The wedding day arrived.
The same wedding hall where their families had first met just a week ago. Back then, no one could have imagined that within seven short days, two completely different households would return to the same place to tie a bond meant to last a lifetime.
White lilies filled the hall, their fragrance soft and overwhelming, hanging in the air like a blessing. Lights flooded the space with a warm glow. Rows of chairs filled quickly as guests arrived, laughter spilling easily, voices rising and falling in happy chaos. Smiles everywhere. Congratulations exchanged freely. A celebration in full bloom.
And in one quiet corner of the bridal room, Hae-in sat before the mirror.
She was ready.
The makeup was flawless. The jewelry heavy against her skin. The bride reflected back at her looked beautiful, composed, almost serene. But her eyes were empty. Whenever someone approached, she lifted her lips into a practiced smile, one she had perfected over the past week. A smile that did not reach her heart.
Her parents hovered close, visibly proud. Her mother fussed over details, her father smiled warmly, her sister looked at her with awe. Everyone was happy for her.
Everyone except her.
On the other side of the hall, Ji-hoon looked like happiness had found a permanent place on his face. A shy, flustered smile lingered no matter how hard he tried to contain it. His heart raced uncontrollably, excitement and joy tangling together in his chest. Every now and then, he tried to sneak a glimpse of her, but the moment never came.
Still, just knowing she was somewhere nearby was enough to make his pulse jump.
Soon, the rituals began.
The priest arrived. The hall quieted slowly, anticipation settling in.
Jong-soo, Ji-hoon's elder brother, stepped forward to host the ceremony, his voice steady and proud as he called his baby brother to the stage.
Ji-hoon walked up, shoulders squared, eyes shining. He looked radiant, glowing in a happiness so pure it made his parents smile wider, their eyes soft with emotion at the sight of their son standing there, ready to begin his new life.
So-hee, Ji-hoon's sister-in-law, moved through the crowd, welcoming guests with a warm, graceful smile, ensuring everything flowed smoothly.
Eunsup, his nephew, darted around the hall with the other kids, laughter trailing behind him as he disappeared into his own little universe, blissfully unaware of the gravity unfolding around him.
"Let's welcome our beautiful bride…" Jong-soo announced, his voice carrying warmth and pride.
The doors opened.
Mr. Jeon stood at the entrance, Hae-in beside him.
Ji-hoon's heart nearly stopped.
The world narrowed to that single frame. His eyes locked onto her as if pulled by an invisible thread. Mr. Jeon held his daughter's hand, her fingers looped tightly around his arm. His expression was emotional, layered with pride and a quiet ache only a father could carry.
Hae-in's head hung low.
Her heart trembled with every second that passed. The sound around her blurred. The clapping, the soft cheers, the murmurs of admiration washed over her like distant waves.
"Come," Mr. Jeon said gently, guiding her forward.
They began to walk.
Applause filled the hall, polite and celebratory, as she moved down the aisle, each step forward feeling like another page torn from the book of her dreams. When they reached the stage, Mr. Jeon looked at Ji-hoon and smiled, carefully placing his daughter's hand into his. Ji-hoon bowed respectfully to his father-in-law.
Ji-hoon couldn't take his eyes off her.
Her gaze remained lowered, lashes trembling slightly. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips softly tinted pink, her nose slightly rosy. She was wrapped in the bridal dress he had chosen himself, the fabric falling around her like something out of a dream. The delicate choker framed her collarbone perfectly. Her hair was styled elegantly, crowned with white flowers.
How can someone look this unreal, this gentle, this devastatingly beautiful?
His breath shook.
She looked like a goddess standing before him, fragile and luminous. His dream girl. Soon to be his wife. His other half. The person he imagined sharing every sunrise and every quiet night with, forever.
His eyes misted at the thought.
His fingers twitched, overwhelmed by emotions he could barely contain.
But Hae-in never once looked at him.
Her gaze stayed fixed on the floor, as if lifting it even for a second would shatter the fragile control she had left.
Soon, the priest began the vows and rituals, his voice calm and solemn, filling the hall with quiet reverence.
"In this sacred union," he said, "the groom promises to protect, respect, and stand by his bride through every season of life. To provide not only shelter and food, but trust, loyalty, and unwavering care."
Ji-hoon stepped forward, his voice steady despite the storm in his chest.
"I do. I vow to respect my wife for all my life. In happiness and hardship, I will always stand by her side. I accept her as half of my life and promise to love her until the very end," he said, without a second of hesitation.
The priest then turned to Hae-in.
"Bride," he continued gently, "you vow to walk alongside your husband with trust and sincerity. To share his joys, shoulder his sorrows, and build a home with patience and devotion."
Hae-in's throat tightened. Her fingers curled into her palms. Every word felt heavy, like petals soaked in rain.
She lifted her head just enough to breathe.
"I do," she whispered. "I promise, as a wife, to trust and respect my husband, to walk through life together. Even in moments of weakness, I will try my best and stay devoted to our family."
Her heart screamed even as the words left her lips. Promises spoken while her dreams quietly shattered behind her ribs.
The priest smiled gently.
"All right… I now announce you husband and wife, till death do you part."
The hall erupted in applause.
Ji-hoon gently took her hand, sliding the ring onto her finger as it belonged there all along. Her skin was warm. His breath hitched.
When it was her turn, Mrs. Jeon nudged her softly.
Hae-in blinked, gathering herself. Her hands trembled as she held his finger, sliding the ring on slowly.
That was her first touch of him.
Ji-hoon's body reacted instantly, as if every nerve woke up at once. A small smile curved his lips, soft and boyish.
The priest cleared his throat, smiling.
"Now… you may kiss the bride, sealing your bond forever."
The hall went quiet.
Ji-hoon inhaled sharply. He looked at her. Really looked.
Her eyes were still lowered. Lashes trembling. Her lips parted slightly, breath uneven.
He didn't move.
The guests exchanged puzzled looks. Whispers fluttered like restless birds.
"What are you waiting for, Ji-hoona?" Jong-soo whispered, leaning closer.
Ji-hoon swallowed and whispered back, voice low, sincere. "Let her allow me to kiss her, hyung."
Hae-in heard it.
The words slipped into her chest like a quiet ache.
She inhaled slowly. Once. Twice. Gathering herself from wherever she had scattered inside. Then, for the first time in the entire ceremony, she lifted her head.
Her eyes met his.
Her eyes were glossy, her face flushed, emotions flickering beneath the surface.
Ji-hoon's heart stumbled.
Meeting her eyes felt like stepping onto fragile ground. For a fleeting second, guilt flickered through him. Something unspoken. Something he didn't fully understand, but felt anyway.
He leaned closer.
Hae-in braced herself, breath shallow, heart pounding.
But instead of her lips, Ji-hoon placed a soft kiss on her forehead. Gentle. Respectful. Almost apologetic.
Then he pulled back.
The hall erupted. Claps, cheers, whistles, blessings spilling from every corner. Flower petals rained down as if the air itself was celebrating.
Ji-hoon smiled, radiant, relieved, proud.
Hae-in smiled too. A practiced smile. Light. Polite. Empty.
He clasped her hand, fingers warm, guiding her along the stage as they walked together, petals brushing their shoulders. Cameras flashed. Elders reached out with blessings. Friends crowded around with laughter and congratulations.
"Such a beautiful couple."
"They look perfect together."
"Destined."
Ji-hoon heard it all and believed every word.
Hae-in heard it all and felt herself slowly disappear beneath them.
The wedding ended. The rituals concluded. The new chapter officially began.
Ji-hoon dreamed of a life with his dream girl. Of laughter, love, shared mornings, shared forever.
And beside him, holding his hand, Hae-in walked forward too. Dying quietly. Learning how to survive a fate she never chose.