Chapter 1
The grand cathedral was absolutely breathtaking, glowing brightly beneath hundreds of expensive crystal chandeliers. Fresh white lilies and roses decorated every single aisle, filling the air with a sweet, delicate fragrance. High above, sunlight streamed through the tall stained-glass windows, painting colorful patterns across the polished marble floor.
Rows of elite guests packed the hall, all dressed in elegant designer dresses and tailored suits. Influential businessmen, powerful politicians, celebrities, and respected families gathered to witness one of the year's most talked-about weddings. Bright camera flashes sparkled continuously from every corner. Members of the media stood packed behind a designated barrier, eager to capture every precious moment for the news.
At the altar stood the groom, Kim Suho. Dressed in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, he looked completely calm and composed. His expression remained unreadable, revealing absolutely no emotion despite the hundreds of eyes fixed on him.
Beside him stood the bride, Kang Hauen. Her pristine white wedding gown flowed gracefully around her like soft waves. Tiny, expensive pearls shimmered across the delicate fabric, while a long, sheer veil rested gently behind her. She looked stunningly beautiful, almost unreal. Yet beneath that flawless beauty, her fingers trembled violently around the bouquet she held. She tried desperately to steady her breathing. This was the biggest day of her life—not because she had always dreamed of it, but because it was the day she had chosen a path she never imagined walking.
The priest smiled warmly at the young couple. The rituals started.
“Do you take Kim Suho as your husband?”
Hauen slowly looked up at the man in front of her. Suho stood tall, his dark eyes fixed straight ahead. His face carried no excitement, no nervousness, and no joy. It held only calm, cold acceptance. Hauen lowered her eyes for a second before gathering all her courage. “I do,” she said. Her voice was soft, yet clear enough for everyone in the cathedral to hear.
The priest nodded with a gentle smile before turning toward the groom. “And do you take Kang Hauen as your wife?”
Suho inhaled quietly, his voice deep and steady. “I do.” His answer was short, flat, and professional.
The priest’s smile widened. “Then, by the authority given to me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
A massive wave of applause instantly filled the cathedral. The musicians began playing a grand melody once again as the couple prepared to exchange rings. Hauen carefully slipped the diamond ring onto Suho’s finger, her hands shaking slightly. Suho noticed. For just a split second, his eyes rested on her trembling fingers before he quietly slid the matching wedding ring onto her hand. The cool metal settled around her finger. It was a simple ring, yet it felt heavier than anything she had ever worn in her life.
The priest looked at them with immense satisfaction. “May God bless your marriage with love and happiness.” Then he smiled. “You may kiss the bride.”
The massive hall instantly grew quiet. Every single guest leaned forward in their seats. Camera lenses focused sharply on the newlyweds. Hauen felt her heartbeat quicken to a frantic pace. She slowly lifted her eyes. Suho stepped closer, closing the distance between them. He came close enough for her to notice the faint, expensive scent of his cologne. Close enough for her to realize how incredibly handsome he truly was up close. For a brief second, she completely forgot to breathe.
Then, his lips gently touched hers. It was a light, hollow peck. Soft. Brief. It was gone almost before she even realized it had happened.
The crowd let out a collective, disappointed sigh. “Aww...” Some guests laughed softly. “That was way too short!” someone whispered. “Come on, kiss her properly!” Even a few photographers chuckled while lowering their heavy cameras.
Hauen quickly lowered her head, too deeply embarrassed to meet anyone’s eyes. Suho stepped back, his expression entirely unchanged. It was completely impossible to tell what he was thinking.
The priest laughed kindly to save the moment. “Well, I suppose our groom is just a little shy.” Light laughter spread through the hall again, easing the tense atmosphere for a moment.
Soon after, the newly married couple turned and walked down the aisle together as husband and wife. The cameras flashed endlessly. Every smile, every glance, and every tiny movement was captured. Nothing escaped the sharp eyes of the photographers. By the time they reached the grand reception stage, dozens of wealthy guests were already waiting in a long line to congratulate them.
“Congratulations!” “May you have a happy married life!” “God bless both of you.” The greetings came one after another. Hauen forced herself to smile politely, thanking each guest individually, even though the constant attention and fake smiles were already beginning to exhaust her completely.
Before Hauen could even take another breath to steady herself, an elegant woman stepped forward from the crowd. It was Kim Yejin, Suho’s mother. She wore a graceful, practiced smile that perfectly reflected her years of high-class sophistication and absolute authority within the family.
Reaching out, Yejin took Hauen’s cold, nervous hands into her own warm grip. Her smile grew wider. “Welcome to the Kim family, dear,” she said, her voice sounding perfectly welcoming to everyone around them.
“Thank you, Ommoni,” Hauen replied respectfully, bowing her head slightly to show proper manners to her new mother-in-law.
Yejin gently patted the back of Hauen’s hand, looking her up and down. “You look beautiful today.”
“Thank you,” Hauen whispered, feeling a tiny bit of relief.
For a brief moment, the older woman’s smile remained gentle and kind. Then, her expression changed ever so slightly. The shift was incredibly subtle—not enough for the nearby guests or flashing cameras to notice, but sharp enough for Hauen to feel the sudden drop in temperature.
“In one year...” Yejin spoke softly, lowering her voice so only Hauen could hear. “I hope I’ll be holding my grandson.”
Hauen blinked in shock. Her fingers instantly stiffened inside Yejin’s grasp, and her heart skipped a beat.
Yejin kept her bright smile fixed on her face, acting as though she had simply made a casual, loving remark about the future. “I’ve waited a very long time to become a grandmother, you see.”
She leaned a little closer to Hauen, her eyes locking onto the younger woman’s face with intense pressure. “I hope you won’t disappoint your mother-in-law.”
The words were spoken with a sweet, melodic tone, yet they settled heavily inside Hauen’s chest like solid iron. It was not a wish; it was a strict demand. Hauen felt the suffocating weight of expectation crashing down on her. She forced another tight, painful smile onto her face, swallowing the lump in her throat. “I... I’ll do my best,” she stammered out.
“Good,” Yejin replied smoothly. She reached up and gently fixed a loose strand of Hauen’s hair with a maternal gesture that felt empty of real warmth. With that, she stepped away to greet the other high-profile guests.
Suho had watched the entire exchange from start to finish in absolute silence. He did not say a single word. He did not reach out to comfort Hauen after his mother’s harsh words, nor did he verbally agree with what Yejin had demanded. He simply stood tall beside his new wife, as quiet, detached, and unreadable as ever.
The photographers barely gave the newly married couple a single moment to breathe. Their voices echoed loudly over the chatter of the crowd, demanding attention from every angle.
“Mr. Kim, look this way!”
“Just one more picture, please!”
“Mrs. Kim, look over here!”
Flash after flash lit up the grand reception hall, blinding and relentless. Hauen’s cheeks began to ache from holding up her forced smile for so long. She had never imagined that so many cameras would be pointed at her at once, making every tiny movement feel carefully observed and judged by the public.
Suho, however, looked completely unaffected by the chaos. He stood tall beside her with the same calm, unbothered expression, politely acknowledging every high-profile guest who walked past.
Soon, a warm and familiar voice called out from behind them, breaking through the corporate stiffness of the room. “Congratulations, bro.”
Suho turned around at the sound. For the first time all day, a genuine, small smile appeared on his cold face. It was Park Sojun, Suho’s cousin. Sojun was the oldest grandson of the Kim family. His mother was Daehyun, the only daughter of Kim Jin-woo, the heir of the Kim empire and head of the Kim family.
Even though his parents were divorced, Sojun carried both the prominent Kim and Park family names with quiet pride. He was a calm, smart man who grew up balancing two different worlds. He had a very cheerful, friendly personality. To Suho, Sojun was not just a cousin, but a close childhood friend.
Park Sojun walked toward them with his wife, Sayeon. He was dressed in a sharp navy suit that perfectly matched his composed and steady personality. Beside him, Sayeon carried a beautifully wrapped wedding gift in her hands. Unlike most of the wealthy guests who approached the stage with fake, formal smiles, Sojun looked genuinely happy for his cousin.
“Congratulations,” Sojun said, pulling Suho into a brief, brotherly hug. “I honestly never thought I’d live to see this day happen.”
Suho chuckled softly, shaking his head. “You’re being dramatic.”
“I had every reason to be,” Sojun replied with a mischievous grin. “You rejected enough marriage proposals over the years to make the entire country give up on you.”
Sayeon laughed softly at her husband’s teasing and stepped forward. “He’s absolutely right.” She then turned to Hauen, her eyes crinkling with a warm, welcoming smile. “I’m Park Sayeon. It is so nice to finally meet you.”
“H-Hello,” Hauen stammered slightly, caught off guard by her kindness.
“I’m married to this annoying man right here,” Sayeon added, pointing a thumb at Sojun.
Sojun pretended to look deeply offended. “Annoying?”
“The most annoying,” Sayeon joked back without a second thought.
Everyone on the stage laughed softly at the couple’s playful bickering. The lighthearted conversation immediately cut through the heavy air, easing some of the intense nervousness that had been building up inside Hauen’s chest.
Sayeon smiled at Suho and shook his hand. “Congratulations, Suho.”
Suho smiled. “Thank you, Noona.”
Then she noticed Hauen’s rigid posture and gently reached out to hold her hands. “You don’t need to be so nervous around us, dear.”
Hauen smiled, her shoulders relaxing just a bit.
Before she could say anything else, another cheerful, energetic voice interrupted their conversation. “Hyung!”
Kim Minho hurried toward them, almost jogging through the crowded reception hall. He looked noticeably younger than both Suho and Sojun. With his bright, wide smile, he threw his arms around Suho, hugging him tightly. “Congratulations!”
“Thank you, Minho,” Suho said, his tone remarkably warm.
Minho broke the hug, turned toward Hauen, and immediately bowed very politely. “Hello, sister-in-law! Welcome.”
Hauen returned the bow with a soft smile. “Hello.”
“So...” Minho looked between the newlyweds, his eyes sparkling with excitement and disbelief. “You two actually went through with it. You’re really married.”
Suho raised a sharp eyebrow at his younger cousin. “What exactly did you expect to happen?”
“I don’t know!” Minho laughed, scratching the back of his head casually. “I honestly thought you’d stay single forever, hiding away in your office. Anyways, you made my marriage easy.”
Everyone laughed at the blunt comment, and even Suho’s lips twitched upward into a small smile.
“There he goes again,” Sojun teased, stepping in to poke fun at the youngest. “Our little Minho has become incredibly brave now that he’s a would-be husband himself.”
Minho protested immediately, puffing out his chest. “I’m not little anymore, hyung!”
“You’ll always be the little boy to us,” Sojun replied smoothly, refusing to back down.
“I am twenty-six years old!”
“So?”
“I’m getting married in three months!” Minho argued, his face turning a little red.
“And? So?”
“I literally own and run a company, hyung!” Minho whined, throwing his hands in the air.
Sojun just grinned. “So?”
Minho let out a dramatic sigh of defeat and turned away from Sojun. He looked at Sayeon with wide, pitiful eyes. “Noona... why does he always bully me like this?”
“Because you react so perfectly,” Sayeon laughed, patting his arm. “You’re just too much fun to tease.”
“I knew it,” Minho muttered. He folded his arms across his chest and pouted like a child. “Absolutely no one takes me seriously in this family.”
Suho let out a quiet, clear laugh at his cousins’ antics. The sudden sound surprised Hauen so much that she froze. It was the very first genuine, relaxed laugh she had heard from him all day. For a brief, fleeting moment, the cold, untouchable CEO completely vanished. He didn’t look terrifying or distant; he looked like an ordinary, happy man enjoying a beautiful moment with the people he loved.
That genuine smile softened his sharp, intimidating facial features so much that Hauen found herself completely staring at him. He looked... completely different when he smiled like that, she thought to herself, her heart fluttering unexpectedly.
Realising she was lingering too long, she quickly looked away, staring down at her bouquet before anyone could notice her expression.
“By the way, where is your fiancé?” Sayeon asked Minho.
“She is with Omma,” He said with a smile.
“Come on, everyone,” Sojun said, clapping his hands together loudly to gather them. “Enough talking for now. Let’s take some family pictures before the photographer loses his mind.”
The professional photographer quickly adjusted his heavy camera lens on the tripod and signaled to them. “Everyone, step closer together, please!”
Sayeon moved to stand right beside Hauen, offering a reassuring presence, while Sojun happily threw a heavy arm around Suho’s broad shoulder, grinning widely.
“Look here and smile!” the photographer called out.
Click.
Another bright flash filled the air.
Click.
“One more, hold it!”
Click.
Laughter and playful murmurs continued to echo around them as the cousins kept joking with one another between shots. For just a few minutes, the stage felt surprisingly warm, and the cold reality of Hauen’s contract marriage faded into the background.
Soon, another couple walked up to the stage. It was Kim Daeho and his wife, Yuna. They were Minho’s parents, making them Suho’s uncle and aunt. Daeho smiled warmly and embraced Suho in a tight, proud hug. “Congratulations, my son,” he said sincerely.
“Thank you, Samchon,” Suho replied, his voice full of genuine respect.
Daeho patted his shoulder happily. “You have finally settled down and started your own family.”
Suho offered a polite, small smile. “I suppose so, Samchon.”
Daeho then turned his warm attention toward Hauen, looking at her kindly. “Welcome to our family, my dear.”
“Thank you,” Hauen replied, feeling comforted by his gentle tone.
Next, Yuna stepped forward to greet them. She put on a clear, bright smile, but the warmth of the expression never truly reached her eyes. Her gaze remained completely sharp and calculating. “Congratulations,” she said. Her voice sounded perfectly calm, flat, and almost empty of real emotion.
Hauen politely bowed her head, trying to remain traditional and respectful. “Thank you, imo.”
For a brief, intense second, Yuna silently studied Hauen’s face, scanning her expression as if looking for secrets. Then, without another word, she simply gave a short, rigid nod and stepped back to join her husband. The brief interaction lasted only a few moments, yet something about Yuna’s cold demeanor left Hauen feeling deeply uncomfortable. She couldn’t explain exactly why she felt so uneasy. She shook her head slightly, telling herself that she was simply overthinking everything because of her wedding day nerves.
Before she could dwell on it, the professional photographer called out to them once again, adjusting his lenses. Another round of structured family pictures followed, capturing their carefully placed smiles before the next group of guests could arrive.
Suddenly, the bustling crowd in the grand hall became noticeably quieter. The loud chatter died down into a low hum, and wealthy guests instinctively stepped aside to clear a wide path. Hauen instantly noticed everyone’s attention shifting completely toward the main entrance of the cathedral.
An elderly man slowly walked into the grand hall. He moved with a quiet, unmatched authority, supported by a polished ebony cane that clicked softly against the marble floor. Despite his advanced age, his powerful presence commanded immediate, absolute respect from everyone in the room. Walking right beside him was a serious, middle-aged man dressed in an expensive charcoal suit.
The moment they appeared, Suho straightened his posture almost instinctively, his shoulders turning rigid. His facial expression became much more restrained, professional, and guarded than before. Even the small, rare smile he had shared with his cousins completely disappeared.
“Haraboji,” Suho muttered under his breath.
The old man looked up and smiled warmly at the sight of the groom. “My grandson,” he called out.
This was Kim Jin-woo, the supreme head of the powerful Kim family legacy. He was a man whose very name carried immense political and financial influence throughout the entire country. Standing directly beside him was Kim Dantae, Suho’s father. Both powerful men stopped directly in front of the newlyweds.
Haraboji looked at Suho for a long, quiet moment, his eyes scanning his grandson’s face. He then placed a gentle, heavy hand on Suho’s shoulder. “My son...” he started, his deep voice carrying a heavy mixture of immense pride and visible relief. “You have finally married.”
Suho lowered his head respectfully, showing absolute obedience to the family patriarch. “Yes, Haraboji.”
The old man’s eyes suddenly became moist with tears. “For months, I worried terribly. I truly thought my stubborn, workaholic grandson would never get married.”
A few nearby relatives laughed softly at the grandfather’s blunt honesty. Haraboji continued, his voice softening, “But today... seeing you at this altar, I can finally sleep peacefully at night.”
His sharp gaze then shifted smoothly toward Hauen. “My child,” he addressed her.
Hauen immediately bowed very respectfully to the family leader. “Yes, Haraboji.”
“Welcome to our family,” the old man said kindly.
“Thank you, Haraboji,” Hauen replied, her heart hammering against her ribs.
He smiled at her with genuine sweetness. “You have brought a great amount of happiness to this old man’s heart today.” Hauen smiled back politely, feeling a wave of relief.
Then, Haraboji added, his tone shifting into something much more intense, “I have waited many long years to hold the next Kim family heir in my arms.”
The polite smile on Hauen’s face instantly stiffened. Her muscles froze, and the familiar wave of panic rushed back into her chest. Seeing her sudden, rigid reaction, Haraboji chuckled softly to ease the mood. “Don’t misunderstand me, child. There is absolutely no need for you to rush. You are both still very young. Take your time.”
Suho’s father, Dantae, nodded his head in complete agreement with the patriarch. “Your Haraboji is absolutely right, Hauen.” But then, a faint, meaningful smile appeared on his face as he looked at his son. “But... I do hope I become a grandfather while I still have enough youthful energy left to play with my grandchild.”
Soft, knowing laughter spread through the surrounding family members once again. Hauen forced herself to smile politely along with them. Yet, every single mention of producing a “Kim heir” made her chest tighten until she could barely breathe. It was becoming very clear that this wasn’t just a casual, loving wish from the elders. It felt expected. It felt strictly required, like an unwritten rule of her contract.
Just then, Kang Young-shik, Hauen's father, approached them and immediately lowered his head into a deep, respectful bow to Haraboji.
The haraboji stopped and rested both hands on his cane, looking at Mr. Kang with a calm, heavy gaze. “There is no need for such formality today, Mr. Kang. We are family now. Please, lift your head.”
Mr. Kang straightened up, but his shoulders remained tense. “I am deeply grateful, Chairman. And... I am truly sorry for the trouble my family’s situation has caused you. If it weren’t for your incredible generosity, I don’t know where we would be.”
Suho’s father, Dantae, offered a polite but corporate smile. “As businessmen, Mr. Kang, we understand that crises happen. A bad deal can corner even the most experienced men. What matters is how the problem is resolved.” He adjusted his charcoal suit jacket.
A wave of visible relief washed over Mr. Kang’s face, though it was quickly replaced by a sharp pang of guilt. He glanced toward his daughter. “Thank you. I... I promise to work tirelessly to ensure a return on this investment. My daughter, Hauen... she is a good child. She has a gentle heart.”
“We know,” the grandfather replied, his voice softening just a fraction, though his words remained final. “She is a beautiful, well-mannered young woman. She will make a fine addition to our household.”
Hae-in stood there listening to the elders. Her thoughts were spinning in multiple directions. Before she could gather her spinning thoughts, another elegant woman approached the altar. It was Daehyun, Suho’s beloved aunt and the only daughter of the family. She smiled brightly the very moment her eyes landed on Suho. “My handsome nephew!” she exclaimed happily.
A wave of genuine, deep warmth immediately appeared in Suho’s eyes. Unlike the formal, practiced smiles he had shown to his mother, his aunt Yuna, and the corporate guests, this specific smile completely reached his eyes, lighting up his entire face. He stepped forward without hesitation and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tightly.
“It is so good to see you, Gomo,” Suho whispered affectionately.
Daehyun gently patted his broad back, holding him close. “I am so incredibly happy for you, Suho. So happy.” She pulled away slightly, looking up at him with immense maternal pride. “I honestly thought you would never fall in love again after everything that happened.”
For the briefest, most fleeting second, a painful memory flickered across Suho’s face. His eyes darkened, but the expression was gone before anyone else in the crowded room could notice it.
Daehyun then turned her attention to Hauen, her eyes softening. “You are absolutely beautiful, my dear.”
A faint, genuine blush colored Hauen’s pale cheeks. “Thank you, Gomo.”
Daehyun gently reached out and held both of Hauen’s hands tightly in her own. “Please, take care of my nephew.”
Hauen smiled softly, touched by the woman’s genuine love for Suho.
“And you,” Daehyun said, turning back to Suho with a look of playful seriousness. “You make sure you take care of your wife, too.”
Suho looked down at his aunt and nodded softly. “Yes, Gomo. I will.”
“Good!” Daehyun smiled brightly, clapping her hands together happily. “Now, enough talking for now. Let’s take one grand family photograph together before the reception ends, and everyone starts leaving for the evening.”
The entire elite Kim family gathered together on the grand cathedral stage, arranging themselves around the patriarch. The professional photographer raised his heavy camera, signaling the large group. “Everyone... look right here and smile!”
Click.
The bright flash filled the hall. A single, flawless photograph captured dozens of smiling faces. Some of those smiles were completely genuine, some were carefully practiced for the media, and some were hiding dark, heavy secrets that no camera lens could ever reveal.
After the grand celebration ended, the guests began to leave. Suho drove Hauen away from the venue to his luxury penthouse, the place where they would now live together. The expensive car stopped in front of a massive, beautiful building. Without waiting, Suho stepped out of the car and walked straight inside by himself. Hauen sighed heavily. She used both hands to lift the heavy, uncomfortable wedding gown so she wouldn’t trip, and then she slowly followed him inside.
Inside the penthouse, a young woman met her at the door and bowed politely. “Hello, ma’am. I am Kim Bora, your personal maid.” Hauen forced a tired but polite smile and asked, “Where is my room?” Bora guided her through the halls, saying, “Right this way, ma’am.”
The bedroom was massive and incredibly luxurious. It was right beside Suho's room. It had a giant king-sized bed, a soft velvet couch sitting near a small private balcony, and a huge, elegant walk-in wardrobe. It was much larger and grander than the small, modest bedroom she had grown up in as a child. Hauen walked inside, looking around at the wealth surrounding her. “If you need anything at all, just call me, ma’am,” Bora said respectfully before leaving. “Okay,” Hauen replied softly.
Once Bora left, Hauen shut the heavy door, walked over to the bed, and sank onto the mattress. She sat there in the quiet room as everything from the day rushed through her mind. She thought about the marriage vows, the flashing cameras, and the words her mother-in-law said about producing a baby. She let out a long breath, unzipped her heavy wedding dress with difficulty, and stepped into the bathroom to take a shower. Ten minutes later, she came out feeling clean and a little lighter. She changed into a pair of loose, comfortable pajamas, looked at the clock—it was 10:30 PM—and lay down under the sheets. Her entire body felt heavy with physical and mental exhaustion.
Suddenly, a sharp knock on the bedroom door startled her. Her heart raced. She got out of bed slowly and opened the door.
Suho was standing in the doorway. He looked cold, distant, and completely emotionless. “Did you eat anything?” he asked, his voice flat. Hauen looked up at him softly and replied, “No… I don’t really feel like eating.”
Suho stared at her for a moment, then stepped past her into the bedroom. Hauen instinctively stepped backward to give him space. He shut the door firmly behind him. He was wearing a black night robe that made him look tall and intimidating. Hauen looked down, feeling overwhelmed by his presence.
“I believe you know why I am here tonight,” he said, his voice low and serious. Hauen kept her head down, unable to find any words to speak. “Yes or no?” he demanded coldly. She quietly nodded her head. Suho watched her nervous reaction carefully, then said, “Then please cooperate with me.”
Hauen’s legs began to shake violently with fear. She walked slowly toward the large bed and sat on the edge, hesitating. Suho walked over and looked down at her with a sharp, impatient gaze. He raised an eyebrow and asked, “Will you just sit there like that… or”
With trembling movements, Hauen lay flat on the bed. Suho exhaled heavily and reached over to dim the bedroom lights, plunging the room into darkness. His black robe fell open as he moved closer. The air in the room felt heavy and tense. He approached her. She pulled off her pajama bottoms and underwear. She was completely bare and vulnerable. He spread her legs apart. Hauen’s entire body shook and shivered against the cold air, feeling completely exposed.
“Are you ready or not?” he asked one last time. Hauen closed her eyes tightly, took a deep, steadying breath, and whispered, “I’m ready.”
He positioned his body over hers and slid inside her. A sharp, intense wave of pain shot through her body. Hauen bit her lower lip hard to keep from crying out and gripped the satin bedsheets tightly with her hands, forcing herself to endure it.
A few minutes later, Suho pulled away from her. He stood up, adjusted his black night robe, and without saying a single word or looking back, he walked out of the room, leaving her completely alone in the dark.
Hot tears finally spilled out of Hauen’s eyes and ran down her cheeks. Her legs felt weak and unsteady, and her lower body felt incredibly sore and painful. She lay completely still in the dark for a few minutes, trying to calm her racing heart. Slowly, she sat up, pulled her pajama bottoms back on, and dragged a pillow tightly against her chest. She curled up in the big bed, her mind spinning with fear and sadness as she stared into the empty room.
The next few minutes passed in complete silence. Hauen lay perfectly still in the dark, empty bed. Hot tears rolled down her temples, soaking into the mattress. Her lower body throbbed with a dull, heavy ache, and her legs felt too weak to move.
Slowly, she forced herself to sit up. She reached for her pajama bottoms, pulled them back on, and dragged a plush pillow tightly against her chest. She buried her face in it, trying to stop her body from trembling as her mind began to spin.
She felt completely trapped. This marriage felt like a cage, locking her into a life she never wanted. She had only entered this family to survive. Her reasons were serious and heavy—the kind of desperate circumstances that corner a person until they have absolutely no choices left. She had been forced to walk through the one door she always feared.
The emotional pain in her chest refused to go away. Since she was a young girl, she had dreamed of a beautiful marriage. She had imagined a warm home, shared laughter, a loving partner, and gentle mornings together. Instead, she had stepped into a frozen world. There was no affection here. This was just a ritual, a cold business contract, and a life empty of tenderness. The worst part was knowing she had walked into it willingly because life gave her no other option.
More tears slipped down her cheeks, silent and nonstop, dampening the fabric of the pillow. She squeezed her eyes shut and wrapped her arms tightly around her own body. She whispered the only words that gave her comfort: “It’s temporary. It’s only for a short time. Things will get better… someday.”
She repeated the words like a prayer over and over again. Slowly, the sentence lost its meaning and turned into a dull hum inside her mind. Finally, the extreme exhaustion from the long wedding day took over. It felt heavier than her deep fears and heavier than the crushing loneliness in her chest.
In the quiet darkness of the luxury penthouse, Hauen finally fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
