Young bride

Two months ago, muffled voices emanated from the master bedroom, accompanied by a faint sliver of light seeping through the door. Holding a glass of water, Seo-ah paused her steps, overhearing the escalating argument between her parents.

“Are you out of your mind? You’re planning to marry Ji-woo off to whom? She’s just started university; she’s still so young.”

“Then what do you suggest? Should we foolishly let this golden opportunity slip away again? It’s the Seo-han Group we’re talking about! You need to get a grip! This is the best match Ji-woo could hope for.”

“No matter how prestigious Seo-han Group is, this would be his fourth marriage. And there’s an age gap of over a dozen years!”

From these snippets, the situation became clear: a proposal was being arranged between someone high up in Seo-han Group and Ji-woo. Considering that Seo-han Group is one of the top five conglomerates in Korea, it was understandable why Chairman Kwon was so eager. Although Chairman Kwon owned several buildings in Gangnam and had profited from the public listing of his private company, JK Heavy Industries, it was nowhere near the scale of Seo-han Group.

Thus, for the greedy Chairman Kwon, establishing a connection with Seo-han Group was irresistible, even if it meant marrying off his daughter to a man over ten years her senior, becoming his fourth wife.

A brief silence followed Chairman Kwon’s resolute stance.

“Is it because Ji-woo is an illegitimate child?”

This was a taboo topic between the couple. Madam Han’s tearful voice resonated sorrowfully—a display of feigned emotion.

“Doesn’t your heart ache for our Ji-woo? What does she know?”

“I love Ji-woo more than anyone. She’s my beloved daughter. That’s precisely why she should marry into Seo-han Group. Think rationally. Even if she’s reluctant at first, she’ll later thank us. Becoming the mistress of the Seo-han family means gaining honor, wealth, and power—all at once.”

Typically, Chairman Kwon would concede to Madam Han by this point, indicating just how much he coveted the alliance with Seo-han Group. His professed love for Ji-woo was likely genuine, but his ambition overshadowed it.

The couple’s quarrel continued for some time. Listening quietly, Seo-ah hurried to her room, fearing she might get caught in the crossfire.

‘Seo-han Group…’

One person came to mind at the mention of Seo-han Group—a person whose memory resurfaced like a summer nostalgia whenever the scorching sun blazed. Recalling her delicate and immature high school days, she could almost smell his characteristic citrus scent lingering at the tip of her nose.

Seo-ah retrieved a torn piece of paper tucked deep between her books in the drawer. Thanks to her careful handling, it remained pristine except for the torn part.

010-0000-0000.

The paper bore only a string of numbers, but she could hear his voice telling her to call without hesitation if needed. He had mentioned that, with Seo-han Group backing him, sponsoring someone like her was no big deal.

It was evident that he had given her special treatment, a fact that had once filled her with overwhelming joy.

‘I wonder what Teacher is doing now.’

In the spring of her 20th year, Seo-ah had once called the number her teacher had written. It was the day Ji-woo had taken her tuition money. Wandering aimlessly through the rain-soaked streets, she had found herself dialing his number.

After that, they began communicating privately, sharing meals and exchanging well-wishes. It was perhaps inevitable that she developed feelings for him—a handsome, charming man who offered a shoulder to lean on during tough times.

But nothing lasts forever.

“I’m going to the U.S. next month to further my studies.”

“The U.S.? Does that mean I won’t see you anymore?”

“Yes. My number will change too.”

That was their last meeting. He had given her his email address, saying she could contact him if needed, but she didn’t want to burden him after he had gone all the way to America.

Even now, she could vividly recall his face when she closed her eyes, despite more than two years having passed.

‘If Kwon Ji-woo becomes the mistress of Seo-han Group, will I run into Teacher by chance?’

She didn’t doubt his claim of having Seo-han Group’s backing.

The thought of possibly reconnecting with him through Ji-woo made her feel strange. Her mind, which had been drowsy, became alert. Lost in thoughts of her teacher, Seo-ah tossed and turned for a long time before finally falling asleep late into the night.

**%

It was a day like any other. After finishing her classes and returning home, Seo-ah found an unwelcome guest occupying her room. She gazed dryly at the chaotic scene before her.

Neatly arranged clothes were now in disarray, with every door of the wardrobe and drawers wide open. Clothes and books, deliberately vandalized, lay scattered across the floor. Anyone seeing this might mistake it for a robbery.

At least today, no sticky drinks had been spilled on her bed—a small relief, Seo-ah thought indifferently.