Tae Hyun quickly hid behind her back again, clutching the back of her coat with trembling fingers.
Shin Hye tilted her head slightly, her cold black eyes fixed on the man. Without a word, she raised her hand and pushed him firmly on the chest. Despite being only twenty, her strength was undeniable. Her wide, muscular build gave her an intimidating presence, and the man stumbled back a few steps, staring at her with fear.
Shin Hye (voice calm but dangerously cold):"Don't you dare touch him again. Tell me… are you really his uncle?"
The man glared at her, confused, as she tilted her head slightly, her black eyes piercing through him.
Shin Hye (continuing, tone eerie yet smooth):"Let's make a deal. From your behaviour, I can tell you don't care about this kid. You don't want him… do you?"
The man scoffed.Uncle:"No way. I can't just give you my boy. Okay, we might have some… misunderstandings, but—"
Before he could finish, Shin Hye interrupted him, her voice low and controlled.
Shin Hye:"₩100 million won."
The man froze, eyes widening in shock.Uncle:"Huh… what?"
Shin Hye (gaze emotionless, voice clear and sharp):"I'll give you ₩100 million won if you allow me to adopt this child… legally."
He stared at her, mouth hanging open.Uncle (stammering):"W-What are you talking about…?"
Shin Hye:"Alright then… I don't want to force you."
She turned away gracefully, her coat swaying slightly with each elegant step. She looked every bit like a rich heiress walking away from a poor man who had just refused the best offer of his life. Her expensive clothes and calm composure only added to her untouchable aura.
Tae Hyun quickly reached out and grabbed her arm, his small fingers trembling.
The man hesitated, staring at her back.Uncle (voice shaking slightly):"Are you… really offering me money?"
Shin Hye smiled faintly, her eyes still fixed ahead, her lips curling into a small downward smile without turning to look at him.
**
Soon after, one of her men arrived with a contract. Without a second's delay, she officially adopted Kim Tae Hyun. The contract was detailed and strict – it clearly stated that his uncle would have no right to disturb him unless Tae Hyun himself wished to meet him. If he breached the contract, every won given to him would be taken back with a heavy penalty.
To anyone watching, it didn't look like an adoption contract. It looked like a ruthless deal – a selfish uncle selling his brother's son purely for money.
He signed without hesitation. The moment he saw the piles of cash, his eyes widened in greed. But Shin Hye didn't spare him another glance.
She lowered her gaze coldly, her voice dropping to an eerie calmness.
Shin Hye:"Don't you dare show your face to me… or this boy… ever again."
He scoffed nervously.Uncle:"And what if I do?"
She raised her eyebrows slightly, staring straight into his soul with her pitch-black eyes. For a moment, there was silence. Then she tilted her head, a villainous smile spreading across her lips.
She didn't need to answer. Her men stepped forward slightly, revealing their concealed guns. The man froze, his mouth dry with fear.
He understood instantly. She didn't need to say I'll kill you – her eyes said it all.
He was selfish enough to give away his brother's son – perhaps because Tae Hyun was the son of his step-brother, not truly his own blood.
Shin Hye took Tae Hyun to her house later that evening. As their car pulled up to the gates, armed guards stood on either side, their expressions cold and alert. When Shin Hye stepped out with Tae Hyun holding her coat gently, they immediately bowed to her.
Shin Hye (voice calm, controlled):"Is everything alright?"
Guards (in unison):"Yes, Boss."
One of them hesitated for a moment, glancing at Tae Hyun with curiosity before asking softly,
Guard:"Boss… who's this kid?"
Shin Hye tilted her head slightly, as if trying to remember. She looked down at the boy standing quietly beside her.
Shin Hye:"He is… hmm… what's your name again? I forgot."
Tae Hyun looked up at her shyly, his voice quiet but clear.
Tae Hyun:"My name is Tae Hyun."
She nodded slowly, turning her dark eyes back to the guard.
Shin Hye:"Ah, yes… Tae Hyun. I adopted him."
The guards exchanged a brief look of surprise but quickly lowered their heads again, showing no further reaction.
She led him inside. The mansion was enormous, built with old Italian architecture – arched doorways, marble floors, and intricate dark wood designs lining the halls. Tae Hyun looked around with wide eyes, taking in the grandeur with silent awe.
Shin Hye walked ahead calmly, her heels echoing against the marble, and stopped in front of a large wooden door. She pushed it open, revealing a spacious room with a soft bed, elegant dark furniture, and warm golden lighting.
Shin Hye (turning to him with her cold, unreadable gaze):"This will be your room from now on."
Shin Hye:"Go take a shower and come straight to the dining room."
Tae Hyun stood there for a moment, looking confused and overwhelmed by the sudden change in his life. Quietly, he nodded and walked into the bathroom attached to his room.
**
Later, he walked towards the dining room, his small footsteps echoing across the marble floors. The dining area was elegant and spacious, attached to a large kitchenette with gleaming counters. In the corner stood a small but classic bar lined with expensive bottles.
Shin Hye stood by the stove, wearing her usual black coat with her hair tied loosely. The sight surprised him – she was cooking.
She glanced over her shoulder as she heard him enter, her dark eyes meeting his shy gaze.
Shin Hye (voice calm, almost casual):
"Come here."
He walked closer, watching her stir something in a pan.
Shin Hye:"I didn't know what you'd like, so I made some pasta… I'm not exactly a good chef, though."
Tae Hyun quietly walked to the dining table and sat down, his small hands resting on his lap. He watched her silently as she finished preparing the pasta.
Shin Hye turned off the stove and carried the steaming plate over to him. She placed the food in front of him gently, her expression calm and unreadable.
For a moment, he just stared at the pasta, the smell filling his senses. No one had ever cooked a proper meal just for him before.
Shin Hye (voice low but soft):"Eat."
He took a small bite, tasting it carefully. To his surprise, it was delicious. He looked up at her with shy eyes.
Tae Hyun (softly):"It's… good."
Shin Hye lowered her gaze with a small downward smile. She had been quietly waiting for his reaction, though she didn't show it openly.
As he took another bite, he glanced at her again. She had started eating too, moving with quiet elegance. For a moment, he just watched her. She looked so beautiful to him – like some ancient goddess from a forgotten legend. His gaze wandered to her long black hair, then to her dark, cold eyes that seemed to hold secrets of the universe.
Suddenly, her eyes met his. Startled, he choked slightly on his food.
Shin Hye (calmly):"Do you need some water?"
She stood up smoothly and poured him a glass, placing it gently in front of him. He took a sip, catching his breath again.
She sat back down, looking at him with her piercing black eyes.
Shin Hye (voice low but steady):"I know you're confused… you don't understand what's happening in your life right now."
She leaned down slightly, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that felt both comforting and terrifying.
Shin Hye:"But you have to trust me. From now on… I won't let anyone hurt you again."
Tae Hyun looked at her, his eyes softening with a small spark of hope.
Tae Hyun (quietly):"You… you seem like an angel."
Shin Hye let out a small laugh, the sound quiet but genuine.
Shin Hye (smirking slightly):"Why do you think that?"
Tae Hyun:"Because… you saved me from my uncle."
She tilted her head, her black eyes narrowing slightly as a faint smile touched her lips.
Shin Hye:"Hmm… I see. Maybe, for you, I really am an angel."
She reached out and gently patted his head, her touch surprisingly polite and warm despite her cold aura.
Shin Hye (standing up):"Finish your meal and go to your room. Don't roam around."
With that, she turned and walked gracefully to her own room, leaving him staring after her in quiet awe.