"Ara, where's my mom?" Kai asked.
"She's waiting in the outdoor dining area."
"Let's go." His fingers slid into Hana's, entwining them as though it were second nature.
They followed Ara across the sunlit courtyard. The late-morning glow spilled through the open beams of the pergola, dappling the white linen table set with gleaming silverware. Crystal glasses sparkled in the light, an elegant stage for what awaited.
A-ri stood a few feet away, back turned, phone pressed to her ear. Even without seeing her face, the sharpness of her posture radiated authority.
"Enjoy your meal," Ara said softly before retreating.
Kangsoo slipped into a seat at the far right, folding neatly into silence.
"Take a seat, Hana." Kai pulled out a chair for her.
Hana shook her head quickly. "I don't want her to turn around and find me already sitting."
Kai's lips curved. "Shall I announce us then?"
"I don't—" Her words dissolved as A-ri lowered her phone and turned.
"You're here." Her voice was soft, but it carried a weight that silenced the air.
Kangsoo stood at once, beaming. "Mom. How are you?"
"My dear Kang!" A-ri enveloped him in her arms, her frown immediate. "You've grown thin. Is Kai mistreating you?"
"Sometimes," Kangsoo teased, exaggerating a pout.
"I'll scold him later," she said, tugging his cheeks fondly before gliding toward her son.
"Hello, Mother." Kai embraced her briefly.
"And how's my boy doing?" she asked, her smile easing.
"I'm fine. Mom…" He turned, voice steady. "This is Hana—my wife."
A-ri's gaze flicked toward Hana. And then—without a word—she swept right past her.
Hana's breath caught. Her heart plummeted, the hours of rehearsal, the carefully built poise, unraveling in an instant. She had imagined this moment over and over, promising herself she'd be the perfect daughter-in-law. But she hadn't even earned a glance.
"Mom." Kai's tone cut sharp. "What was that? Why did you ignore her?"
Hana tugged his sleeve, panic in her eyes. "Please, don't—"
"Don't stop me, Hana." His voice was low, furious, his hand shaking hers off. His anger simmered, barely contained. "How could you treat her like this? She came all this way, rearranging her plans for you."
"Please," Hana whispered again, desperate, her chest tight with dread.
Kai turned to her then, his gaze softening just a fraction at the sight of her unease. "Hana—"
A slow clap sliced through the air.
All three turned, startled.
A-ri's lips curved into a knowing smile, her eyes glinting. "I ignored you on purpose," she said, her tone almost playful. "I wanted to see how my son would react." She stepped closer, taking Hana's hands into her own. "I've never seen him so angry before. That must mean you're someone very special."
And before Hana could react, A-ri drew her into a warm embrace, stroking her hair with unexpected tenderness.