Kim Seo-yeon exited the Kim Group headquarters late in the evening, her assistant Choi Eun-Young following a few steps behind. The city lights reflected off the sleek black sedan waiting for her at the curb. Without a word, she entered the car, and Eun-Young took the seat beside her.
"Straight to the hospital," Seo-yeon instructed the driver, her tone devoid of emotion.
Eun-Young glanced at her, concern flickering in her eyes. "You've been pushing yourself too hard lately."
Seo-yeon gave a faint smile, one that didn't reach her eyes. "The company can't afford weakness, Eun-Young. Especially not now."
The car ride was silent save for the hum of the engine. Seo-yeon stared out the window, her sharp gaze surveying the bustling cityscape. It wasn't long before they arrived at the private hospital where her grandfather, Kim Byung-Chul, was being treated.
Hospital Room, Seo-yeon entered the spacious hospital suite, the air filled with the sterile scent of disinfectant. Her grandfather, once a formidable figure in the business world, lay on the bed, his frame frail and weakened by age and illness. Despite his condition, his sharp eyes lit up when he saw her.
"Seo-yeon," he greeted, his voice raspy but firm.
"Grandfather," she replied, taking the chair beside him. She reached for his hand, her grip firm yet gentle.
"How is the company?" Byung-Chul asked, skipping pleasantries.
Seo-yeon sighed, leaning back. "The fashion and cosmetics divisions are stable, even growing. But the entertainment and real estate sectors are bleeding money. Financial trading is barely breaking even."
Her grandfather frowned. "And your relatives? What are they doing?"
"They're circling like vultures," she said bluntly. "Uncle Hyun-Soo is trying to rally the board against me, claiming I'm too young and inexperienced. Aunt Mi-Jung has been whispering to investors, trying to convince them to sell their shares to her."
Byung-Chul's grip on her hand tightened weakly. "They're opportunists. They'll destroy everything your parents built."
"I won't let that happen," Seo-yeon said coldly. "I've already neutralized some of their influence by consolidating shares from loyal investors. But it's not enough. The company needs a strong partnership to survive this crisis."
Her grandfather's expression softened. "Your grandmother foresaw these struggles. That's why she arranged the marriage alliance with the Parks."
Seo-yeon's eyes narrowed. "The Park family. They control the entertainment industry—movies, TV, talent agencies. Their resources could stabilize our failing divisions. But do they even take this alliance seriously? They haven't exactly been forthcoming with details."
"They're traditionalists," Byung-Chul said. "They won't break the agreement. The Parks are proud, and their reputation hinges on honoring their alliances."
Seo-yeon crossed her arms, her voice measured. "Even so, they'll want to dictate the terms. I need to know who they're offering. It has to be someone from their direct line, someone with enough influence to make this worth our while."
Her grandfather nodded. "True. But remember, Seo-yeon, this isn't just about business. The marriage will tie you to their family. You'll have to navigate their politics as well."
Seo-yeon's lips curled into a faint smirk. "I've faced worse."
Byung-Chul chuckled weakly before coughing. Seo-yeon reached for the glass of water on the bedside table, helping him drink.
"I trust you'll make the right decision," he said after regaining his breath. "But don't underestimate them."
"I never do," she replied softly.
Returning to the Mansion. It was nearly midnight when Seo-yeon arrived at the Kim family mansion. The sprawling estate was bathed in moonlight, the grandeur of the building underscored by its immaculate landscaping and towering gates.
As she stepped inside, the household staff greeted her with respectful bows. She dismissed them with a wave, her heels clicking softly on the polished marble floors as she made her way to her private quarters.
Her room, a perfect blend of modern elegance and traditional Korean design, offered a rare sanctuary. She changed into a silk robe and poured herself a glass of wine, sitting by the large window overlooking the estate gardens.
Her mind returned to the conversation with her grandfather. The marriage alliance with the Parks was a double-edged sword—one that could either save her company or complicate her life further.
Choi Eun-Young entered the room quietly, holding a tablet. "The latest reports from the entertainment division," she said.
Seo-yeon glanced at her. "Leave them on the desk. I'll review them in the morning."
Eun-Young hesitated. "Seo-yeon, about the Parks… Do you think they'll send Park Min-Ho?"
Seo-yeon raised an eyebrow. "He's the obvious choice. Their legitimate heir, well-connected, and polished enough for public appearances."
"But there's also Park Joon-Soo's illegitimate son, Park Jason Gabriel," Eun-Young added cautiously. "He's technically a direct descendant, and if they're desperate to keep Min-Ho out of this, they might consider him."
Seo-yeon leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable. "Park Jason Gabriel. The outsider. If they choose him, it'll show just how little they value this alliance. But that would also make him easier to manipulate."
Eun-Young frowned. "Would you accept that risk?"
Seo-yeon swirled her wine glass thoughtfully. "If it benefits the company, I'll accept whatever I must. But let's not speculate. We'll know soon enough."
With that, she turned her gaze back to the window, her cold and calculated demeanor hiding the weight of the decisions she bore.
Western States- Americano New York
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the sprawling cityscape of the Western States. Skyscrapers stretched high into the heavens, their mirrored surfaces reflecting the amber glow of dusk. Amid the hum of life in this bustling metropolis, Park Jason Gabriel stood on the balcony of a modest apartment overlooking the city.
He leaned against the railing, his sharp eyes fixed on the horizon. The fading sunlight accentuated his well-defined features: the strong jawline, high cheekbones, and slightly narrowed eyes that spoke of a man deeply lost in thought. His slightly wavy dark hair fell loosely around his face, catching the evening light as it danced through the strands.
"Reborn," he thought, the word echoing in his mind like a mantra.
Jason—or Gabriel, as he is known here—was no stranger to reflection. In his previous life, he had been an engineer for a leading tech company in the USA. The year had been 2030, and technology had reached staggering heights. He had worked on projects that touched every aspect of modern life, from AI-driven automation to groundbreaking energy solutions.
And then, life had stopped.
Skin cancer. A slow, cruel demise. He remembered the sterile hospital room, the endless tests, and the quiet acceptance of his fate. Death had not been the terrifying unknown he once feared; it had been a release.
Or so he thought.
Jason took a deep breath, the cool evening air filling his lungs. It had been eighteen years since he woke in this world, reborn as the illegitimate son of the prominent Park family. His life had been anything but easy.
Born in the Western States, Jason had spent the first ten years of his new life living with his mother in the West. She was a kind woman, fiercely protective and determined to shield him from the disdain of the Park family. But her death from a serious illness had torn that safety net away, thrusting him into the cold embrace of his father's family.
The Parks were an old, wealthy family with deep roots in the entertainment industry. Movies, TV, talent agencies—they controlled it all. Yet, for all their power, they treated Jason like a dirty secret. He was the shadow they hid behind gilded walls, the blemish on their otherwise perfect reputation.
From the age of thirteen, he lived among them, enduring the quiet humiliation of being the illegitimate son. They never acknowledged him publicly, but within the walls of their mansion, their disdain was palpable. His half-brother, Park Min-Ho, basked in the spotlight as the rightful heir, while Jason was relegated to the sidelines.
By the time he turned eighteen, he had enough. With the modest inheritance left by his mother, he returned to the Western States, determined to carve out a life on his terms.
Jason's gaze drifted across the city, his mind returning to the many ways this world differed from the one he had left behind.
Here, the world was divided into four massive continents:
The Western States, a sprawling landmass combining North and South America, Europe, and Africa.
The Eastern States, a fusion of Asia and Australia, its nations and cultures tightly interwoven.
The Southern State, encompassing Australia and Japan, forming a distinct hub of technological and cultural advancement.
Finally, Antarctica, a largely uninhabited mystery, its frozen expanse home to scattered research stations and myths of untold resources.
The technology of 1993 was familiar, eerily similar to that of his original world's past. Cassette players, tube televisions, bulky computers—they were relics to him, yet cutting-edge here. The differences weren't just in geography or technology but in people.
The celebrities, leaders, and innovators he once knew were absent, replaced by unfamiliar names and faces. It was a blank slate—a world reshaped, with no parallels to the history he once lived.
Reflecting, Jason turned from the balcony and stepped back into his modest apartment. It was a far cry from the opulence of the Park mansion, but it was his. The space was tidy, with books and notes scattered across the desk in the corner. Engineering diagrams and sketches of futuristic devices hinted at his continued passion for innovation.
He sank into the worn leather chair by the window, his mind racing. Despite his struggles, Jason had built a life for himself. He worked as a consultant for a small tech firm during his university days, using his knowledge from his past life to solve problems years ahead of their time.
But the past had a way of creeping in. The Park family had reached out recently, their message clear: Return.
Jason's jaw tightened. He had no love for the Parks. Yet, their summons carried weight. In this world, family ties were binding, and the power of the Parks was not to be underestimated.
His thoughts were interrupted by the shrill ring of the phone. Jason picked it up, his voice steady. "Hello?"
"Jason," a familiar voice said. It was his father's secretary. "Your presence is required back in the Eastern States. The family has an important matter to discuss. I believe you should have already received the summons letter. "
Jason's lips curved into a wry smile. "Is that so? Tell them I'm busy."
"Jason," the voice hesitated, "this isn't a request."
Jason hung up without a word, leaning back in his chair. The world may have given him a second chance, but some things remained the same: power, ambition, and family ties that bound tighter than chains.
He stared out the window, the setting sun casting long shadows across the room. Whatever awaited him back in the Eastern States, he would face it on his terms, Jason thought to himself as he drifted of to sleep on the leather chair.
Early morning the next day June 8th 1993.
Morning After the Summons
The soft glow of the morning sun filtered through the curtains of Jason's modest yet stylish apartment. Jason sat at the kitchen counter, his coffee steaming in front of him. He stared at the letter lying on the counter, the Park family crest stamped in gold at the top of the thick, cream-colored paper.
Ivan Volkov strolled into the kitchen, dressed in his usual fitted black shirt and jeans, his hair still tousled from sleep. He grabbed a mug and poured himself coffee, glancing at Jason as he did. "Still staring at that thing?"
Jason shrugged, his striking features calm and detached. "Not much to stare at. They want me back. Big surprise."
Ivan leaned on the counter, studying his friend's face. "And? Are you actually going to go?"
Jason sighed, brushing a hand through his slightly wavy dark hair. "It's not like I have a choice, is it? They're pulling the legal card. Something about obligations to the estate."
Ivan raised an eyebrow. "Your fifteen percent stake?"
"Probably," Jason replied with indifference, taking a sip of his coffee. "They can't touch it without me, and they know it. That's why they're dragging me back. Not that I care much about the family's little power games. They've never been my concern."
Ivan smirked. "Yeah, you've made that pretty clear. So what's the plan? Go, say your piece, and come back here?"
Jason leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting to the window. "Something like that. I'll hear them out, play along just enough to keep them off my back. Then I'm out. I've got more important things to focus on."
Ivan nodded, settling into the chair across from Jason. "Like the store?" The was something similar to Amazon back in his world, Jason deciding to start it here with James.
"Exactly," Jason said, his tone shifting to a more focused and confident one. "We're on the verge of something big, Ivan. The online store, the game studio—it's all coming together. I'm not about to let some family drama derail that."
Ivan grinned, his blue eyes sparkling. "Now that's the Jason I know. Screw the Parks and their hierarchy. You've got better things to do."
Jason chuckled, a rare smile breaking through his usually composed demeanor. "You've got that right. Let them fight over who gets to play king or queen of the estate. I'll take my fifteen percent and build something real."
Ivan raised his coffee mug in a toast. "To building something real."
Jason clinked his mug against James's, his eyes steady and resolved. "To freedom."
The journey back later that day, Jason packed a small bag, throwing in essentials without much thought. His apartment, filled with the remnants of his new life, felt like a sanctuary he wasn't ready to leave.
As he zipped up his bag, Ivan leaned against the doorway. "Need a ride to the airport?"
"I've got it covered," Ivan replied, slinging the bag over his shoulder. "Stay here, keep things moving with the store. I'll handle this and be back before you know it."
Ivan gave him a mock salute. "You got it, boss. But don't let them rope you into anything stupid, alright?"
Jason smirked, his confidence unwavering. "When have I ever?"
The flight was uneventful, but stepping off the plane and into the bustling city of the Eastern State felt like walking into another world. The air was thick with the hum of activity, the streets crowded with people rushing to and from their destinations.
Jason's expression remained calm as he was met by a black car waiting outside the airport. A chauffeur opened the door, bowing slightly. "Mr. Park, welcome back."
Jason climbed into the car without a word, his sharp features illuminated briefly by the sunlight before the door closed. The ride to the Park estate was quiet, save for the occasional buzz of his phone. Messages from James about business updates kept him grounded, reminding him of the life he was determined to return to.
Entering the estate was as grand as he remembered—sprawling gardens, towering gates, and a mansion that screamed wealth and power. Jason stepped out of the car, his bag slung over one shoulder, and stared up at the house with indifference.
"Home sweet home," he muttered under his breath, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
A servant approached, bowing deeply. "Master Gabriel, your father and the family are expecting you in the drawing room."
Jason nodded curtly, his expression unreadable. As he walked through the grand halls, the opulence around him only served to deepen his resolve. This wasn't his world anymore.
When he reached the drawing room, he paused, taking a moment to steel himself before opening the door.
Jason pushed open the heavy oak door to the Park family's drawing room, the weight of the past pressing down on him. The room was as he remembered—ornate chandeliers, gilded furniture, and walls lined with expensive artwork. It exuded wealth and power but felt cold and lifeless, much like the family it housed.
The occupants of the room turned to face him, their expressions ranging from mild surprise to veiled contempt. His stepmother, Park Soo-Jin, sat stiffly on a velvet sofa, her sharp features betraying her disapproval even before she spoke. His stepbrother, Park Min-Ho, lounged in a nearby armchair, his smirk as condescending as Jason remembered. His half-sister, Park Na-Rae, sat beside her mother, her gaze curious but wary.
At the center of it all was Park Joon-Soo, his father, standing near the fireplace. His face was stern, but there was an undeniable flicker of discomfort in his eyes as he regarded Jason.
Jason stepped inside, his presence commanding despite the casual way he carried himself. His striking appearance, inherited mostly from his Western mother, seemed almost out of place in this family. His dark hair, faintly wavy, fell slightly over his forehead, and his sharp jawline and high cheekbones added an elegance that was tempered by his piercing, indifferent gaze.
"Gabriel," his father said, his voice as formal as ever. "You've grown."
Jason's lips twitched in a faint smile that didn't reach his eyes. "It's been three years. That's what happens."
The family lawyer, an older man with silver hair and a briefcase, cleared his throat, breaking the tension. "If we may proceed with the reason for this meeting."
Jason raised an eyebrow as he sat down in an armchair opposite his father. "I'm curious about that myself."
The lawyer opened his briefcase, pulling out a stack of documents. "As you are aware, your late grandmother arranged a marriage alliance with the Kim family before her passing. The terms were clear: the union must involve a direct descendant of the Park family. Given recent circumstances, you have been selected to fulfill this arrangement."
Jason leaned back in his chair, his expression cool and unreadable. "Selected? That's an interesting way to put it."
Min-Ho snorted, his tone dripping with disdain. "Don't act like it's a favor, Gabriel. You should be grateful we're even considering you."
Jason turned his gaze to Min-Ho, his calm demeanor unshaken. "Grateful? For what? Being dragged back into this circus?"
"Enough," Park Joon-Soo snapped, his tone sharp. "This is a matter of family duty. You will respect that."
Jason's eyes flickered with a hint of disdain, but he said nothing, letting the silence stretch uncomfortably before the lawyer continued.
"The marriage contract," the lawyer said, placing the documents on the table, "stipulates a minimum duration of three years. Neither party can dissolve the union within this time without severe financial and reputational penalties. Furthermore, the contract binds both families to specific collaborative agreements, particularly in areas of mutual business interests."
Jason picked up one of the documents, skimming through it. "And if I refuse?"
The lawyer hesitated before responding. "Refusal would result in legal action from the Kim family. Additionally, it would jeopardize your stake in the Park estate, as the terms of your inheritance are tied to fulfilling family obligations."
Jason's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Convenient."