Chapter 8: An Unexpected Guest
Amaya woke up much later than usual.
It was Saturday after all.
For once, there was no school.
No teachers.
No homework.
No annoying classmates.
She stretched lazily before getting out of bed.
After taking a quick shower, she slipped into a comfortable oversized gown and headed downstairs.
The mansion was unusually quiet.
Kim Dan sat on the couch reading a stack of documents.
Santi was sprawled across the floor, surrounded by toy cars.
Sylvester was nowhere to be seen.
"Morning," Amaya yawned.
Kim Dan glanced up briefly.
"It's noon."
"Still morning for me."
Kim Dan shook his head.
Santi ran toward her.
"Aunty Amaya!"
He practically launched himself into her arms.
Amaya laughed and picked him up.
"Morning, little monster."
"I'm not a monster."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes!"
"Then who stole all the cookies yesterday?"
Santi gasped dramatically.
"It wasn't me."
Kim Dan cleared his throat.
"It was him."
"Traitor!" Santi shouted.
The room erupted into laughter.
For a brief moment, everything felt normal.
Peaceful.
Then the front door opened.
The butler walked inside.
"Master Kim Dan."
Kim Dan looked up.
"What is it?"
"You have a visitor."
Kim Dan frowned.
"I wasn't expecting anyone."
The butler stepped aside.
A woman walked into the mansion.
The room instantly fell silent.
She was beautiful.
Long black hair.
Sharp green eyes.
Elegant posture.
She wore an expensive white dress and carried herself with confidence.
The moment Kim Dan saw her, his expression froze.
For the first time since Amaya had met him...
He looked shocked.
"...Elena?"
The woman smiled.
"Hello, Kim."
Amaya looked between them.
Something felt strange.
Very strange.
Elena's smile widened.
"It's been a long time."
Kim Dan slowly stood up.
Too slowly.
As if he couldn't believe she was actually standing there.
Amaya noticed.
And for some reason...
She didn't like it.
Not one bit.
Santi tilted his head.
"Dad, who's she?"
Elena looked at Santi and smiled warmly.
"So this is your son."
Kim Dan remained silent.
The woman then turned toward Amaya.
"And you must be Amaya."
Amaya narrowed her eyes.
How did she know her name?
Elena extended her hand.
"I've heard a lot about you."
Amaya stared at it.
Then reluctantly shook it.
"Nice to meet you."
The smile on Elena's face never wavered.
But Amaya had the strange feeling that there was more behind that smile than met the eye.
A lot more.
And something told her...
This woman wasn't here for a simple visit.
To Be Continued...
