Chapter 9: Unveiling the locked door

Angel stood in the opulent hallway of Min Hai's mansion, her heart racing. The encounter with Min Hai at the club had been surreal, and now she found herself in his home, surrounded by luxury and secrets. The air smelled of polished wood and old memories.

Arina, the middle-aged caretaker, led Angel through the grand corridors. Her eyes held a mix of reverence and caution. "Miss Angel," Arina said, her voice hushed, "you're the first guest Min Hai has ever invited here."

Angel's curiosity burned. "Why did he invite me?" she asked. "And what's behind that locked door?"

Arina hesitated, then gestured toward a heavy wooden door at the end of the hallway. "That door leads to Min Hai's past," she said. "His childhood memories are locked away there."

"Childhood memories?" Angel's mind raced. She knew Min Hai had shared some of his past with her, but this was different. "Why would he keep them hidden?"

Arina's eyes softened. "Min Hai lost someone dear to him," she said. "A little girl he used to play with, laugh with, and sleep beside. They were inseparable until fate tore them apart."

Angel's heart clenched. "Who was she?"

"Her name was petal ," Arina whispered. "She had the same eyes as Min Hai—deep pools of sadness and longing. They were like two lost souls finding solace in each other."

"Why did they separate?" Angel pressed.

Arina glanced at the locked door. "Petal vanished one stormy night," she said. "Min Hai searched for her, but she was gone. He never slept peacefully again."

Angel's mind whirled. "And the memories?"

"Min Hai believes that behind that door lies the truth," Arina said. "He thinks petal's disappearance is connected to his inability to find rest. So he locked away everything—the laughter, the tears, the warmth they shared."

"But why invite me?" Angel asked. "Why now?"

Arina's gaze bore into Angel's. "Because you remind him of petal ," she said. "Your kindness, your willingness to help him that night—it stirred something in him. He hopes that by revisiting those memories, he might find peace."

Angel's pulse quickened. "And what if he doesn't?"

Arina shrugged. "Then he'll continue to live in torment," she said. "But perhaps you hold the key to unlocking that door."

Angel stared at the ancient wood. "What's inside?"

"Only Min Hai knows," Arina replied. "But be prepared, Miss Angel. Some memories are best left undisturbed."

As they stood before the locked door, Angel felt the weight of Min Hai's past pressing against her. She wondered if she was ready to unravel the mystery, to step into the darkness where secrets lay hidden.

And so, with trembling hands, she reached for the brass handle, her heart echoing the rhythm of a forgotten melody

*To be continued...