Seven years later

Dara was busy preparing the clothes for the photo shoot when she got called to the CEO’s office for a meeting. She wondered what the meeting was about since they just had one this morning. 

CEO: There you are ma cherie...come sit

Dara: Pardon me, but what is this about? They’re waiting for me to finish the selection for this shoot

CEO: That’s what I like about you, always focused on the task at hand. I have some good news for you. We are expanding to Asia and I chose you for the Creative Director position in Seoul.

Dara: (Speechless for a minute) I don’t know what to say

CEO: How about merci? I know you miss your family so now you’ll be with them

Dara: Thank you so much (instinctively bowing)

CEO: Oh you don’t have to do that. You have done well, now take the rest of the day off because you’re leaving tomorrow

Dara: But the photo shoot...

CEO: Did you think I can’t handle that my self? Get some time off while you’re at it. I want you fresh with ideas for our Asian expansion.

Dara: Again, thank you for everything, for the opportunities and guidance you’ve given me 

CEO: You are most welcome. Now have fun!

Dara hurried home, she wanted to call and tell her family what just happened. She actually wanted to surprise them but she doesn’t know how to get to where they currently live so she decided to just surprise her mom and tell her siblings about it. She looked at her things and thought about how to pack all of them up. She’s glad she didn’t accumulate that much since she initially thought that she will be staying in Paris for only two years. She got sad when she remembered the video call she got just days before her graduation.

Five years ago...

Durami: So are all of your classes done? 

Dara: Yes, when are you arriving here? We could do some sightseeing before we leave.

Durami: Unnie, there’s something I have to tell you.

Dara: (Suddenly nervous about what her sister had to say) What is it?

Durami: This is not actually my dorm room, and I’m not actually in college.

Dara: What?! What do you mean?!

Durami: Eomma wanted to wait until you were graduating before we tell you about what happened

Dara: Can you just tell me already! (starting to panic that something bad happened)

Durami: Dad left, he got sued by his clients for misappropriation of funds. 

Dara: What?! When did this happen? Where is he now? How is mom? How could you guys not tell me?

Durami: It was mom who wanted to keep it a secret from you. She worried that you might leave Paris and not continue your studies. We had to sell everything and live in an apartment. We could only afford a two bedroom so mom and I share one room. Dad is working somewhere I think, the court ordered him to pay off everything and I think that’s the reason he left so that we’ll be spared of that debt. 

Dara: (Crying) I am so sorry. I feel so selfish living in Paris while you’re going through all that

Durami: Unnie, you’re probably not gonna like what I have to say next

Dara: Nothing is worse than what you just told me

Durami: Mom wants you to stay there. She feels there will be better opportunities there and you’ll be able to help us out more.

Dara: (Shocked that she’ll have to stay in Paris longer than she thought) But I can find a job there too

Durami: Yes but mom said there is a tendency that they might find out about dad and the competition here is really tough..

Dara: Stop, I get it...(let out a deep sigh) I guess this was what dad said before it was as if he was preparing me for this

Durami: We miss you so much (Durami was crying as well) but we all think it’s for the best. Congratulations on your graduation unnie, and I’m really sorry I had to break the news to you this way.

Dara: Please take care and tell Thunder and mom to take care too.