2

The Wedding in Daegu

The private jet sliced through the clouds like a silver bird, gliding over endless seas and cities glittering below. Inside, the Kim family relaxed in luxury — silk seats, crystal glasses, and laughter that filled the air. They were on their way to Daegu, South Korea, for Devid’s sister’s wedding — a grand event that would bring together the most powerful families from every corner of Asia.

Elena sat by the window, her hand resting on her husband’s. “It’s been so long since we visited Korea,” she said softly, watching the skyline approach.

Devid smiled. “Too long. My sister will be happy to see all of us again.” He looked at his children — Saba, Ana, Zayn, and little Ayan — chatting excitedly about the wedding. “And I think the country will never forget this wedding.”

When the jet landed in Daegu, a crowd of reporters was already waiting. Cameras flashed like lightning. “The Kim family has arrived!” shouted the journalists in Korean.

But Devid, always calm, simply waved with a graceful smile and guided his family toward the waiting convoy of black limousines.

---

The Family Farm

Later that afternoon, the family arrived at Devid’s ancestral home — a beautiful countryside estate surrounded by green rice fields and cherry blossom trees in full bloom. The air smelled of earth and spring.

The children couldn’t stay still.

“Appa, can we play outside?” Ana asked, her hazel-green eyes wide with excitement.

Devid laughed. “Go, but don’t go too far. The wedding guests will arrive soon.”

Saba grabbed Ana’s hand and shouted, “Race you to the farm!”

They ran through the fields, their laughter echoing across the hills. Their dresses fluttered in the wind like wings. The world felt free, innocent, and endless.

But fate had already begun to move.

As they turned a corner near the barn, Saba bumped into someone.

“Ouch!” she exclaimed, taking a step back.

The boy she hit stumbled slightly but steadied himself. He was around her age, maybe twelve, with dark brown hair, soft features, and a boxy smile that made his whole face light up. He bowed politely, his voice gentle.

“Mianhae (sorry),” he said in Korean.

Saba blinked, startled, then gave a small, shy smile. “It’s okay,” she whispered, brushing her hair from her face.

For a brief moment, their eyes met — a fleeting, innocent connection.

Before he could say another word, Saba turned and ran after Ana, who was already calling from a distance.

The boy watched her go. As he turned, something glinted in the grass — a gold chain, thin and elegant. He picked it up carefully, examining it under the sunlight. It had a small pendant shaped like a heart, engraved with the initials K.S.

He looked up again, but the girl was gone.

Just then, a voice called from afar, “Taehyung! Come fast! Halmeoni is waiting!”

He looked toward the voice — his grandmother waving from the porch. “Coming!” he shouted back. He slipped the chain into his pocket and ran off.

That night, he would stand under the old cherry tree in the park, the chain still in his hand, wondering who the mysterious girl with the soft smile was.

---

The City Lights of Daegu

The evening came alive with celebration. Daegu’s skyline shimmered like a jewel — lights reflecting on the river, music filling the streets, laughter rising from the wedding venue. The Kim mansion glowed with chandeliers and flowers. Guests arrived in glittering cars; the sound of violins floated through the warm night air.

Inside, Elena helped Saba and Ana dress for the evening. Saba wore a silver gown that sparkled when she moved; Ana wore a light blue one, her green eyes shining like emeralds.

“You both look like angels,” Elena said proudly.

Downstairs, Devid was greeting guests, business magnates, and politicians who bowed deeply in respect. Everything was perfect — the music, the decor, the joy.

But destiny had its own plan.

---

The Kidnapping

Later that night, when the guests were still dancing and the city lights glowed far beyond the hills, little Ana slipped away to the backyard. She wanted a breath of fresh air — the party was too loud, too crowded.

She walked barefoot across the soft grass, staring up at the stars. The night was peaceful. Fireflies danced near the trees, and the faint sound of laughter came from inside the mansion.

She closed her eyes for a moment.

Then — a rustle.

Ana turned. “Hello?” she called softly.

No one answered.

Before she could move, a hand covered her mouth. Her eyes widened in terror as she tried to scream, but the sound was muffled. A tall man dressed in black lifted her off the ground swiftly.

She struggled, kicking and clawing, but he was strong.

Another man appeared from behind the trees. “Quick! The car’s ready!” he whispered harshly in Korean.

Within seconds, Ana was carried into the shadows. The black car’s door slammed shut, and the vehicle disappeared into the darkness — swallowed by the night.

---

Inside the mansion, Elena suddenly felt uneasy. She turned toward the window, her heart pounding for no reason.

“Devid,” she whispered. “Where’s Ana?”

Devid frowned. “She was playing with Saba…”

But Saba, when asked, said softly, “She went outside. Just for a moment.”

The color drained from Elena’s face.

“Ana!” she screamed, running toward the backyard.

The servants followed, calling her name again and again — but only the echo of their voices answered. The garden was silent, the gate slightly open.

And on the ground, near the edge of the grass, lay a single white shoe.

---

The laughter of the wedding faded into chaos.

The lights of Daegu burned bright against the darkness.