AUTHOR'S POV|

The party had finally fizzled out. Empty glasses littered the living room downstairs, the scent of strong perfume still hanging in the air.

Bora shut the bedroom door behind her, switching instantly from hostess to actress.

Now was the time to spin another story, another lie, to make Minseong think she had been “holding the fort” while poor YN was away.

She smoothed her hair, straightened her dress, and pushed a smile onto her lips.

But the moment her eyes adjusted to the warm light of the room, the rehearsed expression slipped right off her face.

On the bed sat a long velvet box.... no, several boxes...open like treasure chests.

Gold gleamed, diamonds flickered under the lamp.

Minseong sat on the edge of the mattress, sleeves rolled up, studying a heavy diamond necklace with a calculating expression.

Bora’s heart skipped. “Oh…” she whispered, eyes sparkling. He’s been thinking of me this whole time.

She crossed the room slowly, the actress now turning into a siren.

But she didn’t rush to him. No, not yet. She padded across the room to the bathroom, closed the door, and turned on the shower.

Warm steam enveloped her, loosening her hair, washing away the night’s heavy perfume. Tonight she had a plan and she would execute it with precision.

When she emerged, she had slipped into the satin silk gown he could never ignore. The fabric clung and whispered around her curves as she walked. She knew what that gown did to him, how it blurred his focus and unspooled his control.

She paused at the doorway, letting the lamplight and the sight of the jewelry frame her like a painting. Minseong was still absorbed in the glittering necklace, unaware of the storm she was about to bring.

She let her hair fall over one shoulder and crossed the room slowly, every step deliberate. She perched on the bed beside him, close enough for the silk to brush against his arm, her perfume a soft cloud between them. Her fingers trailed up his sleeve as she leaned in, lips hovering just by his ear.

“Honey…” she whispered, her voice all honey and velvet. “You didn’t tell me you were hiding treasures up here…”

He finally looked at her, eyes flicking from her gown to her face, then back to the necklace. “See? How is it?” he asked, holding the diamond strands up for her inspection.
Bora’s smile deepened. “It’s… perfect,” she murmured, eyes glinting with the reflection of the stones. “And you…” she added softly, “…are even more perfect for keeping secrets from me.”

“I’ve been planning it for so long,” Minseong said, eyes still on the shimmering diamonds in his hand. His voice carried a note of pride, almost boyish despite the weight of the stones.

Bora felt a pulse of excitement shoot through her veins. Finally. All those nights of smiling, lying, playing the dutiful wife, and now the reward sparkled before her eyes. She could almost feel the cold touch of diamonds against her skin.

But first, she told herself, he deserved his “reward.”

She let her fingers brush the necklace, then deliberately slid it aside onto the bed. It can wait.

Without breaking eye contact, she swung a leg over and settled onto his lap, silk sliding against the fabric of his shirt. His hands instinctively found her waist as she tilted her head, hair cascading over his shoulder.

“What are you—” he began, but she silenced him with a kiss. Slow at first, then deeper, her palms pressing lightly against his chest. His protest melted away under the softness of her mouth.

She pulled back just enough to whisper, “Shh… no questions tonight.”

Minseong’s breath hitched, the diamonds forgotten completely on the nightstand.

An hour later—

The room smelled of warm perfume and spent energy, the silk sheets tangled beneath their bodies. Minseong lay back, breath ragged, hair damp against his forehead.

“Gosh…you were amazing,” he murmured, voice still hoarse.

“I’m always amazing,” Bora replied with a lazy smirk, clutching the sheet to her chest as she sat up, her skin still glowing under the dim lamp. She glanced at the necklace glinting nearby and, almost on instinct, reached for it.

Holding it up, she admired the way the diamonds caught the light, a perfect fit for her neck, for her plans, for everything she had imagined. Minseong’s eyes followed her movements, soft and unreadable.

“Did you like it?” he asked.

“Like it? I loved it,” she purred. “Oh honey, you’re amazing…” She shifted closer, handing him the necklace and sweeping her hair over one shoulder.

But instead of slipping it around her neck, his voice cut through the haze.

“Yeah, I know. And I hope YN likes it too.”

The words landed like a slap. Her smile faltered, her hands tightening around the sheet.

“Y–YN?” she whispered, eyes narrowing.

Minseong was still smiling, oblivious to the storm rising inside her. “Yeah. I bought this for her. Ever since the wedding she’s been upset and… kind of distant with me. I didn’t get a chance to give her a proper gift, but these—” he gestured at the necklace and the boxes stacked on the dresser “—these will make up for it. She’ll like them, right?”

Bora felt the blood drain from her face, humiliation and rage clawing up her throat. All the expensive jewels. All the anticipation. All for YN.

“Babe?” Minseong reached out, shaking her shoulder gently. “She’ll like them, right?”

She forced a smile, her jaw aching from the effort. “Of course, honey,” she said sweetly, eyes glittering with a fury she refused to show.

Bora blinked rapidly, swallowing the lump in her throat before her smile curved again — this time softer, almost childlike. She tilted her head, voice coated with sugar.

“All gifts for your sister?” she asked sweetly. “And nothing for me?”

Minseong chuckled low, turning toward her. “How can I forget my sweet wife?” He reached into the drawer and pulled out a small velvet box. “Here. This is for you.”

Bora’s eyes lit up instantly. “Really?” she asked, excitement flickering in her tone.

“Yeah. Open it.” His smile widened, proud of himself.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she flipped open the lid. The moment the box opened, her smile faltered.

Inside lay a thin chain with a single diamond pendant — delicate, understated, nothing like the heavy necklaces glistening on the dresser.

Bora clenched her jaw for the briefest second, the disappointment running like a blade under her ribs.

“I know you don’t like extravagant jewelry,” Minseong said warmly. “So I personally picked this for you. It’s beautiful, right?”

She looked up at him, his eyes brimming with sincerity. She forced her lips into a graceful smile, tucking away her fury, her jealousy, her crushed expectations.

“Of course, honey,” she murmured, brushing her fingers across the pendant as though it were the most precious thing in the world. “You know everything is special for me when you bring it for me.”

Minseong leaned over and kissed her forehead, utterly unaware of the storm beneath her sweetness.

★★★

Morning sunlight spilled into the bedroom, glinting off the untouched boxes of jewelry.

Minseong buttoned his shirt in front of the mirror, his tone casual but firm.

“Bora, make sure all these gifts reach YN today,” he said, slipping on his watch. “I want her to get them before the weekend.”

Bora’s lashes fluttered and she gave him her sweetest smile. “Of course, honey. I’ll handle everything.”

He kissed her on the forehead and left for the office, the sound of the front door closing echoing through the hallway.

In the living room —

The moment it clicked shut, Bora’s face hardened like stone. Her eyes slid back to the glittering boxes. Her fingers tapped against her arm, and a thin, dangerous smile curled on her lips.

“Bring these boxes back to my room,” she ordered sharply to the maids lingering at the door.

The maids exchanged nervous glances, unsure if they had heard her correctly. “But…sir said—” one started timidly.

“I said bring them. Now.” Her voice cut like glass, leaving no room for argument.

They scrambled to obey, lifting the boxes and hurrying up the stairs, their eyes lowered.

Bora stood with her arms crossed, gaze fixed on the door. “My dear husband,” she muttered under her breath, “you are so fond of showering gifts on your little sister…huh?” Her smirk deepened, a glint of malice in her eyes.

“Then I will send her the most beautiful gift she’ll never forget,”

Bora whispered to herself, already picturing YN’s face twisted in shock.

★★★

📍 Jeongseon-gun

The midday sun spilled golden light over the Jeon household. The smell of simmering broth still hung in the air as YN and Siya wiped their hands on their aprons, satisfied with the lunch they had prepared.

Mrs. Jeon and Mrs. Han had gone off to the far edge of the village to collect herbs, leaving the house unusually quiet.

Bam, the little brown pup, darted around the porch, yipping at passing butterflies.

YN leaned against the doorway, watching bam play, but her mind wasn’t there.

Last night’s image kept looping in her head , Jungkook’s expression, the whispered words, the unspoken questions.

More than anything, she wanted to know what exactly the men in the Jeon household did for a living. The question sat like a stone in her throat.

“Why do you look so lost?” Siya’s voice cut through her thoughts. She sat cross-legged on the porch, braiding strands of wild grass. “Is there something you want to ask?”

YN blinked, startled. She had completely forgotten how transparent her face could be. “N-no, I was just…”

“Come on,” Siya tilted her head, her grin knowing. “Your face is an open book, unnie.”

YN hesitated, then finally murmured, “I was just wondering… what does your brother do?”

Siya’s eyes widened and then sparkled mischievously. “Ohh, that was the question? You could’ve just said, ‘Siya, tell me what my husband does,’ and I’d have told you.”

YN turned her head away, feeling heat rise to her cheeks.

“Hmm…” Siya tapped her chin dramatically. “So, about your husband… wait—why tell when I can show you?”

YN frowned, confused. “Show me?”

Siya hopped to her feet, brushing off her dress. “Let’s go.”

“Huh? Where?” YN asked, but Siya had already grabbed her wrist.

“Just trust me. Come on,” Siya said with a conspiratorial grin, tugging her toward the back path.

“Siya, wait—” YN protested weakly, but found herself being pulled along anyway, bam trotting after them.

-----

The path wound out of the village, past low stone fences and into endless green. After fifteen, maybe twenty minutes of walking, YN finally slowed, her sandals brushing the dirt.

“Siya… why are we here?” she asked, squinting at the rows of lush crops swaying in the breeze.

“Wait a little,” Siya replied, eyes twinkling with a secret.

They walked until the sound of cicadas and wind swallowed the world, stopping finally in the middle of a green field. The air smelled of wet soil and life.

YN’s gaze drifted over the endless rows,shimmering rice paddies, irrigation channels, and the flutter of birds darting above. It was almost hypnotic, how peaceful everything looked.

Then Siya’s voice snapped her out of it. “See! You wanted to know what your husband does, right?”

YN turned,following Siya’s pointing finger and her breath caught.

There he was.

Jungkook stood a few meters away, tank shirt clinging to his back, his hair damp with sweat.

Around him were men and women who looked like seasoned farmers, all working together.

Jungkook was crouched low, hands gripping the handle of a pry bar, trying to dislodge a large rock from the soil,one that blocked the path of a paddy transplanter nearby.

His forearms flexed, muscles moving like ropes under skin, and his jaw was set with focus.

YN swallowed hard. No wonder he looks so effortlessly handsome even like this.

Heat crept up her neck and into her cheeks. She quickly pressed her lips together before anyone noticed her mouth had been hanging open.

Just then her phone vibrated with a sharp ding. She fumbled it out of her pocket.

Bora:

“How is the spoiled princess doing? Enjoying your days in that crusty village? You know I feel so bad for you, first you had to act against your will and now you must be in shock after knowing, the truth right? that”

The words glared back at her from the screen.

“Your sweet husband is actually a poor farmer?”

★★★