Olivia slowly opened her eyes, sunlight peeked in from kitchen window and got reflected on the glass wall. She sat up slowly while yawning in a heartfelt sleep. She turned to her side but Do-hee wasn't beside her neither was Kim.
"Good morning." Do-hee said as she walked in with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Olivia smiled warmly and returned the greeting.
"Good morning," She looked around but couldn't find Kim. "Where's Seung-kim?" She asked.
"Oh he had to leave this morning, something urgent came up." Do-hee answered and began packing some stuff on the floor. Olivia nodded and sipped the coffee in her green mug.
"Tasty." She sighed gladly and turned to Do-hee. "Where did you learn how to make such coffee? I'm so bad at it even with the coffee machine." Olivia pouted her lips and sat on the couch.
"My mom usual made coffee for me back in highschool. It was her way of supporting me." Do-hee smiled brightly. She walked into the kitchen and came out after a few minutes with a cup in her hand as well.
"I really enjoyed your company yesterday." Olivia confessed calmly, somehow she didn't really want it to end. Seeing Do-hee already dressed up in her clothes signalled she was about leaving.
"I know right!" Do-hee chuckled and sipped in her coffee. Olivia smiled and sipped hers as well. "You know, I intended to go shopping when I had a leisure time." Do-hee turned to Olivia with a grin. "Wanna join me?"
"Yes!" She said without hesitation.
The Haneul Estate, Seoul.
The morning sunlight crept over the sleek, modern facade of the Haneul estate, casting a warm glow across its meticulously manicured gardens. The sprawling mansion, nestled in an exclusive Seoul neighborhood, exuded elegance and refinement. Clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and minimalist architecture blended seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
As the sun rose higher, the estate stirred to life. Soft lighting illuminated the interior, highlighting the tasteful blend of traditional Korean and contemporary design elements. The sound of gently burbling water features and the distant hum of the city created a soothing melody.
Inside the third mansion in the estate, the household staff moved with quiet efficiency, preparing for another day of serving the Haneul family. Jin, Tae-oh's loyal butler, made his way to his young master's bedroom, carrying a tray with a glass and a bottle of water and the day's schedule.
As Jin approached the bedroom door, he announced, "Good morning, young master."
As the curtains slowly draped open, the dimly lit room awakened to the morning light, casting a warm glow on the dark wood furnishings. The large black king-sized bed, once shrouded in shadows, now glimmered under the sun's gentle rays, its plush comforter rumpled from a restless night's sleep. Tae-oh stirred, rolling onto his side, his pale skin illuminated by the increasing light.
"Good morning, young master," his butler, Jin, announced, his voice low and soothing, as he expertly navigated the room, drawing open the remaining curtains.
Tae-oh sat up lazily, rubbing his eyes, his eyelids heavy with sleep. His black oversized T-shirt seemed to swallow him whole, contrasting starkly with his porcelain complexion. His hair was a tangled mess, framing his face and neck, with stray strands sticking to his forehead.
"What time is it?" he asked, his voice husky from sleep, his throat dry.
"Past eleven, sir," Jin replied, approaching Tae-oh to open the bathroom door. "Shall I have breakfast prepared?"
Tae-oh groaned, swinging his legs over the side of the bed, his feet dangling in the air. "I overslept." He yawned, stretching his lean frame.
Jin handed him a glass of water from the bedside table. "Perhaps a refreshing shower will help, sir?"
Tae-oh took a sip, feeling the cool liquid revive his parched throat. "Yes, thank you, Jin." He dropped the glass on the table and walked into his bathroom.
A few minutes passed before he emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist, his hair damp and slicked back. Water droplets danced down his sculpted torso, accentuating his chiseled features. He breathed in deeply, feeling the invigorating scent of his citrus shower gel.
As he entered the walk-in closet, Jin followed, expertly laying out a crisp white shirt, tailored trousers, and a navy blue blazer. "Today's schedule, Jin?"
Jin pulled out the phone scrolled through the schedule planned for Haneul Tae-oh. "The meeting with Lee Corporation," Tae-oh nodded slowly and began to apply his body lotion. "The scouting for the newest branch in Seoul and then lunch with your brother."
"After lunch, you'll be picking Haneul Yeung from the airport." Jin continued. Tae-oh's body stiffened and he snapped his head towards Jin.
"My grandmother is going to be present for lunch." Jin nodded to Tae-oh's question, he seemed clueless to the motive behind the question. Tae-oh sighed. "Alright then."
"Very well, sir. I'll ensure the car is ready." Jin bowed respectfully and left the room.
Tae-oh nodded, beginning to dress. " Haneul Yeung, it's been two years now." He frown in distress, he was not quite happy with the fact he'd be picking his grandmother from the airport.
He wondered what his elder brother had in mind, it was obvious he had something to do with his schedule of the day.
Diamond Boutique.
Olivia stood in front of the mirror, staring at the clothes she was wearing. The soft glow of the boutique's crystal chandeliers danced across her face, illuminating her features. The air was filled with the sweet scent of jasmine and the soft hum of classical music.
The simple A-line dress she wore had a few stones adorned on its hem, sparkling like diamonds against the black fabric. The white collar provided a striking contrast to the plain black body and long sleeves.
"Beautiful!!" Do-hee and the female attendant beside her both applauded. The sound echoed through the boutique, mingling with the gentle rustle of fabrics and the soft beep of the cash register.
"Olivia, this suits you really well," Do-hee said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.
The female attendant nodded in approval. "Yes, ma'am. You look stunning."
Olivia also liked the gown; it was moderate and decent. She turned to the attendant and nodded gleefully.
"I'll take it."
As the attendant carefully wrapped the dress in tissue paper, she whispered to Do-hee, "Your friend is really beautiful. Which country does she come from?"
"Western Africa," Do-hee replied, a hint of pride in her voice.
"I see," the attendant said. "Would your friend like to model for the diamond fashion show this month? I believe she has what it takes to gain a contract from top companies worldwide."
Do-hee chuckled lightly and patted the shoulder of the attendant. "I'm sorry, but my friend isn't quite compatible with flashy cameras and runways."
As they finalized the purchase, the boutique's door swung open, admitting the soft chatter of passersby and the distant wail of a city siren.
"Thank you for bringing me here," Olivia smiled warmly as Do-hee helped her with the zip.
"You're welcome," Do-hee replied, checking the time on her phone. "Say, have you ever had a spa day?"
Olivia shook her head as she wore her light green jacket. "No. Don't really have the time."
"Well, you're in luck," Do-hee said, raising her phone to Olivia's sight. "My cousin just invited me over. Wanna join?"
Olivia smiled brightly and nodded gleefully. She had never had a spa day.
A convoy of black BMWs drove past the girls at a moderate speed limit. In the third car was Haneul Tae-oh who was laser focused on his iPad. A young lady sat beside him as she sat awkwardly beside him. She was his personal assistant who started working for him a few weeks ago. She never expected working with such a man would make her seem utterly useless.
Tae-oh was a man who did all his work by himself without the assistance of anyone. If he was indeed stuck in a situation where he needed assistance, his elder brother was his resort.
"Hysu." Tae-oh called out to her causing her to break out of her thoughts. "Reschedule my meeting today," he raised up his watch and checked the time. "I have lunch with my brother and won't be free after that. "
Hysu nodded sharply, she packed her hair in a ponytail and used a few hair clips to style her fringe. A smile of self worth creeped up her lips. Even though she seemed like a figure head to him. He did give her some minor task to help her out.
La Mer Bleue.
Seoul's elite gathered beneath the crystal chandeliers, sipping champagne and savoring the finest cuisine. Soft jazz melodies floated through the air, mingling with the subtle scent of truffles and the gentle hum of hushed conversations.
Tae-oh stepped out of the elevator, his tailored suit commanding attention. Hysu followed closely, her heels clicking on the polished marble floor.
"Welcome, Mr. Haneul," the maître d' bowed, his voice low and deferential. "Your brother awaits."
As they were led to their table, Tae-oh's gaze swept the room, acknowledging familiar faces and nodding at potential business partners. The who's who of Seoul's high society.
Their table overlooked the Han River, its tranquil waters glinting in the afternoon sun. Tae-oh's brother, Jae-oh, stood, a warm smile spreading across his face.
"Tae-oh, I thought you wouldn't come."
Tae-oh's expression softened, a rare sight, as he clasped his brother's hand.
"It's been long we had a decent lunch together, why would I miss it."
Hysu bowed deeply to Jae-oh, a waiter walked over to her and directed her towards a table reserved for the personal assistants of the two brothers.
Tae-oh took his seat opposite his brother and then sighed in relief, the fresh scent of the meals being served grew his appetite.
Jae-oh smiled brightly. "You seem eager to dig in."
"I skipped breakfast to have a feast with you." Tae-oh replied as he picked his cutlery.
"You don't say," Jae-oh laughed and picked his cutlery as well. "I would be a liar to say I didn't do same. I enjoy feasting with my little brother."
"Stop making me feel like a kid, I'm thirty already." Tae-oh took a bite of the meat served and nodded as he chewed it.
"Twenty-nine you mean," Jae-oh corrected and took a bite as well.
"There's no difference."
Hysu watched both brother converse freely, she turned to the woman who sat beside her. She looked a little bit older than her. "Hysu, nice to meet you."
The lady turned to Hysu, whose hand was outstretched for a shake. She sent a disgusted gaze at her and ignored her completely.
Hysu felt a little bit annoyed at first but soon forgot about it when the meal were served. All her life she has never seen such mouth watering meals before. "Thank you." She bowed to the waiter in gratitude and began to eat without second thoughts.
"Don't you have self restraint or something?" Jae-oh's personal assistant asked irritated.
Hysu who wasn't bothered by her words completely ignored her and feasted to her hearts content. She wasn't one to put up with fights but she was very good at reciprocating people's actions back at them.
Tae-oh sipped his wine and savored the exotic taste. Jae-oh on the other hand stared at his brother as he contemplated on what to say.
"Grandmother would be arriving at Seoul in an hour time." Jae-oh started slowly, Tae-oh didn't seem fazed by the news but the nervousness was evident in his eyes.
"Why do I have to pick her at the airport?" He asked a little bit annoyed. "It's not as if we have a pleasant relationship. We both detest each other so..."
"I have a meeting with a foreign company, I would if I was free but I can't." Jae-oh replied.
"Can she just find her way back home. It's not as if she's new to the environment." He retorted and dropped his cutlery.
"Are you seriously saying this?" Jae-oh arched his brow and sighed. "Listen I know you both have bad blood with each other but please try to communicate with her. It's for the best that we live in harmony."
Tae-oh sighed and stared at his empty plate. "You can say that because you're a biological child."
The table turned silent and the two brothers turned cold. This was the wall that had been built between them since they were born. Jae-oh looked guilty and responsible for the way his broth felt.
"Regardless," Tae-oh broke the silence with a bright voice. "I'll do it, she wouldn't be happy if none of us aren't at the airport to pick her right." He stood up abruptly and bowed to his brother slightly.
Hysu stood as well and tailed behind him.
The airport
Tae-oh stood near the arrival gate, scanning the passengers streaming out of the jetway. Hysu stood discreetly behind him, eyes alert. The hum of announcements and murmurs of travelers filled the air, punctuated by the occasional beep of luggage carts and rustle of bags.
The scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods wafted from a nearby café, mingling with the faint tang of jet fuel and the sweet hint of perfumes.
Over the public address system, a melodic voice announced departing flights: "Flight KE123 to Los Angeles, boarding at Gate 17... Flight JL456 to Tokyo, departing from Gate 3... Flight OZ789 to Busan, boarding at Gate 22."
The flight information display above the gate flickered, confirming his grandmother's flight arrival. Tae-oh checked his watch again, his expression a mix of anxiety and uncertainty.
Suddenly, a dignified figure emerged from the crowd. Haneul Yeung, his grandmother, walked with purpose, her silver hair styled impeccably beneath a elegant gisaeng-style hanbok. The traditional Korean attire, adorned with intricate embroidery, commanded attention. The vibrant hues of the hanbok - a deep crimson jeogori (jacket) and midnight blue chima (skirt) - seemed to radiate an aura of authority.
A delicate, handmade norigae (decorative ribbon) hung from her waist, swaying gently as she moved. Her hands were gloved in delicate, cream-colored hanbok socks, completing the elegant ensemble.
Tae-oh's eyes locked onto hers, his expression neutral. Yeung's gaze swept the area before settling on Tae-oh. Her expression remained icy, her eyes narrowing slightly.
As she approached, Tae-oh bowed slightly, his hands clasped together. "Grandmother."
Yeung's gaze lingered on him for a moment before she nodded curtly. "Tae-oh." She looked beyond him and scanned round the the area. "I believe Jae-oh is meant to be here not you?"
Her voice was detached, lacking warmth. Tae-oh's eyes flickered with disappointment, but he quickly masked it. "He has a meeting with some foreign investors." He replied.
Without a word, Yeung handed her carry-on luggage to Hysu and turned to walk towards the airport exit. Tae-oh fell into step beside her, his expression controlled.
The silence between them was oppressive, heavy with unspoken tension. Hysu looked confused and a bit pitiful towards Tae-oh, she could tell by a glance that both weren't in good terms.
As they walked, the sounds of the airport swirled around them: the rumble of luggage carts, the chatter of travelers, and the occasional announcement.
"Flight KE901 to New York, boarding at Gate 5... Flight CJ234 to Jeju, departing from Gate 11.
The drive back to the haneul estate was beyond suffocating. Tae-oh had his eyes constantly locked on the wined down window, he needed air and space from his grandmother.
"You don't seem pleased to see me." Tae-oh stated coldly.
"How ever I'm I supposed to be pleased with a stain on the Haneul name?" Yeung replied with a harsh unwelcoming tone. "Jae-oh is truly letting your wings grow, isn't he?"
Tae-oh gnashed his teeth and loosened his tie. Her words were worst than a knife tearing flesh. "I still don't know why, if it weren't for you father's senseless will I would have long flung you to the streets just like your mom."
"Your words are so encouraging, it makes me want to achieve more." He retorted calmly, his words were a slap to Yeung's face.
"You're just like your harlot of a mother, craving more than is given to you." She spat in disdain. Tae-oh wasn't quite affected by her words, after all he never knew his mother. All he knew was the stigma she passed on to him. Famous CEO of the Haneul group is caught having an affair with a stripper from a rundown brothel.
That was the very first sentence he read on a newspaper. He was lucky to have Jae-oh's mother cater and care for him without any hatred lingering towards him.
[10/22, 12:43 AM] ANI_13EN: As the car turned onto the winding driveway, the Haneul Estate's grandeur unfolded before them. Majestic trees lined the drive, their leaves rustling softly in the evening breeze. The estate's modern architecture gleamed, its sleek lines and minimalist design a testament to Jae-oh's refined taste.
Tae-oh's gaze remained fixed on the passing scenery, his expression unreadable. Yeung's words still lingered, a bitter aftertaste he couldn't shake.
The car halted before the estate's main entrance, where a liveried butler stood at attention.
"Welcome, Madam Yeung," the butler bowed, opening the door.
Yeung stepped out, her hanbok rustling as she moved. Tae-oh followed, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings.
"Halmoni." Jae-oh called out as he stepped out of the entrance of the mansion. he wore a white shirt and black tuxedo pants.
Yeung's demeanor changed in a instant, her lips curved upward and her gaze softened as Jae-oh evolved her in a hug. "My handsome grandson."
Hysu stepped out with Yeung's bags and stood still, dumbfounded by the fact that the same woman who was all thorns and splinters towards her boss was now a completely different person.
She turned to Tae-oh, he stood aside and watched them. his eyes filled with pain and anger. he wondered deep down why life had put him in such a dilemma.
"Tae-oh." Jae-oh called out to his brother who seemed to have spaced out. Tae-oh smiled and walked towards them.
"Tae-oh, I owe you one." Jae-oh said, his voice warm, as he extended a hand.
Tae-oh's smile faltered for a fraction of a second before he took Jae-oh's hand, his grip firm. "I did as I was told."
Yeung's gaze lingered on the brothers, her expression transformed, radiating warmth and affection. "I see you're taking care of your brother, Jae-oh."
The words, laced with a hint of concern, seemed insincere to Tae-oh, given their earlier conversation.
Jae-oh's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing the tension. "I try my best after all Tae-oh is an exceptional young man." Yeung wasn't happy with the fact Jae-oh defended his brother. "Let's get you settled, Halmoni. Dinner is waiting."
As they stepped into the mansion, Hysu bowed to take her leave, still bewildered by Yeung's drastic change in demeanor.
Inside, the estate's opulent decor enveloped them, but Tae-oh's thoughts remained with the painful reality: he was the outcast, the reminder of a scandalous past.
Hongdae, Seoul.
Do-hee held onto Olivia's arms, swaying slightly as they strolled through the vibrant streets of Hongdae. Neon lights danced across the buildings, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the sidewalk. The air was alive with the hum of K-pop, laughter, and chatter from the nearby bars and street food vendors.
The sweet scent of hotteok and odeng wafted through the air, mingling with the faint tang of soju and beer. Do-hee's eyes sparkled as she gazed around the bustling night market.
"You're really confounded in your religion, aren't you?" Do-hee squealed, her voice slurring slightly from the drinks. She tried her best to walk straight, avoiding the uneven pavement.
Olivia chuckled, her warm smile a contrast to the cool autumn breeze. "Well, to be honest, I don't really find it enticing or fun. By morning, your head would probably be aching. Not compatible with pain."
Do-hee laughed, the sound echoing off the buildings, and ruffled Olivia's hair. "I had fun though," she hiccuped, skipping a few steps ahead. The click of her heels on the pavement was a rhythmic accompaniment to their conversation.
"Did you enjoy yourself just as I did?" Olivia nodded brightly, her phone ringing just then. "Good evening, mommy." Her voice was cheerful, but Do-hee noticed a hint of resignation.
As Olivia continued her phone call, Do-hee skipped underneath a shop light, the fluorescent glow illuminating her flushed face. She turned to Olivia, holding up her purse. "Say Olivia, how about we watch a—"
The shrieking sound of tires screeching against the tarred road echoed through the street, shattering the lively atmosphere. Time seemed to slow as a black sedan careened onto the pedestrian walkway.
Do-hee's scream tore through the air, a primal cry of horror, as the car ripped between her and Olivia. The sound of crushing metal and shattering glass filled the air, accompanied by the acrid smell of burning rubber.
The sedan's tires smoked, the vehicle mere feet away from Do-hee, Olivia's body was no where to be found but the contents of her purse was scattered around. Do-hee's world narrowed to a single, devastating truth.
Passersby rushed toward the accident scene, their faces etched with concern and shock. Do-hee's scream continued to pierce the air, a haunting refrain amidst the chaos.