The silence in the living room was suffocating.
Lee Tae Joon's hand still gripped Han Yuri's father's wrist tightly. His cold, unwavering gaze was locked onto his father-in-law's.
Han Yuri stood frozen, eyes wide, barely breathing.
Han Yuri's Father (through gritted teeth)
— Let go of me.
(He shifted his wrist slightly, irritated.)
Lee Tae Joon slowly released his grip—but his gaze never wavered. Cold. Unforgiving.
Han Ki Tak frowned, humiliated by the sudden intervention of his son-in-law. He straightened up and adjusted his sleeves, trying to regain some composure, but his expression was dark.
Han Yuri still hadn't moved. Her fingers trembled slightly, but she stood tall. Hurt, but dignified.
Han Yuri's Father (furious)
— How dare you barge into my house and talk to me like that?
Lee Tae Joon didn't answer.
Instead, he turned toward Han Yuri.
His gaze softened slightly—calm, but concerned.
Lee Tae Joon
— Are you okay?
(He looked at her gently.)
Han Yuri stared at him for a moment, still in shock.
Then, without a word, he held out his hand.
Lee Tae Joon
— Come on. Let's go.
Yuri hesitated for a moment.
But finally, she placed her hand in his.
They were about to leave—hand in hand.
Then behind them...
Han Yuri's Father (shouting)
— Where do you think you're going? I'm not done talking to you!
Han Yuri turned slowly.
Her eyes briefly met her father's.
Her voice was calm, though it still trembled.
Han Yuri
— Don't worry. I'll take care of everything.
Then, without even looking at Lee Tae Joon, she murmured under her breath:
Han Yuri
— Let's go.
She took a step toward the door, walking tall despite the storm brewing inside her.
Tae Joon followed silently.
And together, they left the house—leaving behind a heavy, suffocating silence.
Han Ki Tak stood motionless in the middle of the living room, fists clenched.
And maybe for the first time… he realized his daughter was no longer the one who bowed her head to him.
A few minutes later, outside.
The chaos had faded, leaving only quiet.
Han Yuri and Lee Tae Joon walked slowly through the garden.
Their steps barely disturbed the cool evening grass.
Still holding hands—until she gently let go.
Without turning her head, her voice low and detached:
Han Yuri
— How did you know I was here?
Lee Tae Joon (calmly, after a pause)
— I was just passing by.
She glanced at him briefly.
No accusation. No expectations.
Just a question, hanging in the air.
She continued walking in silence.
When they reached her car, the chauffeur hurried to open the door.
But before she could step inside, Lee Tae Joon gently closed it again—no rush, no force.
He turned to the driver.
Lee Tae Joon (calmly)
— You can head home first.
The chauffeur hesitated for a moment, glanced at Han Yuri—who remained silent—then nodded and walked away.
Once the driver was gone, Lee Tae Joon calmly opened the door.
Han Yuri approached slowly, mechanically, and sat down without looking at him.
Lee Tae Joon got in behind the wheel and started the engine.
Silence fell between them.
The city drifted by through the window.
Han Yuri stared at the road, her gaze vacant—caught somewhere between memory and reality.
And then, barely audible:
She glanced around, then slowly turned toward Lee Tae Joon, frowning.
Han Yuri
— This isn't the way home… Where are we going?
Lee Tae Joon (without looking at her)
— Just a small detour.
Han Yuri
— A detour? Where to?
No answer.
He remained focused on the road.
Han Yuri rubbed her forehead, visibly tired. She let out a weary sigh.
Han Yuri
— I'm tired. Please, just take me home.
Still nothing.
Tae Joon didn't even blink.
She closed her eyes for a second, then raised her voice slightly—strained.
Han Yuri
— I said, take me home!
He remained silent.
Only the steady hum of the engine filled the air.
She exhaled in defeat, her eyes drifting back to the window, palm pressed against her forehead, like she was trying to hold something back.
A few minutes later, they pulled up in front of a quiet, tucked-away resto-bar.
Lee Tae Joon
— We're here. Let's go.
Han Yuri (frowning)
— A resto-bar? You know I can't be seen in a place like this…
Lee Tae Joon (calm but firm)
— Come on. No arguments.
She eventually stepped out, slipping on her sunglasses and wrapping a scarf around her face.
They walked in. The place was quiet—only a few customers inside.
From across the room, a woman greeted them warmly.
Server
— Welcome!
Lee Tae Joon (raising his voice slightly as he approached the counter)
— Could we have some soju, samgyeopsal, and yangnyeom chicken, please?
Server
— Of course! I'll bring it right over.
Han Yuri (coldly, not even sitting down)
— I don't want anything. Cancel the order.
Lee Tae Joon (raising an eyebrow)
— Who said it was for you?
He sat down calmly.
A few minutes later, the food arrived.
Han Yuri finally sat across from him, silent.
Tae Joon lit the grill and began cooking the meat with quiet concentration.
Meanwhile, Han Yuri poured herself a shot of soju.
Just as she lifted the glass to her lips, he gently placed his hand over hers.
Lee Tae Joon
— Eat first. Drinking on an empty stomach isn't good.
(pause)
And take those sunglasses off. There's no one here.
He wrapped a slice of samgyeopsal in a lettuce leaf, added a bit of spicy paste, then held it out to her.
Lee Tae Joon
— Here. Eat this.
She stared at him for a moment—unsure—but finally took the bite and chewed in silence.
A little while later, two young women entered the resto-bar and sat at the table directly behind them—oblivious to their presence.
Girl 1
— Two sojus, please...
(she leaned closer to her friend)
Oh my God, did you see the video? Han Yuri totally losing it in a car?
Girl 2
— Of course I saw it. She's gone completely nuts.
(she laughed loudly)
Not that it matters—her career was already dead after that murder scandal.
Girl 1
— Right? Now with this video, she's done for. No coming back from that.
And did you know she married Lee Tae Joon?
Girl 2
— Yeah, I saw it online. Seriously though, she's not even that pretty. I have no idea how she landed him.
Girl 1
— Honestly, even her assistant—what's her name again? Min Hee? She's way prettier than Yuri.
Girl 2
— And did you hear she got cut from that new drama?
Girl 1
— Yup. They've already found a replacement. I bet she's a better actress too.
Girl 2
— No doubt. Han Yuri only made it because of her dad, Han Ki Tak. She's not even that talented.
They both burst out laughing.
Girl 1
— Actually… now I feel like rewatching that video.
Girl 2
— Same.
They huddled together, pulling out the video again—laughing like they were watching a comedy show.
Meanwhile, Han Yuri kept eating calmly, showing no reaction at all.
She chewed slowly, as if nothing around her mattered.
Lee Tae Joon, having just downed a glass of soju, quietly turned his head to look at her.
He watched her for a moment.
Then, suddenly, Han Yuri smiled—a faint smile, almost cheerful.
Han Yuri (light, almost playful)
— You know… when we shoot scenes like this in places like this, we usually all end up completely drunk by the end. The whole crew. No exceptions.
A brief silence.
Then Lee Tae Joon stood up without a word.
Lee Tae Joon
— I'll get some water.
He walked calmly to the counter.
A few moments later, he returned with a tray holding two large glasses of water.
He walked slowly, eyes subtly scanning the room.
Just as he passed the girls' table—he stumbled.
Just enough.
The water splashed.
Right onto the girls' faces.
They jumped up, soaked from head to toe.
Girl 1
— Aish! My makeup's ruined because of you!
Girl 2
— I spent two hours at the salon for this hair!
They scrambled to check their faces in their phone screens, glaring furiously at Lee Tae Joon.
He remained unfazed.
He calmly picked up the two glasses, placed them carefully back on their table… and said nothing.
Girl 2
— Hey! Can't you walk straight? Look what you did to our makeup!
Lee Tae Joon finally looked up. His voice was calm, steady… but cutting.
He gave them a faint, almost indifferent smirk, and murmured without raising his voice:
Lee Tae Joon
— Why do you wear so much makeup?
(He glanced at them with a blank expression.)
It's just… a waste of product.
And a waste of time.
It's sad, really.
All that effort… for so little result.
Their eyes widened in shock.
Girl 1
— What?! Are you saying we're ugly?!
Lee Tae Joon looked at her, still calm, then shrugged slightly.
Lee Tae Joon
— I didn't say that.
(He tilted his head, a cold smile on his lips.)
You're the one who suggested it. Not me.
Girl 2
— How dare you talk to us like that?!
But Lee Tae Joon didn't reply.
He simply walked away, without even glancing back, returning to his table—where Han Yuri had been silently watching the entire scene unfold.
Girl 2 (taking a few steps toward him)
— Apologize!
No response.
Lee Tae Joon sat down next to Yuri, completely unfazed, as if nothing had happened.
Girl 1 (pulling her friend by the arm, annoyed)
— Forget it. Let's go.
The two girls stormed out of the restaurant, soaked, furious… and humiliated.
Lee Tae Joon quietly resumed eating.
He didn't spare a single glance toward the door.
Han Yuri stared at him in silence.
A little confused. A little surprised.
She didn't dare ask what he'd just done—or why.
But deep down, she understood.
She slowly looked away, a faint smile curving her lips—barely noticeable.
Then, she picked up her chopsticks.
And without a word, she began eating again.
An hour later, they arrived home.
Lee Tae Joon calmly took off his jacket and sat down on the couch, looking slightly tired.
Han Yuri, standing a few steps away, looked at him, hesitant.
Han Yuri
— Why haven't you set up another room yet?
It can't be comfortable sleeping out here…
Tae Joon sat up a little, raising one eyebrow.
Lee Tae Joon
— Are you inviting me to sleep in your room now?
Yuri's eyes widened, clearly caught off guard.
Han Yuri
— What?! Of course not!
I mean… there are plenty of empty rooms.
You could at least sleep in a proper bed… if you just moved a few things around.
Tae Joon gave a small, amused smile.
Lee Tae Joon
— I think I've gotten used to sleeping here.
It's really not so bad.
Han Yuri
— Fine… if you say so.
But we really need to organize the house properly.
We haven't had time to set everything up… Some of my stuff is still in boxes.
Lee Tae Joon
— Just move them to another room. No need to remodel the whole place.
Han Yuri
— Don't worry, just a few small changes.
You know… so it feels more like a real newlywed home.
Lee Tae Joon (softly smiling)
— If that matters to you…
Han Yuri
— If you're okay with it, then…
She turned on her heel and disappeared into her room—a little too quickly to hide her unease.
Tae Joon remained still for a moment, then grabbed a light blanket and lay back down on the couch.
His eyes drifted toward Yuri's door, silent, unreadable.
10 p.m.
After going into her room, Han Yuri came out a few minutes later, already in pajamas.
She walked quietly across the soft wooden floor and headed to the kitchen.
She opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water.
As she closed the door—
She jumped.
Lee Tae Joon was standing right behind her.
Han Yuri
— Oh my God! You scared me. Why do you always walk around without making a sound?
Lee Tae Joon (calmly)
— And what are you doing in front of the fridge in the middle of the night?
Han Yuri
— I couldn't sleep. Just wanted some water…
(she tilted her head slightly toward the hallway)
Anyway, I'm going back to bed.
She started to walk away, but his voice stopped her in her tracks.
Lee Tae Joon
— I couldn't sleep either.
(pauses)
I thought maybe I'd watch one of your dramas… kill some time.
Any recommendations?
Han Yuri, a little surprised, looked at him for a moment.
Han Yuri
— Sure… why not.
She headed to the living room, turned on the TV, and scrolled through a few menus.
Then she launched a drama.
Lee Tae Joon came over quietly and sat on the couch.
Han Yuri started to walk away.
Lee Tae Joon
— Where are you going?
Han Yuri
— Back to bed.
Lee Tae Joon
— Stay.
(He looked at her.)
You could explain the plot to me.
She hesitated a second… then gave in.
Han Yuri
— Fine. I can't sleep anyway.
She sat beside him on the couch, keeping a safe distance between them.
Lee Tae Joon
— So… what's it about?
Han Yuri
— A very rich, cold woman falls for a man from a humble family.
Naturally, her family disapproves of the relationship.
(Classic, right?)
Lee Tae Joon (smiling)
— Sounds romantic.
Han Yuri (calm, a little jaded)
— Not my favorite.
Lee Tae Joon
— Why?
(He looks at her, teasing.)
Does the lead character remind you of yourself?
She shot him a sharp look.
Han Yuri
— …
Lee Tae Joon (chuckling softly)
— I'm kidding.
They watched in silence for a while.
The mood shifted when a passionate kiss appeared on screen.
Lee Tae Joon turned to her.
Lee Tae Joon
— You know… she really does remind me of you.
(pauses)
Can I ask you something?
Han Yuri
— What?
Lee Tae Joon
— When you kiss someone on camera… in front of the whole crew…
Isn't it awkward?
Han Yuri (honest, professional)
— At first, yeah.
But you get used to it. It's just work.
You're acting. You don't feel anything real.
Then, after a pause, she added in a light, almost teasing tone:
Han Yuri
— Kind of like our marriage.
Lee Tae Joon smiled, eyes still on her.
Lee Tae Joon
— Ah, that's right… It was fake.
Han Yuri (calm, steady gaze)
— Or was it?
Lee Tae Joon (thoughtful)
— No… you're right.
It was just for the public.
Han Yuri (sighing)
— Let's just watch the drama. It's better than talking.
They both turned back to the screen. A romantic scene played.
Han Yuri watched silently, focused.
But Lee Tae Joon…
He kept stealing glances at her, watching not the drama—
but the woman beside him.
The next morning – 8:30 a.m.
Han Yuri slowly opened her eyes… only to realize she was lying on the floor.
Well… not exactly alone—her head was resting on Lee Tae Joon's arm.
She stayed like that for a few seconds, dazed, trying to figure out how she ended up there.
Then she felt the arm beneath her cheek twitch slightly.
Lee Tae Joon (sleepy voice, slightly whiny)
— Han Yuri-ssi… could you get up?
I think I can't feel my arm anymore…
She bolted upright, her cheeks burning red.
Han Yuri
— Oh! I'm sorry…
He winced a bit as he stretched his numb arm, then got up, yawning.
Lee Tae Joon
— Coffee?
Han Yuri
— Yes… thanks.
As he walked calmly toward the kitchen, Yuri rubbed her hands over her face, trying to collect herself.
Han Yuri (under her breath)
— I'll take a shower…
Lee Tae Joon
— Okay.
She entered the bathroom, gently closed the door behind her… and froze in front of the mirror.
She thought back to the night before. Their conversation. The drama. That strange closeness.
Her eyes met her reflection. Her cheeks were still red.
Han Yuri (stunned, whispering)
— What the hell? Why am I blushing?
She leaned closer to the mirror like she was searching for a logical explanation.
Han Yuri (frowning)
— I'm an actress, damn it!
How did I end up blushing over something like that?!
She shook her head, trying to dismiss the thought…
Meanwhile – 9:00 a.m. – Outside a luxury restaurant
The terrace was packed with elegant clients. Luxury cars, designer perfume… everything oozed extravagance and show.
Han Ye Reum finally arrived, dressed in a chic outfit with perfectly matched accessories.
She walked through the grand doors with a big smile.
Han Ye Reum
— Hey girls, I'm here! Sorry I'm late. Myung Ji unnie, I missed you so much!
(She sat down at the table, still smiling.)
Myung Ji (teasing)
— Just admit you came to charm a new designer bag out of me.
Han Ye Reum (fake shock)
— Unnie! How could you say that?
(She leaned in, mischievous.)
Well… now that you mention it, did you get anything new?
Another girl
— Almost everyone's here… isn't someone still missing?
Myung Ji
— Yeah, there's one more… Oh, here he comes.
Everyone turned their heads. Lee Jae Hyun entered the restaurant, sunglasses on, oozing effortless charm with every step.
The girls
— Wah! That's Lee Jae Hyun!
— He's even hotter in real life. Unreal.
Myung Ji
— Ye Reum, you know him, right? That's Lee Jae Hyun. I heard he's close with your sister.
(He sat down next to her.)
He's a friend of mine. I invited him. He doesn't have many friends—except your sister… and me.
Lee Jae Hyun (easygoing smile)
— Why are you saying that? I have plenty of friends…
(He turned to the girls.)
Hello, ladies.
Han Ye Reum avoided his gaze, visibly tense.
One girl
— Lee Jae Hyun-ssi, you're even more handsome than on Instagram!
Another
— Sorry, but… can we take a picture with you?
Myung Ji (clapping her hands)
— Girls, stop! Jae Hyun, sit down, please. This is not a fan meeting.
Han Ye Reum (muttering)
— Yeah… we know each other.
(They ordered food, the servers brought the menus.)
Lee Jae Hyun (casual, slightly curious)
— So, Ye Reum… Has Han Yuri returned from her honeymoon yet?
Han Ye Reum
— Yeah. She has a lot to sort out here.
The girls
— You're so lucky, Ye Reum. Your sister's a Hallyu star!
— I'd be so proud if I were her sister. Or even her cousin.
— She's gorgeous, brilliant, talented… A real queen!
While the others piled on compliments, Han Ye Reum was already downing beer after beer. One, two… three.
One girl
— Hey, Ye Reum! What are you doing? It's barely 9 a.m. and you're drinking like it's a club night!
Han Ye Reum (putting down her glass)
— Leave me alone. I'm not coming with you tonight anyway. I'm exhausted.
Myung Ji
— Han Ye Reum! You always come to our annual party! If you don't, I'm cutting you off.
Han Ye Reum (sighing, but giving in)
— Fine, fine. I'll come…
Back at Han Yuri and Lee Tae Joon's place —
After her shower, Han Yuri stepped out of the bathroom.
She walked quietly to the kitchen, where the scent of fresh coffee lingered in the air.
Lee Tae Joon was already sitting, cup in hand. She poured herself a cup too.
Han Yuri
— I'm going out today. Min Hee's been calling nonstop.
Maybe it's because of the video going around…
Lee Tae Joon
— Okay. I'll drive you.
Han Yuri (looking away)
— That's not necessary. I can go alone.
We don't need to be seen together today.
Lee Tae Joon
— I was heading to my office anyway.
(Yuri didn't answer. She grabbed her phone.)
Lee Tae Joon (getting up)
— I'll go get changed.
(Yuri stayed alone. Her eyes froze on the screen. The comments under the video from the day before flashed by…)
> — She should see a therapist, she looks insane.
— She's gone crazy.
— I don't get how she married Lee Tae Joon.
— Poor guy. Stuck in a fake marriage with a lunatic.
The last comment made her flinch. Her heart pounded.
Her hands trembled slightly.
Her mind went straight to the anonymous message.
Lee Tae Joon (now ready, appearing behind her)
— What are you looking at? Why that face?
Han Yuri (startled, quickly hiding her phone)
— Nothing. Just fan comments.
Lee Tae Joon
— I take it they're not exactly flattering.
Han Yuri (forced smile)
— I'm used to it… Let's go.
A few minutes later – in front of the agency
Han Yuri
— You can go now.
Lee Tae Joon (looking at her)
— Wait here a moment.
Han Yuri
— Why? Where are you going?
(He didn't answer. He calmly got out of the car.)
Another car pulled up. A woman stepped out, accompanied by Kim Min Hee and a man.
Han Yuri watched them through the window.
The woman
— Min Hee, I saw that video of Han Yuri having a breakdown during a car commercial. What was that circus?
Kim Min Hee
— Yuri probably just had a bit of a faint spell, likely due to stress. She's doing fine now.
The woman (laughing)
— A faint spell? She totally lost it in that video. Honestly, I doubt anyone will want her in a drama or a commercial again. But then, her career was over the moment that murder scandal broke.
Kim Min Hee (smiling slightly)
— You know that's not true, Yoora… So please don't say that.
The woman
— Anyway, she's already thirty. Who would hire a thirty-year-old actress—especially one tied to a scandal like that?
(Han Yuri stepped out of the car. Kim Min Hee noticed her.)
Kim Min Hee
— Yuri! Since when have you been there?
Kim Yoora
— Omo, unnie! I'm really sorry, but I'm just saying what everyone's thinking. Why pretend, when the whole world knows your career is over?
(She started to walk away, then turned with a smile.)
Kim Yoora
— Sorry, unnie, I have to go. I've got a shoot.
Oh, and the drama you were supposed to star in? It's amazing!
Shame the writer chose to replace you…
But don't worry, it's in good hands—since I'm playing the lead now.
(She passed Han Yuri with a smug smile. Han Yuri shoved her shoulder hard.)
(Kim Min Hee and the man looked shocked.)
Kim Yoora
— Are you crazy?!
Han Yuri
— Yeah, so what?
(She smiled, but her gaze stayed icy.)
You're bragging because you landed a role?
Let me remind you—while you were still begging for extra parts, I was already Han Yuri, one of the top actresses in the industry.
You really think just because a writer picked you as a replacement, we're suddenly on the same level?
(She gave a small, mocking laugh.)
That's adorable…
You'll never be on my level.
(She turned to walk away.)
Kim Yoora (angrily, with a mocking smirk)
— You done? Doesn't matter. You're finished anyway.
Who would ever hire a murderer like you?
(Han Yuri turned back calmly, her face emotionless.)
Han Yuri (softly smiling)
— A murderer? A murderer…
(Suddenly, she grabbed Kim Yoora by the hair—hard.)
To be continued…