Twisted Ties

Chapter 3

~Park Y/N~

That night, I dragged myself into my penthouse, the weight of the day's endless meetings and responsibilities pressing down on me. Being the CEO of PARK ENTERPRISES meant dealing with constant demands—from intense conferences to tough decisions, the pressure was relentless. I kicked off my heels, the cold floor a stark contrast to the tension still simmering inside me, and headed straight to my enormous closet.

I peeled off my stiff business attire, replacing it with just a soft oversized sweater. The fabric felt like a small comfort, barely enough to ease the strain of the day. I glanced around my vast closet, packed with designer clothes and accessories—a testament to the life I had crafted, one that was now being interrupted by an unwelcome summons.

I forced myself to start packing, each piece I added to the suitcase felt heavier, not just because of its physical weight but because of what it symbolized. The family mansion loomed in my mind, a place filled with cold memories and unresolved resentments. Sana had informed me that my father demanded I stay for at least two weeks. Two long weeks of tense silence, icy glares, and unspoken accusations.

As I zipped up the suitcase, a shiver ran down my spine. The very thought of returning to that house was enough to unsettle me. The drive there would be long, the air in the mansion would feel suffocating, and the shadows of the past would be unavoidable. But I had to go. There was no other choice.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. The day had been exhausting, but the road ahead seemed even more daunting. I braced myself for the emotional battle that awaited. The cracks beneath the surface might be there, but I wouldn't let them show. Not now. Not ever.

After checking that I had packed everything I might need, I collapsed onto my bed for a moment, staring at the ceiling. The familiar comfort of my home felt almost mocking, knowing that I would soon be leaving it behind. I pulled myself up, knowing there was no time to wallow in dread. There were still things to be done—emails to send, calls to make, the perpetual march of responsibilities that never seemed to end.

I walked to the living room, its expansive windows offering a breathtaking view of the city skyline. Night had fallen, and the city lights twinkled like distant stars. It was beautiful and almost serene, a sharp contrast to the turmoil I felt inside. As I looked out at the city, I couldn't help but wonder what awaited me at the mansion. Why had my father summoned me now, after all these years of silence and resentment? What could possibly be so urgent?

The questions swirled in my mind as I made my way back to the bedroom. The mansion was filled with ghosts of the past—memories I had tried to leave behind. But now, I had no choice but to face them.

I glanced at the clock. It was getting late, and I needed to rest before the long drive tomorrow. I climbed into bed, pulling the covers over me, but sleep was elusive. The weight of the upcoming visit pressed heavily on my mind. I knew I had to be strong, to keep up the façade of the unshakable CEO, even when facing my father and the cold memories of the past.

As I finally drifted off to sleep, I resolved to face whatever awaited me at the mansion head-on. The road ahead was uncertain, and the emotional battle would be taxing, but I would confront it just as I had confronted every challenge in my life—with determination and strength.

...

The next day, I woke up far earlier than I intended. The sun hadn't even risen yet, and the city lights outside my window were still twinkling in the predawn darkness. I groggily glanced at the clock, realizing I had woken up out of sheer force of habit. With a sigh, I decided to make the most of the early morning hours.