When the Stone heart proclives.

Month of mid November, wind is gustling tranquilly, atmosphere is cold and finally it started snowing outside.

*Mr.Lee*-> Son!

Su-ho looked at him with his signature poker expression, emotions unreadable, just a 25 year old man with a heart once felt oceans but now feels nothing.

*SU-HO*- Not again dad please.

*Mr.LEE*- move on , it has been 2 years since Se-ah passed away.

*(Worried)* You can't live like this forever, I'm arranging your marriage.

*SU-HO*- (sighed) just do whatever you want, because I understood that my perspective is nothing infront of you. But remember that this marriage won't going to last long.

SU-HO went outside and banged the door behind him.

Mr.Lee dialed Mr.Song's number....

*Mr.SONG*-: Hello?

*Mr.LEE-: Mr. Song can we meet at lunch time?

Mr.SONG-: Did SU-HO agreed?

Mr.LEE-: Kinda yes..

Mr.SONG-: I shall talk to HAE-IN also.

( *Hungs up*)

{BACKGROUND BUILD UP}

[5 years ago]

They were a group of 4 friends since highschool.

Song Hae-in , Lee Su-ho, Yeon Se-ah, and Choi Jackson. They were very close to eachother that they used to hangout , camp and even lived at eachother's home together.

*SE-AH*-: Hae-in tell me am I looking pretty?

*HAE-IN*-: (chuckled) why are you putting so much effort in make up today?

*SE-AH*-: (smiled) Su-ho called me , I think he would gonna-

(Cuts off)

*HAE-IN*-: Propose?

Se-ah nodded.

*HAE-IN*-: Are you even in your senses? Didn't you told him till now that you and Jackson are together?

*SE-AH*-: You know Su-ho is the next chairman of Lee Paradise that's why and Jackson.. he is just useless.

*HAE-IN*-: You are joking right? you weren't like this before!

*SE-AH*-: You are jealous right?

*HAE-IN*-: We are friends Se-ah, don't do this.

*SE-AH*-: And who will stop me?

(She went out leaving Hae-in dumbfounded)

Hae-in immediately called Jackson and told him to meet her.

*JACKSON*-: Yes Hae-in what happened?

(She told the whole conversation to him, and if course he wasn't not believing it. Then they went after Se-ah to the cafe in which Su-ho invited her.)

*SE-AH*-: Hi Su-ho!

*SU-HO*-: Hey! You came please have a seat.

*SE-AH*-: I have something to tell you about Hae-in.

*SU-HO*-: Hae-in ssi?

(After sometime both Jackson and Hae-in reached the cafe and saw Su-ho kneeling down infront of her)

*HAE-IN*-: (shouted) Su-ho stop right there!!

Jackson got speechless upon seeing the view infront of him. His worst fear came true.

*SE-AH*-:(pretending) look I told you.

*SU-HO*-: I won't going to be fooled by you guys. Se-ah told me the truth that you both are jealous of us right!?

*HAE-IN*-: So now you are doubting your own friends without even hearing second perspective?

*JACKSON*-: Se-ah you broke my heart just because of your freaking greed!??

(He got emotional)

(Jackson left from there wiping his tears. Su-ho was completely clueless about the whole scenario Se-ah created he just believed whatever Se-ah said.)

*SU-HO*-: Hae-in get lost! I love Se-ah, and you are jealous of her right?

Look you messed up everything.

*HAE-IN*-: (disbelief) I did? ( Her eyes teared up) Okay stay happy with your blinded eyes. I would never show up to you from now on.

(After this misunderstanding their friendship shattered, a friends greed changed everything).

(Jackson went to abroad to pursue his career and to forget his painful memories).

(Hae-in became the CEO in her dad's fashion designing company).

About Su-ho his dad handed over his position of chairmanship to him..

But something was still untold..).

Whereas Karma hitted Se-ah she got diagnosed with cancer. Su-ho stayed by her side every single second.

She experienced such painful therapies that her heart sank in guilt.

She felt nothing for Su-ho and Su-ho he did every possible thing to console her.

*SE-AH*-: Su-ho can you leave me alone for sometime?

*SU-HO*-: but... Okay as you say.

(Went out)

( Se-ah turned on her video camera and started recording herself).

Su-ho was standing outside the room and suddenly he heard a thud from inside being panicked he opened the door and saw Se-ah got collapsed.

The camera chimed signalling the recording got saved.

He yelled doctor!! Doctors came checked her pulse and declared her as lifeless.

Su-ho fell on his knees crying badly.

{After few days}

Se-ah's father called Su-ho

*SU-HO*-: You called me uncle?

Se-ah's father-: Son have a look at this..

(Played the recording)

[In Video]

*SE-AH*-: Hi Su-ho! I'm getting it my body's response, is that I won't going to live anymore. Infact I think I might die just after recording this. Listen to me carefully,

I want to say the truth now...

I never loved you from starting, at that time Hae-in and Jackson were saying truth...I brainwashed you before they came.. I'm really sorry for all my deeds. I know you will not forgive me this easily but still I'm feeling the guilt now.

After saying this all now I felt light. I want you to show this recording to Hae-in and Jackson also.

I'm leaving you all for forever.

(The ECG started beeping aggressively) H-hae-in loves y-you....

Se-ah was about to press the button but she fell on the ground. And the recording got saved.

(Tears started streaming down he felt betrayed and stupid at the same time)

*SU-HO's* pov-: my life have became miserable the one I loved at first betrayed me and left me alone. I had my 2 bestfriends and I humiliated them.

(Since that day Su-ho changed himself, he decided to become Cold, unreachable and won't let anyone come near him. He feared attachment. What if he fell in love again and that person leaves again? This thought terrified him).

But life had other plans.......

[At Present]

{Song's mansion}

*MR.SONG*-: Dear can we talk?

*HAE-IN*-: Sure dad, come please.

*MR SONG*-: As you have achieved many things, there is still something missing in your life.

*HAE-IN*-: And what's that?

*MR.SONG*-: (face palmed) that means you don't have a boyfriend yet?

*HAE-IN*-: ofcourse not.

*MR.SONG*-: Listen dear me and your mom had planned something better for you.

We have arranged your marriage with Mr.Lee's son Su-ho.

(Hae-in's smile dropped , flashback crossed her mind, she denied immediately).

*Mr.SONG*-: I don't know what has happened in your past. But alot has changed please agree to this marriage.

(Since her childhood she had always been an obedient child. She was hesitant but "no" wasn't in option. So she agreed to it).

After wards their marriage got fixed , everything was perfectly done. But something was missing the couple was not at all passionate.

*HAE-IN's* pov-: All the arrangements were done very fastly this isn't seeming a marriage to me less than a mission which has to be accomplished.

I grabbed my dad's arm and walked on the aisle and saw the boy who has became a total man. Broad shoulder, cold aura, expressions unreadable, charismatic, totally changed from the past.

*SU-HO's pov-*-: the lights focussed on the bride when I looked up to her. I saw that girl who used to be silly now looking all composed, feminine, confident and actually beautiful.

But I won't fall in this trap again. I can't give love to anyone now.

*Mr.SONG*-: (gave their daughter's hand to him) please take care of my princess , I trust you my son.

*SU-HO*-: I will fullfill my responsibilities.

Consequently all the rituals were done accordingly. After the wedding Mr and Mrs Lee took Har-in with them.

*Mr.LEE*-: Dear as you have become a part of our family there is something personal you need to know. SU-HO's grandfather had a tie up with Mafia world for the sake of Korea's safety. After him I handled both my duties as a Mafia boss as well as chairman of Lee Paradise. Now I'm retiring from this. And I handing over this to Su-ho. I can assure you no gun would reach you when you are with Su-ho. My daughter he is shattered by his past.. (explained the death of Se-ah and her confession in video).

Please be with him. His words might be bitter but deep inside he just pretends to distance himself.

(Hae-in was shocked hearing all this, but it wasn't the time to get scared it was to stand with him shoulder-to-shoulder).

*HAE-IN*-: Don't worry uncle. I will handle him with care.

*Mr.LEE*-: Call me dad from now on.

(Mrs.Lee's eyes got teary she hugged her daughter -in law and bid their goodbyes)

As Hae-in came outside she saw a black shiny car infront of the venue. Inside Su-ho was sitting calmly waiting for her. She came and sat inside.

The ride was dead quiet nobody had nothing to say until Suho broke the ice.

*SU-HO"-: I apologise for my harsh words in past, this was the only grudge I had with you. From now on I will do all the duties that a husband do, but (a deep pause) Don't expect affection from my side. I don't deserve that.

Haein's heart clenched on his words.

Deep down she knew that the marriage isn't build on love.

*HAE-IN*-: I was never upset with you , because you were clueless at that time. I won't expect any love from you . But I'm not like you so, I won't step back from showing my affection towards you. Gather yourself.

(She said this with a straight face. This sounded more like a warning to Su-ho, his grip tightened on the steering wheel).

*SU-HO*-: Do whatever you want.

(The same ran through his veins which he hated the most, the same raising of pulse).

As they both reached the mansion. Su-ho went straight towards his room not even minding to help his wife with her heavy gown.

*HAE-IN*-: Such a coldy.

(Two maids came and helped her to walk inside. The huge iron door of the mansion closed behind them. The commandos were active with a sniper. Such security was obvious around a mafia boss mansion).

Hae-in reached their shared bedroom and heard the sound of shower so she sat at the edge of bed. After few mins

Su-ho came drying his hair with a towel.

*SU-HO*-: Hae-in your clothes will be delivered by tomorrow for now, you can choose anything from my wardrobe.

(Hae-in has no option left. She went in the closet room which was filled with his signature peppermint cologne's aroma).

*HAE-IN*-: He is a giant , look at these clothes!

(From other room)

*SU-HO "-: You have no right to insult a mafia boss. You know I can shoot you alive.

*HAE-IN*-: ( let out a small laugh) same anger as he had in college. Nevermind let's just wear this.

(Then she went to freshen up and came out wearing his shorts more likely a knee length pajamas for her and a hoodie which more looked like it was hanging on a mannequin).

Su-ho let out a chuckle after seeing her. Since 2 years the man who forgot to smile chuckled.

As the realisation hit him, he again put on his cold face.

*HAE-IN*-: Did you just chuckled?

*SUHO*-: Now you have started to see illusions also.

*HAE-IN*-: Yeah yeah say whatever but I saw you chuckled!

In mind ( I will bring back the Old Su-ho just watch).

[TIME SKIP MORNING 5AM]

Hae-in woke up early as she is a CEO so she follows her schedule seriously. After taking shower she dressed formally and went downstairs.

*HAE-IN*-: Miss jung( maid) I will prepare the breakfast today.

*Miss jung*-: But- okay...

Then she prepared double layered wholesome sandwiches and a cup of Cold coffee. She told the maids to keep this a secret that she prepared the breakfast today.

After sometime Su-ho came adjusting his wrist watch and saw Hae-in standing patiently across the dining.

*HAE-IN*-: Come have breakfast.

*SU-HO*-: I know ( coldly).

( He sat and started having his food , for the first time in a while he finished his while meal without any hurry. The maids were shocked😯).

*SU-HO*-: It was good Thanks Hae-in! (Without any expression)

Hae-in chocked on her coffee.

*HAE-IN*-: How did you got to know?

*SU-HO*-: I know everything and I also know that you are getting late for your office.

Hae-in looked at the clock and stood up in a hurry.

*SU-HO*-: Stop right there. From now on some of my guards will always going to be near you. The rival mafias always look up for a target especially after knowing you are my wife. So stay alert from them.

*HAE-IN*-: ( in mind) pretend as much cold as you can but I can see thode concerns.. okay👍🏻.

Su-ho commanded some of his guards to stay near her wherever she goes.

{At Song's Fashion}

*Secretary ( Eunji)*-: Good morning ma'am! The meeting ia about to start shall we depart to conference room?

*HAE-IN*-: yes, I got a call from Choi's Industries they are perfumers! Then why do they want to collaborate with us?

*EUNJI*-: Another thing ma'am today Choi's chairman are not going to attend the meeting instead his son would going to attend it.

*HAE-IN*-: Strange...

(Hae-in shrugged her thoughts and entered the conference room. Everybody in the room bowed to her , but one head was up. Hae-in looked at him clearly and got amazed....)

??-: Long time no see Mrs. Lee Hae-in!

( Passed an evil smile).

*HAE-IN*-: (in shock) J-Jackson?

*JACKSON*-: Let's start the meeting you all.

(Hae-in's throat dried up she would getting a bad intuition about this and she ould sense the tension he created with his presence).

After the meeting one by one everybody left the room leaving Hae-in and Jackson.

*HAE-IN*-: Eunji Wait outside.

She obeyed and went out.

Jackson took steps near her and stoped right infront.

*JACKSON*-: Look at you now, got married , grew beautiful but it does the changes the past. I never wanted to message with you, yet you married the man the hate the most. So, now beware of me!( Furious).

*HAE-IN*-: Jackson I know you are angry, but Su-ho was unaware at that time. And-

*JACKSON*-: And ( he grabs Hae-in's wrist) your husband is a mafia boss..

( Laughed crazily) I would love to play this game..

Jackson nearly crushed her wrist .

Hae-in groaned in pain and then he exited the room.

*EUNJI*-: (eyes widened) Let's go to the hospital ma'am.

Later in the evening Hae-in reached home her hand was bandaged. She somehow prepared the dinner and sat on the chair. Time gradually passed yet she recieved no call , no intimation from her husband.

Unknowingly she slept on the dining waiting for him..

{Night 11 pm}

Su-ho came with blood spots on his shirt and injured. He glanced at a sleeping figure aa he went near her he saw the bandage on her hand.

He gently grabbed her wrist.

*SU-HO*-: Who did this to you!? ( Worried)

Hae-in hides her hand.

*HAE-IN "-: I slipped from stairs..

*SU-HO"-: Do you think I'm a fool?

*HAE-IN "-: Then Am I a fool!?? You didn't even called once when will you gonna come. I'm starving myself so that we could eat together!! (Nearly shouts).

*SU-HO*-: (Stutters) But I didn't told you to....

*HAE-IN*-: (nodded in disbelief) this is the problem, not everything is told to do so.. Somethings are done OUT OF EMOTIONS!

(Those sentences banged on Su-ho).

He composed himself to not to show any emotions.

*SU-HO*-: I told you there is no place of affection in my heart.

Something broke inside her.

*HAE-IN*-: Then why do you care about my injured hand? Huh! Why should I tell you who did this to me!

*SU-HO*-: Because- ( gets cuts off)

*HAE-IN "-: Because I'm your wife right!? Do you think you treat me like one?

Su-ho stayed at her blankly. He knew he was hurting the soul who is trying to love him. But the feeling of detachment never left him.

*SU-HO*-: E-eat and go sleep.

Hae-in banged her injured hand on the table.

*SU-HO*-: (worried) Hae-in!!! Are you crazy!??

*HAE-IN*-: I lost my appetite.

Then she walks upstairs.

*Miss Jung*-: Master , Miss Hae-in prepared all this specially for you and after not receiving any call from you she was worried. I got to know from one of our guard that something is off at her office.

Su-ho then went upstairs and saw she was standing near the balcony her back facing him.

*HAE-IN*-: Do I have to see you covered in blood daily?

She turned towards him and started treating his injury.

*SU-HO*-: I don't need your help

( Voice soft yet stern).

*HAE-IN*-: Hmm.. I know I don't have any worth in your life. But I never break promises. Your heart is like a stone but not mine. Don't think about me from now on.. It gives me hope!....

Her words snatched Suho's sleep. He recalled a memory from their highschool time...

{ PAST }

Once they were playing blindfold game , during that Se-ah and Hae-in bumped into eachother and fell on the ground. Both Jackson and ran Su-ho tab to Se-ah but nobody went for Hae-in. Of course she noticed it. Su-ho was about to go for her , but she stood by her self and walked to treat her knee. Su-ho went after her..

*HAE-IN*-: Do you know we have always been a group of 3...

*SU-HO "-: Excluding who?

*HAE-IN*-: Me obviously.

*SU-HO*-: No, you are getting it wrong.

*HAE-IN*-: Am I? Leave it , there is no end of this argument.

[PRESENT TIME]

Su-ho looked towards Hae-in who was sleeping uncomfortably probably due to the pain in her wrist. Absentmindedly he took her hand and started massaging it gently. He himself didn't knew why was he doing that.

🌞 NEXT MORNING 🌞

Hae-in woke up slowly and glanced at her wrist which was in Su-ho's grip.

The alarm rang and Su-ho woke up as well. Both didn't moved an inch and just stared at eachother. Just then a maid screamed loudly.

*Miss Jung*-: Master!! there is a problem!!

Both got up being awkward and blushed. Su-ho then quickly ran downstairs and Hae-in also ran after him.

*Miss Jung*-: Master when I was about to clean the main entrance , I saw this .....

At the Entry of mansion a letter and a photo of Jackson grabbing Haein's wrist was there. Su-ho took the letter and opened it...

*********** IN LETTER**************

Long time no see my used to be bestfriend. I missed you so much that I want to end yours and your dear wife's life. You might got to know that I met your wife yesterday in her office and as a present I gifted her an injury sounds amusing right?

I will come to you soon wait for me.

-Jackson Choi:)

************************************

Su-ho's blood boiled in anger upon Jackson's actions towards Hae-in.

*SU-HO*-: If he has enmity with me then why you? ( gritted teeth).

*HAE-IN*-: Calm down we will figure this out. ( Patted his shoulder slightly).

*SU-HO*-: Try to come early from the office for some days and I will come to pick you. Don't try to be brave.

(Hae-in nodded in assurance and was about to go back...)

*SU-HO*-: And take my concerns as a hope or whatever, I-I will always be by your side, ( scratches the back of his neck) don't hide anything from me from now onwards.

Su-ho stumbled with his feelings and walked away awkwardly upstairs. And Hae-in was watching hum with a subtle smile.

*Miss Jung*-: I have seen him from past 10 years, you are changing him in a better way. He has started to love secretly but he would never reveal it that easily. I guess. (Smiled warmly).

(Hae-in affirmated)

---------------- TIME SKIP-------------------------

Su-ho drove her to the Song's Fashion.

Hae-in was about to get off from car, Su-ho pulled her back.

*HAE-IN "-: Now what!?

*SU-HO*-: Don't think that I love you or anything like that .

Just take care of yourself..

*HAE-IN*-: (Scoffs) Why would I think that you will ever love me back?

*SU-HO*-: Love me back! What!?😳

(Redness rushed through his cheeks).

Hae-in laughed and hurriedly ran into the office. Su-ho slapped himself to get in his senses.

Su-ho then went to his 2nd office that is the place of terror where he is called the Mafia Boss not Lee company's chairman. As he entered all the men standing there bowed down.

*SU-HO*-: Prepare a troop and track the location of a person that I tell you. And also prepare Guns and all also.

*(Secretary) Seo-jun*-: Got it Master!

(Bowed and went to do his work).

-------------- TIME SKIP ----------------------

It was 6pm and Su-ho was waiting outside Hae-in's office. She came and sat in the passenger seat.

*SU-HO*-: (clears throat) Have you been okay today? ( Hwhile avoiding her gaze).

*HAE-IN*-: Yes and I missed you! ( Giggled playfully)😄

*SU-HO*-: Cut it! (Annoyed).

*HAE-IN "-: (laughed) It's fun aming you nervous.😂

*SU-HO*-: Is that so? My turn!

Su-ho unbuckled his seat belt and bent near face, Hae-in eyes widened then he leaned and buckeled her seatbelt. Her heart started to pound wildly. Her cheeks warmed up.

*SU-HO*-: Seat belts are must to wear.

Hae-in didn't said anything because she was a blushing mess at that time . On the other hand Su-ho smirked upon his bold action.

While driving he recieved a call, from an unknown number he picked up the call. The phone was connected with car's bluetooth so it echoes through the car.

???-: I can see that you both are together right? Su-ho ssi.

( Su-ho and Hae-in exchanged glances)

???-: PULL THE FREAKIN BREAKS!!!!

Su-ho looked infront and saw a rash driving truck was about to bump in them. He immediately rotated the steering wheel aggressively to the corner of highway.

Jackson laughed on call evilishly.

This is just beginning dear, watch onwards what happens with you both.( Hung up the call)

*SU-HO*-: Hey Hae-in are you okay? ( Worried).

*HAE-IN*-: I'm okay but your forehead is bleeding.

*SU-HO*-: that doesn't matter don't worry about me. Let's just reach home and see what can we do with him.

As they reached home, he saw his guards were on the ground bleeding and severely injured.

*Guard 1*-: B-boss i-inside--(faints).

Su-ho took out his gun and told her to stay behind him. The door opened revealing Jackson sitting on the couch like he owned the mansion.

Jackson throws his cigarette and comes near them.

*JACKSON"-: Well well , looks like your wrist isn't okay till now right Hae-in ah!

*SU-HO*-: (Furious) What do you want!!?

*JACKSON*-: Very simple your everything, your life and complementary your wife also.

Both Hae-in and Su-ho gets Shock at his statement.

SEASON 1 ENDS~

Thank you for reading Season 1. Your support means a lot to me. I hope you'll join me for Season 2! Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

************************************

© 2026 Divyanshee Gupta. All Rights Reserved.

This story is an original work. No part of this work may be copied, reproduced, translated, adapted, or distributed without the author's written permission.

************************************