Novel Bin
Chapter 03 Golden Eyes, Hidden Past
[2 Years later]
A knock interrupted Lea's thoughts as she gazed out the window, a delicate rose twirling in her fingers.
"Madam, there is an invitation for you," the housemaid announced gently, placing a sealed envelope on Lea's desk.
Lea turned her attention to the letter, her eyes narrowing slightly as she broke the seal. The invitation was from Russia — a formal celebration of the alliance they had built.
Her cold, grey eyes regarded the invitation and a subtle smile curled her lips. "Sienna, prepare yourself. We are going to Russia."
"Yes, Madam." Sienna replied promptly, her expression unwavering.
Two years had passed since Lea had taken control, replacing her ex-husband and forging alliances with powerful Russian, Korean, American, Chinese, Indian, and Turkish families. Together, they sought to dismantle the influence of Dario Bianchi, the feared head of the Italian mafia. But before they could reach him, they had to crush the smaller mafia groups loyal to him. Spain, Romania, and France.
[Russia]
The school buzzed with the quiet chatter of students, their voices blending into a soothing hum. The atmosphere shifted when the door opened, and all eyes turned toward the front of the room.
A young woman entered — tall, poised, with golden-blond hair that glimmered softly under the morning light. Her golden eyes surveyed the room with a gentle yet authoritative gaze.
“Good morning,” she began, her voice steady yet inviting. “I am your new English teacher. You can call me Miss Ivanova. Let's begin."
The lesson progressed smoothly until a student hesitantly raised a hand.
"Miss Ivanova, are you half Russian?"
Yuna paused, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Yes, I am half Korean, half Russian," she replied, offering only a glimpse into the story behind her composed demeanor. Her gaze flickered briefly, betraying a momentary distance.
The hour passed.
Yuna's gaze softened slightly as the bell rang, signaling the end of the lesson. The room emptied, leaving her alone with her thoughts. She watched the students scatter, her reflection staring back at her through the glass. She sighed, her mind drifting to a time long past.
[Russia, 2009]
**The Ivanova's mansion**
The quiet of the night was broken by a gentle knock on the door.
"Сестра, ты не спишь?" whispered a small voice. **Sister, are you awake?**
Hye opened the door, her eyes heavy with sleep.
"Почему ты проснулся?" she mumbled. **Why are you awake?**
"Я не могу уснуть... могу я поспать здесь?" **I can't sleep... Can I sleep here?**
Hye sighed softly. "Знаешь, отец всегда говорит, что нам нельзя бродить по ночам." **You know, Father always says we can't wander around at night.**
"Но заходи, давай спать вместе. Но не говори отцу." **But come in, let's sleep together. But don't tell Father.**
Relieved, Yuna climbed onto the bed, her small body curling into the warmth of her sister. Suddenly, a thought struck her.
"Oh no!" she gasped quietly.
"Что происходит?" **What's going on? ** Hye whispered, a hint of alarm in her voice.
"Я оставила Лолу в своей комнате." **I left Lola in my room.**
Hye's eyes widened. "О, нет... тебе нельзя выходить на улицу." **Oh no... you can't go outside.**
"Пожалуйста... я быстро. Никто меня не увидит, обещаю." **Please... I'll be quick. No one will see me, I promise.**
After a moment's hesitation, Hye nodded. "Хорошо... Но поторопись!" **Okay... But hurry!**
Yuna tiptoed back to her room, her heart pounding. She grabbed her doll, Lola, and made her way back. But as she was on the floor, voices drifted from back. Her father's voice—firm, commanding.
Fear gripped her. If he found her wandering at night, there would be consequences. Quickly, she slipped into the forbidden room, hiding under a table draped with a heavy cloth. Her father entered, his footsteps measured, followed by his assistant.
"Ты знаешь, что ты должен сделать." **You know what you must do** her father’s voice rumbled.
"да." **Yes** the assistant replied quietly.
Yuna's heart hammered in her chest, her tiny hands covering her mouth to silence her breath. As soon as the room emptied, she ran back to Hye's room, her pulse racing.
Sliding under the covers, she hugged Lola tightly, her eyes wide open as Hye's breathing steadied beside her.
Moments later, Hye's eyes fluttered open, a glimmer of awareness crossing her face before she slept again.
The morning sun poured through the window, casting golden streaks of light across the room. Its warmth crept over the polished wooden table, illuminating the newspaper held in a firm, calloused hand.
Hye entered the dining room, her expression blank as she sat down.
"Где Юна?" **Where is Yuna?**
"Она придёт." **She is coming.**
Her father's grip on the newspaper tightened slightly. He lowered it, revealing
Her father's grip on the newspaper tightened slightly. He lowered it, revealing sharp, scrutinizing eyes.
"If she is late," he stated coldly, "she won’t eat breakfast."
Silence settled over the room.
Hye didn’t respond. She only stared at him, resentment burning quietly behind her gaze.
Moments later, Yuna appeared, her steps hesitant as she took her seat. She rubbed her tired eyes, exhaustion weighing down her small frame.
"I couldn't sleep all night..."
Her father’s gaze locked onto her.
"Ты спал рядом с сестрой?" **Did you sleep next to your sister?**
Yuna’s breath caught in her throat. Her hands curled into fists beneath the table.
"Разве я не говорил тебе не бродить по ночам?" **Didn't I tell you not to wander around at night?**
Before Yuna could answer, Hye spoke up.
"Она не сделала." **She didn’t.**
"Она пришла до полуночи." **She came before midnight.**
Their father’s expression remained unreadable.
"В следующий раз не делай ничего без моего разрешения." **Next time, don’t do anything without my permission.**
Yuna swallowed the lump in her throat. The conversation ended as quickly as it had begun.
The house was silent. Only the rhythmic ticking of the grandfather clock echoed through the empty halls.
Yuna lay awake in her bed, her eyes wide open.
"I can't sleep..."
Slowly, she sat up, pushing away the covers. The window’s glass was cold against her fingertips as she gazed outside.
The stars shone above the darkened city, indifferent to the turmoil in her heart.
*Father… why would you do this to us?* she thought bitterly. Her reflection stared back at her, fragile and weary.
A tear slipped down her cheek, followed by another.
She squeezed her eyes shut, letting silent sobs wrack her small body.
Moments later, when she opened her eyes again, she was back from her thoughts. She looked out the school building's window and sighed.
[To Be Continued]
What do you think?
Total Responses: 0