11 Years Old
The sun was warm on the balcony. Little Aara, 11 years old, sat with her head on her mother's lap, staring at her mother's round belly.
"Mom," Aara whispered, "where did Daddy go?"
Her mother, So-yun, stroked her hair gently. "He's busy with work, my love. Don't worry... your mom is here, right?"
"But I miss Daddy so much," Aara pouted. "He doesn't even talk to the baby."
So-yun smiled. "Because you can take care of the baby much better than him, that's why."
Aara sat up proudly. "Of course I'll take care! Mom, I want to meet Jimmy oppa."
"Oh? Our little Aara wants to meet her brother?" So-yun laughed softly, tapping Aara's nose. "Then okay. I'll give you another handsome brother, okay?"
Sweet laughter. A mother's warmth. A daughter's innocence.
But then —
Why did it all disappear?
Why was her father always so busy?
Those happy days withered like roses. 🥀
Story Begins - Present Day
Lee Mansion - Morning
Soo Young checked her watch. "Let's go, we have to attend the meeting."
Mr. Lee turned to his stepson. "Jay, take care of your little sister too."
Aara let out a short laugh. "Sister? Lol."
Jay forced a polite smile. "Of course, Dad. Don't worry."
Mr. Lee looked at Aara, his voice tired. "Please understand, Aara. Of course I loved your mother so much. But Soo Young is also good... like your mother. Don't treat her like this."
Aara's eyes turned cold. "She can't be my mother. Never. Ever."
She turned and walked to her room without looking back.
Soo Young sighed softly. "It's okay, let's go. She'll understand one day."
Mr. Lee looked at Jay with guilt. "I'm sorry, Jay."
"It's okay, Dad," Jay said. "You guys are already late for the meeting."
"Okay, let's go."
Outside the mansion, they met Jimmy coming in.
"Oh, you're also here," Soo Young smiled. "I know you are so happy because your sister is here, right?"
Jimmy smirked. "I think more than me, you look happy. Especially Jay."
Jay frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"Nothing," Jimmy said, walking inside.
Jay and his mother exchanged an annoyed glance about Aara and Jimmy.
"It's okay, Mom, you go," Jay whispered. "I'll take care."
"They are your stepbrother and sister," Soo Young reminded him. "I hope you take care too."
"Let's go," Mr. Lee called.
They left for the meeting. Jay went to meet his girlfriend.
At the Fashion House
Jay leaned against the counter. "Where is Yeri?"
An employee bowed. "She's getting ready. She told me to inform you — wait for her 15 minutes."
"Okay."
After 15 minutes, Yeri appeared, stunning in her birthday dress.
"You look beautiful," Jay said.
"Today is my birthday," Yeri — Aditi — teased. "Where's my gift?"
Jay smiled. "I know. And the gift is..."
Suddenly, he kissed her.
"Why are you doing this to me..." Yeri blushed.
"I wanted to see your blushing face, that's why," Jay laughed. "Here, your gift."
She opened the box. A beautiful, specially made handbag.
"It's beautiful," she gasped.
"I know you like it. It's specially made for you."
"Thanks. I love it."
Next Day - Lee Mansion
Leo came with his father, Mr. Tang. Mr. Tang went straight to meet Mr. Lee upstairs.
Leo stayed on the ground floor, talking with Jimmy.
"What are you doing here?" Jimmy asked.
"I didn't come to see you..." Leo said, looking toward the stairs.
"What?"
At that moment, Aara came down to the ground floor. She didn't notice Leo. Leo was stunned — after 4 years, she was even more beautiful, more cold.
"Grande, I'm going to meet my friends," Aara said. "If my dad asks about me, please inform him."
"Okay, young miss," Grande bowed.
And just like that, she walked right in front of Leo — without even seeing him.