Rori
I'm scared.
I have a damned fear that tightens my throat.
I listen distractedly to the others' words, as if it doesn't concern me.
But I know I'll have to do something. I can't always sit here and suffer their stares and their contempt.
Ava is arguing with the lawyer.
She's been nervous all night. I know she's angry. And disappointed.
Not to mention the pain she feels at being with these people again.
But we didn't expect such a decision from old Kim.
I sigh and cross my arms.
Min Jin is watching me, but I don't dare raise my eyes to him.
I'll collapse, I know.
I have to resist.
They're talking about a group escape room.
Ava and I will be alone; she won't let anyone near her.
And for that, I'm grateful.
"Now, gentlemen, please approach this fingerprint scanner one at a time. Pressing your index finger on the keypad will display a number, which will assign you to a group. You will only be able to work with those in that group."
I feel Ava stiffen and ready to protest, but the lawyer nods.
"No protests will be accepted. As I told you yesterday, if you don't want to participate in this will action, you can sit here and wait for the Escape Room to close. That means you lose your right to the inheritance. You cannot leave this room before then."
There is a muttering, but no one speaks anymore.
Ava rolls up her shirt sleeves, her eyes sparking.
She's furious at not being able to speak up, but apparently resigned to what she must do.
She gives me a sidelong glance, and I flinch.
I know it's my fault, but I can't tell her anything.
She's the first to stand up and, after a long look at the computer, firmly presses her left index finger on the scanner.
There's a brief buzz, and then a green light comes on.
"Match!" says the lawyer, checking. "Miss Allen, I'm checking your phone. You've received an email with instructions regarding your mission."
"I'll also add the violation of personal rights to my complaint so someone can explain to me how you have my fingerprints," he growls through his teeth, before returning to his seat.
Everyone else, slowly, follows the same procedure.
I'm the last, after Min Jin.
When I return to my seat, I check my email: I have a notification from a law firm assigning me to the 'Delta' team. My teammate is Min Jin.
My eyes widen in surprise and I turn to my sister.
She's not angry.
She's livid.
She doesn't say a word, but shows me her phone.
She's on the 'Omega' team: alone.
I can't understand and question the lawyer with a puzzled look.
She stares at us for a few moments, then slowly approaches.
She checks our phones and nods.
"You can cooperate if you want. There are no limits to this union," she confirms.
I let out a breath and smile at Min Jin.
But he's silent.
Strangely tense.
He's studying my sister, evaluating her attitude.
Minutes pass before she decides to meet our gaze.
And it's as if she's pierced me through and through.
Her gaze is cold, hard.
"I'll be alone, thank you."
I feel myself shaking all over and my mouth drops open, horrified by the prospect.
"Ava..."
"You're in good hands, Rori."
I can't understand her attitude, and I reach out to touch her.
She steps back and gives me a stiff smile.
"Min Jin will take care of you."
She spat the words out like poison.
She's looking at him as if she wants to incinerate him on the spot.
And he takes it, without saying a word.
His gaze sweeps over her, and after an infinite moment, he nods.
"Sure, I will."
There are words left unsaid, but I feel abandoned.
"Why?" I manage to stammer through the tears filling my eyes.
Ava sighs softly.
"Because it's a war I have to fight alone, apparently."
She gets up and leaves the room, before everyone's astonished eyes.