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Chapter 2 - ch: 2 sweet home

The heated discussion among the detectives was abruptly cut off as the clock advanced to 9:30 PM. Hana Park arrived at her home, a sanctuary of warmth and elegance. She entered her inviting abode, greeted by the soft glow of ambient lighting and the gentle hum of a well-maintained HVAC system.

She set her purse on the countertop, a stunning blend of white and baby pink marble that gleamed under the kitchen's lighting. With a sigh of relief, Hana walked to her washroom, where she splashed her face with cold water, invigorating herself with a simple face wash. The coolness was a welcome contrast to the intensity of the day's work. After a quick rinse, she prepared for a bath, letting the tub fill with warm water as she moved to the kitchen.

The kitchen was a fantastical vision of modern luxury, designed with a blend of sleek lines and imaginative elements. The cabinetry was adorned with intricate patterns, while the countertops were a gleaming white with delicate gold veining. A high-tech induction cooktop, a gleaming stainless steel oven, and a built-in wine cooler highlighted the space's cutting-edge appliances.

Hana selected a recipe for red sauce pasta, effortlessly navigating her well-stocked kitchen. She prepared the ingredients with practiced ease, the aromatic blend of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs filling the air. As the pasta cooked, she periodically checked on the bathtub, ensuring it reached the perfect temperature for her relaxing soak.

With her culinary creation simmering on the stove and the bathwater perfectly warm, Hana allowed herself a moment of tranquility, savoring the calm before the next phase of the investigation.

As Hana prepared for her evening of relaxation, she glanced up at her bookshelf, her eyes scanning the neatly arranged volumes. "Hmm, what should we read today?" she mused to herself. Her gaze settled on a book titled Haunting Adeline, and a smile touched her lips. "I'm feeling some spice today."

She picked up the book, its cover evocative with dark, swirling designs, and carried it to her reading room. The room was a cozy haven, lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and furnished with a plush armchair that seemed to invite long hours of reading. Hana carefully placed Haunting Adeline on a small, elegant side table and adjusted the lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

With the stage set for her reading, Hana headed back to the bathroom. The tub was now filled with perfectly warm water, its surface inviting her to unwind. She slipped into the bath, letting the warmth envelop her as she took a deep breath, savoring the quiet moment of solitude.

As she relaxed, the tension of the day slowly melted away, and she prepared to immerse herself in the thrilling world of her new book.

Hana settled into her plush armchair, the soft glow of a nearby lamp casting a cozy light on the pages of Haunting Adeline. She ate her red sauce pasta, savoring each bite as she delved into the book's spicy and suspenseful narrative. The room was filled with the soothing melodies of her playlist, which played on repeat, creating a backdrop of calming music.

Time seemed to slip away as she became engrossed in the book, the plot's twists and turns keeping her thoroughly engaged. The clock ticked past midnight, and Hana remained absorbed in her reading, pausing occasionally to enjoy another forkful of pasta. By 2:00 AM, she finally set the book aside, her appetite sated and her mind both relaxed and stimulated by the evening's entertainment.

With the music still softly playing, Hana took a moment to reflect on the story and her own thoughts, her evening of indulgence wrapping up with a sense of contentment.

As Hana set the book aside at 2:00 AM, she looked out of the window at the glittering city below, her mind still swirling with the evening's narrative. She contemplated the nature of her profession, reflecting silently.

In her thoughts, she considered, *Detectives like us don't show our faces to the world. It may seem isolating, but it's necessary. Maintaining our anonymity and distance is crucial for our effectiveness. The less people know about us, the clearer we can remain in our pursuit of truth. It's a solitude that, while sometimes daunting, is essential for the job we do.

With a sense of acceptance and resolve, Hana prepared for bed, ready to face whatever the next day would bring.

H~

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