Prologue
“Sometimes, when one door closes, we must remember that another is opening; though it may feel like a heart breaking, it is actually making room for new love.”
Friday, July 28th, 2023. Hongdae, Seoul. 7:00 pm
LeeAn had read those words on her wall a hundred times by now, each time hoping they’d spark some sort of comfort in her broken heart. But a month had passed since Ji Hoon walked out of her life, and still, she couldn’t get out of bed. Her room was a disaster—clothes scattered everywhere, empty food containers piled up, books and papers thrown across the floor.
It was as if the chaos in her room mirrored the chaos in her soul. LeeAn was a mess. She stared up at the ceiling, her eyes swollen from days of crying, replaying that heartbreaking moment over and over in her mind.
"이안아, 나 다른 사람을 사랑하고 있어. 우리 헤어져야 해. LeeAn, I love someone else. We need to break up." Ji Hoon had said it so calmly, so effortlessly.
"왜 이제서야 말해? 내가 뭘 잘못했어? Why are you telling me this now? What did I do wrong?" LeeAn had begged, her voice trembling with disbelief and pain.
"나도 모르겠어... 그냥 너무 힘들어졌어. I don’t know. It just feels too difficult."
그럼 나는 어때? 내가 쉽게 받아들일 수 있을 거 같아?" Lee Ann says, with tears all over her face, anger and sadness mixing. Then what about me? Do you think it's easy for me to accept?
And that was it. No proper explanation. No closure. He just walked away, leaving her with nothing but questions.
"Maybe if we’d spent less time talking about the future and more time living in the present..." she muttered to herself, recalling all the moments they’d talked about marriage, kids, and building a life together. But it was all gone now—like sand slipping through her fingers.
She had tried to keep going. Even as a subtitle translator working from home, she couldn’t focus. Every romantic scene in the movies she was translating felt like a cruel reminder of what she lost. Whenever a cheating scene popped up, she’d scream at the screen, throwing her pillow across the room.
A soft knock on the door interrupted her spiral of self-pity.
"이안아, 아빠야. 언제까지 이렇게 할 거니? LeeAn, it’s Dad. How long are you going to keep doing this? Open the door, please." Mr. Lee’s voice was gentle, but there was sadness in it.
"그만 좀 해. 쟤 미쳤어. Goodness, leave her alone. She’s acting crazy." Mrs. Chu's voice, however, was sharp and fed up. "문 부수고 머리 다 뽑아버릴 거야. I’ll break down that door and pull out all her hair if I have to. Maybe then she’ll come back to her senses."
Just then, the door unlocked with a soft click, and Lee Jun, her older brother, walked in with the spare keys in hand. Their parents exchanged looks, surprised they hadn’t thought of that earlier.
"야, 나와. Hey, come out." Lee Jun’s voice was firm but not harsh.
"나가. 내버려 둬. Get out. Leave me alone." LeeAn’s voice was flat, drained of all emotion.
"빨리 안 나올래? Come out now." Lee Jun didn’t wait for an answer. He grabbed her by the wrist and gently but firmly pulled her up from the bed.
"제발, 그냥 좀 내버려 둬. 정말 아파. Just leave me alone, please. It hurts. It really hurts." LeeAn collapsed to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.
Lee Jun sighed, his heart heavy seeing his little sister like this. _"알아... 알았으니까 나와. I know... I know it hurts, but come on. You need to get out."
With surprising patience, he picked her up and led her outside for a walk, giving her the space to cry freely in the cool evening air.
Meanwhile, inside the house, their parents were still bickering. Mrs. Chu, now pacing around the living room, threw up her hands. "왜 그 생각을 못 했어? Why didn’t you think of that?"
"그럼 너는? What about you?" Mr. Lee shot back, shaking his head. "우린 정말 늙었나 봐. We must really be getting old." She said.
"말도 안 돼, 난 아니야. No way, not me._ He smiled, patting his face. "여전히 이 잘생긴 얼굴에 여자들이 넘어오는데. Ladies still fall for this handsome face."
"뭐? 무슨 여자들이? What? What ladies?" Mrs. Chu's tone shifted, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.
"농담이었어. I was joking." Mr. Lee laughed nervously, trying to dodge the hand that was now smacking his shoulder.
"너도 바람 피우는 거야? Are you cheating on me too?!" Mrs. Chu chased after him, smacking his arm while he dodged playfully, laughing.
"아니야, 제발 믿어 줘! No, please believe me!"
Outside, the evening breeze was cool, and the lively atmosphere of Hongdae was starting to pull LeeAn out of her darkness. As they walked down the vibrant streets of Hongik University, LeeAn couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy at the sight of happy couples, holding hands, laughing, and simply enjoying life.
They walked in silence for a while until Lee Jun nudged her. "야, 울지 마. Hey, stop crying."
"사람들이 오해할 거야. People are going to think I’m the one who made you cry."
LeeAn sniffled, trying to hold back her tears, but her emotions were still raw. She knew her brother was trying to help, but the ache in her chest was hard to ignore.
They ended up on a small bridge overlooking the bustling streets below. LeeAn leaned against the railing, taking a deep breath, feeling the cool air wash over her. Without warning, Lee Jun suddenly shouted, startling her.
"아! Whoa!" LeeAn jumped, her eyes wide. "미쳤어. You’re crazy."
Lee Jun laughed. "해 봐. Try it."
"싫어. 안 해. No, I’m not doing that." LeeAn refused, but she couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips.
Then, suddenly, she let out a loud scream, followed by a string of curses. "젠장! 씨발! Damn it! F***!"
"뭐 하는 거야? 외치라고 했지, 욕하지 말고. What are you doing? I said shout, not curse." Lee Jun chuckled, but joined her anyway, and soon they were both screaming into the night, laughing like kids again.
After a while, the two of them stood there, catching their breath. The tension that had been weighing LeeAn down was starting to lift, even if just a little.
"네가 중요한 얘기 할 줄 알았는데. I thought you were going to give me some deep motivational talk." LeeAn teased, rolling her eyes.
"아니야, 네가 알아서 할 거라고 믿어. No, I trust you to figure it out on your own." Lee Jun smiled, patting her back.
"그리고 사실, 아빠가 자꾸 나 괴롭혀서 그냥 빨리 끝내고 싶었어. And honestly, Dad kept pestering me, so I just wanted to get this over with."
LeeAn snorted. "알았어. 기대 안 했어.;I didn’t expect any less from you."
"너 아빠한테 내가 너한테 상식 가르쳤다고 말해 줘야 해. Just make sure to tell Dad I knocked some sense into you, alright?"
"안 돼. No way." Lee An said. "제발, 5000원 줄게. Come on, I’ll give you 5000 won."
"꼴. Deal." LeeAn grinned, stretching out her hand to grab the money.
But just as she did, Lee Jun took off running, laughing like a madman. "야! 거짓말쟁이! 내 돈 줘! Hey! You liar! Give me my money!" LeeAn shouted, chasing after him, her laughter echoing down the street.
"The worst kind of goodbye is the one never said, but seen in the eyes of someone who meant the world to you."
Notting Hill, London. 10:30am.
It was a bright, sunny morning in Notting Hill, London. The kind of day where the warmth and light almost mocked the heaviness in Oliver’s chest. He stood by the window of his small flat, gazing out over the bustling streets, yet feeling a loneliness that no amount of sunshine could pierce.
“What went wrong, Sam? Why did you just leave?” Oliver muttered, his voice thick with unanswered questions. "Did I ever really know you, Samantha?"
He sighed heavily, turning away from the window to face his desk, which was littered with photos of her. There was one of her laughing, another of her posing for a shot he'd taken in his studio. But amidst the snapshots of a life once shared was the letter—neatly folded but unopened. It sat there like a ticking bomb, the last trace of her.
Oliver walked into the sitting room, where his friend Chandler—"Mav" as he was known—was sprawled on the couch, controller in hand, fingers clicking away on the gamepad. Mav was always a distraction, always there, but even his mindless video games couldn’t pull Oliver out of the fog.
Oliver sighed. Once. Twice. Then again.
Maverick paused the game, one brow raised as he watched his mate wallowing in misery. “Oi, mate. Enough with the sighing. You’ll huff and puff your way through the wall at this rate.”
Oliver collapsed onto the armchair, rubbing his temples. “It’s not that easy, Mav. You wouldn’t get it.”
“Oh, wouldn't I?” Mav muttered as he got up, wandering over to the desk where the infamous letter lay. “This, eh?” He picked it up, waving it around. “Still haven’t opened it, have you?”
Oliver shook his head, burying his face in his hands. “I can’t, mate. I just... can’t.”
Maverick rolled his eyes, waving the letter at Oliver. “Then I’ll do it for you.”
“Don’t!” Oliver practically leapt out of his chair, grabbing the letter and tossing it across the room in a fit of sudden panic. “Don’t, Mav.”
“For God’s sake, Ollie!” Mav’s voice softened, though frustration seeped through. “You can’t keep avoiding it. What are you afraid of, eh?”
Oliver didn’t answer. He just sat back down, hands in his hair, trying to keep the tears at bay. But the pressure in his chest was too much, and he broke down, sobs muffled by his hands.
Mav, never good with feelings, gave him a tentative pat on the shoulder. “Look, mate. I know it’s hard. But she left you, yeah? That’s on her. You didn’t deserve this. She didn’t deserve you.”
“No.” Oliver’s voice cracked as he spoke. “I didn’t deserve her. She had these incredible dreams, and me? I... I didn’t fit into them.”
Maverick sat back down, exasperated. “Oh, right. Here we go with the self-pity again. Look, I reckon I know why you won’t open that letter.”
Oliver looked up, eyes red, and Maverick grabbed the letter from where it had fallen.
“You know once you read this,” Mav continued, “it’s over, innit? Really over. And you’re scared, Ollie. Scared of letting go when that’s exactly what you should be doing.”
There was a long silence. Oliver stared at the letter, then finally reached for it. His hands trembled as he unfolded it and began to read.
Samantha’s words came to life in his head, her voice echoing in the quiet room:
"Dear Oliver,
I hope you understand why I had to write this letter instead of telling you in person. I know it’s cowardly, but I didn’t think I could say these words while looking into your eyes.
I’ve decided to pursue my dreams and move to another state. Modelling has always been my passion, and there’s an opportunity that I can’t pass up. But this decision isn’t just about my career; it’s about my need to find myself and live my life fully.
I’ve thought long and hard about us, Oliver, and I’ve come to the painful realization that I don’t think you’d want to move away with me. You have your whole life figured out here—your photography, your studio, your friends. Your life is perfect, and I’m jealous of that. I’m envious of how you’ve built something so beautiful and stable, something I don’t feel I can match.
It breaks my heart to say this, but I don’t think I’m the one for you. You deserve someone who can be with you completely, who won’t feel lost or overshadowed by your success. I’m sorry, Oliver. I really love you, and that’s why this is so hard. But I need to do this for myself.
I hope one day you’ll understand and forgive me.
With all my love,
Samantha.”
The letter slipped from Oliver’s hand, and he let out a small, bitter laugh, tears still streaming down his face. “You could’ve just told me, Sam... I would’ve supported you.”
His voice cracked as the weight of it all hit him again, and he sank to the floor, sobbing harder now. Maverick sat beside him, watching helplessly, then clapped him on the back. “It’s time, mate. Time to let go, yeah?”
Oliver wiped his tears, forcing a small smile through the pain. “You think?”
“I know.” Mav grinned, pulling Oliver to his feet. “Now come on. You can’t let me sit here playing games on my own, can you?”
Oliver laughed weakly. “I’m trying to grieve here.”
Mav scoffed, already handing him the game controller. “Grieve all you want, mate. But no one died. Sam’s probably off with some new bloke right now, laughing about how she wrote you that heartfelt letter.”
Oliver punched him in the arm, smirking through his tears. “Shut up, Mav.”
Maverick fell onto the couch dramatically, rubbing his arm. “Oi, that’s uncalled for! For what it’s worth, though, I liked her. Good on her for chasing her dreams, but she didn’t have to do it like that.”
“Yeah...” Oliver nodded, sitting back down. “I’m happy for her, I guess.”
“See? Now we know it’s not your fault,” Mav said, picking up his own controller. “Though I’d bet you thought it was.”
Oliver narrowed his eyes. “Alright, that’s enough!”
In a flash, Oliver dropped the controller and pounced on Mav, playfully wrestling him to the ground as they both laughed and bickered. The familiar chaos was a welcome distraction from the ache in his heart.
Both Ollie and Lee An found themselves yearning for something more, real love, true love. Unbeknownst to them, the universe was already at work, conspiring to bring them together.
Now, how would Oliver and Lee An meet. They are thousands of miles away from each other, approximately 5,521 miles away.
Nestled on the enchanting Whidbey Island, Serendipity Springs is a quaint and whimsical town that seems to exist outside the bounds of time. The town is a mosaic of vibrant, colorful cottages, cobblestone streets, and blooming gardens that evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder. The air is perpetually filled with the scent of lavender and sea breeze, as if nature itself conspired to create the perfect backdrop for romance.
At the heart of Serendipity Springs lies the legendary Serendipity Fountain, believed by locals to possess magical properties. Legend has it that those who toss a coin into the fountain and make a wish will have their deepest desires come true, especially in matters of the heart. The fountain is surrounded by lush willow trees and blooming flowers, creating a serene oasis where many love stories have begun.
The town is famous for its annual Festival of Quirks, a celebration of love, laughter, and eccentricity that draws visitors from far and wide. During the festival, the streets come alive with music, dance, and whimsical events like rubber duck races and synchronized dancing competitions. It's said that the festival has been the backdrop for countless serendipitous encounters and romantic adventures.
Serendipity Springs is a place where love seems to flourish effortlessly. Many couples who visit find themselves falling under the town's spell, leading to spontaneous proposals, rekindled romances, and new beginnings. The town's history is rich with tales of lovers who found their way to each other amidst the charming chaos of the Festival of Quirks or during a quiet moment by the Serendipity Fountain.
Locals often share stories of the town's most famous romances—like the couple who met at the fountain during a rainstorm and danced together under the willow trees, or the pair who discovered their love during a heated rubber duck race. Each story adds to the town's mystique, reinforcing the belief that Serendipity Springs is a place where dreams of love truly come to life.
Visitors leave Serendipity Springs with hearts full of hope and memories that last a lifetime, knowing they've been part of something magical. The town remains a timeless haven where love stories are written, and where the unexpected joys of serendipity turn strangers into soulmates.
Whidbey Island, USA. 2:40am.
It was midnight in Serendipity Springs. A cool breeze blew through the window of a small, cozy house. Zara and Zora, twin sisters, sat by the fireplace, wrapped in blankets, sipping hot tea. The flickering flames cast a warm glow over their familiar surroundings, filled with books, mystical artifacts, and a large, enchanted globe on a pedestal.
The sisters were famous for their fortune-telling on the island and were known for bringing people together, making love stories and dreams come true. Tonight, their attention was drawn to the magical globe, which shimmered and swirled with colors.
Zara leaned forward, her eyes narrowing as she focused on the globe. “Look, Zora. Do you see them?”
Zora nodded, a smile forming on her lips. “Yes, Oliver in London and Lee An in South Korea. Both yearning for love, both searching for something they’ve lost.”
The globe showed Oliver standing in his photography studio in Notting Hill, London, staring wistfully at a photograph. Thousands of miles away, in Hongdae, Seoul, Lee An sat by her window, lost in thought, the city lights reflecting her melancholy.
Zara and Zora exchanged a knowing glance. “It’s time to bring them to Serendipity Springs,” Zara said.
“But who goes where?” Zora pondered, a playful glint in her eye.
Zara chuckled. “Only one way to decide.” She held out her hand, and Zora did the same. “Rock, paper, scissors!”
They played three quick rounds, laughter filling the room. Zara’s rock finally crushed Zora’s scissors.
“Looks like I’m heading to South Korea,” Zara declared with a grin.
“And I’ll take London,” Zora replied, her smile just as wide.
With their destinations decided, the sisters prepared to set their plans into motion, knowing that Oliver and Lee An’s paths would soon converge in the magical town of Serendipity Springs, where love stories and dreams always came true.
