Curiosity was a dangerous game, for it could amend one’s action through a morose mystery better left alone. The fear of the unknown triggered the drive for curiosity, because no men savored being stripped off any knowledge; especially regarding their own future.   “I retract my inquiry and will replace it as per your suggestion,” Woohyun said, quickly pacing himself beside her as they passed the barren corridors. Not a single painting decorated the second floor like it did the grand ballroom.   “I am afraid that offer no longer stands. I was making a figurative comparison,” Hyunmi said, smiling at him in her beguiling manner. She never intended to reveal her past to him, and if it was supposed to offend him, he grinned instead.   “Ergo, which part of your past am I entitled knowledge of?”   She turned to him with a smile playing on the tip of her lips. “The one that takes place after our first encounter.”   “My wisdom extends to that exact point of time, not beyond it. What I require knowledge of is one I have yet to discover,” he argued. They had been living under the same roof for the past few months, and naturally he came to learn more about her than anyone else. It was difficult not to notice her quirks or habits when his eyes unconsciously singled her out from a crowd—always searching, always finding. However, he was greedy when it came to learning about her.   “Do you truly, Mr. Nam?” She asked, inching closer as if it had been her intention to stop his breath to a hitch all along. She coyly smiled at him, playing the part of the charmer for once. “Are you aware of my opinions over you?”   “You quite like me, that much we have established,” Woohyun said. He found this all too intriguing, the manner with which they inspirit each other with many unresolved questions, and yet spoke as if they had been each other’s most trusted confidant for years.   “Things change over time, Mr. Nam.”   Woohyun flinched, wondering whether the changes she spoke of were for the better or for the worse. What if she still believed he wanted her house? Would she despise him? Did he still desire her house, or did he desire her?   “Is your mansion as expansive as the Kim’s estate, or should I expect a grander scale from the town’s wealthiest man?” She suddenly asked, slight derision riding her singsong voice. Her gaze was now on the doors along the corridor, multiple of them, all locked.   He wondered where this was coming from. Moments ago she spoke so highly of him, as if she believed he was different from the wealthy people she loathed. Now, she emphasized his status again, almost like a reminder to herself.   “It is, in fact, smaller. But the emptiness stretches beyond the corner of every room, trapping a young boy in his personal cell of isolation,” he answered, not knowing why he kept repeating his past to her. A part of him wished to take her there and fill the loneliest corners of the room with her presence, but circumstances wouldn’t permit it.   He watched her reaction, her eyes flicker with guilt rather than sympathy, anger rather than sadness. Then her fist unclenched, and she released a long sigh.   “Have you managed to pursue happiness, then?”   “As a matter of fact, I did,” Woohyun confessed. For the first time, he managed to differentiate deceit from the truth, no longer doubting what had taken hold of his reality. “With the children, Dongwoo, and especially with you, I find the warmth I’ve been excluded from my entire life.”   His response curved her lips into the most dazzling smile he had seen, and he wondered whether people emitted more beauty when they were aware of their positive impact on their surroundings. If only she could see herself through his eyes, she’d be surprised to see her own radiance.   “Were you stripped off your happiness prior to your stay with us?” She asked again.   Recalling the days before she had entered his life was nearly impossible, for his world unconsciously began to revolve around her. Before her, he only had one task.   “My happiness was dependant on Mr. Sunggyu and our accomplishments. He is the most renowned tycoon with a mind for growth and I longed to become like him.” He tried to understand the ease of his confession, how it slipped out of his tongue like flowing water on a riverbed.   Hyunmi’s gaze hardened by now. “Why should you desire to be an imitation of someone else when the originality you were formed with allows you to accomplish greater things? Had you been a duplicate of Mr. Kim, I would censure you of my tolerance.”   Woohyun laughed, enthralled by her speech. The manner she favored him with made her glow like the angel of mercy. He had sought approval his entire life; from his parents who abandoned him home alone, from the servants who—despite their friendship—couldn't unsee his authority as a master, and from Sunggyu who would eternally oppress Woohyun’s self worth. His long needed approval was finally delivered through her. How he yearned for her touch.   “Do you know what sort of businesses he engages in?” She questioned sternly. Kim Sunggyu never struck her an honest man, and she needed Woohyun to align his understanding.   “A restaurant, an inn, a pub, a saloon…”   “You can’t truly believe that.” Hyunmi scoffed, clearly mocking the greatest subject of her abomination. “I doubt he earns his money through an ethical manner.”   His emotions were jarred, from the dizzying smell of her fragrance he wished to drown himself in, to a sudden fury rising in him. He snapped.   “I understand you loathe the rich and aren’t too fond of him, but you musn’t forget he is a dear friend of mine. Without him, I would’ve been nothing. He allowed me to partake in his business ideas through my investments. Perhaps you are wrong about him as you had been about me.”   The cautious but benign glint in Hyunmi’s eyes narrowed to something more sinister. The loyalty Woohyun gifted his friends with could easily be manipulated, and Sunggyu’s cruelty employed this knowledge to his advantage.   “Perhaps I had been wrong about you too,” she said, hoping he could’ve been key to instigate a change. His benevolence didn’t allow him to turn his back on his friends, and it was an admirable trait as much as it was foolish.   Woohyun watched her turn to the library, leaving him be. He did not wish to be rejected by her, but pertained no knowledge to mend the situation. For once, not even his beguiling mannerism couldn’t save him.   ***   Once they returned to the library, two unexpected guests awaited. Sitting on the other side of the chamber were the Lee brothers. They both wore a red and black checkered vest, showing the sublime golden brooch fastened in front, worn like a proud family flag.   “My, have you returned so quickly? I would have expected you to enjoy more leisure times in private,” Seulyi commented, tilting her lips in the most suggestive grin a proper lady could muster.   Hyunmi exchanged a furtive eye contact with Sungjong, remembering the favor of mercy she was required to perform. Her gaze fell on Sungyeol who regarded her curiously, dissecting her from head to toe with his eyes.   “I wish to speak with Mr. Lee Sungyeol instead,” Hyunmi said. She approached the man with a polite curtsy, and tilted her dress enough to watch his eyes trail the bare skin of her ankles. “I apologize for the manner with which I may have offended you during our past encounter. My speech were untamed, but only now do I marvel the true wonder of your achievements.”   “My achievements?” Sungyeol raised his eyebrows, leaning back against the chair, allowing her to elevate his arrogance. “What may they be?”   “You are a partner to Mr. Kim Sunggyu. However, I am aware of your true brilliance which many may have no recollection of. You feed him new ideas, are the true brain behind each enterprise, and ensure the stability in which they operate,” she said, tilting her head with a smile. “Moreover, your true accomplishment lies in your handsome looks.”   Sungyeol looked up in surprise, letting a wide arrogant smile glide over his face. His eyes flickered toward Woohyun, seeing anger flash through his eyes. What an interesting situation this evolved to.   “Do you find me handsome? Mayhap, you bear a certain desire for me? My offer stands and I’d be willing to take you in as my personal servant. Pleasing me you shall, in many ways,” Sungyeol spoke, eyeing the women with lustful eyes. She was quite a beauty when her lips were sealed from her unfavorable opinions and complaints. Behind the long dress, he read the slender curve of her body, the fall of her long black hair against her chest, the coquettish look in her doe eyes, and the scarlet thread in her lips. A curiosity brew, and he understood the reason behind Woohyun’s interest in her.   At this remark, Sungjong uncomfortably shifted, daring himself to glance at Woohyun. When he requested Hyunmi to plead his case, he didn’t expect her to master the art of seduction through a well crafted speech. In many ways, she was truly akin and compatible to Woohyun. If that were the case, she may excel in a way Woohyun would utterly detest.   “My ability to please you is correlated to the manner with which you can please me. Do you wish to make the barter?” She asked, eyes hollow from real emotions, displaying the glimpse of a smirk instead.   Sungjong saw the twitch in Woohyun’s lips, no longer smiling frivolously in his usual annoying manner. Everyone else in the room seemed to be occupied; Rika kept applying paint splatters to the canvas, Jangjun assisted her when her hands grew tired of holding the palette, and Joochan played a fine melody as if nothing had happened. All except for Jineul, who attentively watched along.   “Interesting. In what ways could I possibly please you, other than the obvious?” Sungyeol smiled arrogantly.   Hyunmi suppressed the urge to turn around and meet Woohyun’s eyes, wondering what he thought of her negotiations. Judging on Sungjong’s nervous glances, it seemed she was intently being watched by the man whose opinion she valued most. It restrained her from fully breaking Sungyeol, knowing those same actions could break the man she cherished as well. Yet, she cautiously leaned closer to Sungyeol to uphold her end of the agreement.   “I wish to serve a noble master,” Hyunmi lowered her voice, concealing it from Woohyun. “One who knows how to treat his family members.”   “Ah, is this what it is about?” Sungyeol questioned, glancing at Sungjong who anxiously watched their exchange. Who was this Jang Hyunmi to risk so much for his little brother? His curiosity made his adrenaline pump, amused to have been caught in this web.   “Since I am feeling generous, allow me to share a fact you wished you had known prior to your pathetic involvement.” He grabbed Hyunmi by the arm, roughly yanking her against him. She let out a small cry, but his heart was trained to show no mercy. He bent forward to her, his lips against her ears, and in a hot breath whispered: “He ain’t my family.”   Hyunmi barely had time to process his words, let alone elicit a gasp. She was up and away from Sungyeol, suddenly held close in the arm of Woohyun. A small voice tempted her to rest her head against his chest, to listen to his heartbeat and blanket herself with his fougere scent, but she knew better.   “Your malign intention ends here,” Woohyun spoke sternly.   Sungyeol had never