The Price Of Redemption

10.

2024:

"Finally, you're back!" the taller girl exclaimed, pulling her sister into a tight hug, with Minji clinging onto her like a koala. Hyein, feeling slightly embarrassed by the over-the-top affection, could only chuckle awkwardly as another figure standing nearby watched the scene with a warm smile.

"It's been ages!" Minji pouted, still refusing to let go of her sister. Hyein squirmed a little, trying to play it cool under the loving but excessive display.

After what felt like an eternity, Minji finally released her grip and turned to the figure beside her, introducing them. "Hyein, this is Hanni. And Hanni, this is Hyein, my sister," she said, motioning her hand between them with a proud grin.

"Nice to finally meet you, Hyein. Minji told me a lot about you," Hanni said, offering her hand with a bright, sincere smile.

Hyein smiled back and shook Hanni's hand. "Nice to meet you too, Hanni."

As the three walked towards Hyein's car, Minji chattered away about random things, her excitement bubbling over as usual. Hyein, only half-listening to her sister's animated ramblings, noticed something off about Hanni. The bunny girl was staring intently at her phone, the glow of the screen reflecting on her face. Curious, Hyein discreetly glanced over, noticing dozens of unanswered blue text messages in the chat. A small frown crept onto Hanni's face, a look of quiet sadness that Hyein couldn't ignore.

"Is she waiting for a reply?" Hyein thought, her heart tightening at the sight of Hanni's expression. Unable to hold back her curiosity any longer, Hyein suddenly blurted out, "Why do you even like her?"

Minji stopped mid-sentence, both she and Hanni raising their eyebrows at the unexpected question, while Hyein mentally kicked herself for being so blunt.

The meeting at Taehyung's office had gone well. Dani and Taehyung discussed the engagement, with him explaining that the event was set to take place in a month. After the engagement, Dani would be expected to live at the Kang mansion for the duration of the deal. Taehyung had assured her she would have her own room and that getting along with Soobin wasn't necessary—only putting on a convincing act in front of the media mattered.

After the talk, he offered to have lunch with her at Kang's residence. Dani didn't want to accept at first, but the man was quite nice to her, so she eventually agreed. He didn't have the typical attitude that rich people often do, and he didn't look down on others. However, he didn't like people asking personal questions about his family. That was why he got a little mad at the mixed girl the night they made the two shocking announcements, but even then, he wasn't rude, just stern. Back at the Kang mansion, the warm hug he gave her wasn't an act—he genuinely had a soft spot for her, and that's what intrigued Dani.

Dani and Taehyung were having lunch in the royal dining room of the Kang mansion. As Dani ate, she couldn't help but watch Taehyung, who was elegantly enjoying his own meal. Noticing her gaze, he smiled and asked, "Is there something on my face? You've been staring for a while, Danielle," he said, wiping his mouth with a napkin.

Dani felt a little embarrassed as she snapped back to reality. She cleared her throat and took a bite of the lavish steak in front of her. "No, no, uncle, it's just..." she hesitated.

"Yes?" he asked, encouraging her to continue.

"I don't get it sometimes. I know the engagement is just for show, but you being all kind to me, even when no one else is around. I don't understand why," Dani blurted out, dropping her utensils.