Han Yuri walks slowly toward the altar, her arm looped through her father's. Her steps are steady, precise—but her mind is far from the ceremony.
Yuri's thoughts (voice-over)
— What if he really posts that video online…? No. I won't let that happen. But… how does he even know about my real relationship with Lee Tae Joon? Is this person watching me…? Or worse… do I know them?
Sensing her tension, her father leans toward her.
Han Yuri's Father (whispering)
— Smile… Show them you're happy.
Han Yuri lifts her gaze to the guests. Her expression shifts instantly. A dazzling, almost surreal smile spreads across her face—flawless, but fake. As if she were stepping onto a stage to play the role of a lifetime.
Yuri's thoughts (cold and firm)
— I'll show them just how happy I am.
This person wants to shake me? Let them know one thing: a stupid message won't be enough to bring me down.
Her dress flows with grace, gliding across the floor like a pearly cloud. Her father leads her to the altar, then bows gently to Lee Tae Joon before stepping back with dignity.
Han Yuri and Lee Tae Joon turn to face the officiant together.
Officiant (solemnly)
— Please recite your vows.
(A brief silence. Han Yuri and Lee Tae Joon look at each other for a moment, then each murmurs their vows in a composed, almost mechanical tone. No sparkle, no genuine smiles. Just… what's required.)
Officiant
— By the power of this commitment, I now pronounce you husband and wife.
Congratulations to the newlyweds.
(A gentle wave of applause ripples through the room. Guests smile, some already pulling out their phones for photos.)
Officiant (with a playful grin)
— But a wedding isn't a real wedding without a kiss… am I right?
Everyone: A kiss! A kiss!
Lee Tae Joon hesitates. He tries to pull back slightly, clearly uncomfortable.
But Han Yuri gently pulls him toward her.
The crowd erupts in cheers and applause.
Lee Tae Joon's eyes widen in surprise as Han Yuri kisses him.
She lets him go after a few seconds.
Officiant (teasing into the mic)
— Another one? Looks like the groom didn't quite enjoy that. What do you think, everyone?
Guests (in chorus, laughing and clapping)
— One more! One more!
Han Yuri (smiling but distant)
— Let's move on now…
(Her smile is polite, almost robotic. She starts to turn away when—)
Lee Tae Joon gently grabs her arm and, without warning, kisses her back.
Guests (collective gasp and excitement)
— Ooooooohhhh!
(Another wave of applause erupts. Cameras click nonstop.)
He slowly pulls away, a small, satisfied smile on his lips.
She, still a bit stiff, puts on another smile—more controlled than genuine.
A few minutes later, it's time for pictures.
Guests come up one by one to pose with the couple. Han Yuri smiles with elegance, as if everything were perfectly fine.
Suddenly, without warning, Lee Tae Joon slips an arm around her waist and pulls her closer.
Slightly surprised, Yuri keeps smiling but murmurs through clenched teeth, without moving her lips.
Han Yuri (under her breath, smiling frozen in place)
— What are you doing?
Lee Tae Joon (smiling calmly)
— Just playing my part of the deal.
Han Yuri doesn't respond. She holds her flawless smile, eyes straight ahead.
But inside? A whole other story.
While the guests continue to take photos with the bride and groom, Han Ye Reum quietly slips away toward the hallway, heading to the restroom.
But as she walks a bit too fast, her heel catches slightly on a rug. She stumbles—almost falling—
A hand catches her just in time.
She quickly looks up.
It's Lee Jae Hyun, her sister's best friend.
Han Ye Reum (surprised)
— Lee Jae Hyun-ssi…
She straightens up quickly, gently pulling away from his arms and adjusting her hair with a nervous flick.
Lee Jae Hyun (calmly, with a soft smile)
— Long time no see, Miss Han Ye Reum.
Han Ye Reum (lightly ironic)
— I didn't expect to see you here.
Lee Jae Hyun
— Why not? Your sister and I are friends, aren't we?
Han Ye Reum (with a teasing smirk)
— Friends? Hm… So she turned you down, huh?
Lee Jae Hyun stays silent, his gaze calmly fixed on her.
Han Ye Reum (teasing more when he doesn't react)
— Oh come on… are you mad? I was joking. You're way too serious, you know that?
Lee Jae Hyun (still composed)
— I'm not mad. You're right—your sister did reject me.
(He pauses.)
— But it didn't change anything between us.
(He gives a polite nod.)
— Now if you'll excuse me.
He walks away without turning back, leaving Han Ye Reum slightly thrown off by his calm demeanor.
She watches him for a few seconds, looking a bit annoyed.
Then mutters under her breath with a dramatic eye-roll:
Han Ye Reum
— What the hell… Why is he so serious? Boring as hell…
She spins on her heel with a pout and heads toward the restroom.
A few minutes later, she steps out of the stall, washes her hands calmly, then pauses in front of the mirror. She fixes her lipstick, tucks a strand of hair in place… when the door quietly creaks open behind her.
Kim Min Hee enters with her usual bubbly stride, immediately spotting Ye Reum and greeting her warmly.
Kim Min Hee
— Ye Reum-ah! Hey!
(Overly cheerful.)
— Your sister looks absolutely stunning today, doesn't she?
Han Ye Reum says nothing. She keeps fixing her hair without even glancing at her.
Kim Min Hee approaches, a soft smile on her lips.
Kim Min Hee
— Ye Reum-ah, your dress is gorgeous… Where did you buy it?
Still no answer. Ye Reum turns, grabs her purse, and gets ready to leave.
Kim Min Hee (with a curious little smile)
— Actually… I saw you with Jae Hyun oppa earlier. What were you two talking about?
Ye Reum stops. She turns slowly, a mocking smirk tugging at her lips.
Han Ye Reum
— What are you, a stalker now? Why are you spying on me?
Kim Min Hee (still smiling)
— I was just passing by… got a little curious, that's all.
Han Ye Reum
— Why do you care?… Ah, right. I forgot you've got a thing for him.
(She stares directly at her.)
— How sad. He chose to love my sister over you. And even today, when she's marrying someone else, he still doesn't look your way.
She turns to leave, but Kim Min Hee grabs her hand—surprisingly tight.
Kim Min Hee (still smiling, but her gaze sharp as a blade)
— Don't test me, Han Ye Reum. You wouldn't stand a chance if I became your enemy. So don't push your luck.
Ye Reum yanks her hand away, ice-cold.
Han Ye Reum
— So there it is. Your real face. I wish my sister could see this side of you.
(She steps in closer.)
You might fool everyone else with your sweetness and fake smile… but not me. I can't be tricked. I never trusted you—not for a second. You think hiding your jealousy behind a smile makes you less pathetic?
She stares her down, an ironic smile on her lips.
Kim Min Hee (calmly smiling)
— Jealous? Of who? Your sister?… Or are you talking about yourself?
Han Ye Reum (slightly frowning)
— What's that supposed to mean?
Kim Min Hee gives a mocking little smirk, savoring every word.
Kim Min Hee
— The little sister forever stuck in her big sister's shadow… Honestly, it's kind of sad. Aren't you tired of being ignored? Of being invisible? Of everyone always choosing Han Yuri over you?
Even your own father would pick Yuri instead of you…
(Pause.)
Oh wait, I forgot. You're not even really his daughter.
You're not even really her sister.
So who do you think you are, pretending to care about her?
Ye Reum steps forward, her gaze ice-cold.
Han Ye Reum
— How dare you…
Kim Min Hee (venomously whispering)
— I'll say this once: don't come for me, Ye Reum. You really don't want me as your enemy.
They stare each other down, face to face, like two storms ready to collide. The air is thick with tension.
Suddenly, the door opens. A guest walks in.
Just like that, Kim Min Hee switches back to her bubbly persona.
Kim Min Hee
— Ye Reum-ah, come on! Your sister's waiting for us!
Ye Reum clenches her jaw but stays silent.
A few minutes later…
Kim Min Hee is already standing next to Han Yuri, both glowing under the flashes. They laugh, posing together.
Ye Reum walks up. She pauses for a moment, watching the two friends caught in their perfect little bubble. Her gaze clouds over, lost.
Kim Min Hee spots her and waves enthusiastically.
Kim Min Hee
— Ye Reum-ah! What are you doing? Come take a photo with us!
Ye Reum walks over slowly. She stands next to Min Hee, who instantly wraps an affectionate arm around her waist. But Ye Reum doesn't react. She glances at her briefly, then calmly turns toward the camera, her face blank like a mask.
The wedding is finally over.
Han Yuri has changed. She's now wearing a chic, comfortable outfit, ready to leave for her honeymoon. Outside, a luxury car waits, engine running.
As soon as they step out of the reception hall, a swarm of reporters gathers at the entrance.
Flashes. Cameras. Microphones shoved forward.
Han Yuri smiles calmly for a few photos, sunglasses on, standing tall like an actress used to this kind of pressure.
Lee Tae Joon joins her, looking more relaxed than ever. He gives the crowd a quick glance, then addresses the journalists in a polite but firm tone:
Lee Tae Joon
— We're really sorry, but we have to go. You understand, right?
Without waiting for a response, he takes Yuri's hand and leads her to the car, photographers snapping every second.
The doors shut behind them, cutting off the noise of the outside world. The vehicle glides away with a soft purr.
Inside the car
A heavy silence hangs in the air. Only the soft hum of the engine breaks it.
Han Yuri (looking out the window)
— Where are we going?
Lee Tae Joon (glancing at her)
— On our honeymoon… What kind of question is that?
Han Yuri (calmly)
— Where to?
Lee Tae Joon (with a sigh)
— Our fathers booked a hotel on Jeju Island.
(He pulls a face.)
— I don't even know why there… I would've preferred Hawaii. But whatever.
Yuri doesn't answer. She turns away, silent. Then, without a word, she pulls out her phone and starts scrolling through the news. She types in her name. Looks at the comments. Headlines. Nothing.
Lee Tae Joon (annoyed)
— You always do this.
Han Yuri (without looking at him)
— I'm just checking a few things.
Lee Tae Joon (mocking)
— Yeah… I can see that.
A short silence.
Han Yuri
— We don't need to go.
Lee Tae Joon
— Yes, we do. What do you want people to say? That we ditched our honeymoon on day one?
(He sighs, leaning back in the seat.)
— Besides, after all these tense months, I could really use a vacation.
Yuri stays silent. She looks back out the window, her expression unreadable.
Han Yuri's thoughts (unsettled)
— Why hasn't he posted the video? Was it just to throw me off? No… Something's off. What is he waiting for?
A few hours later – Arrival at the luxury hotel, Jeju
The car slows in front of a stunning building, with sleek modern architecture. Swaying palm trees, golden sunset light, the scent of sea breeze in the air.
Yuri, sunglasses on, slightly lowers her head to avoid being recognized.
Lee Tae Joon gets out first and walks toward the reception, Yuri quietly following a few steps behind, almost like a shadow.
Receptionist (warmly, with a smile)
— Hello, how can I help you?
Lee Tae Joon (calmly)
— Hi. Do you have a reservation under Lee Tae Joon and Han Yuri?
The receptionist quickly checks the computer.
Receptionist
— Ah, you must be the newlyweds! Congratulations on your marriage.
(She hands them a room key in a golden envelope.)
— Your room is ready. Have a wonderful stay… and enjoy your honeymoon.
Lee Tae Joon takes the key. Yuri keeps her sunglasses on, her expression still unreadable.
A few minutes later
Lee Tae Joon and Han Yuri arrive in front of their room.
Lee Tae Joon (chuckling)
— Hey… why are you wearing sunglasses? It's nighttime.
Han Yuri (dryly)
— I don't want to be recognized.
Lee Tae Joon (mocking grin)
— And you think just wearing sunglasses is enough to hide who you are?
Han Yuri (sighing as she takes them off)
— Just open the door.
They walk in.
Inside, rose petals are scattered everywhere, even on the bed.
Lee Tae Joon (surprised)
— Whoa… They really went all out with the decoration.
Han Yuri (tired, taking off her heels)
— I'm going to relax in the tub. I need to breathe. Can you get rid of all these roses, please?
In the bathroom…
Han Yuri (rolling her eyes)
— Oh no… Seriously?
Lee Tae Joon (curious, joining her)
— What is it?
He discovers the bathtub filled with petals, two robes neatly folded, and a bottle of wine surrounded by candles.
Lee Tae Joon (amused)
— Wow. Romantic.
Han Yuri (coldly)
— Can you leave me alone now?
Lee Tae Joon (playing innocent)
— Why? It's set up for two people, isn't it?
Han Yuri (shooting daggers at him)
Lee Tae Joon (raising his hands, backing off)
— I'm kidding, I'm kidding! Chill, I'll unpack our stuff.
Han Yuri
— No, don't touch my things.
Lee Tae Joon (with a teasing little smirk)
— We're married, aren't we? What's yours is mine.
He walks away with that usual detached air.
Bar – Meanwhile
Han Ye Reum is sitting alone, staring into her glass. Her mind replays Kim Min Hee's hurtful words. The music is loud, but all she hears are her thoughts.
A man approaches.
Man (with a sleazy grin)
— Hey, princess. Mind if I join you?
Ye Reum stays silent.
Man (insisting)
— Oh… no answer? Silence means yes, right?
Han Ye Reum (coldly, without looking at him)
— If I'm not answering, it means I don't want to talk. Makes sense, doesn't it?
Man (smirking)
— Whoa, a badass chick. I love it.
(To the bartender.)
— A whiskey for me, bro.
Han Ye Reum (pretending to get up)
— How much do I owe you? I think I should head home.
Bartender
— One moment, miss.
She tries to stand but stumbles slightly. She's clearly had too much to drink. The man immediately seizes the opportunity and grabs her by the waist.
Man (slurring, chuckling)
— You're drunk, sweetheart. Want me to take you home?
Han Ye Reum (trying to push him away)
— Don't touch me.
Man
— Oh come on, don't act like a diva.
Han Ye Reum (firmer)
— I said… don't touch me!
Still, he tries to stroke her hair, his hand sliding closer. She tries to push him away again but stumbles.
The bartender doesn't notice… But suddenly, a firm voice rings out from behind.
???
— She told you to leave her alone.
The man turns around, startled.
Man
— And who the hell are you?
(looking closer)
Oh… It's Lee Jae Hyun! Are you her boyfriend or something? Don't want a scandal, huh? Then get lost.
Han Ye Reum slowly lifts her head, eyes wide.
Han Ye Reum
— Lee Jae Hyun-ssi…? What are you doing here…?
He walks toward her.
Lee Jae Hyun (calm but firm, pulling out his phone)
— Alright. I'm calling the police.
(He dials without hesitation.)
— Hello. I'm reporting a man attempting to assault a woman. It's in a bar on Market Street, number 16, Gangnam.
(He gives the man a cold glare.)
— He's still here.
The man snatches the phone from his hand.
Man (gritting his teeth)
— Fine, fine! I'm leaving, asshole…
He walks off.
Ye Reum sits back down silently, downs her drink in one go, without looking at Jae Hyun.
Lee Jae Hyun (sighs, calmly)
— What are you doing here alone?
Han Ye Reum (sarcastic)
— Having fun. My sister just got married, after all…
Lee Jae Hyun
— If I hadn't shown up… do you know what could've happened?
Lee Jae Hyun (tired)
— You know what… just go home.
He starts walking away. But after a few seconds, he looks back—and sees her still sitting there, unsteady, eyes empty.
He returns to her.
Lee Jae Hyun
— I'll take you home. You've had way too much. Come on.
Han Ye Reum
— I don't need you.
Lee Jae Hyun
— I don't have time for this. You're coming with me before I change my mind.
Han Ye Reum
— Go away.
He looks at her for a long moment, then turns away.
Han Ye Reum (quietly)
— You know… someone told me today that I'll never be as good as my sister. That no one will ever choose me. And you know what? It's true. My sister's perfect. Beautiful. Talented. Famous. And me? Not even my dad's real daughter.
A heavy silence.
Lee Jae Hyun (softer)
— Who would say something like that…? You're amazing, Han Ye Reum-shi. Beautiful, brilliant, brave. And your family loves you. Especially your sister.
She looks at him, eyes glistening with tears.
Han Ye Reum
— Do you really believe that…?
Lee Jae Hyun
— I do.
Without warning, Han Ye Reum kisses him.
Lee Jae Hyun freezes, eyes wide open.
At the hotel – same moment
Han Yuri, now in a bathrobe, has just finished her bath. Not seeing Tae Joon, she sits on the couch and turns on the TV.
Han Yuri
— Tae Joon-ssi? Where were you?
Lee Tae Joon (waving a bottle)
— I went to get some soju.
Han Yuri (sighs)
— What for…?
Lee Tae Joon
— To drink, obviously.
Han Yuri
— No thanks, not for me.
Lee Tae Joon
— Oh come on, for once in your life, stop being so uptight. Have some fun—it's our honeymoon. Enjoy it.
Han Yuri
— Uptight? Me? I'm not uptight. I'm just keeping my dignity.
Lee Tae Joon
— No, you're not uptight… My bad. You just always try to be the perfect woman.
Han Yuri
— And what's wrong with that? I'm an actress. I have to be as perfect as possible for my fans.
Lee Tae Joon
— But tonight, you're not in front of a camera, or your fans. So stop being perfect. Be imperfect, just for a moment. You might actually like it.
Han Yuri
— Did you at least bring ramyeon?
Lee Tae Joon
— Of course! Hold on, I'll boil the water.
Han Yuri
— No, I'll do it.
Lee Tae Joon
— You know how to do that kind of stuff?
Han Yuri
— Why are you looking at me like that? I can cook.
Lee Tae Joon
— Suuuure you can…
Han Yuri
— Just wait till we're home. I'll make you a proper meal and then you'll see…
(beat)
What? Why are you looking at me like that?
Lee Tae Joon
— No reason… It's weird. I just realized we're really married.
Han Yuri
— Yeah… it is weird. Oh, the water's ready.
She prepares the ramyeon. A few minutes later, they're eating.
Han Yuri
— Hmm… It's been so long.
Lee Tae Joon
— When was the last time you had ramyeon?
Han Yuri
— With Jae Hyun oppa, a few months before the wedding.
Lee Tae Joon
— What? You ate ramyeon with another guy?
Han Yuri
— Yeah, we eat it all the time at his place.
Lee Tae Joon
— What?! At his place? Don't you know what it means when a guy invites a girl over for ramyeon?
Han Yuri
— It means they sleep together. So what?
Lee Tae Joon
— So what?! That's not okay!
Han Yuri
— Why not? We're eating ramyeon right now, aren't we?
Lee Tae Joon
— Yeah, but… it's different.
He gets up and walks away.
Han Yuri
— Where are you going? We're supposed to be having fun today.
Lee Tae Joon
— I'm a little tired. I'm going to sleep.
Han Yuri
— Just like that? Fine, let's go to bed then.
Lee Tae Joon
— Oh right… How are we going to sleep?
Han Yuri
— Well… On the bed, obviously.
Lee Tae Joon
— Together?
Han Yuri
— Don't tell me you're scared to sleep next to a woman?
Lee Tae Joon
— Scared? Me? Why would I be scared? Fine, I'll take that side.
They get into bed. Han Yuri turns her back to him.
Lee Tae Joon doesn't sleep. He stares at the ceiling.
Suddenly, Yuri turns around. Their eyes meet. He quickly looks away.
Lee Tae Joon (suddenly getting up)
— I'm going to get some air on the balcony.
Han Yuri (frowning)
— What's his problem…?
The next morning – 8:12 AM
Morning light filters softly through the half-closed curtains.
Han Ye Reum is sprawled across a hotel bed, hair a mess, makeup still on from the night before.
Her phone rings. Still half asleep, she fumbles around for it…
Han Ye Reum (groggy)
— Who's calling at this hour…
She weakly reaches out, blindly feeling around for the phone, almost knocking it over—before finally grabbing it. She squints at the screen.
She squints harder, wincing at the brightness.
Notification:
Missed call – Mom
But before she can react, a chill runs down her spine.
She blinks several times, trying to clear her head.
And then she freezes.
Her eyes go wide.
She doesn't recognize the place.
She slowly sits up, panic rising.
She looks around. The bed. The walls. The floor. Nothing is familiar. And most of all—
She looks down.
She's no longer wearing her dress from the night before.
Just an oversized white T-shirt.
Han Ye Reum (whispering, panicked)
— What is this? Where am I? Whose place is this? And why am I wearing… this?
She scans the room, completely lost.
Her heart races. She desperately tries to recall what happened the night before… but it's all a blur.
Then suddenly, a flash of memory hits her.
The bar. The drinking. The creep.
Then… Lee Jae Hyun.
Her face goes pale.
Han Ye Reum (grabbing her head)
— Oh my god… What was that?
(She starts to panic.)
— Did it really happen? No, no, no… Oh god… What did I do? Why did I do that?
She jumps out of bed, grabs a blanket to cover herself like she's about to burst into flames from embarrassment.
Still woozy, she stumbles a little, but rushes to the door, determined to sneak out.
She reaches for the handle—ready to make a run for it—
But the door opens at that exact moment.
Standing right in front of her: Lee Jae Hyun.
He freezes too.
They stare at each other.
A thick, awkward, almost painful silence.
He's holding a bag of pastries.
She's wrapped in a blanket, hair a total mess, cheeks flushed with confusion.
Neither says a word.
They can't.
Just a long, loaded look.
Then slowly… Lee Jae Hyun looks away.
TO BE CONTINUED.