Affection's Facade

As it may be

Author's pov

The air calmed down as if a storm had subsided dancing around corners of the home light streamed through the grand windows of the, casting a warm golden hue over the interiors. The rooms, once silent with the weight of secrets, now echoed with the remnants of last night's passions.

In the kitchen, the housemaid, hummed a gentle tune while tidying up. She paused as her gaze landed on Tae-hyung's car through the window, an amused twinkle in her eyes. The corner of her lips quirked up in a knowing smile.

She fetched her phone from her apron pocket and dialed Mr. Chang. After two rings, his familiar voice greeted her. "Yes, Mrs. Kang?"

"Sir," she began cautiously, "Mr. Choi's car is still outside. It appears he and Ms. Elera didn't leave last night."

There was a brief silence on the other end. Mrs. Kang's hand tightened slightly around the phone, pondering if she had been too forward. But Mr. Chang's voice, serene as ever, reassured her. " It poured for a while last night. They deserve some peace, Mrs. Kang. Give them the morning. Return in the afternoon if there's more to be done."

A soft chuckle escaped her as she replied, "Of course, Sir," and with a final glance at the car outside, she quietly exited the mansion.

Upstairs in the guest bedroom, Tae-hyung and Elera lay entangled in the sheets, deep in slumber. The events of the previous night had left them both emotionally and physically spent, and they welcomed the reprieve that sleep offered.

While they slept In the heart of the city, every television screen in cafes, restaurants, and homes broadcasted the breaking news. The striking face of So-Yeon was plastered across the screen. The headline ran, "Kim Heiress, So-Yeon, Arrested: A Dark Past Revealed?"

The anchorwoman, dressed impeccably in a navy suit, spoke with a mixture of concern and eagerness. "In an unprecedented turn of events, So-Yeon, the heiress of the esteemed Kim family, has been taken into custody for allegedly poisoning her mother. While the motive remains uncertain, sources claim that there's more to the story than meets the eye."

A grainy video clip followed, showing So-Yeon, handcuffed, and being led to a police vehicle. She looked straight ahead, her face partly covered with a black mask. Her eyes looked stoic despite the camera flashes and shouts from the gathered reporters.

The anchorwoman continued, "Eyewitnesses claim that the police found an assortment of suspicious substances at So-Yeon's residence. However, these allegations are yet to be confirmed by official sources."

The screen then shifted to a well-dressed man, presumably an expert or an analyst. "The Kim family has always been in the spotlight," he said, adjusting his tie, "but for their philanthropy and business acumen. This scandal involving So-Yeon is sure to send shockwaves throughout the country."

The news coverage then delved into So-Yeon's past. Old photos surfaced, showcasing her rebellious teenage years, rumored liaisons, and mysterious trips abroad.

As dawn broke, the walls of the detention center sang with the soft murmurs of hushed conversations and footsteps of visitors in and out. In one of the private meeting rooms, So-Yeon sat behind a thick glass partition, her usually immaculate hair disheveled and eyes bloodshot.

"Why can't you get me out of here?" she demanded, her voice laced with frustration.

Mr. Kim, sighed, wiping the lens before placing the set of glasses on. "It's your actions that have led you here, So-Yeon. The family has influence, but this... this is too public, too scandalous."

Before So-Yeon could reply, the door opened, revealing Jae-Hoon. He strolled in, hands nonchalantly tucked in his pockets. His posture was casual. He gestured for Mr. Kim to come closer.