When William arrived at Veronica's mansion, the gate was locked. He pressed the horn twice before the tall metal doors slowly rolled open.
The gateman, spotting the familiar car, gave a respectful bow the moment William stepped out. He recognized him immediately—not just as Veronica's man, but as the heir of the powerful Mr. Adam.
"Is Veronica at home?" William asked coolly.
"Yes, sir. She said she was expecting you," the gateman replied with a knowing smile.
William didn't respond. He simply walked past him, up the marble steps and through the open living room doors.
The space inside was luxurious, tastefully decorated with plush furniture, gold accents, and soft white lighting. But Veronica wasn't there.
"Baby!" he called out.
A second later, she appeared from her room, radiant in a pink cropped off-shoulder top and matching shorts. One hand held a glass of wine, the other, her sleek new phone. From head to toe, she oozed luxury and confidence—exactly the kind of life she loved.
The moment she saw him, her expression lit up and she rushed straight into his open arms. He hugged her tightly, breathing in the familiar scent of her perfume.
When they pulled apart, she pecked his lips softly.
"I've been waiting for you, Will. What took you so long?"
"I had to stop by Min Soo's place," he said, his voice calm.
"Okay then. Come, sit down. What would you like? Wine or beer?"
"Just a soft drink, babe."
Veronica smiled and disappeared into the kitchen. In no time, she returned with a cold bottle of soda and a glass. She sat beside him, popped the cap, and poured the drink before handing it over.
William took a sip, relaxing into the couch.
"So... what brings you here?" she asked, curling a leg under her. "You barely visit me. You don't even call much."
"Don't say that, Rony baby. I'm always thinking about you. Just wait—once I introduce you to my dad, I'll buy a mansion for us."
"How about a castle?" she teased, raising a brow.
"Anything for you, baby."
"Thanks," she murmured, resting her head gently on his shoulder.
After a moment of silence, she spoke again.
"Speaking of your dad… did you find out why he didn't answer your calls yesterday? Baby, I was so upset and worried."
"I know, babe. He said he was busy."
"Busy? What kind of excuse is that?"
"I know, right? But honestly, thanks to you, I made it back home safe. I really just came to say thank you."
He turned slightly and met her eyes. "Thank you, sweetie."
"Aww… don't mention it," she said softly.
A brief silence followed, filled only by the sound of sipping drinks.
Then Veronica perked up. "Baby, I just bought a whole new set of luxury clothes—the latest drops! And guess what? I upgraded my phone to a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Brand new, top model. Isn't it great?"
"Wow. Hottie, you rock," William said with a smirk.
She flipped her hair. "Yeah, it was nothing, you know."
He chuckled. "How about I take you out today? Somewhere fancy."
"That's great! I've been wanting to visit a park."
"Anything you want. Go get ready."
Veronica sprang up from his chest with a playful squeal and dashed into her dressing room.
William watched her perfect figure disappear with a quiet smile, then leaned back and took another slow sip of his drink.
---
When Linda came back from school, she was tired. The math exam they had was tough—numbers dancing in her head even as she walked. All she wanted was to drop her bag and rest. But then, she remembered her promise to Sophia.
As she stepped inside the apartment, the comforting smell of fresh snacks greeted her. Sophia was already dressed and had prepared baby Jack, who sat on the couch in his tiny sneakers, playing with a soft toy. A packed bag rested on the table—filled with snacks Sophia had both bought and made.
Linda smiled at the scene.
"You're all set," she said.
"I told you I'm serious about fun," Sophia grinned.
Linda greeted them both and headed to her room to freshen up. After a quick shower, she stood in her towel, staring into her closet, unsure what to wear. Everything looked too boring or too much.
Then her eyes caught a small box in the corner. She blinked and pulled it out and opened the lid. Inside was a dress and a pair of shoes—simple but elegant. The dress instantly reminded her of Julian. It was the dress he had bought for her when they first met, and since the party, she kept it in the box. Julian's parents had sent him abroad just weeks after they met. He didn't tell her about it but later texted her narrating everything to her.
"I wonder how he's settling into life in America. " she murmured to herself.
With a fond smile, Linda decided to wear the dress.
Once she was ready, she joined Sophia and Jack. The three of them headed out together. Linda locked up, and they caught a taxi to the newly opened park—Lotte world park.
---
William and Veronica had just arrived at Lotte world Park. William was still in the black-and-white joggers he'd worn earlier, while Veronica had changed into a stunning red designer dress, paired with matching expensive heels. As they stepped out of William's sleek car, the atmosphere shifted.
Gasps and murmurs followed them.
"Oh my gosh, she's so pretty."
"She's perfect with him."
"She's so lucky, dating the heir to the Adam's empire."
"I'd kill for her luck..."
Phones came out. Pictures were taken. But neither William nor Veronica acknowledged the attention. They walked slowly, confidently—hands locked like royalty—toward the heart of the park.
The place was stunning, a mix of fun and elegance, with luxury rides, restaurants, and exclusive zones. William led Veronica to the VIP roller coaster area and booked the entire ride. No one objected. His father practically ruled the city, and Veronica was very aware of it.
Chin raised with pride, she allowed William to help her into a seat. He stayed on the sidelines, capturing perfect photos of her mid-ride. After that, they explored more rides, tasted exotic dishes, and took dozens of flawless couple shots. Wherever they went, they left a trail of envy behind them.
Later in the evening, Veronica craved a specific drink—rose milk tea with gold pearls, her signature treat.
"I'm going to get it. I never leave a park without having one," she said.
William offered to fetch it, but she declined with a smile and strutted off toward the vendor herself.
After ordering two cups—one for William—she turned to leave and—
SPLASH!
Someone had bumped into her.
Sticky milk tea splashed on her dress and all over the person who'd collided with her.
That person was Linda!.
But They didn't know each other and had never met.
"Are you blind?! Are you freaking blind?!" Veronica shrieked, staring in horror at the small stain on her dress.
Linda stood up quickly, wiping herself.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. I didn't know you were about to turn."
"Sorry? Will sorry fix my ruined dress?! This is brand new! The latest model! It could pay for your entire livelihood!"
Linda was stunned.
"I said I was sorry…"
"And I asked if sorry could pay for this! Look, my whole look is ruined."
"You weren't the only one the drink spilled on. My dress is soaked, yours only got stained a bit."
"You mean that rag?" Veronica sneered. "My dress could buy your entire wardrobe—and your family along with it. And by the way, what is a monkey like you doing in a luxury park like this? Shouldn't you be on a farm somewhere in Africa?"
Linda's fists clenched.
Sophia, who had been nearby with baby Jack, stepped in.
"Linda, let's go. Don't mind her."
"Excuse me, was I talking to you?" Veronica snapped. "Who even are you people? Haven't you heard of Veronica? Seen me on the internet? I'm the top model in all of Seoul and also, fiancee to the heir of the Adams—and you're nothing."
A small crowd had gathered, whispering silently.
Linda had had enough.
"You're lucky I'm in a good mood today. I would have stepped on your overinflated ego till it popped. Ugly inside and out."
She grabbed Sophia's hand and stormed off. Veronica was left speechless.
"Hey! I'm not done with you!" she shouted, furious, but Linda was already gone.
Veronica stood trembling with anger and embarrassment.
"She've ruined my day. " she hissed and stormed back toward William, who was waiting beside the car.
Seeing her fuming and her dress stained, William stood up in alarm.
"What happened, baby?"
"It was one black, stupid girl," Veronica said, almost in tears. "She ruined my dress. Look at me—so embarrassing!"
William's face darkened.
"What?! Who messed with you? Tell me, and I'll send that black devil straight back to where she came from."
"It's not worth it, baby," she sniffed. "She's not even worth seeing your face. Let's just go home. I need to clean up before my skin reacts."
She got into the car, and William followed, fuming as they drove off.
---
Meanwhile, Linda was too upset to stay in the part and went home too. As soon as she got home, she cleaned herself up, threw the ruined dress into the washing machine, and collapsed on the bed—too tired to think about the rude, arrogant lady.
Sophia, still a little shaken, put baby Jack to sleep and joined her in quiet rest.