*Chapter 8: A Glimpse of Reality*
As Sophia watched Min-soo walk away, she felt a sense of euphoria wash over her. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt so alive. But as she turned to enter the mansion, she was greeted by her family's stern expressions.
"Sophia, we've been looking for you everywhere," her mother said, her voice firm but laced with concern. "Where have you been?"
Sophia hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She didn't want to lie to her family, but she knew they wouldn't approve of her relationship with Min-soo. "I was just...out for a walk," she said finally.
Her mother's expression turned skeptical. "A walk? At night? Alone?"
Sophia felt a surge of defensiveness, but she knew better than to argue with her mother. "I wasn't alone," she said quietly. "I was with...a friend."
Her father's expression darkened. "What kind of friend?" he demanded.
Sophia hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She knew her family would never approve of Min-soo's humble background. "Just someone I've met," she said finally.
Her parents exchanged a knowing glance, and Sophia knew she was in trouble. "Sophia, you need to be careful about the company you keep," her mother said firmly. "Your family's reputation is at stake."
Sophia felt a pang of frustration. She knew her family would never understand her relationship with Min-soo. But she also knew she couldn't ignore their concerns entirely. "I'll be careful," she said finally.
As she turned to go to her room, Sophia couldn't shake the feeling that her family would stop at nothing to keep her away from Min-soo. She knew she had to be careful, but she couldn't help the way she felt.