Attachment 417

In Chapter 417 of “Attachment 417,” Mina grapples with intense emotions after an unexpected kiss from a man she despises. Despite her strong feelings of hatred toward him, she finds herself reflecting on the kiss, questioning her reactions and the warmth that lingered from the encounter. Mina’s internal conflict is palpable as she wishes to erase the memory of the kiss, expressing her frustration and confusion about why she didn’t push him away. Her emotions are a mix of anger, embarrassment, and an unsettling attraction that she cannot comprehend.

As Mina tries to regain her composure and return home, she is confronted by Calista, who is aware of Mina’s late-night escapade. Calista’s taunting demeanor and her demands for Mina to accompany her on a shopping trip reveal the power dynamics in their relationship. Despite Mina’s reluctance and exhaustion, Calista manipulates the situation to ensure Mina’s compliance, showcasing her self-centered nature and desire for attention, particularly regarding her interest in a boy named Elias.

When they arrive in Montrose, Mina is surprised by the city’s vibrant atmosphere, contrasting her expectations of a desolate place. Calista thrives in the bustling environment, indulging in shopping while Mina carries her numerous purchases. Despite the physical strain, Mina finds solace in the city’s recovery and the happiness of its residents, which helps lift her spirits. This moment of peace is short-lived as chaos erupts when someone unexpectedly collides with Mina, leading to a familiar and unwelcome encounter with the man she has been trying to forget.

The chapter culminates with Mina ending up on top of the man she hates, intensifying her emotional turmoil. The situation forces her to confront her feelings once again, as the warmth of his touch rekindles the confusion and frustration she feels towards him. This encounter not only complicates her feelings but also sets the stage for further interactions, leaving Mina to navigate her conflicting emotions in the chapters to come.

Chapter 417 The Man I Hate

MINA

I hated that man.

I have never felt this strongly before about someone. I didn’t even know him or his name. All I knew was that I hated him.

I ran for a while until the lights of the house entered my view through the trees. My heart was still pounding, not from fear, but from… whatever that was. I skidded to a stop behind the old shed, leaning against the damp wood, hood falling forward as I tried to catch my breath.

I stood there, shaking my head, trying to erase the memory of his lips on mine. Stupid werewolf. Stupid hot spring. Stupid… everything.

I lifted my fingers hesitantly to my mouth.

That was my very first kiss.

Why was it like that?

Why did it feel like the warmth had seeped under my skin and spread to my fingertips? Why had I frozen instead of pushing him away the moment he kissed me? Why had I let him lean in again? Why had I responded?

There were so many questions running through my mind; however, all of them had a single answer.

I shouldn’t have.

I never should have.

I sighed hard, pressing my palms against my burning cheeks. “I hope I never see him again,” I muttered.

I shoved the memories back and adjusted my cloak, trying to walk normally toward the back entrance of the house. I was just a few steps away when a voice cut through the shadows.

“Well, well. Sneaking out, are you?”

I stopped immediately and faced the culprit.

Calista.

I didn’t even need to turn around to feel her eyes raking over me. She stepped closer, crossing her arms as she looked down through her nose at me.

“Should I tell Mom?” she asked sweetly.

“No,” I said flatly.

I didn’t even bother with excuses. I knew the consequences of being caught outside alone this late, and

frankly, I was too exhausted to be scolded.

Calista clicked her tongue, stepped closer, and tugged the hood off my head in one harsh pull. My hair spilled out in messy wet waves, and she grabbed a handful immediately, yanking it backward.

I didn’t flinch. I’d experienced worse.

“Must be nice to have that face,” she muttered, voice dripping with offense.

I pulled away from her grip easily. She hated when I didn’t react. It irritated her to no end.

“I’m going to sleep.” I said, brushing past her.

She stepped sideways to block me again, smiling wide enough that I could see the sharpness of her molars. Something in it was so self–satisfied that it immediately raised my suspicion.

“If you want me not to tell Mom,” she said lightly, “then you need to accompany me tomorrow.”

I stopped in my tracks.

“Why?”

She twirled a strand of her hair while smirking. “Now that the war is over, I am going to shop. We’re finally getting subsidies from the gold of the palace, and I need a new dress. Not just one, actually, but multiple.”

She leaned forward, her perfume washing over me. “I need to look my best if I’m going to seduce Elias.”

I felt bad for that Elias guy. It seemed Calista had already staked her claim on him.

“Why,” I asked, “would I need to follow after you?”

She waved her hand. “I need someone to take and carry my bags.”

I stared at her and sighed.

Her smirk widened. “You know you don’t have a choice.”

I pursed my lips. I wasn’t a fan of crowded places, and that was exactly why she wanted me to come.

***

Montrose was unexpectedly lively.

I had expected a gloomy, half–ruined city with residents still hiding in their homes after everything that happened. But instead, the streets felt warm, bright, and bustling.

We were in the city, and Calista was in her element.

My hood was worn as always. She made sure of it, saying I would cause chaos in the plaza if my face were out in the open. I changed to my black cloak before coming, though. Red demanded too much attention.

Calista continued shopping like she had her own money to spend. She floated from shop to shop, touching everything and buying the most expensive ones.

I watched her with a blank expression. However, it was oddly calming. Montrose, for all its crowds, had a soothing element to it. A place that had suffered but found joy anyway.

I found myself smiling faintly.

I could feel the genuine, relieved happiness around us. People talking about rebuilding their livelihoods, couples excited to visit the hot springs, and children running with sticky fruit treats.

It was nice.

My arms were absolutely killing me, though.

Calista had already bought seven dresses, two pairs of shoes, and a limited edition palace gold hand mirror, which, as far as I could tell, was just a shiny mirror with a lion etched badly on the back. I had all of these hanging off one arm or another.

Calista, meanwhile, spun in front of a mirror in a boutique, lifting her curls and checking her neckline.

“How do I look?” she asked.

“Fine.” I said.

She scowled at me.

“What did you want me to say?” I asked, genuinely confused.

She clicked her tongue. “Whatever,” she muttered. “Why am I even asking fashion advice from you?”

“You don’t know shit.”

With that, she bought the dress without another thought, stepped out of the boutique, and headed toward the center of the plaza.

I adjusted the mountain of bags in my arms and followed after Calista, who was already pointing out another store.

“Oh my, what’s happening?” she suddenly asked.

A sudden commotion broke out near the end of the street. People were squealing and running in a certain

direction.

“Watch out!” Someone suddenly exclaimed, one that sounded too familiar.

I turned to look just as someone barreled straight into me.

The force sent me stumbling backward. The ground rushed up at me, rough stone ready to greet my back.

Except-

Strong arms caught me.

I felt the familiar, annoyingly intoxicating warmth of someone’s hands gripping my waist.

I opened my eyes fully and found myself on top of someone.

I frowned.

The blur sharpened just enough. The outline of a jaw. The shape of a mouth I unfortunately remembered too vividly.

It clicked.

I was right on top of the pervert.

As I lay there, momentarily breathless and utterly bewildered, the reality of the situation hit me like a cold wave. The man I had sworn to despise was now the very one who had saved me from a fall. The warmth of his hands on my waist sent a rush of conflicting emotions through me—resentment, confusion, and an undeniable spark of something else. I had spent the night grappling with the intensity of my feelings, vowing to forget the kiss that had stirred something deep within me, but here he was, challenging my resolve once again. I could feel my heart racing, not just from the shock of the moment but from the undeniable connection that seemed to linger in the air between us, taunting me.

In that instant, surrounded by the chaos of the bustling plaza, I realized that my hatred for him was intertwined with something far more complex. It was as if every encounter, every heated glance, and every moment of tension had been leading up to this unforeseen collision. I could no longer deny the pull I felt towards him, nor could I ignore the way my body reacted against my better judgment. Perhaps it was time to confront the truth—that beneath the layers of animosity, there was a flicker of something deeper waiting to be explored. As I pushed myself up and met his gaze, I understood that this was only the beginning of a tumultuous journey that would challenge everything I thought I knew about love, hate, and the fine line that separated them.

What to Expect in the Next Chapter?

In the upcoming chapter, readers can anticipate a whirlwind of emotions as Mina grapples with the unexpected return of the man she loathes yet inexplicably feels drawn to. The tension between them is palpable, and as they navigate their complicated feelings, the stakes will rise. Will Mina confront her feelings, or will she push him away, determined to maintain her resolve? The encounter promises to be charged with both frustration and undeniable chemistry, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how Mina will handle the situation.

Moreover, Calista’s scheming will take center stage as she continues to pull Mina into her extravagant plans. The bustling streets of Montrose will serve as a backdrop for new revelations and unexpected encounters. With the city alive with energy, the contrast between Mina’s reluctance and Calista’s enthusiasm will create a dynamic tension that is sure to captivate readers. As the chapter unfolds, the complexities of friendship, rivalry, and budding romance will intertwine, leading to moments that could change everything for Mina. Will she stand her ground, or will the allure of the past prove too strong to resist?

Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.