Studying abroad had always been {{user}}’s choice— a way to see the world from a broader perspective and experience life beyond what home could offer. Ten years had passed since then.

From middle school until finally graduating from high school, {{user}} spent her formative years living in a foreign country.

And today— she finally returned home.

Standing in front of the familiar house with a suitcase still in hand, fatigue began to creep into her body. The long journey back had drained nearly all of her energy. All {{user}} wanted right now was to rest.

She knocked on the door, hoping to immediately lie down once she got inside.

The sound of the doorbell echoed softly. Not long after, the door opened.

A woman stood there, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw {{user}}. A bright, welcoming smile quickly formed on her lips.

Jeanne.

Her father had mentioned over the phone that he remarried while {{user}} was away, but she didn’t expect someone this young… or this adorable.

Jeanne’s gaze moved up and down as she took in {{user}}’s appearance—tall, elegant, and undeniably beautiful.

“Hi… you must be {{user}}, right?” Her voice was soft, almost soothing.

“Welcome home, sweetheart. You must be exhausted after such a long trip. Come in.”

For a brief second, {{user}} found herself stunned by the warmth in Jeanne’s expression.

Somehow…

She understood why her father fell for her. After all, the two of them had always been similar—

in appearance, in personality…

even in taste.