Chapter 1
September, 202X, Korea.
"Nadine!" A familiar voice called out, drawing Nadine's attention as she stepped out from the arrival gate at the airport. Her eyes brightened when she saw the figure approaching her, and she pulled her luggage toward him.
"Welcome back, agassi," Ahjussi greeted warmly, his wide smile lighting up his face. He was an older man with a kind demeanor, his salt-and-pepper hair framing his face neatly. He took the heavy suitcase from her hands with ease, his years of experience as her family's driver showing in his practiced movements.
"Everybody's been waiting for you at home." Nadine's gaze flickered for a moment, and a sigh escaped her lips. She nodded in acknowledgment, though her thoughts were elsewhere.
"Thank you," she replied softly, but her voice lacked the usual enthusiasm. She muttered under her breath, "But I wish I didn't have to go back." The words barely reached ahjussi's ears, but he caught them nonetheless. His eyes softened with understanding, though his tone remained steady as he answered, "Not for long, agassi. Remember, it won't be a permanent stay at that house."
Nadine glanced up at him, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips, though it was clear it didn't reach her eyes. There was an unspoken bond between the two of them, one built on years of shared history. She couldn't help but appreciate the old man's kindness, even if she was uncertain of what the future held for her.
As they walked toward the car, Nadine's eyes roamed over the familiar, worn paths of the station. Everything felt just as it had been before she left—unchanged, yet different. Her heart carried an odd sense of anticipation, but there was a knot in her stomach that she couldn't ignore. She was heading back to a place she had been avoiding for years, yet a part of her knew she didn't have a choice.
Ahjussi didn't press her for more conversation. He simply opened the car door for her and gestured for her to get inside, his thoughtful silence offering her the space she needed.
Once inside, Nadine settled into the plush seat, the cool leather greeting her as she looked out the window, lost in thought. The engine purred to life as Ahjussi slid into the driver's seat and adjusted the rearview mirror. As the car pulled away, Nadine couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt. Was this really the right decision?
Nadine had been staring blankly out the window for the entire journey home, her thoughts as distant as the passing scenery. Her eyes barely registered the changing landscape, lost in the quiet hum of the car's engine. Every mile brought her closer to the mansion—the house that had once been her world during her teenage years.
A mansion that, despite its beauty and grandeur, felt more like a prison with each passing year. Coming from a wealthy family, Nadine had always been afforded opportunities others could only dream of. One of those opportunities had been to study overseas—a chance her mother had insisted upon.
At the tender age of six, Nadine had been sent to New Zealand due to her health condition. After spending a decade in New Zealand, her parents had asked her to return to Korea. Nadine was then sent to a prestigious private high school in Seoul. Right after she finished high school, Nadine and her best friend, Lia, whom she befriended during her school years, decided to further their studies in New York. Nadine had spent most of her time abroad, building a life far from her family's influence.
Now, as the car rolled up to the mansion once again, Nadine's gaze lingered on the familiar, imposing structure. It had been years since she'd returned to this house, but it still felt like a cage she had never truly escaped.
"NADINE!!! YOU'RE BACK!"
The booming voice echoed down the grand hallway just as Nadine pushed open the heavy front doors of the mansion. Startled, she barely had time to process what was happening before her brother, Liam, came barreling toward her like an overgrown child, his arms wide open.
"Oh no," she muttered, but before she could sidestep him, she found herself engulfed in a bone-crushing hug.
"Oppa, ugh, you're killing me!" she grunted, attempting to wiggle free from his iron grip. Her brother, a 34-year-old man with the energy of a teenager and absolutely no sense of restraint, laughed heartily.
"I can't help it! My baby sister is finally home!" he exclaimed, twirling her around for added effect.
"You're still this dramatic, huh?" Nadine deadpanned, though a faint smile tugged at her lips.
"Hi, Nadine," a soft voice interrupted. Nadine glanced up and saw her sister-in-law, Risa, approaching with a gentle smile. Risa's pregnant belly was unmistakable now, protruding slightly beneath her loose, flowing dress. She walked carefully, her hands cradling her bump, and Nadine's heart swelled with warmth at the sight of her.
"Risa eonni!" Nadine greeted, her smile growing wider as she broke free from Liam's hold. "You look amazing," she added, her gaze lingering on Risa's belly.
"Hi, dongsaeng," Risa replied warmly with her Japanese accent, reaching out for a hug. "Can I please get my turn to hug her?" Risa asked sweetly, patting Liam on the shoulder.
"Ugh, fine," Liam groaned dramatically, still reluctant to let go. "Even though you're my darling wife, I'm still reluctant to share my sister with you!"
He gave Nadine one last playful squeeze before reluctantly stepping aside. Risa shook her head at her husband's antics but smiled as she embraced Nadine gently.
"Welcome home," she said softly.
"Thank you," Nadine replied, her voice trembling slightly as emotion welled up inside her.
She closed her eyes and held Risa tightly, grounding herself in the warmth of family. "I missed you so much," she whispered, her voice breaking.
"We missed you too," Risa said, her hand gently patting Nadine's back.
Liam, now watching from the side, crossed his arms with a grin plastered across his face. "Alright, alright, don't get too emotional now. You're going to make me cry, and you know I hate that!"
Nadine laughed softly through her tears, pulling back from Risa. "You're impossible," she teased, wiping her eyes.
"That's why you love me!" Liam declared proudly.
As the three of them stood together in the grand entrance hall of the mansion, Nadine felt a strange sense of belonging, one she hadn't realized she'd been craving until this moment. For all the challenges she faced in coming home, being surrounded by family—no matter how chaotic—was a balm for her weary heart.