Two Days Later – 7 p.m., Hannam-dong
Han Yuri descended the stairs slowly. At the bottom, she spotted her father sitting in the living room, buried in his newspaper. She was about to keep walking when his voice suddenly broke the silence.
Yuri's Father
— I've already spoken to a friend. Her son agreed to meet you. They may not be as powerful as the Lee family, but…
Yuri cut him off.
Han Yuri, calmly
— Actually, that won't be necessary.
Her father set the newspaper down with deliberate care, looked at her for a moment, then slowly stood up.
Yuri's Father
— Do we really have to start this argument again? I told you this is for your own good. Not just because of your scandal, but because it's time you thought about your future. You're thirty now, don't forget.
But Yuri interrupted him again, her tone steady and unshaken.
Han Yuri, still calm
— What I mean is… it's no longer necessary because I've decided to continue my relationship with Lee Tae Joon.
Her father froze, surprise and suspicion flickering across his face.
Yuri's Father
— Why did you change your mind so suddenly?
Yuri didn't answer right away. A heavy silence stretched between them. Then, the corner of her lips curved into a faint smile. In her mind, an image surfaced: Lee Tae Joon's piercing gaze locked on hers, his voice echoing… "It's amusing."
So, in a voice barely above a whisper, she replied:
Han Yuri, with a cold smile and icy eyes
— Because… it's amusing.
Her father frowned, unable to grasp the meaning of her words.
Yuri's Father
— What?
Han Yuri, sharply
— Anyway… tell your friend the meeting is canceled.
She was about to leave the room, but his voice came right after her.
Yuri's Father
— Either way, it's good that you changed your mind. Lee Tae Joon is the best choice for you. I'll talk to Mr. Lee, and we'll arrange a family dinner to celebrate the union of our two families.
Yuri turned slightly, her expression cold and detached.
Han Yuri
— Do as you wish.
Without waiting, she walked away.
But her father's serious voice caught her again. He stepped closer, closing the distance.
Yuri's Father
— I'll take care of everything. You just focus on your conference. And for that, too, don't worry… as always, I'll be behind you.
Yuri, her back still to him, didn't answer.
She froze for a brief moment, her face unreadable, before walking away in silence, leaving her father alone in the heavy quiet of the living room.
He remained still for a few seconds, his eyes distant, then slowly walked toward a large shelf. His fingers brushed over the dark wood before stopping on a frame. He lifted it with almost trembling care.
It was an old photograph: himself, glowing with pride, standing next to an elderly man and a little girl.
All three of them were smiling, the picture radiating a long-lost harmony and happiness.
A shadow passed through Yuri's father's eyes. His jaw tightened slightly before he whispered, almost like a prayer:
Yuri's Father
— Father… don't worry. I'll do whatever it takes to protect our family. I won't let anyone humiliate the Han name.
But above all… I'll make sure Yuri never lacks anything. And that she remains, no matter what, number one… as the Han family has always been.
The Next Morning – Conference Day
Backstage – Preparation Room
Han Yuri finished adjusting her makeup. Kim Min Hee, nervous but meticulous, smoothed out the immaculate jacket of her white suit.
Kim Min Hee
— You look stunning. This suit… it makes you look powerful… and just a little dangerous.
Han Yuri (smiles, eyes gleaming)
— Perfect. That's exactly what I want to show today: that I'm not weak.
Kim Min Hee
— Are you ready?
Han Yuri
— Yes. Let's go.
Conference Hall – 10:00 AM
The doors swung open.
Journalists jumped to their feet, flashes exploding like a lightning storm. The frantic clicking of cameras filled the air.
Han Yuri walked toward the podium—straight-backed, dignified, almost icy. Her lawyer and the director followed. She bowed politely, then lifted her head with firm confidence.
Han Yuri
— Good morning, everyone. I'm Han Yuri.
I'm here today to clarify the rumors that a malicious individual has recently spread about me.
First, I'd like to apologize for the delay in holding this press conference. We felt it was best to wait until we had solid evidence, so we can put an end to these rumors once and for all.
Journalist
— Miss Han Yuri, what proof do you have to refute this rumor? And why do you think someone would spread such a thing?
Attorney Jung
— If I may…
Since her debut, Han Yuri has been the target of countless baseless rumors. This is neither the first nor the last.
But this time, it's far more serious—and we will not let it pass. These attacks don't just harm her image, they have deeply affected her mental health.
From now on, we will file lawsuits against anyone spreading false or unverified information about her.
He lifted a file, which an assistant handed out to the journalists.
Attorney Jung
— As you can see, technical analyses confirm that the published photo was doctored. Furthermore, surveillance footage from the neighborhood was reviewed, and no suspicious activity was recorded.
I assure you: this rumor is entirely baseless, fabricated by malicious individuals.
My client is also prepared to fully cooperate with the authorities so that the truth can be established as quickly as possible.
Murmurs rippled through the room. A hand shot up.
Journalist
— Miss Han Yuri, could you clarify where you were on the night of the so-called accident?
Han Yuri (steadily)
— Yes, I did go out that evening. I attended a birthday party—my friend Kim Min Hee's—and I spent the night at her place.
Journalist (turns to her)
— Miss Kim Min Hee, do you confirm this statement?
Kim Min Hee (nods, slightly tense)
— Yes, I confirm. I was seventeen at the time. We had a small gathering with friends, and Yuri really did stay the night at my house because it was too late for her to go home.
Pens scratched across notepads, cameras zoomed in. But another journalist cut through the air with a sharp voice:
Journalist
— Miss Han Yuri, you recently made headlines when a fan spotted you with an unidentified man. She took a photo and posted it online. Some fans speculated it was actor Lee Jae Hyun—one of your close friends—already the subject of several dating rumors with you. Can you clarify?
Han Yuri (inhales deeply, then fixes her gaze on the room)
— Yes, the photo was indeed of me. But no, it wasn't Jae Hyun oppa.
I've recently met someone with whom I feel comfortable, and we've decided to take our relationship in a more serious direction.
I want to confirm this today to prevent any future misunderstandings.
A stunned silence. Then the room erupted in questions.
Journalist
— Isn't that reckless, considering the current scandal?
Han Yuri (unflinching)
— On the contrary. I think this is the perfect time. I need moral support to get through this, and what better than the support of someone whose company I truly appreciate?
Journalist
— Can you tell us the name of the person who managed to win the heart of "the Nation's Desire"?
Han Yuri
— I can't reveal his name for now, in order to protect his safety.
But once this matter calms down, I will—
The room suddenly shifted. Journalists stirred, phones buzzed, calls came in. Faces hardened. Kim Min Hee glanced around, confused, until her own phone vibrated. She checked her screen, froze pale, and raised a trembling hand to her mouth.
The director, alarmed, whispered:
— What's happening?
Min Hee handed him her phone. His expression darkened instantly.
Then, a journalist shot to her feet, her voice trembling but loud:
Journalist
— Miss Han… a video is circulating right now. A man claims he was the one who spread those rumors, only to get your attention… because he said he loved you.
But at the end of that video… there's a gunshot. It seems he took his own life. In his final words, he declared his love for you.
Did you know this man? Did you ever have a relationship with him?
A chilling silence fell over the room.
Han Yuri froze, eyes wide. Her gaze darted left and right, lost. Her throat tightened, but no words came out.
The director sprang forward, stepping closer to her, his voice firm:
Director
— That's all for today. Please wait for the results of the police investigation and stop spreading groundless information about our artist.
We sincerely apologize for worrying Han Yuri's fans, and we thank them for their patience and support.
He bowed deeply. Han Yuri mirrored him, her face blank.
But the moment they stepped down from the podium, chaos erupted. Journalists screamed her name, flashes blinded her.
Bodyguards formed a wall around her, escorting Yuri, Min Hee, her lawyer, and the director out of the hall.
The shouts still echoed.
A Few Minutes Later – Agency
Kim Min Hee collapsed onto the couch, completely drained. She ran a shaky hand through her hair, then suddenly sat upright.
Kim Min Hee (breathless)
— What the hell… was that video?! Who was that man?!
Director (agitated, pacing)
— I have no idea. But one thing's certain… this is going to cause an even bigger stir.
Han Yuri stood silently by the window, her gaze vacant, lost in thought. Then, in a low voice:
Han Yuri
— I'll go freshen up a little.
Without another word, she walked away. The director watched her go, suspicion flickering in his eyes, as if he sensed there was more behind her silence.
In the hallway, she walked slowly—then suddenly stopped, leaning against the wall.
A wave of nausea hit her. She rushed to the restroom.
In the stall, Yuri bent over the toilet, retching.
She straightened slowly, washed her hands, then lifted her head.
The mirror stared back at her—her reflection pale, lips trembling, eyes red and glassy.
Her hands wouldn't stop shaking.
She pulled out her phone. Her fingers hesitated, clumsily dialing a number.
She bit down on her thumb's nail, breath shallow and uneven.
Finally, someone picked up.
Han Yuri (nervously)
— Hello? Why are you only answering now?
Are you sure you erased all the surveillance footage?
I'm warning you… if you dare play games with me, I won't let it slide.
My entire career depends on that video.
A low, indistinct voice murmured on the other end.
Yuri shut her eyes, gritted her teeth.
Han Yuri (colder)
— Fine. I'll send the money.
She hung up sharply.
Closing her eyes, she drew in a deep breath.
Suddenly, her phone vibrated again. She answered instantly.
Lee Tae Joon (calm, almost mocking)
— So… how's my future wife doing?
Han Yuri (stiffly)
— What do you want? Why are you calling me?
…Did you fulfill the contract?
Silence. Then Tae Joon's voice, smooth yet cutting.
Lee Tae Joon
— The contract? No. I'm still thinking about it.
But it seems you don't need marriage anymore to grab everyone's attention.
Anyway, it looks like your father called mine to share the "good news" about us.
My dear father now wants to invite you to dinner tomorrow evening… before the official family dinner.
She froze, phone pressed to her ear.
Her expression distant, her mind pulled away—when suddenly, a memory surged back.
Flashback
Han Yuri (on the phone, hesitant but determined)
— Hello… Lee Tae Joon-ssi? This is Han Yuri. I… agree to the pizza night.
She pauses, listening to his reply on the other end, then nods almost imperceptibly.
— Alright then. See you tomorrow.
The Next Evening
Han Yuri arrived at the same place as last time. The spot was still silent, almost empty, as if time itself had paused.
Lee Tae Joon was already there, standing with his hands in his pockets, eyes fixed on the horizon.
Intrigued, Yuri approached cautiously.
Han Yuri (curious)
— What are you staring at over there?
Lee Tae Joon briefly turned his gaze toward her before replying calmly.
— I'm waiting for someone.
Yuri frowned slightly but placed her bag down and sat.
Han Yuri
— But I'm already here. Or… are you waiting for someone else?
Lee Tae Joon finally sat as well. He didn't answer, simply stared at her without looking away. The wind gently lifted strands of Yuri's hair.
Lee Tae Joon (still watching her, a faint smirk on his lips)
— True. You're here.
Their eyes met. Seconds stretched, heavy, almost suffocating. Yuri, a little nervous, decided to break the tension.
Han Yuri (looking him straight in the eyes)
— Anyway. If I called you, it's because I want to make a deal.
Lee Tae Joon raised an eyebrow.
— A deal?
Silence. Yuri lowered her gaze for a moment, then raised her head, her tone suddenly sharper.
Han Yuri
— Yes. A deal. Let's make a marriage contract.
Tae Joon's eyes widened slightly, surprised.
— A contract? What kind of contract exactly?
Han Yuri (calm, composed, almost detached)
— Yes. A contract where both you and I have something to gain. I restore my image… and you…
She paused, her gaze becoming more piercing.
— You must want something in life. I can give it to you. Just tell me what you want.
Lee Tae Joon didn't respond immediately.
He just stared at her, his dark eyes glinting with an unreadable emotion. Intrigued, almost unsettled, he scrutinized her, as if trying to pierce her intentions.
But Yuri didn't look away. Her face remained impassive, her eyes resolute, as if to prove she was ready for anything.
Their gazes locked, challenging, devouring each other silently. A heavy, almost electric silence settled between them.
Around them, time seemed suspended.
There was nothing but this face-to-face moment.
Only the whisper of the wind broke the stillness, lifting strands of Yuri's hair and letting them dance gently across her face.
A fragile, almost unreal moment.
To be continued…