Ephphatha Prologue

Two days ago, she received her mother’s body from the police.  

Cause of death: drowning.  

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

With a history of depression, a suicide attempt two years ago, and the will her mother had on her at the time of death, her passing was easily ruled as suicide.  

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

A sudden sound of footsteps intruded into Seul-ah’s ears as she sat blankly in front of her mother’s portrait. The presence storming into the empty funeral hall was intense.  

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Seul-ah slowly began to turn her head.  

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Her movements were noticeably weak. She had been born frail and had spent most of her life lacking vitality, but now, staying up for two nights played a bigger role. Losing her mother must have also contributed.  

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“…….”  

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

When she completely turned around, the first thing she saw was pitch-black socks.  

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Four socks. Four feet. Two people.  

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Who could they be?  

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

She had no visitors to expect. She had only informed her one and only friend, Aunt Chae-young, of her mother’s death, and her aunt had visited on the first day of the funeral, grieving deeply before leaving.  

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Then who were these people?  

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Just as a faint doubt surfaced in her mind and she blinked, a tongue-clicking sound rang out.  

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Looks like we’ve got another corpse to clean up.”  

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

A deep, low voice came from right above her head. It seemed to belong to the owner of the black socks she had first seen. She raised her head very slowly.  

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Following the black pants upward, she saw the hem of a shirt embroidered with an elaborate pattern swaying over his thighs. Her gaze climbed up from the lowest fastened button one by one, and she saw that the front of his shirt was open.  

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

The black fabric was densely adorned with gold patterns, and through it, a glimpse of tanned skin was visible.  

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Seul-ah looked further up. A strong, straight neck, a prominent Adam’s apple, and a mouth drawn in a crooked arc entered her sight. His neck was thick, his Adam’s apple large, and his lips were red.  

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

As she stared blankly, those lips moved.  

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I feel like I’m getting eaten alive with just your eyes. What do you think, Kang Jin-ah?”  

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Seul-ah’s gaze could go no higher. Just as she felt herself growing weaker, her vision suddenly blacked out.  

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Damn it.”  

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

A sharp voice lashed out toward the collapsed Seul-ah. His furrowed brows and disinterested eyes were filled with irritation. When the man who had come with him asked if they should call a doctor, he waved a hand dismissively, as if it were a hassle.  

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Stand guard. I need to have a word with her when she wakes up.”  

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Yes, sir.”  

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Once the other man withdrew, silence filled the funeral hall.  

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

The man, who had been idly watching Seul-ah, slowly crouched down before her, sitting cross-legged as he pulled out a pack of cigarettes. Even as he flicked one out and placed it between his lips, his gaze never left her.  

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“…….”  

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Her curled-up body was unusually small. Twenty-five years old, yet she looked young enough to pass through a high school gate unnoticed if she wore a uniform. Just as he had heard.  

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Was it because of her pale skin? Or because she was sleeping so fitfully?  

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

The man pushed the cigarette tip into the eager flame of his lighter and inhaled deeply. And just as he exhaled a long breath—  

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Cough. Cough.  

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The unconscious Seul-ah suddenly started coughing.  

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

As he watched her curl up even tighter and cough, the man let out a smirk.  

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

He had heard she was born premature and was especially weak. Her body, from her lungs to her heart, was all below average.  

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Not that it was any of his concern. He continued to take drags from the cigarette between his fingers. She wouldn’t die just from inhaling a little smoke. The long exhale of smoke coiled around the incense burner.  

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Ugh…”  

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“…….”  

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

As another wave of smoke engulfed her, Seul-ah groaned and rubbed her cheek against the floor in distress. Watching her feeble movements, the man’s eyes rolled toward the ceiling in irritation. Then, with a flick of his fingers, he extinguished the cigarette.  

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Even after that, Han Seul-ah continued to groan in discomfort.  

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“What more does she want now?”  

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com