“A contract brought them together… but fate had already written something deeper.”
Chapter 1: 25th Anniversary Night
The night in Seoul shimmered with city lights, and soft music filled the air as a grand celebration unfolded.
Seojin Holdings was celebrating its 25th anniversary.
To mark this special occasion, a lavish party was organized at the luxurious Seojin Hotel. The hall was beautifully decorated with golden lights, crystal chandeliers, and an elegant atmosphere.
Inside the hall, couples danced gracefully to soft music 💃🕺
Guests enjoyed drinks and dinner 🍷🍽️
Top businessmen, celebrities, and elite guests gathered together, sharing conversations and laughter.
At the entrance, media reporters stood with microphones 🎤
The event was being broadcast live—
“Today, Seojin Holdings celebrates its successful 25 years…”
Camera flashes filled the space as interviews and coverage continued. Guests greeted each other, engaged in business talks, and exchanged polite smiles.
After a while…
The doors slowly opened.
A subtle silence spread across the hall.
Mr. Kang Dae-Hyun and Mrs. Choi Mi-Sook made their entrance.
All eyes turned toward them.
Dressed elegantly, they walked in with confidence and authority. Reporters immediately focused their cameras on them 📸
“Here comes the chairman of Seojin Holdings with his wife…”
They moved forward, greeting guests with composed smiles. Handshakes, formal conversations, and polite exchanges followed—everything appeared perfect.
Mrs. Choi Mi-Sook’s face looked calm and graceful…
but in her eyes, there was a strange stillness—
as if she was hiding a secret 😶🌫️
The music grew louder as the celebration continued.
Dance, laughter, and conversations filled the hall.
But beneath all the glamour…
a story had already begun—one that no one knew yet.
“Two strangers sharing a home, hiding their truths behind silence.”
Chapter 2: Unspoken Rivalries
The celebration inside the grand hall of Seojin Hotel continued with elegance and energy. Music, laughter, and conversations blended perfectly under the golden lights.
Mr. Kang Dae-Hyun and Mrs. Choi Mi-Sook stood among the elite guests, gracefully interacting with everyone. Their presence commanded respect as they exchanged formal greetings, business talks, and polite smiles.
“Congratulations on 25 successful years,” one businessman said.
Kang Dae-Hyun nodded slightly.
“Thank you. This is just the beginning.”
Mi-Sook stood beside him, her calm smile never fading, observing everything quietly.
Just then…
The entrance doors opened once again.
A well-known business partner of the family walked in, accompanied by his wife and daughter.
They were not ordinary guests.
They were special.
One of the most powerful and influential families connected to Seojin Holdings.
Their arrival immediately drew attention.
“Mr. Yoo…” Kang Dae-Hyun stepped forward to greet him.
A firm handshake followed.
“It’s an honor to be here,” Mr. Yoo said with a smile.
Beside him stood his elegant wife, and their daughter—Yoo Na-Ra.
Dressed in a stunning designer gown, Na-Ra carried herself with confidence and grace. Her eyes moved across the hall, observing everything carefully.
Mi-Sook looked at her with a subtle smile… as if already planning something.
Meanwhile…
Outside the hotel, another luxury car stopped.
The door opened.
Seo Ji-Hoon stepped out.
Dressed in a sharp suit, he looked calm, yet something in his expression felt different—slightly distant.
As he walked inside the party hall, a few guests turned toward him.
“The younger son…”
“He’s back…”
Whispers followed him.
Ji-Hoon entered quietly, his eyes scanning the room.
Then, his gaze shifted toward the main crowd—toward his family.
For a brief moment… something flickered in his eyes.
Jealousy.
Not loud, not obvious… but present.
The attention, the power, the expectations—everything always revolved around his elder brother, Seo-Joon.
Ji-Hoon looked away, masking his emotions behind a faint smile.
Back in the center of the hall…
Two powerful families stood together, exchanging smiles and formal words.
But behind those smiles…
alliances were forming, decisions were being made—
and lives were slowly being controlled.
“In distance, they found discomfort… in silence, curiosity.”
Chapter 3: A Fragile Moment
The celebration inside Seojin Hotel continued with music, laughter, and elegance. Guests were enjoying the evening, unaware that a small moment was about to change everything.
At the entrance…
A young girl carefully walked in, holding a beautifully designed cake box in her hands.
It was Hae-In.
The special anniversary cake—personally prepared by her small bakery—had been ordered for this grand event.
She looked around, slightly nervous but focused. This was a big opportunity for her.
Near the entrance, reporters were still covering the event live 🎤
“And here comes the special anniversary cake…” one reporter said, turning the camera toward her.
Hae-In felt a bit shy but stepped forward slowly.
As she entered the main hall…
Suddenly—
A small child ran across her path.
Before she could react…
The cake slipped from her hands.
It fell to the ground.
The box opened… and the beautifully prepared cake was completely ruined.
For a moment—
Everything went silent.
Mrs. Choi Mi-Sook turned toward the scene, her expression changing instantly.
“What is this?” she said sharply.
She walked closer, her voice cold and strict.
“Do you even know what you’ve done? This is an important event!”
Hae-In stood frozen, her hands trembling.
“I… I’m really sorry… it was by mistake…” she tried to explain, her voice shaking.
But Mi-Sook didn’t stop.
“Sorry? Do you think sorry can fix this?” she said harshly, drawing attention from nearby guests.
Hae-In’s eyes slowly filled with tears 💔
Just then…
A voice came from behind.
“That’s enough.”
Everyone turned.
Seo-Joon had arrived.
Dressed in a black suit, his presence immediately shifted the atmosphere.
He walked forward calmly, his eyes fixed on the situation.
“It was an accident,” he said, his voice steady.
“She didn’t do it on purpose.”
Mi-Sook looked at him, slightly surprised.
“Seo-Joon, this is not something to ignore—”
“It’s already done,” he interrupted, his tone firm.
“No need to make it worse.”
For the first time…
Hae-In looked up at him.
Their eyes met for a brief moment.
But she quickly looked down again, tears falling from her eyes.
“I’m… really sorry…” she whispered once more.
Unable to stay there any longer, she turned and walked out of the hall, trying to hide her tears.
Seo-Joon stood still, watching her leave.
Something about that moment… felt different.
Something quiet… but unforgettable.
“Small moments began to break the walls between hearts.”
Chapter 4: An Unexpected Return
The party hall still carried a hint of tension.
Seo-Joon walked calmly toward his mother, Mrs. Choi Mi-Sook.
“Mom… it was just an accident,” he said in a firm yet controlled voice.
“It wasn’t her fault.”
Mi-Sook looked at him, slightly displeased, but remained silent.
Just then…
Yoo Na-Ra stepped forward, holding a new cake.
“Actually, I had already arranged a backup,” she said with a confident smile.
“Just in case something went wrong.”
The guests seemed impressed.
Mi-Sook’s expression immediately softened.
“Thank you, Na-Ra… you handled the situation perfectly.”
She gently hugged her.
Na-Ra smiled, her eyes reflecting quiet satisfaction.
A few moments later…
The cake was placed on the stage.
Lights dimmed…
Guests gathered around, clapping softly 👏
The 25th anniversary of Seojin Holdings was celebrated with a grand cake-cutting ceremony 🎉
Photos were taken, media covered every moment, and smiles filled the room—
as if nothing had happened.
As the night came to an end…
Guests slowly began to leave.
The grand hall grew quieter.
Meanwhile…
In a small bakery across the city…
Hae-In sat alone.
Her eyes were red… she had been crying 💔
“Why did this happen to me…” she whispered softly.
The humiliation still weighed heavily on her heart.
The next morning ☀️
A fresh day began.
Hae-In opened her bakery and returned to her routine.
But the sadness from last night still lingered on her face.
The doorbell rang… 🔔
Hae-In turned.
At the entrance stood Seo-Joon.
Dressed simply, yet carrying the same calm presence, he stepped inside.
“I came to say… sorry,” he said directly.
Hae-In looked surprised.
“Why are you saying sorry?”
“For what happened yesterday… because of my mother,” he replied quietly.
Hae-In looked at him…
And in that moment—
Seo-Joon felt his heartbeat suddenly rise 💓
Something about her felt… different.
Simple… yet unforgettable.
“It’s okay… it was just a mistake,” Hae-In said softly, giving a faint smile.
A brief silence followed.
Seo-Joon took a seat.
“Can I get a coffee?” he asked.
Hae-In nodded and went to prepare it ☕
They exchanged a few simple words…
Nothing special—yet somehow meaningful.
Seo-Joon quietly finished his coffee and stood up to leave.
After a while…
As Hae-In cleaned the counter, something caught her attention.
A wallet.
Black… expensive.
She picked it up and looked at it.
“This is…” she murmured.
It was Seo-Joon’s wallet.
She looked toward the door…
Pausing for a moment.
This wasn’t just a mistake anymore—
It was the beginning of something new.
“Care started where rules ended.”
Chapter 5: A Shocking Truth
The next day…
Hae-In stood outside the grand office building of Seojin Holdings.
She held the wallet carefully in her hands.
“This should be returned properly…” she whispered to herself.
As she stepped toward the entrance, the security guard stopped her.
“Excuse me, you can’t go inside without permission.”
Hae-In hesitated.
“I… I just came to return something important.”
“I’m sorry, but you need an appointment,” the guard replied firmly.
Inside the building…
Seo-Joon was walking past a screen when his eyes suddenly caught something on the CCTV.
He stopped.
It was Hae-In.
Standing outside.
For a moment, he just stared.
“Let her in,” he said immediately.
A few minutes later…
Hae-In was escorted inside.
The office was luxurious, quiet, and intimidating.
Seo-Joon was already waiting for her.
As she entered, he looked at her calmly.
“You came,” he said.
Hae-In nodded and stepped forward.
“You forgot this,” she said, handing him the wallet.
Seo-Joon took it and glanced at it.
“Thank you,” he said.
“Please check once… just to be sure everything is there,” she added politely.
He gave a slight nod.
For a brief moment, silence filled the room.
Then Hae-In turned to leave.
“I’ll go now,” she said softly.
Just as she reached the door—
It opened.
Yoo Na-Ra walked in.
Elegant, confident, and composed.
She glanced at Hae-In briefly, then shifted her attention to Seo-Joon.
“We need to talk,” she said.
Seo-Joon frowned slightly.
“About what?”
Na-Ra crossed her arms calmly.
“About our engagement.”
For a second—
Seo-Joon froze.
“…What?”
“No one told you?” she said, raising an eyebrow.
“Our families are already discussing our marriage.”
Seo-Joon’s expression hardened.
“I wasn’t informed about this.”
Na-Ra gave a faint smile.
“Well… now you are.”
Without saying another word, Seo-Joon grabbed his keys and walked out quickly.
A few minutes later…
His car sped through the streets.
At home…
Seo-Joon entered, his expression serious.
“Dad, what is this?” he asked directly.
“An engagement? And no one thought I should know?”
Kang Dae-Hyun remained calm.
“It’s for the company. This alliance is important.”
Seo-Joon turned to his mother.
“Is this true?”
Mrs. Choi Mi-Sook looked at him and nodded.
“Yes… it’s true.”
A heavy silence filled the room.
Seo-Joon stood still…
Realizing that his life was no longer in his control.
“A glance became longer… a feeling started growing.”
Chapter 6: A Risky Plan
The atmosphere at home was tense.
Seo-Joon’s anger was clearly visible.
“I’m not going to marry her,” he said firmly.
“I have no interest in that girl.”
Kang Dae-Hyun looked at him, calm but strict.
“You have to.”
“Why?” Seo-Joon snapped.
“Because this isn’t just a marriage,” Dae-Hyun replied.
“It’s a business alliance.”
“She is our partner’s daughter. In the future, she may even help take over the business.
And most importantly—she is from our level… rich and powerful.”
Seo-Joon lost his patience.
“I don’t care!” he raised his voice.
“It’s my life… I’ll make my own decisions!”
Mi-Sook stood quietly, watching everything with a faint, unreadable smile 😶🌫️
“Enough,” Dae-Hyun said in a firm tone.
“You will marry her.”
Seo-Joon pushed the chair aside in frustration and stood up.
“No matter what… I’m not doing this marriage.”
Without another word, he walked out.
At the office…
Seo-Joon entered with fast, sharp steps.
His anger hadn’t cooled down.
“Call my assistant,” he ordered.
A few moments later, his personal assistant walked in.
“Sir?” he asked respectfully.
Seo-Joon got straight to the point.
“I need to stop this marriage. Any ideas?”
The assistant thought for a moment, then smiled slightly 😏
“Sir… I do have an idea.”
“Go on,” Seo-Joon said.
“You’ll need to find a girl…”
“A fake wife.”
Seo-Joon raised an eyebrow.
“Continue.”
The assistant explained:
“You can go for a contract marriage.”
“Just for six months.”
“After that… you can create a reason and get a divorce.
Your family won’t be able to force you anymore.”
The room fell silent.
Seo-Joon leaned back slightly, thinking.
“Not bad…” he murmured.
Then he looked at his assistant and asked seriously:
“But… where do I find such a girl?”
The assistant chuckled softly.
“Sir… there are many girls in this world…
you just need to find the right one 😏”
Seo-Joon leaned back in his chair…
A plan was forming in his mind.
This was a game now—
and he was ready to play it by his own rules.
“Jealousy is the first sign of love… even if unspoken.”
Chapter 7: A Dangerous Choice
The next day…
Seo-Joon and his assistant stepped into a quiet bakery.
The warm smell of fresh coffee and bread filled the air.
It was Hae-In’s bakery 🍰
They took a seat.
“Two coffees,” the assistant ordered casually.
As they waited…
The assistant’s eyes moved around the place.
Then suddenly—
He noticed Hae-In.
She was behind the counter, busy preparing orders, simple yet graceful.
The assistant leaned slightly toward Seo-Joon and whispered:
“Boss… what about her?”
Seo-Joon frowned.
“What?”
“That girl,” the assistant said, nodding toward Hae-In.
“She seems perfect.”
Seo-Joon glanced at her.
For a moment… he stayed silent.
It was the same girl from the party.
The same girl who returned his wallet.
Meanwhile…
Hae-In walked toward their table with coffee.
“Your coffee,” she said softly, placing the cups.
As she looked up—
Her eyes met Seo-Joon’s.
A brief silence.
“You again…” she said, a little surprised.
Seo-Joon gave a slight nod.
“Yeah… me.”
After she left—
The assistant smirked.
“See? Destiny, sir.”
Seo-Joon didn’t reply… but his gaze remained on Hae-In.
At the same time…
In another place—
A quiet, private room.
Choi Mi-Sook was speaking to someone on the phone.
Her voice was low… but cold.
“I’ll give you 50,000 crore” she said calmly.
“But this truth… should never come out.”
There was silence on the other side.
Mi-Sook’s expression remained unchanged.
“No matter what happens… this secret must stay buried.”
She ended the call.
A faint smile appeared on her lips 😶🌫️
Back at the bakery…
Seo-Joon held his coffee, lost in thought.
The assistant leaned back and said quietly:
“Sir… I think we just found your contract wife.”
Seo-Joon looked at Hae-In again…
This time, with a different thought in his mind.
“Emotions they tried to ignore… began to demand attention.”
Chapter 8: A Deal of Need
The bakery was calm, filled with the soft aroma of coffee and fresh bread.
Hae-In was working quietly when suddenly her phone rang 📱
She looked at the screen.
“Mom…”
She quickly answered.
“Hello, Mom?”
From the other side came a worried voice—
“Beta… we don’t have money…
how will we manage the house like this?”
Hae-In’s expression changed.
“The bills are pending… and the bakery expenses are increasing…” her mother continued.
Hae-In tried to stay strong.
“Mom… please don’t worry,” she said softly.
“I’ll manage everything…”
But her voice didn’t sound as confident as her words.
At a nearby table…
Seo-Joon and his assistant had heard everything.
The assistant looked at Seo-Joon.
Seo-Joon remained silent for a moment, thinking.
Then he said quietly:
“Talk to her.”
The assistant understood.
After a few minutes…
The assistant walked toward Hae-In.
“Excuse me,” he said politely.
Hae-In turned.
“Yes?”
“I need to discuss something important with you.”
She looked confused.
“With me?”
They sat at a corner table.
The assistant spoke calmly:
“My boss… wants to make you an offer.”
Hae-In frowned.
“What kind of offer?”
The assistant continued:
“A contract marriage.”
For a moment—
Hae-In froze.
“…What?”
He explained further:
“It’s just for six months.
In return…”
He paused.
“You’ll get everything.”
“A house, a car, financial support…
and your bakery will be taken care of.”
Hae-In was completely shocked.
“This isn’t a joke, right?” she asked.
The assistant shook his head.
“No. It’s serious.”
Hae-In’s thoughts became restless.
Her mother’s words echoed in her mind—
“We don’t have money…”
She looked down, her hands trembling.
“This is wrong…” she whispered.
But reality felt heavier than her emotions.
After a long silence…
She slowly looked up.
“…If I agree,” she said softly,
what do I have to do?
The assistant replied:
“Just act as his wife for six months.”
Hae-In closed her eyes for a moment.
Tears formed… but she held them back.
This wasn’t her choice.
It was her situation.
“…Okay,” she said quietly.
“I’ll do it.”
From a distance…
Seo-Joon watched everything.
His expression remained calm…
But something inside him had already started to change.
“What started as responsibility slowly turned into concern.”
Chapter 9: A Marriage No One Expected
The next day…
Inside a quiet courtroom, everything was formal and silent.
Seo-Joon stood beside Hae-In.
A marriage officer placed the documents in front of them.
“Please sign here.”
Hae-In’s hands trembled slightly.
She looked at Seo-Joon for a moment…
He remained calm, unreadable.
Taking a deep breath, she signed the marriage certificate.
Seo-Joon signed right after.
A second file was placed on the table.
“The contract agreement—6 months.”
Hae-In paused for a second…
Then slowly signed that as well.
Two signatures.
Two decisions.
And just like that—
They were officially married.
Outside…
Without wasting time, Seo-Joon took Hae-In with him.
His car stopped in front of his grand house.
Inside the house…
Kang Dae-Hyun and Choi Mi-Sook were already present.
Along with them—
Yoo Na-Ra and her parents were also sitting there.
They were in the middle of a discussion.
The main door opened.
Seo-Joon walked in.
Hae-In followed behind him.
Everyone turned to look.
And froze.
Shock filled the room.
Seo-Joon stood confidently.
“I’m married,” he said calmly.
A heavy silence fell.
“What did you just say?” Kang Dae-Hyun’s voice turned sharp.
“I got married,” Seo-Joon repeated.
Mi-Sook’s face darkened.
Yoo Na-Ra’s expression changed instantly—
shock… turning into jealousy.
Na-Ra’s father
