Before Hana could say another word, Kai stood, slipping the tablet under his arm. His voice carried quiet resolve. "Come on."
Her stomach twisted. Facing A-ri wasn't what she wanted right now—not when her chest still thudded from earlier, not when fear clawed at her ribs. Still, she rose and followed, her steps light but hesitant.
The mansion's hallways seemed longer tonight, the gleam of chandeliers stretching across polished marble. Hana trailed behind Kai, her thoughts racing. Three hundred guests… Jihoon… the press… This isn't a wedding. It's exposure.
They found A-ri in the study, sipping tea while Kang lounged lazily on a couch, scrolling through his phone. Papers and swatches littered the desk before her.
"Mother," Kai said firmly, drawing her attention.
A-ri's smile curved smoothly, almost as if she'd been waiting for him. "Yes, darling? Have you chosen the dresses?"
"They'll be delivered tomorrow," Kai answered, not wasting time. "But I need to ask—why did you order three hundred invitations?"
A-ri blinked, feigning innocence. "Three hundred is hardly enough for our circles. Business partners, family friends, extended relatives—"
"Mother." His tone sharpened. "We agreed this would be small."
Her gaze flicked to Hana, who stood frozen at his side, fingers tightening around the hem of her blouse. A-ri's smile softened knowingly. "Ah. You're worried about her family finding out, aren't you?"
Hana's breath hitched.
Kai stepped closer, his voice dropping, steady but firm. "I don't care about me, but Hana doesn't want them to know. I promised I'd protect her. Please don't break that trust."
For a long moment, silence. Then A-ri set her teacup down, her eyes glittering with something unreadable. "Very well," she said at last. "We'll scale it down. But you know, Kai, hiding never lasts forever."
Kai's jaw flexed, but he nodded curtly. "For now, it has to."
Beside him, Hana let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. Relief loosened the knot in her chest, though unease still lingered at A-ri's words. Hiding never lasts forever.
A-ri waved a hand dismissively, returning to her papers. "Fine. Go, both of you. I'll handle the rest."
Kai took Hana's hand—firm, protective—and led her out of the study.
The moment they were alone in the hallway, Hana whispered, "You didn't have to fight her for me…"
"Yes, I did," Kai said simply, not looking back. "Because you're my wife now. That means your battles are mine too."
Her heart stuttered, warmth colliding with fear. If only you meant it the way I want you to.