Dongbinggo-dong Neighborhood
Two hours had passed since the neighbor's call.
Kim Min Hee finally arrived in front of a small neighborhood bar. She parked in silence, stepped out of the car, and pushed the door open with a blank expression.
Inside, the air smelled like cheap alcohol and lingering regret.
The woman behind the counter looked up as she walked in.
Woman
— Oh, Min Hee, you're finally here. Your father drank too much... He passed out. I didn't want to bother you, but…
Min Hee said nothing. She stood there for a moment, eyes fixed on her father slumped over a table, snoring in a drunken haze.
Her face showed a familiar mix of sadness, disappointment… and that quiet, simmering anger she knew too well.
At last, she turned to the woman.
Kim Min Hee
— I'm sorry… Could you ask someone to help me get him home?
Woman
— Just a moment. I'll call my son.
A few seconds later, a young man appeared.
Boy
— Yeah, Mom?
(He paused when he saw Min Hee.)
— Oh, hey, noona.
Woman
— Help Min Hee carry her father, please.
Boy
— Sure.
Together, the boy and Min Hee lifted her father and brought him outside. Luckily, the house wasn't far, so the walk wasn't too hard.
Once they reached the door:
Kim Min Hee
— You can head back now. I'll take care of the rest.
Boy
— You sure you'll be okay?
She didn't answer. She just shook her head with a small smile that said "I'll be fine."
Kim Min Hee opened the door, stepped inside… and suddenly let her father drop heavily onto the floor.
Kim Min Hee's father
— Are you crazy?! he groaned, jolting awake, still half-drunk.
Kim Min Hee
— Why do you always have to end up like this?!
Why can't you just… be a normal father like everyone else?! she shouted, her voice shaking with frustration.
Father
— Stop yelling, you're giving me a headache… Get me some water. I think I'm gonna throw up…
Kim Min Hee turned her back to him.
— Get it yourself.
Father
— You're just like your mother… Always nagging me to be "normal." Tch… that bitch… just thinking about her makes me sick…
She froze.
A long silence fell.
Min Hee turned around slowly. Her face was stone cold, her expression sharp, her eyes burning.
A bitter smile curled her lips.
Kim Min Hee
— No, you're wrong. I'm not like Mom.
Unlike her, I'll never let someone like you disrespect me.
And I'm not staying in this miserable life you dragged us into.
You know what? I'm way smarter than you think.
She gave him one last look — cold as steel — and walked away.
Kim Min Hee climbed the stairs.
The house was quiet. Suffocating, even — as if the walls themselves were holding their breath.
In her room, she sat slowly at her pink vanity.
On the table, several photos of her and Han Yuri were lined up, neatly displayed.
Kim Min Hee (to herself, calmly)
— No, I'm not like Mom.
Unlike her, I'll never let anyone walk all over me…
And I'll never let anyone take what should be mine.
Never again.
The next morning — At Han Yuri and Lee Tae Joon's home
In the quiet morning light, Lee Tae Joon was peacefully sipping his coffee.
Silent, Han Yuri emerged from her bedroom, her face still bearing the traces of sleep. She walked past him without a word, poured herself a cup, and sat down.
A soft silence lingered between them. Then, without looking at him, Yuri quietly said:
Han Yuri:
— If we start now, we might be able to turn this whole "lonely bachelor" vibe into something a bit more… "newlywed." I don't have any meetings today, so…
Lee Tae Joon (sighing slightly):
— Honestly, I don't see the point… but okay. Where do we start?
He put down his cup and stood up, clearly resigned.
Han Yuri (pointing at an item):
— For starters, that thing. We can throw it out.
Tae Joon followed her gaze… then quickly stepped between her and the object like a museum guard.
Lee Tae Joon:
— Not that one.
(He paused.)
It has sentimental value.
Yuri raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Han Yuri:
— It's a flowerpot… that doesn't even have flowers in it.
Lee Tae Joon:
— A friend gave it to me.
Han Yuri (smirking):
— Don't tell me you keep stuff from your exes?
Lee Tae Joon:
— No. Just a friend.
Han Yuri (sarcastically):
— If you say so… And that cracked vase over there, does it have deep emotional value too?
Lee Tae Joon:
— Yep. Everything here has its own story…
Han Yuri (teasing):
— Alright then. How about you tell me the story behind that motorcycle helmet on the table — when you don't even have a bike?
(She points at another item.)
And while we're at it, maybe tell me the charming tale behind the bloodstain carefully hidden behind that vase?
Lee Tae Joon (sighing):
— Okay… so, the vase is to hide the bloodstain. The helmet? It's great for storing stuff — keys, business cards… that kind of thing.
And the stain… that was from a party we threw for my 20th birthday. Things got a little… out of hand.
Han Yuri:
— Don't tell me someone died?
Lee Tae Joon (calmly):
— No. Just… two fingers lost.
Han Yuri (horrified):
— WHAT?!
Lee Tae Joon:
— We were all a little… drunk. There was a sword game involved. It went poorly.
Han Yuri (sighing):
— Okay. You know what? Just make a list of what you want to keep.
We'll stash them in a separate room.
And we'll just paint over the stain.
A few minutes later, they started moving furniture together.
Yuri tried not to change too much at once, not wanting to overwhelm him.
While exploring the rooms, she opened a door leading to a large bedroom… and froze.
Han Yuri (curious, opening the door):
— Tae Joon-ssi?
Lee Tae Joon (walking over):
— Ah… that.
Han Yuri (stepping inside, rubbing her forehead):
— What is all this?
Lee Tae Joon (awkwardly):
— Well… when I drink, I tend to buy random stuff. Then I wake up and find out the next day.
She scanned the room, stunned.
Han Yuri:
— Oh my God… What is all this?
Lee Tae Joon (shrugging):
— It's not like I'm the only one who makes dumb choices drunk.
Han Yuri (nervous laugh):
— Okay, I really tried not to ask but… why do you own a firefighter suit?
Lee Tae Joon:
— No idea. One morning I just woke up wearing it.
Han Yuri (arms crossed):
— I'm honestly trying to imagine what you were like as a teenager…
And I'm torn between "slightly rebellious" and "deeply concerning."
Lee Tae Joon (shrugging):
— Why choose?
I was a masterpiece of instability… with excellent fashion sense.
(Then, with a sly grin.)
Just like now. Except now I cause chaos in very expensive suits — which, by the way, look fantastic on me.
Han Yuri:
— Wow. I should never have asked.
(She looks away, back to practical mode.)
Anyway — back to work. I don't even know where to start with this mess.
(She grabs a random object, visibly confused.)
— Okay, you take… that, and I'll take this… whatever this is.
Seriously, what is this thing?
Lee Tae Joon:
— No clue. But it kinda looks like a bomb.
Han Yuri (in the same horrified tone as before):
— WHAT?!
Lee Tae Joon (completely calm):
— Don't worry, it won't explode… unless we activate it.
And even if it does, we'll have time to take a last selfie. With a filter, obviously.
Han Yuri rolled her eyes and exited the room, clearly at her limit.
Han Yuri (sighing):
— Oh Lord… This man is going to drive me completely insane.
They started clearing out the room, one ridiculous object at a time.
One hour later
The room was finally empty.
Han Yuri turned around, hands on her hips, satisfied with the result.
Han Yuri:
— See? It's beautiful. We could turn it into a gym.
Or maybe a game room, if you prefer.
She left the room to make a phone call. When she returned, her expression had softened.
Han Yuri:
— The furniture's coming tomorrow. There was a small delivery issue.
Lee Tae Joon remained standing in the middle of the room, silent, eyes on the boxes filled with things he'd held onto — even if he never really said why.
Han Yuri stopped.
She watched him, sensing something shift in the air.
Han Yuri (gently):
— Something wrong?
Lee Tae Joon (quiet voice):
— No… It's just… looking at this empty room, I realize my life's really changing.
Han Yuri:
— They're just objects.
Some of them are broken anyway.
Lee Tae Joon (with a faint, sad smile):
— I know.
But still… it's strange. It feels like…
He trailed off, eyes distant. Then he quickly changed his tone, brushing the moment aside.
Lee Tae Joon:
— You know what? Do whatever you want with the room.
He gave her a small nod, turned, and walked away.
Without another word, he headed to the kitchen, opened the fridge, and grabbed a small can of beer.
Yuri stayed behind in the empty room, a bit caught off guard.
There was something in that silence… something she couldn't quite name.
Slowly, she followed him out.
She walked up to Lee Tae Joon.
Opened her mouth to say something…
Then her phone rang, shattering the moment.
She picked up instantly.
Han Yuri (sighing, voice low and steady):
— Yes, Father…
(A pause.)
— Today?
(She hesitated for a long moment, gaze distant.)
— Alright.
She hung up. Stayed silent for a beat, then turned to Lee Tae Joon.
Han Yuri:
— I guess that's enough for today.
My father wants to see us.
Lee Tae Joon (frowning slightly):
— All of a sudden? Why?
Han Yuri (shaking her head):
— I don't know.
But he wants you there too.
So… get ready.
A few minutes later –
Both of them were ready. Without another word, they headed downstairs and got into the car.
One hour later – Hannam-dong
The grand gates of the Han estate opened slowly. The car rolled up the immaculate driveway, gliding over perfectly maintained stone paths. When it came to a stop, a ceremonial silence seemed to fall over everything.
They stepped out. A housekeeper immediately came to greet them.
Housekeeper (bowing slightly)
— Good afternoon, ma'am.
(A short pause.)
— Sir.
Han Yuri
— Where's my father?
Housekeeper
— In his office. Shall I let him know you've arrived?
She barely finished her sentence when the familiar voice of Han Yuri's father echoed behind them.
Han Yuri's Father
— Ah, you're already here.
Han Yuri (direct)
— Yes, Father. Why did you want to see us?
He threw a brief glance at Lee Tae Joon, then turned away.
Han Yuri's Father
— Let's go to the living room.
(To the housekeeper.)
— Bring us some tea, please.
They sat down in the quiet salon. A few moments later, the housekeeper returned, carefully placing the tray before retreating in silence.
Han Yuri's father picked up a cup, offered tea to his guests, then turned to Lee Tae Joon with a smile that only half reached his eyes.
Han Yuri's Father
— Tae Joon, how's your father? It's been a while since we last spoke.
Lee Tae Joon (calm)
— He's doing well, thank you.
Her father paused, briefly fiddling with his cup, as if weighing his words.
Han Yuri's Father
— I know... we've had our differences.
(He glanced at Yuri, then back to Tae Joon.)
— But I'd like to move past that. After all, we're family now. And family shouldn't hold grudges.
(Firmer.)
— A family should always support each other.
Don't you agree?
Lee Tae Joon (grasping his cup calmly)
— You're right… Family should support each other.
(He slowly lifted his gaze.)
Don't worry. I don't hold grudges.
They chatted for a while, until Han Yuri cut in, her tone slightly irritated.
Han Yuri (cool tone)
— Sorry, but I thought you wanted to see us for something important.
Han Yuri's Father
— Ah yes, I mentioned the annual party.
Han Yuri
— I remember… but I thought I told you I'm busy.
Han Yuri's Father
— That's why I asked to see your husband as well. He can help you.
Han Yuri
— Why not just hire someone else?
Han Yuri's Father
— No. This party has always been handled by family. My father did it, I did it… now it's your turn.
Han Yuri
— Then why not keep doing it yourself?
Han Yuri's Father (sighing, firmer)
— Why do you always have to argue with me? Just do it. Your husband is here to help.
That's why I asked you both to come.
Han Yuri stood up, expression closed.
— If that's all, we should get going.
(She turned to Tae Joon.)
Let's go.
Han Yuri's Father
— Stay a while, have something to eat.
Han Yuri
— We still have things to take care of.
Han Yuri's Father (more authoritative)
— Don't argue. Stay.
Han Yuri hesitated, ready to refuse, but...
Lee Tae Joon
— Alright. We'll stay.
Han Yuri looked at him, surprised.
Lee Tae Joon
— What? It'd be rude to say no.
She sighed and sat back down, resigned.
A few minutes later
Han Yuri stepped into her old bedroom while Lee Tae Joon was playing chess with her father downstairs.
She sat at her vanity, staring at her reflection in silence... when suddenly, the door creaked open.
It was her stepmother.
Han Yuri
— What are you doing in my room?
Stepmother
— The real question is: what are you doing here?
Han Yuri (calm but cutting tone)
— Why wouldn't I be? This is my house.
She stood slowly, her eyes locking directly with her stepmother's.
Stepmother (glancing around the room to avoid her gaze)
— Nothing's changed in here, it seems.
Han Yuri (crossing her arms, gaze icy)
— Do you have something to say? If not, please leave.
Stepmother (trying to stay composed)
— I can see you still resent me for what happened... That was a long time ago. Why hold on to that kind of memory?
Han Yuri (cold, tinged with sadness)
— Because some memories don't fade.
Silence fell between them.
Han Yuri gave a faint, bitter smile.
Han Yuri
— You know... you could've been an actress too. I really bought your little "I'll take care of you" act.
You must've enjoyed watching me—so gullible, so naive back then.
She stepped closer, her voice dropping, now sharp as ice.
Han Yuri
— But you know what, "Mother"? I've changed.
You won't ever get to me again.
Stepmother (barely a whisper)
— Why didn't you ever tell your father back then?
She stared at her for several long seconds.
Han Yuri said nothing.
A knock on the door.
Housekeeper
— Miss, your father is asking for you.
Han Yuri gave her stepmother one last glance, then turned and left.
Dining Room
The dishes were already served.
Lee Tae Joon sat calmly at the table, followed by Han Yuri, then her stepmother.
Yuri's father invited everyone to begin the meal.
At the Lee Residence
In Lee Tae Kwang's quiet office, a luxurious brown sofa stood in the middle. He sat there, visibly tense.
The door slammed open.
Lee Tae Min strode in, composed but hurried, and gave a slight bow to his father.
Lee Tae Min
— Father, I've gone through all the company's files.
The situation is critical. If we don't find a solution fast, we're heading for bankruptcy.
The former interim director embezzled billions of won.
Lee Tae Joon's Father (furious)
— How dare he betray us! I trusted that man…
He stopped abruptly, clutching his chest as if in pain.
Lee Tae Min (concerned, rushing over)
— Father, are you alright?
He helped him sit up slowly.
Lee Tae Joon's Father (weak voice)
— And your brother?
Lee Tae Min
— Father, I can handle the company on my own.
Tae Joon... isn't ready to deal with a crisis of this scale.
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— This isn't about choosing between you. We must face this as a family.
Lee Tae Min (insisting)
— Please, Father, don't be unreasonable.
What the company needs now is a real strategist—someone with the experience and the means.
Please… trust me. I can do this.
Back in Hannam-dong
As the others ate, Han Yuri felt her phone vibrate. Discreetly, she checked the screen.
> Message:
Wow, you and Lee Tae Joon make such a lovely couple.
Honestly, when I saw your photo online, you looked like a truly happy pair.
But tell me... haven't you ever wondered about his real reason for marrying you?
Just a little advice: don't trust him too much.
You never really know what people are hiding... do you?
(Attached: a confidential file related to the Lee family business.)
Han Yuri slowly lifted her gaze toward Lee Tae Joon.
Her expression was clouded, lost.
He was sitting right next to her, calmly chatting with her father and stepmother. A soft smile played on his lips, his tone relaxed, almost too casual. Nothing about him betrayed even a hint of concern.
Her heart beat faster.
The message kept echoing in her mind like a slow-acting poison.
She stared at him, unblinking, as if trying to read his thoughts through his face.
But all she could see... was the mask.
The same mask he'd worn since the beginning.
Han Yuri (thoughts, quietly mistrustful and hurt)
Lee Tae Joon... what do you really want?
Why did you agree to marry me?
What are you hiding?
She gripped her phone tightly under the table.
Her appetite was gone.
Her mind, far away.
To be continued.