CHAPTER THREE: The Mood of a New Morning .
The next morning arrived with a peaceful stillness in the air, the kind that only came after a storm had passed. Sunlight trickled gently through Haera's pale ivory curtains, casting soft golden patterns across her face as she stirred beneath her plush duvet. Her eyes fluttered open, warm brown orbs meeting the soft morning light.
For once, there were no nightmares, no angry voices echoing in her mind, and most of all—no thoughts of Demian.
She exhaled deeply, sitting up slowly and letting the moment linger. Her mood was light, her heart strangely free. It was a rare, beautiful feeling. Maybe walking away from Demian had lifted a weight she didn't even realize she was carrying.
Without hesitation, she slid out of bed and headed to the bathroom. The steam from her warm bath fogged the mirror, filling the air with the calming scent of lavender. As she gently scrubbed her skin, she allowed her thoughts to wander—not to Demian, but to herself. To her dreams, her goals, and the new woman she was becoming.
Wrapped in a soft robe, she walked into her dressing room and carefully chose her outfit: a creamy white blouse with gold cufflinks tucked into a high-waisted navy skirt that hugged her curves with elegance. She wore her hair in loose waves and applied light makeup, highlighting her soft features and striking eyes.
When she descended the wide marble staircase of the Park mansion, she found her mother already in the dining hall, her sleeves rolled up as she placed dishes of warm toast, eggs, and cut fruit on the long table. The smell of freshly brewed tea and buttery pancakes filled the air.
"Good morning, Mom," Haera said sweetly, wrapping her arms around her from behind in a gentle hug.
Mrs. Park smiled and looked over her shoulder. "Good morning, my precious jade."
Haera grinned. "You're always up before me. You never let the house staff touch the table, do you?"
"Of course not," her mom chuckled. "Feeding my daughter with my own hands is a daily blessing. Now hurry, we're running late. Let's eat quickly so we can head to the main office together."
Haera hesitated for a moment before answering, "Mom, I don't think I can go with you today. I need to stop by the subsidiary branch. There are documents I have to approve personally. I'll head straight there and work from that office."
Mrs. Park nodded calmly. "Don't worry, darling. I'll see you later tonight. How about we have dinner together at your favorite place? The Italian restaurant downtown—does that sound good?"
Haera's eyes sparkled. "Aha! That's why I love you the most, Mom."
She reached over the table to give her mother a playful kiss on the cheek, causing Mrs. Park to laugh as she dished out eggs and vegetables onto Haera's plate.
"I love you too," her mother said softly.
After breakfast, Haera picked up her designer handbag, slid on her heels, and waved at the housekeepers who had lined up to greet her.
"Good morning, Young Mistress," said the head driver, already holding the car door open.
Haera paused. "You can rest today—I'll drive myself."
The driver's brows raised in surprise. "Are you sure, Miss?"
She nodded confidently. "Positive."
He hesitated before handing her the car keys. "Drive safely, then."
As Haera drove out of the Park estate's golden gate, her mother stepped onto the front steps. She watched the sleek black car glide down the road and smiled faintly.
"She only drives herself when she's truly happy," she whispered to herself. "That's my girl."
---
The subsidiary branch of Park Group stood like a jewel in the middle of the city's business district. With mirrored windows and floral balconies, the building reflected both elegance and power. The moment Haera stepped into the lobby, her presence was felt. Her heels clicked against the polished marble floors, and every passing employee turned to look at her with admiration.
"Good morning, Vice Chairwoman Park," the receptionist greeted with a slight bow.
Haera returned a small smile. "Good morning."
As she walked toward the executive elevator, whispers followed in her wake.
"She's even more beautiful in person…"
"They say she's the one who single-handedly saved the Japan contract last quarter."
"Is she really only twenty?"
She entered her office—a corner space with wide windows, pale pink drapes, and a cherry blossom painting behind her desk. The room was soft, feminine, and sophisticated. She sat in her rose-pink chair and pulled out her custom laptop, its cover engraved with her name in gold.
The day quickly passed with meetings, document approvals, and reports. One by one, her employees came in—not just to work, but to catch a glimpse of their goddess-like boss. Her beauty was unmatched, but it was her calm authority and kindness that truly enchanted them.
Despite the bustle, Haera remained focused—until her assistant walked in with a concerned expression.
"Miss Park… Mr. Demian Xu is here."
Haera froze. Her fingers paused above her keyboard. "What?"
"He's downstairs. He didn't make an appointment. He just… showed up."
Haera's tone turned cold. "Tell him I'm unavailable. And if he doesn't leave, call security."
Her assistant bowed and left. A few minutes later, from her window, Haera watched as Demian stood in the parking lot, looking confused and hurt as he finally turned and walked away.
---
Back at the Xu mansion, Demian sat alone in his room, scrolling through old pictures of them. His heart ached with confusion.
"I never knew she was this cold," he whispered. "What did I do wrong? Why does it feel like I've already lost her?"
His mother's voice echoed in his mind: "She's not just another girl, Demian. Don't ruin it."
But he had. And now he didn't know how to undo it.
---
Meanwhile, back at the branch office, Haera powered down her laptop and leaned back in her chair. She felt emotionally drained. Standing, she walked out to the garden terrace on the rooftop—a quiet green space built for moments like this.
As she stood beneath the trees, a cool breeze brushing her face, she closed her eyes.
For now, she had peace.
But down in her bag, her phone buzzed for the last time before the battery died completely. Haera didn't notice. She didn't care.
Whatever storm was building—she would be ready.
Because this time, she wasn't the girl who let people decide her future.
She was Haera Park. And she had just begun to write her own story.