Yoon Ara barely slept that night.
The unfamiliar bed, the silence of the huge mansion, and the thought that she was now Jae-min's wife—only on paper, but still—kept her awake until dawn.
When she finally stepped out of her room the next morning, the house felt too quiet. The servants were already busy, but no one spoke to her. She felt like a guest who didn't quite belong.
She wandered down a long hallway and found herself standing in front of a door slightly ajar.
Jae-min's study.
She didn't mean to look inside, but curiosity tugged at her. The room was neat, organized, and cold—just like him. Papers were spread across the desk, and she noticed a file with her name on it.
Her heart skipped.
Before she could stop herself, she stepped inside.
"You shouldn't be here."
Ara gasped and turned around. Jae-min stood at the doorway, his expression dark.
"I—I'm sorry," she said quickly. "I didn't mean to—"
"Leave," he ordered.
She nodded and hurried toward the door, but in her rush, her foot caught on the edge of the rug.
She stumbled.
Jae-min grabbed her wrist before she could fall.
Their bodies were suddenly too close.
Ara froze.
His hand was warm against her skin. His grip wasn't rough, but it was firm. She could feel his breath, steady and close.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Jae-min looked down at her, his eyes dark and unreadable. Ara's heart pounded so loudly she was sure he could hear it.
"Let go…" she whispered, though part of her didn't want him to.
He didn't.
Something shifted in his gaze—something dangerous and confusing. Slowly, his hand slid from her wrist to her arm, as if he wasn't sure whether to push her away or pull her closer.
Ara swallowed. "Jae-min…"
The sound of her saying his name made his jaw tighten.
He suddenly released her, stepping back as if he had touched fire.
"Stay out of my space," he said coldly. "Don't forget your place."
Ara nodded, her face burning.
"I'm sorry."
As she walked away, her heart felt strangely heavy.
She didn't understand him.
He pushed her away… yet for a moment, it felt like he hadn't wanted to .