Jin Woo gently led Na-ri by the hand to his family, who stood a little to the side, still chatting with each other.
"This is Na-ri," he said, his voice calm but proud. "My fiancée."
His mother was the first to smile. "Ah, so you're the one who managed to surprise us all," she said with a light chuckle. She took Na-ri's hands in hers. "You're prettier in person, dear."
"Thank you, ma'am," Na-ri replied politely with a soft smile, bowing slightly.
His sister, Jin Hee, gave a half-smile and said, "Well… congratulations, I guess. That really was a surprise."
Her husband, Shin Ha-ru, nodded in agreement. "Congrats to both of you."
Jin Woo's father finally spoke, his voice deep and calm. "It's late," he said. "We'll talk more at home. For now, let's all get some rest."
Na-ri bowed again, thanking them before Jin Woo walked them out. She followed closely beside him. Together, they stood at the grand entrance of Royal Hotels, watching the Han family's car pull away into the night.
The cold air outside brushed gently against her skin. She folded her arms, shivering slightly, though she didn't say anything.
Just then, Jin Woo's phone rang. He pulled it out of his pocket, glancing at the screen. His expression turned a little serious.
"I need to take this," he said quietly. "It's important. Go back inside, I'll join you soon."
Na-ri nodded. "Okay," she whispered, turning around to head back into the hotel.
The moment she stepped into the quiet hallway, just before she could reach the gala doors again, a rough hand grabbed her wrist.
She gasped.
"Tae Joon?"
His eyes were red and glossy. He looked far from sober, his tie hanging loose and his steps uneven. His grip on her wrist was harsh—nothing like before.
"You're engaged?" he said, almost shouting. "To that man?"
Na-ri's heart pounded. She tried to pull away but he wouldn't let go.
"Just hours ago, we were engaged," he said, his voice trembling. "And now you're with someone else? How can you do this to me, Na-ri? How?"
He stared at her like a broken man. "We've known each other since high school. Even when your parents died, I was with you. We've been together since senior year. I've always loved you. Even now, I still do."
Tears ran down his cheeks as he spoke. "If you wanted to break up, you could've just said so… but why this? Why humiliate me like this?"
Na-ri felt her chest tighten. Her fingers trembled. No matter how much she had tried to hate him, she couldn't forget how deeply she'd once loved him. A small part of her heart, though buried under layers of pain, still remembered all those memories. For just a second, she wavered.
But then—
"Let her go."
Jin Woo's voice rang out, sharp and commanding.
He stepped in between them and grabbed Tae Joon's wrist, pulling it off Na-ri's. His eyes were cold.
"She's not yours anymore," Jin Woo said firmly. "You're clearly drunk. Guards!"
Two security men immediately appeared from the hallway, grabbing Tae Joon by both arms.
"No! Let me talk to her!" Tae Joon shouted, struggling. "Na-ri! Na-ri, please!"
Jin Woo turned back to her gently. "Babe, were you waiting for me?"
That brought Na-ri back to herself. Her eyes, which had begun to water, blinked quickly. She nodded softly. "Yes."
He smiled and took her hand again. Together, they walked back towards the ballroom, Tae Joon's voice still echoing faintly as he screamed her name while being dragged out.
The night continued, and the gala gradually came to an end. One by one, the guests began to leave. Laughter and murmurs filled the air as the crowd slowly thinned.
The chairman approached Na-ri. "Come with me. Let's go home together," he said, but Na-ri shook her head gently.
"I'll come later," she replied.
Jin Woo nodded and smiled at the chairman. "I'll bring her back safely."
The chairman walked off after giving a small nod. Her great aunt left next, quietly.
Then Ji-a and her parents came by. Ji-a's face was unreadable, makeup flawless once again. Na-ri smiled brightly and waved at them.
"Goodbye!" she said cheerfully, her voice sweet—too sweet. Her smile looked warm, but anyone watching closely would see the fire behind it.
Ji-a looked away without a word and kept walking.
Minji stood frozen, her eyes full of confusion. Everything tonight had gone far beyond her expectations.
Na-ri turned to her. "Go home, Minji. You've had a long night. Rest well."
Minji nodded slowly and left.
The moment the doors shut and silence fell over the empty ballroom, the weight of everything came crashing down.
Tears streamed down Na-ri's face, hot and unstoppable. She had held everything in for too long.
No matter how brightly she smiled earlier, none of it was real.
She didn't enjoy any of it.
Fighting back didn't feel good.
It felt like pain on top of pain.
Her body trembled as the tears continued to fall. Her heart was aching so much that it hurt to breathe.
Suddenly, Jin Woo pulled her into a hug.
He wiped her cheeks with his thumb, then held her tightly, gently stroking her hair.
"You did well today," he whispered softly into her ear. "You were so strong."
Na-ri didn't answer. Her arms stayed limp at her sides.
"Today was just the beginning," he continued. "Tomorrow… the war continues. But don't cry anymore, okay?"
His hug was warm and comforting. "You're not alone anymore, Na-ri. I'm with you. I'll be by your side. I won't let them hurt you again. I won't lose you again. Not this time." He thought.
Na-ri was startled by the sudden hug, but then, her hands slowly wrapped around him.
She hugged him back tightly. She needed it more than she thought.
Because deep inside, she was already breaking.