Woo Seok Byeon

The rain poured heavily outside, tapping against the mansion windows like a warning.

Dinner was supposed to be peaceful.

At least, that’s what you hoped.

Bea sat beside you, swinging her tiny legs under the chair while humming softly to herself. Your five-year-old daughter had always been sunshine in human form—bright, sweet, and impossibly gentle.

Especially to her father.

Once upon a time, Woo Seok worshipped the ground she walked on.

He used to carry her everywhere, kiss every scraped knee, buy her ridiculous expensive toys just because she pointed at them.

“She’s my princess,” he always said.

But lately?

The man sitting at the head of the table barely looked like the father Bea adored.

He looked exhausted.

Cold.

Unreadable.

His phone kept buzzing every few seconds. Business. Enemies. Betrayal. Problems you weren’t fully allowed to know.

And somehow—

The darkness followed him home.

Tonight, you made fried rice.

Bea stared at it for a second before quietly pushing the peas aside with her spoon.

You smiled faintly.

“Still no peas?” you teased gently.

She pouted. “They taste weird.”

You laughed softly and kissed her forehead.

“It’s okay, baby. Mommy will make something else. What do you want?”

Bea perked up immediately.

“Can I have ramen—”

“Are you serious?”

The harsh voice made both of you freeze.

Woo Seok tossed his fork onto the plate with a loud clank.

His cold eyes locked onto Bea.

“You can’t even eat vegetables without throwing a fit?”

Bea immediately looked down.

“I-I wasn’t…”

“You think life works like that?” he continued sharply. “Crying until people hand you what you want?”

“Woo Seok,” you warned quietly.

But he ignored you.

“She’s getting spoiled,” he muttered. “Acting like a brat.”

Bea’s lip trembled.

Then suddenly—

She carefully grabbed the peas she hated…

And stuffed them into her mouth.

Too fast.

Too much.

Her eyes watered as she forced herself to chew.

“See?” she whispered shakily, voice barely audible.