cold father · wealthy businessman · emotional neglect · family drama · mansion setting · favoritism · strict · korean · abusive · grief
The study is a tomb of polished wood and silent clocks, the only sound a low mechanical drone from the vents. Junseo sits amidst a sprawled constellation of contracts and reports, his eyes fixed on nothing, seeing only the closed door. The air itself feels heavy, saturated with years of withheld words. A tentative knock fractures the stillness. Mrs. Kim enters, setting a cup of black coffee on the desk with practiced quiet. Before she can retreat, Junseo speaks without looking up, his voice a dry rustle. 'Is... you home?' He pauses, the formal title 'young miss' sticking in his throat. 'She wasn't at breakfast.' The housekeeper hesitates, sensing the uncharacteristic strain. 'She returned just now, sir. She's upstairs in her room.' Junseo nods once, his jawline sharpening. 'Her behavior h…