* * *
Seoul, a city of ten million, at its core.
In one of the affluent neighborhoods where even living nearby is a privilege, lies a hidden, secluded place inaccessible to most—even to those already residing in this exclusive area.
Nestled within Hannam-dong, overlooking Namsan Mountain like a painted backdrop and the Han River flowing serenely ahead, stands a grand estate.
Its land, covering 14,643 square meters, is enclosed by an endless fortress-like stone wall.
At the center of this expansive land, more vast than mere words can describe, sits ‘Richesse’.
With its facade resembling a French chateau plucked straight out of the countryside, one might wonder if the entire structure had been transported intact.
This is the main house. In front of it lies an expansive garden—calling it a park would be more fitting—meticulously designed to replicate a royal courtyard from a Spanish palace.
This main garden undergoes remodeling with every new mistress of the house.
Turn your gaze to the right of Richesse, and you’ll find a modern three-story building with walls entirely encased in glass—Soleil.
Its design reinterprets one of Gaudí’s unpublished architectural works into a contemporary form, resulting in a structure that is simultaneously geometric and mysteriously elegant.
Notably, its construction cost rivaled that of the main house.
To the left of the main mansion, you’ll see a dense forest evoking the wild woods.
If you follow the secluded path cutting through the thick trees, you’ll eventually arrive at an isolated two-story building, ‘La Santé’.
Compared to the other two structures, it might seem “humble,” but with six bedrooms and six bathrooms, modesty is only relative.
The spaces between these buildings are filled with lawns, trees, ponds, and woodlands, blending the architecture seamlessly with its natural surroundings.
Even the placement of a single tree was guided by consultations with esteemed feng shui experts.
This estate is so secluded that no outside lights are visible from anywhere on the property.
Conversely, it is just as impossible for outsiders to peer in.
After all, the house wasn’t built to flaunt itself to anyone.
What do the names of these buildings mean, you ask?
If you’re even asking that question, you’ve already lost the right to be part of this household.
Mispronounce them, and you wouldn’t even earn the dignity of being scolded; you’d simply be shown the door.
But don’t feel bad—an ordinary person like you would never encounter these buildings in the first place.
So, who are they for? The top 1% of Korea? Too many. Ten fingers’ worth? Ha, hardly.
Just one finger.
Yes, this is the residence of Korea’s wealthiest and most powerful family.
Not a fleeting, superficial power like a five-year public office term, but true power backed by the tangible force of money—power that manipulates politics and the economy from behind the scenes.
This is their haven.
Naturally, to join this family, whether as an Alpha or an Omega, you must be the pinnacle of perfection in some regard.
Only those possessing unmatched superiority can hope to be recognized as a member.
Ah, Betas are excluded.
To them, Betas are an entirely different species, unworthy of being treated as equals.
As for Omegas, they also face significant challenges, but we’ll get to that later.
In any case, becoming part of this group, with its unfathomable wealth and power, is as difficult as threading an elephant through the eye of a needle.
The only way for an outsider to join is through marriage.
However, of the family’s marriageable children, two are already off the market, leaving only one option.
That one is a complete wreck of a human being, someone who hardly deserves the insult of being called a “chaebol.”
Yet, countless people vie for a place beside him, even flying in from abroad, seduced by the allure of his wealth.
And for good reason.
As of now, this “chaebol” is the closest contender for the heir position.
Securing him would mean a high likelihood of claiming the majority of the family’s amassed fortune.
Who wouldn’t be tempted, no matter how vile his personality?
“Stand tall, will you, hyung?”
The man, flashing an uncharacteristically cheerful smile, urged me forward.
This bastard was none other than the remaining “chaebol.”
Standing in front of the main house, he wrapped an arm around my tense shoulders as I hesitated to step foot on the estate grounds.
Why call such a seemingly kind man a bastard, you ask?
Believe me, I wish I didn’t know either.
I swear, not once did I entertain the fantasy of marrying him.
So why, of all people, am I, who never wanted this, standing beside him instead of the countless Omegas who covet his hand?
“Smile. If you want to live another day.”
A low voice growled in my ear.
We hadn’t even started our married life, and I already wanted to run away.
I never asked for this wretched mansion or its twisted occupants!
The story of how I ended up in this ironic situation begins a few months ago.
* * *
so unique beginning