The sun had yet to rise over the small village of Daecheon, nestled between misty hills and silent rice fields.
In an old wooden house, its walls cracked by rain and time, Elena Hana Seo was already awake.
Her mother, Sofia, was still asleep, exhausted from the fever that had kept her bedridden for weeks.
Elena cast a gentle gaze upon her before turning to the window.
The early dawn painted the sky in timid shades of pink.
Every morning was the same. She would wake before sunrise, walk to the well, then head to the market before the villagers filled the narrow streets.
She tied her long brown hair into a tight braid, slipped on her old beige linen dress, and draped a worn-out jacket over her shoulders.
Today, like every day, she would sell wild herbs, rice, and a few dried flowers.
Her life was nothing grand.
She was born here, in the house her Korean father left behind before he died, and grew up with her European mother, far from any riches.
Yet, she never truly hated this life.
Every stone along the path, every blade of grass was filled with happy memories – her parents' laughter, her mother's voice singing lullabies in French, her father's rough hand resting gently on her head.
"Papa… if you were still here, would Mama be this sick?"
The morning breeze caressed her face as she closed her eyes to hold back tears.
She took a deep breath and forced herself to smile.
She must not cry.
Not while her mother still needed her.
What Elena didn't know was that this day would mark the end of her peaceful life in the village.
A fate far crueler, but far greater, awaited her beyond those hills.
The grand Lee villa exuded quiet power. From the outside, it looked like a palace, with its towering marble columns and wide entrance framed by sculpted lions. Inside, the atmosphere was even more intimidating.
Luxurious rooms stretched out endlessly, each decorated with imported paintings, branded sculptures, and crystal chandeliers. The gigantic pool cut the mansion in two, its waters glittering under the morning sun. Servants moved like shadows in the hallways, their heads bowed. Outside, the driveway was lined with black cars – all luxury brands polished to perfection. Even the guard dogs rested obediently in their gold-trimmed cages.
The breakfast table
The Lee family was gathered for breakfast in their massive dining hall. At the head sat Mr. Lee, dignified and strict. Beside him was his elegant wife, silently pouring tea. Their children sat according to age.
First, Seojun Lee, thirty-five, with sharp eyes and an aura of a predator. He was the CEO of the family's technology company in France, where business flourished under his cold strategies. His sleek black hair fell slightly over his forehead, and his tailored suit fit perfectly, even for a simple breakfast.
Next to him was Minji Lee, thirty-two, the beautiful and confident director of their hotel chain in Washington. Her beauty was elegant, her aura unshakeable, and she had her father's ambitious mind.
Finally, Joonhyuk Lee, only eighteen. Though young, he held himself with a detached and silent arrogance. He had just graduated from high school and was set to enter university in Great Britain in three months.
Mr. Lee spoke first, addressing Minji :
「민지야, 강 회장님과 화물지대 프로젝트 얘기는 잘 끝났니?」
("Minji, did you finish the freight zone project discussion with Chairman Kang?")
Minji replied smoothly:
「네, 아버지.. 」
("Yes, Father.")
Satisfied, Mr. Lee turned to Seojun, his eyes narrowing with a calculating smile.
「서준아, 조쉬 상원의원 딸이랑 관계는 어떻게 돼가냐?」
("Seojun, have you started a relationship with Senator Josh's daughter?")
Seojun placed down his fork with a sly, vicious grin.
「질문은 그게 다예요? 아버지도 아시잖아요. 어떤 여자도 저한텐 빠져나갈 수 없다는 걸.」
("Is that your only question? You know very well, Father. No woman can ever resist me.")
Mr. Lee let out a dark chuckle but his voice turned cold.
「좋다. 하지만 다른 여자들 대하듯 하지 마라. 그 여자는 상원의원 딸이다. 내가 그 사람과 사업을 해야 하니까, 함부로 굴지 마라.」
("Good. But don't treat her like you treat the others. She's a senator's daughter. I need him for my business, so don't ruin this.")
Seojun responded calmly:
「알겠습니다, 아버지.」
("Understood, Father.")
Mr. Lee's gaze moved to his youngest son, Joonhyuk.
"My son, has your companion maid returned? I haven't seen her in over a month. I hope you've told her about your upcoming studies in Great Britain. She must prepare you. If she doesn't return in the next two days, I'll dismiss her. Contact her immediately."
Joonhyuk stared at his plate, his voice devoid of any warmth.
"Yes, Father."
He paused, then stood.
"Excuse me. I will leave the table now. Goodbye."
As he turned, his mother reached out softly.
"Joonhyuk, stay with us for once… It's been so long."
But Mr. Lee's harsh voice cut her off.
"Let him go. He will dine with us tonight, too. Go."
Without a flicker of emotion, Joonhyuk bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Father. Don't worry, Mother. I will eat with you tonight."
He left silently, leaving a cold emptiness behind him.
---
Minji then stood gracefully.
"Father, I'll speak to you later about the Kang contract. Mother, see you tonight."
Her mother, sadness in her eyes, whispered, "You're leaving too?"
Minji gave a gentle smile.
"Don't worry, Mother. I'll be here for dinner. Love you."
She kissed her mother's cheek and left the hall.
---
Seojun leaned back, smirking.
"Mother, let them go. They're just living their own lives."
But Mr. Lee's eyes turned steely as he glared at him.
"You should leave, too. Work doesn't finish itself."
Seojun let out a bitter laugh.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
He too walked out, leaving only Mr. and Mrs. Lee at the table. Mrs. Lee sat silently, her eyes downcast, her heart aching.
"Do you really think pushing them like this without love will make you powerful? Money can't buy love. It's kindness, honesty, and a clear conscience that matter. Do what you want… but don't turn my children into you."
Mr. Lee didn't even glance at her.
"Are you done talking? Then leave."
Biting back tears, Mrs. Lee rose from the table and left, her footsteps echoing in the empty hall. Mr. Lee muttered to himself, chewing slowly.
"Useless… all of them."
In Joonhyuk's room
His room was perfectly organized, each item in its place like that of a future CEO. He sat on his bed, book in hand, staring blankly ahead.
I should call Madam Seo. She's the only one who understands me… unlike the others who think I'm arrogant and insolent. She accepts me. She manages me. I can't believe I'm even thinking this…
"What took you so long to answer? I've been calling for hours."
"Forgive me, young master," the maid stuttered.
"Go to Madam Seo. Bring her here today. Don't make me wait."
"Yes, young master."
"Leave."
She hurried out, whispering to herself.
"He's handsome… but so unbearably cold."
Flashback
In the villa garden, Joonhyuk sat reading under the shade of a magnolia tree. Madam Seo, tending to the flowers, spoke softly.
"My daughter is seventeen now. She's smart, hardworking, and beautiful… like a ray of sunlight."
Joonhyuk didn't look up from his book.
"What's her name?"
Madam Seo blinked in surprise at his sudden question.
"Hana. That's her Korean name."
Joonhyuk smirked faintly.
''Hana…''
---
Back to present
Staring at his ceiling, he whispered under his breath:
"I wonder… what do you look like, Hana?"