Broken Paths || Wen JunHui

Chapter 51: A Fragile Plan

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Da-Rae stayed in a safe house arranged by the police, a modest apartment tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. The anonymity should have brought her some relief, but every shadow that stretched across the walls felt like Jun's presence creeping closer. She had barely slept since the night of her escape, her mind replaying every word, every look, every moment where things had gone terribly wrong.

As she stared out the window at the empty street below, her phone buzzed on the table. The screen lit up with a text from her mother.

"Where are you? Hyun-Woo's funeral is tomorrow. You need to show up for the family."

Da-Rae's stomach churned. She hadn't told her family the truth, hadn't dared to admit that the man who had loved her enough to propose had been murdered by another man who claimed to love her even more. The thought of standing at the funeral, surrounded by Hyun-Woo's grieving parents, was almost too much to bear.

She ignored the text and turned back to the table, where a cup of cold tea sat untouched. The silence in the room pressed down on her, suffocating.

At the same time, Jun was watching.

From the rooftop of a nearby building, he peered through binoculars, scanning the street until he found the glowing light of Da-Rae's apartment window. She was there. He knew she would be. Even the police couldn't separate them for long; they didn't understand the bond they shared.

A flicker of movement behind the curtains told him she was pacing. Was she thinking of him? Worrying about him?

Jun clenched his fist around the binoculars, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Don't be scared, Da-Rae," he murmured to himself. "I'll protect you from everything, even your own doubts."

But her resistance had changed things. He'd have to adjust his plans. The only way to keep Da-Rae safe—and ensure she didn't run again—was to make her truly dependent on him. He needed to break her free from everyone else in her life.

Inside the apartment, Da-Rae finally mustered the courage to check her emails. She scrolled past unread messages from colleagues, family, and friends, until one caught her attention. It was from the hospital director.

Subject: Immediate Leave Approval

Da-Rae, We understand the personal challenges you've been facing recently. Please take as much time as you need. If you require additional support, let us know.

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard. Should she reply? Should she explain? What could she even say that wouldn't sound completely unhinged?

Before she could decide, there was a knock at the door.

Her heart leapt into her throat, and she froze. The police hadn't mentioned anyone coming by tonight. Slowly, she stood, her bare feet padding across the floor as she approached the door.

"Who is it?" she called, her voice trembling.

No answer.

She backed away from the door, her eyes darting toward the kitchen. Her hand closed around a paring knife, gripping it tightly as she took shallow breaths.

The knock came again, louder this time, and a voice followed. "Miss Da-Rae? It's Detective Choi. I need to speak with you."

She hesitated, then peeked through the peephole. Sure enough, it was the detective who had taken her initial statement after the attack. Reluctantly, she unlocked the door, keeping the knife hidden at her side.

"Detective?"

He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "We've got a lead on Jun," he said without preamble. "But I need to know if there's anything else you haven't told us about his behavior, his methods—anything that could help us track him down."

Da-Rae's stomach twisted. "I told you everything I know. He... he was delusional, obsessive. He knew things about me he shouldn't have, but I don't know how."

The detective nodded. "We've increased patrols in the area, but I'd recommend you keep your movements limited. Don't let your guard down."

As he spoke, Da-Rae's gaze drifted to the window, a shiver running down her spine. The feeling of being watched hadn't left her since that night.

"I won't," she promised, though her voice was barely above a whisper.

Outside, Jun watched as the detective left the apartment. He stayed hidden in the shadows, his sharp eyes tracking the man's every step.

"Trying to keep her away from me won't work," Jun muttered to himself. "You don't understand, Detective. She's already mine."

He turned his attention back to Da-Rae's window, his smile widening.

"She'll see soon enough. I'll make sure of it."

⋆˙⟡♡⚕🩺⊹ 🤍