Chaeyoung's gaze locked onto the projector screen, her eyes narrowing as she took in the updated Diamond Ranks.
Lim Yoona's name now sat atop the leaderboard, supplanting Chaeyoung's own. A faint smirk played on Chaeyoung's lips as she absorbed the information. She had a particular disdain for fake people, and Lim Yoona embodied that trait.
What mattered to Chaeyoung wasn't simply being outranked; it was the manner in which Yoona had achieved her new status.
Rumors of Chaeyoung's alleged affair with the director had been circulating, accompanied by photoshopped images that seemed authentic. Chaeyoung had investigated the source of the anonymous post, tracing it back to Yoona herself.
As Yoona approached Chaeyoung, a mixture of confidence and nervousness emanated from her. "Hello, number two," Yoona said, her voice laced with sarcasm. Chaeyoung's gaze pierced through her, her disgust evident.
Yoona continued, her words spilling out in a rush. "What did you say? I disgust you? I envy you? Guess who's at the top now. It doesn't matter if you're a princess or the President's daughter. I, for one, don't care." Chaeyoung remained silent, her eyes locked onto Yoona's face.
Yoona's face reddened with anger as Chaeyoung didn't react. "What? You're the speechless one—," she began, but her words were cut short by a resounding slap. Chaeyoung's hand had flown across her face, leaving a bright red mark. "H- how dare you," Yoona stammered, shocked and enraged.
Chaeyoung's voice was low and menacing as she spoke. "You're even dirtier than I thought." Yoona's eyes widened in fear as Chaeyoung threatened to expose her deceit.
"Do I just tell everyone what you did to get up there?"
Yoona crumpled to the ground, begging for mercy. "I don't know what got over me. Please, I'll do anything," she pleaded.
It was quick.
Chaeyoung leaned down, her voice taking on a sinister tone. "Leave the school." With that, she stood up and walked away, leaving Yoona in tears.
The students surrounding them watched in awe, unsure of what to make of the confrontation.
As Chaeyoung walked away, the whispers began.
"What did she say to Yoona?"
"Why did Yoona beg for mercy?"
The questions swirled, but Chaeyoung didn't look back.
***
An hour later, the leaderboard reflected a change once more, with Chaeyoung reclaiming the top spot. The whispers began anew, with everyone wondering who was behind the mysterious rankings.
The recent encounter between Chaeyoung and Yoona had silenced the rumors about Chaeyoung being the one behind the leaderboard, and now, the students were left to speculate about the true mastermind behind the rankings.
As the students dispersed, Chaeyoung's gaze lingered on the projector screen, her eyes locked onto her name at the top of the leaderboard. She knew that her reputation was a 'perfect' one, and the students feared her for it.
But Chaeyoung didn't care; she was used to being feared. What she cared about was being respected, and she would do whatever it took to maintain her position at the top. The question was, who would be the next to challenge her?
***
Ms. Lin smiled warmly as she introduced the new student to the class. "So, we have a new student here. I'd like you all to welcome him and make him feel comfortable." She gestured for the student to enter, and Lee Joon stepped into the classroom.
"This is Lee Joon," she said, before turning to him. "Could you share one fun fact about yourself?" Joon shaked his head, though his expression seemed slightly disapproving, and made his way to the only available seat— the one next to Chaeyoung.
As he sat down, the classroom fell silent, all eyes were on him and then on Chaeyoung. But Chaeyoung didn't flinch, her gaze fixed on her phone.
"What are you doing? Get up!" A student next to Joon whispered urgently.
"Why? What's wrong?" Joon asked, confusion etched on his face.
"Do you know who you're sitting next to? That's Park Chaeyoung, the President's daughter. You're not supposed to sit next to her!" The student's warning was laced with fear.
Joon's eyes widened slightly as he glanced at Chaeyoung, then back at the student.
"What do you mean? Isn't she human? She doesn't seem bothered about it," he whispered, his curiosity piqued.
Chaeyoung finally looked up, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "What?!" She snapped, her gaze sweeping across the classroom.
The student who had warned Joon leaned in closer. "I warned you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Joon's eyes met Chaeyoung's for a brief moment, and he smiled at her. Chaeyoung rolled her eyes and looked away, dismissing him.
When the class ended, Chaeyoung was the first to leave, with Joon following closely behind. As they walked down the hallway, Joon quickened his pace to catch up to Chaeyoung.
"Hi, I'm—," he said, but Chaeyoung's dark aura and icy stare brought him to a halt. He felt like time had slowed down, and he couldn't move. When Chaeyoung didn't respond, she simply walked away, leaving Joon standing there.
As an empath, Lee Joon had a unique ability to sense and absorb the emotions and energies of those around him. He had gotten a scholarship to study at DCS, and he was determined to make the most of it.
***
The rest of the day flew by, and Chaeyoung found herself at home, scrolling through her phone. Her 'for you' page was filled with rumors and gossip about popular people, including herself.
She let out a deep sigh and dropped her phone onto her bed. Remembering Joon's words – "Isn't she human?"— Chaeyoung couldn't help but think, "If only everyone thought of me that way"
Growing up, Chaeyoung had been taught to prioritize her own interests above all else, a lesson she learned from being adopted and navigating the complexities of her life.
Therapy had been recommended to cope with her struggles, but Chaeyoung found the idea of sitting down and pouring her heart out to a stranger unbearable.
Yet, after a long period of feeling lost and alone, someone had finally spoken to her with kindness – not envy or malice, but genuine warmth. It was a fleeting moment, lasting only for 10 seconds, but it had left a lasting impact.
Lost in thought, Chaeyoung's reverie was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in," she said tiredly, her posture unchanged as she lay on her queen-sized bed.
A maid entered, bowing deeply. "Good day, ma'am," she said, her head still lowered. Chaeyoung's response was curt. "What?"
The maid's voice was hesitant. "Mr. Park has asked to meet you at dinner by eight. He'd really appreciate it if you'd come."
Chaeyoung's dismissal was immediate. "Tell him I have better things to do."
The maid remained still, her bow unwavering. Chaeyoung stood up, her expression disgusted. "What? The door's that way," she said, gesturing dismissively.
The maid's apology was swift. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but he said he wouldn't take 'no' for an answer."
Chaeyoung rolled her eyes and let out a loud sigh. "Tell him I'll be there. Now, go away," she said, waving her hand in a gesture of dismissal. The maid nodded quietly and left Chaeyoung to her thoughts.
***
As the evening drew near, Chaeyoung prepared for dinner, wondering what her father wanted to discuss. It was rare for him to call her directly, and the surprise he mentioned only pricked her curiosity.
When she arrived at Gaon, a renowned Three-Michelin-Star restaurant known for its fine Korean cuisine and elegant atmosphere, she was greeted by the vintage decor.
Her father's table was private, the entire hotel booked exclusively for his use.
Chaeyoung walked in, her White-Gold diamond dress by Yumi Katsura sparkling in the light. The dress was worth over $8.5 million, a testament to her father's wealth and influence.
As she approached the table, she signaled her bodyguards to leave, her eyes scanning the room. Her father was already seated, and beside him was her stepmother— a presence Chaeyoung had not expected.
Chaeyoung sat down opposite her father and stepmother, her gaze fixed on the menu as she searched for something to order.
"I'm glad you could make it," her father said, his voice attempting to bridge the awkwardness.
Chaeyoung's response was a short "Hm," her attention still on the menu. She finally decided on the Foie Gras, a luxury dish made from duck or goose liver.
As she waited for her order to arrive, the conversation was stilted. But when her father dropped the bombshell, the atmosphere shifted dramatically.
"I called you here to talk to you about the future of our family...the four of us," he began.
Chaeyoung's eyes snapped up from her dish, her expression incredulous. "You see, your mother here is—," he started to say before Chaeyoung cut him off.
"My mother?" Chaeyoung's voice was laced with venom. "Is that what my precious evening was wasted for? Look, I don't care what's going on between you two, but exclude me from it." She stood up aggressively, her eyes blazing with anger.
"I hate fake people," she spat, her gaze fixed on her stepmother.
Her father's face reddened with rage. "Park Chaeyoung!" He thundered. "You ill-mannered child!" Chaeyoung's retort was swift.
"Me? Ill-mannered? Why don't you stop caring about me and care about your beloved wife?"
The elegant atmosphere had disintegrated, replaced by a toxic tension.
Eunji, Chaeyoung's stepmother, attempted to intervene, her voice calm and soothing. "Let's all calm down and talk over this."
But Chaeyoung was having none of it. "Talk over what? I'm leaving," she said, grabbing her bag and storming out of the restaurant.
As she waited for her limousine to return, Chaeyoung's thoughts turned to her past. She had always despised fake people, and her stepmother embodied everything she hated.
Memories of her mother flooded her mind, and the pain of her father's betrayal still lingered. The happy ending her stepmother had secured with her father felt like a cruel joke, one that Chaeyoung couldn't bear to think about.
Her mother had been a kind and gentle soul, loved by all who knew her. But her father's infidelity had destroyed their family, leaving Chaeyoung feeling lost and alone.
And now, her stepmother was pregnant, and her father was expecting Chaeyoung to be a part of their little family. The thought made her stomach turn.
As she stood outside the restaurant, Chaeyoung felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was glad to be out of there, away from the suffocating atmosphere and the fake smiles. But deep down, she knew she couldn't avoid her family forever.
The question was, how would she deal with the new addition to their family? Only time would tell.
Some may wonder, how is she adopted when it seems she's the biological daughter of the President.