The night lights of Seoul shimmered like a river of fallen stars — cold, magnificent, and indifferent to whoever watched from below.Between the towering glass buildings, a woman walked slowly along the wet pavement, her beige coat swaying in the still-chilly spring breeze.
Han Serin.
A name once whispered in fashion columns and gossip circles, now moved in silence.No flashing cameras, no murmured envy or hollow praise — only the rhythm of her heels against asphalt, steady as a heartbeat holding something back — anger, perhaps, or resolve.
Three years ago, she had left this city with tears and a divorce decree.Now she returned, not as the ex-wife of a chaebol heir, but as a woman rebuilding from nothing — with one conviction: dignity is not for sale.
In her left hand, she carried a brown folder containing her jewelry designs — a collaboration proposal submitted to AUREX Holdings, one of Asia's leading fintech corporations.She knew little about its CEO, only a name that echoed through business rumors: Kang Jaeheon, a young man who never compromised, and a sworn rival of the conglomerate her ex-husband came from.
Serin entered the glass building with a restrained breath. The scent of pinewood and cold metal greeted her.The lobby was vast, minimalist, and silent except for the sharp echo of polished shoes.In the marble wall's reflection, she saw herself — calm face, but eyes carrying the quiet burn of something long buried.
When the elevator opened on the 32nd floor, it revealed a room steeped in power — broad windows overlooking Seoul's sky, a dark stone desk, and a man standing before the glass, tall and still as a drawn line.
"Kang Jaeheon-ssi," she said softly.
He turned. His dark gray eyes fixed on her — not in admiration, but with a curiosity too sharp to be kind.
"Han Serin-ssi," he replied, his voice low and steady — the voice of someone accustomed to commanding, not greeting."I've been waiting."
Serin bowed slightly. "Thank you for seeing me. I'd like to discuss the collaboration proposal for—"
"That's not what I called you here for," he interrupted smoothly.He approached, unhurried, yet each step seemed to press against the air, lowering the room's temperature.
"Your designs are impressive," he said. "But I'm not looking for a designer. I'm looking for someone... more strategic."
Serin frowned. "I beg your pardon?"
He stopped before her — close enough that she could see the reflection of the city lights in his eyes."I want you to marry me."The words fell calmly, but they shattered the silence like glass.
Serin froze. "What... did you just say?"
"A contract marriage," he replied simply. "Six months. The public will believe it's real. You'll receive full compensation and protection under AUREX. In return, I'll get what I need — a reason strong enough to destroy the man who once destroyed my family."
He hadn't said the name, but she already knew.And for a moment, something inside her chest — long silent — began to stir again.Not fear. Something far more dangerous.
"Why me?" she whispered.
Jaeheon's gaze didn't waver. His answer came like the surface of glass — cold, perfect, and absolute."Because you were once married to the man I intend to ruin."
And in that moment, Han Serin understood — a new game had just begun.