Chapter 26. He's Dead

"How beautiful?" Minseo presses, and the youngest, Eunyoung, runs over to join the group and the hot gossip.

Finally, Hyejin relents and shows them one of Harper's social media pictures. The girls gathered together and saw the picture Hyejin showed them. They can't help but be enamored by the woman's stunning appearance when they see the image.

She has a toned, athletic physique with a defined six-pack and a slender waist. Her long, dark hair cascades down her back, framing her beautiful face. Her eyes are captivating, with a deep, soulful gaze that draws you in. She has a natural beauty enhanced by subtle makeup that accentuates her features. The way she's posing, with her hand on her hip and her body slightly angled, exudes confidence and sensuality.

"Wow!" Yoora and Hana whistle in unison as they arrive and catch a glimpse of the stunning woman.

The members know that this is Harper Wilson, the person Rachel often speaks about—the one who paid for Rachel's international school fees and supported her during their trainee days.

"Rich, sexy, and beautiful," Hyewon says with a laugh. "You've lost this one, Hye, and I bet she's tall, too."

"Look at those legs," Soomin, the shortest of the group, comments, admiring Harper's long and toned limbs.

While the members of Ambrosia are scrolling through Harper's social media, thinking of adding her as a friend, Rachel suddenly approaches their gathering. She almost loses her breath when she realizes what they're doing, giggling and laughing as they happily scroll through Harper's pictures.

"Yah! Come on, Hyejin-ah!" Rachel shouts, her eyes catching a picture of Harper on Hyejin's phone.

"They forced me non-stop; you were on the phone for so long!" Hyejin tries to defend herself.

Rachel knows the reason she hates letting the rest of the group know about Harper is because she's aware of the effect Harper has on women. Rachel's own sister is an example—even though she no longer wants to date Harper, she still chases for her attention.

"Is she, you know, a lejeubieon?" Hyewon asks that, in Korean, lejeubieon (<0xC8 >) is how they pronounce a lesbian.

"What if she is a lesbian?" Rachel retorts, not liking the direction the conversation is taking.

"Then, we all have a chance to get close to her!" Hana says excitedly, teasing Rachel that being one of her hobbies.

"Yaaaahhhh!! Park Hana!! Don't you dare!!" Rachel screams, her protective instincts kicking in.

"Why, isn't she just your childhood friend, Rachel unnie?" Yoora adds, stoking the fire. "She's not your girlfriend, right?"

-

After the success of their hit song 'Your Lady', Ambrosia's popularity continues to skyrocket, and as a result, the group's members are finding themselves busier than they have ever been before.

In addition to having back-to-back schedules, their timetables are quite full. Their days are filled with interviews, photo shoots, performances at music shows, and events for fans, leaving them with very little time for rest or activities that are more personal.

The group is always on the road, as they are always going to different areas in order to fulfill their many obligations. It's possible that one day they'll be in the studio recording a new song, and the next, they'll be appearing on a variety program, where they'll be able to showcase their lively personalities to an audience from all over the country.

Rachel is late in opening her phone, but when she does, she reads a devastating message from Harper. Harper's father has died in a tragic accident, falling down the stairs and sustaining a fatal brain injury. He passed away on the way to the hospital.

Distraught, Rachel immediately goes to her manager and the company CEO, begging them to let her travel back to America, even if just for a day, to be there for her dear friend Harper during this difficult time.

"No, we can't spare the time for you to go back to America. Not these days, Rachel," her manager and the CEO say in unison, their tone firm and unyielding.

Rachel pleads with them, her eyes filled with tears. "Please... Please..." she cries, desperate to be there for Harper, the one who supported her the most during her trainee days. But the company remains steadfast in their decision.

"He's not your father, or your grandfather, or your brother. We can't let you go because of that," the CEO states bluntly.

Rachel tries to reason with them, "But you know she was the one who supported me the most when I was a trainee. This is the least I can do for her."

The manager and CEO exchange a brief glance, their expressions filled with a hint of empathy, but their decision remains unchanged. "I'm sorry, Rachel, my hands are tied," the CEO says with finality.

Devastated, Rachel sinks into a chair, her heart heavy with the knowledge that she cannot be there for her dear friend in her time of need. The relentless schedule of Ambrosia has left no room for personal matters, and the company's priorities remain firmly focused on the group's success and commitments.

Rachel knows that Harper would understand, but the guilt and sadness of not being able to support her friend weigh heavily on her. Sophia called her and told Rachel that their family will be the ones who come to Harper's father's funeral and send their condolences on her behalf.

"You don't have to worry, Rach," Sophia says softly into the phone as she speaks with Rachel. "She knows you're busy."

"But she's not replying to any of my messages or answering my calls," Rachel responds, her voice thick with concern.

Sophia takes a deep breath, understanding the weight of the situation. "Rach, listen to me. You need to focus on your job right now. We'll handle things here and make sure Harper is taken care of. That's what she would want for you too, remember?"

Rachel nods, the memories of Harper's continuous support during her trainee days flooding her mind. "Yes, I remember."

"Good," Sophia affirms. "Don't worry, we'll make sure to keep you updated on everything. Just concentrate on your work for now. That's what Harper would want you to do."

-

Harper has spent half her life desperately seeking her father's approval, trying in vain to make him love her. But the painful truth has finally been revealed—the man she called 'dad' all these years is not actually her biological father.

The realization has shattered Harper, forcing her to confront the reasons behind his constant rejection and cruelty. Though the knowledge should have freed her from the pain, it has only served to deepen the ache in her heart.

Even after learning the truth, Harper has been unable to bring herself to block her father's number. She continues to subject herself to the endless stream of insults and vitriol he hurls at her, clinging to that twisted connection as if it is the only thing tethering her to her past.

Her older sister, Dylan, who shares the same mother, has pleaded with her to sever ties to free herself from the toxic relationship that has inflicted so much pain. But Harper refuses, convinced that's the only link to hold onto the elusive love she has always craved.

The scars of her father's emotional abuse run deep, etched into the very fabric of Harper's being. And now she's standing next to his coffin, with him looking like sleeping soundly in her nice suit.

Harper stands before her father's coffin, her heart heavy with a lifetime of anguish and resentment. "Why are you dead now?" she asks, her voice laced with bitter anguish. "You haven't seen me reach the top of the world yet. Go on, get on with your insults, Dad. Tell me I could never be successful. I was just half of Dylan's success; I'm nothing, just a daughter of a slut."

Harper's mother tries to stop her, but Dylan holds her back. "Let her," he says. "This is the only thing you can let her do after everything he's done to her. And you did nothing to protect her from him, mom."

Harper's eyes blaze with a raw, visceral fury. "Look, I'm here. I'm alive, not yet dead in your hands. Why? You told me you wanted me dead, right? Then why are you the one inside here? Why????" She screams, her words tearing through the heavy silence.

"Aren't you still not done abusing me? Hit me? Insult me? You want me dead, right??? Kill me then!!!" Harper's screams echo through the funeral home, her anguish palpable.

Suddenly, Sophia and her family arrive, and without a word, Sophia rushes to Harper, enveloping her in a tight embrace. Harper continues to scream, her words a torrent of pain and anger.

"Fuck you! You said you're not my real father? Why the fuck didn't you throw me away? That would've been better than years of being an object of your abuse! Being insulted all the time. Why are you dead now?! I should've been the one who died! Wake up!!!"

Sophia holds Harper steadfast, whispering sternly, "Harper, calm down. Calm yourself down."

Harper's body shakes with sobs, the realization of her father's death hitting her with full force. "He's dead, Sophia," she cries. "Then what should I do tomorrow?"