They were greeted the moment they stepped inside. A line of maids and butlers stood aligned on either side of the entrance, bowing in perfect unison, heads lowered in deep respect to Kai Seok and his new bride. Hana's lips parted slightly, her breath catching at the formality. She had imagined this day a thousand ways—but nothing like this.
And little did she know… this was only the beginning.
Just beyond the entrance, Kai slowed, and she instinctively mirrored him. A maid stepped forward with graceful precision, kneeling to remove their shoes. Her hands moved delicately, almost ritual-like, wiping their feet before sliding soft house slippers onto them. The gesture, though small, felt both humbling and daunting to Hana—like she had crossed an invisible threshold into his world.
"Let's go upstairs," Kai said, his voice steady as he reclaimed her hand. He led her up the sweeping staircase, each step echoing lightly beneath the grand chandelier above.
At the end of the hall, tall double doors groaned open with a low creak, revealing Kai's room. Once inside, he shut the door behind them and clapped twice.
The lights hummed to life.
Hana's breath caught. The space was vast, sleek, and intoxicating in its design—floor-to-ceiling windows stretched wide, their curtains cascading like liquid silk. The deep gray walls contrasted with ivory trim, while minimalist furniture gleamed under soft lighting. A glass case lined with limited-edition colognes and luxury skincare reflected the glow, and on the far wall, an impossibly large screen dominated the space. Even the air seemed curated—carrying the faint warmth of cedarwood layered with crisp linen.
"Wow…" Hana whispered, her gaze darting from corner to corner.
Kai leaned over her shoulder, voice low. "You like it?"
Her lips curved slightly, her voice barely above a breath. "Yes."
When she turned, his face was already there—close, so close their lips hovered on the edge of a forbidden line. The world seemed to still, silence folding around them. Her pulse quickened. His breath brushed her skin.
One tilt closer and—
Knock. Knock.
The moment shattered.
Hana blinked, her heart plummeting. Perfect timing… she thought, her expression tugging toward a frown.
"I'll get it," Kai muttered, straightening sharply.
He cracked the door open. A maid stood waiting, her posture polished, her bow precise.
"Young Master, your mother sent clothes for your wife."
Kai accepted the neatly folded garments with a curt nod. "Anything else?"
"She requests Miss Jung join her in the TV room after changing."
His jaw tightened, but he gave a clipped, "Okay."
The maid bowed once more before retreating.
Closing the door, Kai turned back. Hana was seated at the edge of the bed now, her delicate hands smoothing the sheets nervously, her head slightly bowed as though bracing herself.
"Mom sent these for you," he said, setting the clothes gently beside her.
"Okay," she murmured, her tone soft, careful.
Kai hesitated, watching her for a moment longer than necessary. Then, in a voice threaded with quiet protectiveness, he added, "I'll let you change. Lock the door, alright? I'll knock when I'm back."
Hana glanced up, startled at the tenderness beneath his words. A faint smile broke through her unease. She nodded.
"Alright."