All Julia could do was watch her friend and smile. Stacy was the only daughter of the Maron family, the youngest child, born amidst three older brothers. Her father wasn't Korean, and she was pampered, got everything she wanted, had free will, and most importantly, could choose the path her life took.
But there's a saying that someone who's never been hurt by fire wouldn't understand the pain of someone who has. They might say sorry, but they'd never truly know the intense pain. That was the situation between Julia and Stacy, best friends from different worlds.
The only words Julia could muster were, "I wish you marry the one you truly love, and he loves you as much as you do." Stacy replied, "I wish I had a man like your fiancé, Mr. Wang. If only my family were as great as yours."
Julia's thoughts were filled with regrets, and even her best friend couldn't understand. Although her father had arranged the marriage, she had fallen in love with him. He was okay for her, and at that moment, she didn't think about her age or why her father wanted her to marry at 19.
Some clothes were brought into her room, and her manager selected a hanbok for her. Preparations had taken hours, though she was lost in thought.
As she stood in front of the mirror, there was a knock on the door, and a maid came in. "Miss Kim, your father has requested you come to the hotel immediately." She went downstairs, entered her car, and after a 30-minute journey, they arrived at the luxurious five-star hotel.
The grand ballroom was abuzz with excitement as Julia Kim and Zhiqiang Wang's friends and family gathered for their engagement party. The atmosphere was electric, with soft glow of crystal chandeliers and the sweet scent of fresh flowers filling the air.
Julia, resplendent in a stunning hanbok, beamed with happiness as she walked alongside Zhiqiang, dashing in his tailored tuxedo. The couple's families exchanged warm smiles, their faces aglow with pride.
As the guests took their seats, servers emerged with silver trays laden with champagne and canapés. The room erupted into cheers and applause as Julia and Zhiqiang made their way to the stage, where a magnificent ice sculpture of a pair of swans awaited them.
But little did Julia know, Zhiqiang had a sinister plan. As they took the stage to exchange their vows, Zhiqiang's phone projected a video onto the screen behind them. Julia's eyes widened in horror as a naked tape of herself played for all to see.
Gasps and shocked whispers spread like wildfire through the crowd. Zhiqiang feigned shock, his voice dripping with deceit. "Julia, how could you? This is the real you, isn't it?"
Julia's face burned with shame and anger. "Zhiqiang, what are you doing? This is a lie!" But Zhiqiang continued, his words venomous. "You're not the innocent girl you pretend to be. You're manipulative, using your charm to get what you want."
The room fell silent, with Julia's father looking on in disbelief. Zhiqiang's betrayal was aimed at Julia and her family's reputation.
As the partygoers murmured and dispersed, Julia's world crumbled. Zhiqiang's lies and the naked tape had tarnished her image, and her father's company was at risk.
In a daring move, Julia seized the microphone. "Zhiqiang, you may have tried to destroy me, but I won't let you ruin my family's legacy. The truth will come out, and justice will be served."
With her head held high, Julia walked off the stage, leaving Zhiqiang's deceitful smile behind. The shattered vow of their engagement party would be a turning point, and Julia would fight to reclaim her honor and restore her family's name.
As the naked tape played on, Julia's face turned beet red with shame and embarrassment. The crowd's murmurs grew louder, their whispers and gasps piercing her like daggers.
Her father's expression was one of shock and disbelief, his eyes filled with disappointment and anger. Zhiqiang was enjoying the show, knowing he had successfully tarnished Julia's image.
"You've ruined her," someone whispered. "Kim Empire will never recover from this scandal."
Julia's eyes scanned the room, searching for a friendly face, but all she saw were judgmental gazes and pointed fingers.
As the shouting continued, Julia's eyes welled up with tears. She knew she had to clear her name, but for now, she had to face the wrath of her family.
With a heavy heart, Julia turned and walked away, leaving the ballroom and her family's anger behind. She knew the road ahead would be long and difficult, but she was determined to clear her name and reclaim her place in her family and their company.
Her family turned their anger and disappointment on her, with her father thundering, "How could you do this, Julia? You've brought shame to our family and our company!"
Julia's stepmother joined in, her voice shrill and accusatory. "You're just like your father, always chasing after men and causing scandals!"
Julia's step siblings chimed in, their words piercing and hurtful. "You're a disgrace, Julia! You've ruined our family's reputation!"
The room seemed to close in on Julia as her family's fury rained down on her. She tried to defend herself, but her words fell on deaf ears.
With a newfound determination, Julia turned and walked away, leaving the ballroom and her family's anger behind. She knew the road ahead would be difficult, but she was ready to fight for her reputation and her family's legacy.