Whispers of the Past

The car slowed to a stop at the entrance of The Haven, the prestigious hotel belonging to the Wang family. Its grandeur was evident even from afar, towering majestically and beckoning the invited guests to step into its luxurious embrace.

Ha-Na marveled at the meticulous attention to detail, a testament to the Wangs' dedication and taste that poured into its construction. The grand curvaceous canopy, antique light fixtures, and the thoughtful choice of colors all contributed to an opulent entrance that left an indelible impression on her.

She recalled that decades ago, such grandeur was unheard of—hotel entrances served merely as functional passageways. But Wang Il-sung, the chairman of Wang Constructions, had the visionary foresight to transform The Haven into a destination in its own right, drawing visitors from far and wide. Ha-Na silently applauded their success.

While Ha-Na admired The Haven, Ha-Min scanned the area with a serious expression. "The security seems tight, and the media are kept at a distance," he observed, always on high alert.

Ha-Na peered through the entrance, noting the vigilant security personnel ensuring the smooth flow of the evening's celebrations. The media seemed to be taking a brief respite from covering the event, their cameras poised for the elite guests attending tonight's party.

Taking a deep breath, Ha-Min stepped out and opened the door for her. She thanked Mr. Jang gratefully, the Kang family's trusted driver for nearly three decades.

As she adjusted her dress and stepped out, she radiated grace and poise. Suddenly, the resting cameras began to flash, capturing her every move as she walked towards the entrance, flanked by security guards.

Amidst the chaos, murmurs about her identity reached her ears. As the media recognized her, flashbulbs erupted in a frenzy.

Observing the media coverage, she praised the excellent service provided by the Wangs, admiring their commitment to excellence.

Well, The Wangs were known for their extravagance and ostentation, whether in business dealings or events like these.

At the entrance of the hall, they encountered a line of guards. Ha-Min stepped forward and handed over their invitation. The three guards who had accompanied them from the car stopped behind them. Ha-Na noted the tight security, a necessity given the presence of significant figures from Korea and foreign businessmen and women. There could be no room for mishaps.

"Let's meet the infamous Wangs," she thought, eager to finally meet her ally who would soon play a crucial role in her plans.

Stepping into the hotel's interior, Ha-Na's eyes widened in awe. The Western-style architecture exuded elegance and sophistication, with ornate decorations adorning every corner. The ballroom was particularly magnificent, its grandeur unmatched by any other venue they had visited.

'Wangs are definitely over the top,' muttering to herself, she moved forward.

Ha-Min, too, seemed taken aback by the magnificence of their surroundings, his eyes darting around in wonder. The guests, dressed in their finest attire, mingled effortlessly, their laughter and chatter filling the air with a sense of joviality.

However, the crowd's murmuring ceased abruptly as all eyes turned toward Ha-Na.

Dressed in her elegant blue gown adorned with captivating silver highlights, Ha-Na exuded a regal aura, resembling a modern-day princess. Her beauty was breathtaking, captivating the attention of all who beheld her.

Her natural wavy hair cascaded softly, adding a touch of whimsy to her appearance. The strands of silvery-blue fabric draped flawlessly over her figure, accentuating her graceful curves and undeniable allure.

As she glided through the small crowd, one couldn't help but be mesmerized by her striking facial features. Her hazel brown eyes sparkling with a warmth and depth that seemed to hold stories untold, drawing others into their depths.

While moving, Ha-Na couldn't help but notice the whispers of her past misconduct and scandals swirling around her like a dark cloud. Yet, she maintained her composure, her calm exterior belying the storm of emotions within her. She felt the weight of their accusations but refused to let it break her spirit.

"Isn't that the fallen Lotus? Look at her now. She's even more beautiful since returning from abroad," one voice murmured in surprise.

"Isn't she the one accused of false stock manipulation and account fraud? I suppose I should greet her before she's whisked away by others," another voice chimed in.

Meanwhile, some whispers took on a mocking tone, delivered with professional disdain.

"Hmph, look who decided to grace us with her presence. I can't believe she has the face to show up tonight. Who would even believe this cunning wench didn't have a hand in what happened three years ago?" one voice said, dripping with venom.

"That's right, otherwise why would her own family abandon her if she didn't have any role in the scandal?" another voice added, fueling the speculation and doubt surrounding her innocence.

"She's really putting on a show, isn't she? Pretending like nothing ever happened," came the final, cutting remark, highlighting the hypocrisy perceived by those who judged her harshly.

Indeed, Ha-Na was acutely aware of the ripple effect her scandal had caused throughout the business community. They blamed her for their hardships, viewing her as the catalyst for their troubles, and harbored deep-seated grievances against her.

Additionally, there were individuals who harbored personal grievances against Ha-Na. This cocktail of resentment and personal grudges fueled the gossip and criticism circulating about her at the party.

Yet, amidst the judgmental whispers and accusatory glances, there were those who couldn't help but be captivated by her transformation. Her stunning appearance and graceful demeanor commanded attention and admiration, even amidst the controversy surrounding her.

Ha-Na's gaze swept across the tables until it landed on familiar faces she had been eager to see. She told Ha-Min to take his leave and began to stroll towards her family. However, she was halted by her childhood friend, Hwang Min-Ju.

"Ha-Na, what a surprise! How's life treating you?" Min-Ju greeted her with genuine warmth.

Noticing it would be impolite to cut short the greeting, Ha-Na smiled and replied, "Great, just like my re-entry. What about you?"

Min-Ju laughed, appreciating Ha-Na's humor.

"I'm also fine. Come, let's go and meet our friends. It's been so long, and we have so much to catch up on. I'm sure they all must be very excited to see you," Min-Ju said as she dragged Ha-Na over to their old high school friends' table.

As they approached, Ha-Na noticed the group was already catching up on her life....

"Look, Kang Ha-Na is back in the country. I just made eye contact with her," Park Se-mi said, nudging Kim Mi-young for attention.

Kim Mi-young scoffed, lifting her nose in the air. "Yah! Isn't she a joke? Don't tell me you want her to sit with us."

Park Se-mi furrowed her brow, attempting to reason with her friend. "Come on! She's still our friend, and besides, didn't all the accusations prove her innocent?" But Kim Mi-young remained unconvinced.

"Do you really believe that? That sly wench is perfectly capable of finding a scapegoat to take the fall. Don't be so naive. We don't need to cozy up to her anymore," Kim Mi-young retorted, convinced she was imparting sage wisdom to Se-Mi.

Before Kim Mi-young could say another word, Ha-Na's voice cut through the chatter like a knife. "Is that how your dear father—sorry, dear step-father—managed to stay out of prison?" The words hung in the air, silencing the table and leaving Kim Mi-young speechless, her confidence crumbling in an instant.