The Next Day – Departing for Seoul
Morning light spilled across the grand estate as everyone prepared for their departure to Seoul.
The household buzzed with activity—luggage being hauled to the cars, Ji-hyun's excited chatter filling the halls, and Samantha’s sharp commands cutting through the air.
Sophia moved quietly, her heart heavy with an inexplicable mix of emotions. Crystal lingered nearby, helping her pack the few belongings she was bringing.
"You’ll write to me, right?" Crystal asked softly, folding one of Sophia’s blouses.
Sophia smiled faintly. "Of course, I will. Every chance I get."
As the clock ticked closer to their departure, Samantha’s presence became increasingly unbearable.
She stormed into the living room just as Sophia walked in, her eyes narrowing with disdain.
“Really, Sophia?” Samantha began, her voice sharp as a blade. “A maid playing secretary. It’s laughable. Did you think this little charade would last?”
Sophia froze, her chest tightening. Everyone in the room turned to watch the confrontation, their gazes heavy.
Ji-hyun glared at Samantha, opening her mouth to retaliate, but Sophia shook her head, silently pleading with her to stay quiet.
Samantha smirked, stepping closer. “You’re nothing, Sophia. Nothing but a pity case Mr. Lee took in to amuse himself.”
Tears welled in Sophia’s eyes, but before she could crumble, a deep, commanding voice sliced through the tension.
“That’s enough.”
All eyes turned to Mr. Lee, who stood at the doorway, his presence dominating the room. His expression was icy, his tone deadly calm.
“Samantha, if you ever speak to her like that again, I’ll ensure you regret it,” he said, his words laced with authority that left no room for argument.
Samantha’s mouth fell open, stunned into silence.
Before anyone could process what had happened, Mr. Lee crossed the room and stood in front of Sophia.
Without a word, he pulled her into an unexpected hug, his arms firm yet gentle around her.
Sophia stiffened in shock, but his warmth—contrasted with his usual cold demeanor—was oddly comforting.
“You’re coming with us, Sophia,” he said quietly, but loud enough for everyone to hear. “And nothing she says will change that.”
Sophia blinked back tears, nodding against his chest. Samantha stood frozen, her face a mix of disbelief and fury.
Ji-hyun, standing nearby, gave Samantha a pointed glare that could’ve melted ice. Once Mr. Lee released Sophia, Ji-hyun rushed to her side and whispered, “She’s just bitter because no one likes her. Don’t let her get to you.”
Sophia gave her a small, grateful smile.
---
Crystal stood by the car, wiping tears from her eyes as the group prepared to leave.
“I’ll miss you,” she whispered to Sophia, pulling her into a warm hug. “But you’ll be amazing, I know it.”
Sophia hugged her tightly, her own eyes welling up. “I’ll miss you too, Crystal. I promise I’ll keep in touch.”
Ji-hyun joined them, wrapping her small arms around both women in a heartfelt embrace. “Don’t cry too much, Crystal. We’ll all be back before you know it!”
Crystal laughed softly, stepping back and sniffing. “Take care of her,” she said to Ji-hyun, who nodded confidently.
---
The ride to the airport was quiet, Sophia’s mind a whirlwind of thoughts.
When they arrived, the enormity of the terminal overwhelmed her. She lingered behind the others, watching people rush past with an unease she couldn’t shake.
Ji-hyun tugged her hand playfully. “Come on, Sophia! It’s not scary. It’s exciting!”
Sophia managed a weak smile, but her stomach churned as they approached the boarding gate.
“You’ve never flown before, have you?” Ji-hyun asked, her voice softer now.
Sophia shook her head. “No. I’m… I’m a little nervous.”
Before Ji-hyun could respond, Mr. Lee appeared beside them. He observed Sophia for a moment, then said, “You’ll be fine.”
Sophia tried to nod, but the apprehension in her eyes betrayed her.
As they boarded the plane, her anxiety grew. The narrow aisle, the rows of seats, the hum of the engines—it was all too much.
When they settled into their seats, Sophia sat stiffly, her hands clenched in her lap. She stared out the window, her heart racing.
“You’re overthinking it,” Mr. Lee said, his voice breaking through her spiral of thoughts.
“I can’t help it,” she whispered, avoiding his gaze.
He sighed, then reached over, gently guiding her head to rest on his shoulder.
“Close your eyes,” he said softly. “First tries don’t hurt as much as you think.”
His words were unexpectedly soothing.
The warmth of his shoulder, the steadiness of his voice—it calmed her in a way she didn’t expect.
Sophia hesitated but eventually closed her eyes, her breathing evening out as the plane began to taxi down the runway.
From her seat across the aisle, Ji-hyun watched the scene with a knowing smile. “He’s not as cold as he pretends to be,” she thought to herself.
As the plane ascended into the sky, Sophia’s fear ebbed away. The steady rhythm of Mr. Lee’s breathing and the subtle way his arm shielded her from the outside world made her feel safe for the first time in a long while.
---
By the time the plane leveled out, Sophia had relaxed enough to sit up. She glanced at Mr. Lee, her cheeks slightly flushed. “Thank you,” she murmured.
He didn’t respond, but the faintest hint of a smirk played at the corners of his lips.
Ji-hyun leaned over with a teasing grin. “See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
Sophia chuckled lightly. “Not as bad as I thought.”
As the flight continued, the group settled into a comfortable rhythm. But beneath the surface, the threads of their relationships were tightening—binding them together in ways none of them fully understood yet.
The journey to Seoul had begun, and with it, a chapter that would forever change their lives.
YOU ARE READING
SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)
Romance"Beyond Shadows" In a world where darkness reigns, a young orphan's dreams of becoming a veterinarian are shattered by her aunt's cruelty. But when she's drawn into the mysterious world of enigmatic Mr. Lee - a powerful figure rumored to be "more th...
