Inauguration

Present day

Today's the day, the day I've been dreading ever since my brother left .......

A knock on the door breaks my thoughts, I look back and see my mother walking towards me "oh honey  you look beautiful as always" she said with a smile but I couldn't  return it as I looked down at the floor, this isn't what I wanted for myself, but I couldn't bring myself to say it out loud. I've always been my fathers child growing up and never in my life have I ever disappointed him and I wouldn't start now so I just had to suck it up.

"My love I know you're hurting, and you don't want -" I'm fine mom, don't worry about me if dads wants me to be the next chairman then so it shall be" i told her as I forced a smile on my face and reached out to embrace her. We stayed like this for a while until knock at the door broke us apart "the chairman calls for the both of you" the voice outside the door said and my mother and I looked at each other "let's go mom we don't want to keep dad waiting" she took my hand as we walked out of my room.

Walking down the stairs, just at the bottom of the staircase was my father looking proud and happy "ah ji-won there you are" he reached his hand out to me and I took it as he embraced me in a hug "I was beginning to think you had run away on such an important day" he joked if you only knew how bad I wish I could "of course not dad why would I" I lied as I put on my best laugh. "Let's hurry up you two we don't want to keep the guests waiting" my mom said breaking us apart "my lovely wife you look absolutely beautiful" my father complimented my mother as she gashed.

We headed out the house towards the car "morning" ji woon greeted as he opened the door for my parents bowing as a sign of respect to the elderly "morning" I returned as my parents did the same. Entering the car right behind my parents I tried to calm my nerve's looking out the window as the car drove off.

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We drove in silence for a while until Ji-woon broke the silence "I see you're still going ahead with it" he spoke and I looked up and saw him looking at me through the rare view mirror "what do you expect me to do?" I replied "fight for your dreams like your brother did and not be afraid to disappoint your father, you're his only daughter I don't think he can be mad at you forever" he spoke, theoretically all he said was possible but realistically it was all impossible and I know it all too well, "it's too late to back down now." I dismissed as I looked out the window contemplating on my life. Ji-woon was right about everything, I've known ji-woon for as long as I could remember, he is the son of our former butler who worked for us for over 2 decades and once he got sick due to old age ji-woon decided to take over while completing his degree in engineering.

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After a few minutes of driving we approached Seoul building cooperation which was a family real estate company that had run for over half a century and has been passed down from generation to generation and now it's my turn to take over and run it. The car came to a halt and ji-woon gave me one last glance before opening my door and ushering me out of the car, holding my fathers hand we were ushered inside away from all the press and flashing lights. Walking inside we were greeted by the staff and the beautiful architecture of the building, influenced by its history and culture.

The buildings concept was drawn from a piano as my great grandfather loved music so much.

You are welcomed by the incredible lighting that illuminated through the glass walls and doors and futuristic designs that would make one just lose their mind. Heading towards the conference hall my nerves seemed to have picked up and my father noticed and gave me a reassuring smile.

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He gave me his blessing and walked in the conference room with my mother in hand as all the members stood to greet them leaving me behind awaiting my introduction, after all the people had Settled down and the company manager walked towards the podium "good morning ladies and gentleman I welcome you all this auspicious occasion,"- "I am the company's manger Ha Jae-yi here to host today's ceremony. Let us begin the inaugural ceremony to welcome the new chairman of Seoul building's corporation, please welcome the new chairman Miss Kim Ji-won with a big round of applause" she spoke through the mic as I braced myself and walked in the room, everyone stood up and clapped and from the corner of my eye i could see the proud look on my fathers face as I approached the podium "good morning ladies and gentlemen I am Kim Ji-Won. I am grateful for this opportunity of becoming your chairman or woman in this case" I joked as everyone broke out in a fit of laughter "I hope we can work together in helping me live up to the companies name, thankyou once again" I concluded as everyone rose cheering me on ,one of the staff approached me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers as some of the board members came to welcome and congratulate me.

Once the ceremony was concluded, my parents bid their farewell and left for dinner with the board members as I was given a tour of the place by the manager and some of the staff.

After what seemed like eternity, we finally reached our destination of which was going to be my office for I don't know how long. She opened the door for me and closed the door behind her once I had entered the office. It was beautifully designed with floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the beautiful city of Seoul. The view is amazing I thought to myself as I looked out the windows, looking back I saw my desk that had my name on a wooden panel KIM JI-WON CHAIRMAN..

I wonder how yi joon is doing ,I thought to myself as I say sat in my chair and drifted off in a slumber

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Meanwhile

Joo-Hoon slowly rises, stretching the stiffness from his back. He rubs his eyes and glances at the clock—5:30 AM. He has just enough time to get ready before his first job of the day starts. He tiptoes into the small bathroom, mindful not to wake his younger sister, Ji-Hyun. She's still in high school, and Joo-Hoon is determined to make sure she finishes her education without the struggles he faced.

After a quick shower, Joo-Hoon dresses in a simple, well-worn outfit—a plain t-shirt and jeans. His hands are rough from years of odd jobs: construction sites, delivery shifts, and part-time work at a local café. Today is no different. He'll work a few hours at a construction site before heading to his part time job as a waiter for events.

As he steps into the kitchen, his grandmother turns to him with a warm smile. Her hands are weathered, a reflection of years of hard work, but she moves with grace, setting down a small bowl of rice, some side dishes, and the steaming soup.

"Eat well, my boy," she says softly, her voice gentle but laced with concern. "You work too hard."

Joo-Hoon smiles as he sits down. "I have to. Someone has to look after you and Min-Jung."

They share a quiet moment, the clinking of chopsticks and bowls the only sound between them. He eats quickly but not hastily, savoring the simple meal his grandmother made with so much care. He feels the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, but it's familiar—a constant in his life.

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Just as he finishes eating, the door to Min-Jung's room slides open. She emerges, still in her pajamas, her face a mix of sleep and concern. Her big brother works harder than anyone she knows, and while she admires him, she worries about how much burden he carries.

"Oppa, you don't have to work so many jobs," Min Jung says softly, her voice pleading.

Joo-Hoon gives her a reassuring smile, ruffling her hair playfully. "Don't worry about me. You just focus on your studies, okay?"

She nods, but the worry doesn't leave her eyes. He stands up, grabs his backpack, and heads toward the door, already mentally preparing himself for the long day ahead. He turns one last time to see his grandmother and Min Jung standing in the doorway, watching him leave.

"Take care, Oppa," she calls out as he waves and steps outside.

Outside, the streets are already bustling with early morning activity. People in suits rush to catch buses, and delivery workers ride by on scooters. Joo-Hoon walks down the narrow alleyways of his neighborhood, the worn-down buildings a stark contrast to the glittering skyscrapers in the city center.

He passes by local shops and nods politely to the elderly neighbors he's known for years. They smile at him, their faces weathered with age and life, but always kind. It's a community bound together by the shared experience of hard work and modest living. He doesn't resent his life, but he dreams of something more—for himself, for Min Jung , and for his grandmother, who has sacrificed so much for them.

As he waits at the bus stop, he pulls out his phone, glancing at his schedule for the day. Construction in the morning, the waiting job in the evening. It's exhausting, but Joo-Hoon's mind is always on the future—his sister's education, a better life for his grandmother, and, someday, stability for himself.

The bus pulls up, and Joo-Hoon steps on, squeezing into the crowded space. As he stares out the window at the city rushing by, he lets out a quiet sigh. It's not an easy life, but it's his. And no matter how hard things get, he refuses to give up. His family depends on him, and that's all the motivation he needs.

The bus ride takes him from the outskirts of Seoul to the heart of the city, where the towering buildings of the wealthy and powerful loom overhead—so different from his humble neighborhood. He's used to it by now, the contrast between the life he lives and the one others take for granted. But deep down, he holds onto his dreams, knowing that hard work and determination might one day pay off.

WORD COUNT: ****1875

Ahhhhhh can't believe I finally wrote it, it took me like three days of procrastination to come up with this chapter and I'm already obsessed

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