The pale light of dawn spilled over the streets as a sleek, black luxury car rolled to a stop in front of Jin Wook's apartment. Its polished frame gleamed even under the soft morning haze.
From the car stepped Lee Ji-a's father and mother, their expressions calm yet purposeful.
Ring~ Ring~
Lee Ji-a glanced at her phone and answered quickly.
Lee Ji-a: "My family's here now."
She hurried downstairs after ending the call, Jin Wook quietly following behind. Once she met her parents, she explained everything again—how Jin Wook had helped her and how warmly his family had treated her.
Ji-a's eyes welled with tears as she embraced her parents tightly.
Ji-a's Dad: "Go and sit in the car."
After hearing the full story, Ji-a's parents turned to Jin Wook.
Ji-a's Dad & Mom: "We sincerely thank you for everything you did for Ji-a."
Jin Wook: "It's fine. You don't need to thank me again and again. Even if it had been another girl, I would've helped."
With that, they left, and Jin Wook returned to his home.
Jin Wook's Mom: "Did she leave?"
Jin Wook: "Yes."
They all went to bed soon after.
The Next Morning
Breakfast was lively as usual, with Soo-ah teasing Jin Wook about liking Ji-a.
Suddenly—Ding-dong~
Jin Wook opened the door to find several people in crisp black-and-white uniforms, carrying handbags and ornate gift boxes.
Staff: "Is this the residence of Mr. Jin Wook?"
Jin Wook: "Yes."
They stepped inside, placing the gifts in his hands and setting the rest neatly on the floor.
Jin Wook's Mom appeared from the kitchen, confused.
Jin Wook's Mom: "What is happening here?"
Ji-a suddenly popped her head in.
Ji-a: "Hello and good morning, Aunty."
Jin Wook's Mom: "Oh, my Ji-a. Good morning. But… what's going on?"
Ji-a: "These are gifts from my parents. They're coming up soon; they're still downstairs."
Jin Wook (thinking):That's a lie. I can sense three figures near the house, observing. But… there's no need to act yet.
Jin Wook's Mom frowned.
Jin Wook's Mom: "Ji-a, I appreciate that you wanted to thank Jin Wook and us, but we can't accept this. You're like a daughter to me—you don't need to thank us with gifts. Please, take them back."
Ji-a: "Why, Aunty?"
Jin Wook's Mom: "It's fine to say thank you with words. We see you as family, and family doesn't keep score."
Jin Wook's Father joined in, nodding.
Jin Wook's Father: "Yes. You're a child to us."
Jin Wook (thinking):My parents never care about money. Mom's warmth makes her feel safe here.
Ji-a's face softened, clearly touched.
Moments later, Lee Ji-a's family entered—her dignified grandfather Lee Jang-ho, her father Lee Hyun-woo, and her mother Choi Min-sun.
Lee Jang-ho: "First of all, I sincerely thank Mr. Jin Wook for saving my granddaughter, and your family for taking care of her. Please accept our gratitude."
The entire family bowed deeply.
Jin Wook: "Please, there's no need to bow. We appreciate the sentiment, but saying thank you once is enough. I only helped her get away from those people."
Ji-a's Family (thinking):According to our investigation, those men were hired by our rivals. And after seeing them—badly beaten—it's clear he's downplaying what happened.
Ji-a (thinking):I know the truth of what happened.
Lee Jang-ho: "You're a humble young man, and I can see your family raised you well."
Jin Wook: "I simply follow my parents' guidance. They've always taught me right from wrong."
Jin Wook's Dad: "Would you like to have lunch with us?"
Lee Jang-ho: "We wouldn't want to trouble you."
Jin Wook's Mom: "It's no trouble at all. I'll prepare it."
She disappeared into the kitchen, calling for Soo-ah to help.
Ji-a: "Aunty, let me help too."
Jin Wook's Mom: "I can't trouble our guest."
Ji-a: "It's fine."
Her father nodded in agreement.
Jin Wook's Mom smiled gently. "You don't need to help me that much, Ji-a. Soo-ah will help me."
Before Ji-a could protest, a voice chimed in from behind.
Soo-ah grinned as she stepped into the kitchen. "Mom, let her help. She should get familiar with the house… who knows, maybe she'll want to live here soon."
Ji-a's cheeks flushed pink, and she pretended to focus on the carrots.
Jin Wook's Mom chuckled, her eyes softening. "I would love that."
The kitchen filled with laughter, the kind that wrapped around Ji-a like a warm blanket—making her wonder if, maybe, this place could feel like home.
Lunch
The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air as everyone sat around the table.
Lee Jang-ho: "When we entered, we overheard you saying Ji-a was like a child to you."
Jin Wook's Parents: "Yes. We don't differentiate between children—they're all the same to us."
Ji-a's Parents: "She's a lovely girl. I wish I had a daughter like her—one who listens to her mother."
The room was warm with chatter—until Lee Jang-ho spoke again.
Lee Jang-ho: "Then… would you like to have my granddaughter as your daughter?"
Ji-a's face turned crimson, and she ducked her head.
Jin Wook's Parents: "Sir… are you joking?"
But all three members of Ji-a's family nodded seriously.
Jin Wook (thinking):Wait… are they talking about marrying us?
Jin Wook's Dad: "Sir, please don't feel indebted to us."
Lee Jang-ho: "It's not just gratitude. We like your family, and I believe my granddaughter would be happy here."
Jin Wook: "I'm sorry, but I can't agree to that."
The room went quiet.
Lee Jang-ho: "That surprises me. Why not?"
Jin Wook: "Marriage can't be forced. Two people need to like each other and understand each other first."
Jin Wook's Parents: "We should ask the children how they feel."
Ji-a's Family (thinking):But last night she told us she liked him and wanted to marry.
Lee Jang-ho: "So… you don't like my granddaughter?"
Jin Wook: "I never disliked her. But we need to know each other better before making such decisions."
Ji-a: "Yes, Grandfather. We should start as friends and focus on our careers first."
Lee Jang-ho: "Very well. I'll leave it to you both."
Her family quietly noted her determination—she clearly planned to win him over in her own time.
As they chatted, Soo-ah idly scrolled through Pinsta… and froze. On the screen were pictures of Ji-a's grandfather and father, with captions calling them "One of the wealthiest and most powerful families in the capital."