Yoon Ara realized very quickly that Seo Yura had no intention of leaving.
The woman moved through the mansion as if she owned it—greeting the staff, opening doors without asking, and sitting wherever she pleased. It was clear this wasn't her first time here.
Ara sat quietly in the living room when Yura walked in carrying a tray.
"I made tea," she said sweetly. "Jae-min likes it like this. Two cubes of sugar, just a little milk."
Ara looked up. "Oh… I didn't know."
Yura smiled. "You will, eventually."
When Jae-min entered, Yura immediately stood. "You must be tired. Sit, I'll pour it for you."
Ara watched as she did exactly that, every movement confident and intimate. Jae-min didn't stop her. He accepted the cup without a word.
Yura's eyes flicked to Ara. "Do you drink tea?"
"Yes," Ara answered softly.
"Oh," Yura said, as if suddenly remembering her. "I only made one cup. I assumed you wouldn't mind."
Ara shook her head. "It's okay."
But it wasn't.
They sat in silence while Jae-min sipped his tea. Yura kept talking—about old trips, old jokes, things Ara didn't understand. It felt like she was being shown a world she wasn't part of.
Later, Yura walked beside Ara in the hallway.
"You look uncomfortable," she said gently.
"I'm fine."
"You don't have to lie. This marriage… it must have been sudden." Yura paused.
"Jae-min doesn't open his heart easily."
Ara's fingers tightened around her dress.
"You seem to know him well."
Yura smiled softly. "I do. I've known him for years. He doesn't like weak women. He finds them… burdensome."
Ara felt something sink inside her.
When they reached the stairs, Yura leaned closer. "You're kind. Soft. But men like Jae-min need someone strong enough to stand beside them. Not someone who just… follows."
Ara couldn't speak.
That evening, she overheard Yura speaking to Jae-min.
"You shouldn't push yourself," Yura said.
"You already have enough problems."
Ara stood still behind the wall, listening.
"I don't want complications," Jae-min replied.
"Then why keep someone who will only get hurt?"
Ara stepped back, her heart pounding.
Was he talking about her?
For the first time, doubt crept into her heart.
Maybe she didn't belong here at all.