Chapter 8

Chapter 8

The vacant shop lot echoed with possibilities as they stepped inside. The once-drab space, illuminated by streams of sunlight filtering through large windows, sparked a flicker of excitement in Nadine's chest. Her earlier fatigue melted away as they began animatedly discussing her business plans, the potential of this space pulling her deeper into her dreams.

"I can help you find an interior designer," Liam offered, inspecting the room thoughtfully.

"That'd be perfect," Nadine replied, her eyes sparkling. She ran her fingers over the dusty countertop, envisioning its transformation. "But I want to wait for Lia before making any big decisions. She has such an eye for this stuff."

Lia Kim wasn't just Nadine's best friend; she was her partner in every sense of the word. Their online clothing business, born from endless nights of brainstorming during their time at a prestigious business school in New York, had been their shared labor of love. Few in Nadine's family knew about the venture, except for Liam, whose connections had been instrumental in securing manufacturers for their designs.

Nadine's passion for fashion and textiles ran deep, woven into the fabric of her family's legacy. Her grandmother, a celebrated hanbok designer, had captivated Korea with her intricate designs for decades. Nadine's mother, once a sought-after model in the 1980s, had graced countless runways wearing her mother-in-law's creations. The Han family's influence in the textile industry was unparalleled, with Han Group dominating Korea's import and export markets. Growing up surrounded by this rich heritage, Nadine's ambition to carve her own path in the fashion world felt inevitable, a destiny she embraced with both pride and trepidation.

Liam's voice broke into her thoughts. "You've got momentum, Nadine. Use it."

She laughed lightly but felt the weight of everything she had to juggle—family expectations, societal pressures, and now, her impending engagement.

Their conversation was interrupted by a call from their father, reminding them about a family dinner that evening. "Guests are expected," he'd emphasized, his tone formal yet loaded. Nadine exchanged a glance with Liam, their unspoken understanding of the dinner's true purpose hanging in the air.

Lunch followed at a nearby Japanese restaurant, but the respite did little to ease Nadine's growing anxiety. Her fever, which had simmered beneath the surface all morning, intensified, though she forced herself to eat a few pieces of sushi under Liam's watchful eye.

"You look pale," he said, narrowing his eyes. "You need to see a doctor, Nadine."

"I'm fine," she insisted, waving him off with a weak smile. "I'll take medicine when we get home. Let's not keep everyone waiting."

Back at the mansion, Nadine's exhaustion was masked by the effort she put into her appearance. Dressed in an ivory silk slip dress with a white cardigan draped over her shoulders, she descended the grand staircase. Each step felt heavier than the last, but she carried herself with practiced grace.

At the bottom of the stairs, Noah stood speaking with Liam, his posture relaxed but his expression attentive. His gaze shifted as she approached, softening ever so slightly.

Nadine's breath caught at the intensity of his eyes. She returned his nod with a shy smile, a flush creeping up her neck as she moved past him toward the garden.

The garden looked enchanting, with string lights casting a warm glow over the elegantly set tables. Two setups divided the space: a long 14-seater for the older generation and a slightly smaller one for the younger guests. Nadine immediately sought out her grandmother, who was busy overseeing the final touches.

"Halmeoni!" Nadine called, approaching her with a smile.

Her grandmother turned, her expression softening. "Oh my, don't you look lovely," she said, taking Nadine's hand.

They walked together toward the table, where relatives had already begun to gather. Nadine exchanged greetings with uncles and aunts she hadn't seen since returning to Korea. Their warm reception brought a fleeting comfort, but the looming weight of the evening dampened her mood.

"Nadine," her father's voice called out, pulling her attention.

She made her way to him, standing with her grandfather, Noah's grandfather, and Noah's father. They smiled warmly at her, though their presence only heightened her unease.

"You look so much like your mother," Noah's grandfather said with a grin.

Nadine offered a polite smile, unsure how to respond. Her discomfort must have been apparent, as Liam suddenly materialized at her side, slipping her hand through his arm.

"You okay?" he murmured.

She nodded faintly. "Better now. Just… I don't want to stand here anymore."

Liam excused them smoothly, guiding her to the table where she sat beside her youngest cousin, Nuri.

"Nadine, are you moving back to New York?" Nuri asked, her wide eyes brimming with curiosity.

"No, Nuri," Nadine said with a smile, patting her hand. "I'm staying here for good."

Though Nuri pouted in response, Nadine's reassurance seemed to ease her disappointment.

The evening unfolded with conversations and laughter, but Nadine's fever clawed at her resolve. Despite the lively atmosphere, her focus faltered, and the occasional weight of Noah's gaze across the table felt almost unbearable.

She tried to keep her composure, even as her strength ebbed away. But when her father beckoned her and Noah, she realized there was no escape.

With Noah's steadying hand on her elbow, Nadine stood by her father's side as he addressed the guests. His voice carried through the garden, formal and resolute.

"The engagement between my daughter Nadine and Noah Han is now official," he announced. "The wedding will take place in three months' time."

The clinking of glasses and applause echoed around her, the surreal scene closing in like a dream she couldn't wake from.

Before she could fully process the announcement, her vision swam. Darkness crept in, and the last thing she remembered was Noah catching her as she collapsed.

Chaos erupted. Her grandmother's voice cut through the panic, directing the staff to summon the family doctor. Noah, his face a mask of determination, swept her into his arms and carried her inside. His whispered reassurances were the only sound she could cling to before everything went black.