LAVENDER || PARK SUNGHOON ff

CHAPTER 28

"Dad, can you explain how this all started?" Winter asked, her voice quivering. "You warned me about them, but you never told me the whole story."

"Yeah, Dad, I want to understand why you betrayed them," Winter added, eyes fixed on their father, Lee Soman.

Lee Soman sighed deeply, sinking into the couch with a heavy heart. Taeyong joined him on one of the other couches. "Alright, I guess I need to tell the truth," their father began, his voice laden with regret.

"A long time ago, Park Changmin and I were best friends. We were inseparable," he said, his gaze distant. "We did everything together."

"But one day, I received the news that Park Changmin's father had died. At that time, I discovered his father was the leader of a powerful clan. We were about 22 years old. I went to the funeral to pay my respects. Many influential people were there."

Lee Soman continued, "After the funeral, Park Changmin confided in me that his father had demoted him from heir to the clan. He was forced to accept the position and lead the clan."

"One day, Park Changmin came to me, asking me to join his clan. At first, I hesitated, but he begged me repeatedly. Eventually, I agreed and became his right-hand man. We trained relentlessly, becoming the most feared clan in Korea," he explained, his voice tinged with bitterness.

"But success came at a cost. Over the years, I grew increasingly uncomfortable with the brutality of our operations. I couldn't bear the bloodshed, especially of innocent lives."

"Park Changmin's orders were harsh, and as his friend and second-in-command, I couldn't refuse. So, I built a family in secret. I married your mother, and we moved to Jeju Island. Three years later, Winter was born," he said, his voice softening.

"I cherished my family, but the danger of remaining in the Hybe clan was too great. I wanted to protect you all, so I made a drastic decision. Five years later, I betrayed the Hybe clan. I spent those years meticulously planning, secretly recruiting allies. We moved to Canada, while I took control of the SM clan in Korea. It was a dangerous game, but with help from our allies, we managed to escape Park Changmin's wrath."

"The SM clan I founded was intended to help those in need. We fought against gangs that preyed on the innocent. Your brother Taeyong leads NCT, and we have other allies like Aespa, Exo, and Red Velvet. We've built a network to protect and support people," he said with a hint of pride.

"But I underestimated the danger. Park Changmin has a strong gang led by his son, Park Sunghoon. I'm sorry for the carelessness. He already took Winter, but she's safe now. I swear, I'll make sure he pays for what he did," his eyes burning with determination.

Taeyong turned to Winter. "Take care of yoursel and Lee Donghyuck needs to be extra careful. If he messes up, he'll face serious consequences."

Winter's mind raced. "Lee Donghyuck... Could it be the same person I know?"

Her heart ached with confusion and betrayal. "It can't be. Maybe it's someone else," she thought, trying to push the unsettling thought aside.

Her mother entered the room, her face brightening. "How about we eat together? I'll cook your favorite dishes!" she said, eager to bring some normalcy back.

Winter's face lit up. "Yes, I'd love that! Kimchi stew sounds perfect!"

"Alright, I'll make it," her mother said warmly.

Winter stood up, moving to help, but her mother insisted, "No, you're tired. Let me do it."

"Aigoo! So noisy!" Taeyong interjected. "Why don't we all cook together? It'll be faster and more fun."