After receiving the video, Han Yuri panics.
Han Yuri (voice trembling, shocked)
— What… what is this? No… This can't be…
Suddenly, Kim Min Hee enters the room. Yuri jumps in fright, then quickly picks up her phone that had fallen to the floor.
Kim Min Hee (lightheartedly)
— Yuri, why haven't you come down yet? Everyone's waiting for you.
Han Yuri (trying to compose herself)
— I'm coming.
But her body betrays her calm facade. She's still shaking. Kim Min Hee freezes when she notices, her face tightening with concern. She walks closer and gently places a hand on Yuri's arm.
Kim Min Hee (softly, worried)
— What's wrong? You're trembling… Are you feeling okay? Should I go tell your father?
Han Yuri (quickly, to cut it short)
— No, I'm fine. Let's go.
Kim Min Hee (not convinced)
— You know what? Wait here. I'll go get you a glass of water.
Han Yuri (firm but polite)
— No, it's okay. Let's just go.
Kim Min Hee (sighs)
— Alright… then I'll go first. You stay here for a bit. Take a deep breath and come when you're ready.
Han Yuri (faintly)
— Okay.
Kim Min Hee exits, leaving Yuri alone again in silence. She turns her phone back on, her fingers still trembling. The screen lights up, the video resumes.
A soft knock at the door.
Housekeeper (gently, through the door)
— Miss, your father is asking if something's wrong.
Han Yuri (without opening the door, in a neutral voice)
— No. I'll be right there.
She straightens up, closes her eyes for a moment, and takes a deep breath.
Yuri begins descending the stairs.
All eyes turn to her.
Each step is deliberate. Every eye is on her. The whole room seems suspended by her presence. Her gaze is distant, almost empty. Her hands are still slightly shaking.
Yuri's thoughts
Who sent that video? Why now? Is he here? No. I can't show weakness. If that person is watching, I won't give them the satisfaction of seeing me shaken. I am Han Yuri, the Hallyu star.
She lifts her chin. A radiant smile slowly spreads across her face—graceful, controlled. She walks down slowly, like a vision from another world.
Guest 1 (in a hushed voice)
— Wow… She's stunning. She looks like an angel.
Guest 2 (teasing)
— Yeah, but like… a sexy angel! soft chuckle
Lee Tae Joon is frozen in place. He stares at her, wide-eyed.
Lee Tae Joon's Father (whispering to his son)
— She's beautiful, isn't she?
No response.
Lee Tae Joon's Father (gently)
— What are you doing? Go help her down.
As if waking from a trance, Lee Tae Joon slowly approaches.
Yuri is on the last step.
Their eyes meet—seconds suspended in time.
He extends his hand.
She barely touches it… and suddenly trips—her train caught around her heel. She loses her balance.
Lee Tae Joon catches her without hesitation.
Their faces are close. Very close.
The room crackles with tension—it feels straight out of a drama scene.
Lee Tae Joon (whispering, under his breath)
— You planning on getting up anytime soon?
Han Yuri (still in his arms, embarrassed)
— Oh…
Lee Tae Joon (slightly teasing)
— I can't feel my arms anymore, you know…
She quickly pulls away, clearly flustered.
Lee Tae Joon's Father approaches, a wide smile on his face.
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— You look radiant. My son really hit the jackpot marrying you.
Han Yuri (turning to him, politely)
— Good evening. I'm sorry for the delay.
Lee Tae Joon's Father (amused)
— Not at all… With a bride this beautiful, the wait makes perfect sense. chuckles
After a few polite exchanges, Han Yuri glances around, clearly searching for someone.
Han Yuri (calmly)
— Ah… Have you seen my father?
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— He was here a few minutes ago… Maybe with the other guests?
Han Yuri
— Excuse me, I need to greet the rest of the guests.
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— Alright.
She walks away, graceful and poised like a queen, under the watchful eyes of Lee Tae Joon and his father.
Lee Tae Joon's Father (eyes sparkling)
— Look at her… so beautiful, so elegant. I still can't believe she's about to become your wife.
Lee Tae Joon (calmly, without taking his eyes off her)
— Sounds like you love her more than me.
Lee Tae Joon's Father (laughing heartily)
— Obviously!
Lee Tae Joon keeps his eyes on Yuri, now chatting politely with some guests… but her gaze still seems a bit distant.
Han Yuri was calmly talking with a few guests when Han Ye Reum approached her.
She wore a short golden dress, glittering with tiny sequins. Her loose hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders. Stylish, of course, but always with that natural elegance she was known for.
Han Ye Reum
— Can I join you?
One of Yuri's friends (slightly distant)
— Oh, Ye Reum-ah… It's been a while.
Han Ye Reum (smiling)
— I just got back. Since my sister didn't want to take over the family business, I have to manage it now.
A slightly tense silence settled in. Then one of the girls, in a tone far too light to be innocent, said:
Girl 1
— A family business… should stay in the family, right?
Eyes darted around. The atmosphere immediately grew heavier.
Girl 1 (insisting, feigning innocence)
— I'm not saying you're not family, Ye Reum… But at my house, we have a family business too, and I'd never let someone else run it instead of my sister—if I had one. If I were Yuri, I'd be asking some serious questions.
Han Yuri, who had remained silent until then, was watching the scene with a frosty gaze. She said nothing.
At that moment, a maid approached Ye Reum.
Maid
— Miss Ye Reum, your mother is looking for you.
Ye Reum simply nodded, threw one last glance at her sister, then walked away without a word.
Once Ye Reum was gone, Han Yuri slowly turned to the girl in question.
Han Yuri (coldly)
— What exactly are you trying to do?
Girl 1 (shrugging)
— I'm just speaking the truth. Why let someone else manage your company? It's your legacy. Do you really want her to take over when your father retires?
Han Yuri (calm but cutting)
— And by "someone else," you mean my sister. She is family.
Girl 1 (mocking smile)
— Family? She's not even your father's daughter… I still wonder why he gave her your family name.
A heavy silence.
Han Yuri (quiet but firm)
— Listen carefully. Ye Reum is my sister. She is my father's daughter. And I never want to hear anything like that again.
If you want to keep getting invited to events like this, is that clear?
She turned and walked away without another word.
Girl 1 (turning to the others with a mocking smile)
— Who does she think she is? Just because she's famous, she thinks we all have to follow her rules now?
Girl 2 (uncomfortable)
— You really crossed the line. Why bring up their family issues? That's not our place—
Girl 1 (cutting her off, stepping closer)
— Interesting… You're on her side now? Is it because she's Han Yuri the actress, or because she's Han Ki Tak's daughter?
Girl 2
— That's not what I meant…
Girl 1 (tapping the other girl's forehead with her finger, icy smile)
— You'd better remember one thing: you're always supposed to be on my side.
Unless you're ready to kiss luxury clothes and fancy invites goodbye. Got it?
The other girl lowered her eyes and simply nodded.
Meanwhile, on Ye Reum's side…
Han Ye Reum joined her mother near a table overflowing with gifts.
Han Ye Reum
— Mom, you were looking for me?
Her mother
— Yes. Could you help organize all these gifts Yuri received from the absent guests?
Han Ye Reum (a bit surprised)
— You called me just for this? To sort Yuri's gifts?
Her mother (calmly)
— So what? After tonight, your sister needs to rest. It's not her job to do it.
Han Ye Reum (sharply, slightly hurt)
— Forget it. I'm not doing it.
She walked away without another word, leaving her mother alone among the gift boxes.
Ye Reum walks into the bathroom, closes the door behind her, and after a few seconds… she breaks down.
She cries in silence, hand over her mouth to muffle the sobs.
Ye Reum's thoughts
Why… Why does it always have to be Han Yuri?
Why does the world always revolve around her?
Why, no matter how hard I try, am I never seen?
Why am I invisible?... Why?
She stays there, back against the door, eyes lost, glistening with tears.
Then, after a while, she wipes her face, takes a deep breath… and walks out as if nothing happened.
Later, in the garden…
Yuri walks alone on the grass. She took off her heels and breathes in the fresh evening air.
Yuri's thoughts
I'm exhausted… Why did Min Hee give me heels this high?
Her mind drifts back to the message.
Who is this person? Why are they so determined to shake me?
Suddenly, she sees a shadow. Her heart skips a beat.
She immediately thinks of the person who sent the video.
Panicked, she grabs something from her clutch.
She turns around, ready to spray the stranger with defensive perfume.
Lee Tae Joon
— It's me.
Han Yuri (surprised, then annoyed)
— You scared me! Why didn't you just say my name? Or at least "hey"? Something!
Lee Tae Joon (amused)
— I didn't know approaching you came with a risk of getting perfumed to death.
Han Yuri
— Why did you come out here?
Lee Tae Joon
— I wanted to see a star.
Han Yuri (ready to leave)
— Let's go back inside. People must be waiting for us.
Lee Tae Joon
— Why are you always like this?
Yuri stops, turns slowly to face him.
Han Yuri
— What do you mean?
Lee Tae Joon
— You're distant with everyone. Different… Hard to read, almost untouchable.
But I don't think that's who you really are.
It's like you're playing a role, wearing a mask… one you refuse to take off.
Yuri says nothing. Her gaze falters for a second, as if her thoughts had just been laid bare.
Then she looks away, an ironic smile on her lips.
Han Yuri
— Aren't we all playing roles? Some are just better at it than others.
Maybe I am pretending…
Or maybe you just don't know how to read people.
You're too curious, Lee Tae Joon-shi.
She walks away without looking back.
Lee Tae Joon watches her go, intrigued.
His gaze searches for the secrets she hides so carefully.
He wonders what she's been through to build such strong walls.
But he's determined: he will uncover the real Yuri.
Two months later — April 4th, 2025. 3:45 PM.
TV Host:
Today, one of the most famous actresses is about to say "I do."
Have you guessed who? Yes, it's Han Yuri!
She recently announced her wedding to Lee Tae Joon, heir to one of Korea's wealthiest families.
This promises to be one of the most luxurious weddings in the industry.
Many celebrities are expected to attend, though their names remain a secret.
One thing is certain: this wedding will be magical.
WEDDING HALL –
The scene opens on a vast hall flooded with natural light.
Large windows let in the soft rays of the late afternoon sun.
The ceiling is high, adorned with sparkling crystal chandeliers casting a golden glow across the room.
The walls are draped in ivory fabric, accented with touches of rose gold.
Every detail exudes elegance: garlands of flowers hanging from the ceiling, columns covered in white roses and pastel orchids, and a soft mist gliding over the floor like a gentle cloud.
Along the central aisle — covered in a spotless white carpet — tall glass vases filled with fresh flowers stand gracefully.
Petals are scattered across the floor, and delicate floating candles shimmer in small crystal bowls.
To the right, the orchestra plays a soft, heavenly melody.
The musicians, dressed in white and beige, blend perfectly with the decor.
To the left, a refined buffet awaits under a gazebo adorned with twinkling lights.
At the center, the altar stands like a dream: an arch of white flowers, cream peonies, and silver lilies.
Under the arch, two ribbon-adorned chairs await the bride and groom.
The camera glides again, capturing a few early guests, elegantly dressed, whispering with excitement.
The atmosphere is solemn and magical, as if time had stopped.
Han Yuri waits in a separate room, wearing a stunning princess-style wedding gown.
The voluminous skirt cascades around her, with a long train flowing majestically behind.
A light veil falls to the ground, completing her silhouette with an ethereal grace.
A delicate tiara rests on her head, subtly sparkling.
Her hair is styled in a perfectly tousled chignon — a flawless blend of elegance and natural beauty.
The golden lace on her bodice catches the light, making her look like a true royal vision.
She is beautiful. Untouchable. Like a queen about to be admired for the very first time.
Kim Min Hee walks in, radiant in a frilly lilac dress.
Her hair falls softly down her back, her bangs framing her face.
She's absolutely adorable, like a little doll.
Kim Min Hee (eyes sparkling)
— Wow, Yuri… You look stunning. Like a real-life princess from a fairy tale…
Someone enters the room.
Min Hee turns with a bright smile.
Kim Min Hee
— Oh, oppa! You made it after all! Isn't she gorgeous?
(She looks at Yuri, then at Lee Jae Hyun with mischief.)
— Do you think I'd look pretty in that dress too?
Lee Jae Hyun (calm)
— That's not really your style of dress.
Kim Min Hee (pouting, then smiling)
— You're right… But I'd still be cute, wouldn't I?
(She waits for his answer with a playful look.)
Lee Jae Hyun (gently)
— Could you give us a moment, Min Hee?
Kim Min Hee
— Of course! Yuri, let's take a picture later!
(She skips out of the room.)
Silence falls. They look at each other for a few seconds.
Lee Jae Hyun
— You look beautiful, Han Yuri…
(He pauses.)
— So, you're really getting married…
Han Yuri
— Thank you for coming, oppa. It means a lot to me.
Lee Jae Hyun lowers his gaze, a bitter smile on his lips.
— So… my one-sided love really ends here, huh…
Han Yuri (gently)
— I'm sorry, oppa.
Flashback — A few days before the wedding
Lee Jae Hyun
— You're really getting married?
Han Yuri
— Yes.
Lee Jae Hyun
— I thought you were just doing it to get attention… But going as far as actually marrying, Yuri? Seriously…
Han Yuri (offended)
— For attention? You think I date someone just to make headlines?
Lee Jae Hyun
— Because I know you. You'd never be with someone if there wasn't something in it for you.
I know you better than anyone. We're alike, you and me.
Yuri stares at him silently.
Lee Jae Hyun (deeper voice)
— You know how I feel about you. But you just pretend not to notice.
(He takes a breath.)
— I've always been there for you. Maybe I'm not good enough for you…
Han Yuri
— I've always known you loved me…
(She looks away.)
— But I pretended not to notice so I wouldn't hurt you. You matter too much to me. I didn't want to lose you…
(She breathes deeply.)
— But I should've been honest. I love you, oppa, but only as a friend. I don't feel the same way. I'm really sorry.
A heavy silence.
Lee Jae Hyun closes his eyes for a moment, then takes a deep breath.
Lee Jae Hyun
— Thanks for being honest. I think I've known all along… Maybe I was in denial, hoping you'd love me someday.
(He looks up with a small smile.)
— Congratulations on your wedding. I hope you'll truly be happy.
Han Yuri
— Thank you… And don't say you're not good enough. You're too good for me… It's just…
Lee Jae Hyun
— Don't worry. I get it.
Han Yuri (softly)
— You'll come to the wedding, right? Please… It's important to me.
Lee Jae Hyun (smiling faintly)
— Of course. Why wouldn't I?
(He opens his arms.)
— Come here.
They hug. For a long time.
Then, gently, they pull away.
Lee Jae Hyun
— Want to eat some ramen?
Han Yuri
— Yeah… Thanks.
Han Yuri sits in the living room while Lee Jae Hyun prepares noodles in silence.
From behind, Yuri can see his face is sad… but he doesn't cry.
Back to the present
Han Yuri (genuinely moved)
— It means a lot that you came to my wedding.
Lee Jae Hyun (softly smiling)
— I wouldn't miss it for the world.
They exchange a smile. A real one. Subtle, but filled with memories.
But suddenly, Han Yuri's phone vibrates.
She glances down and reads the notification.
Her expression changes. Everything crumbles in her eyes.
She opens the message.
> How poetic, don't you think?
You had to get married on the exact same day you killed someone.
This date must be symbolic for you: back then, you took a life… and today, you're marrying someone you don't even love, just to save your reputation.
Honestly…
Anyway, congratulations on the wedding.
What if I released the video to celebrate this special day?
Yuri freezes.
Her hand trembles. Her face goes pale.
Her breath catches in her throat.
Lee Jae Hyun, worried, was about to say something when he saw her expression shatter…
But at that very moment, Kim Min Hee bursts in, all excited.
Kim Min Hee
— The bride, please! Sorry oppa, but she needs to go in now!
Lee Jae Hyun (concerned, looking at Yuri)
— Yuri doesn't look well… Maybe we can wait a little?
Kim Min Hee also notices her friend's blank expression and approaches gently.
Kim Min Hee (softly)
— Yuri? Are you okay? You look… pale.
Han Yuri regains some composure, forces a weak smile.
Han Yuri
— I'm fine… Just a little hungry, I think. Feeling nauseous. But I'll be okay. Let's go…
Inside the hall, the officiant is already speaking.
Officiant
— Ladies and gentlemen… THE BRIDE!
The door opens slowly.
Han Yuri stands there, tall, majestic…
But her gaze is empty for a few seconds.
As if her body moved forward, but her mind was still trapped in that room, frozen by the message's words.
Guests (whispering, admiring)
— Wow… She's stunning…
Officiant (smiling)
— Looks like our bride's a little nervous!
Yuri's father joins her just then.
He offers his arm tenderly and whispers in her ear:
Han Yuri's Father (softly)
— Smile… Show them you're happy.
Yuri looks at him, then slowly raises her eyes to the crowd.
She puts on a radiant smile, almost unreal — like an actress stepping onto the stage.
Her gaze meets Lee Tae Joon's.
He's motionless, expression unreadable.
She walks slowly, holding her father's arm, her dress flowing like a sea of silk with each step.
At the altar, silence falls.
Lee Tae Joon stares at her, wide-eyed.
It's like he's mesmerized.
Her father gently hands her over, then steps back with a proud smile.
Officiant
— Please, say your vows.
Moments later, after the vows…
Officiant (cheerful)
— You are now officially married! Congratulations to the newlyweds! Let's give them a round of applause!
The guests erupt in clapping.
Officiant (playfully)
— But a wedding isn't a wedding without a kiss… right?
Everyone starts cheering and clapping.
— Kiss! Kiss!
Lee Tae Joon hesitates. He tries to step back, uncomfortable.
But Han Yuri gently pulls him toward her.
Everyone cheers and applauds again.
Lee Tae Joon, surprised, opens his eyes wide —
As Han Yuri kisses him.
TO BE CONTINUED…