chapter 4

Chapter Four: The Hidden Voice

A few weeks had passed since the day in the mall.

Ana’s life had returned to its quiet rhythm — cleaning, studying, caring for Adam. But something inside her had begun to shift. Ever since that strange encounter with the boy in black, she had found herself thinking — just for moments — about the world beyond her walls.

She didn’t even know his name. She only remembered his eyes.

---

That morning, the mansion was unusually busy. The maids were running about, polishing every corner, and the smell of freshly baked bread filled the air.

“Make sure everything is perfect!” Mrs. Kim shouted. “Mr. and Mrs. Han will arrive soon — and Saba too!”

Ana froze at the name.

Saba.

Her sister was coming home. After four long years.

Her heart gave a tiny flutter, but she quickly smothered it. Feelings were dangerous in this house. Feelings led to pain.

---

By afternoon, the driveway was full of cars. The grand doors opened, and Ana watched from the corner of the hall as her grandparents entered — elegant, graceful, with warm smiles that rarely reached this house. And behind them came Saba.

She was radiant — taller, confident, her hair shining under the chandelier. Her light brown eyes lit up when she saw Ana standing near the stairs.

“Ana!” she gasped, rushing forward. “My little sister!”

Ana barely moved before Saba threw her arms around her. For a moment, Ana stood stiffly — then, slowly, she hugged her back.

“You’ve grown so much,” Saba whispered, tears glimmering.

“You too,” Ana said quietly. Her voice was calm, almost cold, but her eyes softened just a little.

Mrs. Kim forced a smile for the guests. “Saba dear, come greet everyone. Don’t waste time.”

Saba nodded but gave Ana’s hand a quick squeeze before walking to the living room.

---

Inside, the air was filled with chatter. Several well-dressed men sat with Mr. Kim, talking and laughing. They didn’t look like business partners — they had an artistic glow about them. One of them was a tall man with kind eyes and a confident smile. His name was Mr. Bang.

“So this is your daughter from America?” Mr. Bang said warmly. “Saba Kim, right?”

Mr. Kim smiled proudly. “Yes. She’s been studying music abroad.”

Mr. Bang nodded. “I can tell. She has a natural charm — and that voice, I heard her sing once at a school event. It’s magic.”

Mrs. Kim beamed, pretending humility. “You’re too kind, Mr. Bang.”

Mr. Bang leaned forward. “Actually, I’m forming a new girl group — a project that might change the music industry. I’ve already selected three girls. But I want Saba too. She has the spark.”

Mr. Kim’s smile widened. “I’m glad to hear that. Of course, we’d be honored.”

“Excellent,” Mr. Bang said. Then he paused, tapping his chin. “I still need one more member, though. A girl with something… special. Someone who feels real — pure emotion.”

He looked around the room. “Do you know anyone like that, Mr. Kim?”

Before Mr. Kim could reply, Saba spoke softly, her eyes shining.

“Yes. I do.”

Mr. Kim turned sharply toward her. “Saba,” he said in a low, warning tone.

Saba ignored him. “My sister,” she continued. “Ana. She’s quiet, but her voice… it’s unlike anything you’ve ever heard.”

The room went silent. Mrs. Kim’s face stiffened, and Mr. Kim’s expression darkened. “That’s enough, Saba,” he said through clenched teeth. “She’s not—”

But then, Ana’s grandmother — Mrs. Han — smiled gently.

“Yes,” she said, interrupting. “We have another granddaughter. Her name is Ana. She’s here.”

Mr. Bang looked intrigued. “Another daughter? Wonderful! I’d like to meet her.”

Mr. Kim hesitated. “She’s not—she’s shy.”

“Shy girls often sing from the heart,” Mr. Bang said with a grin. “Saba, would you bring her here?”

Saba smiled triumphantly. “Of course.”

---

In the hallway, Ana was standing quietly by the stairs, holding a tray of drinks for the guests. Saba hurried toward her, eyes full of excitement.

“Ana, come with me,” she whispered.

Ana blinked. “Why?”

“There’s someone who wants to meet you. Please — trust me.”

Ana frowned slightly. “I’m not dressed for guests.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Saba said, grabbing her hand. “Just come.”

Ana followed, hesitant but curious. When they entered the living room, everyone turned to look. For a moment, silence filled the air.

Her long black hair fell over her shoulders, her hazel eyes calm but distant, her face flawless like porcelain. Even without makeup, she looked ethereal — like something out of a dream.

Mr. Bang stood up, surprised. “This is your sister?”

Saba nodded proudly. “Yes.”

Mr. Bang studied her. “She’s… extraordinary.”

Ana shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. “Hello,” she said quietly, bowing her head.

“Such grace,” Mr. Bang said softly. “Do you sing, Ana?”

She hesitated. Her eyes flicked to her father — his face was thunderous — then to her grandmother, who gave her an encouraging nod.

“A little,” Ana whispered.

Mr. Bang smiled. “Would you sing something for us? Anything.”

The room waited.

Ana’s hands trembled slightly. It had been years since anyone asked her to sing. Her mother used to make her sing lullabies when she was small — before everything changed.

She took a slow breath, closed her eyes, and began to sing softly — a simple melody her mother once hummed at night.

Her voice was clear, haunting, pure.

The kind of voice that makes you feel something deep in your chest, even if you don’t know why.

When she finished, the room was silent — completely silent.

Then Mr. Bang exhaled. “Incredible,” he said finally. “That voice… it’s the sound I’ve been looking for.”

He turned to Mr. Kim. “Mr. Kim, I want her. Both your daughters — Saba and Ana. They’ll debut together.”

Mr. Kim’s jaw clenched. “That girl isn’t—”

Mrs. Han spoke firmly, her voice sharp. “She’s my granddaughter, and she deserves this chance.”

Mrs. Kim tried to protest. “But she’s—”

Mr. Bang smiled politely. “I’ll take care of everything. Trust me, this will change both their lives.”

Ana stood frozen, her mind spinning. She didn’t understand what was happening — only that, for the first time, someone had looked at her not with hate or pity… but with belief.

Saba grabbed her hand, whispering with tears in her eyes.

“I told you, Ana. One day you’d be free.”

And for the first time in years, Ana felt something — faint, fragile, like the first light of dawn.

Hope.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***