章 20: Whispers of the Abyss (1)

The quiet hum of the air conditioning was the only sound in the luxurious penthouse as Saskia lay in the warmth of her bed, wrapped in the comfort of silk sheets. The softness of the mattress threatened to pull her back into sleep, but a gentle knock on the door broke the tranquility.

"Saskia, it's already 10 a.m.," came Bella Shin's voice, firm yet polite as she stepped into the room.

Bella's presence was always precise, her movements calculated. She was dressed in a sleek black suit, her hair pulled back into a tight bun, exuding the professionalism that Saskia relied on. Without waiting for a response, Bella crossed the room with practiced ease, heading straight for the walk-in closet.

Saskia blinked as she gradually awakened, the golden light filtering through the sheer curtains illuminating the spacious room. The sunlight kissed the rich wood floors and glinted off the glass surfaces, giving the space an ethereal glow. She took a moment to revel in the luxurious surroundings, a stark contrast to the harsh, chaotic world she had once called home.

Bella was already methodically sorting through the racks of designer clothing, her sharp eyes scanning each piece.

"Go take a quick bath," she instructed, pulling out a few select items and laying them on the plush bench at the foot of the bed.

"We need to leave soon. Your meeting with Director Liu is at noon, and it'll take us at least an hour to get to the restaurant. You know how traffic is in this city."

Saskia pushed herself up, her body still sluggish from sleep. She stretched lazily, feeling the tightness in her muscles ease. "You're unusually chatty this morning," she remarked, her voice still husky with sleep.

"Just keeping you on schedule," Bella replied crisply, not looking up from the task of selecting accessories to match the outfit.

"You've never been late to a single appointment, and that's part of why you've built such a strong reputation. Punctuality is one of the many things your fans admire about you. It's what makes you seem serious, disciplined, and above all, reliable."

Saskia swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet sinking into the plush carpet. "And you think that's all there is to it?"

Bella paused, glancing at her with a hint of concern. "It's not just about your image. It's also exhausting, isn't it? Maintaining this level of perfection all the time. If you ever slip up, even by a few minutes, it'll be all over the internet. You don't want that kind of scandal hanging over your head."

Saskia let out a soft sigh, rubbing her temples. The weight of the expectations she carried pressed down on her, a constant burden. "It's not like I enjoy this persona," she admitted, her tone tinged with bitterness.

"You think I like being the picture of perfection all the time? You think this is who I want to be?"

Bella's expression softened as she carefully arranged the outfit on the bed. "Then why go to such lengths? Why put yourself through this?"

"Aziel," Saskia said simply, as if the name alone carried all the explanation needed.

She stood, the cool air brushing against her skin as she walked towards the bathroom. "He's not just any man, Bella. He's different, and I need to be as perfect as possible to get close to him. My looks might give me an edge, but they're not enough. I need to show that I'm one of a kind, someone who stands out in every possible way."

Bella followed her to the bathroom door, her gaze filled with a mix of curiosity and concern. "And you think being perfect is the way to his heart?"

Saskia paused in the doorway, her hand resting on the cool metal of the door frame. "Do you think someone like him would even glance at me if he knew who I really am? If he saw the monster lurking beneath this polished exterior, he'd probably be repulsed."

Bella watched her carefully, choosing her words with care. "You're aware of who you are, and that's more than most people can say."

"Of course I'm aware," Saskia replied, her voice edged with a quiet intensity.

"I know exactly how vile I can be. You and Sean have only seen the version of me that I want you to see. You've never really seen what I'm capable of when the chains that I put to restrained myself come off."

Bella's eyes held a steady calm. "I don't really get what your saying sometimes. And I don't understand the real reason why you are targeting Aziel. Saskia, You often leaving me and Sean intrigued or confused by your behavior and thoughts. But no matter what is really your plan, just always remember that Henon Mafia is your biggest support. After all, You're the Current Leader of Henon and the only child of Master and Madam. No matter what your choice is, and No matter what kind of person you really is, we would always follow you."

Saskia gave a noncommittal shrug and turned toward the bathroom, the conversation already feeling tiresome. She knew Bella meant well, but there was no way she could really understand the depths of what Saskia was hiding. Bella had been by her side for years, but there were parts of Saskia's life that she could never share, not even with her most trusted confidante.

As she stepped into the bathroom, a luxurious sanctuary of white marble and gold accents, Saskia caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. The woman staring back at her was the epitome of elegance and control, her long dark hair cascading in loose waves over her shoulders, her skin flawless and glowing. But beneath the surface, she knew there was a darkness that no amount of radiance could hide.

The bathroom was spacious, with a deep soaking tub positioned beneath a large window that offered a stunning view of the city skyline. The walls were lined with gleaming tiles, and the air was scented with the subtle fragrance of lavender. Saskia moved with practiced ease, turning on the shower and letting the hot water cascade down her body, washing away the remnants of sleep.

But as the steam filled the room, her thoughts drifted far from the comforts of her surroundings. She had grown up in Solaris, a world that bore no resemblance to the one she currently inhabited. It was a place ravaged by a zombie apocalypse, where survival was a daily battle, and the weak were quickly weeded out.

For years, she had fought tooth and nail to not only survive but to rise to the top of the brutal hierarchy that governed that world. She had become one of the most powerful figures in Solaris, her name feared and respected in equal measure.

Images flashed through her mind—memories of the battles she had fought, the enemies she had crushed, and the bodies she had left in her wake. Zombies were the least of her problems back then.

TRIVIA

Whispers of the Abyss - This chapter title reflects the inner voice of System Zero warning Saskia about the danger of suppressing her true nature.

The "abyss" symbolizes the deep, dark part of Saskia's personality that she is trying to keep at bay, while the "whispers" are the subtle yet persistent reminders of what lies within.