One Day Until the Engagement
The Hwang Mansion had never been so busy.
From the early hours of the morning, servants moved swiftly through the halls carrying garment bags, fresh flowers, carefully wrapped gift boxes and elegant decorations that would be sent to the venue before sunset.
The usually peaceful mansion echoed with quiet conversations and the occasional ring of telephones.
Everyone had something to do.
Everyone...
Except the two people whose lives the preparations were for.
Yerin stood beside the floor-to-ceiling window of her bedroom, absentmindedly watching the gardeners trim the hedges below.
The sky was unusually clear.
The sunlight warmed the balcony outside her room.
It should have been a beautiful morning.
Yet...
It felt strangely heavy.
A gentle knock interrupted her thoughts.
"Come in."
One of the housekeepers entered with a respectful bow.
"Miss."
"The tailor has arrived."
Yerin nodded.
"I'll be downstairs in a moment."
The woman smiled politely before leaving.
Once the door closed...
Yerin looked at herself in the mirror.
She barely recognised the young woman staring back.
Not because she looked different.
But because the sparkle that usually lived in her eyes had quietly faded over the past few weeks.
She forced herself to smile.
It disappeared almost immediately.
"...Let's get this over with."
The drawing room had been transformed into a temporary fitting studio.
Large mirrors surrounded the room.
Several garment bags hung neatly against one wall.
Jewellery boxes rested on velvet-covered tables.
Three designers stood waiting alongside the tailor, carefully preparing measuring tapes and notebooks.
The moment Yerin entered...
Everyone stood.
"Good morning, Miss Yerin."
She greeted them politely.
"Good morning."
Mrs. Hwang looked up from a catalogue and smiled warmly.
"There you are."
"The tailor has brought the final version of your engagement dress."
Yerin nodded quietly.
"I'll try it."
The tailor carefully unzipped the ivory garment bag.
The dress slowly appeared.
Its delicate embroidery shimmered beneath the morning light.
The flowing silk looked almost weightless.
Even Yerin couldn't deny how beautiful it was.
Her grandmother smiled with pride.
"You'll look wonderful."
Yerin returned a small smile.
"I hope so."
The designers gently guided her toward the changing room.
Nearly twenty minutes later...
The curtain slowly opened.
Yerin stepped out.
The room fell silent.
The ivory dress fit her perfectly.
Its elegant silhouette complemented her graceful posture while the delicate floral embroidery caught the sunlight with every movement.
For a brief moment...
Nobody spoke.
Mrs. Hwang's eyes slowly filled with tears.
"My daughter..."
She whispered softly.
"...you look beautiful."
Grandmother Hwang smiled proudly.
"You look exactly like your mother did."
The compliment made Mrs. Hwang laugh through her tears.
"Oh, Mother..."
The tailor clasped his hands together.
"There are no adjustments left."
"It fits perfectly."
Several assistants nodded in agreement.
Only one person remained silent.
Ji-hoon.
Standing near the doorway with his hands tucked into his pockets...
He watched his little sister.
Everyone else admired the dress.
He noticed something else.
Her smile.
It reached her lips.
But never her eyes.
Their gazes met across the room.
He offered her a reassuring smile.
Yerin answered with the smallest nod.
Only he understood what that nod meant.
"I'm trying."
Across the city...
The atmosphere inside the Choi Mansion was no less busy.
Luxury suit carriers had been arranged neatly inside Do-hyun's room while two tailors completed the final adjustments.
One carefully smoothed the shoulders of his charcoal-black suit.
The other adjusted the cuffs.
"There."
The older tailor stepped back.
"A perfect fit."
Do-hyun looked at his reflection.
The tailored suit suited him perfectly.
Sharp.
Elegant.
Sophisticated.
Exactly what everyone expected from the eldest son and only son of the Choi family.
He barely looked at himself.
Instead...
He quietly removed the jacket and handed it back.
"Thank you."
The tailor smiled politely.
"It was our honour, Young Master."
After they left...
Do-hyun remained standing before the mirror.
For several long moments...
He simply stared at his own reflection.
His room felt unusually quiet after the bustle of the fitting.
Another knock came.
"Come in."
This time...
It was Mrs. Choi.
She entered carrying a small velvet box.
"The jeweller delivered these this morning."
She gently placed it on the table.
"The final polishing was completed."
Do-hyun already knew what was inside.
The engagement rings.
He looked at the box.
But didn't open it.
Mrs. Choi noticed.
"You don't want to see them?"
"I've already seen them."
She smiled faintly.
"I suppose you have."
She walked closer before gently brushing an invisible crease from the sleeve of his shirt.
"You've grown into such a fine young man."
He looked at her.
"You always say that."
"Because it's always true."
She smiled warmly.
"I'm proud of you."
No matter how old he became...
Those words still carried the same comfort they had when he was a child.
"...Thank you, Mother."
She reached up and adjusted the collar of his shirt.
"There."
"Much better."
Before leaving, she paused at the door.
"Try to get some rest tonight."
"Tomorrow will be a long day."
"I will."
She smiled one last time before quietly closing the door behind her.
The room fell silent once again.
Do-hyun slowly walked toward the table.
His fingers rested on the velvet box.
After a long hesitation...
He finally opened it.
The polished platinum rings reflected the morning light.
Simple.
Elegant.
Permanent.
He stared at them for several seconds.
Then quietly closed the lid.
The rest of the day disappeared into endless preparations.
At the Hwang Mansion...
Mrs. Hwang supervised the gift arrangements while Grandmother Hwang carefully checked the guest list one final time.
Ji-hoon spent most of the afternoon answering phone calls from relatives arriving from different cities.
Meanwhile...
At the Choi Mansion...
Mr. Choi remained in constant contact with the event planners.
He reviewed seating arrangements.
Confirmed security.
Checked the flower deliveries.
And approved every final detail.
Nothing was left to chance.
The engagement had become more than a family celebration.
It had become a reflection of both families' reputation.
And neither patriarch intended for anything to go wrong.
Evening slowly settled over the city.
The preparations finally came to an end.
The staff returned to their quarters.
The telephones stopped ringing.
The mansions, so full of activity throughout the day...
Became unusually quiet.
Yerin stood alone on her balcony.
The city lights stretched endlessly before her.
She rested both hands on the railing as the cool breeze brushed against her face.
Tomorrow...
Everything would change.
A gentle knock came from behind.
She didn't turn around.
"I know it's you, Ji-hoon."
Her brother smiled as he stepped onto the balcony.
"I keep forgetting you can recognise my footsteps."
"You've walked too loudly since you were five."
He laughed quietly.
"I came to tell you something."
She looked at him.
"What?"
He smiled warmly.
"Get some sleep."
She rolled her eyes.
"That's your advice?"
"It's excellent advice."
"I can't."
"I know."
He gently squeezed her shoulder.
"But try."
He disappeared back inside, leaving her alone once more.
Across the city...
Do-hyun stood on his own balcony beneath the same moonlit sky.
The velvet ring box rested on the small table beside him.
He looked up.
Somewhere beyond the countless lights of the city...
Yerin was probably looking at the same sky.
The thought crossed his mind without warning.
He quietly exhaled.
Neither of them slept much that night.
Because when tomorrow arrived...
There would be no more postponing.
No more pretending.
Only the engagement.
And the promise...
Neither of them had chosen.
Engagement Day
The first rays of sunlight had barely begun to spill across the city when both mansions were already awake.
Today...
There would be no delays.
No last-minute changes.
Everything had been planned down to the minute.
Everything...
Except the emotions of the bride and groom.
Hwang Mansion
The sound of soft footsteps echoed through the hallways as stylists, makeup artists, hairdressers and assistants arrived carrying neatly packed cases and garment bags.
The mansion, usually peaceful on a Sunday morning, buzzed with quiet excitement.
"Good morning, Madam."
"Good morning."
Mrs. Hwang greeted each of them with a warm smile before leading them upstairs.
"Miss Yerin is already awake."
One of the makeup artists smiled.
"We'll begin immediately."
A gentle knock sounded on Yerin's bedroom door.
"Come in."
The door slowly opened.
Five women entered together, each carrying equipment for the morning's preparations.
One carefully placed cosmetic cases on the vanity.
Another hung the engagement dress near the window.
A third began arranging jewellery on a velvet cloth.
Yerin stood quietly beside the window in a simple white robe.
She had been awake for nearly an hour.
Sleep had visited her only briefly during the night.
One of the stylists smiled brightly.
"Good morning, Miss Yerin."
"We'll make sure you're the most beautiful woman in the ballroom today."
Yerin returned a polite smile.
"I'm sure you will."
The preparations began.
Soft curls slowly framed her face.
Elegant makeup enhanced her natural features without overpowering them.
The room remained filled with cheerful conversations among the stylists.
Yerin spoke very little.
She simply allowed them to do their work.
Almost two hours later...
The lead stylist stepped back.
"We're ready."
The ivory engagement gown was carefully lifted from its garment bag.
Two assistants helped Yerin into the dress before fastening the delicate buttons along her back.
The final touch...
A pair of pearl earrings.
The room fell silent.
Even the stylists couldn't hide their admiration.
Mrs. Hwang slowly entered.
The moment she saw her daughter...
She stopped walking.
Tears immediately gathered in her eyes.
"...You're beautiful."
Yerin smiled gently.
"So everyone keeps telling me."
Mrs. Hwang walked closer and brushed a loose strand of hair away from her daughter's face.
"I wish time would slow down."
Yerin laughed softly.
"You've been saying that since I started university."
"And I'll keep saying it."
Her mother gently kissed her forehead.
"No matter how old you become..."
"You'll always be my little girl."
Yerin wrapped her arms around her mother.
For just a few seconds...
Neither of them spoke.
Neither wanted to let go first.
A knock interrupted the moment.
Ji-hoon's voice came from outside.
"May I come in?"
Mrs. Hwang smiled.
"Come."
The door opened.
Ji-hoon stepped inside...
Then froze.
For several long seconds...
He simply stared.
"...Wow."
Yerin raised an eyebrow.
"That's all?"
"I had a speech prepared."
"What happened to it?"
"You walked in wearing that."
He shook his head dramatically.
"My speech surrendered."
The room filled with soft laughter.
Ji-hoon slowly walked closer.
He looked at his sister carefully.
Then smiled.
"You look incredible."
"Thank you."
He lowered his voice so only she could hear.
"How are you?"
She knew what he was really asking.
She answered honestly.
"I'm trying."
He nodded once.
"I know."
Without saying anything else...
He gently adjusted the bracelet on her wrist.
It was something he always did whenever she was nervous.
Ever since she was little.
She noticed.
A faint smile appeared.
"So you remembered."
"I always will."
Choi Mansion
Across the city...
Preparations were just as busy.
Do-hyun stood before the mirror while the tailor carefully straightened the lapels of his perfectly fitted black tuxedo.
"There."
"Perfect."
The older man stepped back with satisfaction.
Mrs. Choi entered carrying a small black box.
Inside...
Lay the platinum engagement ring.
She smiled warmly.
"Everything is ready."
The tailor and assistants quietly excused themselves, leaving mother and son alone.
Mrs. Choi walked toward him.
Without a word...
She adjusted his tie.
Then brushed an invisible speck of dust from his shoulder.
"There."
She smiled.
"Now you're ready."
Do-hyun looked at his reflection.
"I don't feel ready."
The words escaped before he could stop them.
Mrs. Choi looked at him through the mirror.
"I know."
She rested a gentle hand on his arm.
"But courage isn't feeling ready."
"It's taking the next step even when you aren't."
He remained silent.
She smiled softly.
"I'm proud of you."
He looked at her.
"...Thank you."
She reached up and affectionately straightened a strand of his hair that had fallen out of place.
"When you were five..."
"You cried because you didn't want to wear a suit."
He almost smiled.
"I remember."
"You said suits were prison clothes."
This time...
He actually laughed.
Very quietly.
"I had strange opinions."
"You still do."
They both smiled.
The heaviness in the room lifted, if only for a moment.
A sharp knock echoed through the room.
"Come in."
Mr. Choi entered, already dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit.
He glanced once at his son before giving an approving nod.
"Good."
He looked toward the tailor's empty workspace.
"No adjustments?"
"None."
Mrs. Choi answered proudly.
"It fits perfectly."
Mr. Choi checked his watch.
"We leave in twenty minutes."
He turned to Do-hyun.
"The guests arriving today are not simply relatives."
"Many are long-time business partners and family friends."
Do-hyun nodded.
"I understand."
"I expect you to greet each of them personally."
"I will."
Mr. Choi held his son's gaze for a moment.
Then...
His expression softened ever so slightly.
"I know today isn't easy."
The unexpected words surprised both Do-hyun and Mrs. Choi.
"But..."
"You represent our family."
"And I know you'll do so with dignity."
Do-hyun bowed his head respectfully.
"I won't disappoint you, Father."
Mr. Choi gave a single nod.
"I know."
Without another word...
He turned and left the room.
The silence he left behind felt strangely different.
Mrs. Choi looked at her son and smiled.
"I think..."
"That was his way of saying he's proud of you."
Do-hyun let out the faintest breath of amusement.
"...I think you're right."
Departure
Outside...
The luxury sedans waited beneath the mansion entrance.
Drivers stood beside the open doors.
The staff lined both sides of the driveway.
At the Hwang Mansion...
Ji-hoon offered his arm to Yerin as she carefully descended the front steps.
"You know..."
He smiled.
"If anyone makes you nervous today..."
"I'll accidentally spill juice on them."
Yerin laughed.
"I believe you would."
"I absolutely would."
Mrs. Hwang looked back at them with an amused smile.
"Hurry."
"We're already five minutes behind."
"See?"
Ji-hoon whispered.
"The terrifying one in this family isn't Dad."
"It's Mom."
Yerin couldn't help laughing again.
At almost the exact same time...
The Choi family's convoy pulled away from their mansion.
Do-hyun looked out of the window in silence.
The city passed by in a blur.
With every kilometre...
The venue drew closer.
With every passing minute...
So did the moment that would change both their lives forever.
The Imperial Grand Hotel stood proudly beneath the clear afternoon sky.
Its grand entrance had been transformed overnight.
White orchids and ivory roses framed the marble staircase leading to the ballroom, while elegant floral arrangements lined the pathway from the entrance to the reception hall.
Crystal lanterns reflected the sunlight, making the entire venue shimmer with quiet elegance.
Luxury vehicles arrived one after another.
Well-dressed guests stepped onto the red carpet, greeted warmly by hotel staff before being escorted inside.
The atmosphere carried an air of celebration.
And expectation.
The first black sedan came to a smooth stop beneath the entrance canopy.
A uniformed attendant immediately opened the rear door.
Mr. Choi stepped out first.
Dressed in an impeccably tailored charcoal suit, he carried himself with the quiet authority that had earned him respect throughout the business world.
He looked around the venue once.
Every flower was in place.
Every table stood exactly where it should.
Every detail matched the vision he had approved days earlier.
A small, satisfied smile appeared on his face.
"Excellent."
Behind him, Mrs. Choi stepped out gracefully, followed by Do-hyun.
The moment he adjusted the sleeve of his tuxedo, several guests approached.
"Mr. Choi!"
"It's been far too long."
Mr. Choi greeted them with practiced warmth.
"Welcome."
"I'm delighted you could come."
Do-hyun stood beside his parents, offering respectful bows and polite smiles to every guest.
"Congratulations, Young Master."
"Thank you."
"You make a fine gentleman."
"I appreciate your kind words."
One guest laughed.
"We're all looking forward to meeting your fiancée."
Do-hyun simply smiled politely.
"So am I."
Mrs. Choi glanced at her son.
She noticed the slight stiffness in his shoulders.
Without drawing attention to it, she gently rested a hand on his arm.
He looked at her.
She offered only a reassuring smile.
Nothing more needed to be said.
Inside the ballroom...
Everything was ready.
Round tables dressed in ivory linen surrounded a polished wooden dance floor.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a warm golden glow across the hall.
At the front stood a beautifully decorated stage.
In its centre...
Two elegant chairs had been placed side by side.
Behind them, a backdrop of white orchids, ivory roses and soft golden lights created an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
Several photographers moved quietly through the room, checking their equipment one final time.
The event planner approached Mr. Choi.
"Sir."
"Everything is prepared."
Mr. Choi gave one final look around.
"Very good."
"Begin welcoming the remaining guests."
Nearly twenty minutes later...
Another convoy slowly entered the hotel's driveway.
One after another...
The luxury cars came to a gentle stop beneath the entrance.
The conversations outside gradually quieted.
Almost instinctively...
Many of the guests turned toward the arriving vehicles.
"The Hwang family has arrived."
The first door opened.
Ji-hoon stepped out.
Dressed in a classic black suit, he straightened his jacket before walking around the vehicle.
He glanced back with his familiar protective instinct.
Only after making sure everything was ready did he step aside.
Next...
Mr. and Mrs. Hwang emerged.
They were welcomed immediately by Mr. and Mrs. Choi.
Warm handshakes were exchanged.
Smiles filled with mutual respect followed.
"Welcome."
For a brief moment...
Everything felt perfectly ordinary.
Then...
The final car door slowly opened.
A delicate ivory heel touched the marble pavement.
Yerin stepped out.
The afternoon breeze gently lifted the edge of her gown as she rose gracefully from the car.
The ivory silk shimmered beneath the sunlight, while the delicate embroidery caught the light with every movement.
Her hair, softly curled and pinned back with elegant pearl accessories, framed her face with effortless grace.
She looked breathtaking.
Not in a way that demanded attention.
But in a way that quietly stole it.
The conversations around the entrance faded.
Several guests paused in the middle of their discussions.
Even the photographers lowered their cameras for a heartbeat before instinctively raising them again.
Standing beside his parents...
Do-hyun looked up.
And forgot everything else.
The voices around him became distant.
The laughter.
The greetings.
Even the music drifting from inside the ballroom.
For a few precious seconds...
None of it existed.
There was only her.
She looked...
Beautiful.
Far more beautiful than he had ever allowed himself to notice.
He had seen Yerin countless times before.
Walking across campus.
Studying in the library.
Arguing confidently during presentations.
Laughing with Emily beneath the maple trees.
But today...
She looked different.
Not because of the dress.
Not because of the jewellery.
It was the quiet elegance she carried despite everything weighing on her heart.
The way she held herself with dignity.
The way she smiled gently for everyone around her...
Even though he knew how difficult today truly was for her.
Without realising it...
He simply stared.
Unable to look away.
Yerin adjusted a loose strand of hair behind her ear before lifting her eyes.
Across the entrance...
She found him watching her.
Their gazes met.
For a brief moment...
The world around them seemed to disappear.
Neither smiled.
Neither looked away.
There was no embarrassment.
No awkwardness.
Only a silent understanding shared between two people standing on the same uncertain path.
Mrs. Choi noticed first.
A warm smile touched her lips.
Leaning slightly toward her husband, she whispered,
"I think they're both just nervous."
Mr. Choi glanced toward the young couple before nodding with quiet satisfaction.
"That's only natural."
Neither of them realised...
Do-hyun wasn't looking at Yerin because he was nervous.
He simply couldn't take his eyes off her.
Ji-hoon walked to his sister's side.
He offered her his arm with a gentle smile.
"Ready?"
Yerin looked at the grand entrance before her.
Then at the dozens of waiting guests.
Finally...
She took a slow breath.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
Ji-hoon squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"You won't walk in alone."
She smiled gratefully.
"I know."
Together...
The Hwang family ascended the marble steps.
Mr. Choi stepped forward to welcome them personally.
"It's an honour to have you here."
"The honour is ours," Mr. Hwang replied warmly.
The two patriarchs exchanged a respectful handshake.
Mrs. Choi embraced Mrs. Hwang affectionately.
"It's wonderful to see you."
"You as well."
Then...
Mrs. Choi turned toward Yerin.
Her eyes softened with admiration.
"My dear..."
"You look absolutely beautiful."
Yerin bowed her head politely.
"Thank you, Auntie."
Mrs. Choi gently took both of her hands.
"I'm certain my son is thinking exactly the same thing."
Yerin's cheeks warmed ever so slightly.
Without thinking...
She glanced toward Do-hyun.
He was still looking at her.
The moment he realised she had caught him...
He quickly cleared his throat and looked away.
Ji-hoon noticed.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
It was the first genuine reaction he had seen from Do-hyun all day.
Perhaps...
That wasn't such a bad sign after all.
"Shall we?" Mr. Choi said, gesturing toward the ballroom doors.
The two families entered side by side.
As the grand doors slowly opened...
Hundreds of eyes turned toward them.
The music softened.
Conversations ceased.
The ceremony...
Was about to begin.
The ballroom rose to its feet as the two families entered.
Soft classical music drifted through the hall while every pair of eyes followed them toward the stage.
Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in a warm golden glow, reflecting against the polished marble floor.
Photographers quietly moved into position.
The murmurs among the guests slowly faded.
Only the music remained.
Mr. Choi and Mr. Hwang exchanged a respectful nod before guiding their families toward the centre of the stage.
Yerin and Do-hyun walked side by side.
Neither of them spoke.
Yet they could both feel the hundreds of eyes watching their every step.
After everyone had taken their places...
The master of ceremonies stepped onto the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen..."
"It is our honour to welcome you all to celebrate the engagement of Miss Hwang Yerin and Mr. Choi Do-hyun."
A warm round of applause filled the ballroom.
The host continued,
"Today's ceremony celebrates not only the union of two remarkable young people..."
"...but also the friendship and trust shared between two respected families."
Another wave of applause echoed through the hall.
Yerin lowered her eyes.
Do-hyun stood quietly beside her.
Neither of them reacted.
After a short speech from both family elders...
A hotel attendant approached carrying an elegant velvet tray.
Upon it rested two platinum rings.
The entire ballroom grew still.
The master of ceremonies smiled warmly.
"And now..."
"The engagement ring exchange."
A photographer stepped forward.
"Miss Hwang... Mr. Choi..."
"If you would please face one another."
They slowly turned.
For the first time that afternoon...
They stood directly in front of each other.
Close enough to hear one another breathe.
The attendant presented the rings.
Do-hyun reached for Yerin's ring.
At the very same moment...
Yerin reached for his.
Their fingertips brushed lightly against the velvet tray.
Neither immediately picked up the ring.
Silence.
The ballroom remained perfectly still.
Yerin looked down at the delicate platinum band resting before her.
Her hand hovered above it.
But...
It didn't move.
Across from her...
Do-hyun was doing exactly the same.
His fingers remained suspended above the ring.
Unable to take the final step.
Only a few seconds passed.
Yet...
To both of them...
It felt like an eternity.
Their eyes slowly met.
No words were spoken.
None were needed.
Because they were both thinking the same thing.
"Once we do this..."
"There is no turning back."
Yerin's fingers tightened ever so slightly.
She drew in a slow, steady breath.
Then...
Without breaking eye contact...
She gently picked up the ring.
Across from her...
Do-hyun did the same.
A faint smile appeared on Mr. Hwang's face.
Mrs. Choi quietly released the breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding.
Do-hyun slowly reached for Yerin's left hand.
She hesitated...
Only for the smallest moment.
Then she placed her hand in his.
It was warm.
Slightly trembling.
He noticed.
She noticed that his hand wasn't perfectly steady either.
Very carefully...
He slid the platinum ring onto her finger.
It fit perfectly.
A strange heaviness settled inside her chest.
Not because of its weight.
But because of what it meant.
Yerin looked down at the ring for only a moment before gently taking Do-hyun's hand.
She swallowed quietly.
Then slowly placed his ring onto his finger.
When it was done...
Neither of them moved.
For a brief second...
They simply looked at the rings now resting on each other's hands.
The promise had been made.
Whether either of them had chosen it...
Or not.
Then—
The ballroom erupted into applause.
Smiles spread across the faces of both families.
Photographers captured the moment from every angle as flashes of light illuminated the stage.
Mrs. Hwang wiped away a tear.
Grandmother Hwang smiled proudly.
Mrs. Choi gently held her husband's arm.
"They did well."
Mr. Choi nodded with quiet satisfaction.
"They did."
"Please stand a little closer."
One photographer called cheerfully.
"And smile."
Yerin instinctively took half a step closer.
Do-hyun did the same.
Their shoulders almost touched.
"Perfect."
"Now look at each other."
The request caught them both by surprise.
They slowly turned.
For the first time that afternoon...
A genuine smile almost appeared on Yerin's face.
Not because she was happy.
But because she suddenly realised how awkward the situation was.
Do-hyun noticed the faint curve at the corner of her lips.
Without meaning to...
He smiled too.
The camera flashed.
The photographer beamed.
"Excellent!"
"I think that's the best one yet."
Neither of them realised...
It was the first photograph in which they looked almost... natural.
Nearly twenty minutes later...
The formal photographs came to an end.
Yerin quietly exhaled.
"I think that's over."
"So do I," Do-hyun replied.
They had barely taken a step away from the stage when Mr. Hwang called out.
"Do-hyun."
He turned respectfully.
"Yes, Uncle?"
Mr. Choi smiled as he joined them.
"There are still many guests who haven't had the chance to congratulate you both."
Mrs. Hwang added gently,
"It would mean a great deal if the two of you greeted everyone together."
Yerin and Do-hyun exchanged a quick glance.
Neither had expected that.
Before either of them could answer...
Grandmother Hwang smiled knowingly.
"Go on."
"You're the stars of today's celebration."
There was no graceful way to refuse.
Yerin offered a polite nod.
"Of course."
Do-hyun did the same.
"It would be our pleasure."
For the next hour...
They walked through the ballroom together.
Side by side.
From one table to the next.
Every guest offered congratulations.
"Such a handsome couple."
"You complement each other beautifully."
"We're looking forward to the wedding."
"Congratulations."
"May you always be happy."
Yerin smiled politely.
"Thank you very much."
Do-hyun bowed respectfully.
"We truly appreciate your kind wishes."
The same conversations repeated themselves dozens of times.
Yet somehow...
It became easier with every table.
At one point, an elderly woman gently took Yerin's hands.
"My dear..."
"I've watched your mother grow up."
"And now..."
"I get to see you begin your own journey."
Yerin smiled warmly.
"Thank you."
The woman turned to Do-hyun.
"Take good care of her."
Before Do-hyun could think...
He answered instinctively.
"I will."
The words surprised even him.
Yerin looked up.
For a brief moment...
Their eyes met again.
Neither commented.
But somehow...
The promise lingered between them.
Not as an obligation.
But as something quietly sincere.
Across the ballroom...
Ji-hoon watched the exchange from a distance.
A thoughtful smile touched his lips.
For the first time since the engagement had been announced...
He no longer saw two strangers simply enduring the day.
He saw two people...
Beginning, however slowly...
To understand one another.
By the time the last group of guests had been greeted...
The formal atmosphere of the engagement slowly gave way to something warmer.
The ballroom no longer echoed with introductions and congratulations.
Instead...
It was filled with comfortable conversations, laughter, and the soft melody of a live string quartet playing near the centre of the hall.
The event staff quietly invited everyone toward the reception area.
"Please enjoy lunch."
The guests gradually made their way to their assigned tables.
The Hwang and Choi families occupied the grand table placed at the front of the ballroom.
It overlooked the entire hall.
Mr. Choi stood first, lifting his glass.
The conversations immediately quietened.
"Ladies and gentlemen..."
"Thank you all for honouring us with your presence today."
He smiled warmly before looking toward the Hwang family.
"Our families have shared years of friendship, trust and mutual respect."
"Today..."
"...that bond has become even stronger."
He looked at Do-hyun and Yerin.
"I hope both of you will continue to support and respect one another as you begin this new chapter."
The room filled with applause.
Mr. Hwang stood next.
"I have watched my daughter grow into a kind, intelligent and compassionate young woman."
His voice remained steady.
"But today..."
"...I realised how quickly time truly passes."
He smiled toward Yerin.
"You'll always be my little girl."
A few guests chuckled softly.
Mrs. Hwang discreetly wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.
Mr. Hwang continued,
"And Do-hyun..."
"I couldn't ask for a finer young man to stand beside her."
Do-hyun respectfully bowed his head.
"Thank you, Uncle."
"Take care of her."
"I will do my best."
Mr. Hwang smiled with satisfaction before raising his glass.
"To their future."
"To their future."
The entire ballroom echoed together.
Crystal glasses met with a soft chime.
Lunch was served shortly afterwards.
Waiters moved gracefully between the tables, placing each course with practiced precision.
The atmosphere became noticeably more relaxed.
Business discussions replaced formal speeches.
Old friends laughed over stories from years gone by.
The younger cousins wandered around the ballroom taking photographs.
For the first time all afternoon...
Yerin felt as though she could finally breathe.
She had barely lifted her glass when Mrs. Choi leaned toward her.
"My dear..."
"Have you eaten enough?"
Yerin smiled politely.
"I'm fine, Auntie."
"You've hardly touched your lunch."
"I'm just not very hungry."
Mrs. Choi gently placed another small serving onto Yerin's plate anyway.
"You should eat."
"It's been a long day."
Before Yerin could protest...
Do-hyun quietly spoke.
"Mother."
Mrs. Choi looked at him.
"I don't think she'll finish another serving."
She blinked.
Then laughed softly.
"You're probably right."
Yerin looked toward him with quiet surprise.
"...Thank you."
He simply nodded.
"You looked overwhelmed."
A small smile appeared on her face.
"I was."
Across the table...
Grandmother Hwang noticed the exchange.
She leaned slightly toward Mrs. Hwang and whispered,
"They notice each other more than they realise."
Mrs. Hwang smiled but said nothing.
A little later...
One of Mr. Choi's oldest business associates approached their table.
He looked to be in his late sixties, carrying himself with the confidence of someone who had spent decades in boardrooms.
He smiled broadly.
"So..."
"These are the famous children."
Mr. Choi laughed.
"They're not children anymore."
The elderly man stopped before Do-hyun and Yerin.
"I've known your fathers for nearly thirty years."
He looked between them before smiling.
"You make a fine couple."
Yerin bowed politely.
"Thank you."
He looked at Do-hyun.
"You've inherited your father's calm."
Then at Yerin.
"And you've inherited your mother's elegance."
He chuckled.
"Just remember one thing."
The young couple listened respectfully.
"Marriage isn't about finding someone perfect."
"It's about choosing the same person every day."
The words lingered.
Neither Do-hyun nor Yerin responded immediately.
They simply bowed again.
"We'll remember that."
The gentleman smiled before walking away.
Neither of them noticed...
Both had quietly glanced at one another after hearing his advice.
The afternoon slowly slipped away.
Guests began approaching the couple one final time before leaving.
Some offered gifts.
Others embraced the parents.
Children waved enthusiastically as they followed their families toward the exit.
The once-crowded ballroom gradually emptied.
Near the entrance...
Mr. Hwang warmly shook hands with each departing guest.
"Thank you for coming."
"It was a wonderful ceremony."
"Our congratulations once again."
Meanwhile...
Mr. Choi personally escorted several distinguished guests outside.
"I appreciate your attendance."
"We'll meet again soon."
"It was an honour."
Inside...
The staff had already begun clearing the tables.
Fresh flowers were carefully packed away.
The musicians quietly finished their final piece.
The engagement...
Was over.
Outside the hotel...
The afternoon sun had begun to sink lower in the sky.
The two families gathered near the entrance.
Mrs. Choi embraced Mrs. Hwang.
"Everything was beautiful."
Mrs. Hwang smiled.
"I'm just relieved it all went smoothly."
Mr. Choi looked toward Mr. Hwang.
"I'll have my office contact yours regarding the first wedding planning meeting."
"Of course."
"We'll arrange it next week."
The two men shook hands firmly.
Ji-hoon stood beside Yerin.
He noticed her subtly flexing her left hand.
The engagement ring still felt unfamiliar on her finger.
She caught him watching.
"It's heavier than it looks."
Ji-hoon smiled softly.
"I figured."
He didn't mean the ring.
She knew that.
Mrs. Choi turned toward the newly engaged couple.
"You both did wonderfully today."
Mr. Choi nodded in agreement.
"Our families are proud of you."
Yerin and Do-hyun bowed respectfully.
For a brief moment...
Neither knew how to say goodbye.
Then Do-hyun spoke first.
"...Take care on the way home."
Yerin met his eyes.
"You too."
A simple conversation.
Only four words each.
Yet somehow...
It felt more natural than any conversation they had shared before today.
Ji-hoon quietly noticed it.
And smiled to himself.
One by one...
The cars departed.
The Choi family's convoy disappeared first.
The Hwang family's vehicles followed shortly afterwards.
As the hotel slowly vanished behind them...
Yerin leaned her head gently against the window.
The excitement of the day had faded.
Only exhaustion remained.
She looked down at the platinum ring resting on her finger.
It caught the golden light of the setting sun.
She slowly turned it once with her thumb.
Then stopped.
No matter how many times she looked at it...
It still didn't feel real.
Beside her...
Ji-hoon noticed.
He didn't say anything.
Not yet.
He knew...
The conversation she truly needed...
Wouldn't happen until they were home.
The Hwang Mansion was unusually quiet.
Only a few hours earlier...
It had been filled with stylists, photographers, relatives and laughter.
Now...
The guests had gone home.
The staff quietly cleared away the engagement gifts that had already begun filling one side of the sitting room.
Elegant flower arrangements decorated the entrance.
Dozens of congratulatory cards rested neatly on the centre table.
The celebration was over.
Only the memories remained.
Yerin slowly walked through the front doors.
The moment she stepped inside...
She kicked off her heels with a tired sigh.
Mrs. Hwang laughed softly.
"I've been waiting for you to do that all day."
"My feet have been waiting longer."
Even Mr. Hwang smiled.
"Go upstairs and change."
"You've earned the rest."
"I won't argue with that."
For the first time that day...
Yerin smiled without forcing it.
Nearly half an hour later...
The mansion had transformed.
The expensive gowns and tailored suits had disappeared.
Mrs. Hwang now wore a comfortable cream-coloured cardigan over soft cotton trousers.
Mr. Hwang had exchanged his formal suit for a simple white shirt and dark lounge pants.
Grandmother Hwang sat comfortably in her favourite chair wrapped in a light shawl while quietly sipping warm tea.
Ji-hoon walked downstairs wearing grey sweatpants and a loose black hoodie, his hair still slightly damp from his shower.
He looked around the sitting room.
"...Now this feels like home."
Grandmother Hwang chuckled.
"It certainly looks better than those stiff suits."
A few moments later...
Yerin slowly descended the staircase.
She had changed into a pair of light blue pyjamas with a soft white cardigan draped over her shoulders.
Her hair had been let down, falling naturally around her face.
Without the makeup.
Without the elegant dress.
Without the jewellery—
Well...
Almost.
The engagement ring still rested quietly on her finger.
Mrs. Hwang smiled.
"There she is."
"My little girl is back."
Yerin laughed softly.
"I missed being comfortable."
Ji-hoon dramatically looked at her.
"So..."
"Can I finally tell you something?"
"What?"
"I have absolutely no idea how girls survive wearing heels."
Yerin burst into laughter.
"They don't."
"They just pretend."
"I knew it."
The room filled with warm laughter.
For a little while...
Everything felt normal again.
Dinner that night was simple.
Nothing extravagant.
Just homemade soup, freshly baked bread and warm tea.
No speeches.
No cameras.
No expectations.
Only family.
The conversation drifted from funny moments at the ceremony to childhood memories.
Grandmother Hwang laughed as she reminded everyone how Ji-hoon had once hidden inside a wedding cake display when he was six.
"I was conducting an investigation."
"You were stealing strawberries."
"They were evidence."
Even Mr. Hwang laughed.
For the first time in weeks...
The house echoed with genuine happiness.
Yerin quietly watched everyone around the table.
They looked relieved.
Peaceful.
Happy.
She was glad.
Even if...
She wasn't quite there herself.
Later that evening...
Everyone slowly retired to their rooms.
The staff finished cleaning.
The lights throughout the mansion dimmed one by one.
Outside...
The garden shimmered beneath the silver glow of the moon.
Yerin quietly stepped onto her balcony.
The cool night breeze greeted her immediately.
She rested both hands on the railing.
The city stretched endlessly before her.
Bright.
Beautiful.
Silent.
Her thumb unconsciously traced the platinum ring around her finger.
It still felt unfamiliar.
A gentle knock came from the open balcony door.
She smiled faintly.
"You always know where to find me."
Ji-hoon stepped outside carrying two mugs of hot chocolate.
"I've had twenty-two years of practice."
He handed one to her.
She accepted it gratefully.
"...Thank you."
For a long while...
The siblings stood together without speaking.
The silence between them had never been uncomfortable.
Finally...
Ji-hoon looked at the city lights.
"...Long day."
"The longest."
"You survived it."
"Barely."
He gave a quiet laugh.
"I noticed."
Yerin looked down into the warm mug between her hands.
After a few moments...
She spoke again.
"Did I make everyone happy today?"
Ji-hoon answered without hesitation.
"You did."
She smiled faintly.
"...Good."
Then she whispered...
"...Except myself."
The smile disappeared.
Her voice became smaller.
"I smiled because Mom looked so happy."
"I smiled because Grandma kept looking at me with those proud eyes."
"I smiled because Dad finally looked... peaceful."
A tear slowly rolled down her cheek.
"I didn't want to ruin today for them."
She looked away.
"But every time someone congratulated me..."
"...I felt like I was thanking them for something I never chose."
Ji-hoon felt his chest tighten.
He gently took the mug from her hands and placed it on the small table beside them.
Then he turned to face her completely.
"I'm sorry."
Yerin immediately shook her head.
"No."
"You don't get to apologise."
"I couldn't stop it."
"You tried."
"It wasn't enough."
"It wasn't supposed to be."
She stepped closer.
"You've protected me my entire life."
"When I was scared on my first day of school..."
"You walked me to my classroom."
"When I fell off my bicycle..."
"You carried me home."
"When someone made me cry..."
"You were always there."
She laughed softly through her tears.
"You've spent your whole life protecting me."
"So don't blame yourself for the one thing no one could change."
Ji-hoon's eyes glistened.
He smiled sadly.
"I still wish I could."
"I know."
She looked down at the engagement ring.
"I don't know what my life is going to look like after this."
"I don't know if I'll ever get used to it."
"I don't even know if I'm strong enough."
Ji-hoon gently placed both hands on her shoulders.
Then, in the same way he had done since she was a little girl...
He lightly tapped her forehead.
"You?"
He smiled.
"The girl who once challenged three boys twice her size because they were bullying a stray puppy?"
Yerin let out a watery laugh.
"I lost that fight."
"You absolutely did."
"I had a broken arm."
"But the puppy followed you home."
She laughed harder.
"And Mom made us keep him."
"Exactly."
Ji-hoon's smile softened.
"You've always been stronger than you realise."
"You don't have to know all the answers tonight."
"You don't have to figure out your whole future tomorrow."
"You just have to take one day at a time."
He looked directly into her eyes.
"And promise me one thing."
"What?"
"No matter what happens after today..."
"...don't ever lose yourself trying to make everyone else happy."
She stared at him.
Those words settled deep inside her heart.
Slowly...
She nodded.
"I promise."
Ji-hoon smiled.
"My turn."
"What?"
"You promise me something too."
She tilted her head.
"If life ever becomes too heavy..."
"If one day you feel like you can't carry it anymore..."
He gently squeezed her shoulder.
"Come home."
"This house..."
He looked back toward the warm lights glowing through the balcony doors.
"...will always be yours."
"I'm not just saying that because you're my sister."
"I'm saying it because no matter where life takes you..."
"You'll always have a place where you don't have to pretend."
That was all it took.
The tears she had held back all day finally escaped.
Yerin stepped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around her brother.
Ji-hoon hugged her just as tightly.
Neither of them spoke.
They didn't need to.
Some emotions were too big for words.
After a long while...
Yerin finally pulled away.
She wiped her cheeks and laughed quietly.
"I look terrible."
Ji-hoon grinned.
"You've looked worse."
"I hate you."
"No, you don't."
She smiled.
"Yes I do..."
A few minutes later...
Ji-hoon quietly returned inside, leaving the balcony door slightly open behind him.
Yerin remained where she was.
Alone.
She lifted her left hand.
Moonlight reflected beautifully against the platinum ring.
It sparkled...
Almost as if it belonged there.
She slowly turned it once around her finger.
Then stopped.
Her eyes drifted upward toward the endless night sky.
Somewhere...
Across the city...
Do-hyun stood alone on his own balcony.
Still dressed in comfortable clothes.
Still unable to sleep.
His gaze rested on the ring now circling his finger.
He gently touched it.
Then looked toward the same moon hanging high above the city.
Neither of them knew what the future would bring.
Neither of them knew whether this promise would become a blessing...
Or a burden.
But one thing had changed forever.
They were no longer two strangers connected only by an arrangement.
From this night onward...
They were officially engaged.
And whether fate had brought them together...
Or simply crossed their paths...
Only time would decide what came next.
...To Be Continued...