The next morning, the media buzzed with urgency as Suho called for an official press conference.
Officer Park stood with his legal team, calm yet unyielding. Cameras flashed relentlessly, reporters murmuring among themselves as the lead lawyer stepped up to the microphone.
"Good morning," the lawyer began, his voice firm and measured. "This press conference has been called to formally clarify the allegations made against my client, Mrs. Kim Hauen."
The room grew still.
"As the public is aware, Mrs. Kim Hauen was falsely accused of attempting to murder her husband, Mr. Kim Suho, and was reported missing for nearly a year. Today, we confirm that the investigation has reached a conclusive end."
He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle.
"All charges against Mrs. Kim Hauen are completely fabricated. The case was a deliberate attempt to frame her using forged evidence, orchestrated by Miss Seo Yerin."
A ripple of shock passed through the reporters.
"We have submitted substantial and verified evidence to Officer Park and the police department, clearly proving Mrs. Kim Hauen's innocence. These include falsified documents, manipulated recordings, and witness testimonies directly linking Miss Seo Yerin to the crime of evidence fabrication and unlawful confinement."
Officer Park stepped forward briefly, nodding in confirmation.
"The court proceedings scheduled for tomorrow will formally review these findings," the lawyer continued. "We are confident that Mrs. Kim Hauen will receive a full and unconditional acquittal."
"The real accused, Miss Seo Yerin, is currently under police custody," the attorney continued, his tone steady. "She is being formally investigated and questioned to determine the full motive and extent of her involvement in this case."
A pause.
"And lastly, we would like to clarify that the wedding between Mr. Kim Suho and Miss Seo Yerin, which was publicly announced last week, has been permanently called off."
The statement landed heavily.
"Thank you."
Before the attorney could step away, the room erupted.
"Why was the case solved so suddenly?""Where was Mrs. Kim Hauen all these months?""Why would Seo Yerin do something like this?""Wasn't she Mr. Kim Suho's ex-girlfriend?""Was this a crime driven by jealousy?""Where is Kang Hyunwoo now?""Why did he falsely confess to crimes against his own sister?"
The attorney stopped, turned back toward the microphones, and let out a controlled breath.
"I understand the public's curiosity," he said calmly. "However, for legal and personal reasons, we cannot disclose every detail to the media."
He adjusted his glasses, gaze firm.
"This press conference is solely meant to clarify the facts that concern public misinformation."
He continued, deliberately.
"There was no multiple attempted murder of Mr. Kim Suho. A few incidents involving Mr. and Mrs. Kim were purely coincidental. The accused individuals responsible for fabricating evidence, abduction, and false testimony are already under legal punishment."
Another pause.
"We ask the media to respect the privacy of the victims involved."
With that, Officer Park and the legal team exited the stage, ignoring the barrage of shouted questions and flashing cameras. No further explanations. No unnecessary exposure.
Just truth. Controlled. Final.
Back at home, Suho stood beside Hauen. They were ready meet their families. The press conference is being played live on television.
Suho looked at Hauen and gently pulled her into his arms. She went willingly, melting into him, her forehead resting against his chest. He kissed her hair, slow and lingering.
"Tomorrow… the final verdict will come," he whispered.
"Hmm…" she murmured, snuggling closer, fingers curling lightly into his shirt.
He smiled, simply holding her for a moment longer, as if time itself had softened around them.
"Come," he said at last, brushing her hair back with care. "Your parents must be waiting. And Hyunwoo is still in the hospital."
She looked up at him then, eyes gentle, lips forming a small pout that made his heart tilt.
"What happened, Jagi?" he asked, amused.
"I want to stay with my husband today," she said honestly. "I don't feel like going anywhere."
He chuckled softly, caressing her cheek with his thumb. "Seems like my Hauenie is still under an emotional hangover."
She narrowed her eyes at him playfully. "I am," she admitted without shame. "Because I missed you too much. I'm still not enough of you," she said bluntly.
His lips pressed together instantly, a smile fighting its way through as he looked away, flustered. Heat crept up his neck, memories of last night flashing far too vividly. The way she had loved him last night made his skin feel suddenly warm. He cleared his throat, trying to regain control.
"Jagi… It's important to meet our family," he said, voice steady despite the smile he was suppressing.
She pouted, clearly unimpressed.
He laughed quietly, then cupped her cheek in his palm, his touch turning gentle again. "Your parents missed you a lot, Hauena. And your dad…"
He stopped there.
Her expression softened, the playfulness fading as understanding settled in. She knew exactly what he meant.
He rested his forehead against hers, silent reassurance passing between them, love steady, unshaken, ready to face whatever came next.
"Just meet them," he said gently, his voice careful, steady. "Talk to them once. They've waited for you for so long… they'll be happy to see you again."
She looked at him, really looked, blinking slowly, and then nodded.
"And my family too," he continued, softer now. "Haraboji must have learned the truth by now. He might be carrying guilt. Let's sort everything out first. One step at a time."
She understood. She always did.
A faint smile curved his lips as he added, almost like a promise, "After that… it'll be just you and me."
Her eyes lit up a little. "Then take me to Jeju Island," she declared without hesitation. "I want a honeymoon there."
He froze.
"We never had a proper honeymoon," she continued firmly. "And I want one now."
He turned his face away at once, scratching his nose, pretending to think. In truth, his ears were already burning. Unholy memories from last night replayed with dangerous clarity, resulting in a storm of butterflies in his stomach, his heart misbehaving, and his thoughts are embarrassingly loud.
Fuck, get a grip, Kim Suho, he cursed inwardly.
"…Okay," he said finally, finding his voice. "I'll take you there."
She smiled, satisfied. Then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, she said, "Saranghae."
Her tone was lazy, unguarded, honest.
He nodded, a shy smile tugging at his lips. "Me too."
She kept looking at him, eyes soft and knowing, and for no clear reason at all, his heart started racing again.
"Shall we go now?" he asked quickly, eager to escape the intensity of her gaze.
"Let's go," she said, straightening, slipping back into her composed self as she walked ahead.
He watched her for a moment, warmth settling quietly in his chest. He watched her for a moment, warmth settling quietly in his chest, then followed after her with a smile he didn't bother to hide.