The Seoul morning sky was cold and clear. The rain from last night left traces of dew on the glass windows of Jaehyun Group, reflecting a city that shimmered under the young sunlight.
Han Serin stood before the sensor-lined glass doors, holding a black folder containing the signed contract. Her beige suit was simple, but her eyes carried a sharpness that no longer belonged to a broken woman.Every step she took toward the CEO's office felt like a march into a new era of her life—not because she wanted to, but because she had to.
The automatic doors slid open with a soft sound.The air inside smelled of arabica coffee and cedarwood—the scent of a man who lived on strategy and control. At the far end of the spacious room, behind a pristine glass desk, sat a man in a black suit, his expression the calm precision of someone who had stopped expecting surprises.
Kang Jaehyun.
"Ms. Han," he said without smiling. His tone wasn't cold—it was detached, practiced."Mr. Kang." Serin gave a small nod, steady.She placed the folder on his desk. "I've signed it."
Jaehyun glanced at the folder, then lifted his eyes to her. His gaze was sharp, but something unreadable flickered behind it—like a man used to staring into storms, but quietly tired of them.
"That quickly?" he asked quietly."Three days isn't quick, Mr. Kang," Serin replied. "I just didn't want time to change my decision."
A faint smile curved his lips—not kind, but knowing."Good. Then we proceed as planned."
He stood, walking toward the large window overlooking the Han River. His hand brushed the glass as he spoke, voice calm yet measured."The wedding will take place in two weeks. No grand reception. I don't want the media knowing more than necessary. Afterward, you'll stay in my residence—just for appearance's sake."
Serin studied him, trying to read the man in front of her."And after that? Do you also plan to decide how long I'm allowed to breathe?"
Jaehyun turned slowly. His eyes met hers—sharp, but not angry. The look of a man assessing the edge of another's resolve."No, Han Serin. I just want you to understand what you're stepping into. This marriage isn't about love. It's about terms."
"I know," Serin said calmly. "And I don't need love from you."
Silence fell between them.Those words collided like twin blades in midair—cold, but beautiful in their precision.
Jaehyun returned to his desk, glancing at his watch."Fine. You'll receive the supplementary contract from my lawyer this evening. I want everything finalized by the end of the week."
As Serin turned to leave, his voice stopped her."Han Serin… one more thing."She paused, looked back."Don't fall in love with me."
His tone was even, but something lingered beneath—whether pain or warning, she couldn't tell.Serin smiled faintly, meeting his gaze one last time."Relax, Mr. Kang. I stopped believing in love the day someone taught me what losing feels like."
And the door closed behind her with a soft sound—like the quiet line dividing two fates.