RED STRING || 1

Chapter two.

MR. KANG AND SEULGI were driven through the winding, gated entrance of the Baes' sprawling estate, the grandeur of the place taking Seulgi's breath away despite the opulence she was accustomed to in her own home. Even though she lived in a mansion herself, the Baes' home exuded an undeniable elegance that made her feel like a mere visitor in another world. The towering structure of the mansion rose before them, adorned with ornate stonework and grand columns that seemed to stretch toward the sky. The lush gardens that surrounded the estate added to the sense of majesty, with perfectly manicured hedges and vibrant flowers in full bloom, each detail meticulously maintained by a team of gardeners. Some were carefully trimming the grass into neat, geometric patterns, while others were mowing and raking, ensuring that no part of the garden was ever out of place.

Seulgi's eyes wandered as she took in the beauty of the garden. She noticed one girl in particular, sitting on a poolside bench, her dog lounging nearby. The girl, likely around Seulgi's age, had pale skin and delicate features. She wore sunglasses, her focus solely on the tanning reflector she was adjusting in her hands. The girl's expression was relaxed, casual, and utterly unfazed as she sipped from a glass of juice that rested beside her. Seulgi studied her for a moment, wondering if she was perhaps the sister of the person she was being arranged to marry. She looks nice, Seulgi thought to herself. Her curiosity piqued, she continued to watch the girl as she caught sight of their car. Seulgi noticed the brief moment when the girl lowered her sunglasses, trying to get a better look, but she couldn't see through the heavily tinted windows of their car. The girl shrugged, seemingly uninterested, and put her glasses back on, returning to her sunbathing.

As the car finally came to a stop at the grand entrance, Seulgi's heart skipped a beat. The chauffeur stepped out, opening the door for them, and they were greeted by several maids who bowed respectfully as Seulgi and her father passed by. The staff moved swiftly, their movements synchronized as they guided them toward the entrance. A man, dressed in a formal suit, extended a welcoming gesture, signaling for them to go inside.

"Welcome, Mr. Kang, Ms. Kang," he greeted them warmly, his voice steady and polite.

Seulgi bowed in response, a practiced motion she had long grown accustomed to. However, her gesture surprised the man, and his eyes widened slightly as he looked at her.

Seulgi simply smiled back, maintaining her composure.

They were escorted inside, the grandeur of the mansion's interior further reinforcing the sense of awe Seulgi felt. The walls were adorned with tasteful works of art, and the furniture was rich and opulent, the finest fabrics and materials carefully selected to create an atmosphere of refinement. The entire space seemed designed to emphasize elegance, from the polished marble floors to the ornate chandeliers overhead that bathed the room in a soft, golden light.

As they were ushered into the living room, Seulgi's attention was drawn to the lavish surroundings. A maidservant offered them cucumber juice, the cool beverage a refreshing touch to calm the nerves that had started to creep up on her. She thanked the maid quietly and turned around to continue taking in the atmosphere.

A few moments later, a couple entered the room, and Seulgi's father stood to greet them. She assumed they must be the Baes. Mr. Kang greeted them with a broad smile, shaking hands with both of them warmly.

"Oh, this must be your..." Mr. Bae began, his gaze falling on Seulgi, and she immediately bowed to him, a polite and respectful gesture. "Daughter, yes," he continued, his smile genuine. Both of them returned her bow with smiles of their own.

Seulgi smiled back, showing her signature eye smile, a gesture that had always been a source of pride for her.

"Joohyun would totally adore that eye smile," Mr. Bae said, his voice light with amusement.