Chapter 45
As na yeon exited the airport, the crisp Korean air greeted her, a stark contrast to the warmth of the terminal. The girl's gaze swept over the crowded parking lot, her eyes narrowing slightly as she spotted a sleek black car waiting by the curb. Two men in tailored suits stood beside it, their faces expressionless.
The woman wheeling her bag nodded discreetly towards the car. "Your ride, ma'am."
The girl's stride didn't falter as she approached the vehicle. One of the men stepped forward, taking her bag from the woman and placing it in the trunk with a soft thud. The girl slid into the back seat, the cool leather enveloping her.
As the door closed behind her, she let out a soft sigh, her shoulders relaxing into the plush interior. The driver got in, his eyes meeting hers in the rearview mirror. "Welcome back to Korea, ma'am."
The girl's gaze drifted out the window, watching as the airport gave way to the bustling streets of Seoul. She felt a sense of familiarity wash over her, the city's rhythms and sounds stirring memories she'd thought were long buried.
The silence of the ride was shattered by the sudden ringing of Na yeon's phone,which she picked up immediately. "Eomma, I'm already in Korea," Na yeon said, her voice a gentle melody over the line. "Yeah, I saw the ride you sent me. Yeah."
Her mother's warm voice enveloped her from the other end, "Oh, I'm so glad you like it. I'm eagerly awaiting your return home."
Na yeon's response was laced with anticipation, "I can't wait, Mom. What about hyun min?"
Her mother's knowing tone filled the line, "Don't ask me, sweetie. You're coming home, and you'll see him soon enough. Besides, I specifically told you not to extend your stay in Canada by another week. Your holidays were over, school had resumed, and yet you're just now making your way back home."
Na yeon's defense was immediate, "Come on, Mom...I just...I was taking care of some things, you know?"
Her mother's words were tinged with a mix of amusement and concern, "At least you could have returned a week earlier. Do you want someone to swoop in and steal hyun min away from you?"
Na yeon's confidence was unwavering, "Mom, that's not possible. Once I'm back in school, everyone will know Na yeon is back, and she's back for her man."
Her mother's laughter was music to her ears, "Oh, my girl, I trust you. Hurry back home." And with that, the call came to an end.
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The ride was long and arduous, but after hours of traveling, Na yeon finally arrived home. As she stepped out of the car, her eyes locked onto her mother, who stood poised outside the grand mansion. With a burst of excitement, Na yeon rushed towards her mom, almost leaping into her arms.
"Eomma!" Na yeon exclaimed, as they enveloped each other in a warm, tender hug.
"Oh, my baby!" her mother cooed, her voice filled with affection. "You've grown so big and beautiful!" She stepped back, admiring Na yeon with a smile. "And so stylish!"
Na yeon chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Thanks, Mom."
Her mother gently touched Na yeon's hair, her brow furrowed in curiosity. "Besides, why did you dye your hair like this?"
Na yeon shrugged nonchalantly, her shoulders barely rising. "This is the new trend in Canada, Mom. It's no big deal."
Na Yeon looked around, her gaze sweeping the surroundings before refocusing on her mother.
"Besides, where's Dad?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.
Her mother, Madam Laura, smiled warmly. "You know he had to attend to some business meetings. He's been quite busy lately."
Na Yeon's expression turned thoughtful. "So, Dad hasn't changed his priorities yet? I'm back home, and he didn't even bother to be here to welcome me?" Her tone was laced with a mix of disappointment and expectation.
Madam Laura's response was calm and measured. "Don't get worked up, Na Yeon. He was called for something important and urgent. He had to attend to it."
Na Yeon's determination was clear. "Mom, no matter how important his business is, he should've waited and welcomed me home. I'm his daughter, after all."
Madam Laura took a deep breath, her eyes understanding Na Yeon's perspective. "You know what, Na Yeon? Let's get you something to eat. You must be starving after that long trip."
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As they settled inside, Madam Laura called for the maids, and they promptly served food. Na yeon, who had already washed up and changed, was seated at the table, waiting to eat. Once the food was served, Na yeon looked at her mother as they began to eat.
"Mom, I want to...I'll be going to school tomorrow," Na yeon said, her voice filled with determination.
Madam Laura paused, her fork hovering over her plate. "Wait, tomorrow is Saturday, Na yeon. You should rest."
Na yeon shook her head. "I can't, Mom. I need to see...hyun min.. I need to see him."
Madam Laura looked at her, a knowing glint in her eye. "Are you that eager?"
Na yeon met her mother's gaze. "Mom, it's him or nobody else."
Madam Laura smiled, her expression softening. "Okay, so tell me...how was your stay in Canada?"
Na yeon thought for a moment before responding. "It was fine...also was boring because you weren't there...and hyun min wasn't there."
As Na Yeon continued her meal, she savored a tender piece of beef, her thoughts drifting back to the unsettling encounter. "Mmm...and you know, Mom, the scariest part was when I got stalked by this guy once." Her voice was laced with a mix of amusement and unease.
Madam Laura's eyes widened in concern, her brow furrowing slightly as she turned to Na Yeon. "What do you mean you got stalked?" Her tone was a perfect blend of curiosity and worry.
Na Yeon elaborated, her voice steady, "There was this strange guy...I was just jogging on the streets of Canada, and he literally was stalking me. I mean, he following me" She took another bite of her food, her eyes never leaving her mother's face as she recounted the experience.
Madam Laura's expression turned serious, her voice tinged with a hint of reprimand. "Why didn't you tell me about this?" Her eyes searched Na Yeon's face, as if seeking answers.
Na Yeon shrugged, a nonchalant gesture that belied the intensity of the encounter. "I didn't think it was necessary."
Her mother pressed on, her curiosity getting the better of her. "So, how did you handle it?" Her voice was gentle, encouraging Na Yeon to share more.
Na Yeon thought for a moment before responding, her voice measured. "Well...I ducked into a supermarket and called the police. And the worst part? He followed me into the supermarket."
Madam Laura's eyes were wide with alarm, her face a picture of concern. "Was he finally caught?"
Na Yeon nodded, her expression somber. "Not at first, but later on, yes. He kept doing it repeatedly—stalking me..I mean. When he was caught, he claimed he liked me and just wanted to know more about me. Can you imagine?"
Madam Laura chuckled, a knowing look on her face. "You're a pretty girl, Na Yeon. I don't see why anyone wouldn't be interested in you, especially now that you've grown even more beautiful." Na Yeon's face flushed with a soft blush at her mother's words, her eyes dropping demurely.