The garden behind the house was quiet, the air still except for the faint rustle of leaves. Linda sat on the wooden bench, her hands folded neatly in her lap. Her eyes lingered on the flowers swaying gently in the breeze, but her gaze was distant, unfocused—like she was looking through them into a place only she could see. A faint crease lined her forehead, betraying the weight pressing down on her chest.
From a short distance away, Mr. Lee stood, watching. To anyone else, she might have seemed calm, almost peaceful. But he noticed the way her fingers brushed against each other restlessly, the faint tremor in her shoulders when she exhaled. He had known her long enough to recognize the heaviness she tried so hard to bury. Seeing her like that made his chest tighten.
For a moment, he hesitated. Would she even want to hear his voice? He almost turned back, but instead drew in a breath and gathered his courage and step forward.
"Linda," he called softly, stepping closer. "Can we talk?"
Before lowering himself onto the bench beside her, careful not to invade her space.
She turned her head slowly, her expression unreadable. "What's there to talk about, Dad?" Her voice was calm but distant, almost detached. "You and Mom already did what you did. And I'm the one left to clean up the mess."
The neutrality in her tone stung sharper than anger ever could.
Mr. Lee let out a heavy breath, his shoulders sagging. Guilt sat heavy on him as he spoke, voice low and pleading. "I know. I shouldn't have gone there without your permission. I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you… please, just hear me out."
Linda studied his face for a long moment, suspicion flickering in her eyes. "Apologies don't change anything," she said flatly. "Unless you tell me everything. No more half-truths. No more secrets."
Her demand startled him, but he nodded. "You're right. You deserve the truth. But promise me one thing—listen to the whole story before you react."
She straightened her back and folded her hands tightly in her lap. "Fine," she said firmly. "I'll listen. But only if you promise not to lie."
"I promise," he whispered.
Drawing a deep breath, Mr. Lee steadied himself. His eyes searched hers, knowing the words he was about to say would change her forever. "Linda… your real father was a man named Harrison. He wasn't just a businessman. He was one of the most successful men in Africa. He built a vast empire, and he was also my childhood friend."
Linda's lips parted slightly. Her heartbeat quickened. "And what happened to him?"
Mr. Lee's expression darkened. "He had a brother, Marcus. Jealous. Greedy. Ruthless. Marcus couldn't stand living in his brother's shadow. One night, he made his move. Harrison was killed."
Linda's breath caught. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, but she blinked hard, refusing to let them fall. "And my mother?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"Your mother, Sophia, was strong," Mr. Lee said quietly. "When chaos broke out, she managed to rescue you. She came to me, begging me to protect you. She knew how much I owed your father, not just in business but in life. She asked me to raise you, to prepare you, so that one day you could claim your rightful place."
Linda's throat tightened as the image formed in her mind—a desperate mother handing over her baby, tears on her face, courage in her heart. "And after that?" she asked, her fingers clutching the fabric of her skirt.
Mr. Lee hesitated before continuing, his voice heavy. "Marcus didn't just kill your father. After seizing the company and the wealth, he forced Sophia into marriage. He made it look like she stood by him willingly, so the public wouldn't question his control."
Linda gasped. Her whole body went rigid, shock and fury mixing in her chest. "How could he do that? To his own brother's wife?"
"His ambition had no limits," Mr. Lee said bitterly. "He wanted power, and he would crush anyone to keep it. But Sophia—your mother—never gave up. Her last act of rebellion was sending you to me. She trusted me to protect you, and I've done my best, even if it hasn't always been perfect."
Linda's fists slowly unclenched as the truth sank in. Anger flared hot, but beneath it, something stronger began to burn—a fierce determination. She sat straighter and quickly wiped her eyes. "So all this time… my life was meant for more. I have a right to everything he stole."
Mr. Lee reached out, placing a steady hand over hers. "Yes. But before you chase that future, you need to focus on now. You've carried so much already. I want you to have a chance to breathe. To grow. That's why I've decided—you'll go to Seoul. A new start. A place where you can study without Regina or Marcus haunting you."
Linda blinked, taken aback. "Seoul?"
He nodded. "A school there. One of the best. You'll have a clean slate. A chance to thrive."
Her lips curved into the faintest smile, hope flickering in her voice. "You think I could really escape all this?"
"I know you can," he said firmly.
For the first time in days, Linda let out a small laugh. "That sounds amazing. But tuition?"
"Don't worry about that," he reassured. "I'll handle it. All I want is for you to succeed."
Her smile widened, and her eyes sparkled with something she hadn't felt in a long time—excitement for the future.
---
Later, in her room, clothes and books were scattered across the bed as Linda half-packed her bags. Jack and Emily rushed inside, nearly tumbling over each other as they threw their arms around her.
"We're going to miss you so much!" they cried in unison.
Linda laughed, hugging them tightly. "I'll miss you too, silly monkeys."
Her parents appeared quietly in the doorway, watching the embrace. Mrs. Lee teased, "So, you'll miss Jack and Emily, but not us?"
Linda looked up with a shy smile. "I'll miss everyone. But I'm also excited for what's ahead."
Mr. Lee stepped closer. "Do you want to visit the school before you leave? Say goodbye?"
Her smile faltered. "I don't really have friends there. But… I have unfinished business. I'll go on Friday. Then I'll leave Saturday."
---
Friday came. The corridors buzzed with chatter as Linda walked into school, her bold outfit drawing stares the moment she stepped through the door. Whispers followed her, but she held her head high.
"You're late," the teacher said sharply, eyeing her clothes. "And what's with the outfit?"
Before Linda could answer, Regina jumped in. "Teacher, you can't let her dress like that. It's against the rules."
The teacher smirked. "Regina, you've worn worse. Don't act innocent now."
Laughter rippled through the room, and Regina's cheeks flushed crimson.
As soon as the teacher stepped out, Regina stood, fury burning in her eyes. "So this is why you dressed up? Trying to get my boyfriend's attention? Don't fool yourself. He's mine."
Linda rose slowly, her gaze locked on hers. "He doesn't like you, Regina. Because you're ugly—inside and out." Her voice cut sharp as glass. "Now step aside before I step on that ugly face."
Gasps filled the room. Regina's rage snapped; she raised her hand for a slap, but Linda caught it mid-air, her grip unyielding.
"Big mistake," she whispered.
With lightning speed, Linda struck—a Crane's Wing to the chest. Regina stumbled back, stunned. Linda followed with swift kicks and sharp Wing Chun strikes, her movements sharp and precise. One by one, Regina and her friends fell, sprawling across the floor.
The class sat frozen, their usual bullies lying in defeat.
Breathing steady, Linda brushed the dust from her shoulder and turned to face them. "This is my last day here. I wanted you all to see that my silence never meant I was weak. No one bullies me and gets away with it. And before I go… goodbye."
Her footsteps echoed down the hall as she left, whispers and applause rippling behind her.