Elora came back, "i almost forgot the important place" she said breaking Lali away from her thought and gesturing her to follow. Elora stopped infront of a large door. "This will be your space from now on," she said. When the door opened, Lali's breath caught. The room was massive, with high ceilings and large windows that allowed natural light to flood in. The bed was centered in the room, beautifully made with rich fabrics. A sitting area was off to one side, complete with comfortable chairs and a low table. Everything was decorated with soft colors, elegant but not overwhelming. It was clear that this room had been prepared with great care. Lali stepped in and saw Gguk standing by the window and looking out at the view of the garden below. Lali walked in, her steps slow as she took in her new surroundings. It was almost too much. The grandeur, the beauty, it felt like a dream, but one that didn't quite feel real yet.
Elora gave her a knowing smile before leaving them alone. "You'll have time to settle in. If you need anything, just ask." With that, the door closed softly behind her, leaving Lali and Gguk in silence.
Lali moved toward the large walk-in closet, her hands brushing against the smooth wood. Inside, there were rows of hangers, shelves, and drawers, all empty, waiting to be filled with her belongings. She took a deep breath, opening her suitcase and slowly began hanging her clothes. Each piece she placed in the closet felt like a step closer to accepting her new life.
As she arranged her clothes, it finally hit her, she was married now. She was a Jeon. Everything had changed in a matter of days. The weight of it all settled on her shoulders, and for the first time, she felt a pang of uncertainty. Her hand resting on the last dress she had hung. She looked around, her eyes lingering on the bed, the closet, and the quiet presence of Gguk by the window. This was her life now, for better or worse.
She swallowed hard, pushing away the nervousness that bubbled in her chest. This was the path she had chosen, or rather, the path that had been chosen for her. And now, there was no turning back.
After settling her clothes in the spacious closet, Lali sat on the edge of the bed, taking in her surroundings. The room was more than just beautiful, it was a statement of wealth, power, and privilege. The walls were decorated with soft hues, detailed with ornate moldings. The furniture was finely crafted, every piece handpicked for its elegance. A large mirror in one corner reflected the room's grandeur back at her, making the space feel even larger.
Across from her, Gguk still stood at the window, his back to her, silent as usual. He hadn't said much since they arrived, but his presence filled the room in an unspoken way. His mind seemed distant. Lali glanced at him, feeling the weight of the silence between them. They were married now, husband and wife and yet, there was still so much distance. She wondered if that would ever change. But she thought back to what Elora had said earlier "Dont expect him to be affectionate or loving". The words kept playing in her head and she couldnt help but feel sad about it. She looked back at the closet, thinking of her life before all this. Her home was nothing compared to this mansion. It was modest, comfortable, but lacking in the kind of wealth and influence the Jeons had. Her parents had given her a happy life, but this was a different world. Everything felt foreign, from the lavish décor to the way the family interacted with each other. A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Lali looked up, and a maid entered, bowing politely. "Mrs. Jeon," the maid said with a kind smile, addressing Lali for the first time with her new title. "Dinner will be served in the main dining hall shortly."
Lali nodded. "Thank you." The maid left as quietly as she had come. Lali stood up, smoothing her dress nervously. Dinner meant facing the family again. She wasn't sure how she felt about it. The introductions earlier had been polite, but there was an undeniable tension beneath the surface. This was a powerful family, and she was the newest addition. She didn't know if she belonged yet.
She turned toward Gguk, who was still standing by the window, seemingly lost in thought. Taking a deep breath, she approached him.
"Should we go?" she asked softly, unsure of what to say.
Gguk turned to face her, his expression unreadable. He studied her for a moment before nodding. Without a word, he moved toward the door, opening it for her to step out first. The silence between them remained, but Lali followed, her heart racing as they made their way toward the dining hall. The dining room was just as grand as the rest of the mansion. A long, polished table stretched across the room, set with the finest china and silverware. Candles flickered softly, casting a warm glow over the elegant space. The rest of the Jeon family was already seated, waiting for them. Elora sat at the head of the table, regal and composed. Kavin sat next to her, his presence as commanding as ever. The other brothers and their wives were seated as well, along with Taeyang and Mia. As Lali and Gguk entered the room, all eyes turned toward them. Elora gestured to the empty seats near the middle of the table. "Please, sit," she said, her voice calm but authoritative. Lali moved to her seat, feeling the weight of their gazes. Gguk took the chair beside her, his posture relaxed but alert. As they began to eat, the conversation flowed easily among the family members, though Lali noticed that much of it was business-related. The elder brothers discussed recent deals with Kavin, while Irene and Sohee talked quietly among themselves. Mia stayed mostly silent, only speaking when asked a direct question. Taeyang, too, remained quiet, though his eyes occasionally flicked toward Lali, observing her. Elora turned to Lali after some time, her voice cutting through the chatter. "I trust the room is to your liking, Lali?" Lali quickly nodded, unsure of how to respond. "Yes, it's beautiful. Thank you." Elora smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm glad. You'll find that we value comfort and privacy in this family. You will have everything you need."
There was something in her tone that made Lali feel like the words carried a deeper meaning. She forced a smile, feeling slightly out of place but grateful for the small kindness.
As the dinner continued, Lali felt more like an outsider watching from the sidelines. The Jeon family moved in sync, their conversations and actions flowing with ease. It was clear that they were close, bonded by their shared legacy and the empire they had built. Yet, Lali couldn't shake the feeling that there was more beneath the surface, something hidden behind their polished exterior. After dinner, Gguk rose from his seat without a word, and Lali followed him back to their room. The night air was cooler now, and as they walked through the mansion's long hallways, Lali felt a strange sense of calm. The house was vast, almost like a maze, but there was a certain peace in its quietness. When they reached their room, Lali stepped inside first. The room was as she had left it, the soft light from the lamps casting a warm glow over the elegant furniture. She moved toward the closet again, feeling the urge to adjust her clothes one more time, perhaps as a way to distract herself from the weight of the day.
As she stood in front of the mirror, Lali caught a glimpse of her reflection. She looked different. Not in a physical sense, but there was something in her eyes, a shift, a realization. She was no longer just Lali, the girl from a simple background. She was Mrs. Jeon now, part of a powerful family with secrets she didn't yet understand. She placed her hands on the closet door, taking a deep breath. It had finally sunk in. She was married. This was her life now. And no matter what came next, she would have to navigate this new world carefully. Gguk remained quiet, already preparing for bed. He hadn't spoken much since they met, and Lali has started to think that is his nature. Either way, she knew that their relationship was going to take time to grow, and she would have to be patient. As she slid into bed, Lali glanced at Gguk one more time before closing her eyes. The day had been long, filled with overwhelming moments and new beginnings. But as she drifted off to sleep, one thought stayed with her, this was only the beginning.
The early morning sun peeked through the heavy curtains of the large bedroom, casting soft rays across the room. Lali stirred awake, blinking a few times as she took in her surroundings. For a brief moment, she forgot where she was, but then the reality of her new life settled in again. She was in the Jeon mansion, married into one of the most powerful families in Korea.
Quietly, Lali sat up in bed. Gguk was still asleep beside her, his steady breathing filling the room. She glanced at him, feeling the weight of the silence between them. It was strange being married but still feeling like a stranger in his presence. She wasn't sure what the day held, but one thing was clear, she couldn't just sit idly. The mansion was so large and overwhelming, and she needed to find something to do. With careful movements, she slid out of bed and tiptoed toward the door. Once outside, she wandered through the long hallways, her feet padding softly on the polished floors. The house was still quiet, everyone likely still asleep. After wandering for a while, she found her way downstairs and eventually to the kitchen. The kitchen was bustling with activity when Lali stepped in. Several maids and cooks were already busy preparing breakfast. The smell of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filled the air. Lali hesitated at the entrance, unsure if she should even be there. One of the cooks, a middle-aged woman with a kind smile, noticed her and approached. "Good morning, Mrs. Jeon," she said with a bow.
"Can we prepare something for you?" Lali shook her head. "No, thank you. I was wondering if I could help." The cook looked surprised. "Help? But-" "I'd like to," Lali insisted, smiling. She had always enjoyed cooking back at home, and now, being in a mansion full of strangers, it felt like the one thing that could bring her comfort. She wasn't used to being waited on, and helping would keep her busy. The cook seemed unsure but eventually nodded. "Of course, Mrs. Jeon. Please, join us." Lali moved over to the counter, where she was given small tasks, chopping vegetables, arranging the plates, and checking the oven. The kitchen staff treated her with quiet respect, and though they were surprised by her presence, they accepted her help. As she worked, she felt a sense of peace, losing herself in the familiar rhythm of preparing a meal.
Back upstairs, Gguk woke to find the bed empty. He sat up, frowning slightly, wondering where Lali had gone. He hadn't heard her leave. He wasn't used to this, sharing a space with someone else, even if they were his wife.
He dressed quickly and went downstairs, his mind running over the events of the previous day. Everything had happened so quickly, the wedding, the introductions, and now this quiet life with someone he barely knew. When he reached the dining room, he found Lali there, setting the table with a few of the maids. His frown deepened slightly as he watched her move around the table with ease. She noticed him and straightened, giving him a soft smile.
"Good morning," she said. Gguk nodded, his expression unreadable. "Good morning."
Lali, "i didnt know what to do after waking up so i thought of helping out" Gguk simply nodded and headed out. After setting out the table, Lali went upstairs to freshen up before breakfast.
Back in their room, Lali stepped out of the shower, feeling the cool air against her wet skin. She wrapped a towel around her, but it barely covered her thighs. Her damp hair clung to her shoulders, and she sighed, feeling refreshed from the shower. Without thinking, she walked out of the bathroom, barefoot and wrapped in the small towel. But then, she looked up, and froze. Gguk was standing by the door, staring at her. Her heart skipped a beat. She had forgotten for a second that she isnt alone anymore. She stood still, the towel barely hanging on, and her wet hair dripping onto her shoulders. Gguk's eyes traveled over her, and she could feel her face turning red. Neither of them said a word. The only sound in the room was the water dripping from her hair. Gguk's eyes moved from her face to her legs and back up again.
"I-" Lali began, her voice shaky. She pulled the towel tighter around her, even though it wasn't doing much. "I forgot you were here." Gguk didn't answer right away. His eyes lingered for a moment longer before he finally looked away. He turned a little, trying to give her some privacy, but Lali could see his eyes flicker to her reflection in the mirror. Her heart raced, unsure of what to do. She felt the awkwardness grow, the room filled with an unspoken tension. Gguk's gaze was intense as he took a step toward her. His expression remained unreadable, but there was something in his eyes, something she hadn't seen before. He wasn't angry or upset, but the way he looked at her made her heart race. For a few moments, they simply stood there, the silence stretching between them. The room felt smaller somehow, the air thick with unspoken words.
"You don't have to be nervous," Gguk finally said, his voice low but calm.
Lali swallowed, trying to find her words. "I'm not nervous," she replied softly, though her voice betrayed her.
Gguk's lips twitched slightly, almost like he was amused. He stepped closer, closing the distance between them. "You're shaking," he observed, his tone neutral but his gaze intense.
Lali looked down, realizing her hands were trembling slightly, her grip on the towel tight. She wasn't sure if it was nerves or something else, this was her husband, after all. But she still didn't know him, not really. Everything between them was new and uncertain.
"I'll get dressed," she muttered, moving toward the closet quickly, trying to avoid his gaze.
But Gguk reached out, gently grabbing her wrist as she passed him. Lali stopped, looking up at him, her heart pounding in her chest. For a brief moment, Gguk held her gaze, his hand still wrapped around her wrist. There was something unreadable in his expression, a mix of emotions she couldn't quite place. He wasn't cold or distant now. He was... different.
"Take your time," he said quietly, letting go of her wrist and stepping back.
Lali nodded, her breath uneven as she quickly moved into the closet. Once inside, she leaned against the wall, her heart still racing from the brief interaction. She didn't know what to make of Gguk's sudden shift. He was still hard to read, but in that moment, she had felt something, a connection, perhaps.
She dressed quickly, trying to shake off the nerves that still lingered. When she stepped out of the closet, Gguk was back by the window, his back to her once again, as if nothing had happened.
The dining room was already bustling when Lali stepped in. The long table was lined with elegant dishes as bowls of fruits, freshly baked bread, and all sorts of delicacies. Lali felt pleased as she had woken up early and slipped into the kitchen to help prepare the food.
As she entered, the family was already seated. Kavin, Gguk's father, greeted her with a nod while Elora sat with her usual composed expression. Taeyang was there too his eyes immediately locking onto her as she took her seat beside Gguk. "Good morning," she greeted everyone, her voice calm but polite. Elora smiled slightly, the kind of smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Good morning Lali," she said smoothly, sipping her tea. "How was your first night in the mansion?"
Lali paused, feeling all eyes on her. She quickly glanced at Gguk, who was focused on his plate, as usual, keeping his distance emotionally. "It was good," she replied softly, offering a polite smile.
"Good to hear" Kavin spoke up with a friendly grin. "This is your home now Lali. Don't feel like a stranger. Treat it as such." Lali nodded, grateful for his kindness. But just as she started to feel a little more relaxed, she caught Taeyang's gaze on her. He hadn't said much since their brief introduction the previous night, but his eyes were always watching her with an intensity she couldn't quite place. She smiled politely at him, though a strange discomfort settled in her stomach. "Thank you" she murmured, turning her attention back to her plate. Throughout breakfast, Elora would occasionally glance her way, throwing in small, cryptic remarks about how the Jeon family valued their business over anything else especially in marriage. "Jeon marriages are strategic," she said smoothly. "There's no room for unnecessary emotions. We are all here for the same goal; our family's legacy" Lali nodded, understanding the unspoken message hidden in those words. It wasn't just a casual breakfast chat. It was a reminder. A warning. But why? why was love forbidden? she got curious but kept it to herself and focused on her food. But Gguk didn't seem fazed by the conversation. He remained as calm and collected as ever, occasionally murmuring responses but never engaging too deeply. Taeyang, on the other hand, continued to watch Lali as though trying to figure her out.
After breakfast ended, the family slowly dispersed. Kavin left for his work with the two elder sons, and Elora retreated to her personal study. Taeyang lingered for a moment longer before offering Lali a small smile. "See you around" he said quietly, his voice holding a certain warmth that made her feel uneasy. Lali forced a smile back, feeling the tension rise. After the breakfast tension, Lali followed Gguk back to their room. He was preparing to leave for work, pulling out his jacket and a neatly folded shirt from the closet. Without thinking much of it, Lali stepped forward, taking his tie in her hands again like she had done the day before. "Let me help" she offered softly.
Gguk hesitated for a moment, then gave a small nod, allowing her to tie it for him. Her fingers moved deftly, focusing on the knot as she adjusted it around his collar. As she worked, the same tension from earlier returned. It was subtle, unspoken, but there in the way they stood so close together. She could feel his steady breathing and smell the faint cologne he wore. When she finished tying the knot, their eyes met, and for a brief moment, everything else seemed to fade away. There was something warm in his gaze now, something that hadn't been there before.
"You're good at this," Gguk remarked quietly, his voice soft but steady. Lali smiled. "My dad thought me saying 'you need to do this for your future husband" They both stayed in that space, the air between them growing heavier. But before the moment could grow any more intense, Lali quickly stepped back, turning toward the small dessert bowl she had prepared earlier. She had made a sweet rice dish in the morning, a little treat that she wanted him to have. "I made something for you," she said, walking over to where she had packed the dessert in a small bowl. She handed it to him, her eyes bright with hope. "Just something to take with you for later." Gguk looked at the bowl then back at her, a flicker of surprise on his face. He wasn't used to this kind of gesture, but he took it with a nod, his expression softening. "Thanks" he said simply, but there was a warmth in his tone that made her heart flutter. As he finished getting ready, Lali stood by feeling a sense of quiet satisfaction. This wasn't just about being a good wife or trying to fit into the Jeon family. It was about building something real with Gguk, slowly, patiently.
And though they hadn't spoken about it yet, Lali knew that the more time they spent together, the harder it would be to ignore the growing bond between them. And she so badly want to have a relationship with him despite all the warnings. Speaking about warnings, her curiousity grew she as think about what Elora has been telling her since she became a Jeon. "There must be something, i have to find out" she murmered to herself stepping out of the room and walking around the big mansion. There was something about the Jeon family home that made it feel both grand and intimidating, as though it held secrets waiting to be uncovered. Every corner seemed to have a story yet none of it felt open to her. As she turned a corner, she noticed Mina, Gguk's younger sister sitting by a window completely absorbed in a book. The girl was small with a delicate frame and a quiet presence. Lali had hardly interacted with her since arriving, but there was something about Mina that had always intrigued her. She approached slowly not wanting to interrupt. "Mina?" Lali asked softly. Mina looked up from her book, her dark eyes meeting Lali's. She blinked slowly, her expression neutral but focused.
"Hi," Lali said, offering a warm smile. "What are you reading?" Mina hesitated for a moment, then held up the book. "Just an old story" she murmured, her voice as quiet as ever. Lali moved closer and sat on the window ledge across from her. "It's nice to have such a peaceful spot to read." Mina didn't respond immediately. She glanced down at her book, her fingers tracing the edges of the pages. "It's peaceful," she repeated, her tone distant. "But peace can be fragile." Lali raised an eyebrow at the strange remark. "What do you mean?" Mina closed her book resting it on her lap and for a long moment, she didn't say anything. Then, her eyes lifted back to Lali's more intense than before. "You're different from the others" she said quietly, her voice almost too soft to hear. Lali smiled. "Thank you. I hope that's a good thing" Mina gave a small nod but didn't smile back. Instead, she leaned forward just slightly, her voice dropping even lower. "But if you want to stay happy here... if you want things to go smoothly, don't fall for my brother"
Lali blinked, caught off guard by the comment. "What?" Mina's expression remained calm, but there was a seriousness in her gaze that made Lali's heart race. "I'm just telling you for your own good. Don't let yourself fall for him. It's not safe"
Lali's stomach tightened at Mina's words. "Why would it be dangerous?" she asked trying to keep her voice steady. Mina shrugged, her small shoulders moving as if the answer was obvious. "Because… things won't go well for you. The Jeons can be very dangerous" Lali swallowed, unsure what to make of the warning. Mina wasn't saying everything, but the message was clear enough. "What do you mean by 'dangerous'?" Mina looked away, her fingers fidgeting with the corner of the book in her lap. "Just be careful. This family isn't what it seems, and love only complicates things" Lali stared at her, trying to read between the lines but Mina quickly shifted back into her quiet self, opening her book again as though the conversation was over. "Why are you telling me this?" Lali pressed, still feeling a strange tension in the air. Mina didn't look up from the pages. "I like you, Lali" she said softly. "And I want you to stay safe. That's all." With that, Mina returned to her reading, leaving Lali waliking with her thoughts racing. Her mind spun with what Mina had said. Don't fall for him. It echoed in her head, but as much as she wanted to ignore it, the warning hung heavily in the room.
Lali walked through the long quiet hallways of the Jeon mansion, her mind full of Mina's strange warning. Don't fall in love with him if you want to stay safe. The words kept repeating in her head as she gently touched the walls, trying to distract herself. Was she really in danger, or was Mina just trying to scare her? She heard footsteps and looked up to see Taeyang coming toward her. He smiled kindly, but there was something in his eyes that made her feel a little nervous. "Lali," he said in a friendly tone. "Are you enjoying your walk?" "Yes," Lali replied, trying to calm her racing thoughts. "I just wanted to explore the house a little." Taeyang nodded and started walking beside her. "This place is huge. You could spend days trying to see every part of it." Lali gave a small smile, but her mind was still on Mina's words. She was glad to have someone walking with her, but she wasn't sure how much she could trust anyone here—not after what she had just heard. "Are you getting used to everything?" Taeyang asked, his voice gentle as he looked over at her. "I think so," Lali answered quietly. "It's all very new to me." Taeyang smiled again. "It takes time. But if you ever need help with anything, just let me know." Lali nodded, feeling a little better with his kind offer. But there was something about the way he looked at her that made her heart beat faster. She wasn't sure why. They walked in silence for a moment, and then Taeyang spoke again. "You seem different from the others who have come into this house." Lali looked at him, a bit surprised. "Different? In what way?" He paused for a moment, thinking. "You just seem more… real. Everyone here seems to have their own plans or worries. But you still seem like yourself." Lali wasn't sure how to take that. "I'm just trying to fit in," she said softly. "It's a lot to deal with." Taeyang nodded, understanding. "I get it. Just don't lose yourself in all of this." Lali felt a bit of tension between them, like there was something unsaid, but she didn't know what to say back. So she just smiled. "Thank you Taeyang" she said quietly. "I'll remember that."
Lali walked into the library, hoping to find a book to read. The shelves were filled with old, dusty books, and she felt excited to explore them. She wanted to let go off the conversation she had with Mina and Taeyang earlier. As she moved along the shelves, she picked up a book with a pretty cover and opened it, curious about the story inside. Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her. Before she could turn around, Gguk appeared beside her, looking down at the book she was holding.
"What are you reading?" he asked, his voice quiet. Lali looked up, surprised to see him so close. "I was just looking at this book. It seems interesting." As she spoke, she didn't notice how close they were standing. When she turned to face him fully, their eyes met. For a brief moment, the world around them faded away. Lali felt her heart race. Just then, Gguk moved slightly, and before they realized it, their lips brushed against each other. It was a quick, soft touch, but it felt electric. Both of them froze, wide-eyed. Lali pulled back, her cheeks turning red. "I, I'm so sorry!" she stammered, feeling embarrassed. Gguk looked surprised, his expression serious. "It's okay. I didn't mean to be so close." The awkwardness hung in the air. Lali wanted to laugh it off, but she could feel her heart pounding in her chest. "Maybe I should go," Lali said, stepping back, trying to regain her composure. "No, wait." Gguk reached out, gently holding her arm. "I didn't mind. It was just... unexpected." Lali looked at him, her heart racing again. "Yeah, unexpected," she echoed, still flustered. Gguk's grip on her arm was warm, and she felt a strange pull to stay close. "Do you want to read together?" he asked, breaking the tension between them. "Sure," Lali replied, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. She couldn't help but smile at him.