Unfated Lovers

Chapter 9: Inescapable Ties

Hana's apartment was a quiet sanctuary, filled with memories both bitter and sweet. Scattered photographs from her years in school, her favorite books, and a few trinkets from travels she'd taken over the years adorned the shelves and walls. It was her space, a place she'd fought hard to build and maintain, away from the suffocating expectations of her family.

But that peace shattered the moment her phone rang, her mother's name flashing on the screen.

Hana stared at it for a few seconds, a familiar knot tightening in her stomach. She knew exactly what her mother would say, even before she answered. With a resigned sigh, she picked up the call.

"Hana," her mother's voice was brisk and cold, carrying that familiar edge of impatience. "I need you to come home."

Hana leaned back against the couch, pressing her fingertips to her forehead. "Mom, we've talked about this. I have my own job, my own life here. And remember, I've swore not to return as long as you're alive"

"I'm not calling for a discussion," her mother replied, her tone brooking no argument. "The company's in crisis. Our PR team can't handle the backlash, and your uncle is... well, he can't handle it alone. You're needed here."

The words stung, each one like a barb embedding itself deeper. Hana felt the weight of her mother's expectations bearing down on her, squeezing her chest until it hurt to breathe. This wasn't the first time her family had summoned her back, calling her away from her life and dreams, demanding she fall in line for the sake of the family business.

"What about my own career?" Hana managed, her voice barely above a whisper. "What about the life I've built here?"

"You can't build anything real without family," her mother replied, her tone softer, almost pitying. "You know that as well as I do."

The call ended before Hana could respond, her mother's words echoing in her mind long after the line went dead. She dropped the phone onto the couch beside her and ran her hands over her face, letting out a low, frustrated groan.

Just then, a soft knock at the door broke through the silence, pulling her from her thoughts. It was Yumi.

Seeing her was a relief, a calming presence in the midst of her internal storm. Yumi's face lit up as she stepped inside, a gentle smile gracing her lips. But her expression shifted the moment she noticed Hana's drawn face, the tension in her shoulders.

"Hana," she said softly, reaching out to touch Hana's arm. "Are you okay?"

Hana gave a bitter laugh, glancing away. "Define 'okay.'"

Yumi didn't say anything, just sat down beside her, waiting patiently. The understanding in her gaze encouraged Hana to open up, to release the frustration that had been brewing inside her.

"It's my mother," Hana started, her voice low and weary. "She's demanding I come back to help with the family business. Apparently, there's some crisis that only I can fix."