.

- She looks tired inside the cage… When will let her free? - I asked.

- I don't intend to keep her inside the cage forever. You don't seem to like the cage. I quite like it. - He looked at me with the corner of his eyes. - Anyway, please take care of Elizabeth the 3rd wile I'm gone. You know which food to give her now, right? You won't have to do anything else other than that.

Someone knocked on the door firmly. Jumin turned around and suddenly I felt shy for what I was wearing, or the lack of clothes I was supposed to wear. Jumin pulled me closer to him and I saw his eyes burn again.

- Mr. Han, did you call for me?

- The chief of security is here… - He told me. - Come in. - He said loud enough to he person outside the room. - You can leave the door open.

- Alright. - The person said.

An older man with dark hair and dark eyes, wearing a black suit came into the room. He looked at me, head to toe, obviously judging me for the exact reason I feared a second before. I tired to hide a bit behind Jumin, but he kept me by his side. Elizabeth meowed again, tormented by being forgotten.

- Oh… You let the cat out. - The chief of security said.

- Once she finished eating, I'll put her back in the cage for Angelique to take with her. But first I'll be out for a while. While I'm gone, please make sure to give proper protection to Angelique here. Please, remember her face.

I blushed. Having someone looking at me so intently was disconcerting. I heard Elizabeth meow behind me and I tried to try to hold her, but Jumin's hand around me kept me in place.

- I did see her when she entered. It is nice to meet you, Angelique. If anything happens, you can call fo me anytime.

I nodded to the chief of security in agreement. He was only doing his job after all, I had to get over his judgement at some point. The two man starte chatting again. I should have been taking notes, there was no much new stuff I had to do and I know I wouldn't remember it all.

- But Mr. Han… - The chief started

- I'll take question later. If my father, Sarah, Glam Choi, any one of these three visits me, call me first.

- Er, Mr. Han, I'm sorry to interrupt you but!

- what is it?

- Something white just moved at a very fast speed just now!

- What? - Jumin said confused.

- No… - My eyes were wide open. - Elizabeth? - I ran out of the room to try to grab her.

Those two delayed a little to come out of the room, I was already full speed behind Elizabeth, but could not find her anywhere. Jumin called my name, but I was already jumping a couch towards the entrance door which was slightly ajar when I saw it. The Chief of security was screaming orders on his com to all bodyguards to sechan the one who had left the door open.

- Lead me to the security room where I can see all CCTV screens of the hallway and lobby. Finding my cat is top priority. - Jumin said, fastening his cuffs.

- Yes, sir.

- I'll help you find her! - I said, still pumped from adrenaline.

- No. You stay here for the moment. Soon I'll delegate a bodyguard to accompany you during the day. If you don't accept I'll be very troubled. Alright? - Jumin pressed the bridge of his nose. - God… keep calm… - He looked at me with his gray eyes. - I'll come back with Elizabeth the 3rd. Just be safe. I'll be back soon.

Jumin disappeared to go to search for his cat. The one I knew where it would be.