The day of the wedding came faster than Lali had expected. The morning air was crisp, and the sky was a clear blue, a perfect day by all accounts, but her heart felt heavy. As she stood in front of the mirror, dressed in a traditional white gown, she could hardly recognize herself. Her reflection showed a beautiful, poised woman, ready to marry into the most powerful family in the country. But deep inside, she felt like the same girl who used to sit in her family's small living room, surrounded by simple comforts. Her parents entered the room, interrupting her thoughts. Her father's eyes filled with pride, while her mother gave a warm, reassuring smile. "You look beautiful," her father said, his voice slightly cracking. Lali's mother adjusted the delicate lace of her veil. "You're going to be just fine. The Jeons may be powerful, but they chose you for a reason. Trust in yourself." Her father placed a hand on her shoulder. "And remember, no matter what, you'll always have us." Lali smiled, feeling a mixture of emotions. She was stepping into a world of wealth and power, but she was leaving behind everything familiar. Yet, she knew she couldn't show fear now. The Jeons had chosen her, and the weight of that choice was not lost on her. It was an honor, yes, but also a responsibility.
The car ride to the Jeon auditorium felt surreal. As they approached the grand gates, Lali's heart raced. The mansion loomed ahead, even more intimidating in person. The grandeur of the estate, with its towering structure and sprawling gardens, seemed to reflect the immense power the family held. The gates slowly opened, revealing a long driveway lined with black luxury cars, all symbols of the Jeon family's status. Inside the mansion, everything was just as grand. Chandeliers sparkled above, casting a warm glow over the rich mahogany floors. A string quartet played softly in the background as guests mingled, their elegant attire and quiet conversations adding to the air of importance. The Jeon family knew how to make an impression. Lali and her parents were escorted inside by the Jeon family's staff, who moved with practiced precision. Every detail was perfectly arranged. As they walked through the grand halls, Lali couldn't help but notice the portraits of previous generations hanging on the walls. The Jeons had been building their empire for decades, if not centuries.
As they reached the main hall, Lali saw them, the Jeon family. At the center stood Kavin Jeon, towering over everyone else. His presence was intimidating, yet calm. His eyes scanned the room, always observing, always aware. Elora stood by his side, graceful as ever, her sharp gaze occasionally sweeping across the guests. It was clear she was the one truly in control of the family's affairs. The two older brothers stood beside their wives, each of them dressed in formal suits, looking every bit like heirs to the empire. Gguk, Lali's soon-to-be husband, was near the back, quiet and composed. He looked over at Lali briefly, their eyes meeting for a moment before he quickly looked away. Taeyang, the younger brother, stood beside Gguk, his expression neutral but his eyes curious as they lingered on Lali for a little longer than necessary. Mia, the youngest, hovered at her mother's side, her delicate features masked by an unreadable expression.
"Lali, welcome," Elora's voice cut through the quiet. She stepped forward, her movements as graceful as a dancer's. "We're so pleased to have you join our family."
Lali bowed politely. "Thank you, Mrs. Jeon."
"Please, call me Elora," she said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Today is a special day, not just for you and Gguk, but for all of us."
Kavin stepped forward, his gaze piercing. "We expect great things from you, Lali," he said, his deep voice echoing through the hall. "This marriage is important, and we trust you will uphold the Jeon name." Lali nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. "I will do my best, sir." With the formalities complete, the wedding ceremony began. It was a small, private affair, attended only by the closest friends and business associates of the Jeon family. The vows were exchanged, rings placed on fingers, and just like that, Lali was now a Jeon. As the ceremony ended, the guests applauded politely, and the reception began. Lali stood by Gguk's side, her hand gently resting in his. He hadn't said much, only offering her brief words of reassurance. He was distant, cold even, but there was something in his eyes that made Lali feel that he was just as cautious as she was.
"You look beautiful," Gguk finally said, his voice low and calm.
"Thank you," Lali replied softly, trying to gauge his emotions.
He turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "I know this isn't easy, but you're part of the family now. Just... stay close to me." Lali nodded, unsure of what else to say. She could sense the weight of the Jeon name pressing down on them both. This wasn't a normal marriage, this was a union between power and responsibility. And yet, there was something more beneath the surface, something unspoken. As the night continued, Lali couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. Every time she glanced around the room, she caught Taeyang's eyes on her, his expression curious but unreadable. Mia, too, seemed to be watching from the shadows, her young face masking whatever thoughts ran through her mind. The Jeons were a powerful family, but they were also hiding something. And now, Lali was a part of it. The wedding had ended, and as Lali sat quietly in the car next to Gguk, the reality of her new life began to settle in. The ceremony, the vows, and the formalities were behind her, but ahead was an entirely different world. They were driving toward the Jeon family mansion, not the place where the wedding was held, but their real home. It was a place that held even more power, secrets, and expectations. Every Jeon family member lived there, a symbol of their close yet complex ties.
As they arrived, the mansion loomed larger than life, even more imposing than the event hall where the wedding had been. The building was massive, built in a traditional style with modern touches, showcasing wealth and prestige. The driveway was long, surrounded by well-maintained gardens and towering trees that provided privacy. Lali stepped out of the car, and her eyes followed the grand structure that was about to become her home. It felt more like a fortress than a house. She took a deep breath, unsure of what lay ahead. Gguk was by her side, silent as usual. A staff member opened the front door for them, and as they walked inside, Lali felt a chill run down her spine. The interior was just as breathtaking as the outside, with polished wooden floors, antique furniture, and chandeliers that glowed softly above them. Every inch of the mansion spoke of the Jeon family's history, influence, and power. Waiting in the main hall was Elora Jeon, dressed elegantly as always. Beside her stood Kavin, his presence commanding the room with ease. The other family members gathered around, Gguk's two older brothers with their wives, Taeyang standing slightly to the side with a neutral expression, and Mia, the youngest, quietly observing from a distance.
"Welcome home," Elora said with a gracious smile, though her eyes were sharp, assessing Lali's every move. "It is time for you to meet the family properly." Lali nodded politely, her heart racing. She stood beside Gguk as each family member stepped forward to greet her. First, the eldest brother, Jeon Soo, approached with his wife, Irene. Soo looked much like his father, serious and calm. Irene gave Lali a kind smile, but there was something distant in her eyes. "Welcome, Lali," Soo said with a nod, his voice deep. Irene followed. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. The Jeon family takes care of its own." Next was the second brother, Jeon Kwang, and his wife, Sohee. Kwang had a more relaxed energy, though there was still a sense of formality in his words. Sohee greeted Lali with a polite smile, but she seemed distracted, her gaze wandering around the room. Taeyang came forward next, his expression still neutral, though his eyes lingered on Lali for just a second longer than the others had. "It's good to have you here, Lali," he said simply. Mia was the last to greet her. The young girl was quiet, her eyes dark and intelligent for someone her age. She offered a small smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. Lali could feel the weight of the family's attention on her, especially from Elora and Kavin. They were watching her, expecting her to fit seamlessly into this world. She smiled, keeping her posture straight, trying to exude the same grace and confidence they did.
Once the introductions were done, Elora clapped her hands lightly. "I will give Lali a tour of the house. You should know where everything is." They began their walk through the mansion, with Elora leading the way. Each room was grander than the last. There was a library filled with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a dining room with a long, polished table, and several sitting rooms, each more elegant than the one before. Lali followed, trying to take in every detail, but it was overwhelming. This place was enormous, much larger than anything she had ever imagined.
Elora's lips curled into a faint smile. "The Jeon family has lived here for centuries. Every corner of this mansion holds a part of our history, a legacy that has been carefully preserved. You'll come to know it in time."
As they stepped out into the hallway, Elora guided Lali through the winding corridors of the vast mansion. Each step they took was a reminder of the grandeur and wealth the Jeons had built over generations. The walls were adorned with lavish paintings, each depicting a different member of the family, proud and dignified, their faces reflecting the weight of their legacy.
"These portraits…" Elora gestured toward the paintings they passed, "are of the heads of the Jeon family. Each one of them helped shape our name and expand our influence. They sacrificed everything to ensure the Jeon legacy continued."
Lali nodded politely, though a strange feeling lingered in her chest. As they passed one particular hallway, a large empty space caught her eye. It stood out, an unusual gap where another portrait should have been.
"What happened there?" Lali asked, pointing toward the empty space.
Elora's expression grew cold, her voice lowering. "Not everyone was worthy of being remembered. One person stood against our family's values… and for that, she is no longer part of the Jeon legacy."
Lali felt a chill run down her spine at the coldness in Elora's words. There was a heaviness to the way she spoke, as if there were more to the story that she wasn't sharing. But Lali knew better than to ask more questions.
Elora continued walking, her pace steady as she led Lali toward the grand sitting room. "You must understand something, Lali," she said, her tone sharpening. "In this family, marriages are not about love. They are about business, alliances, and power. We marry to strengthen the family, to grow our influence. There are no feelings involved."
Lali's heart skipped a beat at Elora's words, the weight of them settling on her shoulders like a heavy burden. She had known from the start that her marriage to Gguk was arranged, but hearing it so plainly made it feel more suffocating. Elora's words felt like a warning, a reminder that she was now part of something much larger than herself.
"In time," Elora continued, "you will understand your role here. Your duty is to the family. Gguk is the third son, and he has responsibilities to uphold. His focus must remain on ensuring the family's continued success."
They arrived in the sitting room, and Elora motioned for Lali to take a seat. The room was intimate, filled with plush chairs and tall windows that overlooked the sprawling gardens outside.
Lali sat down, feeling the weight of Elora's words still pressing on her mind. The grand mansion, with all its beauty, felt like a gilded cage.
"Gguk may seem distant," Elora added, her eyes narrowing slightly. "But he is loyal to the family. Don't expect him to be affectionate or loving. That's not how things work in this house."
Lali nodded, though her heart sank. She had hoped that maybe, over time, there would be some connection between her and Gguk beyond duty. But Elora's words crushed that hope.
As Elora stood to leave, she gave Lali one last look, her expression unreadable. "Remember, Lali. Your place here is to support the family. Nothing more, nothing less."
With that, she turned and left the room, her footsteps echoing down the corridor.
Lali sat in silence for a long moment, staring at the space where Elora had been. The weight of her new life in the Jeon family was beginning to settle in, and the realization was both overwhelming and frightening.
This wasn't just a marriage. It was something far more complicated, something far darker than she had anticipated.
The mansion, despite its grandeur, felt cold and unwelcoming. And there was something lurking beneath the surface, something about the family's history that made her uneasy. The empty space on the wall, the person who had been erased from the family's history… Lali couldn't help but feel like she was stepping into a world filled with secrets.
As she sat in the quiet of the sitting room, Lali knew one thing for certain: the Jeon family was not as perfect as they appeared. And now, she was a part of