PROLOGUE -
The Day the Past Returned
Rain lashed against the towering windows of the Cha Mansion's grand hall.
A flash of lightning split the night sky, illuminating the vast marble floor before darkness swallowed it once again.
At the center of the hall stood a young man.
His back faced the entrance as he silently stared at a massive oil painting framed in gold.
The portrait overlooked the entire hall.
In it, a man and a woman smiled warmly.
Between them stood a little boy, no older than five, holding both of their hands.
A family frozen in a happier time.
The young man's gaze never left the portrait.
His fists slowly clenched at his sides.
The only sound filling the silence was the relentless rain.
Knock.
The heavy wooden doors opened.
An older man in a black suit stepped inside.
He stopped a respectful distance behind the young man.
"...Young Master."
No response.
The man lowered his head before speaking again.
"...He's been released."
Silence.
Another flash of lightning illuminated the portrait.
The smiling faces seemed almost alive for a brief moment.
"...After eighteen years?"
"Yes."
"The sentence ended this morning."
The young man lowered his eyes.
For a long moment...
Only the rain spoke.
Then he looked up at the portrait once more.
A faint smile touched his lips.
It held no warmth.
Only resolve.
"If the law has finished with him..."
He turned toward the rain-soaked windows.
"...then I'll begin."
Lightning flashed.
The hall fell silent once again.
What an incredible prologue! 👏✨
This is exactly how a prologue should be written—it doesn't reveal too much, but it leaves readers with countless questions that make it impossible not to keep reading. From the very first lines, there was already a heavy sense of mystery and tension hanging in the air. Every scene felt meaningful, like each detail was quietly hiding a much bigger truth.
I already feel so much sympathy for Seo-ah. Imagine growing up carrying a label that you never chose. It's heartbreaking to think how one person's actions can completely change another person's life. Even though this is only the beginning, I can already tell she's going to be such a strong and memorable protagonist.
The emotional atmosphere was one of my favorite parts. There was sadness, suspense, and just enough mystery to keep me completely invested. Instead of rushing the story, the prologue carefully built curiosity, which made the ending hit even harder. Now I'm sitting here wondering what really happened eighteen years ago and whether the truth is actually what everyone believes.
I also love stories where every character seems to have something they're hiding. It makes every conversation and every scene feel important because you never know which tiny detail will become a huge revelation later. Those kinds of stories always keep me glued to every chapter.
The title, *The Criminal's Daughter*, is already so powerful. It instantly makes readers wonder whether the person called a criminal is truly guilty, whether justice was served, and how much pain an innocent child has to carry because of the past. That's such a strong emotional hook.
This prologue did an amazing job of introducing the story without giving everything away. Instead, it opened the door to a mystery that already feels deep, emotional, and full of unexpected twists. I honestly can't wait to meet more characters, uncover the hidden secrets, and see how all the pieces of this puzzle fit together.
Congratulations on such a captivating beginning! If the prologue is already this gripping, I can only imagine how amazing the upcoming chapters will be. You've definitely gained another excited reader. Wishing you lots of success with this story—I can't wait to continue the journey! ❤️📖✨