1 Betrayed

Yeong Ja sped down the highway, the rain pelting against the windshield of her brand new Genesis G90. The sleek car, a symbol of her father's wealth, glistened under the dark clouds as it zoomed through the wet streets. The heavy downpour matched the storm that raged in Yeong Ja's heart.

Her mind was in turmoil, replaying the painful moments of betrayal over and over again. The memories of Hyun Woo's sweet words and loving gestures stung her like a thousand needles. How could she have been so blind to his true intentions? As the rain pounded harder, so did her anger.

With a surge of frustration, Yeong Ja slammed her foot on the brakes, causing the tires to screech and the car to jolt to a halt by the roadside. She flung open the car door and stepped out, her body shaking with a mix of rage and sheer heartbreak. The rain soaked her through, but she didn't care. She needed an outlet for her pent-up emotions.

Tears streamed down her face, mingling with the raindrops as she clutched her stomach, feeling as if the pain inside her was tearing her apart. She had believed in Hyun Woo's promises of love and loyalty, but now she realized they were nothing more than empty words. Betrayal had a bitter taste, one she was experiencing firsthand.

Replaying the moments they had shared in her mind, Yeong Ja cursed under her breath. "Fuck you, Hyun," she shouted, her voice drowned out by the sound of rain pouring down around her. With each word, she kicked at the tires of her own car, channeling her anger and disappointment into each forceful blow. The metallic thuds echoed through the empty streets, mirroring the heavy turmoil in her heart.

As the rain continued to fall relentlessly, Yeong Ja took a moment to compose herself. She wiped away her tears, her face contorted with a mixture of anguish and determination. Her perfect curves and wet clothes clung to her body, giving her an ethereal yet vulnerable appearance. In her early twenties and a student at university, Yeong Ja had always been known for her beauty and her reckless attitude. Her father's wealth had shielded her from consequences, allowing her to create trouble without facing the full weight of its repercussions.

The incident that evening had been the turning point in her naïveté. She had met Hyun Woo by chance, a serendipitous encounter that had initially seemed like fate. But now she realized that the circumstances surrounding their meeting were not as innocent as they had appeared. Someone had pushed her into that swimming pool deliberately, setting the stage for Hyun Woo to swoop in as her knight in shining armor.

At first, she had been enchanted by his charm, his quick wit, and his captivating smile. She had thought she had finally found someone who truly cared for her. Little did she know that she was just another pawn in his game, a means to access her father's wealth through deceit.

Yeong Ja had learned to be strong from an early age. The tragic death of her mother, Jia Yeong, had forever scarred her. She had watched her mother slip away before her eyes, helpless and unable to save her. It was a profound loss that had shaped her into the tomboyish, fierce young woman she had become.

Seeking refuge from her pain, Yeong Ja immersed herself in martial arts, honing her skills for eight long years under her father's watchful eye. To him, she was not just a daughter but also the sole remaining treasure from a beloved past. He had spoilt her, always catering to her needs and bailing her out of any trouble she created. But even her father's unconditional love couldn't shield her from the scars left by Hyun Woo's betrayal.

As she stood there, drenched and vulnerable, a buzzing sound cut through the stormy night. It was her phone, tucked away in her wet pocket. She retrieved it, her trembling fingers fumbling to unlock the screen. A message from her neighbor flashed on the screen, informing her of her father's sudden collapse and subsequent hospitalization.

Shock coursed through Yeong Ja's veins, overshadowing her own pain. In her moment of anguish, she had failed to consider the impact her actions would have on her father. She had been so intensely focused on her own betrayal that she had neglected to realize he was aware of it too. She gasped, her hand instinctively clutching the phone tightly. Her father, her best friend, her everything, lay in the hospital, and she had been oblivious to his suffering.

Without hesitation, Yeong Ja raced back to her car, the droplets of rain sliding down her face as she reversed and headed back towards the city. Desperation gripped her heart, urging her to reach her father's side as quickly as possible. Along the way, she dialed Kit Ji's number, a close friend she could rely on in times of need, hoping for guidance and support in this trying moment.

As the car sped along the wet highway, tears mixed with rain on Yeong Ja's cheeks. The road ahead was uncertain, but she knew she had to face the consequences of her own actions and gather the strength to confront the pain inflicted by those she had trusted.