Chapter 9
The night moon filters through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Seongbuk-dong mansion, reflecting off the pristine white marble floors. The dining table is set with gold-rimmed porcelain,The scent of matsutake mushroom soup and grilled hanwoo beef lingered in the air of the Park family's dining room, a space defined by floor-to-ceiling glass and the shimmering skyline of Seoul beyond.
Mr.Ji-hoon sat at the head of the dark walnut table, his silk shirt unbuttoned at the collar, though his posture remained as disciplined as it was in the boardroom. He watched his wife, Seo-yeon, who moved with a quiet, practiced elegance. Even in the privacy of their home, her jewelry caught the light—a simple diamond pendant that cost more than most people's annual salary. She was leaning over their daughter, Ga-eul, gently adjusting the girl's posture.
"Elbows off the silk, sweetheart," Seo-yeon whispered, her voice like velvet.
Eight-year-old Ga-eul nodded, her dark hair tied back with a Chanel ribbon that matched her pajamas. She was focused intensely on her plate, carefully navigating a small portion of abalone with silver chopsticks. She looked like a miniature version of her mother, already carrying the weight of a legacy she didn't yet fully understand.
"How was the violin masterclass today?" Ji-hoon asked. His voice was deep, commanding the room without effort.
Ga-eul looked up, her eyes bright. "Professor Kang said my intonation is improving, Appa. But he wants me to practice the Bach concerto three hours a day now."
Ji-hoon exchanged a brief, knowing look with Seo-yeon. A small, rare smile touched his lips.
"Excellence requires a certain level of sacrifice, Ga-eul. But if you finish your practice early tomorrow, perhaps we'll take the helicopter to the villa in Jeju this weekend."
The little girl's face lit up, a flash of genuine childhood joy breaking through the formal atmosphere. Seo-yeon reached out, resting her hand over Ji-hoon's on the table. In that moment, surrounded by the cold gleam of marble and gold, the silence was no longer heavy—it was the quiet satisfaction of a dynasty in bloom
Mr.Ji-hoon is setting his chopsticks down and looking at his wife "I got a call from our son. He said he is going for a trip for like three months or so..."
Seo-yeon eyes widening in disbelief "What? Three months? Without even discussing it first?"
Ga-eul Dropping her spoon into her bowl of soup with a splash."Oppa is traveling? For three whole months... without me? He's a big, mean traitor!"
Mr Ji-hoon sighed as he rubbed his temple "He sounded very determined. He said he needs the time away before his wedding with Paige"
Ga-eul lower lip trembling as she looks at her empty chair next to her "But who is going to help me with my math homework? And who is going to buy me ice cream when you say no?"
"What happened to me Eul? I am here"
Seo-yeon asked smiling and Ga-eul and continued " you know,you don't expect your brother to take you everywhere switch him. He needs privacy".
"But I am his one and only sister! He promised to take me to Kim Jo! He is a traitor!!!!" Ga-eul Yelled in anger
Mr. Ji-hoon frowned and Seo-yeon sighed loudly.
"Let's eat. I will call him later. Lee Dae won't disappear without a reasonable reason. So young lady,eat your food and go to bed. Okay?"
Ga-eul made a face and picked up her spoon and continue to eat.
The adult cast glance at each other before eating in silence.
******
Morning..
Seo- Joon woke up and the first thing he did was to pick out what he needed for the "finding true love " for Kim-jo when his phone began to ring.
He picked it up and answered knowing who the person was.
"Hello and good morning my dearest Dad."
"Young man,when are you coming home?"
"Actually,I have something very unique to do right now so coming home will be in the next 3 months. Send my regards to your wife,my mom. Byeee."
He hangs up and switched the phone off and tossed it to the bed then focus on what he was doing.
In Lee Dae at the other hand assembly the security guard and staffs and started giving out instructions.
After giving the instructions about taking care of the mansion he walked back to his room and dailed his fiancee line. The phone rang twice but Paige didn't pick so he left her a message, switched the phone off and put it in a drawer.
Meanwhile, Kim Jo was seen putting his phones and laptops in the drawer and locked it. He fell into his bed and sighed loudly.
"I Can't believe what I am doing right now. Searching for a bride not a friend or girlfriend! This is not good for my health."
He said and covered his face with his palms.
*****"*
Lucy stare hard at her parents who were already rolling their suitcases out of the living room.
She is still in her pajamas, standing at the door with her arms folded against her chest.
Mrs. Hanuel stopped in front of her, smiling but Lucy only frowned.
"Wasn't expecting you and Dad to leave this early."
"Hmm. Lucy dear,we have to go early because my boss is punctual. As I am speaking to you right now,he is at the airport. Besides it's already 8 o'clock clock."
Mr. Hanuel rolled his suitcase to the door and stopped to peck Lucy on the cheek
"My love, please let us go. We don't want to get the Boss upset."
Lucy sighed and they embraced each other.
" I am going to miss you"
Lucy cried out.
"I am already missing you, Lucy".
After a moment with each other,they rolled their suitcases out of the house to the garage. Mr. Hanuel opened the car boot and put the bags inside. He and his wife entered Into the car.
Mrs Hanuel called out for Lucy who still stood by the door.
"Lucy! We love you! And please don't get into trouble."
"Call me if you need anything, okay?" Mr Hanuel yelled and Lucy nodded.
" You didn't tell us you love us too!"
Mrs Hanuel shouted and Lucy smiled.
"Love you too mom and dad!"
They waved at each other before driving off the garage into the road.
Lucy looked sad as she watched till they vanished out of sight.
She then went back into the house.
*****