Chapter 1
AUTHOR POV ..
The girl with brown hair, wearing a formal outfit, entered the company. She glanced around and saw everyone minding their own business. Silently, she made her way towards the elevator and pressed the button. A few people entered, and the elevator doors shut.
She pressed the button for the 6th floor, and after a few seconds, the elevator doors opened. A few people got out of the elevator along with her. She made her way towards her cabin, but some girls stopped her in her tracks. She looked at them, raising one eyebrow, questioning why they stopped her. The girls smirked and one of them said, "Don't you have another outfit? Last Friday you wore this same outfit, right?" she mocked, and her friends giggled at the comment.
"You should focus on work instead of thinking about my outfit. You were hired to work, not to rate my outfit, Zoey." The girl's expression changed to one of disgust as she rolled her eyes and walked away from her.
"This company needs a manners lesson," she muttered under her breath as she walked towards her cabin. While making her way through the office, she overheard something. "Do you know Seown Lee's shares are falling, but yesterday I saw growth in them? How is that possible?" She stopped in her tracks and straightened her posture as two male employees discussed the company. She stayed there, listening to their conversation, hiding herself in a corner.
"Well, it's not new for us. This year, someone is doing those kinds of things..new power projects, new scales, department staff, plans, and many more. We don't know who's using their brain," one of them said. She looked around before walking back to her cabin.
"This company and its stupid employees," she muttered under her breath again, opening her laptop and starting her work.
*****KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
""Come in," she said in a cold tone, glancing up. "Ma'am, the Co-CEO is calling you to her cabin."
"Okay, tell her I'll be there in a few minutes. And listen, in three hours, make an announcement on the 5th, 6th, and 7th floors. The TL in the conference room. Also, inform the Co-CEO."
The man nodded and left the cabin. She got up and made her way to the Co-CEO's cabin on the 10th floor.
***Time skip
"May I come in, Co-CEO?" she said, peeking inside the cabin. The older lady, around 40 years old, looked back at her, smiled, and nodded.
She walked inside, approached her, and bowed.
"Today is your last day as an employee, Haerin. Remember," the lady said as she sat in her chair. Haerin nodded and said, "I know, Co-CEO."
"Co-CEO," the lady added the two letters. Haerin nodded and lowered her gaze. "It's been one year since you've been hiding your identity from the world, and finally, I'm glad that my daughter is going to be the CEO, the real owner of this company."
Haerin just nodded at her mother's words and lowered her gaze. Her mother gave a weak smile, got up from her chair, and walked towards her.
"You still don't want to see my face, Haerin?" her mother asked weakly. She looked at her, "It's not like that, Mrs. Lee."
"Mrs. Lee... yes, Lee... Mrs. Lee, you should address me properly, Haerin, as your dad's second wife," Haerin's gaze stopped on her mother, Mrs. Lee's face.
"It's not what you think, Mrs. Lee. It's my habit to address you like this from my childhood."
"You only started calling me Mrs. Lee last year. I didn't even see your childhood when I wanted to," she replied to Haerin's statement, and Haerin stayed silent.
"Uh, let it be. The past is past. When are you going to announce your identity?" Mrs. Lee covered her emotions and changed the topic.
"In a few minutes, the media will come. You and I will be there after a few minutes."
"Good. And here, sign here, Miss Lee Haerin. This is the power of attorney. I have already signed."
Haerin took the pen and signed the paper. They then discussed business matters. A few minutes later, Mrs. Lee left her cabin and went straight to the conference hall, while Haerin went to change her outfit.
***TIME SKIP AT CONFERENCE HALL ***
The hall was filled with employees and media personnel. Mrs. Lee stood on stage and took the mic in her hand.
"I'm Mrs. Lee Kora, Co-CEO, and I thank everyone for being here. Over the past few years, our company has faced many challenges and problems. But my hardworking employees and those who work for our industry have tackled every challenge. After the death of the owner of this industry, Mr. Lee Seown, the company and everyone were looking for a new CEO."
Mrs. Lee paused and looked around. Everyone's eyes were on her, eager to know who would be the next real owner of HL Industry.
"Mrs. Lee, what are you saying? The new CEO? We all thought you would be the CEO of HL Industry," one of the board of directors muttered, which was loud enough to be heard. She nodded and looked ahead. "THE REAL OWNER OF HL INDUSTRY, WHO IS THE DAUGHTER OF LEE SEOWN, MISS LEE HAERIN," Mrs. Lee proudly announced her daughter's name. When Haerin entered the hall in a black suit, her hair set straight, her eyes fixed on the stage, the surrounding people were in shock.
"What the hell... this girl is Mr. Lee's daughter? Oh God..." Zoey widened her eyes, staring at Haerin in shock. "Please welcome our new CEO, Miss Lee Haerin, on stage," Mrs. Lee called her name again.
Haerin walked with a straight face and got on the stage. She looked at Mrs. Lee, who was proudly smiling at her. She nodded, and Mrs. Lee stepped back as Haerin took the mic in her hand and looked at the employees and media personnel.
"Hello everyone. You may know my face but not my name. Many of you know me as Kim Sohee, but my real name is Lee Haerin. From now on, I am the CEO and owner of HL Industry. Every branch of HL Industry will work under my leadership."
Haerin paused when suddenly a media reporter stood up and asked a question.
"Why were you hidden, Miss Lee, and what is the reason behind your sudden appearance?" the reporter confidently asked. Haerin stared at her with a straight face and gripped the mic tightly.
"First of all, there is no need to explain my sudden appearance. Some things should be confidential and cannot be shared due to personal reasons," Haerin said in a cold tone, which made the reporter more curious. "If it's so confidential, why didn't you reveal your identity when Mr. Lee Seown died in a car accident?"
Haerin took a deep breath for a few seconds but did not lose her temper and answered the reporter calmly. "Today, everyone is here to know the name and face of HL Industry's new CEO. You should ask about that. You have no right to question me about past events."
The reporter still didn't back down and said, "The past holds everything, Miss Lee. We all want to know where you were when your father, Mr. Lee-"
Before the reporter could finish, Haerin quickly said, "I was there. If your cameras didn't capture me, it's not my fault. Next question."
The reporter sat down, and another reporter stood up to ask a question.
"Miss Lee Haerin, can you introduce yourself? I mean, what is your qualification and do you think you're capable of handling the ownership at this young age?"
Haerin nodded and answered them, "I don't think age matters for anything. I'm a software engineer with experience in two IT companies in the UAE and Australia. I'm 26 years old and I also have experience in this company."
The reporters and employees were shocked. Mrs. Lee was so proud to see Haerin at this position.
"Finally, I completed my promise. Love, you thought I wouldn't be able to do this but I made it," she muttered under her breath, feeling tears fall. She quickly wiped them away and put a big smile on her face.
After the announcement ceremony, employees got back to work. "HR and managers of each department should be in the conference room after half an hour," a loud voice buzzed in the office through the company speaker. Some employees were shocked and others were confused. Every staff member had different expressions and thoughts about the new CEO.
The CEO had hidden herself in this company for a year to observe the work and employees' nature and working process.
"Mrs. Lee, here are the meeting details," Mrs. Lee's secretary walked in. Mrs. Lee looked at her. "Which meeting?" Before her secretary could say anything, she heard the announcement too. Mrs. Lee smiled and nodded.
***TIME SKIP AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM***
The room was filled with HR and company managers from different departments, and co-managers too. Everyone was guessing the real reason behind the sudden meeting. Some of them were gossiping about the new CEO, Miss Haerin.
While they were chit-chatting, the door opened and Mrs. Lee entered with her secretary. Everyone stood up and bowed. Mrs. Lee nodded and sat in a chair, and everyone was looking at the door, waiting for the new CEO to come in.
"Why are you looking at the door?" Mrs. Lee said, and everyone's eyes shifted to her. One of them asked, "Mrs. Lee, is this meeting held by our company's new CEO?"
"Yes, but don't ask me why. She told us all to gather here because, just like you all, I'm also unaware of the reason for this sudden meeting," Mrs. Lee said and smiled at them.
"She just became CEO today, not even today, a few minutes ago. And now she is going to order us," one of them muttered, loud enough to be heard.
"Yes, you are correct, Mr. Won... absolutely correct," the new CEO entered the conference room and everyone hurriedly got up and bowed.
She didn't even look at them, but her eyes were on the man who had said those words. She stood in front of the table and looked at them. "First of all, there is no need for an introduction because none of you will be here to see me again."
Everyone was confused and shocked. HR Won said, "What do you mean, young lady?"
"Miss Julie, please place the resignation letters in front of everyone's table, or, if necessary, announce their names."
Everyone widened their eyes and looked at Mrs. Lee.
Mrs. Lee's face showed no expression. It was clear she had known about this from the start.
Manager Khang stood up and said in a harsh tone, "What are you saying, CEO? Have you lost your brain cells? You can't just throw resignation letters in our faces without any valid reason." Haerin stared at him, took out a pen drive, attached it to a laptop, and rapidly typed as the projector displayed the content. Everyone's focus shifted to the projector.
"Oops, sorry, Miss Choi..."
"Mr. Khang, please don't touch me like that."
"What kind of touch do you like then? Haha... oh come on, don't be shy. I know you stole the papers from my cabin. Let me have a look."
"Mr. Khang, please let me go."
"Nah... not that easy, little thing."
"ENOUGH!" Mr. Khang loudly banged the table and stood up from his chair, glaring at Haerin.
"Mrs. Lee, your daughter is damn well using her position to throw me out by putting fake allegations on me. This is not true... trust me," Mr. Khang was desperately trying to defend himself before the evidence was revealed.
"Shhh... silence," Mrs. Lee said, shifting her gaze to Haerin.
"Haerin, explain to everyone before doing anything," Mrs. Lee said. Haerin folded her shirt sleeves, crossed her arms, and looked at everyone.
"I don't think there's a need to explain. Everyone knows what they've done. But for those who don't know what their co-workers have done, let me tell you," Haerin said, closing the laptop and looking at Mr. Khang.
"For the past two years, this person has been harassing our female employees due to his sexual desires. I have more than 100 clips of this dirty man. And not just the girls, but also three new male interns who left their internships in the middle of the duration," Haerin paused and looked at him.
"Do I have to expose you more than necessary? I think I should leave you with enough shame to walk out with your resignation, Mr. Khang." Mr. Khang's eyes burned with anger, his face red and sweating. He lowered his head, took the resignation letter, and walked out of the conference room.
"So the next is.." haerin was about to say but before she spell out the word everyone take they resignation letter and walk out form the room...mrs Lee silenty smirked while lowing her head another side ..
"Everyone was afraid to spoil there image..front of everyone " mrs Lee secretary julie says and close the door behind her..haerin nod and take set near by Mrs Lee..
Mrs Lee limit up her head and close her eyes and muttered in her low voice which was good enough hear.."she is the boss ..just like her dad.."
Haerin look at Mrs Lee and says "no..I don't want become like my father.."
Mrs Lee look at her with confuse face ..she was really not expecting this answer from haerin ...
"W-Whatt are yo-uu saying haerin-n .." mrs Lee voice get weak and she ask haerin ..haerin look at her and smile sadly and said " You know the reason..mrs Lee "
Mrs Lee pause and her eyes was screening haerin expression..her sad smile make her heart pounding..
"No..appa..please I don't want to go ..please..don't ..no no..no ..appa...appaaa"
Mrs Lee look away when she sudden remind the Incident which she never gonna change anything..
Haerin look at mrs Lee and stand up ..and said " go home mrs Lee..shozen must be waiting for you .."
Mrs Lee look at her and get up .."no.." she toke a few steps near haerin and look into her eyes .."she is waiting for her sister .." haerin face get cold even more than before ..and take back step and bow down " I'll call driver he will take you home safely.." she said and walk towards the door and open it and went outside..
Mrs Lee sadly smile and look away ..the secretary walk towards mrs Lee and grip her wrist and said " Let's go home mrs Lee.."
Mrs Lee nod and walk out form the conference room...
After few minutes later she reach at her mansion and walk inside ..when she enter ..her eyes catch a decoration on floor..
"Welcome home haerin unnie.. " he spell the sentence in weak voice and bite her lips to control her emotions..
"Eommaaa..you came ..where is haerin unnie..is she behind you ..emma..say something..hey.." a young girl around 15 ..16 years old was excited to meet to grate her elder sister ..her eyes was searching behind mrs Lee..
"Uh..shozen.." she nod and look at her mom..
"Your unnie is not coming.." mrs Lee said and shozen face fall down ..her eyes was lightly feed with water .."again .."she mutter under her lips and look at her mom ..mrs Lee sadly stare at her daughter and nod ..shozen didn't say anything and walk back inside the hall..and making her way up stares..
"Heyy ..wait shozenn" mrs Lee quickly approach her shozen stop and look back her .."come here.."
Mrs Lee make her sarmt on chouch and hold her wrist and care her cheek..
"Emma..if you again trying to make fake promises please don't.." shozen said and remove her mom hands form her cheek.."no my child..really..just look at me..first..hm..please.." shozen didn't look at her.."shozen..please ..for me..hm.."
"Emmaa...why she never come to our home
.didn't she want us..don't she love us..aren't we are family..is she not my sister .." shozen say everything in her one breath while crying ....mrs Lee cup her cheeks and wipes her tears and rub her palms "shhh..don't cry..sh..please shozen..listen to me..first.. "
"She is your sister.. there are few things in her mind ..and she just mis understand about us ..about you and me..but when she realise..she will come back to use one day ..hm.."mrs Lee said and care her hairs..
"What misunderstanding ..Emma.. what are you saying..I didn't get anything.." she confusingly ask her mom ..mrs Lee sadly smile and care her cheeks.."just few elders things shozen ..you don't have to know..you're to young to understand that..hmm.."
"No..I'm old enough to understand..please mom please tell me..what happened..please.." shozen squeeze her mom plam and make puppy eyes her nose was red cuz she cried..mrs Lee look at her .
"I don't know what to say this inncont child who is unaware about her own family history..shozen is to young to inncont to understand..but I can't just keep this all things inside my heart ..its been longtime I need to throw out ..I need to tell her everything.." mrs Lee talk to herself and look at her daughter and nod ..shozen wipe her tears and look at her mom ..
"I was 28 years old when I meet your dad..my mom dad fix my marriage to him ..I never deny my parents decision..your father and I get married and I came to his house ..when saw your sister..she was 10 years old..cute little doll ...I was not knowing that I was second wife ..I was so unaware about your father life..one day I get to know that haerin mom was dead by cancer..I don't know why your father was cold towards her..towards me..everyone was saying after his first..he behavior changed ..whenever haerin trying to talk with me or trying to come close to me ..your father away scold her..always make her cry ..I don't know why he always trying to make her away form me..after two years of my marriage he send her USA for her study's ..I really don't know why he did this..he never try to meet her ..never call her ..even when I tell him or ask about haerin ..he just yell at me or make new reason to drop the topic..even I own try to meet her..but she too didn't take a step to reach her family...everything was just going like this..when sudden your father dead in car accident whe you was 12 ..she came back ..after so long to see her dad ..I thought she will stay here forever with us ..but same like her father..her behavior become more cold and silent..she was different when I saw her first time..the days get passed and still nothing is change " mrs Lee stop and look at shozen..she stare at her mom quickly hug her..
Mrs Lee rub her back and take a long breath..
Shozen break the hug and look at her mom "it's fine mom..nothing was in your hand ...and I don't thing you have done anything wrong .." mrs Lee nod and sadly smile.."but .." mrs Lee look at shozen..
"But ..? What ?" Shozen smirk and said .."I want her back..she isbour family..she is my sister..and don't want you cry every night..I want my family ..I want her..and I will " shozen said and get up form couch and run towards upstairs.."heyy ..hey shozen where you going come back shozen.."
"Do you dinner emmaa..I'm not going to come down.."she yelled and run faster...
"This both girls..oh God.. " mrs Lee said and get up form couch ...
SHOZEN POV ♡
"God thank for today's day ..finally I get to know about my family past things..but still some parts are missing. ..but soon I will get .."
"Let's find some details about my sister.."
"The new CEO and owner of HL industry who was hidden for long years ..she was another than mr Lee elder daughter Lee haerin.." I was reading the article about her wtf they was trying to make the news more complicated to understand..whatever..she was an software engineer..wow..
I was keep reading her articles but it was no use for me..I need to do something more..but what ..wait a minute first question is where she is now..in Korea ..Seoul but where ..ahhhh my brain is not working..what should I do..
Ahh yes yes ..I quickly take out my phone and call my bestie ..
ON THE CALL 📲
"Hello ..."
"Hello Elsa.."
Shozen : "hey listen nah...I need you help babe.."
Elsa : "ya what is it idiot.."
Shozen : " I want to know where my sister live .."
Elsa : " what .."
Shozen : " are you duff ..elsa..I said I want to know where my sister live "
Elsa : " yes I heard you...but miss idiot how could I know where you sister live .."
Shozen : " ya I know ..just need your help how can we find her.."
Elsa : " just ask your mom that's simple"
Shozen ; " ya but ..what if she don't know than..what we gonna do.."
Elsa : " first ask her than we will things what next we can do..ok.."
Shozen :"ya..ya you are right ..but listen tomorrow I'm not coming for high school ok.."
Elsa : " why..sudden "
Shozen : " to meet my sister.."
THE CALL END ..
I know mom not going to tell me where unnie live ..
Idea..no one going to tell me ..I have to find my own..get ready to unnie..I'm coming tomorrow..
♡ NEXT DAY AT MORNING ♡
I get and get ready for meet up with my unnie ..I saw Emma was talking on call..
"Emma..listen.." she hang out the call and look at me.." I'm going out ..I'll be late home.."
"You are not going at school.." Emma ask me and I nod.."yes ..I will tell you later ..ok.."
I quickly run out of the my house and run towards the car and get inside..
"Take me to the company..." I said and wear the seat belt.."company ..!? Which " the driver uncle look at me "mom company..oh sorry my unnie company.."
He nod and start driving.."God please help ha..just let this meet happen without any problem" I muttered around my lips and looking out ..
AUTHOR POV
After few minutes she reach at the her unnie company..
"Finally.." she wildly smile and enter inside ..
"Excuse miss where are you going.." a security man stop her "what..are really that dump uncle..obviously going inside .."
That man make a done face "I'm asking why are you here"
"I came here to meet my unnie ..." the man make weird face ..."your unnie..who "
"Lee haerin..she is my sister.." shozen said and smile ..the security man laugh at her and said " do you think we are idiots .."
"What are you saying..I'm really her sister.." shozen said but that man didn't listen her
"Hey hey be side miss Lee haerin is coming.." an another security man said and shozen look at that direction..haerin was walking inside and her eyes fall on shozen..she stop and look at her..shozen eyes spark bright and smile wide at her face .."unnie.." she was about to walk towards her buy security man's held her shoulder and hands..
"Move.." haerin order than and they quickly leave her..shozen quickly run toward her and hug haerin..
Haerin was so shock and suprises by her sudden hug ..she look another and but didn't hug her back..shozen grip haerin waist tightly and lost in her sister warmness which was so special for her..
"Unnie..I miss you so much " she whisper softly ..and keep hugging her..
"Shozen .." haerin call her name and she look up at her.."unnie.." they both was looking at each other..shozen was about to say something but ..haerin grip her shoulders and push a back lightly..shozen feel pang of pain inside but she didn't says anything..
"Uh how..you been here.." haerin ask her and shozen smile and said " to meet you..." haerin nod and look around.."uh..I have some important meeting in few minutes..we will talk later.." shozen was pause in her spot ..haerin look at secretary "take her to my cabin and ask whatever she wants..hm take care of her..and any needs ..just ..just call me.." haerin whisper and walk ahead with looking at shozen..
"Unnie.." shozen was about to walk behind her but haerin secretary hold shozen wrist and make her stop on the place ..shozen look behind ..
"Young miss Lee please come with me.." secretary says with soft and polite words "where unnie is going..i want to meet her aunty"
"Uh ..she is busy for few hours..come with me..I'll take you to her office you can wait there" secretary says but shozen face fall down when she heard her words..she look back at haerin path where she just across a while ago..shozen bite her lips in sadness and look at haerin secretary..she nod silently and hummed..
HAERIN POV
"Ok ..you have 5 minutes..and make sure the papers should be done..hm.." I said to the one manager and look at my laptop..
"Unnie.."
"Shozen words just roaming around my mind..her face ..her eyes.."
"I would talk to her first normally..but why I have to..I don't need anyone of this..its just a trip to stop me..nothing else.."
"Whatever she maybe my sister but form another women of my father..I'm not going to call her my sister.."
"Miss Lee " someone knocked the door ...
"Come in.."
AUTHOR POV
The door get open by haerin secretary ..she came Inside and stand front of haerin ..
"I make her stay in your office she was ok now and don't need anything except meet you.." haerin nod and look away..haerin secretary get a different vibrations form haerin which was not expectable ..but her eyes says something else , her secretary look away too and again someone knocked the door and they both look behind..
"Miss Lee the board of directors are here" the office boy woo kai said and went back..
A later as he left after few minutes the board of directors..entered the conference room..they all was elders and older for haerin..as they get inside haerin didn't get up form her place and not even grate them ..they all saw her this rude attitude and rolled they eyes and everyone sat on their places on chair ..
"Congratulations miss Lee haerin for being CEO ..of HL industry.." the old lady her name was Kim sooni congrats her..haerin nod and look at everyone..
"Thanks for good wishes.. and let's go start to the point ..first of all I would like to tell you our company shares had growth so well that we had cross most wanted Sony Ltd company..just after know the owner names..same day we have see the growth in our sales and marketing department.." the way her confidence speaks on cloud 9 ..the board of directors started to clap on her words..
"Thats good news miss Lee.." one of the boards of directors said.."yes..it is..but we are not going to stop here.."
"Here we go..will you all please shift your eyes on the file which is on your tables" she said and on her words everyone glad the file a d open it..
"New interns..?"
Everyone muttered the tilted name..and look up at her..
"New interns.." Rohee won said and look at her..he was also bored of directors and 7 present shareholder in this company..
(Rohee won holds the big roll in his storybook)
"Mr Rohee ..why you looking at me like that.. " haerin ask him while opening the files.."new interns at this time period ..I'm really surprised by your this new idea"
Haerin nod and get up form her seat ..she walk towards the white board and take blue marker and write the title..
*NEWSWEEK OF INTERNSHIP*
"This time period is absolutely correct of us company..we needs idea's and works..we need employee who work genuinely for our company..they need payment and we need them..getting my point of view mr won" haerin said and look at him ..
Mr Rohee nod and look at other members for they validation ..everyone was looking around and looking back at file ..they all read the haerin new idea's concept ..
"Well this new idea's going to work I think soo" mr witch said and place the file on table and fix his glass while looking at haerin ..haerin nod and said .." thank you mr witch ..thanks for you appreciation ..I hope you truly understand my point.."
Mr Rohee was glaring everywhere..he was not satisfied with her words or with her idea..but every members was given their good reasons..so he can't turn anyone to his side ..
"That's great to see everyone is on same boat..just miss Lee haerin ..listen me once ..try to hold the roof of the boat tightly you may afraid of waves.." mr Rohee said and place a weird smirk on his face ..haerin stare at him and confidently said " thanks for you advice mr Rohee older people show the path and people like me show the vision "
Mr Rohee didn't get anything what haerin highlighted..he just nod and haerin continues the meeting..
The time has pass and shozen was watching for her sister in cabin..she was scrolling Reels ..after few minutes she heard a door knock..her eyes lifted up to the door and saw haerin secretary "young miss Lee do you want anything to eat ..."
"No I don't where is unnie..? Why she taking so time" shozen ask and get up form her seat..
"Ughh..ma'am is actually busy..soo"
The door get open and haerin just enter..shozen smile and keep her phone aside and said " unnie ..I was waiting for you.."
"Ughh..yah..sorry.." haerin said sorry and walk towards her desk and sat down on chair and look at shozen.."unnie do you have time now..I want to talk to you.."
"Ugh..shozen..I have some work.." haerin said but her eyes was screening the room while talking to shozen.."unnie please for few minutes..we never meet like this..its my first time to see you front if me..like this.." shozen was so excited and overwhelmed ..haerin eyes set on her and unknowingly she nodded.."unnie please ..nah just few minutes " shozen said and walk towards her and hold haerin hands and rubbing softly..haerin look at her hands and than at shozen eyes..
"Miss young Lee please don't do.." haerin secretary was about to hold shozen hand but haerin cut her off in middle and said ..."wait ..let her..ugh..you..you go back to work..hm..and ..ugh..bring..bring hot chocolate and some snacks" haerin said and her secretary nod and left the room..
"Thanks unnie.."shozen wildly smile and giggle..haerin nod and remove her hand form shozen grip..
"You can set on sofa ..hm..my secretary is bring your snacks.." haerin said and turn a side and face to the laptop..shozen hold haerin hand and make her stood up form her seat and make her walk "shozenn..I.. "
"Yah unnie stop be so rude to me..I'm your lily sister..nah " shozen make pout and said..
"Yah..ugh..I'm not rude.." haerin said and fix her suit button "ok..so..first let me tell you about me..first.."
"I'm shozen ..Lee shozen my age is 15 and I'm in high school..I love dancing and singing..and drawings..I have only one friend.." she said and smile.."tell me about you unnie.."
Haerin look another side and trying to control her emotions..she hmmed and bite her lower lips and look at her "I'm haerin..Lee haerin ..and I.. ugh..I.. " haerin take a long pause and don't know what to say..shozen was waiting for her response bit haerin didn't say a words.."its fine..its new for ..you nah..its fine..unnie.."
"Shozen..I.." haerin was about to say..but her eyes fall on shozen eyes tears.."its ok..I used to bear..but I'm so happy to see you..I'm feeling good ..finally I meet my sister.."
Haerin stare at her face .."you know when I was 5 years old..I get to know I have sister..Emma.. shows your pictures..hehe..and you know what one i hide form her.."
"Why you hide ? " haerin ask unknowingly .."cuz i want keep it ..I always see your face and smile ..I nearly my looks are like you nah..see your eyes and my eyes.." shozen blink her eyes and cup her own cheeks with her both hands.."
Haerin smile unknowingly and nod.."yah..a little.."shozen giggle and hold haerin hand.."unnie ..can I ask you one think" haerin nod "will you come back home..with me.." haerin eyes stuck on her ..
HAERIN POV
when I heard her words..my brain stop working..I just stare at her and only her words was roaming around my head..how can I come back home..that house which is feld with unwanted memory..aren't mrs Lee send her to take me with her..maybe ..she plan this..I don't want to go back ..
"Unnie...say something " shozen voice pull me out form my zoom and I look at her.."shozen..i don't I want to come .." I clearly said and look at her..her face full..and don't know why my heartache .."unnie..we are family nah..you are.."
Before she could say something which going to lose my mind o cut her words off "I said..I don't want to ..family can stay like this..you can visit me ..you can meet me..but don't dare to force me like this..you don't know anything "
"What I don't know..please tell me.." I close my eyes tightly and grip her hand..I look down and take deep breath and look back at her.."you trust me.."
Shozen pause at her spot I can feel she was confused and something that she can't say in words.."unnie ..I "
"Do.you.trust.me..shozen"
"I..i..i.do.." her lips was trembling while saying her eyes was feed with water..don't know why ..when I look at her..I feel same the way I was..let it be..
"Just trust me..and stay hm..you call me your unnie right ..your unnie will fix everything " I smile and nod ..she too smile when I smile at her.."ok now..do you want anything to eat .."
"Oh yah..pizza.." she said and quickly wiped her tears ..I chuckled and her sudden mood swings and nod .."ok so..I'll order pizza for you "
"Large chicken peri peri pizza..with extra cheese " she said while rolling her eyes..oh God this is actually me ..
"Ok..miss young Lee.. chicken peri peri with extra cheese..is coming " I said and call my secretary..
"Unnie ..can I ask you one more thing .." I nod and get up form.the sofa and walk toward desk..."do you have boyfriend.." I quickly turn and look at her "what ..?"
"You heard me.." she place a weirdo smile on her face .."are you taking advantage of my sweetness kitty " she giggles and nod ..I shake my head and say no..
"What ..don't joke seriously you don't have boyfriend .." shozen jump on floor and walk behind me.."yes ..shozen I don't have one "
"I'm damn shock.." I smile and sat on chair ..
The time past out and my car driver drop shozen at her house..I too reach at my apartment and get fresh and change the clothes and sat on study table and take out my diary..
"Date 5 /6/ 2026 ..
I meet shozen today..after a long time..she was 12 when I saw her ..she was saying ..she look like me..I was just lost her cute face and words..the way she thinks the world same I was thinking at her age..
But she is totally unaware about the world..if something happens to her same like me..what she will do..I hope she won't face same thing like me..
Whatever ..she was happy after meeting me..I eat pizza with her and we both chitchat..she video call her bestie and tell about me..she's about to show her face to me..but I deny her..I was not shy but I don't like to meet new people like this ways..it was not my things..the whole thing is..she was HAPPY cuz she was with me..I hope her all wishes comes true.."
I write today special day and close my diary..I get up form my desk and walk towards the kitchen..
"What should I cook.."
I open the fridge and look inside..barely few Vegas was there..I forgot to get my groceries..I close the door and walk inside my room and wear a black jacket and take my wallet and phone and walk towards the mean door ..
I get down at street with bicycle..I do have car but just for groceries I can't take out that bug bull with me.."what should I eat.."
I ride the bicycle on street and looking around what I can have ..I stop my bicycle bear a shop and take out my phone and searching a food restaurant ..
"Food restaurant near me.." I type and screaming around.. pickpocket stole my phone and ran quickly down the street. Without wasting a second, I kicked the pedal of my bicycle and began chasing him. I could see him sprinting ahead, but I was determined not to let him escape.
I rode my bicycle as fast as I could, weaving through traffic and trying to keep up with him. My heart was racing, but I kept my focus on the thief. The chase felt intense, and I knew I had to catch up before he got too far.
As I got closer, I saw the pickpocket glancing back, realizing I was catching up. Without thinking twice, I sprinted forward, the crowd parting in surprise.
In one quick move, I grabbed the pickpocket by the collar, stopping him in his tracks. He fell to the ground, holding my stolen phone. I yanked it from his hand, feeling both relief and anger. The pickpocket looked up at me with fearful eyes.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
"Think before you steal," I said firmly. "This time, you're lucky."
As I pocketed my phone, I noticed the desperation in his eyes. Despite my anger, I helped him up. "Find a better way," I said softly. "Don't let this define you."
The pickpocket nodded and fixed his shirt. I watched him, wondering what had driven him to this...
"What's your name?" I asked. He looked at me with a surprised expression, not understanding why I was asking.
"Jack," he shouted.
"And why are you doing this? Don't you fear getting caught by the cops?" I began, but he interrupted me.
"Who wants to do this?" he said quietly.
"What do you mean?" I asked. He looked away and started to walk off, but I stepped into his path. "You look young. Don't you want to earn money in honest ways?"
He chuckled and looked up at me. "Miss, it's easy to say but really hard. I'm just 20, never even seen a high school classroom, and you think anyone can earn money the right way?"
His words made me pause. "There are many young boys like me who never study, never go for higher education like you had," he said, looking away as tears began to fall. I placed my hand on his shoulder and brushed it lightly. "Don't cry, please."
Jack wiped his tears with the back of his hand, taking a deep breath. "It's just... life dealt me a bad hand. My family struggled, and I had to fend for myself," he confessed. "Every day is a fight for survival."
I felt a pang of empathy. "I understand it's tough, but there's always a way out. There are programs and people willing to help. You just have to reach out."
He looked at me skeptically, but there was a flicker of hope in his eyes. "Maybe you're right," he murmured, almost to himself.
"Find a better path for you, Jack," I said, determination in my voice. "You're young and capable. Don't let these streets define your future."
Jack nodded slowly, taking in my words. "Okay," he agreed, his voice firmer. "I'll try."
I smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Good. Now, l get you some real help."
With that, he walked away from the scene, leaving behind and maybe the shadows of the past and stepping into a future with new possibilities. Jack had a long road ahead, but at least now, he wouldn't walk it alone.
I smile and look around the place I was been it was unknown..I glad my bicycle handle and walk while holdings it..
The aroma of spices and sizzling food filled the air ...as I saw the street food store. My stomach growled louder...reminding me of how hungry I was.... I parked my bicycle by the entrance and stepped inside..I placed my order and waited eagerly, my hunger growing with each passing second.
After a few minutes, I finished my dinner and left the store. Riding my bicycle back to my apartment.. the streets with a few cars and bikes passing by me ...I took a left turn.. making my way through a narrow alley. Suddenly, a motorcycle came out of nowhere and collided with me and I fall on the ground. ...a sudden shock of the impact left me dazed as I tried to gather my bearings.
"Oh God... what have I done?" I heard a male voice as I slowly tried to open my eyes. I struggled to sit up, rubbing the right side of my ear and head. I looked at the person who had collided with me on his motorbike. "Sorry, miss. I didn't see you... sorry, sorry," he kept repeating.
"Are you blind? Don't you know this is a one-way street? You should have your bike light on," I said angrily.
"Look, miss..it's not entirely my fault.." he snapped..his voice dripping with attitude. He extended his hand to help..but I slapped it away. ..I struggled to my feet..fixing my jacket and hair..glaring at him with intense anger.
"You need to be more careful!" I spat out..my voice rising. "This is a oneway street ..for God's sake."
He rolled his eyes, shrugging dismissively. "Yeah...well.. maybe you should watch where you're going too" he retorted..his tone annoyingly smug.
"Are you blind or just plain stupid?" I shot back..my anger reaching a boiling point. "You could've seriously hurt someone!"
"Whatever.." he muttered, his face twisting in annoyance. "It's not like I wanted to run into you."
"Well.. you did! ..And you should have your bike light on..you moron" I continued..my voice unwavering.
"Yeah..yeah.. I get it.." he replied..clearly irritated. "I'll keep that in mind.. princess."
I glared at him..my fists clenching. "Just get lost and watch yourself next time..you idiot" I snapped.
He scoffed... revving his engine. "Whatever. Just stay out of my way" he spat back before speeding off...leaving me fuming and dazed on the street. ..My eyes were just looking at his bike's back bumper.. it had the letters "JK" on it.
I shook my head..trying to steady my breathing.. still fuming as I picked up my bicycle... The nerve of some people!.. I thought to myself..anger and frustration bubbling within me.... As I waying back to my apartment..the encounter played over and over in my mind... and the shock of the fall leaving me shaken and upset...
