Rain fell steadily over Seoul, turning the city into a blur of silver lights and crowded umbrellas. Seo-Yeon stood outside St. Mary's Hospital, clutching an envelope that contained yet another overdue medical bill. The paper had softened beneath her trembling fingers, its edges damp from the rain. The doctor's words echoed in her mind. "Your mother needs surgery as soon as possible." She swallowed hard. Three part-time jobs. University tuition. Rent. Hospital bills. None of it added up. She looked across the busy street as luxury cars glided through the rain, disappearing into the glowing skyline. Somewhere beyond those towers, people worried about stock prices, business mergers, and gala invitations. She worried about whether her mother would still be alive next month. Her phone vibrated. Mom ❤️ Seo-Yeon forced a smile before answering. "I'm fine," she lied softly. A warm laugh came from the other end. "Have you eaten?" Seo-Yeon glanced at the convenience store across the street. She had exactly 3,800 won left in her wallet. "...I have." Another lie. After ending the call, she leaned against the bus stop, closing her eyes as tears threatened to fall. That was when a sleek black sedan pulled quietly to the curb. A woman in an elegant charcoal suit stepped out, holding a black umbrella. "Miss Kim Seo-Yeon?" Seo-Yeon frowned. "...Yes?" The woman handed her a pristine ivory business card embossed with silver lettering. ELYSIAN PARTNERS "Private Lifestyle & Contract Services." "We've been looking for you." Seo-Yeon's brows knitted together. "...I'm sorry?" The woman offered a calm, professional smile. "You've been selected for an opportunity that could change your life." Lightning flashed across the Seoul skyline. Seo-Yeon looked down at the card in her hand, unaware that accepting a single invitation would alter the course of her future... and lead her into a marriage that was never supposed to become real.

Seo-Yeon stared at the ivory business card long after the woman had disappeared.

Seo-Yeon sat in silence, the leather folder resting unopened in her lap.

The rain had stopped by morning.

The recording studio was silent.

The conference room on the thirty-second floor overlooked the entire Seoul skyline.

Three days later...

The mansion was silent.

The headquarters of Aurora Entertainment buzzed with activity.

Rain tapped softly against the windows of the mansion.

Warm sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting soft golden light across the bedroom.

Morning sunlight poured through the bedroom windows.

Seo-Yeon stood outside Recording Studio A.

The recording studio emptied in silence.

By six o'clock, the mansion was alive with activity.

The next morning, Aurora Entertainment was in chaos.

The headlines refused to disappear.

The mansion was unusually quiet.

One year later...

The mansion was unusually peaceful.