"How was your day today, young master..?" Benedict asked, glancing at me through the front mirror of the car.
"Just as usual," I replied flatly and leaned my head against the window, falling silent for the rest of the ride back to the main house.
Nestled deep in an area of the mountain, slightly hidden from the world, stands the Lee Mansion an estate built specifically for my father. Beyond the towering black gates lies a sprawling property, and the first thing you'll face upon entering is a winding, forested driveway stretching more than five kilometers. It's not just for show. Father designed it that way because he believed the wilderness was restorative to the soul, or so he said. But truthfully, I think it was more about control. Escaping this place was nearly impossible. I remember those desperate, miserable moments in the past thinking I'd finally gotten away only to realize I was still trapped within the mansion's expansive grounds.
A servant opened the car door and bowed deeply. Without returning the gesture, I stepped out and walked straight into the mansion where my parents were waiting to greet me. As the grand front doors opened, servants lined up neatly on either side, bowing in perfect synchrony.
I walked directly into my mother's arms, which were open wide with a smile on her face as if to greet me.
"Hi, Mom," I said softly, grasping her delicate hands and placing them gently against my cheek with a soft smile.
"Oh, my dear Jaewhi, look at you..." she said, her voice filled with concern as her eyes scanned my figure. "You've lost weight since the last time I saw you. You haven't been eating properly, have you? What is that servant of yours doing?"
I lost weight..? Funny. I could've sworn I gained some from what I see in the mirror last time.
"Benedict has been taking good care of me, Mom. It's just because of my diet from me recent photoshoot." I replied, smiling to ease her worries.
She let out a small sigh of relief and smiled back. "Are you hungry? Let's go eat something together. I'll have the chef prepare your favorite dishes. You must be starving."
"Sure, Mom. It's been a while since we ate together," I said, nodding gently as I let her guide me by the arm.
My light blonde hair comes from her, and my eyes sharp and cold are Father's. Despite her age, Mom retains a youthful face. With her fair complexion, petite frame, and soft features, people often mistake her for someone in her twenties. Her hazel eyes suit her gentle, nurturing presence. Back in her prime, she was famous in Lucian not only for her beauty but also her intelligence. Unlike Father, who was born into wealth, Mom came from nothing. She was Lucian's top scholarship student, the pride of her school.
"Is Father still at work?" I asked casually, wiping my mouth with a napkin while a servant silently cleared away the dishes I hadn't touched.
"Unfortunately, yes, dear. He was so excited to come home and see you, but something urgent came up at the company," she said with a soft sigh.
Lies. Father? Excited to see me? The world would end before he ever acknowledged me with a smile.
"Is that so... How disappointing." I replied, putting on a somber expression that didn't reach my eyes. I don't want to see him anyway.
She stood up and embraced me tightly, brushing her hand through my hair as she often did when I was still a child. "Don't worry, dear. I'm sure he'll make it up to you tomorrow. He really wanted to be here."
"I hope so, Mom," I said, forcing a smile as I leaned against her shoulder, just to make her feel better.
The main house is massive, too massive, really. It's nearly half the size of the Academy despite only having two permanent residents: my parents. The rest are servants, caretakers, and the occasional guest. It was built grandly not out of necessity but for prestige. A long double staircase dominates the entrance hall, leading up to the second floor. Between the stairs hangs a gigantic family portrait. Our faces, frozen in carefully crafted smiles, stare back at me. Every time I look at it, I feel a wave of nausea. None of it is real. Just a performance for the camera.
I turned my head away and headed toward my bedroom.
"Benedict, bring me some digestive medicine. Make sure no one sees you. If someone does, deal with it discreetly." I said, unbuttoning my waistcoat and tugging at my tie.
"Yes, young master," he replied before stepping out.
My room hadn't changed. Not even a speck of dust. It was just as pristine as I left it. The size of the room alone was absurd comparable to the size of my entire old house. It had its own living area, a walk-in closet, and a large balcony. From that balcony, you could easily jump to the adjacent room's balcony. As I stepped outside, my gaze landed on that very spot. Nostalgia hit me like a punch to the chest. I closed my eyes and tilted my head up to the sky.
God, I really fucking hate it here…
I walked back in, sat at the edge of my bed, and let the weight of my emotions sit with me in silence.
Knock, knock.
The door opened. Benedict returned with the medicine and placed it on my bedside table before quietly taking his leave. I picked up my phone and stared at our group chat. Empty. Quiet.
I wonder if my friends will be at the banquet tomorrow. Their parents were invited, after all. They told me just before class ended. Even if they attend, I doubt I'll get to talk to them. Father never lets me leave his side during events like these.
...Which means she might be coming too. I sighed.
I turned off my phone and placed it face-down beside me on the bed. I'll deal with that tomorrow.
It was now morning. I hadn't slept well my body just wouldn't relax in that bed. Not here, not in this house. After washing up, I headed downstairs for breakfast. Benedict had informed me that Father wanted me to join him.
I entered the dining room to find both of them already seated.
"Good morning, Mom. Father," I said, forcing a smile as I approached the table.
"Good morning too, dear. Come, take a seat. Did you sleep well last night?" Mom asked with concern in her eyes.
"Not really... but I guess it's just because I haven't slept here in a while," I replied as I took the seat to Father's left.
"My, is that so…" she murmured, casting a glance at Father.
"How are you, Father?" I asked with a smile.
"Good," he replied curtly, not even bothering to look at me.
Same as ever. I had foolishly hoped that maybe, just maybe he'd change. But no. He's exactly like Grandpa. Cold. Calculating. Black hair, storm-gray eyes, and that same mole under the left eye. The resemblance is eerie. Even their mannerisms are identical. Heartless down to their bones.
"How are you doing at school?" Father asked suddenly, still focused on his meal.
"Just as usual, Father," I replied, keeping my tone even. He finally glanced at me. His eyes narrowed, sharp and unreadable. I flinched slightly.
"As usual, huh..."
"Emris," Mom snapped, her voice tight with frustration. "Can't you just appreciate that your son is finally home?"
"Jaewhi has been doing his best. His grades are always top-tier. Isn't that right, dear?" she said, turning to me with a hopeful smile that didn't hide the desperation in her eyes.
Looks like they haven't heard about me dropping to rank 2 yet. But they will. At the banquet, when the guests arrive and start blabbering to them. Grandpa said he'd take care of it himself. But still, I can't help but feel nervous. My hands trembled under the table as I fidgeted with my fingers aggressively.
"Yes, Mom... And now long enough I'll be running for student council president soon." I said, putting on my brightest smile to hide my nervous state.
"My! Did you hear that, Emris? He's running for president, just like you did in the past!" Mom exclaimed, clearly trying to bridge a gap.
Father let out a scoff. "Why celebrate something if it's still not guaranteed? There's still some chance he'll lose the campaign."
My brows furrowed, the sting immediate. But I took a deep breath and composed myself. He doesn't really trust his child that much. I sighed.
"Rest assured, Father," I said with a grin, eyes steady at his. "I am your son, after all. Winning the campaign will surely be a piece of cake."