“Because…” he said, glancing up at her, “I’m a time traveler myself.”

“What…? Time travel? What do you mean?” her light brown, almost amber, eyes met his with wonder. What the heck was “time travel”?

“Ah… Well, to put it simply, it’s exactly what it means. You travel through time and end up in a different timeline from your own. You can travel to the future or past.”

“… So, you’re saying… I travelled through time…? To the future…?” she whispered, biting her index finger in deep thought. It didn’t sound impossible— given the circumstances.

The brunette couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Her pale skin shimmered in the natural, bright sunlight that was streaming through the pristine windows. Hae-eun’s long, black hair was hanging down low, covering her rosy cheeks from view. She was still beautiful… How was she still so elegant even when unkempt?

He couldn’t suppress the urge in his chest: he wanted her. That dark, secretive feeling he had harbored for years began to overwhelm him once more. Clenching his fists, he looked away as anger and resentment surged through him. If it wasn’t for that crown prince, he could have married her when he had the chance! Then he wouldn’t be in this mess to start with! He gazed at her with intense desire, his heart palpitating with renewed excitement. This time, he wouldn’t make such a foolish mistake again.

“…Do you recognize me?” he asked again, his eyes pleading for her to remember him.

“I… Why do you keep asking me—”

“Park Yong-joon. That’s my name. Do you still not recognize me…?”

The second she heard that name, it was like the fog in her head cleared up. Her suppressed memories began to trickle throughout her system, sending goosebumps along her arms and legs. Her pupils dilated as memories of the man before her flashed across her mind. Hae-eun instinctively curled her feet while her heart palpitated rapidly against her. Fear coursed through her veins as she took in a haggard breath… No… Why was he here?! She had thought she had finally escaped from his clutches…!

Despite her terror, Hae-eun managed to stay calm and collected. She had to get out of there— alive.

Feigning ignorance, she glanced up at him, “… Am I supposed to know who you are…?”

His piercing, chocolatey dark brown eyes stared back at her, contemplating if she was speaking the truth. Watching her unwavering stare, a slow smile spread across his face, illuminating his handsome and chiseled features even more. It had been worth the risk to jump into that bright light with her. This was even better than he had hoped. He chuckled with delight.

“I see… Well, we were the best of friends, you and I... along with Woon.”

Hae-eun gulped, noticing his murderous glare. Was he already suspecting her? “… I-I see. My apologies but I have no recollection of you. Were you part of the Rose Noble?”

“I suppose you can say that. But you and I… we knew each other from further back.”

“Really? So, have we known each other since we were children?” she asked, clenching her fists tightly as she mustered up a curious glance at the man who was now walking towards the windows.

“I wonder. Did you know that among all of our hardships you would always go to one person?”

“…? I don’t quite understand what you—”

“You would always run off to him, ever since we were children.”

Hae-eun swallowed down the lump in her throat as she struggled to stay level headed. He knew. That disgusting and vile monster knew she was lying about her memories. Slowly, the independence fighter stood up from her seat. Inching her way towards the doors, she grabbed the steel candle holder off the dresser.

Turning to face her, Yong-joon had a pained expression on his face before he chuckled in amusement.

“… A candle holder? You’re really planning on using that as your weapon of choice? Hahaha.”

He quickly strode up to her, as she ran for the door. Throwing the doors wide open, Hae-eun skidded to a stop. She was trapped. Armed men in black suits stood before her like a towering fortress, blocking her escape. Gritting her teeth, she turned to look at her captor who only grinned widely.

“… I told you, didn’t I? That you would regret your decision? That’s why…” he trailed off as he grabbed Hae-eun’s cheeks in his hand. “… you will never escape from me ever again.”

Chortling with glee, he watched Hae-eun being dragged away. This time, there was no escape. She was finally his.

**NOTE: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.**