THE HEIRS

Chapter 2

As the siblings gather around the lavishly set dining table, an air of anticipation hangs heavy in the air, each moment of uncertainty punctuated by the meticulous attention to detail in preparation for their oldest sister’s arrival.

The hushed anticipation is broken by the arrival of Butler Choi, signaling Minha’s impending presence.

The siblings, including the visibly anxious Eunchae, sit with rigid postures, their collective apprehension palpable as they await the entrance of the family’s heir.

With a quiet grace that belies her imposing presence, Minha makes her entrance, each step a measured stride that commands respect and deference from her younger siblings. The synchronized rising and seating of the siblings mirrors the unspoken hierarchy that governs their familial interactions, setting the stage for a dinner that, despite the elaborate preparations, teeters on the brink of unease.

The delicate equilibrium is shattered as Eunchae’s cough reverberates through the dining room, cutting through the silence like a jagged shard of discord.

The siblings exchange nervous glances, acutely aware of Minha’s disdain for disruptions during mealtime, and the impending consequence hangs heavy in the air.

Amidst Eunchae’s tears and distress, Minha’s chilling inquiry echoes through the room, “Are you sick?” her cold voice a stark contrast to the familial warmth that the younger siblings yearn for. The weight of Minha’s words sends a shiver down their spines, rendering them speechless in the face of her steely gaze.

Just as tension mounts to its peak, a surprising turn of events unfolds as Minha rises abruptly from her seat, an inscrutable expression clouding her features.

Butler Choi’s knowing smile offers a glimmer of reassurance to the worried siblings, hinting at an understanding of Minha’s enigmatic ways forged through years of dedicated service to the Kim family.

With a silent command, Minha leads Eunchae away from the table and towards her private sanctuary, leaving a trail of unease and unanswered questions in her wake.

Seated in the sanctuary’s quiet embrace, Eunchae watches silently as Minha retrieves a stethoscope from the drawer, a telltale instrument of diagnosis that signals a thorough examination to come. Eunchae’s mood is subdued, her body weary from the persistent coughing and labored breathing that have marked her evening thus far.

With a cool and calculated air, Minha places the cold disc of the stethoscope upon Eunchae’s chest and back, her movements precise and methodical as she listens for the subtle nuances that may reveal the state of Eunchae’s respiratory health. The stillness of the room amplifies the weight of Minha’s clinical assessment, her demeanor distant yet focused on the task at hand.

“The severity of your cough concerns me. Tomorrow, you shall remain at home under Butler Choi’s care. He will attend to your needs,” Minha’s words, though devoid of warmth, convey a sense of duty and responsibility towards her younger sister, underscoring her commitment to ensuring Eunchae’s well-being.

As she carefully tucks away the stethoscope, Minha’s gaze holds a hint of distant concern, her features softened by a fleeting moment of empathy. “I hope this isn’t indicative of a chest infection. Keep hydrated and avoid indulging in snacks,” Minha’s instructions, delivered with a hint of detachment, carry a note of caution and practicality, reflecting her pragmatic approach to caregiving.

Eunchae, weighed down by the toll of her ailment and Minha’s clinical evaluation, responds with a quiet acquiescence, recognizing the fleeting glimpse of care beneath her sister’s reserved exterior.