The camera flashes erupted like a silent storm.Each spark of light felt like a soft bullet grazing Han Serin's calm face.Today was their official debut as a contract couple—Han Serin, the fallen heiress,and Kang Jaehyun, the young CEO of AUREX Holdings, standing atop the empire he built.
The press conference was held in the grand hall of AUREX Tower—glass walls reflecting two perfect silhouettes,yet beneath the glamour, something fragile trembled unseen.
Jaehyun stood beside her—composed, immaculate,his navy tie catching faint glints under the light.His gaze was not cold, only measured—like the ocean, hiding storms beneath its silence.
Serin, draped in ivory silk tailored by AUREX's personal designer,stood still as if frozen by time.Her lips bore the perfect smile,but beneath each breath, she knew:this was no stage of love—it was an arena.
"Ms. Han, is this marriage based on love or a business alliance?""Is it true your former fiancé now works for Daesan Group?"
The questions flew like arrows.Serin glanced briefly at Jaehyun—not long enough to be noticed, but enough to see:not an ally, not yet—just someone else wearing armor for survival.
Jaehyun replied with his usual composure,
"We chose each other not for what the world sees,but for what it can't."
Silence swept the room.Those words fell like a melody too honest for the cameras.Serin lowered her gaze, feeling something unnamed—a flicker between gratitude and an old wound finally quieting.
When the conference ended and the reporters faded away,Jaehyun stepped closer.No words, only the hush of his breath between them.
"You handled that well."His voice, low and even,was enough to make the world tremble for a moment.
Serin smiled faintly.
"I've lived under the spotlight long enough."
She walked ahead,and Jaehyun watched her retreating figure.For the first time, he realized that beneath her elegance and restraintlay something uncontrollable—a calmness born from ruin.
And beneath the final flash,the storm began to whisper.