"Do you take Kim Suho as your husband?"
Kang Hauen looked at him, her hands slightly trembling. "I do."
"Do you take Kang Hauen as your wife?"
Suho took a deep breath, his gaze steady. "I do."
The priest smiled warmly. "Good. I now declare you husband and wife from this moment."
Applause echoed around the hall.
They exchanged rings, and the priest's voice followed. "God bless you. Now, you may kiss the bride."
Suho leaned in and gently pressed his lips to hers. A collective, disappointed "aww…" rose from the audience. Hauen looked down, feeling the weight of countless eyes on them. Cameras clicked continuously, capturing every moment.
Guests, media personnel, and private photographers swarmed the stage, offering congratulations. Kim Yejin approached Hauen, as elegant as ever. "Welcome to the family, dear."
Hauen smiled politely.
Yejin's eyes sparkled mischievously. "One year… I hope to see Kim Heir in my arms."
Hauen's smile faltered slightly, nerves prickling under her skin.
Yejin's tone softened, sweet yet chilling. "I hope you don't disappoint your mother-in-law."
Suho, standing nearby, silently observed everything.
The celebration ended, and guests began leaving. Suho escorted Hauen to their new penthouse, the home they would share.
The car stopped in front of a lavish building. Suho stepped out, heading straight inside. Hauen sighed, adjusting her heavy gown before following.
A young woman greeted her with a polite bow. "Hello, ma'am. I'm Kim Bora, your personal maid."
Hauen returned a polite smile. "My room?"
"Right this way, ma'am," Bora said, leading her inside.
The bedroom was grand, king-sized bed, a soft couch by a small balcony, and a spacious, elegant wardrobe. It far surpassed the modest room she had grown up in. Hauen stepped inside, soaking in the luxury.
"If you need anything, just give me a call, ma'am," Bora said politely.
"Okay," Hauen replied.
As Bora left, Hauen closed the door behind her and sank onto the bed. Today's events replayed in her mind: the ceremony, her mother-in-law's cryptic words about Kim Heir. She exhaled and slowly removed her gown, stepping into the shower.
Ten minutes later, she emerged, feeling refreshed and lighter. She changed into comfortable pajamas, glanced at the clock, 10:30 pm, and lay down, exhaustion pulling at her limbs.
A knock at the door startled her. Slowly, she got up and opened it.
There he was. Suho.
"Did you eat?" he asked, his tone cold, almost detached.
"No… I don't feel like it," Hauen replied softly.
He studied her for a moment, then stepped inside. She instinctively moved back, letting him in. He closed the door behind him, clad in a black night robe. Her gaze flickered, taking in the imposing figure.
"I hope you know why I'm here," he said, voice low.
Hauen lowered her head, words failing her.
"Yes or no?" He asked.
She nodded.
He watched her carefully, then said, "Then please cooperate."
Her legs trembled as she walked toward the bed, hesitating before sitting down. Suho approached, his gaze sharp. "Will you just sit like this… or?" He raised an eyebrow.
Hesitantly, she lay down. He exhaled and dimmed the lights, his robe falling open. The room's atmosphere thickened as he approached, removing her pajama bottoms and panties, leaving her exposed. He spread her legs. Her body shook, trembling against the vulnerability of the moment.
"Are you ready or not?" he asked again.
Hauen closed her eyes, drawing in a steadying breath. "I'm Ready."
He positioned himself, sliding inside her. Sharp pain shot through her, but she bit her lips and clenched the bedsheet, holding herself together.
Ten minutes later, he pulled out, straightening his robe, and without a word, left the room, leaving her alone.
Tears welled up in her eyes. Her legs were unsteady, her body sore. She stayed still for few minutes, collecting herself before slowly sitting up. She put her pajama bottoms back on and hugged the pillow tightly, thoughts swirling in her mind.
She was trapped in this marriage, but for now, all she could do was endure.