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The plane landed with a soft thud, and as the wheels met the tarmac, a surge of nostalgia washed over Kang Y/N. She leaned against the window, her breath fogging the glass momentarily, a mirror to the emotional storm brewing within. Korea—her homeland—stretched out before her, a mosaic of memories flashing like the vibrant lights of the city that never sleeps. The smiley faces and harsh laughter filled her mind, adding layers to her expression of stark determination.

"What does it mean to go back when everything has changed?" she muttered under her breath. The last time she stood on this soil, things were different—simpler. A past wrapped in familial love, unaware of the shadows lurking just beneath the surface of her seemingly perfect life.

The familiar sound of chatter and bustling city life welcomed her as she stepped out of the airport, her heart racing with the pulse of uncertainty. Yes, she was Kang Y/N, the powerful lawyer who dismantled criminals' defenses effortlessly. But inside, she bore wounds that her wealth and stature never healed—wounds hidden beneath layers of bravado and fierce independence. Safety was an illusion, reinforced by the facade of her indomitable exterior, and this illusion was often shattered by the haunting recollections of her friendship with Choe Ae-cha.

Their connection had once been unbreakable, partners in crime and laughter. But the betrayal that shattered that bond left Y/N reeling and guarding her heart like a sacred treasure. Her phone buzzed again, pulling her out of her reverie, with an ominous message from an unknown number. The previous text clamored for her focus, and as much as she resisted, she couldn't shake off the chilling thrill it ignited.

"Welcome back, Y/N. I see you're still as fearless as ever."

An unfamiliar chill crept down her spine as she contemplated the implications of those words. Who posed such a greeting with a whisper of menace behind it? Y/N’s instincts heightened; lurking danger always shadowed those in her profession.

She stepped into her car, her loyal driver ready, and as she settled into the plush leather seat, she instructed him to head to her family’s estate. The Kang family estate was more than a home; it was a fortress, a sanctuary draped in opulence yet fortified with secrets. Secrets that had imprisoned Y/N for far too long.

As the city blurred by, her thoughts veered toward her adversary and former friend, Choe Ae-cha. She could already feel the cold weight of animosity hanging between them, a ghostly presence that somehow haunted every corner of their shared past. Was it jealousy that carved their rift? Or was it something deeper—a contrasting perception of the world around them?

The car veered through narrow streets, and soon the magnificent gates of the Kang estate appeared. The palatial residence stood, mighty and grand, a symbol of power in the heart of the city—a gracious host to hidden turmoil. Her elder brother and sister were already engaged in business matters, ensuring the family’s legacy remained untarnished amidst their inner chaos.

With a deep breath, Y/N prepared herself for what was to come, knowing well that the case ahead would be enough to shake the very foundation of her well-crafted image. But it wasn’t just the case; it was the haunting shadows of her past—the memories of Ae-cha and the feelings that lingered unsaid.

“Welcome back, indeed.” She whispered to herself, her determination morphing into fierce resolve. It was time to confront not only the demons in her court but also those lurking in the shadows of her heart.

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