RED STRING || 1

Chapter three.

Seulgi felt a rush of anger, but it was quickly replaced by a sinking sense of dread. Irene didn’t want to be here. She didn’t want to be anywhere near Seulgi. And the thought of spending the rest of her life with someone who hated her was almost too much to bear.

But despite the harsh words, Seulgi knew that she had no choice. The decision had already been made for her. Her parents had signed the deal, and now it was time for her to play her part.

As the Kang family left the Bae mansion, the air felt thick with unsaid words. The two sets of parents exchanged pleasantries, but Seulgi couldn’t help but notice the glare Irene shot her as they made their way to the door. It was a glare that seemed to say, Don’t come back.

Seulgi only hoped that Irene’s hostility would fade with time, though deep down, she knew better. It wouldn’t be that easy.

~~

Back at home, Seulgi collapsed onto her bed, throwing herself onto the soft covers as if she could bury herself in the comfort of her own room. Her mother entered the room, a gentle smile on her face despite the heaviness of the situation.

“So, how did it go, princess?” her mother asked, sitting on the bed next to her, her hand resting gently on Seulgi’s shoulder.

Seulgi buried her face into the cushion, her words muffled. “Not fine.”

Her mother raised an eyebrow, concern flashing across her face. “What happened?”

Seulgi sat up, her shoulders slumping under the weight of her exhaustion. She let out a long sigh, running a hand through her hair. “It didn’t go well, Mom. That Joohyun… she hates me.”

She collapsed back onto the bed, burying her face in her mother’s neck as if seeking solace. Her mother’s warmth and comforting presence always had a way of easing her troubled heart. Seulgi may have been an adult in age, but in moments like this, she still felt like a child. And her mother—her ever-present comfort—was always there to baby her when she needed it most.

Then Seulgi let out a frustrated grunt, her face buried in the cushion again. She felt helpless. She had agreed to this marriage for her father’s sake, but how could she go through with it when her soon-to-be wife despised her?

Before Seulgi could spiral further into her thoughts, her father burst into the room, a dramatic frown on his face.

“Too bad, Princess, that they demanded for you to start living there tomorrow,” he said with a childish pout, earning a playful slap from her mother.

“Tomorrow?!” Seulgi’s eyes widened in shock. The reality of the situation was hitting her all at once. That meant the nightmare would begin the very next day.

Her father nodded, clearly trying to suppress a smile at the thought of his daughter starting this new chapter. Seulgi sighed heavily, rubbing her temples. She wasn’t ready for this. But there was no escaping it.

“If it weren’t for my parents…” Seulgi muttered under her breath.

Her mother and father teased her about tucking her in one last time before she became an engaged woman. “I’ll always be your baby,” Seulgi remarked, trying to lighten the mood.

Her parents smiled, then left her alone to pack her things.

Seulgi wandered to her walk-in closet, gathering her things slowly. She wasn’t sure how to pack for the next chapter of her life—how to pack for a life where she wasn’t sure what was waiting for her. She grabbed a few sets of clothes—comfortable pajamas, a couple of pairs of shorts, trousers, shirts, and tank tops. She placed a framed photo of herself and her parents carefully into her suitcase so she could have a piece of home with her.

Seulgi also packed her painting materials and journal. She knew she’d need something to do in the quiet moments—something to distract her when the overwhelming feelings of uncertainty came flooding in. She added a few of her favorite mini bear toys to the mix, items that had been gifted to her by a late friend. They comforted her, and she always found peace in holding them when the world felt too heavy.

As she finished packing, she prepared the clothes she’d wear for the next day. The weight of what was to come settled in her chest, but there was nothing left to do but sleep and brace herself for the morning.

~~

The next morning came too soon. Seulgi felt the sun’s light peeking through her eye mask, signaling the start of another day. She removed the mask and blinked against the bright light, only to see her mother standing by the window, gently pulling the curtains open.

“Rise and shine, Princess,” her mother said softly, her smile warm despite the heaviness in the air.

Seulgi rubbed her eyes, trying to adjust to the brightness. “Why up so early, Mom?”

Her mother sat next to her, wrapping her arms around her for a hug. “I’m truly going to miss you, my Princess,” she said, her voice cracking as tears began to form in her eyes.

Seulgi smiled softly, her hand moving to caress her mother’s cheek. She wiped away the tears with her thumb. “Mom, I’m not going to disappear. It’s not like I’m off to Mars or something,” Seulgi joked, trying to lighten the mood, but her mother playfully slapped her arm.

“I’m just going to miss giving you milk every night and giving you foot massages,” her mother said, her voice thick with emotion.

Seulgi felt a lump form in her throat, tears threatening to spill as she looked at the woman who had always been there for her. “I’ll miss you, too, Mom. More than you know.”

Her mother kissed her forehead, and Seulgi promised, “If there’s anything, anything you need, we’re one call away.”

“I will, Mom.” Seulgi held her mother close for a moment longer, not wanting to let go. But she knew it was time. She had a new life waiting for her, one that she hadn’t chosen but would have to navigate the best she could.