The clock in the grand hallway read 1:34 a.m. The entire house was silent and dark, accompanied only by the soft hum of the central air conditioning. Outside, the night air was freezing, but Lena kept moving cautiously, tiptoeing through the front door after unlocking it with the spare key one of the maids had given her.

"Thank God..." she whispered in relief as she stepped inside. She closed the door slowly, then turned the key in its lock.

The house remained quiet. As always, everyone had gone to bed by nine. Lena tiptoed toward the living room, intending to go straight upstairs. But-

"Where have you been at this hour?"

The voice was low, cold, yet it echoed in the silence. Lena froze, struck as if by lightning. Her heart nearly stopped.

"Oh God...!" she gasped softly. Reflexively, she turned around, and a second later, the table lamp beside the sofa clicked on.

Neil sat there, leaning back casually, but his eyes were sharp as an eagle's, missing nothing. A thin smile played across his lips.

"Uh... Uncle..." Lena stammered, glancing at the clock. "You're still awake?"

Neil didn't answer right away. He stood slowly and walked closer.

"Were you alone?" His tone was flat, unreadable.

"I-I just stepped out for a while... to get some fresh air. The room felt stuffy," Lena replied quickly, keeping her head lowered to avoid the light.

But Neil wasn't easily fooled. His gaze swept over her appearance. He could tell something was off-though she had changed out of her purple gown into an oversized nightdress, traces of her evening still lingered.

"Are you wearing makeup?" Neil asked, now only a few steps away.

"N-no," Lena shook her head, edging back slightly.

But Neil kept moving forward until her back pressed against the wall. Her breath hitched. The air between them grew heavy, suffocating.

Suddenly, Neil lifted his hand and touched Lena's lips with the tip of his finger. The gesture made her freeze in place.

"H-hey-!" she squeaked in shock.

But Neil had already pulled his finger back, revealing a faint red stain. He stared at it, then looked directly at her.

"What's this?" he asked.

Lena's eyes widened. Damn it... Why was there still lipstick left? She thought she had wiped it off in the bathroom!

She forced a smile. "Oh, maybe from the lipstick I wore before dinner. I thought it would tempt my husband."

Neil chuckled low, his deep voice vibrating through the midnight air.

"What if I'm the one tempted instead?"

Lena's heart lurched. His words weren't just inappropriate-they scrambled her mind. This was her husband's uncle...!

"Uncle... you're joking, right?" she tried to laugh, but it came out stiff.

Neil didn't reply. He just stared at her-sharp, intense, unblinking. Lena felt hypnotized, but she knew she couldn't linger there.

"Ah... I'm really sleepy," she blurted quickly, trying to end the moment. "It's already past midnight. I should go to bed, Uncle."

Neil didn't stop her. He only kept watching in silence.

"I'll grab some water from the kitchen. I'm so thirsty," Lena added, clutching her stomach as if hungry.

Then she hurried away-not to the kitchen, but straight to the stairs. Her steps were quick, almost a run. One hand held her nightdress so she wouldn't trip while climbing.

From below, Neil stood still, his thin smile never fading.

His eyes followed her back until she vanished at the top of the stairs.

He muttered softly, almost to himself,

"Interesting... It seems the real drama in this house is only just beginning."

In her room, Lena shut the door and locked it. She leaned against it, panting, cold sweat dampening her temples.

"Does he suspect something... or is he just playing with me? Why is he acting like this now?"

Her mind spun. She glanced at the mirror-and there it was, a faint red smudge still clinging to her lips.

"Stupid... why didn't I clean it properly earlier?" she cursed under her breath.

She rushed into the bathroom, grabbed a wet wipe, and scrubbed her lips harshly until no trace remained.

Then she stared at her reflection.

What exactly did Neil want? And... how long could she survive this dangerous game?

That night, Lena couldn't sleep.

Because for the first time, she realized-

This house was not as safe as she thought.

---

"Good God!"

Axel's roar echoed from the dining room, jolting the whole household awake. All eyes turned toward him. Sitting at the breakfast table with his family, Axel's face burned red with fury, his eyes glaring at the woman who had just entered.

Lena beamed brightly, wearing an oversized neon-yellow dress dotted with blinding orange polka dots. Her hair was braided in pigtails, and her eyebrows... resembled abstract art.

"WHY IS THERE AN UGLY WOMAN HERE?!" Axel bellowed, his eyes nearly bulging.

Lena stifled a laugh, trying to stay sweet.

"Darling... I woke up so early today. I dressed up just for you-so you can see how beautiful I am."

"BEAUTIFUL?!" Axel recoiled in disgust. "Ugh, disgusting! YOU'RE UGLY!"

Lena's smile faltered, her eyes brimming with tears. "Darling... why are you so cruel? I just wanted to make you happy."

"DON'T CALL ME DARLING! You disgust me!" Axel snapped, swatting her hand away when she tried to touch his arm.

"AXEL!" Richard's booming voice thundered from the end of the table. "Your wife has tried. Respect her. Lena is already far better than before."

Elizabeth only shook her head slowly, disappointment clouding her face. Neil, sitting back with his black coffee, merely cast a brief glance at Axel before returning to his cup.

Axel clenched his fists. "You've ruined my appetite, ugly creature!"

He stormed off with long strides, leaving Lena standing alone in the middle of the room.

"Darling... please... don't go. You haven't had breakfast yet," Lena pleaded softly, reaching for his hand.

Axel shoved her away roughly and disappeared upstairs, slamming his bedroom door. Lena stood frozen, her face etched with sadness... or perhaps just a skillful act.

Richard set down his spoon. "Leave him. Let's continue eating."

Breakfast carried on in heavy silence. When it was done, Lena rose and carefully prepared a tray with two sandwiches and a glass of milk.

"I'll bring this up for Axel," she said gently.

"A thoughtful and caring daughter-in-law," Richard praised with a smile. Elizabeth nodded faintly, though uncertainty lingered in her eyes.

Lena carried the tray upstairs slowly, balancing it in her hands. No one noticed Neil's sharp gaze following her every step.

---

Upstairs...

"WHY ARE YOU IN MY ROOM?!" Axel shouted the moment the door opened.

Lena flinched but forced a smile. "I brought you breakfast, darling."

"Just leave it there! Ugh, disgusting! NOW GET OUT!"

Without a word, Lena set the tray on the table and turned to leave. Axel slammed the door behind her, making her jump.

"Wow, that much?" she muttered as she walked down the stairs.

Once she reached the bottom, she exhaled deeply... then chuckled softly.

"A morning full of drama," she whispered as she set the empty tray down. But when she turned-

"Oh my God, Uncle!" Lena almost dropped the tray. Neil was standing right behind her, far too close.

"You scared me. Like a ghost."

Neil smirked at the corner of his lips. "So? Did you succeed in seducing your husband today?"

Lena pouted playfully. "No, Uncle. I got up before dawn to get ready. But my husband... he just finds me disgusting."

Neil's gaze bore into her-sharp, piercing. "Then... what if I'm the one tempted instead?"

Lena froze. Her eyes widened, then she laughed nervously. "Uncle... you're joking, right?"

"Why? You don't believe me?"

His stare didn't waver-serious, piercing. There was something in his eyes that made Lena's heart race wildly. Her instincts screamed for her to leave.

"Ehm... I'll head to my room now, Uncle." She spun quickly, but-

Neil suddenly grabbed her wrist. With a swift move, he turned her to face him. His other hand lifted, tilting her chin gently-then he kissed her.

Lena's eyes widened in shock. It all happened so fast-Neil's lips on hers, firmly. She shoved him instinctively, breaking the kiss.

Staring at him in disbelief, she saw his eyes dark, filled with desire, as if ready to devour her.

"This... shouldn't have happened..." she whispered, wiping her lips with the back of her hand before fleeing upstairs.

Neil only stood there, watching her go. His hand touched his own lips, a thin smile spreading.

Meanwhile, Lena slammed her bedroom door, leaning against it with both hands covering her mouth, still shaken.

"Oh God... why did he kiss me like that?" she whispered. "Is he insane? I'm his nephew's wife! How could he... He's truly mad!"

The night had swallowed the city in an eerie silence. Behind a desk buried under stacks of files and the glow of her laptop, Lena sat hunched over. Her eyes scanned rows of numbers in the audit report-fatigue etched clearly on her face, yet determination kept her going.

She glanced at the wall clock. 10:47 p.m.

Almost eleven, but not a single call from the manager who usually summoned her to entertain their notoriously arrogant regular guest.

Tonight, her phone remained silent. No notifications. No messages. Nothing.

Lena bit her lower lip, then reached for the landline.

"Reception?" Her voice was soft, polite.

"Yes, Miss?"

"Did Mr. Neil come in tonight? With his assistant?" she asked, walking toward the large window, staring out at the pitch-dark city.

"Yes, ma'am. He booked the VIP room around nine-thirty, as usual."

"Oh... thank you for the information."

She hung up and drew in a deep breath. Strange. Usually, he would call her in without fail. Why not tonight?

Was he with someone else-other than his assistant?

The thought crept in uninvited, stabbing her mind like shards of glass. Lena quickly shook her head. Forcing herself back into her chair, she pushed the distraction aside and focused on finishing her work.

12:03 a.m.

The files were neatly stacked, her laptop tucked into her bag. She headed down to the basement to fetch her car. Tonight, she was driving herself-Suzy had chosen to stay behind, saying she wanted "a quiet night, away from everyone."

The silver sedan rolled slowly through the empty city streets. Streetlights glowed faintly, the sky above black and starless. Halfway through, the engine suddenly sputtered, coughed-and died completely.

"Oh, come on... not now," Lena muttered in frustration. She twisted the key again and again, to no avail.

Stepping out, she lifted the hood and stared blankly inside-though she barely understood what she was looking at. A mess of wires, a puff of steam, the stench of oil. She frowned.

"Seriously... why tonight of all nights?" she whispered at the aging car her parents had left her.

Around her, there was nothing but trees and a deserted road. No passing cars. No voices. Only the rustle of wind through the leaves and a distant howl of dogs.

A shiver ran down her spine-not from the cold, but from unease creeping in.

Then-a beam of light appeared in the distance. Headlights. A car approached, cutting through the darkness, its beams locking onto Lena and her stranded vehicle. Instinctively, she stepped into the road, raising her hands.

The car slowed and stopped right in front of her. Its black body gleamed under the moonlight. A BMW. Lena recognized it instantly.

The driver's door opened, revealing a tall figure in a black suit. His gaze was sharp, carrying a flicker of surprise.

Lena's eyes widened.

"Neil?" she breathed, stunned.

The night air slid cold against her body, seeping beneath the long bodycon dress hugging her curves. She stood frozen near her broken-down car as Niel, tall and composed as ever, faced her with piercing eyes.

For a moment, the only sound was the whisper of leaves and the wind between them.

Neil's gaze shifted to her car. The hood still gaped open, faint steam curling out.

"My car broke down," Lena said finally, forcing her voice to sound calm though her body trembled.

Without a word, Neil strode over to the engine, hands moving swiftly as he checked wires, pressed here and there, then exhaled heavily.

"It needs a workshop," he said flatly.

Lena stepped closer. "But... it's midnight. No workshop is open now."

Neil shut the hood with a quiet thud and turned his gaze on her.

"Then... I can take you home."

Her brows lifted, relief flickering. "Really? Then... thank you."

Neil said nothing. He simply walked back to his BMW. Lena followed and slipped into the passenger seat. The interior was warm, comforting, filled with the faint scent of cinnamon. Yet tonight, the air felt heavier-charged with something unspoken.

Neil gripped the steering wheel, but didn't start the engine. Lena glanced sideways.

"Are we... waiting for something?" she asked, half joking, half nervous.

Neil's lips curled into a faint smile-thin, sly, unreadable. "I'm afraid, Miss Selena," he murmured. "This isn't free."

Her brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"You'll have to pay me," he said, eyes cutting through her like blades. "But in a way that satisfies me."

Lena's heart pounded. She straightened, trying to decipher the tone behind his words. "Mr. Neil... what are you talking abou-"

Before she could finish, Neil moved. His hand gripped the back of her neck, yanking her close-his lips crashed onto hers.

The kiss wasn't a greeting. Not affection. It was a claim. Demanding. Forceful.

Lena froze, body stiff for a few seconds, before her palms shoved hard against his chest.

"Neil!" she gasped. "What the hell are you doing?!"

Neil stared back-sharp, calm, unflinching. "Making you understand."

Her body trembled. "Do you think I'm the kind of woman you can just treat like that-"

"You're not just any woman," Neil cut in, his voice like a blade. "That's exactly what makes you dangerous. And I'm curious to taste it."

Smack!

A hard slap landed on Niel's cheek. The man froze for a moment, feeling the sting from the woman he had just forced to kiss. Niel held his cheek, wincing briefly, then suddenly grabbed Lena's body and pressed his lips against hers once again.

Lena struggled, her hands pushing against his chest, but the man only tightened his hold. The kiss broke for just a second-long enough to take a breath-before Niel continued with even greater fervor.

"Hmpf..."

Lena tried to press her lips tightly shut, refusing to let Niel deepen the kiss. But unexpectedly, his lips trailed lower, exploring every inch of her neck.

"Stop!" Lena snapped. "Or I'll scream!" She was bold enough now to threaten him.

"Go ahead, scream," Niel challenged. "People will find us, and we'll go viral for doing something indecent. Is that what you want? Besides, this place is deserted... it's only the two of us here."

His hand began wandering over her body, slipping into the slit of her dress, caressing her smooth thigh. Lena tried to swat his hand away, but he ignored her, continuing with touches that could tempt anyone.

"Don't..." Lena shook her head when she felt his hand against her.

"You're already wet, sweetheart..." he whispered seductively. "Just enjoy it..."

Lena shook her head again. She knew her body would soon betray her, but she didn't want to be treated this way.

"Ah..." she moaned when Niel stroked her sensitive spot over the fabric, while his lips marked her pale neck, sending her blood racing. But she did not want any of this.

Unknowingly, tears began to stream down her cheeks. Niel froze when he heard her sob. He pulled back slightly, staring at her tear-streaked face. Regret suddenly stabbed at him for forcing himself on her just to sate his desire.

Niel cupped her cheek, wiping her tears away. "I'm sorry..." he said softly.

Her sobs were the only answer. Niel then placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and embraced her tenderly.

"I'm sorry..."

---

Lena sat on a chair before her vanity, staring at her own reflection.

Her face... was horrendous.

Dark blotches resembling acne scars, uneven contour lines drawn on purpose, lipstick smeared past the edges of her lips. Every morning she spent over thirty minutes ensuring her face looked repulsive enough that even Axcel wouldn't spare her a glance. That was the point.

But...

"Why am I doing this? How stupid," she muttered bitterly.

She sighed, lowering her head slightly, fingers tapping against the vanity.

"How did I end up trapped in this damned marriage?" her voice rose. "Forced to marry an arrogant stranger for the sake of family... and worse, dealing with his absurd, mysterious uncle who-"

She stopped.

"-whose kiss..."

Her fists clenched at her sides. The face in the mirror glared back at her, filled with anger and shame.

"Oh God! Why am I thinking about that kiss?" she growled at her reflection. "He attacked me last night! And now my mind recalls how it felt? I'm losing my mind!"

Lena stood and began pacing the room like a caged tiger.

"And now where is he? He said he wouldn't be home today. It's almost midnight! Why isn't he back yet?"

Her thoughts began to wander.

"Did he go to Selena's Dream?" she whispered. "With who? So fast... already looking for someone else?"

She hugged herself, biting her lip.

"Damn it, Lena! Why are you even thinking about him? Aren't you supposed to hate him?"

Knock knock.

A soft knock startled her.

Her eyes widened.

Knock knock.

She instantly tensed, her heart pounding.

"Who would knock at this hour?" she thought in panic.

Thank God her ugly makeup was still on. She walked slowly to the door.

"Who is it?" Lena asked cautiously.

No answer.

Knock knock.

With trembling hands, she turned the knob and opened the door slightly-

Only for a body to collapse into her arms.

"Uncle?!" she cried in shock.

Niel.

His body was weak, his breath ragged.

Lena nearly fell as she tried to support his weight.

"Uncle?! Oh my God, what happened to you?!"

Then she saw it-

Blood.

Seeping from his chest, staining his white shirt crimson.

"Oh God! You're bleeding!" she screamed. "What is this?! A gunshot wound?! Uncle, what happened to you? Who did this?!" she asked frantically.

Niel groaned, his face contorted with pain. "Could you... close the door first? I don't want anyone seeing me like this..."

Lena quickly nodded. She helped him up the stairs to her room on the second floor. His breathing was labored, his steps faltering, but he managed to walk with her support. With great effort, Lena laid him down on her bed, then rushed to lock the door.

Once secured, her gaze fell on his bloodied body.

"The wound... oh God... I have to clean it first," Lena muttered anxiously. She darted into the bathroom and returned with a basin of warm water and a small towel.

Setting the basin on the bedside table, she looked at Niel, who was still breathing shallowly.

"Let me... help take off your shirt," she said hesitantly.

Niel only gave a faint nod.

Her hands trembled as she touched the blood-soaked collar. She unbuttoned it slowly, and when it came free, she gasped at the gash on his upper abdomen. Blood still seeped from it.

"This is bad..." she whispered, pressing the soft towel against the wound.

"Uncle... what happened? Why are you hurt like this?" she asked, unable to hide her worry.

Niel managed a faint smile through the pain. "Why? Do you care?"

Lena scoffed lightly, her eyes never leaving the wound. "Of course I care. You're my husband's uncle. You're family, aren't you?"

Niel studied her face in silence.

"Is that the only reason?"

Lena paused. "Uncle... of course that's the reason."

She lowered her gaze, trying to mask her discomfort while continuing to clean the blood away.

"Lena..."

"Yes?" her voice was soft, hesitant.

"Why are you... so beautiful?"

Lena blinked, then glared at him. "Uncle-what do you mean? Even my own husband thinks I'm disgusting."

Niel let out a weak laugh, wincing from the pain. "To me... you're beautiful."

Lena fell silent. Her heart pounded hard. Why was he saying this? And why did it sound so sincere?

Their eyes met.

Time seemed to slow.

Niel's face leaned closer. Lena didn't move.

"Don't, Uncle. This is wrong..." she whispered nervously.

"Why?" his voice was deep, gentle.

"Because... I'm your nephew's wife."

But Niel didn't stop. He pulled her closer and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was tender, yet searing. Lena's eyes widened, her hands instinctively pushing against his chest until the kiss broke. Niel groaned in pain.

"I-I'm sorry... I didn't mean to hurt your wound..."

Lena panicked, wanting to check his injury again, but before she could, Niel pulled her down onto the bed, his body now above hers.

"Uncle! Please-don't!" she pleaded, her voice trembling.

"I can't..." he murmured, gazing deep into her eyes.

Before Lena could speak again, his lips captured hers once more. This time deeper, filled with desire. His gentle touch ignited something within her-something she hadn't felt in a long time.

Lena's eyes fluttered. Oh God... what's happening? Why can't my body resist?

At last, the kiss broke. Both were panting, their eyes locked in a silence that spoke volumes.

Reality hit Lena hard.

"I-I have to change the water," she stammered, quickly grabbing the basin.

She ran into the bathroom and shut the door tight. In front of the mirror, she stared at her reflection. Her eyes were wide, her cheeks flushed, her lips still trembling.

"What just happened...?" she whispered.

Meanwhile, Niel lay weak on the bed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Despite the pain racking his body, a warmth spread through his chest. He stared at the ceiling and whispered softly...

"Lena..."

The woman who owned a nightlife business.

The woman who was his nephew's wife.

The woman who... had secretly stolen his heart.