Chapter One

Turbulence

 

 

 

The plane lurched, overhead bins snapping open as loose items spilled into the aisles. Flight attendants exchanged glances, steadying themselves against seatbacks. There was no time for reassurance—only action. One crew member hurried to the PA system, gripping the microphone.

 

Soon-bok’s thoughts drifted back to the day’s earlier events...

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***

 

Lee Jong-suk stood in his penthouse, fingers clenched around a porcelain cup as he stared out over the city below. The view that once symbolized success now felt remote, a world slipping from his grasp. He shifted his stance, the familiar ache in his joints serving as a constant reminder of passing years.

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Behind him came the distinct click of approaching heels. He turned to see his ex-wives entering—Soon-bok with poised elegance, Hei-ran masking behind a polite smile. Once, he had loved them both; now, they seemed like strangers with shared history.

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“We need to talk,” Soon-bok announced, her tone direct.

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Jong-suk’s brow lifted. “Both of you? Together?”

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“We’ve made the arrangements,” she stated. “You’ll look after the boys while we’re away.”

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His grip on the cup tightened. “You’re telling me—not asking.”

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“You built an empire,” she pressed. “A week with your children shouldn’t be impossible.”

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Hei-ran interjected, calm but firm, “We discussed this six months ago.”

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“At year’s end,” Jong-suk countered, voice rising. He searched their faces for compromise and found none. “Fine. But this isn’t over.”

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“We have a plane to catch,” Soon-bok said.

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As they departed, Jong-suk hurled a nearby Ming vase, shattering it against the marble fireplace.