At the Han residence, it's a little past 7 PM.
After the worrying message Han Yuri received about Lee Tae Joon, the atmosphere is tense.
Everyone is gathered in the living room, trying to figure out what to do.
How should they react? No one knows... until a sound breaks the silence.
A bag drops to the floor. All eyes turn.
Han Ye Reum
— Shit...
(She lifts her eyes, sees Yuri and Tae Joon, and gives a half-smile.)
— Oh, I see we have guests. Good evening, everyone.
Mother-in-law (approaching, concerned)
— Ye Reum-ah, are you drunk again?
Han Ye Reum
— Mom, I'm not an alcoholic. Why is that the first thing you ask every time I walk in?
Han Yuri
— Maybe because every time you walk in, you reek of alcohol.
Ye Reum doesn't answer. She walks around the sofa and sits down casually across from Lee Tae Joon.
Han Ye Reum
— Tae Joon-ssi, how are you? Still surviving the marriage?
Lee Tae Joon (neutral)
— I'm fine.
Han Ye Reum
— Wow… it's a miracle someone's been able to put up with my sister this long.
Everyone stares at her. Silence.
Han Ye Reum
— What? Why are you all looking at me like that? I'm right, aren't I?
She's so uptight! I've never seen her party, not even once.
She's always so composed, like the perfect woman, you know what I mean?
She has to control everything. That's why none of her exes stuck around.
Mother-in-law (awkward)
— Ye Reum-ah, why are you talking so much?
Tae Joon-ssi, don't pay any attention to her.
Han Yuri (cold tone, tight smile)
— Let her talk. She's not entirely wrong.
But Ye Reum-ah, I don't control everything…
I just want things to go well for our family, so our reputation isn't ruined.
And as for my exes… I was the one who left them.
Yuri's father (sighs)
— That's enough. You're giving me a headache.
Han Ye Reum
— So… this little gathering, what's it about?
Yuri's father
— We were talking about the annual party we host.
Your sister will be taking over the organization this year.
Han Ye Reum
— Oh, okay… but dad, eonni doesn't really like parties.
Do you think she can handle it?
Yuri's father
— Why wouldn't she?
Like you said, your sister loves to be in control.
She'd do anything to make sure everything is perfect.
It's in the Han blood. Nothing we can do about it.
Han Ye Reum (murmurs with a bitter smile)
— Ah… the Han blood… I see.
Yuri's father
— What did you say?
Han Ye Reum (innocently)
— Nothing, father. I'm tired. I'll leave you to it.
She gets up slowly and turns to Lee Tae Joon.
Han Ye Reum
— Tae Joon oppa, I'll be going.
Oh, can I call you oppa?
Lee Tae Joon
— Of course you can.
I might look young, but I accept I'm the older one here.
Han Ye Reum (playfully)
— That's true. And on top of being handsome, you do look younger than your age.
(She bows slightly.)
Drive safely.
Mother-in-law
— Already? You should eat something.
Han Ye Reum
— I already had dinner with some friends.
She walks off toward her room.
Han Yuri
— We should get going too. It's getting late.
Yuri's father
— Alright. Take care on your way back.
Lee Tae Joon
— We'll get going then. Have a nice evening.
Yuri's father
— Drive safely.
They're about to leave when…
Yuri's father
— Han Yuri. You'd better not disappoint me.
This event is important for the family. Do you understand?
Han Yuri (standing tall, with a determined look)
— Yes, father. Don't worry, I won't let you down.
I'm your daughter, right?
You said it yourself: it's in our blood to be perfect at everything we do.
During this exchange between father and daughter, Lee Tae Joon and the mother-in-law remain silent.
Yuri's Father
— Yes, I trust you. Go on now, it's late.
Lee Tae Joon (bows slightly)
— We'll take our leave then.
Mother-in-law
— Yuri-ah!
Han Yuri (turns around, a bit distant)
— Yes?
Mother-in-law
— Wait a minute, I have something for you.
She disappears for a moment, then comes back.
Mother-in-law
— I made this so you could eat when you get home. That way, you won't have to cook.
Yuri looks at her, hesitating to accept the food. She's about to decline when…
Lee Tae Joon
— Thank you very much. You really didn't have to go through the trouble.
He takes the bag with a polite smile.
Mother-in-law
— It's nothing. I figured you wouldn't be staying long, so I just prepared it in advance.
Lee Tae Joon
— Well, we should be going now.
A few moments later, they arrive at the car.
The drive is silent.
After a short while, they finally get home.
They get out of the car and go inside.
Lee Tae Joon unpacks the food prepared by Yuri's stepmother.
Han Yuri (cold tone)
— Why are you unpacking that? Throw it away.
Lee Tae Joon ignores her and grabs a spoon. He sits down.
Han Yuri (voice sharper, expression cold)
— I said throw it away.
Lee Tae Joon (calmly)
— Why? She went through the trouble of cooking for you. You should be thankful, no?
Han Yuri (bitter smile)
— Thankful? Fine. If you want, go ahead and eat it then.
She heads toward her room when…
Lee Tae Joon (still calm)
— It's not good to sleep on an empty stomach. Come eat something.
Han Yuri (bitter smile, cold expression)
— What are you doing? Don't tell me you actually think you're my husband now?
You took me to the park, you acted all nice with me — okay, I admit, maybe it's my fault if you think we got close.
You were being kind, and I let you. I probably lost control for a moment because of my scandal.
I needed support. But I've pulled myself together now.
So let's stop playing this happy newlywed game. And don't forget our deal.
Faced with that, Lee Tae Joon stays calm, staring at her. When she tries to walk into her room, he finally speaks:
Lee Tae Joon (calm tone)
— Our deal? Of course I remember.
But I still haven't gotten what I want.
Han Yuri (turns around, cold tone)
— And how do you expect me to give you what you want, when you've never clearly said what it is?
It's not even written in the contract.
Lee Tae Joon
— You know… I can buy whatever I want, whenever I want.
But there's one thing I can't buy — and only you can give it to me.
Han Yuri (steps closer, their faces nearly touching, her voice low, calm and cold)
— Then tell me… what exactly do you want from me?
They stare at each other for a few seconds.
Han Yuri remembers the anonymous message.
Han Yuri (bitter smile)
— You know what? Forget it. I think I know what it is.
Don't worry. I'll give you what you really want. Soon.
She turns around and walks into her room.
Lee Tae Joon stays where he is, staring at her door. Then he sits down, picks up a spoon, and calmly eats the food on the table.
After cleaning up the dirty dishes, he settles on the sofa.
Meanwhile, in her room, Han Yuri, lying with only the nightlight on, is deep in thought — replaying the message from the anonymous sender.
Han Yuri (low voice)
— Alright… I'll give you what you want.
It was part of the contract, after all…
She grabs her phone, scrolls through her contacts and taps her father's name.
He answers.
Yuri's Father
— Why are you calling so late? Did you forget something here?
Han Yuri
— I'm sorry to bother you, father… but may I ask a favor concerning Tae Joon-shi?
Yuri's Father
— If you want to ask me something, at least come to the house instead of calling at this hour.
Han Yuri
— Alright… I'll come.
Yuri's Father
— Why are you in such a rush? Focus on the event for now. We'll talk later.
Han Yuri
— Okay, father. Good night.
She hangs up.
One week later — Reception day in Hannam-dong
The Han residence is decorated with remarkable elegance. The garden, perfectly manicured, is adorned with white flowers and hanging lanterns, creating an atmosphere that's both peaceful and refined. Stone pathways lead naturally to the interior, where the reception is set up in the east wing of the house.
Behind the large glass windows framed by luxurious ivory curtains, the room glows with a controlled brilliance. Cream-colored walls trimmed with golden moldings, crystal chandeliers hanging from a coffered ceiling. The furniture is carefully selected — a blend of modern simplicity and classic touches: satin-draped chairs, fine linen-covered tables, and delicate floral arrangements.
Every detail exudes prestige and tradition. Nothing is left to chance.
It's a little past 6 p.m., and the atmosphere is already lively, a mix of soft laughter and the clinking of glasses.
Everyone is dressed to impress. Guests arrive in a line of luxury cars. At one of the large tables, the Han and Lee families are already seated — but the newlyweds have yet to appear.
Lee Tae Min
— Why aren't the bride and groom here yet?
Han Ye Reum
— It's my sister… she's probably changing dresses a dozen times to be flawless tonight.
Stepmother (a bit embarrassed)
— Ye Reum-ah…
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— At this rate, we'll be waiting all night.
Han Yuri's Father
— Why do you say that?
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— Oh, you don't know... My son always tries on five shirts before picking… the first one.
A few chuckles echo around the table just as Lee Jae Hyun arrives, greeting everyone politely.
Han Yuri's Father
— Oh, Jae Hyun-ah, you're here.
(turning to the Lee family)
This is Yuri's in-laws.
Lee Jae Hyun
— Ah, I see. (He bows) Good evening, everyone.
Lee Tae Min (muttering)
— So you're the best friend...
Lee Jae Hyun
— Excuse me?
Lee Tae Min (smiling)
— Nothing. I just feel like I've seen you before.
Yuri's Father
— Maybe you've seen him in a drama. Jae Hyun is an actor.
Lee Tae Min (smiling)
— Ah, that must be it.
Yuri's Father
— Take a seat. Didn't Min Hee come with you?
Lee Jae Hyun
— No, we didn't come together…
Right on cue, Kim Min Hee walks in, glowing.
Kim Min Hee
— Oppa! I thought you were going to wait for me at home…
(she smiles brightly)
Good evening, everyone.
She looks adorable in a short pink dress full of charming little details and modest heels.
Yuri's Father
— Oh, there you are. This is Min Hee, my daughter's best friend. Isn't she cute?
Everyone compliments her — until…
Han Ye Reum
— So what, this table's open to the public now?
Awkward silence. Min Hee gives a nervous smile.
Kim Min Hee
— I think I'll step outside to call Yuri. She's really late.
She barely gets up when Han Yuri and Lee Tae Joon make their entrance.
Yuri holds his arm with graceful elegance.
Han Yuri looks stunning in a champagne-colored dress with a subtle slit at the leg, diamond earrings, and a delicate necklace. Her heels are sky-high, her handbag is designer, and her hair flows down her back. She's breathtaking.
Beside her, Lee Tae Joon is dressed in a refined suit, perfectly groomed, drawing all eyes.
They walk slowly toward the table, and everyone turns to look.
Han Yuri (smiling)
— Good evening, everyone. Sorry we're late… someone changed shirts several times.
Lee Tae Joon
— We were late because the driver couldn't find our house.
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— You remind me of my wife and I when we were young. We used to argue over silly things… but it always brought us closer.
Lee Tae Joon and Han Yuri exchange a slightly awkward glance.
Lee Tae Min
— Han Yuri-ssi, you look stunning as always.
Han Yuri
— Thank you very much, you're looking quite sharp too, Tae Min-ssi.
Kim Min Hee
— He's right — you look gorgeous.
Han Yuri
— And you look lovely too.
(she turns to Lee Jae Hyun)
Oppa, good evening.
Lee Jae Hyun
— Oh, good evening, Yuri.
(He turns to Lee Tae Joon)
Nice to meet you, and congratulations on your marriage. We haven't really had the chance to talk.
Lee Tae Joon
— Yes, nice to meet you too. And thank you.
They shake hands and lock eyes for a brief moment before sitting.
Yuri's Father
— Yuri-ah, did you prepare your speech?
Han Yuri
— Yes, father.
They chat for a few seconds, then Lee Tae Min turns to Min Hee:
Lee Tae Min
— So, Miss Min Hee, have you and Yuri been friends for a long time?
Kim Min Hee turned to him with a bright smile.
— Yes! We met when we were fifteen… and we've been inseparable ever since!
Lee Tae Min smiled faintly.
— I see… what a beautiful friendship.
Then he turned to Lee Jae Hyun:
— And you, Lee Jae Hyun-ssi?
Lee Jae Hyun replied simply:
— I met Yuri and Min Hee when I transferred to their high school.
Lee Tae Min nodded, paused briefly, then added:
— I see… I really admire your friendship. It feels genuine, pure.
Maybe it's just me, because I've never had many female friends…
But staying close to someone like Han Yuri without ever falling in love with her, that's… admirable, really.
A slight, tense silence settled around the table.
Lee Tae Min, eyes slightly narrowed, observed Lee Jae Hyun with thinly veiled curiosity. His tone remained calm, almost casual, but his gaze was clearly searching for something.
Lee Tae Min
— Have you… ever had feelings for each other?
Suddenly, all eyes turned to Lee Jae Hyun.
The air seemed to freeze.
But just before he could say a word, Kim Min Hee's phone rang abruptly, cutting through the tension like a blade.
Kim Min Hee
— Oh, sorry! she exclaimed, startled. I'll take this outside.
She quickly got up, visibly relieved to escape the intense moment, and left the room with her phone pressed to her ear.
Lee Tae Min looked once more at Lee Jae Hyun, then at Han Yuri, before flashing a faint smile.
Lee Tae Min
— Relax, it's just small talk.
Lee Tae Joon's father, who had been silent until now, spoke up, his voice calm but slightly sharp:
Father of Lee Tae Joon
— Maybe we should change the subject.
It's not very polite to pry into other people's private lives.
Especially since Yuri is now a married woman.
Han Yuri gave a polite, composed smile. She turned to Lee Tae Min, her voice soft but firm:
Han Yuri
— You're right, it's rare for a friendship between a man and a woman to last this long…
And I'm sure you've seen that article about me and Jae Hyun.
She paused briefly.
— But I believe our friendship — between Jae Hyun, Min Hee and me — is far too strong to risk losing over a relationship that might not last.
Kim Min Hee re-entered the room, walking slowly.
— Yuri's right. And honestly, it would just be weird…
We've known each other since we were teenagers — suddenly dating would be… awkward.
She sat down and smiled at Jae Hyun.
— Right, oppa?
Han Ye Reum
— But they say love always begins with friendship… Because you can't really love someone without being friends first, right?
Lee Tae Joon
— You're right. That's how our marriage started.
He paused.
— Even if it was an arranged marriage, we told ourselves we had to start by becoming friends, getting to know each other…
And little by little, we fell head over heels for one another.
He turned to Yuri and gently stroked her head with a soft smile.
— Isn't that right, Yuri-ssi?
Han Yuri gave him a faint smile.
Lee Jae Hyun watched the scene, while Han Ye Reum stared at him intensely.
Yuri's Father
— Yuri, you should give your speech now.
Han Yuri
— Yes, Father.
Kim Min Hee
— Want me to bring your copy?
Han Yuri stood up.
— No, I've got it.
She walked slowly toward the stage. All eyes followed her.
Once at the mic, she stood silently for a moment, scanning the room, then fixed her eyes on her father.
Han Yuri
— Good evening. I'm Han Yuri.
Thunderous applause erupted in the hall.
Han Yuri (continuing)
— Welcome, everyone. I know you're all busy, so thank you for making the time to be here with us tonight.
She gave a light bow, then straightened. A short pause.
— My father always used to host these receptions, but since I got married, he handed me the reins…
Maybe he thinks I've grown up a bit. (gentle laugh)
— First, I want to thank the people dearest to me.
— Father… thank you for your trust. Family means everything to me.
— Father, Mother, Ye Reum-ah… thank you for your unconditional love.
— Thank you to my best friend, Kim Min Hee. I couldn't have organized this without you.
— And thank you to my in-laws for being here tonight.
She took a soft breath.
— But most of all… I want to thank someone very special tonight: my husband, Lee Tae Joon.
Thank you for supporting me… for loving me unconditionally…
She continued her speech…
…when suddenly, an explosion echoed behind her.
A heavy silence fell over the room. Faces froze. Panic began to rise.
Han Ye Reum and Lee Tae Joon shot up from their seats, alarmed.
TO BE CONTINUED…