Flowers Are Bait Chapter 256:
Previously on Flowers Are Bait...
They lounged lazily across the couch, slipping into a light slumber. The arrangement nearly suggested three or four individuals resting side by side, drawing a soft laugh from Lee-yeon.
Carrying a child in her womb, Kwon Chae-woo's massive build claimed the room of two full bodies.
Lying opposite one another, Lee-yeon fidgeted restlessly as his erection poked firmly against her stomach.
Chae-woo, this feels uncomfortable.
Why?
Why? It's constantly pressing on my belly.
Don't pull away.
When Lee-yeon attempted to shift aside, Kwon Chae-woo gripped her waist securely. His piercing gaze aside, his tone dripped with a touch of resentment.
My child is mine.
Wouldn't the baby be delighted to feel me inside?
Suddenly, a growl erupted from Lee-yeon's stomach, jolting them both. Eyes widening in astonishment, she swiftly clasped Kwon Chae-woo's hand. As their palms met, another subtle flutter passed through. Such a lively stir at just 17 weeks.
Chae-woo, that was it!
Kwon Chae-woo went rigid, breath held tight. The stunned man, gripped by awe and wonder, refused to blink. Not until another kick rippled did he finally release his air, as though he'd forgotten to exhale.
He stared at Lee-yeon's radiant, grinning expression, disbelief plain on his face. His pulse raced like an infant's clumsy steps. Shivers prickled his skin, and warmth surged through his veins.
Claiming it merely tickled felt oddly shameful, yet it was clearly the most electrifying sensation Kwon Chae-woo had encountered.
He showered kisses over Lee-yeon's abdomen, murmuring a silent sorry. Never again would he suggest the little one could rest in another's embrace. How could anyone surrender such an adorable treasure?
Kwon Chae-woo wrestled with the torrent of simple miracles washing over him, then leaned in to claim Lee-yeon's mouth once more.
They filled their carefree moments like this, feasting, dozing, and frolicking without restraint.
Each time Lee-yeon's head dipped toward sleep, Kwon Chae-woo would scoop her up without delay and carry her off to the sleeping chamber.
***
What span of time had slipped by? Lee-yeon, roused from a slumber so deep her eyes ached stiffly, snapped awake with sudden clarity. She rubbed at her leaden lids and propped herself up fast.
Chae-woo?
Her words melted into the still atmosphere. Lee-yeon scanned the chamber for hints of him, yet the dwelling hung in icy hush. A peek at the timepiece showed it nearing the witching hour.
Where could he possibly have vanished to?
After days melded together like inseparable halves, Kwon Chae-woo's unexpected vanishing stirred her nerves. Swamped by rising dread, she couldn't stay put and eased from the covers.
Chae-woo, Mr. Kwon Chae-woo!
She raised her voice to summon him, but the call bounced back from the barren sitting area. Roaming through the bedchamber, lounge, and galley, she met only a haunting stillness—no trace of him anywhere. Just the breeze hugging the glass panes with a whispery hush.
Where in the world has he gone!
Right then, the clock behind her pealed twelve with its usual toll. Flinching, Lee-yeon swiped her arm across the chilling tingle at her shoulder.
Having watched the pendulum sway for a beat, Lee-yeon at last seized a light and stepped into the night.
Out there, a figure bundled in a dark slicker hauled a spade through the garden.
!
She trapped a cry behind bitten lips, gradually tracing the well-known outline.
Is that Mr. Chae-woo? Are you Chae-woo?
To her shaky summons, Kwon Chae-woo angled his head faintly. The chiseled profile and fierce stare proved it was him, so she hurled the entrance ajar.
What on earth are you doing, hauling a shovel around at this hour of the night!
Still, the dirt-streaked hands' owner merely swept by her, aiming for the grove.
Kwon Chae-woo drove the blade deep into the soil by his burial spot, deftly heaving earth while gnashing his jaw.
What the hell, how deep did you plant me? I can't uncover a thing. He grumbled.
You think I'll settle here in peace, Lee-yeon, with my tomb so close?
Why in the world are you unearthing it?!
Lee-yeon burst out, fretting over potential sprouts that could have taken root there! She eyed Kwon Chae-woo as he drew up tall and leveled a rueful stare.
Did you mean to abandon it like that, forgotten?
Uh
Speechless, she fixed on Kwon Chae-woo, who curled one lip in a chilly smirk.
I figured you'd carry on just like this.
Lee-yeon seethed at the taunting twist of his features.
Anyway, poking around there will just bring up junk. What's even the purpose! Dig all you want, nothing of value will surface! And please, shed those garments! From here on, Mr. Kwon Chae-woo, no dark gear after dusk—raincoats, shovels, blades, hatchets, all banned outright!
Her declaration prompted Kwon Chae-woo to yank off the hood fast and cast a loaded look her way.
Are you hoping to inter something extra?
What?
With that, the self-gravedigger fished out an item and inspected the timber piece in the lunar light.
Ah, it held up without decaying.
The slow-striding man toward Lee-yeon deposited the chill, moist keepsake in her grasp.
It was the bloom-shaped wood carving he'd shaped and offered her once.
Even so, pulling up a find on an evening such as this beats putting away a person, doesn't it?
Lee-yeon stood mute.
But, Lee-yeon, barring my implements after dark implies I'd better employ my frame instead, doesn't it? Since that's out of reach presently, I turn to this alternative.
Exasperated by the fellow spouting such drivel, Lee-yeon crushed his instep and bolted off. In her wake, Kwon Chae-woo, plainly relishing the spectacle, fished his device from his coat.
And come morning.
W-What is this!
A assortment of sparkling trinkets—rings, chains, cuffs, timekeepers, clips—swung like baubles from the forefront garden's branches.
***