Chapter 21

The study room was quiet, the only sound was the rustling of pages as we focused on our work. It had been a long day of studying, but despite the usual tension, I could feel the atmosphere shift when Lee-Joon suddenly spoke up, breaking the silence.

"Hey," he started, looking a little confused. "I've been hearing something weird around the school lately. People keep whispering about Taeil Group."

"Why are they scared?" Lee-Joon continued, his curiosity obvious. "I mean, you're the daughter of Taeil Group, but I didn't think it was that big of a deal."

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my composure. It was hard enough to carry the weight of the Taeil name without being reminded of it by everyone else.

"Lee-Joon," Se-Hyun said, his voice calm but firm. "Taeil Group isn't just any company. It's the largest financial conglomerate in Korea. They're involved in everything from international trade, banking, and finance to major investments. They practically control the economy in certain industries. Their influence stretches everywhere."

Lee-Joon's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait... What?" He turned toward me, his expression changing from confusion to surprise. "I didn't know it was that big."

I nodded quietly, my voice soft. "Taeil Group is more than just a company. It's a legacy. A powerful one."

Ji-Woo crossed her arms, leaning back in her chair with a grin. "Yeah, and people know that. If you're connected to them, it's not just about money. It's about control. They don't just run businesses—they make moves behind the scenes."

Lee-Joon blinked, still processing the information. "So... all the rumors I've been hearing are because of you?" His tone wasn't accusatory, but there was a trace of unease in it.

I nodded again. "Yes."

Se-Hyun added, his voice steady. "People are talking because they're either afraid of the group's influence or because they see someone like Hera and think they have something to gain. It's not just gossip; it's a warning. When someone from Taeil Group is in the room, you have to pay attention."

Lee-Joon shook his head in disbelief, his hands raised as if trying to process everything. "This is... a lot more than I realized."

Ji-Woo chuckled. "Welcome to the world of the ultra-wealthy, Lee-Joon. You should be more careful about who you hang around with."

Lee-Joon glanced at me again, his eyes searching for some kind of confirmation. "But... why would anyone be scared of Hera just because she's their daughter?"

I hesitated. The truth was, people weren't scared of me—they were scared of the power behind my name. Taeil Group didn't just control businesses; it controlled lives. People feared what they didn't understand, and my family was one of the biggest mysteries of all.

"The group's power is something that people don't understand," I explained quietly. "You might not see it from the outside, but it's there. It's everywhere. Taeil Group controls so many aspects of society. People feel vulnerable when they realize just how much power one company holds over their lives."

Lee-Joon looked at me, processing the weight of my words. "I had no idea."

I could feel Se-Hyun's gaze on me, his eyes sharp. "That's because you've never had to deal with it."

Lee-Joon wasn't so easily dismissive. "I get it now. People aren't just worried about you—they're worried about what you represent. But... you're just a normal person, right?"

I smiled faintly, the reality of it all settling heavily in my chest. "I try to be."

Ji-Woo raised an eyebrow, her voice teasing but with a hint of seriousness. "If you're a normal person, then I'm the Queen of England."

Lee-Joon chuckled awkwardly, clearly trying to lighten the mood. "Yeah, well, I didn't realize how much was at stake."

"Don't worry, Lee-Joon," Se-Hyun said, his tone reassuring. "People talk. But as long as you stay on the right side, you won't have to worry about it."

But even as he said it, I couldn't shake the feeling that things were only getting more complicated. As much as I tried to keep my family's business away from the study group, I knew it was only a matter of time before more people started noticing—and before the consequences of my connection to Taeil Group came to light

"So, with Hera being the daughter of Taeil Group," Lee-Jon said, giving me a curious look, "whoever she marries is basically going to be set for life. I mean, there's power, wealth, and influence in the mix. I guess Ga-Min has his work cut out for him, huh?"

The group chuckled, and I felt my cheeks flush. Everyone seemed to have their own idea about the whole situation—most of them just saw me as an asset to some powerful family.

Ga-Min, however, didn't flinch. He looked at Lee-Joon with an unwavering gaze. "I'm not worried about that," he said quietly, almost to himself. "It doesn't matter who Hera's family is. I don't care about the wealth or the power. I just want her."

I could feel the weight of his words, the sincerity in them. The group went quiet for a moment. I didn't know what to say, but the more I looked at him, the more I realized how much I trusted him.

"You're really not worried?" Se-Hyun asked, his voice light but curious. "I mean, come on. With all the rich and powerful people out there, it can't be easy, right?"

Ga-Min turned his eyes to me, his expression softening. "I'm not worried. I'm not going to let anyone take her from me."

The room seemed to hold its breath. Ga-Min wasn't usually so open, but in this moment, he wasn't holding anything back. I felt a lump form in my throat, unsure of what to say.

I opened my mouth, ready to speak, but Hee-Won cut me off "So, what are you two then?" She asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Just friends? Or something more?"

I felt my cheeks burn, the attention suddenly too much to handle. Before I could respond, Ga-Min stood up from his seat, walking toward me with a look of determination in his eyes.

"I don't want to wait any longer," he said firmly, his voice steady but sincere. "Hera, I want to date you. I know things have been complicated, and I know we have our differences, but I've liked you for a long time now. I'm not letting this opportunity slip away. So, will you... be my girlfriend?"

The room went silent. Everyone turned to look at me, waiting for my response. I felt my heart race in my chest, the words coming out of his mouth a mix of surprise and relief. Ga-Min was asking me out.

For real.

"Yes," I whispered, unable to hold it back any longer. "Yes, I'll date you."

The group erupted into surprised cheers and laughter, but I barely heard them. All I could focus on was Ga-Min's smile, the way his eyes lit up as he reached out to hold my hand.

"I'm serious about this," Ga-Min said, his voice softening as he squeezed my hand. "I'm not going to let anyone get in the way of us."

Lee-Joon raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "So, you two are... a thing now?" he asked, clearly impressed by Ga-Min's boldness.

"Yeah," I said, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "I guess we are."

Se-Hyun, who had been the most vocal, finally broke the silence with a dramatic sigh. "Well, if this is how it's going to be, I guess I'll have to start preparing for the wedding. Taeil Group connections and all."

I laughed, but I couldn't help feel a weight lifted off my shoulders. For the first time in a while, everything felt right.