Ensnared by the Trap - Chapter 8

The Decona, which had been advancing vigorously towards its next port of call, gradually slowed down and eventually came to a stop in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea.

Dave, who had been diligently searching for the missing Kyle, noticed the ship had stopped and rushed up to the navigation room, cursing.

“What on earth are you doing? How will you take responsibility if this disrupts the sailing schedule?”

The expression of Captain Marcus, who looked at Dave as he burst in excitedly, was serious.

“I clearly said I would give them an hour. The time I promised has already passed, and they have not appeared.”

“We’re doing our best to find them!”

Dave said in an anguished voice.

“I’m going to contact headquarters immediately and issue a rescue order. Prepare for rescue operations.”

Marcus ordered the crew members on standby.

“Stop. I am currently the acting manager.”

When Dave shouted, the crew members who had been moving stopped in their tracks.

“I am the captain of the Decona. Once the voyage has begun, it’s right to follow my orders in emergency situations.”

At this, Captain Marcus raised his voice.

“That would be the case when the representative and I are not here. The situation is different now. Please start the ship on its route immediately. What will you say to the passengers when they find out the ship has stopped?”

“We’ll have to reveal that it’s an emergency situation.”

Despite Dave’s warning, Captain Marcus was not swayed.

“…I simply don’t want to follow the precedent of the ‘Jaina’. And as the captain of this ship, I have a duty to rescue passengers.”

Marcus’s eyes, filled with strong determination, turned towards Dave.

It was a stubbornly persistent gaze that would surely carry out his assertion.

“Start… immediately.”

But Dave was no pushover either.

While Dave stood against the captain without backing down and the captain remained motionless, the navigator and crew members were at a loss, unable to do anything.

Just then, someone rushed into the navigation room.

“Captain. Captain. It, it seems to be the engine room.”

The crew member who had rushed in, breathing roughly as if about to pass out, spoke with difficulty.

“The engine room?”

Dave’s brow furrowed severely.

There were stairs leading to the engine room at the location where Kyle had disappeared from the screen.

From the beginning, Dave had wanted to check there, but due to Captain Marcus’s insistence that outsiders would not go down to the engine room and his certainty about a suicide, it was a place they hadn’t properly searched.

“There’s been a complaint about strange noises coming up through the ventilation shaft, and it seems to be from the underground engine room.”

As soon as the words fell, Dave rushed out.

Towards the passage leading to the engine room right next to where the two people were last seen on CCTV.

As he ran down the stairs, the strange sound the crew member had mentioned began to be heard.

Dave walked quickly, following that eerie sound echoing through the quiet cruise ship.

The closer he got, the more clearly the sound could be heard.

Thanks to this, Dave, who was able to find the source of the sound quickly, breathed a sigh of relief when he arrived in front of a tightly closed hatch.

As Dave turned the door of the hatch, the closed iron door slowly opened with a sharp sound.

* * *

The national anthem of the Republic of Korea was echoing through the ventilation shaft of a British cruise ship in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea.

“With this spirit and this mind, serving with loyalty…”

Se Hee’s solo performance of the national anthem had finally reached the fourth verse.

Kyle, who was watching with his arms crossed, had to bite his lip.

It was a dangerous situation where a chuckling laugh might escape if he wasn’t careful.

Kyle was not unfamiliar with the national anthem of the Republic of Korea, Aegukga.

But how could she sing the national anthem so seriously and amusingly in this situation?

The thought suddenly occurred to him that it wouldn’t be boring to be with her.

Kyle didn’t realize that he himself had a smile that wouldn’t leave his face while looking at Se Hee.

But suddenly, the mechanical sound that had been ringing louder than Se Hee’s voice disappeared.

And soon after, the movement of the ship’s hull stopped.

With a serious expression, Kyle headed towards the door.

“Stopping the ship. This is crazy. Haa.”

Although Kyle’s low cursing was audible to Se Hee due to the extreme quiet, she pretended not to hear and focused on her song.

“It’s suddenly become too quiet. This is a golden opportunity for my voice to be heard up above. The mugunghwa, thousands of miles~”

Se Hee sang the national anthem passionately, putting in even her milk-drinking strength, and at some point.

Another sound was heard amidst the silence.

The sound of the locked hatch door opening.

Surprised, Se Hee stopped singing and looked at the door.

It was the first time in her life that Se Hee had been so glad to hear the sharp metal sound irritating her eardrums.

Kyle’s gaze, waiting for the door to open, cooled down.

Finally, the door opened, and a man entered.

Dave, who had entered the hatch, met eyes with Kyle, who was glaring at him sharply.

At that moment, Dave had to prepare for death.

“You’ve been through a lot. I’m sorry for being so late.”

Unable to even call Kyle’s name, Dave bowed his head with a trembling voice.

“The door… the door opened. It’s escape. Escape! I guess my singing was effective. Mr. Graham, we’re alive!”

But Se Hee, who was completely unaware of the situation, happily called out to Kyle.

“Thank you so much. Thank you so much.”

This time, Se Hee bowed deeply to Dave with an expression that looked like she might cry at any moment.

“Ah, no. I’m sorry for being late.”

Dave said, looking very embarrassed.

“No, it’s okay. Really, it’s okay. Thank you so much for finding us.”

“Let’s get out now.”

Dave said politely as he stepped aside from the door.

Se Hee went out first.

Kyle was silent.

Even with just that chilling gaze, Dave had to swallow dry saliva.

Outside the hatch, Captain Marcus and the crew members were standing in line.

“The crew will guide you.”

When Kyle spoke to Se Hee, female crew members immediately approached her.

Se Hee looked at Kyle with a puzzled expression at the cold voice, completely different from when they were trapped inside together.

However, Kyle lightly bowed to Se Hee and immediately turned around.

After confirming that Se Hee had returned to her cabin first, Kyle’s piercing gaze immediately fixed on Captain Marcus.

“Was it your unilateral decision to stop the ship during navigation?”

Marcus couldn’t answer immediately to Kyle’s question.

“If you had just kept to the regular patrol times, I could have returned much sooner. I intend to properly hold you accountable for this incident.”

After emitting coldness towards Marcus, Kyle walked ahead.

Heaving a deep sigh, Marcus followed behind with a dark expression.

* * *

Se Hee, who had returned to her cabin, felt fatigue suddenly rush in, probably due to being so tense.

As she was thinking she should change into comfortable clothes and rest for now, she remembered that what was draped over her shoulders was Kyle’s clothing.

“Ah. It’s that person’s clothes.”

Se Hee looked at his suit jacket with embarrassment.

“I’ll have to return it later, I guess.”

When she hung his jacket on a hanger, a fresh scent wafted out again.

Thinking it was a really nice fragrance, Se Hee closed the wardrobe.

After showering and lying down on the bed, sleep wouldn’t come easily.

Although her body was screaming with fatigue like water-logged cotton, her mind was wide awake.

Is he alright?

How should I return that clothes later?

He had surprisingly warm hands for a man.

It was only when her mind became completely filled with thoughts of that man that she gradually fell asleep.

Time had already passed well into the afternoon, and the sunset was slowly coloring Se Hee’s bed through the balcony.

“Mmm…”

Se Hee’s eyes snapped open at a chilly feeling.

The sunset sky soon entered Se Hee’s view.

“Oh no. Today’s Santorini port call. Aaah. I’ve missed it.”

Se Hee, who had jumped up from her seat, burst out of the cabin.

The ship, anchored in the distant sea of Santorini, was backlit by the setting sun.

“Haa… how disappointing. I guess Santorini and I really aren’t meant to be.”

Se Hee looked regretfully at the blue roofs visible in the distance.

Heaving a heavy sigh that seemed like it might drill a hole in the floor, Se Hee turned around after a long while.

Just then, Kyle, who had just arrived on the Decona after finishing a business meeting at the Santorini port of call, saw Se Hee’s retreating figure walking dejectedly.

He recalled Se Hee’s expression when they were trapped in the hatch together, praising Santorini, the first port of call, as much as her lost earring.

Seeing her slumped shoulders and what appeared to be indoor clothing, it seemed she had missed the port excursion.

It was something he could have just passed by.

But as he turned to leave, Se Hee’s drooping shoulders kept bothering him.

Kyle checked his wristwatch.

There was about two hours of leeway before the Decona was set to depart.

“Dave.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Have a boat… ready.”

“What? Yes. Understood.”

As Dave returned to the boat, Kyle quickly followed after Se Hee.

As the distance closed to one step apart, Se Hee, sensing a presence, turned around.

“Mr, Mr. Graham?”

Se Hee looked at Kyle with a surprised expression.

“The port excursion?”

“Ah… well…”

Se Hee showed a regretful expression.

“I’ll give you ten minutes. Time to prepare.”

“What?”

Se Hee, not grasping the meaning of Kyle’s words at once, asked again.

“It seems we can tour Santorini for about two hours.”

“Santorini?”

“S zone, wait in front of the boat.”

“San, Santorini? You’re taking me there? Now? Me?”

Se Hee, finally understanding Kyle’s meaning, stuttered in shock.

“Nine minutes left now.”

Kyle checked his wristwatch again.

“Ah, okay. Just a moment. Just a moment.”

Se Hee ran to her cabin so fast her eyebrows were fluttering.

* * *

Kyle’s private boat, carrying Se Hee and Kyle who had finished preparing, arrived at the port of Santorini.

“Thank you so much. I thought I had no connection with Santorini.”

“We don’t have much time, so it seems we can only briefly see Oia village.”

“Oia village? That’s enough.”

Se Hee smiled brightly at Kyle.

At that sight, a smile naturally spread across Kyle’s face as well.

As the boat arrived at the dock, Se Hee, full of anticipation, couldn’t wait and prepared to disembark.

“Watch your step.”

Se Hee stared intently at Kyle’s face as he carefully assisted her getting off the boat.

One of Kyle’s eyebrows raised slightly.

As if asking, What?

“Thank you for everything.”

Kyle, uncomfortable with Se Hee’s gaze fixed on him, cleared his throat unnecessarily.

Se Hee safely disembarked from the boat, holding Kyle’s large hand.

As soon as she got off, she took out her phone and was absorbed in taking pictures.

Thanks to the boat docking close to Oia village, they were able to see the Mediterranean sunset, which had already started turning red, without missing it.

There was barely room to step due to the crowd gathered to watch this beautiful scene, known worldwide.

And here and there, an amorous atmosphere was being created with people engaging in deep kisses.

“This place has become famous for kissing because of a legend, right?”

Se Hee said awkwardly, feeling oddly self-conscious in the strange atmosphere.

“Legend?”

“The legend that if you kiss while watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea, eternal love will be realized. That’s why there are so many people like this. Didn’t you know, someone who’s been on many cruises?”

Se Hee said teasingly.

“I don’t believe in such superstitions.”

Kyle said dryly.

“Superstition… Hmm. It’s a beautiful legend. Well, I don’t believe in eternal love either.”

At those words, Kyle turned his head to look down at Se Hee.

“Do you believe in eternal love, Mr. Graham?”

Kyle couldn’t readily answer Se Hee’s question.

For a moment, Se Hee wanted to play a trick on this man.

“…Shall we test if it’s real or not?”

Se Hee’s eyes shone ominously.

“What?”

“About the eternal love I don’t believe in, and the superstition and legend you don’t believe in. Whether it comes true or not.”

Se Hee deliberately narrowed the distance between them.

“Ah, no? I’m not curious at all?”

Kyle stepped back with an uncomfortable expression.

“Really? I’m extremely, very, incredibly curious.”

Se Hee thrust her face close, full of mischievous expression.

“I said I’m not curious…”

Before Kyle could finish speaking, Se Hee’s lips brushed against Kyle’s.

It was an unexpected accident.

Se Hee, her cheeks turning red, pulled her lips away like lightning in surprise.

“Th, that. I didn’t mean for them to touch. Really…”

It was an extremely awkward situation.

She really only meant to pretend to kiss as a joke.

Se Hee’s mind went blank.

That fleeting moment also turned Kyle’s mind blank.

Kyle’s heart, which had been barely suppressing his emotions, exploded.

Kyle’s gaze, looking down at Se Hee, became provocative.

“…That’s a very dangerous provocation.”

Kyle’s arm firmly embraced Se Hee’s waist as she tried to pull away in panic.

His voice, flowing languidly into her ear, was extremely decadent.

“Can you handle it?”

Male lead Asks for a Divorce Every Day

It’s not often you come across a plot like this in the female-dominant genre — make sure to check it out!

This is a novel I’m planning to reread as well.

The male lead is strong, skilled in martial arts, and not the usual fragile type you often see in matriarchal novels.

Meanwhile, the female lead is a scientist—rational and logical. Even when she falls for the male lead, she doesn’t let her emotions cloud her decisions.

If you push through the first few chapters, you’ll gradually find the story really intriguing.

It has a mix of mystery, detective elements, and romance.

The author’s writing style is like crafting a puzzle—except they deliberately leave out a few pieces, making it hard to predict what happens next, yet keeping you hooked.

In the end, everything will come together and be explained.

One-sentence summary: Wife, stop playing with beakers and look at me!

In a laboratory accident, research scientist Zhu Wansheng accidentally travels to a matriarchal world. The original owner of the body is an eighteen-year-old only daughter of a wealthy rouge merchant, already married with a handsome young man.

Zhu Wansheng grins: Nice! She always said she was heaven’s favorite granddaughter. After a life of toil in her previous life, she can enjoy blessings in this one.

However, her joy lasts no more than three seconds as bad news arrives: the original owner’s family is about to go bankrupt, and her husband wants a divorce.

Even worse, she’s stuck with a research system full of restrictions.

Zhu Wansheng: ? Is this the destiny of a research dog?

——

Faced with this mess, Zhu Wansheng pours herself a bowl of wine to drown her sorrows. In her drunken haze, her husband arrives.

His figure is imposing, holding a long sword, with a dignified air that captivates Zhu Wansheng.

Gu Yingqing, however, looks at the alcohol-reeking Zhu Wansheng with undisguised disgust and coldly asks, “Divorce or not?” The intoxicated Zhu Wansheng mumbles vaguely, “I think… it’s not… it’s not… impossible!”

——

The next day, after sobering up, Zhu Wansheng is full of energy, rolling up her sleeves ready to make a big move. As for yesterday? She has no memory of it.

Zhu Wansheng is ambitious; a research dog fears nothing!

Upgrading rouge, extracting fragrances, producing perfumes, researching lipsticks… all shall bow to the power of modern technology!

The original owner’s dying rouge shop is revitalized. Her mother is pleased and with a wave of her hand, passes on the family business to her. As she takes control and her experimental results gain popularity, it’s the pinnacle of her life…

——

But there are always those who can’t stand to see her doing well. Jealousy, scheming, assassination attempts – they want nothing less than her life.

The person who has always kept his distance from her suddenly holds her tightly in his arms, eyes full of concern.

She is unharmed, but he falls into a pool of blood…

Zhu Wansheng feels guilty, “I can grant you one wish.”

Gu Yingqing tentatively circles his arms around her, carefully resting his head in the crook of her neck, pleading softly, “I regret it. Can we not divorce?”

Zhu Wansheng: ? When did I agree to a divorce?

[Small Theater]

The newly developed rouge is beautifully packaged, and Zhu Wansheng is eager to try it.

Gu Yingqing suddenly appears: “My lady, may I apply it for you?”

Cool fingertips lightly brush her lips. His Adam’s apple bobs as he leans in for a light bite.

Zhu Wansheng: ?

Gu Yingqing: It smells so good, I wanted to taste it…

On a warm spring day, Zhu Wansheng tries a new perfume: “Spring Night.” Gu Yingqing corners her against a wall.

Warm breath lingers on her neck.

“My lady, from now on, may I test the fragrances for you?”

[Humorous female scientist vs scheming live-in son-in-law male lead]

Link to read

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