Opposites Attract

Chapter 04

LISA'S POV

As I stepped out of the car, I felt the familiar ache of a long day settling into my bones. My driver offered his hand, helping me out, and I nodded a soft thank you before heading toward the entrance of my family's house. It's enormous, as grand as you'd expect, but every time I step inside, it feels almost hollow. Empty. Even with all the decor, it's hard to shake the feeling that something's missing.

With a quiet sigh, I climbed the sweeping staircase, looking forward to escaping into my room. Just as I reached halfway, I heard a familiar voice call out, "Sweetheart!"

I stopped and looked back down to see my mom at the bottom of the stairs, smiling warmly up at me. It wasn't often that I got to see her at home like this, and for a moment, her expression softened the edges of my fatigue.

"You're home," she said, her smile widening as she took in my tired expression. "How was your day?"

"I didn't know anyone would be home," I replied with an apologetic smile, feeling a slight pang of guilt for not letting her know. She waved it off with a small laugh.

"It's fine. Go get changed and freshen up-I'll have dinner ready," she said with a gentle nod toward my room.

I nodded in return, too exhausted to say much more, and continued up the stairs. Once in my room, I threw myself onto the bed, letting the plush mattress absorb my tiredness. I closed my eyes, almost drifting off right there. But the soft rumble of my stomach was a sharp reminder that sleep would have to wait.

Reluctantly, I dragged myself up, deciding on a quick shower to refresh. I turned the water to a soothing warm temperature, letting it wash away the stress of the day. After drying off, I slipped into some comfortable clothes and made my way downstairs, feeling a little more awake.

The dining room was laid out with a spread of food, filling the room with a comforting warmth. I took a seat, and after a moment, Mom joined me, reminding me to wait for Dad. I sighed, nodding obediently. Family dinners had always been a rule in our house, even if they were rare with our schedules.

My phone buzzed, and I glanced down to see Taehyung's name lighting up my screen. Instinctively, a small smile crept onto my face as I opened his message.

Mom noticed, her gaze softening. "Is that Taehyung?"

I looked up, nodding without hesitation. "Yeah," I replied with a smile before turning my attention back to his message. Even just these small texts from him made my heart feel lighter, especially after a day like this.

We chatted back and forth, his words making me chuckle quietly. Just then, I heard familiar footsteps approaching behind me. I quickly turned off my phone, placing it face down on the table as Dad entered the room. He walked over, giving me a kiss on the cheek as he sat at the head of the table.

"Sweety, how was your day?" he asked with a warmth that only appeared during these rare family moments.

"Fine," I answered simply, smiling back at him. It wasn't like there was much to say about the day-at least, nothing that felt worth sharing.

We began eating, and Dad asked, "Anything interesting happen?"

I thought for a moment, running through the day in my head, but nothing came to mind. "Not really," I replied, shaking my head.

He looked at me with an approving nod before steering the conversation to something that was becoming a common topic at these dinners. "How's school? I hope you're still at the top of your class."

"Highest scores," I confirmed, already knowing where this was heading.

He nodded again, looking pleased, but then he added, "Good. That's what I expect if you're going to take over the company one day. You know, it's what you have to do to be the next heir of the Manoban Company."

I felt the familiar weight settle over me. I'd had this conversation too many times to count. I rolled my eyes, trying to keep my tone light. "Dad, I've told you, I don't want to do it."

He sighed, glancing at me with a slight frown. "Lisa, you're the only child. I didn't have a choice either, you know. Your grandfather gave it to me instead of your uncle, and now it's my responsibility to pass it down to you. That's how it works in our family."

"Yeah, I know," I muttered, looking down at my plate. It was true. I was the only child, the only possible heir to the company. But that didn't mean I was ready, or even wanted it.

Dad continued, almost as if he hadn't heard me. "You'll be the first female heir to the Manoban Company, Lisa. It's a big responsibility, but you're capable of handling it. You're strong, smart-"

I let his words fade into the background, the familiar speech replaying in my head. He always believed in me, I knew that. But it was hard not to feel like I was being forced into a mold that didn't fit. I had spent years trying to change his mind, even suggesting my cousin, who was studying business management and seemed far more suited to the role. But Dad always refused, convinced that it had to be me.

Last year, I had almost given up entirely. I had started working harder in school, in business courses, telling myself that maybe it was just easier to accept it. After all, what other choice did I have? I still didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, not really. It felt like there was nothing else waiting for me. So maybe it was better to take the opportunity I already had, even if it felt more like a cage than an open door.

But some part of me still resisted. As Dad continued talking, I forced myself to smile and nod, but my mind wandered to Taehyung. He was so different from this world of business and legacy. When I was with him, everything felt simpler, like I didn't have to live up to a legacy or be the perfect daughter. I could just be...me.

Once dinner was over, I excused myself, heading back to my room. I sprawled onto my bed, letting out a deep sigh. My phone buzzed again, and I saw another message from Taehyung.

"Are you free tomorrow? Thought we could escape for a bit, maybe hit that spot by the river."

I smiled, feeling my heart lighten. The thought of spending time with him, away from everything else, was exactly what I needed.

"Definitely. Can't wait." I replied, already feeling the anticipation of tomorrow.

Me and him, are definitely opposite, everyone knows that, even him. We mostly fight because of our differences. Whatever he liked, I hated it and vice versa, even our personality, he is more kind, meanwhile I get irritated easily even if they talk to me kindly.

Sometimes I hate myself for it, but I can't control myself all the time, I hate letting all my frustrations on others, Taehyung knows about my family situation and he always supported me like always giving me encouraging words.

Lately I know I have been acting different and maybe because the thought of being a CEO in a few years is starting to get more into my thoughts.

I kept it for myself, I don't want to involve others into my problems, especially Taehyung.

That's how different we are, Taehyung is an opened book, he is always honest and opened about his feelings to his close friends, meanwhile me, I'm a book without any word wrote inside.

I sighed at the thought of my relationship with him, it's also strange for me to be with him, but love is the thing that's connecting the two of us.

I smiled, that was the only positive thing in all this situation. Maybe one day I'll be able to be like him, slowly.

Laying back on my bed, I let myself imagine a future, just for a moment, where I wasn't weighed down by expectations or obligations. A life where I was free to choose my path. And maybe, with Taehyung by my side, that future didn't feel so impossible.