Kim Taehyung was the cherished daughter of one of Korea’s wealthiest men. Her father was a powerful figure in the business world, and the Kim family’s influence was rivaled only by the Jeons. Together, the Kims and Jeons were almost like royalty, their names whispered in every corner of society, their lives idolized and scrutinized in equal measure. As the Kims’ only daughter, Taehyung was often called a "princess," embodying grace, intelligence, and beauty in a way that only heightened her family’s prestige.
Growing up, she and Jeon Eunwoo, the Jeon family heir, had been neighbors. Their parents had long been business partners, bound by a relationship that extended beyond contracts and boardrooms. Because of this closeness, Taehyung and Eunwoo had known each other since childhood. Yet despite the friendship expected of them, Taehyung never truly liked Eunwoo. He was spoiled and arrogant, accustomed to wielding his family’s influence like a weapon, demanding respect without earning it.
But Taehyung, out of politeness and family obligation, never showed her discontent openly. When Eunwoo came over to play or study, she entertained him, helped him with his homework, and endured his insufferable attitude. She was always the top student, naturally gifted and hardworking, while Eunwoo was indifferent, skating through school on his family’s name and privileges.
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Today was Taehyung's wedding day, a day meant to be filled with joy and new beginnings. She stood in her dressing room, draped in an exquisite white gown, a one-of-a-kind creation her mother had personally chosen from an exclusive boutique. The dress flowed around her like a dream, delicate lace interwoven with intricate embroidery that sparkled under the light. She couldn’t help but feel a quiet thrill, she had adored this dress from the moment her eyes landed on it, and wearing it now felt surreal.
Her makeup artist—a renowned professional known for subtle, timeless looks—worked with gentle precision, though Taehyung hardly needed makeup to enhance her beauty. Her features were naturally striking, soft yet unforgettable, but a few sleepless nights of wedding nerves had left faint shadows beneath her eyes. The artist carefully concealed the dark circles, blending skillfully to maintain Taehyung's effortless radiance. Looking into the mirror, Taehyung felt a strange mixture of joy and nostalgia—a whirlwind of emotions, each one more poignant than the last.
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As the time for the ceremony approached, a sudden knock at the door broke her thoughts. She looked up, puzzled, as her mother just went outside a few minute ago, so wondering who would seek her out so close to the start of the wedding now. When she opened the door, her confusion deepened.
There stood Eunwoo, with Lisa by his side. Lisa, the daughter of one of the Kims’ household maids, had been a familiar presence throughout Taehyung's life. Her family had been kind enough to sponsor Lisa’s education, allowing her to attend the same prestigious high school and university as Taehyung and Eunwoo.
Despite their differences, Taehyung had always treated her with respect. Yet, even in their school days, Taehyung had noticed Lisa’s habit of clinging to Eunwoo, always seeking his attention under the guise of asking for help with studies—an oddity, given that Eunwoo’s academic abilities were mediocre at best.
Now, seeing them together— She took a deep breath, annyoned seeing them now, stand in front of them with a blank expression.
Eunwoo had vanished for nearly three weeks without a word, leaving both families and her wondering what could have happened to him. And now, here he was, on her wedding day, brazenly showing up hand-in-hand with Lisa—who is wearing a bride’s dress, no less.
Lisa, who had always played the part of the timid, shy girl, peeked out from behind Eunwoo with an almost pitiful expression, as if she were the one wronged. The audacity left Taehyung silent, her gaze turning steely as she waited for an explanation.
