Chapter 12: Family Obligations
Jin-ah stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of her office, the expansive city skyline spread out before her like a canvas. It was early, but the world below was already bustling with life. She took a slow sip of her coffee, the rich bitterness grounding her thoughts as her mind wandered, despite herself, to Jae-min.
It had been a busy week—long meetings, back-to-back deals, and never-ending negotiations. Jin-ah had hardly found the time to breathe, let alone think about the last time she'd seen him. But the brief moments she'd managed to steal away from work were often filled with thoughts of him—his easy smile, the way his eyes would light up during their conversations, and the way he seemed to challenge her without even trying.
She let out a small sigh, shaking her head at herself. You're losing focus, she thought, her eyes narrowing at her reflection in the glass. Feelings like that had no place in her world. Not when the weight of her family's legacy rested squarely on her shoulders.
The familiar ding of her phone pulled her back into the present. A reminder for the morning meeting with her father. She pressed her lips into a thin line, knowing what to expect—another strategy session, another push to expand their holdings, another conversation where emotions had no place. It was always about the numbers, the power, and what was next for the family.
But she was used to it. This was the life she had chosen—the life she had been born into.
The meeting room felt colder than usual, the sharp angles of the sleek furniture and minimalist design making the atmosphere even more sterile. Her father sat at the head of the table, his expression impassive as he skimmed through reports. Across from him, Jin-ah maintained her professional mask, her posture perfect, her hands folded neatly in her lap.
"You've done well securing the Daehan deal," her father said without looking up. His voice was as emotionless as ever, each word calculated, measured. "But the Shin group is proving to be more... resistant."
"I'll handle it," Jin-ah replied calmly. She had expected nothing less. Her father was never one for praise, and even success came with the expectation of more.
He finally looked up from the papers, his sharp eyes locking onto hers. "I know you will. But remember, Jin-ah, you're representing this family. Everything you do reflects on all of us."
Jin-ah nodded, suppressing the flicker of resentment that always threatened to rise during these conversations. It was always about the family—about their status, their reputation. There was no room for personal desires, no room for mistakes. And certainly no room for distractions.
Her father shifted in his seat, his expression unreadable as he studied her. "On that note, your mother and I have been talking. You're not getting any younger, and... we've noticed you've been avoiding certain... expectations."
Jin-ah's jaw tightened, though her face remained perfectly composed. Here it comes.
"We think it's time you considered your future more carefully," he continued, his tone cool but firm. "There are several families we've discussed, influential ones. It wouldn't hurt to entertain a few meetings. The Kim family, for example—"
"I'm aware of my responsibilities," Jin-ah interrupted, her voice smooth but firm. "But I'm also busy running this company. My personal life is hardly a priority right now."
Her father didn't miss a beat. "It should be. This family is built on alliances, and those alliances are secured through the right partnerships. You know that better than anyone."
Jin-ah remained silent, her hands tightening in her lap. She knew where this was going. Another nudge toward a potential match. It wasn't that her family was forcing her into anything, not yet at least, but the pressure was always there. It was subtle, but constant.
Before the conversation could press further, the door to the meeting room opened, and a younger, much more vibrant presence entered the room.
"Sorry I'm late!" came the familiar, bright voice of her younger sister, Jin-hee. She breezed into the room with a casual smile, her long hair tied back into a loose ponytail, and her oversized sweater giving her a stark contrast to the polished, businesslike atmosphere.
Jin-ah's shoulders relaxed, just slightly.
Her father gave Jin-hee a disapproving glance. "This is a business meeting, Jin-hee. You should—"
"I know, I know," Jin-hee interrupted with a grin, completely unbothered by the stern look. "But you know me, not really cut out for all this corporate stuff. That's Jin-ah unnie's thing."
She plopped down into a chair, flashing Jin-ah a warm smile. The tension in the room seemed to ease, if only a little. Jin-hee always had that effect, her carefree nature somehow able to soften the edges of their otherwise rigid family.
"Anyway," Jin-hee continued, completely ignoring their father's stern expression. "Are we done here? Because I was hoping to steal Jin-ah unnie for lunch. You've been working way too hard, and we haven't hung out in forever."
Jin-ah couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. Jin-hee, her bright, cheerful younger sister, was like a breath of fresh air in their otherwise suffocating family. Where Jin-ah had been molded to follow in their father's footsteps, Jin-hee had somehow escaped that fate, carving out her own path with an ease that Jin-ah often envied.
Her father's frown deepened, clearly unimpressed with the interruption. "We're not done yet, Jin-hee. And your sister has more important things to focus on than lunch."
But Jin-hee just shrugged, undeterred. "She deserves a break. Plus, you know she'll get everything done. She always does."
Jin-ah felt the familiar weight of responsibility settle over her again, but for once, she didn't mind the interruption. Jin-hee's presence was a reminder that not everything in life had to be about business. Not everything had to be calculated.
Their father sighed, rubbing his temples. "We'll finish this later," he muttered, dismissing them both with a wave of his hand.
As they left the building, Jin-hee looped her arm through Jin-ah's, giving her a playful nudge. "You looked like you were about to strangle him in there," she teased. "What was he lecturing you about this time?"
Jin-ah sighed, her usual composed exterior softening slightly in the presence of her sister. "The usual. Business, deals... and now he's pushing me to meet potential suitors."
Jin-hee wrinkled her nose. "Yuck. Why does he think this is the 18th century?"
Jin-ah chuckled softly. "Because in his world, it still is."
As they sat at the café, Jin-ah finally leaned back and glanced at her sister, deciding to share what had been occupying her thoughts lately. "You'll never believe it," Jin-ah said, a hint of pride in her voice. "I finally got Jae-min to take that acting role."
Jin-hee's eyes widened in surprise, and she immediately perked up. "Wait, what? You mean he's actually going to act? Jae-min? Our Jae-min?" Her excitement was evident as she leaned forward in her seat.
Jin-ah nodded, a satisfied smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah. Took a bit of convincing, but he agreed. He's got a small part in a new drama."
Jin-hee grinned widely, practically bouncing in her seat. "I can't believe it! That's huge! He's always been so laid-back and, like, allergic to ambition. How did you manage that?"
Jin-ah shrugged, though there was a hint of smugness in her tone. "He just needed a push. He's got potential, but he's never really gone after anything before."
Jin-hee laughed. "Wow, only you could get him to do something like that. You've always been the one who could handle him." She paused for a moment, her eyes glinting mischievously. "So, when do I get to see him? I can't wait to watch him try to act all serious and dramatic."
"Soon," Jin-ah replied, her voice casual. "They've already started filming, but it's not finished yet. You'll get to see him in action soon enough."
Jin-hee's grin shifted into something more playful. "You know, unnie, you're always the one looking after him. Have you ever thought about why that is?"
Jin-ah gave her a pointed look. "Don't start with that."
"Come on!" Jin-hee teased, leaning in. "It's like you're his guardian angel or something. You're always there for him, and now you're managing his acting career too? Admit it—you care about him more than you let on."
Jin-ah's expression remained calm, but there was a slight flicker in her eyes. "He's like family, Jin-hee. I've known him for years. Someone has to make sure he doesn't waste his life."
"Yeah, yeah, I get it," Jin-hee replied, clearly enjoying teasing her sister. "But still, I think there's more to it. It's sweet how much you look out for him."
Jin-ah sighed, brushing off her sister's playful teasing. "He needs the help, that's all."
"Sure, unnie," Jin-hee said, smirking. "Whatever you say. But I can't wait to see him act. It's going to be amazing."
As Jin-ah and Jin-hee parted ways, the lightness of their conversation lingered briefly. Jin-ah couldn't help but smile at her sister's boundless energy and the way she always managed to bring some color into her otherwise structured life. But as she drove toward the family mansion, the weight of responsibility settled back onto her shoulders like a familiar burden.
The tall iron gates of the estate came into view, followed by the sprawling gardens and pristine hedges that lined the long driveway. Security guards waved her through, and Jin-ah barely acknowledged them as she parked her car and made her way inside. The mansion, with its grand marble floors, towering ceilings, and quiet, polished hallways, felt as cold and distant as always. It was the embodiment of everything her family stood for—power, control, and the appearance of perfection.
A maid greeted her at the door, taking her coat with a small bow before disappearing down one of the many silent corridors. Jin-ah moved through the familiar halls until she reached the drawing room where her mother sat, elegantly poised with a cup of tea in hand.
"Jin-ah," her mother greeted her with a soft smile. "You've been out for quite some time. I hope your meeting went well."
Jin-ah nodded as she sat down across from her mother. "It was productive."
Her mother took a delicate sip of her tea, her eyes studying Jin-ah closely, as if weighing her next words carefully. "You've been very busy lately—meetings, deals, always on the move. I'm glad you're so focused on the family's interests."
Jin-ah kept her face neutral. "I've been doing what's necessary."
Her mother smiled slightly, setting down her cup. "That's always been one of your strengths, Jin-ah. You're efficient and driven. But sometimes... I wonder if you're focusing on the right things."
There it was. Jin-ah had felt it coming since she walked through the door.
"What do you mean?" she asked, though she already knew the answer.
Her mother's smile didn't falter, but there was a hint of steel in her voice now. "You're dedicating so much of your time to... that boy, Jae-min, aren't you?"
Jin-ah's jaw tightened slightly, but she kept her expression composed. "He's not just some boy. Jae-min has potential, and I'm helping him."
Her mother's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Potential? Darling, he's a pet project at best. If you weren't wasting your time on him, you'd be married by now. No one respectable wants a woman who's so preoccupied with a boy like that."
The words hit like ice, but Jin-ah didn't flinch. "I'm not wasting time. Jae-min needs someone to guide him, and I'm making sure he doesn't throw his life away."
Her mother let out a soft sigh, as if she were disappointed. "You're running out of time, Jin-ah. You should be focusing on yourself—on the alliances this family needs. There are families eager to make those connections, ones who could offer you far more than Jae-min ever could."
Jin-ah's grip tightened on her lap, though her voice remained calm. "I'm not interested in any of those alliances. I'm capable of making my own choices."
Her mother's eyes hardened slightly. "This family's legacy depends on those choices. Your father and I have given you every opportunity, but it's up to you to carry it forward. Spending your time and energy on someone like Jae-min... it's beneath you."
Jin-ah's pulse quickened, but she refused to let her frustration show. "Jae-min is not beneath me. He's important to me."
The admission hung in the air for a moment, and Jin-ah's mother raised an eyebrow, as if surprised by the conviction in her daughter's voice.
"And what exactly does that mean, Jin-ah?" her mother asked, her tone sharp now.
Jin-ah stood up, straightening her posture, her eyes locking with her mother's. "It means that I will decide what's important in my life. Not you, not father, and not the family's legacy."
Her mother's expression softened just enough to convey her disappointment, though her voice remained cold. "You'll regret this. I only want what's best for you."
Without another word, Jin-ah turned and walked out of the drawing room, her heels clicking softly against the marble floors. The heavy doors of the mansion closed behind her, but the weight of her family's expectations stayed with her, looming over every decision she made.
But as she left the mansion, the tension lifted just slightly. She had stood her ground. For now, that was enough.