Page 72 of Gumiho Kiss
Sang Mi leaned forward and whispered in her ear, “Then don’t.”
Chin Sun stepped back, heart screeching in alarm.“But, Samchon?—”
Sang Mi gently shook her head, mouth tugging up into a sad half-smile.“It’s time you were true to yourself, Unni.Even if Father never understands it, even if no one understands it, I will stand by that—and by you—until the world ends.”
Chin Sun sniffed, tears brimming over, and wrapped her in a tight hug.“Thank you,” she whispered against her cousin’s hair.This was the truth she’d needed, the one her heart had been yearning for all this time, but she’d never allowed herself to believe.Being true to herself had always seemed like a luxury she couldn’t afford, but now she knew better.
She couldn’t gain control of her own life by hiding herself; for that, she’d have to be honest.
And when she pulled back, a new strength rose within her, one that defied anyone who would tell her differently.
Chin Sun waltzed over to Kang Dol Sam, and her voice rang steady and pure as she declared, “Young Master Kang, I cannot marry you.”
Chapter26
The Spy
Kang Dol Sam stared at her slack-jawed, as if he couldn’t comprehend the words that had just come out of her mouth.“What?”he finally stammered.
Chin Sun’s heart swelled with sympathy—and no small amount of guilt.He’d been nothing but good to her.She hoped he’d find someone else who could love him better.“I’m sorry, it’s just that I’m?—“
Footsteps interrupted her confession, and the two turned as a middle-aged servant hurried up to them.
The man bowed, body quivering all over.“Master, I need to speak with you.”
“Couldn’t you have waited until I returned?”Dol Sam barked, his voice harsher than Chin Sun had ever heard it.
The servant kept his gaze on the ground.“My apologies, Master, but you’ll want to see this.”
Young Master Kang huffed, but he motioned for the servant to come closer.He snatched the missive from the frightened servant’s grip.His expression darkened as he read the message, the muscles in his jaw straining.
Finally, his head snapped to Chin Sun, and she resisted the urge to flinch at the maelstrom swirling in his gaze.She’d never seen him so enraged.
“We’ll discuss this more later,” he stated, his sharp tone leaving no room for argument.Without waiting for a reply, he dipped his head and strode off, his servant scuttling after him.
Sang Mi strutted over to her cousin and gathered her in a warm embrace.“I’m so proud of you, Unni.What did Young Master Kang say?”
Chin Sun pulled back and shook her head.“He didn’t really get a chance to answer before his servant interrupted him.”
Sang Mi’s forehead bunched together.“I wonder what could have been so urgent that he’d leave in the middle of such an important conversation.”
Chin Sun glanced up the road at Young Master Kang’s retreating form, his blue robes billowing behind him like rain clouds.She bit her bottom lip, an unmistakable dread pulling at her core.“So do I.”
Sang Mi looped her arm with Chin Sun’s.“Well, let’s go home and see if we can come up with a good excuse for you to visit the capital.”
Chin Sun’s cheeks swam with heat.“What are you imply?—”
Her cousin silenced her with a perfectly arched eyebrow.
Chin Sun swallowed, then gave her a sheepish smile.“Yeh, that sounds good.”
The pair made their way back to the Lee manor, but upon reaching Chin Sun’s quarters, they stopped short.
Someone in a blue uniform was waiting inside.
“K-Kim Min Joon?”Chin Sun managed.
The police inspector rose to his feet and gave a quick bow, then addressed Chin Sun.“I apologize for the intrusion, Lady Lee, but I need to speak with youalone.”
