Ahyeon let out a slow breath, her hand falling from Chiquita’s grasp. “It’s time.”
Chiquita’s eyes narrowed, her protective instincts kicking in. “I’ll come with you.”
“No,” Ahyeon said quickly, shaking her head. “You can’t. If my step-mother sees us together, she’ll make things worse. I need you to stay away for now.”
Reluctantly, Chiquita nodded. “But I’ll be nearby. If anything happens, I’ll be there.”
With a heavy heart, Ahyeon left the room, her steps feeling like lead as she made her way to the great hall. When she entered, her step-mother was already there, standing beside a tall, imposing man—her latest “suitor.” He looked every bit the part of a nobleman, with an air of arrogance that made Ahyeon’s skin crawl.
“Ahyeon, darling,” Lady Min purred, her voice sickeningly sweet. “I’m so glad you’ve joined us. This is Lord Sangwon, a very eligible bachelor from the eastern provinces. I’ve arranged for you to spend some time together this evening.”
Ahyeon kept her expression neutral, though her insides churned. “Of course, step-mother.”
Lord Sangwon stepped forward, bowing slightly. “It’s an honor to meet you, Your Grace. I’ve heard many wonderful things about you.”
Ahyeon forced a smile. “Thank you. The pleasure is mine.”
The conversation that followed was hollow, filled with empty pleasantries and forced politeness. Ahyeon barely heard a word Lord Sangwon said, her mind elsewhere—on Chiquita, on the love they shared, on the impossibility of the life her step-mother wanted for her.
As the evening dragged on, Lady Min’s sharp gaze followed Ahyeon’s every move. She could sense the growing tension, the silent rebellion in her daughter’s demeanor. And she wasn’t about to let it go unchecked.
After dinner, Lady Min pulled Ahyeon aside, her voice low and dangerous. “You’re slipping, Ahyeon. I can see it. You’re distracted, unfocused. Do you think I haven’t noticed?”
Ahyeon stiffened, her hands curling into fists. “I’m doing my duty, step-mother. Isn’t that what you wanted?”
Lady Min’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t play games with me. I know what’s going on between you and that servant girl. You think I don’t see it? The way you look at her, the way she’s always by your side.”
Ahyeon’s heart pounded in her chest. “You’re mistaken.”
Lady Min’s lips curled into a cruel smile. “Am I? Don’t think for a second that I won’t expose you if it serves my interests. You have two choices, Ahyeon. You marry Lord Sangwon and secure your position, or I’ll make sure everyone knows what you’ve been hiding.”
Ahyeon’s blood ran cold. She had known this moment would come, but it didn’t make it any easier to face. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Wouldn’t I?” Lady Min hissed. “I’ve worked too hard to build this empire, and I won’t let you ruin it with your foolishness. You will do as I say, or you’ll lose everything.”
Ahyeon’s heart raced, panic gripping her. She had never felt so trapped. Her step-mother had her cornered, and the future she so desperately wanted with Chiquita seemed to be slipping through her fingers.
But just as the fear began to take hold, Ahyeon’s mind flashed to Chiquita—to her strength, her loyalty, her love. And in that moment, something shifted inside her. She wasn’t a helpless girl anymore. She was a ruler, and she wasn’t going to let her step-mother control her any longer.
“I won’t marry Lord Sangwon,” Ahyeon said, her voice steady and resolute.
Lady Min’s eyes widened in shock. “What did you say?”
“I said no,” Ahyeon repeated. “I’m not marrying anyone. You can expose me if you want, but I won’t let you dictate my life anymore.”
Lady Min’s face twisted with rage. “You foolish girl! You think you can defy me?”
“I don’t think,” Ahyeon said, stepping closer, her eyes blazing with determination. “I know.”
And with that, she turned and walked away, leaving her step-mother seething in her wake. As she made her way through the palace halls, her heart still pounding, Ahyeon knew one thing for certain: she wasn’t going to let anyone—step-mother or otherwise—come between her and Chiquita.
Whatever happened next, she would face it head-on. And she would fight for the life she wanted, no matter the cost.
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~Time-Traveler's Dilemma~ ~~Chiyeon~~ ~Book 6~
FanfictionA young scientist invents a time machine but accidentally gets stuck in a past era. As they try to find a way back home, they fall in love with someone from that time, forcing them to choose between returning to their future or staying in the past...
The Step-Mother's Plan.
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