Day by day, the bond between Sohee and Denial grew beyond what anyone in the office could label as just boss and employee.
Sohee was no longer a regular staff member — she was now Denial's personal assistant. Her responsibilities had increased, and with them, her closeness to him.
From morning until night, she was by his side. In the office, she was his right hand. Outside the office… she was something else entirely.
Their physical intimacy was no longer a secret between their hearts. They shared laughter like friends, confided in each other like lovers, and touched each other with a hunger that neither had expected.
One evening, as the warm lamplight spilled across Denial's bedroom, Sohee lay against him, her skin bare under the thin sheets. His lips traced slow, teasing lines along her body.
"Sir…" she began hesitantly, "I'm always with you… in the office, at home… we share a bed, we make love… But what are we, really? Just boss and employee? That doesn't sound right… does it?"
Denial didn't stop — his mouth continued its trail along her, his touch lingering. "I've never really thought about what to call it," he murmured between kisses.
Her chest tightened. Not thought about it?
She shifted, as if to pull away, but his hand caught her wrist. His eyes met hers.
"You want a name for this… for us?"
Sohee searched his face, her breath unsteady.
Denial smiled faintly, then leaned forward to press a soft kiss to her lips. "Alright then… let's make it simple. Why don't we get married today?"
Her eyes widened, and tears sprang before she could stop them.
He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. "I don't want to lose you. Not ever."
Inside, though, his thoughts were heavier than his words. Maybe… if we marry… the curse won't take her from me. Please… please, God, don't take Sohee away from me.
But no answer came.
That afternoon, they left together for the courthouse. The paperwork was swift, their signatures sealing the bond they had only just defined. Denial's chest felt lighter than it had in years as they stepped back out into the sun.
Driving home, his heart was full — of love, of relief, of plans for their future. Sohee sat beside him, her hand in his, her smile bright.
But fate is merciless.
A sudden, sharp bend in the road. A moment's distraction.
The car swerved. Metal screamed against wood as they collided with a tree.
Denial barely felt the impact. He turned instantly toward her — and his world broke.
The edge of the dashboard had struck her chest. Her body was still. Her eyes… already dimming.
"No… no, no, no, Sohee… stay with me!" His voice cracked as he fought with the seatbelt, pulling her into his arms.
He stumbled out of the car, shouting for help — but the road was empty. No one came.
The only sound was his own ragged breathing and the hollow silence between her shallow gasps… until even those were gone.
Denial clutched her to him, rocking as if he could will life back into her.
"Sohee… please… don't leave me… not you…"
But the woman who had been his assistant, his friend, his lover, his newly wife — was gone.
And the world felt colder than he had ever known.
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