The Family Meeting

The grand meeting room of the Park estate brimmed with tension. The walls, lined with expensive artwork, seemed to echo the whispers of power plays that had occurred within these walls for generations. Around the polished oak table sat the Park family, their expressions a blend of annoyance, frustration, and cold calculation.

At the head of the table was Park Joon-Soo, the patriarch, his stern face shadowed by the weight of the decision at hand. His tailored gray suit and the streaks of silver in his hair signified authority, but his tightly clenched jaw betrayed his impatience. He tapped a finger on the table rhythmically, as if trying to maintain control of the room—and the family.

To his right sat Park Soo-Jin, his wife, composed and elegant in her cream blouse and understated jewelry. Her calm exterior belied the cunning calculations behind her sharp eyes. She adjusted her pearl necklace as if to remind everyone of her position in the family hierarchy.

Beside her was Park Na-Rae, their teenage daughter. She leaned back in her chair, scrolling through her phone with disinterest. Dressed in a casual designer outfit, she embodied the arrogance of privilege, barely acknowledging the gravity of the conversation.

Opposite them sat Park Min-Ho, Joon-Soo's eldest son and the rightful heir to the Park empire. His polished appearance—a navy-blue suit and slicked-back hair—spoke of his ambition, but the faint smirk tugging at his lips revealed his unwillingness to comply with the family's plans.

At the far end of the table was Mr. Kim, the family's trusted lawyer. His conservative black suit and calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the storm brewing among the Parks. Before him lay a thick folder containing the marriage contract, its significance weighing heavily on the discussion.

Joon-Soo broke the silence, his voice firm and unyielding. "Min-Ho, this alliance is crucial to the family's future. The Kim family may be struggling now, but their resources and influence can still benefit us. You will go through with this marriage."

Min-Ho leaned back in his chair, his smirk widening. "With all due respect, Father, I fail to see how marrying a woman from a failing conglomerate benefits me. Besides, I have other... priorities."

"Priorities?" Soo-Jin's voice was sharp. "Your responsibilities as the heir take precedence over your personal indulgences. This alliance was arranged by the late matriarch. You know what that means."

Min-Ho shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Respect for tradition is one thing. Sacrificing my life for it is another. Surely, there's another solution."

At this, Mr. Kim cleared his throat, drawing the room's attention. "There is, in fact, a clause in the agreement that allows for flexibility. The contract stipulates that the marriage must be fulfilled by a son of the Park family, but it does not specify which son."

A hush fell over the room as the implication sank in. Soo-Jin was the first to break the silence, her voice laced with disdain. "Surely, you're not suggesting... him."

Na-Rae looked up from her phone, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, this just got interesting."

Min-Ho laughed, a short, derisive sound. "Perfect. Let the bastard earn his keep for once."

Joon-Soo's expression darkened, his fingers steepled as he considered the proposal. "Jason has no standing in this family. It would be an insult to the Kims if they knew who he really was."

"But he is still a Park," Mr. Kim interjected calmly. "And the Kims are in no position to negotiate. They are desperate to save their conglomerate. As long as the agreement is fulfilled, they won't care which son it is."

Soo-Jin's lips curled into a slight sneer. "So, we're to send that boy to clean up this mess? How fitting. At least he'll finally serve a purpose."

Na-Rae smirked, leaning forward slightly. "Honestly, it's a win-win. He gets to feel important for once, and we get out of this ridiculous situation unscathed. What's the problem?"

Joon-Soo's voice was cold as he made his decision. "Very well. If Jason can spare this family from scandal and secure the alliance, so be it. Inform him of the arrangement, but do not involve him in these discussions."

Min-Ho leaned forward, his smirk gone. "Father, you're seriously going to let him take my place? What will people think when they find out?"

Joon-Soo's glare silenced him. "No one will find out. This family's reputation is paramount, and Jason will play his role without question. If he refuses, he will no longer be a part of this family in any capacity."

Soo-Jin nodded approvingly. "It's settled, then."

Mr. Kim closed the folder, his neutral expression unwavering. "I will make the necessary arrangements."

As the family rose from the table, the weight of their decision lingered in the room. For the Parks, Jason was nothing more than a pawn—a disposable tool to protect their legacy. And for Jason, oblivious to the storm brewing around him, his life was about to take an irreversible turn.

The Park family still sitting in the opulent meeting room of their estate, the weight of their discussion pressing down like the heavy crystal chandelier above them. The lawyer, Mr. Kim, had just delivered the final verdict: Jason Park Su, the illegitimate son, would be forced to take the place of his stepbrother, Park Min-Ho, in the marriage alliance with the Kim family.

Satisfied with the resolution, Park Joon-Soo, the patriarch, stood, smoothing out his tailored gray suit. "This discussion is over. Mr. Kim, ensure Jason is informed immediately. He has no choice but to accept."

Park Soo-Jin, his wife, rose gracefully, her pearl necklace glinting in the light. "It's the only logical solution. Let him shoulder this burden for once."

Min-Ho, his irritation masked by a thin smirk, adjusted his cufflinks. "Best of luck to him. I hope he enjoys the spotlight."

As the family began to disperse, Park Na-Rae, still seated with her legs crossed, spoke up, her tone light but laced with mischief. "Wait, aren't you forgetting something?"

Everyone paused. Joon-Soo turned to her, his brow furrowed. "What are you talking about?"

Na-Rae set her phone down and leaned forward, her expression smug. "The law. In this world, you can't just get married one day and file for a divorce the next. Don't you remember the Three-Year Rule?"

Min-Ho rolled his eyes. "What nonsense are you talking about now?"

Na-Rae grinned, enjoying the moment. "It's not nonsense. Once an arranged marriage is agreed upon, the law requires both parties to stay married for a minimum of three years before either side can even consider separation. And only if both sides agree."

Soo-Jin's eyes narrowed. "That rule was designed to preserve the sanctity of family alliances. It's unlikely to apply here, given the Kims' precarious situation."

Mr. Kim, still seated, cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "Actually, Miss Na-Rae is correct. The Three-Year Rule applies universally to all contractual marriages in this country. Even if Jason is unwilling, the agreement binds him legally for three years."

Joon-Soo's expression darkened. "And if he refuses outright?"

Mr. Kim adjusted his glasses and continued calmly. "Refusal would come at a significant cost to your family. Breaking the marriage agreement before it's fulfilled would result in severe penalties, including financial compensation to the Kim family and possible legal sanctions for failing to honor a binding contract. In short, refusal is not a viable option for Jason. Once informed, his consent is... irrelevant."

Na-Rae smirked. "So even if Jason throws a tantrum or tries to run off to America, he's stuck. He has to play along for three years, like it or not."

Min-Ho chuckled, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. "Poor Jason. Looks like he's finally trapped in the family game, whether he wants to be or not."

Joon-Soo straightened, his voice cold and commanding. "Good. Inform him immediately. Make it clear that this is not a matter of choice but duty."

Soo-Jin gave a curt nod of approval, gathering her things. "Let's hope he's mature enough not to embarrass us further. This family has sacrificed enough."

As the family departed one by one, the gravity of the situation lingered in the air. Though Jason had no affection for the Parks, the system they lived in—and the family's cold pragmatism—had left him with no way out. Unbeknownst to him, his life was about to be entangled in a chain of events that would challenge not only his resolve but his very sense of identity.

The Kim Family's Struggles

The boardroom of Kim Group's headquarters was a stark contrast to the luxury it once symbolized. Though still meticulously maintained, the walls seemed to reflect the tension that had become the company's reality. The sprawling conglomerate, built by generations of Kims, now teetered on the edge of collapse.

At the head of the table sat Kim Seo-yeon, the current CEO and the last direct heir of the Kim family. She exuded an air of control and refinement, her presence alone enough to silence the room. Her amber eyes, sharp and unyielding, scanned the documents in front of her with a cold precision that left no room for doubt about her competence. She wore a tailored black pantsuit, its clean lines accentuating her graceful yet commanding figure.

Standing slightly behind her was Choi Eun-Young, her childhood friend and now her assistant. Eun-Young's soft demeanor and warm presence were a stark contrast to Seo-yeon's cold exterior. She wore a simple beige blouse and black skirt, her eyes darting nervously between Seo-yeon and the others in the room.

Seo-yeon set down the report in her hands and addressed the group of executives seated around the table. Her voice was calm but carried a cutting edge.

"The entertainment division is hemorrhaging money," she stated matter-of-factly. "Our last three films flopped, and the TV shows barely broke even. If this continues, we'll have no choice but to shut down production entirely."

One of the older executives, his face lined with worry, spoke up. "Ms. Kim, we could sell off part of the real estate division to cover the losses temporarily."

Seo-yeon's piercing gaze silenced him. "Short-term fixes won't save us. Selling assets will only delay the inevitable unless we stabilize the entertainment division."

Another executive, bolder than the rest, leaned forward. "Then why not focus on what's still profitable? The fashion and cosmetics brands are thriving under your leadership. Let's cut our losses and pivot entirely to those industries."

Seo-yeon's lips curled into a faint, icy smile. "Because the Kim Group isn't just a fashion house or a cosmetics company. It's a conglomerate with roots in multiple industries, and we're not abandoning that legacy. My grandfather built this company, and I will not let it crumble under my watch."

Her words left no room for argument, but the weight of her determination was evident on her face.

Eun-Young hesitated before speaking. "Seo-yeon... the shareholders are growing restless. They're demanding answers about the losses. And... some of your relatives have been meeting with them privately."

Seo-yeon's eyes narrowed, her jaw tightening. "Of course, they are."

The mention of her relatives brought an unmistakable bitterness to Seo-yeon's expression. Since the deaths of her parents and older brother in a tragic car accident, the Kim family had never been the same. Her uncles and cousins had circled like vultures, eager to strip the company from her hands the moment she stepped into her grandfather's role.

It had been her grandfather who had insisted on her taking over, despite the protests of nearly everyone else in the family. Now, with his health failing, her enemies were growing bolder.

Eun-Young placed a hand on Seo-yeon's shoulder, a rare display of familiarity. "You can't keep doing this alone. You've already saved the fashion and cosmetics divisions. You've proven yourself."

Seo-yeon turned to her, her expression softening for a brief moment. "And yet it's never enough." She paused, glancing back at the table. "If I show any weakness now, they'll tear me apart. I need to be stronger than all of them."

As the meeting ended and the executives filed out, Eun-Young lingered. "There's one more thing, Seo-yeon," she said hesitantly.

Seo-yeon raised an eyebrow, sensing Eun-Young's unease. "What is it?"

Eun-Young bit her lip. "The marriage alliance with the Park family... It's becoming a bigger issue. They're trying to back out."

Seo-yeon's eyes darkened, the amber hue glinting like fire. "Typical. Let me guess, their precious son decided he's too good for the deal."

Eun-Young nodded. "From what I've heard, they're trying to substitute someone else—a different son."

Seo-yeon's laugh was sharp and humorless. "Do they think I'll accept just anyone? This isn't a charity." She leaned back in her chair, her gaze fixed on the skyline outside. "Let them squirm. If they think they can back out of the agreement, they'll find themselves facing a lawsuit that will make their heads spin."

Eun-Young hesitated. "But Seo-yeon... do you really want to go through with this? You've already done so much for the company. Maybe there's another way."

Seo-yeon turned back to her, her expression unreadable. "Do I want this? No. But I don't have the luxury of wanting or not wanting. This marriage is leverage. If the Parks want to play games, I'll play better. They need to remember who they're dealing with."

As the room fell silent, Eun-Young watched Seo-yeon with a mixture of admiration and concern. She knew better than anyone the sacrifices Seo-yeon had made to keep the company afloat.

Seo-yeon, ever composed, rose from her chair, smoothing the fabric of her suit. Her cold demeanor betrayed nothing of the struggles she faced. "Prepare for the meeting with the Parks. I want every detail ready. If they're sending their second son, I'll make sure he knows exactly what he's walking into."

With that, she strode out of the room, leaving Eun-Young to gather her thoughts. In this world of ruthless business and cutthroat family politics, Seo-yeon stood alone, determined to protect her legacy at any cost.

Seo-yeon's Office

Seo-yeon sat at her sleek mahogany desk in her spacious office, her attention focused on a stack of papers in front of her. The late afternoon sun streamed through the large windows, casting long shadows across the room. Behind her, the view of the city skyline stretched into the horizon—a constant reminder of the empire she was fighting to protect.

Across from her, Choi Eun-Young placed a tray of tea on the table, her movements precise and graceful. "These are the latest proposals from the entertainment division," Eun-Young said, sliding a folder across the desk.

Seo-yeon picked it up and began flipping through it. "They're grasping at straws. None of these projects have the potential to turn a profit. Tell them to shelve everything that doesn't promise at least a 15% return on investment."

Eun-Young hesitated before nodding. "Understood. I'll pass it along."

As Seo-yeon reviewed the documents, Eun-Young took a seat across from her, her expression serious. "Seo-yeon, about the financial trading division..."

Seo-yeon sighed, setting the folder aside. "What now?"

"The losses are worse than we expected. The market has been volatile, and the managers haven't been able to adapt quickly enough. If this continues, we might have to consider selling off a portion of the portfolio just to stabilize."

Seo-yeon's gaze was icy as she leaned back in her chair. "Selling assets is a sign of weakness. We'll explore other options first. I want you to schedule a meeting with the division heads. They'll explain, in detail, how they plan to turn this around."

Eun-Young nodded, jotting down notes. "And the entertainment division?"

"Focus on restructuring. Bring in fresh talent if necessary. The old guard is clearly incapable of innovation." Seo-yeon's tone was sharp, her frustration barely concealed. "Fashion and cosmetics are keeping us afloat, but they won't be enough to rebuild the company. We need every division to perform."

After a moment of silence, Eun-Young spoke hesitantly. "Have you had time to visit your grandfather?"

Seo-yeon's expression softened slightly, a rare crack in her cold façade. "I was there last night. He's not doing well. The doctors say it's only a matter of time."

Eun-Young's brow furrowed. "I'm sorry, Seo-yeon. I know how much he means to you."

Seo-yeon's lips pressed into a thin line. "He's the only one who ever believed in me. If it weren't for him, the company would have fallen into the hands of my uncles long ago."

"And now that his health is declining, they're getting bolder," Eun-Young said quietly. "I heard from one of the secretaries that your Uncle Sang-Woo has been meeting with shareholders."

Seo-yeon's eyes darkened. "Of course, he has. He's been waiting for this moment for years. But I won't let him take what's mine."

Eun-Young placed a reassuring hand on the edge of the desk. "You're stronger than all of them, Seo-yeon. They know that, which is why they're resorting to underhanded tactics."

Seo-yeon nodded, her resolve hardening. "Let them try. I've faced worse."

Eun-Young hesitated before bringing up the next topic. "What about the marriage alliance with the Parks? Have you thought about what you'll do if they try to back out entirely?"

Seo-yeon's expression remained detached. "I'm not concerned about the Parks' whims. Legally, they have little choice but to follow through with the agreement. Whether they send their eldest son or someone else, it doesn't matter to me."

"But it has to be someone from their direct line," Eun-Young pointed out. "That limits their options, doesn't it?"

Seo-yeon smirked faintly, her tone cold. "It does. And knowing the Parks, they'll choose whoever they think will inconvenience them the least. Likely someone they don't care about."

Eun-Young frowned. "But isn't that risky? What if they send someone completely incompetent?"

Seo-yeon shrugged, her demeanor unbothered. "Their incompetence is irrelevant. What matters are the benefits the alliance brings. If this marriage gives me access to their network and resources, I'll make it work, regardless of who they send."

Eun-Young tilted her head, studying her friend. "You really don't care who it is, do you?"

Seo-yeon's amber eyes met Eun-Young's, her gaze unwavering. "Marriage is a transaction, Eun-Young. It's not about emotions or personal connections. The Parks can send whoever they want—I'll handle them the same way I handle everything else: efficiently and without attachment."

Eun-Young sighed but couldn't suppress a small smile. "You're impossible, you know that?"

Seo-yeon smirked, a rare hint of amusement flickering across her face. "That's why I'm still here."

As the two women returned to their work, the weight of the challenges ahead loomed large. For Seo-yeon, every move was calculated, every decision a step closer to securing her family's legacy. And though the future was uncertain, one thing was clear: she would stop at nothing to achieve her goals.