When Love Becomes Forbidden

The roar of luxury cars passing through Seoul's busy streets reflected off the window glass, adding to the cold atmosphere inside the cabin, which seemed silent despite the outside hustle. Jeong Moza sat quietly in the back seat, her weary eyes gazing at the rapidly flashing cityscape, unable to absorb the beauty of the skyscrapers towering as if trying to touch the clouds. The metropolitan city felt foreign, vastly different from the simple and humble Busan.

Busan was the home that once made her feel alive-a place where she grew up, shared laughter with friends, and spent tranquil mornings in a small bakery always fragrant with sweet aromas. There, the sound of crashing waves and the sea breeze were constant comforts. But now, all of that was just a memory, drifting away like a beach slowly fading from the view of a sailing ship.

Moza took a deep breath, trying to calm her aching heart. Her mother, Jeong Jiso's decision to remarry Han Seokjin-a successful entrepreneur with a stellar reputation in Seoul-had changed her entire life. A simple yet painful reason: her biological father, whom she once loved, had betrayed their family, leaving Moza and her mother with a devastation hard to repair. "Hopefully, this is a good start for me and my family," she thought.

"Moza, are you okay?" Jiso asked, her voice gentle yet full of concern as she noticed her daughter daydreaming beside her.

Moza turned slowly, trying to hide the turmoil in her chest. She carved a faint smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I'm fine, Mom," she replied softly.

Jiso held her daughter's hand tightly, as if wanting to transfer strength that might no longer exist within her. "I know how you feel right now. But you have to believe that your new father will be a good figure for us. He wants to make us happy, Moza."

Something tightened in Moza's chest upon hearing those words. How could she trust someone she didn't even know? However, seeing the hopeful look in her mother's eyes, Moza knew that Jiso's happiness was now the only reason she tried to stay strong. After all the wounds they had experienced, perhaps Jiso indeed deserved a new love.

Moza swallowed the emotions that nearly overflowed, then nodded slowly. "I believe, Mom."

Yet, behind those words, there was a promise she made to herself-that she would no longer let her heart be hurt by fragile love.

Upon arriving at their new home-or rather, Han Seokjin's modern palace-Moza felt her steps grow heavier as one of Seokjin's bodyguards carried their luggage inside. The polished marble floor reflected her footsteps, while a grand crystal chandelier hung majestically from the ceiling, like an unattainable jewel. Everything exuded a cold luxury, far removed from the warmth of the simple home she had once lived in back in Busan.

"Your life will get better from here, Moza," said Jeong Jiso with an optimistic smile. She walked confidently toward the towering front door, followed by two bodyguards with upright postures. "Seokjin oppa is very kind and wants us to be happy."

Moza gave a small nod, unable to share her mother's optimism. The word happiness felt foreign and distant to her right now.

The large door opened automatically, welcoming them into a spacious hallway adorned with elegant decorations. The expensive scent of the room filled Moza's nose. Before she could process it all, the sound of firm footsteps drew her attention.

A young man emerged from inside the house. His face was handsome and stern, with a strong jawline and perfectly styled black hair. His sharp yet cold gaze seemed to repel anyone who dared approach. The black leather jacket he wore gave off a rebellious vibe, indifferent to the world. His brows furrowed slightly, silently questioning the identity of the two women standing before him.

"Daniel," Han Seokjin called warmly from behind the young man. "This is Moza, your new sister," he continued, patting his son's shoulder.

Daniel spared only a brief, expressionless glance, enough to make the room feel even colder. "I have class. Excuse me," he said curtly before walking away without waiting for a response.

Moza raised an eyebrow, watching Daniel's retreating figure. "Like an ice cube," she murmured softly to herself.

"It seems your son isn't comfortable with our presence," Jiso said with a hint of insecurity.

Han Seokjin chuckled lightly at Moza's nearly inaudible comment. "Sorry, that's just how he is," he said, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere. "Come in, there's a lot we can talk about."

"It's okay, dear. I only came now because I wanted to make sure Moza feels comfortable. If she isn't ready, I don't want to push her," Jiso said gently, her tone still laced with concern.

Seokjin smiled slightly and nodded understandingly. They moved into a spacious living room with plush sofas and a table filled with an assortment of luxurious snacks.

"Your name is Moza, right?" Seokjin glanced at her warmly, a wide smile spreading across his face.

Moza looked at Seokjin and nodded softly. "Yes, my name is Moza."

"You're very beautiful, just like your mother," Seokjin joked in a friendly tone, as if trying to ease Moza's lingering awkwardness and tension.

Moza blushed, though Seokjin's friendly smile was not enough to lift the heavy weight lingering in her heart. She only nodded softly and replied in a low voice, "Thank you, Uncle." The words felt dry, as though each letter carried an unbearable sadness.

But deep down, Moza knew that the hardest part wasn't accepting the grandeur of this house or Seokjin's kindness. Nor was it the glamorous new life offered to her. All of that seemed far easier than facing the stark reality she had to deal with every day-Daniel, her stepbrother, who stood like an impenetrable wall of ice, cold and immovable. A figure who wouldn't even give her the slightest chance to get closer, not even for a simple conversation.

"You can call me Dad. Don't hesitate because I'm your father from now on," Seokjin said with hopeful yet slightly worried eyes.

"O-okay, Dad," Moza stammered, her voice almost choking. The word felt foreign on her lips. How could she address him that way? A man she had just met, who hadn't even made her feel fully accepted.

Jiso, sitting beside Moza, gave her daughter a look full of understanding. "Sorry, Moza is still a bit stiff," she said, clearly uncomfortable.

Seokjin nodded gently and smiled. "That's okay, I understand. No problem at all. Oh, you should rest now. I've prepared a room for Moza. Lena! Please show Moza to her room," Seokjin called his housemaid kindly.