𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

2- Homecoming

The sun began its descent in the Seoul sky, casting a warm golden hue over the city. In the distance, the skyline glittered with the wealth and power that defined the metropolis. Among the luxury cars that populated the streets, one in particular made its way through the gates of an expansive mansion. The vehicle was sleek and black, reflecting the opulence of its surroundings.

The car smoothly glided down the driveway, passing meticulously manicured gardens and a grand fountain that sprayed water in delicate arcs. The mansion, with its grand façade and towering columns, stood as a testament to old-money elegance. This was a place where history and wealth intertwined seamlessly, a place that had been home to the Lee family for generations.

As the car came to a stop before the massive front doors, a young woman inside took a deep breath, her heart swelling with nostalgia. She hadn’t set foot here since she was 14. Now, at 18, she was returning to Seoul, to the place where her childhood had unfolded, though she had spent the last seven years in London.

The door opened, and out stepped Lee Hera, her aura immediately commanding attention. Her beauty was undeniable, the delicate features she had always possessed now enhanced with the polished confidence of a London upbringing. She had grown up in luxury, but the charm she now exuded was something different—sophisticated, with a hint of the cosmopolitan life she had lived abroad. Her long, dark hair flowed effortlessly over her shoulders, framing a face that was both striking and serene.

As she looked around, taking in the sight of the mansion, memories flooded back—playing in the garden, sneaking into the kitchen for treats, and her parents always being away on business trips, yet making time for her whenever they could. The Hannam Group, the family business, was colossal, its reach spanning continents. Her parents were powerful figures, constantly on the move, but they had never let Hera feel neglected. They had made sure she knew she was their top priority, despite their hectic schedules.

Servants hurried to gather her bags from the car, bowing respectfully as they passed. Hera gave them a small smile, polite but distant, as her attention was fully absorbed by the mansion. It hadn’t changed at all, still pristine, still the home she remembered so vividly.

As she walked through the grand front doors, her footsteps echoed softly on the marble floor. The interior was just as she remembered—tasteful luxury at every turn. The large chandelier hung majestically in the entrance hall, casting shimmering light over the polished floors. The air smelled faintly of lavender, a scent that immediately made her feel at home.

She stepped into the main living room, where the sunlight filtered through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the plush furniture and intricate decorations. But it wasn’t the room’s beauty that caught Hera’s attention. Sitting on the elegant sofa, with a book in her lap and a gentle smile on her face, was an elderly woman who Hera hadn’t seen in person for years.

“Grandma…” Hera whispered, her voice tinged with emotion.

The elderly woman looked up, her eyes softening as they met Hera’s. “Hera, my dear. You’re finally home.”

Hera’s heart constricted with a mix of joy and sadness. She had spoken to her grandmother countless times over the phone, had seen her through video calls, but nothing compared to seeing her in person again. Hera hurried over, kneeling beside the sofa to hug her grandmother tightly.

“Grandma, I’ve missed you so much,” Hera said, her voice breaking slightly.

Her grandmother stroked her hair lovingly. “I’ve missed you too, Hera. It’s been too long.”

Tears welled up in Hera’s eyes as she felt the warmth and comfort of her grandmother’s embrace. No amount of virtual contact could ever replace the real thing. “You look just the same,” she murmured, pulling back slightly to look at her grandmother’s face.