Morning in Seoul carried its usual rhythm, yet for Han Serin, each step felt heavier than the last.Her phone buzzed incessantly — news articles, comments, and speculations about the "contract marriage" that shook the business world two days ago.Some called it strategy, others called it scandal.But what hurt the most were the words spoken about her name, detached and cruel, as if she were nothing but a pawn in a power game.
Inside her office on the 38th floor of AUREX Holdings, Serin's reflection flickered faintly on the glass.Below, the city pulsed with life, but within that reflection, she saw herself — a woman trying to look composed while quietly breaking between voices that never truly knew her.
"Han Serin."Jaehyun's voice broke the silence.He entered without knocking — calm, deliberate, as if he belonged wherever he chose to be.His shirt was black, tie perfectly knotted, expression unreadable yet commanding.
"The media is waiting downstairs," he said. "We'll face them together for a short statement. After that, PR will handle the narrative."
Serin nodded quietly.She knew this was part of the contract, part of the deal they had made.Still, her chest felt heavy. She looked at Jaehyun for a moment, searching for something behind his cold restraint.
"You don't have to look too friendly," Jaehyun continued, his tone softer this time. "But don't let them see you fragile. The business world loves strength, not sympathy."
"And that world belongs to you, not me," Serin murmured.Her words made him pause.There was something in his gaze — not anger, not pity, but an unspoken understanding: their names were now bound, not only by a contract, but by the ruthless scrutiny of the same world.
Hours later, they stood side by side before a wall of cameras.Flashes erupted like a quiet storm, swallowing breath and silence.Jaehyun spoke with measured confidence — concise, sharp, dignified.Beside him, Serin held a faint smile — less an expression, more a shield.
When one reporter asked sharply,"Is there love in your marriage, or just business calculation?"Jaehyun turned briefly, eyes meeting Serin's before replying,
"Love may not be what started this. But trust is what keeps it alive."
For a heartbeat, Serin froze.With one sentence, he shifted the narrative.With one sentence, he turned scandal into story.
After the conference, they returned to their offices in silence.Yet in the elevator, amid mirrored reflections that trapped their faces together, Serin whispered,"Why did you say that?"
Jaehyun glanced at her."Because sometimes, a person's name is more fragile than their heart. I just made sure yours stayed whole."
When the elevator doors opened, Serin didn't move.Her eyes softened, her breath caught — unsure what to say.For the first time since the contract began, she realized the weight she carried wasn't hers alone.