Closer Than This...(vsoo)

Hyung's Mansion—an architectural marvel and one of the grandest residences in Seoul, a testament to power, wealth, and ambition.

Kim Taehwan, my uncle, and his elder brother, my father Kim So-hyung, started their business humbly, transporting goods via ships. In less than a decade, it exploded into a massive enterprise, encompassing shipping, airlines, and terrestrial transport, all under the banner of Hyung's. A name my father chose, immortalizing himself in its legacy.

My uncle married the same year their business skyrocketed. He claimed he found the love of his life, and their union brought joy to our family. A year later, my aunt gave birth to twins—my cousins—who were tragically taken from us in an accident.

As the years passed, my uncle and father expanded Hyung's, venturing into industries far removed from transportation, including fashion. But unlike transportation, where they thrived, fashion was uncharted territory. Despite their efforts, Hyung's Fashion couldn’t rival Bliss, a brand already dominating the luxury and cosmetics market.

Defeat stung my father deeply. In a fit of misguided pride, he launched a smear campaign against Bliss, spreading false rumors that pushed the company toward bankruptcy. But Kim Haesoo, the patriarch of Bliss, and his twenty-one-year-old son fought back with relentless determination. They not only salvaged their empire but fortified it against future threats.

The repercussions of my father’s actions were catastrophic. The feud between the Kim brothers escalated. To save Hyung's reputation, my uncle severed ties with my father, effectively exiling him from the company. Their bitter war culminated in the death of my aunt and my father’s imprisonment.

My uncle never forgave him. He refused to even speak his name. Yet, it was my uncle who told me this history, emphasizing its importance for the future.

I stepped into the grand living room, dominated by an enormous painting of my uncle and late aunt. My gaze lingered on it until his voice broke my reverie.

"Taehyung."

I turned to see him descending the marble staircase, his movements brisk and effortless despite his age. At seventy, Kim Taehwan was as vigorous as ever.

"Chairman Kim," I began, holding up my phone, "this was sent to me earlier today." I played the video showing a familiar figure exiting a hotel in Seoul.

His expression remained unreadable, as though he had anticipated this news.

"You’re always so formal," he said with a faint smile. "First, call me uncle. Second, when you see someone in the morning, you should say 'good morning' first."

I rolled my eyes, exasperated by his timing. "So, do you think he met someone there? Who could it be?"

He ignored my question, sitting on the couch and accepting his morning jasmine tea from a maid. I had repeatedly asked him to ensure privacy during serious discussions, but my uncle rarely listened to anyone but himself.

After a sip of tea, he finally spoke. "I don’t know."

I stared at him, baffled. His cryptic answers often left me wondering about his true intentions.

"What are you planning this time, uncle? Why are you so interested in this?"

He gestured toward the door, and his secretary, Cha Haeboem, entered. Without a word, the man handed me a folder.

I opened it. My eyes widened in disbelief as I read the title.

Thirty percent shares of Bliss under my name.

"What is this? When does this happen. " My voice rose in frustration. "Why would you do this? What does Bliss have to do with us? We’re not even in the same business sector! I know you haven't done this for me. "

Uncle leaned back, his gaze piercing. "You’ve asked me to retire and hand over the company to you for years, haven’t you? I’m finally ready. But I need assurance, Taehyung. You’re in your forties, with no wife, no heir. I won’t leave Hyung’s future to uncertainty."

I frowned, trying to grasp his logic. "I don't understand. Why Bliss?"

A smirk crept onto his face. "Because Bliss is vulnerable. Haesoo’s granddaughter is clinging to her inheritance, struggling to preserve their empire. With this thirty percent shares, you’ll save them—and gain control of their assets. It’s a win-win."

The room felt stifling as I processed his words. "You’ve already decided, haven’t you? This isn’t about securing Hyung’s future. You’re after Bliss."

"Exactly." His laughter echoed through the hall, sending a chill down my spine. "I’ve already acquired thirty percent of their shares—on your name. You’ll be their knight in shining armor, their savior. She’ll have no choice but to take help from you."

"Uncle, this is madness. What if she refuses?"

He chuckled darkly. "She won’t. She’s desperate to save her company, and her aunt will push her into it if necessary. Trust me, Taehyung. You’re the perfect man for the job. And don’t forget—you’re a charming man. Just... try not to look like her uncle when you meet her."

I scowled at his jab, but my mind raced. I had heard of her—the youngest Chairwoman in the industry, a force to be reckoned with. But this... this felt wrong.

For nineteen years, I had followed my uncle, trusting his decisions even when they didn’t align with my values. But this scheme—manipulating an innocent woman for corporate gain—felt like a line I wasn’t sure I could cross.

Yet his words lingered: "I see myself in you."

Was I really just a reflection of him? A man willing to sacrifice everything for power?