HOMELAND

Grace declined Seok-Joon's proposal. She couldn't help but feel like her absence didn't matter to them. She continued packing, hoping to make the most of her remaining time before her departure.

Grace's eyes lit up at the sight of the scrumptious spread on the table. The aroma of the food was too tempting to resist, and with each bite, she savored every flavor that exploded in her mouth. As night crept in, she dozed off, her mind filled with memories of the day's events.

The next morning, She made her way to Seoul's Incheon International Airport, With a rigorous security check and a long walk to the airport terminal, she finally settled into her seat for the 13-hour flight.

With her trusty comics and novels by her side, Grace passed the time with ease. But as the hours ticked by, fatigue set in, leaving her eyes heavy with dark circles.

As she arrived at Rome–Fiumicino International Airport, Grace tried to keep a low profile, wearing a blue hoodie, glasses, and a hat. She didn't want to attract any unwanted attention, but her journey had only just begun. She saw two people wearing black suits. The bodyguard and driver were both dressed in matching black suits, looking sharp and professional as they waited for their client to arrive. The bodyguard stood tall and alert, his eyes scanning the area for any potential threats, while the driver leaned casually against the car, checking his watch from time to time. Both men were well-groomed and had an air of confidence about them, suggesting that they were experienced in their line of work. As they stood there, they kept a watchful eye on the surroundings, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice to ensure the safety of their client. Despite their serious demeanor, they remained calm and collected, displaying the utmost professionalism and dedication to their job.

Grace walked toward the group of people blocking her path, and as she approached them, they quickly cleared the way for her. She noticed the many onlookers, some of whom instantly recognized her as Harley's daughter. "Isn't she the daughter of Harley? She looks stunning, just like her mother," a few of them whispered among themselves.

Grace, feeling uncomfortable with all the attention, shouted at the butler to take her to the car. She didn't like to draw attention to herself and was relieved when the butler obliged quickly. 

After an hour's drive, Grace finally arrived at the Harley's Mansion. As she stepped into the grand entrance hall of the modern black mansion, she was immediately struck by the opulence and elegance of the architecture. The walls are painted in a deep shade of black, which accentuates the natural light streaming in from the large windows. The floor is made of polished marble, which glimmers in the sunlight.

The mansion is adorned with luxurious furnishings and state-of-the-art technology. The living room features plush black leather sofas and armchairs arranged around a glass coffee table with a stunning view of the grand garden. The kitchen is equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and a large marble island, perfect for preparing gourmet meals.

The master bedroom is a true haven of comfort and style, with a king-size bed, a fireplace, and a balcony that overlooks the garden. The bathroom is equally impressive, with a freestanding bathtub, a walk-in shower, and a double vanity. 

The grand garden is a masterpiece of landscape design, featuring a large swimming pool, a fountain, and a variety of exotic plants and trees. The garden is meticulously maintained, with a team of gardeners working tirelessly to keep it in pristine condition.

Overall, the modern black mansion with its grand garden is a stunning testament to the wealth and sophistication of its owner., a well-known black castle. The servants welcomed her warmly,

Grace felt a mixture of emotions; she was happy to be back home, but at the same time, she felt a sense of unease. She had been away for a long time, and she wasn't sure if she still belonged here. However, as she walked through the halls of the mansion, she realized that this was home, and she was determined to make the most of it. Grace made her way to the hallway, and as she looked up the staircase, she saw her mother coming down towards her. Her mother's face was lit up with pride as she announced to Grace, "My Grace has finally returned to me!" Grace listened to her mother's words, but her expression remained emotionless. Her mother was widely regarded as one of the most wealthiest women in Italy, Miss Aurora Gabriella Harley.

Grace proceeded to her room on the third floor and decided to take a refreshing shower. The warm water cascading down on her skin felt like a soothing balm to her senses. After she was done, she stepped out of her room, feeling invigorated and fresh like a spring breeze.

As she made her way towards the hallway, she looked down the staircase and saw a young man talking to her mother. He was a blonde boy with piercing green eyes and a Greek God-like physique. Grace couldn't help but stare at him, trying to remember who he was. He looked to be around her age, maybe two to three years older. Lost in deep thought, Grace walked towards the hallway, her mind still trying to recollect who this intriguing young man could be.