Read Atonement, For Your Cruelty English Novel Translation

[AFYC] Chapter 93

original: Han Boyeon, translation: Ru

Romance, Drama, Mystery, Fantasy, Mature, Smut

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Seo Ah climbed into the carriage with a mix of anxiety and curiosity, wondering where exactly this “department store” might be. To her surprise, it wasn’t far from the mansion. The department store was located just across from St. Roel’s Cathedral, a grand building that had stood for over a thousand years.

As the carriage drew closer, the cathedral’s towering spires became visible, and Seo Ah’s mouth dropped open in awe. Up close, the cathedral’s pointed roof seemed to touch the sky, and its imposing presence made her feel insignificant.

“It’s a festival day,” Abel’s voice broke through her thoughts. She turned to see him smiling at her.

“They’ll have fireworks later. We should watch them together.”

The delight in his voice made Seo Ah feel a twinge of guilt. It seemed as if she had been unfair to him during the past week. She nodded slightly, her faint smile causing Abel’s grin to widen even more.

The carriage stopped in front of an extravagant entrance. The department store was unlike anything Seo Ah had ever imagined. She would have believed if someone had told her a king lived there.

As they passed through the revolving doors, Seo Ah was greeted by people in formal attire who offered polite nods and welcomes.

“Welcome to Vieux Department Store.”

But Seo Ah was too overwhelmed to respond. Beyond the doors lay a world so luxurious it stunned her senses.

The building’s vastness was immediately apparent, making her feel like a tiny ant in a colossal space. The interior was a display of gold, with columns, railings, and walls all covered in the gleaming metal. The golden décor, combined with the red floral arrangements hanging from every railing, created an almost blinding opulence.

Seo Ah was so mesmerised by the unfamiliar grandeur that she barely noticed the stares directed at her. The department store’s interior shattered every notion she had of what a building could be.

“Is this really a place that sells goods?”

Abel, who had been exchanging signals with the backup agents who had followed them inside, looked at Seo Ah with a smile that could melt ice.

“So, this country bumpkin is finally getting a taste of civilisation,” he thought. As soon as she stepped into the department store and took in the smell of polished wood and expensive fabrics, the sense of professional duty he had clung to so desperately transformed into something akin to a calling.

“You only knew about markets but had no idea what a department store was,” he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Seo Ah’s reaction was endearing. She would look around in confusion, and then, whenever their eyes met, she would quickly avert her gaze, embarrassed.

Barbara had advised him to stay at the department store for as long as possible until the crowds had dispersed completely. This task couldn’t be easier for Abel, who had frequented the Vieux Department Store countless times.

“I’m not sure what to do here,” Seo Ah confessed quietly. “So…”

“You want me to take the lead?” Abel completed her thought.

She nodded, looking around with curiosity.

Abel decided that he was going to fall in love with his target. No, he realised he already had.

“Then let’s go,” he said, motioning for her to follow.

She clutched her bag tightly with both hands as she trailed behind him.

Abel led Seo Ah up a plushily carpeted staircase to the floor, mainly catering to men’s formal wear. The atmosphere was stately, with a sense of refinement that contrasted sharply with the decaying wagons and desolate graveyards they had visited just days earlier. It all felt like a different life.

He moved as if in a trance.

“Welcome,” a salesperson greeted them warmly as they entered a store.

Abel guided Seo Ah to a customer’s sofa and settled in comfortably. He accepted a welcome drink as he began to explain his preferences. The staff soon began presenting suits for him to choose from. Meanwhile, Seo Ah sat quietly with her hands neatly folded on her lap, blinking as she watched the process.