Chapter 12: Tangled Ties and Hidden Truths

I grabbed a random English novel from the desk. To my shock, I understood it like it was Korean. My TOEIC scores were decent back in the day, but not native-level. My heart raced at this unexpected skill.

“What the—am I actually competent?”

It makes sense. If Seung Hyun studied in the States for four years, not speaking fluent English would raise suspicions no memory loss excuse could cover. Excited, I pulled out a thick management textbook. Maybe this too?

“…”

No miracle here.

I could read it, but I didn’t understand a word. It was like a college entrance exam passage—comprehensible but meaningless.

My brief excitement faded, pulse back to normal. This guy didn’t study. Four years, and he’s still clueless? His practical skills are probably nonexistent. I sighed, sitting upright at the desk, seriously pondering my future.

If I studied harder than Seung Hyun, could I take on a role at Haewon?

“…No way.”

I admitted it plainly. It wasn’t just about my ability or potential.

The truth is, Seung Hyun isn’t a true Haewon heir. He—meaning me—is the product of an affair between his mother, Shin Mi Sun, and her father’s secretary. This bombshell is revealed late in Romantic Cinderella.

When Do Yoon learns this, he waits for the perfect moment to expose it to Chairman Choi Man Sik. The chairman, who’d indulged Seung Hyun’s every whim as the eldest grandson, collapses from shock. Seung Hyun is cast out of Haewon penniless.

‘By then, Father was already dead, and Shin Mi Sun’s standing crumbled with the reveal. Seung Hee sided with Do Yoon.’

Seung Hyun’s fall was swift. All the privileges he’d enjoyed as the “eldest grandson” vanished like a lie.

I’d love to coast in this chaebol family, milking the perks, but… the smartest move is to slip out quietly when no one’s watching. That’s the only way to live a normal life. At least I have some time. Sighing, I started planning my future seriously.

I stayed up until dawn agonizing, barely sleeping before Grandfather summoned everyone for a “hearty breakfast for health” lecture.

I dragged myself to the dining room, face gaunt. The table was meticulously set with side dishes, and the family, dressed impeccably, looked like a drama scene. I, with messy hair and loose clothes, felt like a stagehand who’d wandered onto the set. I forced a laugh.

“Haha, everyone’s here.”

Father quietly tsked, and Do Yoon glanced at me.

I sat, grinning awkwardly. Sleep-deprived and dazed, I scooped rice with a pale face. Then Mother spoke up.

“I heard there was trouble at Do Yoon’s school yesterday. What happened?”

My drowsiness vanished. I stared at Shin Mi Sun. Why’s she suddenly interested? Silent glances shot across the table like lasers. Only Father, oblivious, asked mechanically.

“What trouble?”

Seung Hee’s eyes flicked to Do Yoon. I looked at Manager Jo, but she avoided my gaze. Damn, I trusted you, Manager Jo.

Fiddling with side dishes, I answered casually.

“I checked it out. It was nothing. Just a misunderstanding at school.”

“What kind of misunderstanding leads to hitting someone?”

Mother’s cold voice drew all eyes to Do Yoon. I swallowed hard. Before he could mumble an apology, I jumped in.

“Just kids fighting. We settled with the other guy. No need to worry.”

“It’s done, then. Teachers these days call over nothing,” Father said dismissively.

I wanted to punch him for his tone, but it saved us. It made Mother’s probing awkward, so she dropped it. Seung Hee glanced at me, then looked away. But as Mother opened her mouth again, Grandfather spoke to me.

“Glad you handled it well.”

I gripped my water glass, forcing a smile. From the looks of it, Father was the only adult truly in the dark. Mother glanced between me and Grandfather, then shut up. I exhaled in relief internally.

“Just wasn’t a big deal.”

I clattered my chopsticks loudly, acting unbothered. Thanks to my effort, the conversation shifted to Seung Hee’s work and my health. Apparently, Grandfather knew about my hospital trip. This “health” breakfast was probably a lecture for me.

But was his silence consideration or a warning that my every move is reported? He’s unreadable. I’d have to watch my step.

The 30-minute breakfast felt eternal. After everyone left, I followed Mother to her room. She looked unsurprised, as if expecting me. I cut to the chase.

“What was that about?”

“What’s your deal? Why help him?”

I sighed shortly.

“You heard from Manager Jo. It’s settled.”

Sure, Do Yoon’s my top priority, but I don’t want bad blood with anyone here. Still, Shin Mi Sun trying to call out Do Yoon in front of everyone pissed me off. Now he’ll think I’m a snitch to Mother, not just Grandfather.

Plus, when Grandfather praised me, Seung Hee smirked, clearly mocking my “new strategy” from yesterday.

Getting suspected by the two people I need to befriend most didn’t feel great. I can’t change not being a true Haewon, but getting close to my siblings is something I can work on!

Yet the woman in front of me was sabotaging that.

“You planning to let Do Yoon take everything?”

I gave a hollow laugh at her sudden hostility.

“Don’t overreact.”

“You think your position’s secure?”

I shrugged.

“Secure? I’ve got nothing.”

“That’s why I’m telling you to get it together!” Shin Mi Sun snapped, exasperated.

“I brought you back to study, but you don’t work. You think Grandfather favors you for your talent? If Do Yoon was your age, he’d have—”

“Yeah, he favors me because I’m the eldest grandson,” I said, staring at her.

“I know.”

A cold silence hung between us. She clenched her lips. After a brief standoff, I turned and left.

‘Ugh.’

Every time I sense this family’s unspoken tension, not detailed in the novel, it gives me chills. Shockingly, the original Seung Hyun knew his birth secret. Overhearing Shin Mi Sun and her lover as a child, he became her unwilling accomplice.

He felt guilt at Grandfather’s “our eldest grandson” but clung to the role. He hated his mother for deceiving Grandfather and Father yet prayed the lie would never be exposed.

That’s why he and Shin Mi Sun couldn’t stand Do Yoon, the true son.

‘…But that’s not my problem.’

The original Seung Hyun, consumed by his fake identity, became a warped mess of inferiority and self-loathing. That’s not me. I’m not even the real Seung Hyun.

And if I’m not Father’s son, is that my fault? It’s the adults’ mess.

Back in my room, I texted Do Yoon.

[Sorry about earlier. Manager Jo must’ve told Mother. And… Grandfather seems to know too.]

I hesitated but sent it. Even if he thinks it’s an excuse, it’s better than letting him misunderstand. Most conflicts stem from not talking. No reply came. I stared at my phone, then sent another.

[Have a good day at school. Let me know if anything happens.]