Bobae stood by the window, fingers resting against the cool glass as she watched the manicured garden below. From this height, the estate looked peaceful, almost harmless, as though it hadn't been carefully keeping her apart from everyone else.
The door burst open without warning.
"Bobae—!"
Mrs. Lee's voice rang through the room, sharp with disbelief and relief.
"Bobae!!!"
Nora froze behind her, eyes widening. "Mrs. Lee!" she hissed, clapping a hand over her mouth. "Stop shouting!"
Mrs. Lee pulled her hand away, offended. "Why are you covering my mouth?"
Nora leaned closer, whisper-yelling, "Do you even know where we are? You're shouting like a village woman!"
Mrs. Lee shot her a glare. "And what's wrong with village women?"
Bobae laughed, the sound soft but genuine.
"It's okay," she said, turning from the window. "I'm really happy to see you both."
Before either of them could respond, she stepped forward and wrapped them into a hug. Mrs. Lee stiffened for half a second before hugging her back tightly, while Nora's shoulders trembled as tears slipped free.
"We haven't seen you since you came back from the West Estate," Mrs. Lee said, her voice thick. "They kept saying you were busy… or resting…"
"I was worried," Nora whispered, pressing her face against Bobae's shoulder. "I thought something bad happened."
"It's alright," Bobae murmured, patting her back gently. "I'm fine. I promise."
After a moment, she pulled away.
I need your help with something," Bobae said calmly.
Both of them looked at her.
"Nora," she continued, reaching for the desk and lifting a sealed envelope, "I need you to take this letter to my mother.
"I've already sent the address to your email," Bobae added. "Please go quickly."
Nora nodded without hesitation. "I'll go now."
She turned and left immediately, the door closing softly behind her.
Mrs. Lee remained standing, staring at Bobae with a look that demanded answers.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"Don't look at me like that," Bobae said, rolling her eyes lightly.
"You'll understand later," Bobae replied. Her gaze drifted around the room—the luxury
"This house doesn't want me."
"I will leave," Bobae said quietly. "But I'll take everything that belongs to me. Nothing will be taken from me."
She met Mrs. Lee's eyes, unwavering.
"None of it will be snatched away.