Bound by ink
The living room of the Han family residence was filled with an uncomfortable silence.
Yoon Ara sat stiffly on the edge of the sofa while Jae-min stood near the glass table, flipping through the contract as if it were just another document from work.
His father watched them closely, his expression calm but firm.
"This is the final version," Chairman Han said. "Once it's signed, there is no going back."
Yoon Ara's heart pounded. Everything felt unreal. The high ceilings, the expensive furniture, the weight of what she was about to do.
Jae-min picked up the pen.
He didn't look at her as he signed.
The sound of the pen scratching across the paper felt louder than it should have.
"Your turn," he said coldly.
Yoon Ara stood slowly and approached the table. Her eyes scanned the words she had already read too many times.
No emotional expectations.
No interference in each other's private lives.
This marriage exists only for mutual benefit.
It wasn't a marriage. It was a contract.
"Do I really have to follow all of this?" she asked quietly.
"Yes," Jae-min replied immediately. "If you don't agree, you're free to leave."
They both knew she wasn't.
She picked up the pen and signed her name.
With that single motion, her life changed.
"It's done," Chairman Han said with a satisfied nod. "From today, you are my daughter-in-law."
Jae-min straightened. "Don't misunderstand," he said, his voice flat. "This changes nothing between us."
Yoon Ara looked up at him.
"We'll live under the same roof. That's all," he continued. "Don't expect affection. Or protection."
"I understand," she whispered.
Something in her calm answer made his eyes flicker, but he quickly looked away.
"You'll be staying in the east wing," he added. "You can move in tonight."
Before she could reply, the front door opened.
The sound of heels echoed through the hall.
A beautiful woman walked in, her eyes lighting up when she saw Jae-min.
"Jae-min," she said softly, walking straight toward him. "You're home already."
She slipped her arm around his as if it were natural.
Jae-min didn't pull away.
Yoon Ara's chest tightened as she watched them.
She had just become his wife…
and already, another woman was standing far too close.