Seoul, South Korea

“Soojung, this is for the best.”

“Are you sure there is no other way, mom?”

“No. I have seen the draft. Your father had all that planned.” Her mom sighs.

“But there must be any way out.” Soojung shakes her head in disbelief. There is no way she could accept this. Barely 24 and need to get married soon.

“There is none, Soojung.” Her tone is getting firm, signalling Soojung that her mom’s decision is final.

“It’s a good thing I still allow you to choose your own husband. If it were up to me, I will set you up with someone that I can trust.” Her mom always like this, forcing her own needs without caring about anyone else.

“Choose wisely, Soojung. Choose someone you can manipulate and won’t betray you.” She taps her chin, “Maybe one of the Kim’s boys. I heard that Jongin likes with you for long time. I prefer the kindest one, Joonmyeon. But, to be safe, the oldest one would be a great idea, Minseok. Or maybe the only heir of the Oh family?”

Her mom looks at her, anticipating her answer, but Soojung just keeps silent and makes her frustrated.

“I leave you then. I believe you will choose the best and won’t disappoint me. We can’t let that son of a get the advantage. He should know his position.” She grumbles and leave Soojung alone.

Soojung heaves a deep breath and throw herself to the bed, starring at the ceiling. Tears are threatening to fall down but she realizes she doesn’t have time to drown herself in misery. She needs to get it all together.

---

Shanghai, China

“You are coming back to Seoul? Why so sudden?”

“That bastard father of mine requesting my presence in the last days of his life.” Yifan shrugs off his coat, and giving his operation mask and cap to the nurse beside him.

“I thought you have nothing to do with him anymore?” Luhan trails behind his friend’s back. The young anesthesiologist has just finished assisting Yifan on the operation when his friend drops the news.

“I don’t. But apparently my mom thinks I do. And there is some business that I should take care of.”

“Then what about the upcoming operation of Mr. Xi Jinping?” Luhan doesn’t want to deal with the , much less if it includes government. “Don’t you dare to run away, Fan. It’s the president for goodness’ sake. And he requested you yourself to do the operation.”

Yifan holds up his palm to stop Luhan’s ramblings. He is in deep for going to Seoul and he is in deep for listening to Luhan.

“I know my obligation. Don’t worry. I will come back before the date of the operation.” He assures, “As if I want to stay any longer in that house.” He mumbles but Luhan catches the words.

“It’s that bad, huh?”

“Well, let’s say you wouldn’t want to be dragged to that ty family.” Yifan gulps down a glass of coffee to help him to function throughout the day. The tired look of his face makes Luhan concerned for his friend’s well being.

“Take care, Fan. Do what you need to do and come back as soon as possible.”

---

Seoul, South Korea

“It’s my decision and it’s final.” Her father tone leaves no room to argue.

“It’s not that I am asking for something illegal, appa.” She resorts to plead, “I just want to pursue my master degree in Germany. That’s it.”

“And I am saying you can’t.”

“Why I can’t but Donghae oppa and Jonghyun oppa can?” She asks even though she knows her father’s reason already.

“It’s because you are a woman.” He stares deeply at her, “Look, Amber. You are already 26 with no serious boyfriend around.” He sighs and runs his hand through his hair, feeling frustrated of his only daughter’s stubborness.

“I have tried to do your way. I let you to go into medical scho