I have been mulling over a plot idea that I've been eager to share with everyone. It's been swirling around in my mind, and I've been contemplating how to articulate it. I hope you like it.
Yoon Ji Hoo and his girlfriend, Ye-jin, slid the ornate wooden door of their newly renovated bungalow house open to welcome Jan Di and her twins. "Uncle Ji Hoo, Ms. Pretty, are we really going to be living here?" Lily asked, her eyes wide with excitement, as she took in the spacious living room with its high ceilings and elegant furnishings. Meanwhile, Valentina made a disapproving face and nervously scanned the unfamiliar surroundings; despite the house being spacious, it felt completely new and daunting to her.
"Yes, Lily," Yoon Ji Hoo replied, gently tapping her on the head and answering her in English. "Can I show you around, Vale?" he asked the hesitant Valentina, who seemed uncertain. "It may look different now, but I promise it will soon start feeling like home," he said, offering her a warm smile and a reassuring nod.
"Since you are Mom's friend," the girl said with a hesitant smile, "I guess I can trust you." Ye-jin returned the smile and extended her hand to Valentina, who shook it with a grateful look. Meanwhile, Lily took Ji Hoo's hand and led him inside.
Jan Di's heart swelled with happiness as she watched her twins interact so naturally with Ji Hoo and his girlfriend, Ye-jin. The four of them seemed to blend effortlessly, and Jan Di couldn't help but feel a sense of relief.
As they made their way inside the elegant bungalow, Jan Di was about to follow her group when her phone suddenly rang, breaking the pleasant chatter around her. She glanced apologetically at F4, who had been bombarding her with questions about the father of her twins and gracefully excused herself to take the call. Stepping aside, she spoke into the phone, attempting to keep her conversation private from F4's prying ears.
"Hello?" Jan Di answered the phone, grateful for the interruption but also cautious. "Who is this?"
The voice on the other end was unfamiliar, but the urgency in their tone caught Jan Di's attention. "Hey, sweetheart." Her husband's voice came through, warm and familiar.
Jan Di removed the phone from her ear and carefully inspected the caller ID. "This is an unknown number. Why are you calling me?" she asked, trying to mask her unease.
"Darling, please come back home," her husband pleaded softly, his voice filled with longing. He reached out to gently caress the face of her portrait, his eyes reflecting a mix of sadness and hope. "I promise you, my love, if being a princess isn't what you want, I'll ask all the maids to leave, and we can do the chores together, just like we used to do in Madrid."
Memories flooded his mind, recalling the simple joys they shared in their cozy little kitchen. The aroma of their favorite dishes wafting through the room and the sound of their laughter blending harmoniously as they exchanged stories and dreams. They were a team, partners in every aspect of life, finding solace and happiness in each other's company.
"We didn't need anyone else, just each other," he continued, his tone earnest and full of devotion. "We can have that again, just you, me, and our children, if that's what you truly desire. Valentina and Lily have grown accustomed to a different life, but we can show them the beauty of an ordinary life filled with love and togetherness, in our own style."
He paused, letting his words linger in the air, hoping they would convey his unwavering commitment to their family's happiness. "We can even enroll them in activities at the orphanage if the thought of an expensive school troubles you. They'll have the chance to play with friends in a more humble setting, experiencing the joy of simplicity and genuine connections."
With a gentle sigh, he gazed into her eyes at the portrait that hung in their bedroom, silently pleading for her to see beyond the trappings of royalty and embrace the authenticity of their bond. "Let us create a life that reflects the values we hold dear, where love, unity, and shared moments are the true treasures we cherish."
Jan Di's heart was filled with a mix of emotions at the mere mention of Spain, a country that held a special place in her heart due to the cherished memories of her early days with her husband. As she thought back on their time together, the vivacious streets of Barcelona, the tranquil beaches of Costa Brava, and the enchanting alleys of Madrid played vividly in her mind like scenes from a cherished movie. Each memory held a precious place in her heart, recounting moments of joy and happiness shared with him. However, amid this nostalgic reel of beautiful recollections, a darker memory abruptly resurfaced, casting a shadow over her thoughts.
The memory of the distressing incident when her husband had forcefully kissed her in public flooded back to her, a moment that had left her feeling exposed, vulnerable, and humiliated. The weight of this unwanted memory caused her to pause and hesitate before responding to his plea, her mind torn between fond nostalgia for the past and the harsh reality of the present.
"I'll pass, Mr. Nick," she finally responded, her tone tinged with a hint of sarcasm that thinly veiled her true feelings and realization of the futile nature of their situation. With a mix of relief and frustration, she chose to promptly end the call, determined to keep her emotions contained within herself. Turning off her phone, she took a moment to compose herself before rejoining the group, masking the storm of emotions brewing beneath her calm exterior.
Unbeknownst to Jan Di, her actions did not go unnoticed, as she was met with the probing gazes of both Jun Pyo and Jae Kyung upon her return. Jun Pyo, ever assertive, wasted no time in questioning her, his tone demanding answers. "Who was that? And what language was that mix of English and Spanish?"
Caught off guard, Jan Di stumbled in her attempt to concoct a plausible explanation. "Oh, just a wrong number," she replied with forced nonchalance, hoping to deflect any further scrutiny. Jun Pyo and Jae Kyung shared a knowing look, silently acknowledging their suspicions about her evasive response, yet choosing to let her pass without further interrogation.
As Jan Di walked away, a lingering sense of concern lingered between Jun Pyo and Jae Kyung. "Do you think her husband is mistreating her?" Jae Kyung inquired, her voice filled with a hint of worry.
"I don't believe so," Jun Pyo responded hesitantly, though uncertainty lingered in his tone. "But we'll have to keep a vigilant eye on her to uncover the truth." The shared look between Jun Pyo and Jae Kyung conveyed their shared determination to unravel the mysterious secrets that Jan Di may be concealing, recognizing the need for caution and discretion in their pursuit of the truth.
…
"What about the other man we saw at the museum?" Jae Kyung asked, her brow furrowed in concern as she tried to make sense of the mysterious encounter. "That cute blue-eyed man?"
"That man was romantic with her, don't you remember?" Jun Pyo jogged his fiancee's memory, his voice tinged with worry. "He forcefully kissed her in public, and she didn't fight back, leaving a lingering sense of unease in the air."
"You are right," Jae Kyung acknowledged with a sigh, her eyes widening as a flood of memories rushed back, each detail vivid and poignant. "And he looks stinky rich," she interjected, a wry smile playing on her lips as she recalled their encounter. "He is wealthier than us, boasting ownership of the city's largest high-end restaurant and holding the esteemed title of an engineer, just as Ga Eul had mentioned previously."
Pausing to ponder, Jun Pyo posed a perplexing question, his brow furrowed in contemplation: "But why does Jan Di appear so destitute?"
Jae Kyung couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at his inquiry, shaking her head in a mix of amusement and disbelief. "Are you being deliberately obtuse?" she retorted, playfully tapping his head. "Have you failed to notice the exquisite jade ring adorning her finger, along with the matching bracelet she dons? Even her adorable twins sport intricately designed bracelets embellished with their names in pure gold," she pointed out, each word laced with a touch of admiration for the young mother's subtle elegance and refined taste.
"I think we should ask Woo Bin for help." Jun Pyo concluded.
As Jan Di stepped into the bungalow house, she was welcomed by a spacious foyer adorned with lofty ceilings and an exquisite grand chandelier that exuded opulence throughout the entire home. The expansive foyer boasted an Extra Large Modern Fashion Tiered Square Crystal Flush Mount Chandelier, which hung from the ceiling, casting a mesmerizing display of light and shadow that danced across the room. The pristine white marble floors, meticulously polished to perfection, coupled with the intricate detailing on the walls, bestowed an air of elegance and luxury upon the residence. The walls, elegantly painted in a captivating turquoise blue hue, introduced a vibrant burst of color, enriching the otherwise neutral palette of the surroundings.
As she continued her exploration, Jan Di entered the living room, where a calming blue hue greeted her from every corner, perfectly complementing the blue couches and curtains. The plush blue couches and matching curtains added a touch of cohesion and sophistication to the space, enhancing the overall aesthetic. The room exuded a tranquil ambiance, inviting guests to relax and unwind in its serene embrace.
The contemporary living room featured a visually stunning centerpiece coffee table that served as a captivating work of art. The one-of-a-kind table was intricately crafted to replicate a cross-section of an ocean wave, showcasing lifelike whitecaps and rich deep blue tones that wonderfully capture the fluidity and movement of water. The transparent glass tabletop provided a clear view of the mesmerizing, wave-inspired design beneath it. This exceptional and artistic piece seamlessly brought the dynamic and awe-inspiring beauty of the ocean into an indoor environment, evoking a mesmerizing visual spectacle for all who encounter it.
"Wow!" Valentina and Lily exclaimed as they looked around the living room. "Mom, look at how beautiful everything looks together!" her twins gleefully expressed. Eager to explore further, Valentina and Lily asked, "Mom, can we go to the bedrooms?" Their curiosity piqued, and they couldn't wait to see if the same elegance and style carried through to the bedrooms.
"Sure," Jan Di replied, smiling warmly. Ji Hoo and Ye-Jin held Valentina and Lily's little hands as they guided them toward the bedrooms, ready for the next part of their exciting tour.
Remaining in the living room, Jan Di's attention was captivated by the grand staircase leading to the upper level of the bungalow house. "The stairs," she mused to herself, curious about the possibilities awaiting her upstairs. With a gentle smile, she decided to take a brief detour to explore the staircase before joining the children in their discovery of the bedrooms.
…
Jan Di gracefully ascended the stairs of five sturdy, well-polished wooden steps that led her from the snug, inviting living room up to the expansive kitchen, a space that radiated sophistication and coziness in equal measure. The shift from the plush, cushioned carpet underfoot to the gleaming, richly-toned hardwood flooring subtly hinted at the heightening ambiance as she made her way up.
Upon arriving in the kitchen, Jan Di found herself in a generously proportioned, airy expanse with majestic, vaulted ceilings that boasted exposed timber beams, lending a touch of rustic charm to the overall elegant aesthetic. Natural light streamed in through generously sized skylights and large windows, infusing the room with a luminous quality that permeated every corner, inviting one to linger and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. The walls, painted in a soothing, understated hue, formed a seamless backdrop against which the kitchen's furnishings shone in all their vibrant glory.
At the heart of the kitchen stood a grand, marble-topped island that served as a focal point for meal preparation and informal dining, radiating an air of functionality and style. Surrounding this centerpiece were sleek, contemporary cabinets in a deep, earthy shade that harmonized beautifully with the stainless steel appliances accentuating the room—a double-door refrigerator, a high-end stove, and a convenient built-in microwave.
Below a broad window that framed a peaceful garden view, a farmhouse sink complete with a charming, vintage-style faucet added a touch of nostalgia to the modern space. Open shelving tastefully showcased an assortment of elegant dishware and cherished cookbooks, imbuing the kitchen with a personal, lived-in feel and character.
The kitchen seamlessly flowed into the adjoining dining area through a wide archway, revealing a setting that featured a lengthy, weathered-wood table encircled by comfortable chairs, facilitating the enjoyment of family meals and hosting guests with ease. Pendant lights suspended over the table cast a gentle, warm glow that enhanced the overall ambience, creating a welcoming haven for shared moments and culinary delights.
"Jan Di-ah, what do you think of your new house? Ji Hoo Sunbae and I are the ones who picked it out for you," her best friend, Ga Eul, informed her with a bright smile, eager to hear her reaction. The excitement in Ga Eul's voice made Jan Di's heart swell with gratitude and joy.
Taking a deep breath, Jan Di allowed herself a moment to soak in the cozy atmosphere of the newly decorated kitchen and dining area—the entire house. The inviting scent of fresh flowers, coupled with the warmth of the sunlight streaming through the window, wrapped around her like a comforting hug. It was a sanctuary—a fresh start—and she couldn't help but smile warmly as she replied, "I love it. Thank you both so much for everything. It's perfect." Her eyes sparkled with appreciation, knowing the thought and care her friends had put into choosing this place for her.
"So…" Ga Eul laced her arm with Jan Di's; her enthusiasm was infectious. "Shall we cook a meal to celebrate the new house party?" she proposed, her eyes glimmering with excitement at the prospect of creating cherished memories in this beautiful home. The idea of filling the space with laughter and love ignited a sense of warmth in Jan Di's heart.
"I don't see why not," Jan Di replied, already envisioning the vibrant atmosphere—friends gathered around, sharing stories, and creating laughter that would echo through the walls of her new home.
Unbeknownst to her, Ga Eul had a hidden agenda: she was itching to uncover more about the enigmatic man who had kissed her at the museum, pondering if he could possibly be the father of her twins, Valentina and Lily. While cooking together, Ga Eul could tactfully steer the conversation toward topics that would illuminate this mystery.
…
As they eagerly began to prepare the ingredients, the glass door slid open, and in walked Jae Kyung and Ye-jin, ready to join the celebration. The camaraderie in the air was palpable; as the girls focused on the intricate choreography of cooking, the boys busied themselves with unpacking Jan Di and her twins' belongings. The kitchen quickly transformed into a lively hub, where pots clanged, utensils danced, and genuine laughter filled the air, weaving a comforting tapestry of togetherness amidst the joyful chaos.
Fully engrossed in the rhythmic motion of cutting vegetables, Jan Di found solace in the familiar task, her mind briefly drifting to peaceful thoughts. She lost herself momentarily in the melody of her own humming, content with this shared experience with friends. A contemplative smile played at the corners of her lips as she savored the sense of normalcy and belonging.
However, her peaceful moment was abruptly shattered by the unexpected buzz of her phone vibrating on the countertop. Glancing down, she saw a message from an unknown number that sent an unwelcome chill down her spine. The cryptic words, "Send me your location, My Love," loomed ominously on the screen. A wave of unease washed over her as the sudden intrusion of Nick's presence—despite her attempts to distance herself—left her grappling with a whirlwind of conflicting emotions and unanswered questions.
Without delay, she tapped out a response, her heart racing: "Please don't, Nick; I need some space."
His reply came swiftly, each word heavy with accusation and hurt. "Do you hate me for giving you the life of a princess? Do you hate me so much that you took our kids and ran away without informing me? And now you are allowing your friends to buy you a house, yet you have your own."
"Why are you doing this?" she typed back, feeling a swirl of confusion and frustration building inside her. "I just need time to myself right now." She hoped that, by expressing her feelings, he'd begin to understand her need for some distance.
"But I love you very much," he insisted, and she could almost hear the desperation in his voice.
"And I love you," she replied, her heart torn between affection and the desire for autonomy.
"Then what's the problem?" he pressed, seeking clarity in the turmoil.
"I want to continue being a doctor, not a princess," she explained, each word weighed down by her longing for identity. "I need to find my own path and identity outside of being your wife. You are too rich to allow me to live a normal life."
"OK" was his response, but it was followed by an unexpected demand. "Can we talk in person? I need to see you."
"We can't now. My friends are here, and we are having some get-togethers. Let's talk tomorrow; I promise," she replied, hoping the postponement would ease the mounting pressure between them.
"No, I am on my way," he replied, his determination unyielding.
As Jan Di's heart raced in her chest, a sense of dread began to settle in, thickening the air around her. The looming presence of the conversation that awaited her felt heavier than the anticipation of the day's festivities. She had wanted a fresh start, a new home filled with happiness, but how could she enjoy it when the past was barreling toward her, unrelenting?
Jan Di's heart raced as she read Nick's response and looked up to see Ga Eul and the others chatting animatedly while chopping vegetables, blissfully unaware of her internal turmoil. The laughter around her felt both comforting and overwhelming as she tried to focus on their joyful celebration, but the encroaching shadows of her past weighed heavily on her mind.
"Jan Di! Are you daydreaming again?" Ga Eul called out, her voice bursting with enthusiasm. "Come help me with the seasoning! We need this dish to be perfect!"
Shaking off a momentary daze, Jan Di forced a smile as she moved closer to her friend. "Sorry! Just lost in thought."
"Well, snap out of it! This new life of yours deserves a great kick-off. Plus, your twins are eager to eat whatever we whip up!" Ga Eul teased playfully, pulling Jan Di back into their bustling kitchen chaos.
With the aroma of sautéing garlic wafting through the air and the sound of simmering pots forming a joyful symphony, Jan Di found her thoughts drifting back to the message from Nick. The way he had turned her life upside down so easily while asserting that his love for her had never wavered. Yet, love felt suffocating when it demanded that she relinquish her dreams for a picture-perfect life.
"I just want to be me," she whispered under her breath as she sliced through colorful vegetables, imagining each one as a step toward the future she desired. She felt unsteady, caught between the life she had with Nick and the independence she yearned for. Would he ever understand? Would he ever let her go?
"Everything okay?" Jae Kyung's voice sliced through her reverie, concern etched in his features. They were an unyielding support system through her most tumultuous moments, and she appreciated their unspoken promise to be by her side.
"Yeah, just thinking about how blessed I am to have you guys around," she replied, her voice steadier than she felt.
As the minutes turned into hours, the kitchen transformed into a carnival of flavors and laughter, the chatter crescendoing as the clinking of utensils harmonized with their jubilant camaraderie. The twins, Valentina and Lily, giggled as they helped sort through decorations, sparking warmth that enveloped the room.
But as the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the cozy kitchen, her phone buzzed again, this time with an incoming call. It was Nick. The realization sent a cold chill down her spine as she contemplated the tangled web of her emotions—her heart, entangled between the past that sought to reclaim her and the bright future her friends were helping her build.
"I can't keep this from him forever," she thought, her pulse quickening. With a quick glance at Ga Eul, who was busy discussing her latest culinary masterpiece, Jan Di felt a wave of determination wash over her. This was her moment of truth, and while uncertainty loomed ahead, she was finally ready to confront the life she had chosen for herself—both the struggles and the joys that came along with it.
...
"Not now, Nick. Not now," she murmured, silencing her phone. The celebration's noise wrapped around her, a temporary shield against the storm she sensed was approaching.
"I am outside your new house; come out and we can talk." Jan Di's heart pounded as she read the message. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the confrontation she had been avoiding for so long. She knew that facing her past was the only way to truly move forward and find peace in her new life.
"Jan Di," Ji Hoo's gentle yet insistent voice cut through her swirling thoughts as his fingers wrapped around her wrist. "Where are you off to? Lately, you've been distant. What's going on with you?" His concern was palpable, and as he held on to her, she felt the weight of his worry. Little did he know the secret she had been hiding.
Jan Di winced slightly, mindful of the tenderness of her skin. She was aware of how easily bruises surfaced, a reminder of the condition she had kept concealed from everyone, including Ji Hoo. Her heart raced as she attempted to free herself, but his grip, while not painful, served as a stark reminder of her fragility.
And that was it...