The iron gates slowly closed behind the black luxury car, and with that sound, Yoon Ara felt as if the outside world had been shut away from her forever.
She stared through the window at the massive mansion rising before her.
It was beautiful in a cold, distant way—like something meant to be admired, not lived in.
Han Jae-min stepped out first. He did not offer his hand, nor did he wait for her.
Ara hurried after him, her small bag clutched tightly against her chest.
"This isn't your office anymore," he said without turning. "Follow the rules here, and things will remain peaceful."
"Yes," she answered softly.
Inside, everything felt too big. The marble floors reflected the chandeliers above, and her footsteps echoed as if the house itself were empty. Servants bowed politely, but Ara felt like a stranger walking through someone else's life.
Jae-min led her upstairs and stopped in front of a large door.
"This is your room," he said, opening it. "We will not be sharing one.
Our marriage is a formality, nothing more."
Ara nodded. "I understand."
For a moment, his eyes lingered on her lowered face. Something unreadable flickered across his expression, but it disappeared just as quickly.
"Do not expect kindness," he added.
"As long as you do your part and don't cause problems, I won't interfere with you."
She hesitated before speaking. "I… I will try my best."
He looked away, almost as if her gentle voice made him uncomfortable.
"Dinner is at seven," he said. "Be on time."
The door closed behind him, leaving Ara alone.
She slowly walked around the room. The bed was large and soft, the curtains heavy and expensive, yet everything felt unfamiliar.
This was supposed to be her new home, but it felt more like a beautiful prison.
She sat on the edge of the bed, her hands resting on her lap.
She had signed the contract to protect her family.
She had married a man who did not want her.
And now she was trapped in a house where love had no place.
Ara looked out the window at the darkening sky, unaware that the cold man who had just left her room would soon begin to feel
something he never intended to.
Something dangerous.
Something called attachment.