(Morning, Before the Wedding)
"You want to ruin this marriage?"
Mr. Han's voice thundered through the mansion.
"Fine. Say it clearly. In front of your mother. In front of your brother."
Jihyun stood with his arms crossed.
"I said it already. I'll ruin it. I'll ruin this marriage, your reputation, everything you're forcing on me."
Mrs. Han flinched, eyes darting between her husband and son. Minjoon stayed silent, lips pressed tight.
"I won't live like you. I won't let you dictate my life. I won't work, I won't study, I won't marry that Alpha and play the perfect doll."
Mr. Han's hand flew up without warning.
A sharp slap. The sting bloomed across Jihyun's cheek.
Silence followed.
Mrs. Han gasped and stepped forward. "Stop it. That's enough."
Mr. Han's hand trembled at his side.
"Then ruin it if you want," he muttered. "But you'll still walk into that hall. You'll wear that suit. Say those vows. Even if you hate me forever, you'll do this much."
Jihyun's lip quivered.
"Fine. I will. And I'll make sure you regret it."
Tears stung his eyes but didn't fall until he turned away.
Mr. Han left the room without looking back.
Upstairs, behind a locked door, Jihyun let himself cry.
"I'll ruin it all. Just watch me."
(Later)
Mrs. Han stood outside his door, holding the wedding suit. Her voice softened.
"He's still your son," she whispered to herself before knocking.
"Jihyun, come out. You need to get dressed. I brought your suit."
No answer.
She sighed and opened the door.
Jihyun sat at the edge of the bed, eyes swollen. She walked in quietly and placed the suit beside him.
"Eat a little first. I asked the maid to make your favorite soup. Don't make yourself sick. Not today."
Jihyun didn't respond.
Her hand hovered, then landed gently on his head.
"I know you hate me right now. That's fine."
He swallowed hard but said nothing.
Downstairs, Mr. Han sat with Minjoon. Though his face stayed blank, his hands shook around the teacup.
"I was too harsh," he said.
Minjoon nodded slowly.
"You pushed him too far, Dad."
"I didn't have a choice. Someone had to stop him before he ruins himself. He needs stability. He needs Taewon."
"He needs time, Dad."
Mr. Han sighed.
When Jihyun finally came down in the suit, Mrs. Han trailed behind him, fixing his tie, smoothing his sleeves.
Mr. Han looked up. His voice softened.
"You look good."
"Let's go," Minjoon said.
At the grand venue, everything moved like clockwork cameras, flowers, guests, the weight of the Han and Kang names settling over it all.
(Waiting Room, Before the Ceremony)
Inside the pristine room, Taewon sat quietly. His mother checked the final details every button, every crease.
When Jihyun walked in, cold as ice, the two mothers exchanged a look.
"Give them a moment,"
Mrs. Kang said gently, pulling her daughter out.
Taewon glanced at Jihyun.
"Are you okay?"
Jihyun stared down.
"I hate it. I hate you. I hate this marriage. I hate everything about it."
Taewon leaned in slightly, voice low.
"It's okay to hate me. I won't ask you to like me. Let's just get through today."
"You're not the one getting sold like property,"
Jihyun muttered. "So don't tell me to calm down."
Taewon paused. "I'm sorry."
Jihyun finally looked at him. The hate slipped for a moment replaced by something fragile. Fear. Like a boy no one had ever asked what he wanted.
The door opened. "It's time."
(Wedding Ceremony)
Guests waited. Music played.
Jihyun walked in, arm in arm with Taewon. His smile barely stretched across his face.
They stood before the officiant. Vows exchanged. Words spoken but neither meant them.
"You may kiss the bride."
Jihyun stood still. He didn't raise his head.
Taewon leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead soft, respectful.
"Everything will be alright, my dear spouse."
Applause followed. Photographers clicked. Smiles flashed.
Outside, Jihyun stood stiffly in his new suit.
Mr. Han approached, guilt crowding his expression. "Jihyun"
Jihyun didn't respond. His shoulders stayed cold, distant.
Mrs. Han reached for him. He stepped back.
Minjoon didn't hesitate. He pulled Jihyun into a hug, his hand cradling the back of Jihyun's head.
"It's alright," he whispered.
"You'll be okay. I'll make sure of it."
For the first time that day, Jihyun cried without anger.
Minjoon wiped his cheeks.
"Don't worry."
And then Jihyun turned away and left with the Kang family without looking back.
(Taewon's Condo)
The ride was silent.
Mrs. Kang offered a quiet smile.
"From today, this is your home."
She looked at Jihyun like she understood more than she let on.
One by one, the family left.
Only Taewon remained.
He stood quietly in the hallway, watching his new spouse walk into the guest room and close the door without a word.
Taewon didn't move. He stayed there, alone, staring at the closed door .