SouliE

Nadine Kim, a young woman from a prominent Korean family, who returns home after spending years abroad. Her return to the grand family mansion stirs up painful memories of a controlling mother and a childhood marred by relentless pressure to meet impossible standards of beauty and perfection.

Haunted by the ghosts of her past and struggling with the eating disorder that once controlled her life, Nadine must navigate the complex threads of familial love, expectation, and resentment. As she reconnects with her kind-hearted grandparents, playful older brother, and supportive sister-in-law, she finds moments of warmth—but every interaction with her mother threatens to unravel the fragile sense of peace she has worked so hard to achieve.

In a world where appearances are everything, Nadine learns that healing isn't about perfection—it's about confronting the past and finding the strength to reclaim her own identity. Bound by Thread is a poignant exploration of generational trauma, the complexities of family, and the quiet resilience of a woman determined to break free from the patterns that bind her.

Bound by Thread

"Ugh..." Nadine groaned, her body burning with heat and the sensation of needles prickling her skin. Slowly, she tried to open her eyes, only to find herself back in her bedroom. The soft glow of a bedside lamp illuminated the room, casting gentle light on the concerned faces of her family gathered around her.

Her mind struggled to piece together fragmented memories. "What happened?" she wondered, wincing as the ache in her head intensified. Then, it hit her—she had fainted at her engagement dinner.

'Oh my god! This is so embarrassing,' Nadine screamed internally, wishing she could vanish under the covers.

"Nadine, dear, how are you feeling?" Her grandmother's soothing voice broke through her thoughts. The older woman gently brushed a strand of hair from Nadine's forehead, her touch tender and comforting.

"I'm... I'm okay," Nadine replied weakly, attempting to sit up. But a sudden wave of dizziness washed over her, causing her to falter. Noah, who stood nearby, quickly stepped forward and placed a steady hand on her shoulder.

"Easy," he said softly, his gaze steady and filled with concern. "You've had quite a scare."

The family doctor, standing at the foot of the bed, offered a reassuring smile. "It seems you've been overexerting yourself, Nadine. You had a high fever, and combined with stress, it likely caused you to faint. For now, you need to rest and stay hydrated."

Liam, her older brother, crossed his arms, his expression a mixture of worry and exasperation. "I told her to visit the hospital this morning, but this stubborn girl insisted she was fine. And she barely ate anything today."

Her father's face tightened with concern. "Nadine, you know your health has always been delicate. Please take better care of yourself. Your well-being matters to us—to me." His voice wavered slightly, betraying the deep worry he carried for his only daughter.

Nadine's heart clenched at his words. She knew he meant well, but guilt weighed heavily on her shoulders. "I'm sorry for causing such a commotion during dinner," she murmured, her voice barely audible.

Her father shook his head. "Your health is far more important than any dinner. We can postpone any discussions until you're fully recovered."

"Thank you. And I'm sorry, everyone," Nadine said, her eyes drifting toward Noah.

He met her gaze and offered a small, understanding smile. "Rest now. We're here if you need anything."

Her grandmother placed a gentle hand on Nadine's arm. "Get some sleep, dear. We'll take care of everything."

As her family began to filter out of the room, Nadine's eyes landed on her mother. Unlike the others, her mother had remained silent, standing at a distance with a distant expression. Even now, as everyone left, her mother lingered by the door, watching without a word.

Nadine felt a familiar pang in her chest—a mixture of longing and disappointment. She had always yearned for her mother's warmth, but the woman remained an enigma, distant and aloof even in moments of vulnerability.

When the room finally emptied, Nadine sank back against her pillows, her mind swirling with the evening's events. The engagement announcement—though somewhat expected—felt like a weight pressing down on her chest. And her mother's cold demeanor only added to that weight.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing thoughts. Her father's words echoed in her mind: "Your health matters to us—to me."

Despite the heaviness in her heart, Nadine resolved to heed the doctor's advice. She needed rest. But even as sleep tugged at her, she couldn't shake the lingering image of her mother's distant eyes, watching her fall apart without a trace of emotion.

"Why, Mom?" Nadine whispered to the quiet room. But there was no answer—only the soft hum of the bedside lamp and the steady thrum of her heartbeat in her ears.

Chapter 10