Lina entered the humble looking house and was greeted by several people in the living room. Nervous and uncertain about how to handle this new situation, she listened to each of their introductions. Later, she learned that they had been working in the house for generations, each with their own designated role in maintaining the house.
They had been close to the Choi family and were her grandfather's long-time friends. This dynamic made Lina even more curious about her grandfather's relationship with these people.
Based on their conversation, they appeared to be more like friends and colleagues than employees and employers. This made her even more awkward.
Noticing the awkwardness on Lina's face, Magi offered a few reassuring words.
"Young Lady, although we were friends with Mr. Choi, our loyalty lies with the family of this house. And now, that means you. Since you are the rightful owner, please don't feel pressured command us as you see fit."
The others also nodded in agreement, silently showing their vow to commit and serve their young owner. Seeing this scene, Lina let out a quiet sigh of relief.
She had been worried for a moment unsure of how she would live in a house full of her grandfather's old friends.
Aside from that, there were no other young people in the house except her.
But as she looked around and observed each of their faces, Lina noticed the sincerity in their eyes. It comforted her more than she expected.
With this thought, Lina thanked everyone and asked them to take care of her from now on. The servants' eyes lit up, touched by how good-natured and humble the young lady was. Their hearts warmed at the sight of her bowing respectfully.
In that moment, an old memory stirred within them, an image from a distant past seemed to overlap with the present. The same scene, the same gesture, and… the same face.
Silence settled in the room, it's not heavy or awkward, but rather soft. In that moment, something unspoken passed between them all.
Lina wasn't just welcomed.
She was home.
That night, Lina settled into her new room with ease. She lit a scented candle to freshen the air and calm her nerves. It had been an eventful day, and her body screams to be pampered, so she decided to prepare a bath to calm her nerves a little.
Looking around the bathroom, she still couldn't believe all of this now belonged to her.
The space was quiet and cosy, but filled with history. Displayed around the bathroom were various old artifacts and figurines that even to Lina's eyes, looked ancient. The antique vases, in particular, stood out, they reflect money and prestige.
Then her gaze flicked to the bathroom window, where another equally extravagant vase sat. "Seriously, who puts expensive vases in the bathroom?" she thought, half in awe, half in disbelief.
She shook her head with a quiet chuckle. This house really was something else.
Morning came quickly, and Lina enjoyed a healthy, full breakfast that had already been laid out on the table. Today, Madi had woken up early to prepare everything she needed for school, which made Lina's own preparations go smoother than usual.
She couldn't help but feel amused. The treatment she was receiving so far was comparable to those young masters in the rich drama she used to watch.
Around her, only Lee Joon ever got this kind of pampering, but look at her now, she was being treated like a proper heiress!
Even now, Lina was still trying to wrap her head around the fact that she was riding to school in a black Rolls-Royce, something that had never happened in her life before.
She had been genuinely surprised when the driver pulled the sleek, shiny car in front of her that morning.
Earlier, when she asked the household staff how she was supposed to get to school—since the house was far from the city, Madi had casually explained that Mr. Roy, the driver, could take her. At the time, Madi didn't make a big deal out of it.
But when Lina saw the actual car with her own eyes, all she could do was blink in disbelief and scratch her head.
This… was a lot.
In the end, Lina asked the driver to drop her off at a convenience store within walking distance of her school to avoid the attention and curious gazes of her classmates.
She knew all too well how fast gossip could spread at school, and the last thing she wanted right now was to become the center of it.
Keeping a low profile is her priority.
Lina arrived at school just on time. She had barely taken her seat when a sudden chill ran down her spine. Glancing around, her eyes landed on Park Bora, who was seated on the other side of the room, casting secretive glances in her direction.
There was a look of triumph on Bora's face, a look that is undeniable and unhidden. Her expression practically glowed with satisfaction.
Park Bora had clearly noticed Lina's entrance and couldn't help but sneak a few smug glances her way. Just last week, Lina had moved out of the Choi household and into the student dormitory. This event had conveniently allowed Bora to move into the Choi house in her place.
Because of this, she was finally able to experience a life of being pampered and cared for. Her parents bought her new clothes, accessories, furniture for her room, and even the most random things she casually asked for. Her biological parents didn't hesitate to spoil her to the bone.
They even gave her a card she could use whenever and for whatever she wanted—an indulgence she had never experienced in her life. After living with the Chois for just a week, Bora couldn't even fathom going back to that poor, crumbling house.
No. She would never step foot in that dilapidated home again, never return to that smelly neighbourhood or that disgusting life.
She belonged to high society now, and she would never let anyone drag her back into the filth she had once called home.
Bora cast another glance in Lina's direction, this time, her gaze was laced with hatred. She couldn't wait to see the look on Lina's face when she realized she would never be able to step foot in the Choi household again.
Park Bora stood up and walked over to Lina's desk. "Lina, I heard you moved to the dormitory. Are you adjusting well?" she asked, her tone laced with faux concern.
"Dormitory life can be tough… especially for someone like you. If you ever need help, I'm always here," she added sweetly, purposely raising her voice just enough for the nearby students to hear.
Lina looked up, her expression calm and unreadable. She gave a small, polite smile—one that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Thanks for the offer, Bora," she said softly. "But I'm doing just fine."
Her voice was gentle, but steady. Then, without another word, she turned her gaze back to her notebook, as if Bora's presence no longer required her attention.
Around them, a few students exchanged curious glances, sensing the tension in the air.
Bora and Lina had a decent relationship before, so it surprised everyone when Bora approached her and offered help but was brushed off pitifully.
Living away from your family was already tough, and considering Lina's wealthy upbringing, many assumed it would be even harder for her to adjust.
To the other students watching, Bora's gesture seemed kind and thoughtful, so when Lina brushed it off without much warmth, it came across as rude. Whispers started to float around the classroom, painting Lina as cold and ungrateful, while Bora stood there with a hurt expression that only fuelled the misunderstanding.
Lina ignored the other students. She knew exactly what Bora was doing, pretending to be concerned while playing the part of a kind classmate,but only Lina could see the hidden intentions behind her actions.
Sooner or later, their paths would clash in a bigger way, so there was no point in pretending or delaying the inevitable. Besides, she didn't care about what the other students thought of her.
Words and opinions always change. There was no reason to feel hurt or let her happiness depend on someone else's perception.
She wasn't that desperate for attention or support—especially not from people who didn't truly know her.
Those who had witnessed the exchange couldn't help but feel pity for Bora. Their view of Lina shifted 180 degree instantly. They had never imagined that someone like Lina, who is known for her quiet nature and intelligence could be so cold.
So what if you're the smartest in the room? they thought. That doesn't give you the right to ignore someone offering help.
A few students exchanged glances, the same thought running through their minds. From now on, they will be keeping an eye on Lina.
Meanwhile, Lina's friends who are sitting nearby wore expressions of concern. The situation had unfolded so suddenly, and none of them knew how to react.