Seoul's media elites loved nothing more than a comeback.A tarnished idol with fresh gloss, a "scandal queen" reborn into sweet, humble grace — it made the perfect headlines.
So when Han Yura arrived at the Nyx Entertainment press event, every camera snapped to attention.The lobby was a living jewel box of crystal chandeliers and sleek black marble, the air electric with the hiss of expensive perfume and whispers from rival agencies.And at the center of it all: Yura.
She wore a pristine white dress that clung to her curves like it had been poured on, diamond earrings winking at her delicate neck. Her hair fell in soft waves, her smile radiant.But only Jinhyuk — standing by the entrance, flanked by corporate directors and security — knew the truth.
That beneath that spotless white fabric were faint bruises at her hips and throat.That just twelve hours ago, she'd been on her knees in his penthouse, tears streaking mascara down her face as she choked on his cock.
"Chairman Kang!""Over here, please look this way!""Is it true you'll be merging with HJ Media as well?"
Flashes exploded as Jinhyuk stepped forward, a faint smile curving his lips.Yura stood by his side instantly, slipping her arm through his — the perfect picture of supportive, elegant partnership.
"Thank you all for coming today," Jinhyuk said smoothly, his voice rich, almost lazy."Nyx Entertainment has been through significant restructuring. Miss Han Yura will serve as our new brand ambassador, overseeing artist development initiatives alongside her continuing career."
Yura's lashes fluttered. She turned to beam at him, eyes glossy with rehearsed awe.
"It's truly an honor to help guide Nyx into its next chapter. I have the utmost trust in Chairman Kang's vision."
Behind the cameras, managers and minor agency heads traded hushed words.Kang Jinhyuk — the disgraced Kang heir, once banished from Seoul's high tables — was suddenly back. Backed by deep capital. Seizing agencies like a wolf among sheep.
And Han Yura, once scorned as a scandal-chasing socialite, was now elevated into Nyx's official queen.Some whispered it was a brilliant marketing stunt.Others muttered darker speculations: how exactly had she convinced Jinhyuk to rebuild her career?
None of them guessed the truth — that the night before, she'd signed more than a contract. That Jinhyuk owned her smile, her body, her very breath.
After the speeches, after the careful photo lines, came the handshakes.Yura clung gracefully to his arm, laughing at jokes from industry anchors, posing for short interview bites. But under her calm exterior, her heart thundered every time Jinhyuk's hand slid to her lower back.A silent threat. A promise.
He could lean in right now, she thought wildly, whisper exactly what I'd done last night — and no one would believe me. They'd just see this perfect dress, this perfect smile.
She squeezed his arm tighter, desperate not to show how her legs still felt weak from kneeling.
Finally, the formalities ended.The crowd began drifting to the open bars and delicate canapés. Jinhyuk leaned down, lips grazing her ear.
"Go to the powder room."
Yura shivered. Her eyes darted around — no one was close enough to hear. Her breath caught.
"Chairman... there are cameras—"
"Don't worry about that. Just fix your lipstick. I'll send someone in."
His voice was low, mild, like discussing weather.
Her stomach flipped. With a small, polite smile to the nearest investor, she excused herself and slipped through the crowd.
The powder room was a small gilded box, all white marble counters and oversized mirrors. Yura gripped the sink, fighting to calm her pulse. Her reflection stared back at her — flawless. Untouchable.No one could see the faint bruises just under her neckline. No one could hear the filthy things she'd whimpered last night.
The door opened.A tall man in a sharp black suit entered. Not Jinhyuk — but one of his personal security aides. His face was blank, expressionless.
"Chairman Kang requests confirmation of your cooperation, Miss Han."
Her throat closed. She wanted to protest — she was already wearing his brand, smiling under his orders. Wasn't that enough?
But her contract said otherwise.
With a tiny, broken exhale, Yura sank to her knees on the cold marble.The man reached into his breast pocket, pulled out his phone, and began recording.
"Say it."
Her voice trembled.
"I... Han Yura... belong to Chairman Kang. I'll do anything to protect his interests. Even this."
He didn't touch her.Just filmed her kneeling, tears starting to gather at the corners of her eyes.When it was done, he nodded once and left.
She stayed on the floor a moment longer, hugging herself, trying to steady her breathing.Finally she stood, fixed her hair, reapplied her lipstick with trembling hands.
When she stepped back out into the party, no one could tell she'd just been on the ground, humiliating herself to prove loyalty.Except Jinhyuk — who caught her eye across the room and gave the smallest approving nod.
The night ended with more photos, more congratulations.Yura stood beside Jinhyuk for the final round of cameras, her hand resting delicately on his chest.Her smile was the same as it had always been — practiced, gleaming.
Only she knew that under her perfect white dress, her body still remembered how thoroughly he'd ruined her pride.And how easily he could do it again.