Trapped

"To my grandpa, that was always a blessing"

When I was a child, I never imagined that one day I would be overwhelmed by such a whirlwind of emotions—both joyous and painful. Back then, I was too young to grasp the complexities of life. I remember being placed on a Ferris wheel by my parents, taking a carefree walk with my older sister, completely unaware that these simple moments would one day become cherished memories. Isn't it remarkable how fully present we are as children? In those early years, we live in the moment, free from the weight of the past or the anxiety of the future. Yet, as we grow older, society pressures us to abandon our inner child, turning that vibrant, carefree period into a distant memory. But deep down, isn't it the child within us that we yearn to reconnect with? We crave the comfort of innocence, where the world seems boundless and free, and we could simply be.

This morning, I woke up in my twin-sized bed, the sprawling skyline of Seoul visible through my window. The day had finally arrived—my presentation at Mia's Diamond, the company that bore my name. My routine was simple: wake up, exercise, then plunge into a cold shower to prepare for the day ahead. I was so engrossed in the news that I didn't notice Emma, my housekeeper, entering the room as I finished getting ready.

"Miss Mia, you've only exercised and haven't eaten anything. How do you expect to have the energy for today?"

She was right, of course. My stepmother wasn't here, and I knew she wouldn't be. It shouldn't have surprised me, but it did. Even knowing what she's like, it still hurts. In moments like this, I longed to have met my real mother—especially now, as I stood on the brink of the most pivotal move in my career.

"You're upset that Melissa isn't coming today. I understand, Mia, but you need to eat. Come downstairs. I've prepared coffee and eggs."

Reluctantly, I followed Emma downstairs, where I found my father waiting for me, clearly trying to surprise me. But I wasn't surprised at all. His presence was calculated, as always.

"My beautiful lady," he greeted me with that familiar, rehearsed charm. "Look at you, so graceful, ready to conquer the world. Your mother would be proud. Come, sit with us and have breakfast."

"Father, you don't need to put on a positive front today. I know what you really want—the company."

He sighed, "My little girl, that's not true. You need to move on from the past. You wanted the company before, and yes, you didn't get it, but I was only protecting you."

"Grandmother wanted me to have company, and the only reason we're sitting here today is because I found the will you tried to hide from me. That's all I have to say. Don't push me to say more."

His demeanor shifted slightly, "Okay, Mia. I didn't come with bad intentions today. Let's just eat. Please."

"Don't ask me to stay. Not in this house. I can't bear to see your face right now," I said, taking my plate and retreating to my room.

I felt like a child again, trapped in this house, desperately searching for an escape. My father's betrayal cut deep, and I knew I could never forgive him for hiding my grandmother's will. I longed for a normal family, but I didn't have one. And somehow, I had to find a way to accept that