Nayeon had completely vanished.
When Duyen discovered that the apartment was nothing but ruins, littered with shattered debris everywhere, she panicked and immediately called the police to report her friend missing. At first, the officers didn't seem to care much, but when they saw the photos of Nayeon's wrecked apartment, an investigation team was dispatched right away.
Now, in Shana's arms, Duyen was still trembling with panic. She watched the officers comb through Nayeon's place while her mind spiraled with questions.
What the hell happened? Why did this happen to Nayeon? Who…?
Too much had already happened, and Duyen's thoughts were unraveling into chaos. Fear kept growing inside her, tangled with old painful memories bubbling back like a storm. Shana felt it all. She held Duyen tighter, her hand rubbing her back, her palm stroking her arm. Her voice was soft, whispering over and over:
"It's okay, Duyen. I'm here. I've got you…"
Shana knew Duyen's head was too loud right now, impossible for her to focus on anything else. So she let out that gentle, alluring scent of hers—subtle, soothing, not overwhelming—hoping it would ground Duyen back into the present. Eventually, Duyen's breathing evened out. She looked up at Shana, still gripping her hand.
"This… Why the hell did this have to happen to Nayeon?"
Shana sighed. She had no idea how to answer. Nayeon had always been brash, hard to pin down, constantly poking her nose into government committees or labor unions. Trouble was inevitable. But for her to go missing and her apartment to be trashed this badly… Whoever did this either hated her guts or was someone extremely dangerous. But who? Shana couldn't name anyone capable of hating Nayeon that much.
The police chief scanned the apartment. His eyes landed on the countless talismans plastered all over the ceiling and even in the bathroom. There were so many that one could easily think this attack was tied to them. He turned to Duyen.
"Do you think your friend had enemies? Someone who might've held a grudge?"
The sudden question startled Duyen, but she steadied herself enough to reply.
"I really don't think so. Yes, she was passionate, sometimes a bit over the top, but she's not the kind of person to make enemies on purpose. Nayeon loves kids, she helps people, and she even volunteers in animal rescues."
The officer nodded. They knew that part already. Her records showed donations, blood drives, animal shelters—she didn't exactly fit the profile of someone with enemies. Still, those talismans were hard to ignore.
"And what about these?" he asked, pointing to the ceiling. "Don't you think your friend might've been in some cult, or practicing strange rituals?"
Duyen glanced up. She had noticed them before. Yes, at first they looked creepy, but strangely, she had never felt surprised by them.
"Nayeon and I grew up in the same neighborhood. Ever since we were kids, whenever I came over, those charms were always there. I asked once, and she said they were just for protection."
The officer frowned. "One or two charms for protection, sure. But covering the whole damn wall?"
Duyen found it odd too, but she trusted Nayeon.
"That's because of her father. I can't remember his name—he's Korean and always abroad for work. I heard he's a famous archaeologist and historian. Their house isn't just filled with charms but also artifacts he brought home. That might explain it… But I swear to you, Nayeon would never get involved in some shady cult!"
The officer exhaled, resigned.
"Alright. If it's just decoration, we won't make assumptions. Still, these charms could be tied to her disappearance. And notice—nothing valuable was stolen. No jewelry, no electronics. Just destruction. That suggests a personal grudge. I know she's your friend, but think hard—was there anyone around her who might've wanted her harmed?"
"…I…" Duyen tried, but nothing came to mind. Whoever did this had to be heartless beyond imagination.
Suddenly, another officer walked out of Nayeon's room, holding her laptop.
"Captain, we managed to recover some of her computer data. All the video files were deleted. Suspiciously."
Everyone froze. The chief asked, "Only the videos?"
"Yes, sir. According to the logs, there were twelve files. All named similarly, just numbered differently. They were deleted right at the time of the break-in."
Shana's eyes darkened. She knew who was behind this. But Duyen—still shaken—couldn't put the pieces together.
Later, after giving the police everything they could, Duyen and Shana walked through a nearby park. Duyen collapsed onto a bench scattered with fallen purple blossoms, completely drained. Shana sat beside her, hesitant. There was something she hadn't told the police. Something she wasn't sure she should even tell Duyen.
Finally, she spoke.
"Duyen…"
Duyen didn't move. Shana sat closer.
"This was Mina's doing."
"What?" Duyen snapped her head up, wide-eyed. She thought Shana was joking, but the seriousness on her face made fear creep up her spine. She shook her head violently.
"No… No, there's no way it's her."
Shana pressed her lips together. She hated how Duyen always defended Mina, even after all the pain she had caused. Frustration mixed with sadness inside her.
"Think about it. Who else could pull this off? Nayeon's missing, her videos wiped. Who would lose the most if those videos were leaked? The only answer is Mina."
"No…"
Duyen shut her eyes tight. It made sense, but it tore at the last wall of trust she still held for Mina. The pain was unbearable.
Shana's heart ached watching her. She didn't want to crush Duyen's world, but the truth was the truth. The girl Duyen once loved wasn't who she seemed. Deep down, Duyen probably already knew. She just refused to admit it.
Eventually, Duyen calmed. She looked distant, colder than Shana had ever seen her. Between her college crush and her childhood best friend, she had made a choice. But she still needed answers.
She pulled out her flip phone, scrolling to Mina's contact. Her thumb hovered over it, uncertain.
"You're going to text her, aren't you?" Shana asked softly.
"…" Duyen stayed silent, finger frozen on the screen.
"She's just going to deny it, you know. There's no way she'd confess."
Duyen's eyes hardened. But her mind replayed the image of Nayeon's destroyed apartment, imagining what might have been done to her… Could Mina really be capable of that?
Please… just deny it, Mina.
And yet, as Shana said, Mina could lie.
Finally, Duyen pressed send.
---
Meanwhile, inside one of SCJ's corporate towers—
Valko strode down the hallway in a sharp, expensive suit, hair slicked back perfectly. His tall, handsome figure drew admiring glances from every woman he passed.
"Good afternoon, everyone. Keep up the good work," he greeted warmly, playing the role of the flawless gentleman. To most, he was the perfect package: handsome, wealthy, charismatic.
Few knew he was married to Mina. Everyone, however, knew his family was tied to the powerful Kamakiri clan, and that he had close ties with SCJ's CEO, Kamakiri Haruna—Mina's older sister.
After a private business meeting with Haruna, Valko lingered in the building. He didn't want to leave just yet. There was someone he was waiting for.
And then she appeared.
Mina walked in, radiant, with her long black hair sleek and straight, her figure wrapped in a high-neck knit top with cutouts at the shoulders, revealing just enough porcelain skin. Paired with high-waisted shorts and knee-high black boots, she was breathtaking—elegant yet provocatively alluring. This was nothing like her usual conservative office wear. Today, she was different. Every step turned heads.
Valko's throat tightened. She was his wife, yes—but he had always craved her, wanted her for himself, and seeing her like this drove him insane. But the attention she drew from other men sparked fury and jealousy inside him. Why was she suddenly dressing this way? For him?
When Mina caught his gaze, a flash of disgust flickered in her eyes—but she buried it instantly with a graceful smile.
"Good afternoon," she said sweetly.
"H-hi… good afternoon." Valko stammered, thrilled just to see her smile. Heat rushed through him.
Mina walked past, leaving him breathless. He spun around.
"Mina, wait…"
She turned elegantly.
"I've been calling you nonstop, but you never answer. I came by your office, but you were always gone. I don't even know your apartment address…"
"Oh, that…" Mina looked away, clearly not wanting to answer.
"I know you're busy, but where have you been? Even your sister doesn't know."
So he had gone to that bitch again. A chilling glint flashed in Mina's eyes, gone in a blink, replaced by her gentle smile.
"I've had a lot of work lately. Meetings with partners. I haven't been in the office much."
"I see…" Valko hesitated, then added, "But those business guys… they're all lecherous. You need to be careful, okay?"
Mina's smile strained. Even if he was still legally her husband, she hated how he always demanded to know her whereabouts.
Forcing a polite tone, she replied, "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."
"Good. You know I'm only worried about you—"
"By the way," Mina cut him off, "where have you been lately?"
"Huh?" Valko blinked, caught off guard. He stuttered,
"Oh, I've… had a lot of work too. You know how it is."
Mina smiled, lips curling ever so slightly.
"Good. Since you're back in Vietnam, you should take some time to relax. Sorry—I'm busy now. Excuse me."
"Mina, wai—!"
But she was already inside the elevator.
Valko frowned. Mina was acting strange. The way she dressed, the way she spoke to him—it was all different. Was she finally forgiving him? Was this a good sign?
The thought made him smile unconsciously.
Inside the elevator, Mina's phone buzzed. She checked the message, and the sender's name melted the frost on her face.
[Mina, can we meet? At the café we used to go to.] – Duyen
Duyen wanted to see her? Mina's heart leapt. She quickly fixed her hair, reapplied lipstick.
But then—she froze.
Something felt off.