"LOVE IN A LONG SUSPENSE

Chapter Nine – Sparks in the Silence

Later that night, Ethan Kang returned home under the cloak of silence, assuming Haera was already asleep. He moved through the quiet halls, footsteps light, heading to his room to retrieve some documents. But as he reached the door, something in him hesitated.

His hand hovered over the doorknob.

A strange tightness clutched his chest—a feeling he didn't welcome, one he couldn't name. With a deep breath, he steeled himself and pushed the door open.

Whap!

A pillow flew straight at his head.

He barely ducked, and the pillow sailed past, landing with a soft thud in the hallway.

He blinked, stunned.

Haera stood in the center of the room, gripping another pillow in her hands, her glare sharp as daggers.

"You're back," she said, her voice cold but fierce. "Did you think you could sneak in and pretend nothing happened?"

Ethan straightened. "I came to get some files. I didn't come to fight."

"Oh, of course," she snapped. "Because talking to the girl whose first kiss you stole would be too much trouble."

Her voice shook. "You didn't just kiss me, Ethan. You took something precious from me."

Ethan tensed. "Haera…"

She cut him off. "That kiss was supposed to be for someone I love, someone I'd marry. But you—you took it like it meant nothing. And now you just stand there, pretending it never happened."

Her tears spilled over, her words sharp and bitter. "You're cruel. Heartless. And above all—you're a beast."

Each insult struck deeper than the last, cutting through Ethan's defenses.

"I apologize," he said quietly, unable to meet her gaze. "I shouldn't have done that."

"That's not an apology!" Haera cried. "You didn't even say sorry! Do you think a weak excuse will bring back what you took? It's gone, Ethan. It's never coming back. And I—"

She broke down completely, collapsing onto the bed, sobbing like a child.

"I hate you…"

Ethan stood still, ashamed… speechless.

Then, gathering the last pieces of his pride, he asked softly, "What can I do to compensate you?"

Haera sat up, her eyes red and wild. "Compensate?" she spat. "Do you think I'm cheap? That I can be bought like some item in your business empire? This isn't a contract you can fix with money, Ethan!"

She stepped closer, fire blazing in her eyes. "If you want to compensate me, then do the one thing that matters—let me go. Let me return to my mother. To my life. Can you do that?"

Ethan clenched his jaw.

"I can't," he replied flatly, then turned and walked out, leaving her in stunned silence.

Haera collapsed back onto the bed, broken and exhausted. Her sobs echoed into the walls until sleep finally claimed her.

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Meanwhile, in his study, Ethan paced like a man chased by ghosts. His mind was chaos.

Why can't I let her go?

It doesn't mean anything. It's just because she knows too much.

He gripped the desk and stared at the floor, trying to convince himself. But deep down, beneath all the excuses and cold logic—he knew.

It wasn't about secrets anymore.

It was about her.

And that truth terrified him.

He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. The image of Haera crying, screaming, breaking in front of him—it wouldn't leave his mind. Her words echoed in his ears: "Let me go… I want to go home."

Then suddenly—like a flash of lightning cutting through a stormy sky—an idea struck him.

Maybe… just maybe… there's something I can do.

No, it wouldn't undo the damage. It wouldn't erase the pain. But it might be a start. A way to show her… something different. A form of compensation not paid with money or apologies—but with action.

He didn't know if it would help.

But it was better than standing still in the wreckage he'd caused.

And Ethan Kang was never one to remain idle in defeat.

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💔 End of Chapter Hook:

Whatever Ethan was planning… it might change everything.

But would it be enough to heal what he broke?

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📢 Call to Action (CTA):

💬 What do you think Ethan's plan is? Redemption, manipulation—or something in between? Tell me your theory in the comments!

🔥 Tap that star if you want Haera to finally rise and take control of her fate.

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📝 Author's Note (by Queen Mystery):

Hey, dearest readers 💖

This chapter tore me apart to write. Haera's voice is getting stronger, and Ethan… well, even stone hearts can crack under fire. Thank you for being here with me.

Let's keep this story alive with your love—vote, comment, and share!

And don't forget to follow me for more chapters filled with twists, emotions, and romance!

With love and suspense,

—Queen Mystery 👑 .