Chapter 5
Councilman Park had to change his registered address after switching electoral districts. He moved alone, leaving his family behind.
For several years after that, he rarely visited his family home. He might stop by once or twice a month, but never stayed long—just a few hours at most before leaving again.
“Do you find it easier to talk at home?”
“Yes…”
Hannah felt uneasy discussing matters in the office. No matter how strictly she instructed the staff to keep quiet, there was always a chance information could leak out eventually.
“Hmm. But you know I’ve been busy lately, right?”
“Yes, of course.”
“I’ll contact you again.”
As Councilman Park ended the call, Hannah exhaled deeply. It was rare for him to call directly, so she wondered if he knew something.
‘Is he trying to make me keep quiet?’
Lost in thought, she jumped slightly when the bell rang again. Assuming it was Park, she answered without checking the caller ID.
“Yes, Father.”
“……”
The silence on the other end made Hannah frown.
“Hello? Can you hear me?”
“It’s me.”
Hannah flinched.
“What is it?”
“Just now you answered so politely, calling me Father, but now your tone has changed.”
Hannah bit her lip, swallowing the words she wanted to say. She considered explaining that she had assumed it was Councilman Park, but decided against it.
“I…”
“Please, get straight to the point.”
Hannah opened her laptop, pretending to work, and deliberately tapped the keyboard to sound busy.
“I wanted to check if you’re getting along well with Mr. Park.”
“Why the sudden interest?”
“Well…”
“Do you need anything else? Didn’t you say you wouldn’t ask me for anything more?”
“Kang Hannah, where did you learn that tone? Did I teach you to talk to me like that? You’re treating your father with no respect.”
“I don’t disrespect you. But I know you’re irresponsible.”
“You’re going to say that again?”
Hannah’s biological father, Chairman Kang Sung-bok, shouted through the phone. She set the phone down briefly.
“How long are you going to keep repeating that! That child is…”
“Let’s stop. There’s no point anyway. And don’t speak to me—talk to Councilman Park directly.”
As Hannah tried to hang up, urgent shouting followed.
“Isn’t it because you haven’t had a child that Mr. Park is wandering around? That’s why I told you to have a child first! What on earth are you doing at home?”
Hannah was stunned by her father’s words.
“Curious what I’m doing? Then find out yourself. And a child? I have no intention of having one. And it’s not my fault, so don’t blame me. Goodbye.”
Ignoring her father’s rant, she ended the call. Fortunately, no more calls came.
She suspected she understood why Chairman Kang had said those things. Councilman Park had likely refused her father’s requests and brought up the child issue in response.
It made sense that after a year, he’d call to spout such nonsense.
‘A child? Am I supposed to have a child with that man without losing my mind?’
Hannah felt incredulous. The very thought of having a child with Park Sung-tae was horrifying. She did not want a child resembling him—nor could she bring herself to. That was why she could dismiss such talk so easily.
Her headache worsening, she took medication without water. Leaning back in her chair, she reflected on memories long buried. Each recollection made her clench her teeth.
They were memories she hated to think about. She wanted to forget them, but strangely, bad memories lingered far longer than good ones.
Hannah knew exactly what she was: a trophy, made to stand out. That was her raison d’être.
As Chairman Kang’s daughter, she existed merely to be a beautiful, compliant daughter, a commodity sold at a high price. As Councilman Park’s daughter-in-law, she existed solely to elevate him to higher positions.
Moreover, as an adopted daughter of Chairman Kang, she was perfectly suited to make Park shine—marrying his son, an adopted child of a National Assembly member, making him appear unbiased and righteous.
Hannah scoffed. In a political world built on deception, would anyone truly fail to notice she was an illegitimate child?
Her headache intensified, and she lay down on the bed. Turning her thoughts over, she gradually drifted into sleep.
The next morning, Park Sung-tae was again absent from home. Hannah, feeling a sense of relief, got up early and prepared for work.
As she nearly finished getting ready, a message arrived from Councilman Park’s aide. A car would be sent to bring her directly to the office.
Hannah went downstairs. Today, her mother-in-law was absent, which eased her nerves slightly. Taking only the fruit packed by the house staff, she left.
The car was already waiting at the gate. Hannah got in and headed to Councilman Park’s office.
The office entrance was bustling. Though suited, several men looked like bodyguards. Hannah recalled a recent incident.
About a week ago, as Councilman Park was on his way to meet local constituents, he was struck on the head by a thrown stone. Though not seriously injured, he required a few stitches. The media reported that the perpetrator worked for the opposing party, which brought significant attention.
Surprisingly, the incident increased Park’s public recognition. After recovering, he even sought out the assailant to ask for forgiveness, which further captivated the media. Rumors circulated that he might even become a future presidential candidate.
Though the opposing party denied any connection to the attacker, it made little difference. Political circles and the media alike seemed unconcerned with the truth. Hannah thought politicians and journalists were essentially the same.
She had long known that while Councilman Park was not cruel, he would use any means—including sacrificing children—to achieve his goals.
“What brings you here?”
As Hannah followed the driver past the entrance, one of the men, looking like a bodyguard, stepped forward.
“This lady has an appointment with Councilman Park. I am escorting her.”
After the driver confirmed this, the bodyguard stepped aside.
‘Surely they’re not all bodyguards…’
Hannah entered the office before counting. She had preferred to discuss matters at home, but clearly, it was urgent enough to bring her here.
It had to be about the upcoming National Assembly election. Park would likely instruct her to manage her husband, then probably recruit her to help with his campaign.
Hannah had no interest in the election and mentally prepared ways to refuse. Lost in thought, she almost tripped as she walked.
“Careful.”
Someone grabbed her arm and steadied her.
“Thank you.”
The low voice was pleasant. Without looking at the person’s face, Hannah walked to the inner office door. Knocking, she was greeted by Park’s executive secretary.
“You’re here. Come in. He’s expecting you.”
Hannah offered a light bow and entered. Councilman Park was seated on the sofa, not at his desk, with a teacup in front of him.
“So, you’ve arrived. Sit here. Go get some tea. And call Mr. Choi too.”
“Yes.”
After the secretary left to follow the instructions, Hannah sat across from Park. He sipped from the teacup and set it down. She watched the steam rise from her own teacup, silent.
After a brief pause, Hannah spoke first.
“The entrance seems rather chaotic.”
“If it looks that way to you, then I should organize it. My acquaintances were worried.”
“Did you hire bodyguards separately?”
“Yes. The assistant I had was supposed to manage security, but he ended up using me as a human shield. I fired him.”
“Ah…”
