Shadows Of Stardom

Chapter 16 (THE PAST)

NINE YEARS AGO

“Mom, let’s give this a try!” I said, excitedly pointing at a delicious treat on a stick. 

“Are you in the mood for Tteokbokki: Spicy Stir-fried Rice Cakes?” she asked, and I eagerly nodded, my hunger clear. After quickly finishing her snack, she bought one for me and then got another for herself.

Meanwhile, Chan was finishing his Soondae, a Korean Sausage from the food stall, while Dad and San enjoyed Dakkochi, barbecued chicken on a stick coated in a sweet and spicy glaze, having already sampled everything else the stall offered. 

At that moment, we were on a culinary adventure, trying every Korean street food we could find. It was our first family outing to the lively Seoul market, and we were thoroughly enjoying the experience of discovering new flavours and collecting all the treats we could.

I had a solid grasp of Korean, thanks to the vivid memories from my early years in Korea, while Chan found it difficult to construct even the simplest sentences. I couldn't help but tease him about it constantly. San, on the other hand, understood the language but had a noticeable accent that affected his pronunciation—a characteristic he still possessed.

Mom and Dad often reminisced fondly about their youthful escape to Korea. Mom once shared their love story with me, which felt like something out of a forbidden romance film. Dad's family worked for hers, and they eloped during her engagement, eventually making their way to New Zealand. It was undoubtedly a tale filled with passion and adventure.

My childhood was far from ideal. Even at just five years old, I held onto memories of my past, and it was painful to think about my biological family, even after being adopted. Each of their faces was firmly etched in my mind.

“Mom, I’m going to the restroom,” I said while she was busy grocery shopping at the mall. My dad and brothers were off gathering other household items. 
“Sure, let’s go,” she replied, guiding me toward the washroom.

"I'm going to stay right here," she announced as we arrived. I nodded in agreement and slipped into the restroom to collect myself. While I was in the stall, a sudden voice shattered the silence, sending a wave of fear through me.

"I still haven't found her!" the voice erupted, filled with rage. "It's been almost ten years, and I can't track down that worthless piece of trash who took my brother from me!" My aunt's voice echoed in my mind, a haunting reminder of the past.

Paralyzed with fear, I couldn't bring myself to leave the stall. Terror gripped me—what if she saw me? What if she decided to unleash her fury on me?

"I went to the orphanage she was sent to yesterday," she continued, and my heart raced in panic. She was on my trail... getting closer.

"I couldn't find out any information about where she is," she shouted into the phone, her tone devoid of compassion.

"All I know is that some crazy, wealthy family from overseas adopted her." The bitterness in my Aunt Seo-Lim's voice was palpable, a reflection of her simmering rage directed at me.

She was searching for me, and I was just a stall away...

"I couldn't uncover their name because it's confidential," she said, her voice trailing off ominously.

"But mark my words... once I find that little brat of a niece, I’ll make her life a living hell. And when I’m done, I’ll end her life and feed her remains to the dogs." Her words dripped with a chilling determination that sent icy tendrils of dread spiralling down my spine.