The Next Morning – 7 a.m. – Jeju Island
Han Yuri was still asleep.
In her dream, she was driving again. Reliving that infamous night. But this time, instead of Jae Hyun, it was reporters and police officers who showed up. The police cuffed her while the reporters bombarded her with questions and camera flashes:
— "Miss Han Yuri, why did you kill that person?"
The blinding flashes from the cameras overwhelmed her. Yuri couldn't breathe. Panic surged. Then suddenly, her loved ones began appearing one by one.
Min Hee (coldly):
"Yuri… I'm really disappointed in you."
Yuri's father (in a glacial tone):
"You've destroyed our family's image."
Han Ye Reum (bitter laugh):
"So, the perfect daughter isn't so perfect after all."
(She laughs again.)
Her stepmother (bursting out in laughter):
"So, you killed someone? What a disgrace to this family!"
Those voices echoed endlessly in her mind. Her breathing became erratic. Sweat trickled down her skin. Her hands trembled. The reporters kept flashing photos.
Then, the woman from the accident appeared, her voice icy and stern:
— "Why did you kill me?"
Han Yuri (in tears):
— "It was an accident… I'm sorry. I'm so sorry…"
Meanwhile, Lee Tae Joon, already awake, heard her cries and rushed into the bedroom. He found Yuri crying in her sleep, whispering over and over:
— "I'm sorry… I'm sorry…"
He approached gently and tried to wake her.
Lee Tae Joon:
— "Han Yuri-ssi? Han Yuri, wake up."
After a few seconds, she opened her eyes, still trembling, tears streaming down her cheeks. Tae Joon wrapped his arms around her.
Lee Tae Joon:
— "It's okay. It's just a dream. You're safe now."
It took a moment, but she slowly calmed down and pulled away.
Lee Tae Joon:
— "You alright? It looked like a nightmare… Want me to bring you something to help calm down?"
Han Yuri (in a soft voice):
— "No, I'm fine… don't worry."
Lee Tae Joon:
— "You sure? You were shaking."
Han Yuri (sharply):
— "I said I'm fine."
Lee Tae Joon:
— "Alright… Come eat something. I made breakfast."
Han Yuri:
— "No, thank you. I never eat in the morning."
Lee Tae Joon (sighing):
— "You can't start your day on an empty stomach."
Han Yuri:
— "I said no."
Lee Tae Joon:
— "And I'm telling you to come. I'm your husband now, whether you like it or not. You could at least listen to me for once."
Han Yuri (getting up calmly):
— "You go ahead. I'll take a shower first."
A few minutes later – Bathroom – Jeju
Han Yuri had just finished her bath. Wrapped in a towel, her hair still damp, she stared at herself in the mirror. Her face looked calm, but her eyes were heavy with exhaustion.
She glanced away, picked up her phone, and sat at the edge of the sink. Scrolling through news articles, she typed her name in the search bar. Nothing. No headlines. No posts.
Han Yuri's thoughts
Why hasn't he released the video yet…? What's he waiting for?
Her eyes clouded. That familiar tightness returned to her chest. A thousand questions spiraled through her head.
Meanwhile, in Seoul – Lee Jae Hyun's apartment
In the kitchen, Han Ye Reum was quietly eating a bowl of ramen. The only sound in the room came from her chopsticks tapping against the bowl. Lee Jae Hyun watched her calmly.
Lee Jae Hyun (gently):
— "So… did you sleep well?"
Ye Reum sat up a little, avoiding his gaze.
Han Ye Reum (awkward):
— "Yeah…"
(She cleared her throat.)
— "Um… can I borrow your bathroom?"
Lee Jae Hyun (gesturing):
— "It's just over there."
She got up, still wrapped in the blanket. As she walked away, his voice stopped her.
Lee Jae Hyun (teasing):
— "By the way…"
She turned slowly.
Han Ye Reum:
— "Yes?"
Lee Jae Hyun (with a playful grin):
— "You planning to make that blanket your official outfit now?"
Han Ye Reum (embarrassed):
— "Ah… I didn't see my dress. I just grabbed this to cover myself a bit. But… where is it, anyway?"
He didn't answer right away. He just looked at her for a second before saying:
Lee Jae Hyun:
— "There are some clean clothes in the drawer in the bedroom. Feel free to borrow something. Don't worry."
Han Ye Reum (nodding):
— "Okay… thank you."
She returned to the bedroom, opened the drawer… and paused. Inside were neatly folded women's clothes.
Han Ye Reum (small smirk):
— "Why am I surprised? Of course he lives alone…"
Bathroom – Lee Jae Hyun's apartment
Ye Reum closed the door and stepped inside. Facing the mirror, she stared at herself for a moment, then began pacing nervously. Her thoughts were spinning.
Han Ye Reum (murmuring):
— "What exactly happened last night? Why can't I remember anything…"
She tried to piece it together.
I drank soju… that jerk at the bar…
Then a flash. The kiss.
She froze.
Han Ye Reum:
— "And then? What happened after that… aish… why is everything blank?"
She sighed, leaned on the sink, then shook her head as if trying to reset her mind.
Han Ye Reum (trying to brush it off):
— "Okay, it's not like I killed someone. I mean… I'm not a kid. Stuff like this… it happens. I was drunk. It's normal. I just need to stay cool."
She took a deep breath.
Han Ye Reum:
— "Okay, okay… You've got this. Breathe."
Back in Jeju – Dining area
Han Yuri finally stepped out of the room and joined Lee Tae Joon at the dining table. As she entered, she froze at the sight.
Han Yuri (muttering, in disbelief):
— "Burgers… fries… fried chicken? Seriously…?"
She moved closer, spotted another dish even greasier, and shook her head.
Han Yuri (dryly):
— "What even is this? You really plan to eat all that… at this hour?"
Lee Tae Joon (as if it were obvious):
— "Apparently, this kind of breakfast gives you the strength to power through the day."
Yuri sat down, arms crossed, looking unimpressed.
Han Yuri:
— "An egg and coffee would be more than enough. This stuff's terrible for your health. You trying to die young or something?"
Lee Tae Joon (grinning):
— "Well, we're all gonna die eventually. Might as well go out eating what we love."
She stared at him for a moment before getting up.
Han Yuri:
— "Did you at least make coffee?"
Lee Tae Joon (proudly):
— "Of course."
She poured herself a cup and sipped in silence.
Lee Tae Joon (eyeing her outfit):
— "Why are you so dressed up this early?"
Han Yuri (while checking her phone):
— "I have to return to Seoul. A lot of things to take care of."
Lee Tae Joon (half-smirking):
— "You always have a lot of things to do. We didn't even get to see the beach yet."
Han Yuri (calmly sipping her coffee):
— "You can stay if you want. We don't have to leave together."
Lee Tae Joon (mock dramatic):
— "Perfect. So tonight, when the waiter at the fancy dinner your dad arranged comes to me and says:
(Mimicking a posh tone.)
— 'Sir Lee, I see Madam is running a bit late. Would you like to order ahead? May I suggest our chef's signature salad for your lovely wife?'
(He pauses, then rolls his eyes.)
— And I'll just smile and say:
— 'Oh, her? She preferred to head back to Seoul. Apparently, romance works better… without me.'"
Han Yuri:
— "Fine. We'll stay one more day. But we go back to Seoul tomorrow."
Lee Tae Joon cracked a small smile… but just then, Yuri's phone buzzed. She checked it quickly, then relaxed seeing the sender: Kim Min Hee. She opened the message.
Text from Kim Min Hee:
> To my dearest best friend, you looked beautiful yesterday. We didn't get to talk much, so I'm sending you my heartfelt congratulations now. When you're back in Seoul, let's celebrate properly – just the two of us.
Your best friend, Kim Min Hee.
Lee Tae Joon:
— "Is that your friend… uh… what's her name again? The really cute one?"
Han Yuri:
— "Min Hee. She sent me a sweet message. We barely talked yesterday."
Lee Tae Joon:
— "You've been friends long?"
Han Yuri:
— "Yeah. She's been too good to me. When the scandal broke out, every so-called friend abandoned me. They unfollowed me, cut me off… But Min Hee? She stayed. She never let me down."
Lee Tae Joon:
— "Really?"
Han Yuri:
— "Yeah."
Lee Tae Joon:
— "So, how'd you two meet?"
Han Yuri:
— "We were fifteen. I had just transferred schools…"
Flashback
Han Yuri
— Dad, why do you want me to go to that school? I don't know anyone there… Why move now?
Yuri's Father
— You're going, whether you like it or not. You'll have plenty of time to make new friends. Moving to Seoul is what's best for our family. The company is based there.
Han Yuri
— And what about my acting classes?
Yuri's Father
— It's a prestigious school. You'll have everything you need. The decision's made. Start packing.
Han Yuri says nothing and simply goes upstairs to her room.
A week later, her driver drops her off in front of her new school.
Teacher
— Good morning, everyone. We have a new student today. Please be nice to her. Go on, introduce yourself, sweetheart.
Han Yuri stays silent for a few seconds, then looks around the class.
Han Yuri
— Hello, my name is Han Yuri.
After class, she waits for her driver, who's running late.
Han Yuri (on the phone)
— Hello? Where are you?
Driver
— There's heavy traffic, Miss. I'll be there soon.
As she waits alone, a group of sketchy boys walks over.
— Well, well… what's a pretty princess like you doing here all alone? Want us to walk you home?
Han Yuri (coldly)
— I don't have time to talk to lowlifes like you.
— Oh, she's got attitude…
One of them tries to grab her hand. Han Yuri slaps him across the face. Furious, he grabs her by the hair.
Suddenly, a small voice shouts:
Kim Min Hee
— Help! These guys are attacking this girl!
The boys turn toward her, then run away, calling her crazy.
Kim Min Hee (worried)
— Are you okay? You're not hurt?
Han Yuri
— I'm fine. Thank you so much.
Kim Min Hee (cheerfully)
— I'm Kim Min Hee! Oh! I know you—you're the new student, right?
Han Yuri
— Yes… Thank you for saving me. Weren't you scared to yell like that? What if they had gone after you too?
Kim Min Hee
— Wow, you're so pretty! Like an actress.
Han Yuri
— Thanks… so are you.
Kim Min Hee (grinning)
— Wanna be friends? I like you.
Han Yuri
— Yeah, I'd like that.
Kim Min Hee
— You'll never get bored with me! How old are you?
Han Yuri
— I'm fifteen.
Kim Min Hee
— Me too!
Yuri's driver finally arrives.
Han Yuri
— That's my driver. Come on, we'll drop you off.
From that day on, after Min Hee stood up for her, they became inseparable. Min Hee often came over to Yuri's house.
One day, in Yuri's room:
Kim Min Hee
— Yuri, look! I made these matching bracelets for us. Aren't they pretty?
Han Yuri
— Yes, they're lovely.
Kim Min Hee
— With this bracelet, our friendship will last forever. You have to wear it every day, okay?
They smile at each other, close and happy.
One year later…
In the school hallway:
Kim Min Hee
— Yuri, wait up!
Han Yuri
— Come on, we're already late.
They rush to class.
They arrive breathless at the classroom door. As they step inside, the teacher is already speaking.
Teacher
— You're late, girls.
Kim Min Hee & Han Yuri (together)
— We're really sorry.
Teacher (with a small sigh)
— Hurry up and sit down.
All the boys in the class turn to stare as Han Yuri walks by.
Teacher
— Now, as I was saying… we have a new student joining us today. Please welcome him warmly.
Kim Min Hee (whispering)
— He's cute, right Yuri?
Lee Jae Hyun (introducing himself)
— Hello, I'm Lee Jae Hyun.
He scans the class… until his eyes land on Han Yuri.
A brief silence.
Their gazes lock.
Lee Jae Hyun gives a subtle, faint smile…
Han Yuri remains frozen.
Kim Min Hee (giggling and whispering)
— Omo… He totally looked at you, Yuri.
End of Flashback
Lee Tae Joon
— Wow… Your friendship's lasted all this time? That's rare. Usually friendships end in betrayal, something like, "You stole my boyfriend", or even worse.
Han Yuri
— Min Hee and I understand each other. Sure, we've argued before, but we always make up in the end. She's like a sister to me.
Lee Tae Joon
— But… don't you already have a sister? Aren't you two close?
Han Yuri
— It's not that… I was always busy with auditions, and Ye Reum had her studies. We never really had time to grow close. Min Hee and I shared the same dream. We went to auditions together, supported each other.
Lee Tae Joon
— She wanted to be an actress too?
(brief pause)
Then… why were you the one who made it?
Han Yuri (hesitating)
— I'm not sure… Maybe it was because of her mom's illness. She stopped going to auditions around that time. Everything just… stopped for her, I guess.
Lee Tae Joon
— I see…
(smiles)
Anyway, enough talk. Wanna go check out the beach?
Han Yuri
— Go without me. I'm going to rest a bit. If I go out, someone's bound to recognize me again.
Lee Tae Joon
— Then wear a mask.
Han Yuri (with a sigh)
— I already agreed to stay here, remember? That doesn't mean you can push your luck. You know what the contract says: we live our lives as we did before. You don't need me to look at the ocean.
She doesn't say another word and walks away quietly into the bedroom.
Meanwhile in Seoul – Lee Jae Hyun's apartment
Han Ye Reum steps out of the bathroom, freshly showered and dressed.
She runs her hand over the fabric of her clothes.
Han Ye Reum (murmuring)
— Weird… This looks exactly like Yuri's style.
She lifts her head… but Lee Jae Hyun is nowhere to be seen.
Han Ye Reum
— What the— Where did he go?
Lee Jae Hyun (already behind her)
— Looks good on you.
Han Ye Reum (startled)
— Aah! You scared me! Where were you?
(brief pause, then regains her composure)
Thanks for the ramen. And for the clothes.
But I should go now.
She heads for her bag on the table and grabs it.
Just before reaching the door, she pauses.
Han Ye Reum (without turning around)
— Oh, and about last night…
(a small pause)
I think we're mature enough not to make a big deal out of it, right?
She opens the door… and walks out.
Lee Jae Hyun stands frozen, not moving a muscle.
Lee Jae Hyun (to himself, frowning)
— What is she even talking about…?
LYRA Entertainment – Director's Office
The director turns away from his screen and glances at Min Hee.
Director
— Ah, Min Hee. Do you know when Yuri's coming back exactly?
Kim Min Hee
— Not really… I just sent her a message. Maybe you should message her too?
Director
— Why? I already congratulated her yesterday.
(small sigh)
Anyway… how are the comments on her personal page?
Kim Min Hee
— Mostly positive. Her fans seem happy for her.
Director
— That's good… If it keeps up, we might restore her image faster than expected.
(pauses)
Did she post any honeymoon pics yet? People eat that stuff up.
Kim Min Hee
— Not yet… And you know, that's not really her thing.
Director (with a mischievous grin)
— Maybe she's too busy having romantic moments with her husband.
Kim Min Hee (grinning back)
— Probably…
(then teasing)
By the way, Director—why haven't you ever gotten married? You must be what… fifty?
Director (fake scandalized)
— Hey! I'm forty-five! Forty-five! And I've had tons of women chasing me, alright? I turned them down!
Kim Min Hee (holding back laughter)
— Sure, sure… I'm sure they were all begging you to marry them.
Director
— I'm serious! Why don't you ever believe me?
(waves it off)
Anyway, message Yuri and tell her to post some pictures. Even just a sea view. It gives off a "perfect couple" vibe.
Kim Min Hee (getting up)
— Alright, I'll text her right now.
She walks out, gently closing the door behind her. The director stays seated, sighs, then returns to his screen.
Director (grumbling to himself)
— Fifty… seriously? And she said it out loud too…
(He glances around, whispering indignantly:)
— What if someone had heard that? My reputation…
(Crossing his arms, clearly offended but with a dash of pride.)
— I don't even have gray hair yet… tch.
Jeju Island — 11 a.m.
After her conversation with Lee Tae Joon, Han Yuri found herself alone at the hotel. Bored. Pacing around.
She turned on the TV… switched it off immediately.
Checked her phone. Nothing interesting.
Picked up a book… put it down after two pages.
Eventually, she made her way to the terrace with a cup of coffee in hand.
The scenery was breathtaking, the breeze soft—everything perfect for relaxation… except she was still bored.
With a sigh, she set her cup down on the little table.
Han Yuri
— Aish… Why is this so boring?
Without thinking too much, she grabbed her phone and tapped nervously on the screen…
Her finger landed automatically on Lee Tae Joon's name.
The ringtone rang once. Twice. Three times…
Her eyes flew open.
Han Yuri
— Wait… Why am I calling him?!
She hung up in a panic.
Han Yuri (to herself, almost shocked)
— Am I losing it or what?! Who was I even about to call?! It's not like this is the first time I've been alone in a hotel… When I was filming overseas, I was always alone, and I never complained!
She paused. Stared into the distance again. Sighed.
Han Yuri
— But this time… it feels different. Why does it suddenly feel so… empty?
After a few minutes of hesitation, she finally stood up.
Interior — Lobby of The Shimmering Sea – Luxury Stay, Jeju Island — 11:30 a.m.
She slowly walked down the hotel stairs, sunglasses shielding her eyes, a beach hat snugly set on her head.
Her white jumpsuit hugged her waist gracefully before flowing out in soft, wide-leg pants.
On her feet, beige kitten heels clicked gently against the stone steps.
A true actress on vacation.
She glanced around.
Han Yuri (murmuring, frowning slightly)
— Where did he go…? Whatever. He wants to enjoy himself? I can do the same. Might even be better this way.
She took a few steps toward the lobby… then froze.
Han Yuri (softly sighing)
— But if someone takes a picture of me… and he's not there… It's going to stir up drama again.
She approached the reception desk. A young receptionist greeted her with a professional smile.
Receptionist (warmly)
— Good morning, ma'am. How can I help you?
Han Yuri (lowering her head slightly beneath her hat)
— Yes… Do you happen to know where Mr. Lee Tae Joon went?
Receptionist (apologetically, with a polite tone)
— I'm very sorry, ma'am. I haven't seen him this morning. He didn't book any spa appointments or activities, as far as I know. He just passed by earlier without saying anything or leaving a message.
(reassuring smile)
— But if you'd like, I could call a few staff members. He might be participating in one of our outdoor or on-site activities.
Han Yuri
— No, that won't be necessary. Thank you.
She gave a slight smile, then walked away with her graceful stride.
She stepped through the large glass doors. A salty breeze brushed against her face.
The blue ocean stretched before her like a postcard.
She adjusted her hat and took a deep breath in.
Outside — Main Entrance of The Shimmering Sea – Luxury Stay — 11:40 a.m.
As soon as Han Yuri stepped through the large glass doors, a light sea breeze brushed her face.
The Shimmering Sea – Luxury Stay stood proudly on a lush green hill, offering a breathtaking view of the deep blue ocean.
Its architecture was a perfect blend of minimalist modern design and traditional Korean charm: wide glass windows, elegant wood, volcanic Jeju stone walls, and subtle touches of a reimagined hanok style.
A palm-lined path wound its way to a large black stone fountain at the garden's center, surrounded by vibrant tropical flowers bursting with color.
Light wooden benches invited relaxation, and a discreet trail led down to a private beach, where white sand and crystal-clear waters melted into one another.
Couples strolled by. Families snapped photos. Everything felt like a postcard scene… almost too perfect to be real.
After wandering around the hotel, observing the various activities without ever deciding what to do alone, Han Yuri finally ended up by the pool.
The turquoise water sparkled under the Jeju sun.
She snapped a few pictures for her feed—honeymoon vibes, of course—but her heart wasn't really in it.
She sat on a lounge chair, legs crossed, oversized sunglasses on, iced coffee in hand. A long sigh escaped her lips.
Han Yuri (murmuring, weary)
— Aish… why is this so boring...
Just as she was about to pull out her phone and mindlessly scroll, a familiar male voice caught her attention.
She tilted her head slightly… and spotted Lee Tae Joon a few meters away, standing near the pool, deep in conversation with a woman in an elegant beach dress.
Yuri frowned.
Han Yuri (thinking, offended)
— He's talking to another woman? During our honeymoon?!
The woman chuckled at something Lee Tae Joon had just said.
Yuri inhaled sharply, sat up straighter… then muttered to herself.
Han Yuri (under her breath)
— Not my business. He can do whatever he wants.
(pause)
— But if someone snaps a photo of him flirting like that… it'll be all over the headlines.
She stood up, smoothed her hair, and approached them with calm, confident steps.
Han Yuri (with a slightly stiff smile)
— You two seem to be having a good time.
Lee Tae Joon turned to her at once, visibly caught off guard.
Lee Tae Joon
— Yuri…
She slowly removed her sunglasses with all the poise of a drama queen reclaiming her spotlight.
Han Yuri (gracefully)
— Hello. I'm his wife.
(smiles softly at the woman)
— We're currently on our honeymoon.
A slight silence followed, before Lee Tae Joon quickly stood and walked over to her with a conciliatory smile.
Lee Tae Joon (gently)
— So you finally came out… I was starting to think you'd spend the whole day in bed. You okay?
He turned to the woman to explain, his tone calm and courteous.
Lee Tae Joon (to the woman)
— I was actually just talking about her. This is my wife. She wasn't feeling well this morning, so she told me to enjoy some time alone…
(glances briefly at Yuri with subtle warmth)
But I wasn't too comfortable leaving her by herself. I only came down to grab a bite, and that's when I ran into your little girl. She seemed a bit lost.
Then, looking back at Yuri, his tone shifted—half serious, half teasing.
Lee Tae Joon
— Luckily, I found her before she got completely lost. Right, honey?
The woman, slightly embarrassed, stood up and gave a polite bow.
Woman
— Hello. Your husband was really sweet. My daughter wandered off and I couldn't find her… I was so worried.
(shoots a grateful look at Lee Tae Joon)
Luckily he came by and spotted her right away. He calmed her down too.
Then she turned to Yuri, smiling sincerely and with admiration.
Woman
— And he wasn't lying… You're even more beautiful in person.
My husband stayed in our room with our daughter, but I wanted to thank your husband in person.
Thank you again. I hope you have a wonderful honeymoon.
Han Yuri (a little surprised, but polite and touched)
— Thank you so much. Enjoy your vacation as well.
The woman bowed once more and walked away.
Lee Tae Joon (arms crossed, smirking at her)
— What was that?
Han Yuri (playing innocent)
— What do you mean?
Lee Tae Joon
— You said you wanted to stay in the room, didn't want to go out… then you show up like you're starring in a drama, playing the slightly jealous wife.
Han Yuri (offended)
— Jealous? I'm not jealous. I'm just being cautious about our public image—just in case someone takes a photo of you chatting up another woman. In broad daylight. On our honeymoon.
Lee Tae Joon (laughing softly)
— You're serious right now? Yuri, we're on vacation. You really think a paparazzi's gonna jump out from behind the pool chairs?
Han Yuri (annoyed, folding her arms too)
— Of course. I'm an actress, Tae Joon. An actress. One little slip and boom—top trending with rumors of divorce before we've even unpacked.
(glaring at him)
And might I remind you that our contract clearly states: no suspicious contact with other people during the marriage period. You remember that, don't you?
Lee Tae Joon (stepping closer, lowering his voice slightly)
— You know… for someone who's not jealous, you sure nailed the scene.
Han Yuri (not looking at him)
— Go back to having fun. I'm heading back to the room.
(She turned to leave, but Lee Tae Joon gently caught her wrist. She stopped and slowly turned her head.)
Han Yuri (slightly annoyed)
— What now?
Lee Tae Joon (calm, almost tender)
— The beach is stunning at this hour.
Han Yuri
— So?
Lee Tae Joon (with a smirk)
— Come on. Would be a shame to waste it locked in the room.
(Yuri hesitated, rolled her eyes.)
Han Yuri (sighing, resigned but amused)
— I see the beach all the time… But yeah, it's better than being bored alone upstairs.
A few minutes later, on the beach.
The warm sand slipped under their feet, soft and soothing.
It was past noon, and the sun had begun its slow descent, casting a golden hue across the sky.
They stopped without saying a word, facing the quiet beauty of the ocean.
Lee Tae Joon (hands in his pockets, a slight smile on his face)
— See? Told you it was worth it.
Yuri didn't answer. She stared at the horizon, lost in thought, silent.
The breeze played gently with her hair.
After some time, they headed back to the hotel, walking side by side, unhurried.
Back in their room.
Han Yuri removed her sunglasses, slipped off her heels, and set them neatly by the door.
Han Yuri (calmly)
— Cancel tonight's dinner. Just say I'm a bit tired.
Lee Tae Joon (nodding)
— Alright. I'm tired too.
(He took out his phone and made a quick call, his tone polite.)
Lee Tae Joon
— Hello, yes. This is for tonight's reservation under Lee Tae Joon and Han Yuri.
Yes… We'd like to cancel.
We're a bit tired.
I'm really sorry.
Thank you very much.
(He hung up and turned to Han Yuri silently.)
Lee Tae Joon
— Done. I'll still go down and grab something to eat.
Han Yuri
— Okay…
A few minutes later…
Lee Tae Joon returned to the room. But as he walked in, he stopped cold.
Yuri had fallen asleep on the couch, head gently tilted, arms folded around herself.
Her face was peaceful… almost fragile.
He quietly set the drinks and food down on the table, then disappeared into the bedroom.
When he came back, he held a blanket and draped it gently over her.
He stood there for a moment, watching her in silence.
A mix of emotions crossed his face—but he said nothing.
Then he slowly walked away, letting her sleep.
Seoul — Hannam-dong District
In a spacious office of a luxury building, Han Yuri's father stood with his arms behind his back, staring out the large window as he spoke to his secretary.
Yuri's Father
— Did you speak to Jae Hyun?
Secretary
— Yes, sir. He confirmed he'll keep his word. He won't tell anyone about… the accident.
Yuri's Father (nodding)
— Good. After everything I've done for him… He better take that secret to the grave.
Secretary (hesitant)
— But… Miss Han still doesn't know that Mr. Lee Jae Hyun—
Yuri's Father (suddenly, coldly)
— You should never say that out loud. You forget walls have ears?
Secretary (bowing quickly)
— I'm sorry, sir.
Yuri's Father
— Everything I do… it's for Yuri's sake. For the sake of this whole family.
He slowly turned toward his desk, his face hard and unreadable.
TO BE CONTINUED…