The sun had already begun to set by the time the car stopped in front of the mansion.
Kang Sera stretched lazily as she stepped out.
"...Another successful day of being underpaid," she muttered.
Han Jiheon ignored her, as usual, walking ahead without a word.
"...You know," she called after him, "one day I'm going to start charging you for emotional damage."
"No one asked you to speak."
"...And yet, here I am. Still speaking."
Inside the Mansion
The moment they stepped in-
Something felt... different.
The atmosphere.
The staff.
More alert. More tense.
Sera's eyes narrowed slightly.
"...We have guests?"
Before Jiheon could respond-
A voice echoed through the hall.
"Jiheon."
Calm. Mature. Authoritative.
Another followed-
"My son finally decided to come home."
Sera blinked.
"...Oh?"
Then-
[New Characters Detected: Male Lead's Parents]
[System Notification]
"...Ah," she nodded slowly. "So the boss level just increased."
The Parents 00
In the living room-
A refined couple sat elegantly.
The father-composed, sharp-eyed, radiating quiet
authority.
The mother-graceful, warm, but clearly someone not to be underestimated.
Their gaze shifted-
Landing directly on Sera.
Silence.
Heavy.
Judging.
And then-
Sera smiled.
Soft. Polite. Perfect.
And in the next second-
She completely transformed.
She walked forward gracefully, posture straight,
voice gentle-
"Mother, Father."
Jiheon paused.
Minutely.
"...What?"
Sera bowed slightly.
"I apologize for not visiting sooner. I hope you've been in good health."
Her tone?
Flawless.
Respectful.
Warm.
Not a single hint of her usual chaos.
Jiheon's Mother: Mrs. Han
Mrs. Han blinked.
Once.
Twice.
"...This is... Sera?"
Sera looked up with a soft smile.
"Yes, Mother."
Her eyes curved slightly.
"I've missed you."
CRITICAL HIT
Mrs. Han's expression melted instantly.
"Oh my-" she stood up, walking closer. "You've
become so... gentle."
Sera lowered her gaze modestly.
"I've reflected on my past behavior, I wish to do
better
Jiheon... What am I witnessing?
Father's Reaction
Mr. Han observed quietly.
Sharp eyes scanning her.
You've changed."
Sera met his gaze calmly.
"Yes"
A pause
Then she added softly-
"I realized that some things are more important than pride."
Silence
Then-
A small nod
Good."
Dinner Time
The table was full again.
Extravagant. Excessive. Perfect.
Sera sat beside Jiheon, posture elegant,
movements controlled.
A completely different person from the morning.
Mrs. Han couldn't stop looking at her.
"You should eat more," she said, placing food on
Sera's plate.
Sera smiled sweetly.
"Thank you, Mother."
Call me 'Momm
Sera blinked
Then-
Her smile softened.
Mom
FATAL DAMAGE
Mrs. Han placed a hand on her chest.
"Jiheon."
"Yes"
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"Tell you what."
"That your wife is this adorable."
Silence.
Jiheon slowly turned his head-
Looking at Sera
Sera, meanwhile, was smiling innocently.
Like she hadn't just caused emotional destruction.
Under the Table
Suddenly-
A foot lightly nudged hers.
Sera glanced sideways.
Jiheon.
His expression was calm.
But his voice-low.
What are you doing?"
She smiled without looking at him,
"Surviving."
After Dinner
Laughter.
Conversation
Even Mr. Han spoke more than expected.
The atmosphere?
Warm.
Almost family-like.
And at the center of it-
Kang Sera
Later That Night
Finally-
Sera escaped
"That was exhausting," she muttered, walking
toward her room.
"But worth it."
Her smile returned-
Lazy. Sly.
"They're easy to win over."
And then-
Footsteps behind her.
She turned
"You're following me now?"
Han Jiheon stood there
Tall. Silent
Watching
"What's wrong?" she asked.
A pause
Then-
"My parents"
"Yes?"
"They don't know."
Know what?"
"That this marriage is fake"
Silence
Sera blinked
Oh
Then
OH
A slow grin spread across her face.
So what you're saying is..."
His gaze darkened slightly.
"We need to pretend."
Pretend how?"
A pause
Then
"We'll be sharing a room."
Silence.
Then-
Sera covered her mouth,
Not in shock
But to hide her smile.
"Oh no," she whispered dramatically.
"How tragic."
Jiheon frowned.
You don't mind?"
She looked at him.
Eyes sparkling.
Dangerous.
Playful.
Mind?" she stepped closer,
"Why would I mind?"
A pause
Then-
She leaned slightly forward.
It's not like I'm the one in danger here."
END SCENE
Jiheon's eyes narrowed
Something about her-
Was off
Too calm
Too bold.
Too-
Unpredictable.
Don't cross the line," he said coldly
Sera smiled.
"Relax"
Then turned, opening the door.
I don't even know where the line is yet."