Chapter 4
The Frochu Family was not just wealthy; they were the architects of the city's opulence. In their gold-veined halls lived three brothers and one sister, each consumed by a singular, extravagant obsession.
Welmen Frochu, the eldest, lived in a sanctuary of silence, driven by the desire to build the world's most formidable private library. His sister, Quhen, was a creature of aesthetics, collecting priceless cosmetics and high-fashion couture, often disappearing into the elaborate world of anime cosplay. Then there was Heinsu, whose life revolved around the digital thrill of every video game in existence—a man who aspired to be the world's most notorious playboy.
And then, there was the youngest: Rayzon Frochu.
Rayzon was an anomaly. He possessed a terrifying obsession with beauty. In his world, anything beautiful was divine and alive, while anything "ugly" was dead and discarded. He was a boy so detached that he felt no warmth for his own siblings, living only for the gratification of his own senses. His father, weary of his son's cold heart and reckless spending, eventually gave up.
By the 10th grade, Rayzon had severed ties with his family. He couldn't stand their constant nagging about his "wasteful" lifestyle. Using his vast inheritance, he built a secluded, breath-taking mansion and moved in alone—a young king in a castle of glass and gold. His parents, blinded by their love for their youngest, let him have his way.
But isolation brings clarity.
Deep within his lonely halls, Rayzon began to realize that beauty isn't always skin-deep. He remembered Sofia. She wasn't beautiful by the world's standards, yet she possessed a heart so soft, so resilient, that it haunted his dreams. He had bullied her, crushed her spirit, and spat on her kindness—yet she had never uttered a word of hate.
Now, looking at Aleza, he didn't just see a gorgeous girl. He saw the shadow of the girl he had destroyed. He didn't want to repeat the sins of his past.
"I'm coming for you, Aleza!" he shouted into the wind, his expensive shoes pounding the pavement. "Let's see who reaches your doorstep first!"
Aleza didn't look back. Her heart hammered against her ribs, her mind racing. Is this guy insane? He's clinging to me like a shadow!
She pushed her speed to the limit, her vision blurring. She reached her apartment complex—a sleek five-story building—and bolted into Apartment 2. The moment she crossed the threshold, she slammed the door and turned the deadbolt.
Silence descended.
She leaned against the door, gasping for air. The sprint had ruined her makeup; sweat had streaked the foundation she so carefully applied. She stumbled into the washroom and stared at herself in the mirror. A weary smile touched her lips. "Why did you run like that, Aleza? You're safe now."
She splashed water on her face, scrubbing away the remnants of the mask. But when she looked again, her expression soured. "And you... you're just the ghost of Sofia. I hate seeing your face in my mirror."
Suddenly—Ding-Dong.
Aleza froze, her shoulders tensing. Did he find me? Is he already here?
She walked to the intercom, her voice trembling. "Who is it?"
A woman's face appeared on the screen, a practiced, sugary smile on her lips. "It's me... your sister, Sehein Maseka."
The air in the room turned cold. Aleza remained silent, her jaw tight.
"Come on," Sehein laughed softly through the speaker. "It's been five years since I laid eyes on you. Won't you let your sister in?"
"Sehein Maseka?" Aleza's voice was a low growl of pure venom. "I don't know anyone by that name. Certainly not a sister."
Sehein tilted her head. "Are you not Sofia?"
"No. I am Aleza. Now, get lost."
Sehein let out a mocking giggle. "Then you are definitely my sister. Mom told me everything. I've already apologized to her, and now I've come to ask for your forgiveness."
"Forgiveness?" Aleza barked into the intercom. "I haven't forgotten a thing! I haven't forgotten how you brought strange men into our home, how you sold your dignity while having no regard for mine! You are the most shameless woman I've ever known!"
Sehein's smile didn't falter. "I'm sorry. I truly regret it. You've been back in the city for a day... just let me see your face once."
"Sofia is dead to you! And I am Aleza. Go find Sofia if you want to talk to her, because she doesn't live here anymore. Get out!"
Sehein sighed, a fake look of disappointment crossing her face. "Fine, Miss Aleza. Have it your way. Take care of yourself."
She walked away, a manufactured smile still lingering on her lips. Aleza collapsed against the wall, trembling with rage. Shameless... how could Mom forgive her so easily?
To clear her head, Aleza showered and changed into comfortable half-trousers and a small top. She began her nightly routine—leg stretches. She sat on the floor, her legs in a full split, calmly reading a magazine. For thirty minutes, she held the pose, her body as disciplined as her mind.
Wait, she thought suddenly. Rayzon was chasing me. Where did he go?
She smirked, a touch of arrogance returning. "Big talker. He couldn't even keep up with my pace."
She stood up, grabbed a bottle of ice-cold water from the fridge, and flopped onto the sofa. She scrolled through funny memes, laughing as her legs kicked playfully in the air. By 9:00 PM, she finally moved to her study desk, finishing her school assignments with the clinical efficiency of a top-tier student.
Then, her stomach growled.
"Great," she muttered, rubbing her belly. "Now I have to cook."
Just as she stood up—Knock. Knock. It was 10:00 PM.
Aleza's eyes narrowed. "Who could it be at this hour?"
She checked the intercom. A young man stood there, dressed in impeccably tailored, expensive clothes, his shoes polished to a mirror shine. He cleared his throat. "It's me... Miss Aleza."
Aleza's purple eyes widened in sheer disbelief. "Rayzon? What are you doing here? And how did you find my address?"
Rayzon chuckled through the speaker. "I told you I was chasing you. I followed you all the way here. Did you really think I wasn't fast? I have a medal in sprinting, you know."
Aleza closed her eyes, exhaling a long, sharp breath. "Stop bragging. What do you want?"
Rayzon hesitated, a rare blush creeping onto his face. "I... would you come to dinner with me?"
Aleza's stomach roared at the mention of food. But her pride was louder. "No. I won't."
Rayzon smirked. "Think about it. I'm taking you to a place you couldn't even imagine in your wildest dreams."
Aleza's mouth watered involuntarily, but she stood her ground. "No means no."
"Okay, okay," Rayzon said, turning as if to leave. "I thought you might be hungry, living all alone. I wanted to give you a magnificent feast, but if you're not interested... I'll go."
That was the breaking point.
"Fine!" Aleza yelled. "I'll go! But give me ten minutes to get ready!"
Rayzon smiled to himself. I wonder how beautiful she'll look under the silver light of the moon.
Ten minutes later, the door opened. Aleza stepped out wearing a simple, elegant yellow suit. Rayzon's breath hitched. He stared at her, completely captivated. He quickly composed himself. "That yellow... it looks incredible on you."
"Stop the flattery," Aleza pouted. "Just take me to the food."
True to his word, Rayzon took her to a VIP estate—a place of unparalleled beauty and luxury. The dinner was a masterclass in culinary art.
Later, as Rayzon drove her home in his luxury car, Aleza crossed her arms. "The food wasn't even that good," she lied, her face turned toward the window.
Rayzon laughed. "Is that so? Because I distinctly remember someone saying, 'I've never tasted anything this delicious in my entire life.'"
Aleza snapped her head toward him, blushing furiously. "I never said that! Are you hearing things?"
"Hmm... maybe. But the words were definitely spoken."
"Go get your ears checked!" Aleza snapped.
"Whatever you say, Ma'am," Rayzon replied with a wink.
When they reached her building, Aleza bolted out of the car and ran into her apartment without looking back once. Rayzon watched her go, shaking his head. "Good lord... it looks like the Lady is bringing a storm to this city."
Inside, Aleza collapsed onto her sofa, tears prickling her eyes. What is wrong with me? she thought, her heart racing with confusion. He was my enemy... my tormentor. Why did I go to dinner with him? Why am I doing this?