Han Yuri (voice trembling) – Hello? Jae Hyun Oppa… Did you see the news? (panic rising) I think… someone saw me that night…
(Her breathing becomes ragged. She clutches the phone against her ear, eyes misty, but no tears fall. Not yet.)
Lee Jae Hyun (voice on the phone, worried but calm) – Yeah, I saw it… I don't understand how this could've happened. Are you sure you didn't see anyone that night?
Flashback – Dokseodang-ro 85-gil, Seoul – 1:27 AM, April 4, 2012
The street is deserted, poorly lit, flanked by narrow and silent buildings. Only a few streetlamps cast a pale, flickering light. The wind blows softly, making the fallen leaves rustle on the sidewalk.
Yuri is driving her car, still wearing makeup, dressed in the chic outfit from Kim Min Hee's birthday party. Her phone rings. She glances at the screen and answers without thinking.
Han Yuri (distracted) – Hello?
She briefly turns her head, and BOOM. A dull thud is heard.
Han Yuri (panicked) – Oh my god! What was that?
She slams on the brakes.
Yuri's heart races. Her breath is caught. She remains frozen at the wheel for a few seconds, staring blankly, hands clenched around the steering wheel.
Then, slowly, as if in a foggy dream, she opens the car door. Her heels click against the asphalt. She takes a few hesitant steps, short of breath. She approaches…
Slowly, toward the front of the vehicle. She leans forward slightly, trying to make out what she hit…
And then she sees. A woman. Lying there. Motionless.
Her eyes widen, her face crumbles.
Han Yuri — Oh my god… no…
She kneels down quickly, breathing fast, hands trembling. She looks closer, searching for a sign of life, some movement. But nothing. Absolutely nothing.
And suddenly — DRRR DRRR.
The phone starts ringing again.
Yuri jumps, heart about to explode. She pulls out her phone nervously. The screen lights up.
Lee Jae Hyun – Incoming call.
She hesitates for a second. Then, with a sweaty hand, she slides her finger across the screen to answer.
Lee Jae Hyun –
— I hope you're already packing your bags.
Han Yuri –
— Oppa…
Lee Jae Hyun (surprised, worried)
— Yuri? Are you okay? What's going on… don't tell me you're drunk?
(Pause. A chilling silence. Yuri tries to speak, but her throat is tight.)
Han Yuri –
— Oppa… I think… I think I hit someone…
(She starts breathing harder, her voice rising.)
Han Yuri –
— She's dead… She's dead! I killed someone, Oppa! I killed someone!
Lee Jae Hyun (on the phone) – What? Calm down and tell me what happened… No, you know what? Where are you? I'm coming right now.
A few minutes later
Car headlights sweep across the alley. Jae Hyun rushes out and finds Yuri sitting on the curb, hands trembling, eyes empty.
Lee Jae Hyun – Yuri! What happened?
Han Yuri – Oppa… I don't know… I was driving, and all of a sudden, I hit something…
Lee Jae Hyun (approaching the body) – Wait, let me check if she's still alive… (pause) …She's dead.
Han Yuri – Oh my god, we have to call the police!
Lee Jae Hyun – NO! No, we're not calling anyone! First, calm down, breathe.
Han Yuri – How can you stay so calm? Someone is dead!
Lee Jae Hyun – Yes, but think. This is not good for you… You just made your debut, do you know what this will do to your career?
Han Yuri – So what do you want me to do? Hide the body like in the movies?
Lee Jae Hyun – Why not? Think… If we hide the body, no one will know.
Han Yuri – No, this isn't right… I'm calling the police.
Lee Jae Hyun – Didn't you want to become Korea's top actress? If you call the police now, not only is your career over before it even begins, but you'll also destroy your family's image.
Han Yuri – So… what do we do? Why is this happening to me?!
Lee Jae Hyun – Go home. I'll take care of everything. Don't worry, everything will be handled.
Han Yuri – I still think this is a bad idea…
Lee Jae Hyun – Don't overthink it. I'm telling you to go home.
Han Yuri – And you, what are you going to do?
Lee Jae Hyun – I'll handle everything here. Don't worry. Go home and rest.
Han Yuri – Are you sure?
Lee Jae Hyun – Yes. Go. Don't worry, everything will be fine.
Han Yuri – Okay… Take care.
She slowly gets back into her car. As she drives away, she glances one last time into the rearview mirror. Her reflection looks foreign, almost unreal.
End of flashback.
Lee Jae Hyun – Before I got to the scene… Are you really sure no one saw you?
Han Yuri – I… I don't know. It was dark, and I was in shock…
Lee Jae Hyun – Don't worry. I'll take care of everything.
Han Yuri – No. You've already done enough for me. It's time I handle my own problems. But don't worry, I won't say anything to the police. I know you'd be involved too… if I talk.
Lee Jae Hyun – Please don't do anything stupid…
Han Yuri – Don't worry. I'm mature enough to take care of myself. I'm not the 17-year-old girl you always had to protect anymore. Thank you for helping me that night.
Lee Jae Hyun – I'd do anything to protect you. If I could go back in time… I'd do it all the same again.
Han Yuri – I know.
She hangs up the call, letting silence fill the room.
Locked in her bedroom, Han Yuri thinks back on everything she's gone through to get where she is today.
Yuri (thought) – Is this the end for me? Will I be strong enough to keep this secret? And if I talk to the police? Could I handle the public's reaction? How would my father react if he found out I killed someone?
She slowly sits on her bed, eyes blank. The dim light of her room casts a soft shadow on the walls, as if everything refuses to fully illuminate her.
She doesn't cry. She barely moves.
Her hands, though, betray her apparent calm.
Her fingers twist, rub against each other, then fumble clumsily. One by one, she peels the skin around her nails. A drop of blood appears, but she ignores it.
Her breathing is slow, almost mechanical.
Han Yuri (softly, like a broken mantra) – It was an accident… It was an accident…
She repeats it again. Three times. Four.
Her gaze remains empty, fixed on an invisible spot on the wall.
Then she slowly gets up, walks to the adjoining bathroom, and turns on the faucet. Water runs over her damaged, reddened fingers.
She looks at herself in the mirror, not recognizing the reflection.
With trembling hands, Yuri rubs her fingers under the hot water. Again and again.
She doesn't look at her hands… she stares at her reflection in the mirror.
A pale face, reddened eyes.
Han Yuri (murmurs, barely audible) – Get a grip, Han Yuri. You can't break down. Not now.
Her eyes meet her own in the mirror, empty, almost unfamiliar.
Han Yuri (whispers again) – If you break down, you destroy everything your father built…
Everything you built.
This isn't just my secret… it's my family's honor.
You are Han Yuri.
You are the daughter of Han Ki Tak.
You don't have the right to fall.
She pauses. The water is still running.
A drop slips from her chin.
She closes her eyes, clenches her fists… then straightens up.
A few minutes later – After the bathroom scene
A housemaid knocks softly on the bedroom door.
Maid
— Miss, your father would like you to join him for dinner.
Still wrapped in the steam from her shower, Han Yuri puts on a bathrobe with a sigh. She opens the door slightly.
Han Yuri
— Tell him I'm not hungry.
Maid
— I'm sorry, miss… but your father insisted. He said you have to come downstairs.
Han Yuri
— Alright… I'm coming.
She closes the door, gets dressed slowly, then heads out.
The hallway is silent.
She walks across the terrace of their large house, her steps heavy.
She goes down the stairs slowly, almost reluctantly.
When she enters the dining room, her father and stepmother are already seated.
Without a word, she takes her place.
The maids serve her in silence.
The clinking of cutlery echoes faintly. No one speaks. Until...
Stepmother
— Yuri… I saw the news. Why don't you hold a press conference to say you have nothing to do with the accident?
Han Yuri barely looks up. Her tone is calm, but cold.
Han Yuri
— We thought about it. But not now. We need something solid before we speak.
The stepmother looks worried.
Stepmother
— Solid? But what exactly are we waiting for? People are already saying awful things about you…
Han Yuri gives a faint smile, lowers her gaze, then murmurs:
Han Yuri
— Funny… It almost sounds like you actually care about me.
Stepmother
— I'm your mother. Why would you think I'd pretend? Of course I care…
Han Yuri lifts her eyes. Her gaze is blank. Her voice, low but cutting.
Han Yuri
— Strange… I've never felt like I had a mother.
Yuri's father
— What are you talking about? Don't speak to your mother like that.
Stepmother (gently)
— It's nothing, darling…
Han Yuri slowly stands up, her gaze tired.
Han Yuri
— I'm sorry… I've had a long day. I'm going upstairs to rest.
She leaves the room without waiting for a reply.
Silence falls again, heavier than before.
After the family dinner — for the first time in a very long while — her father knocked on Yuri's bedroom door.
When she opened it, Han Yuri was surprised to see her father. He calmly entered, looked around the room, then stopped at a photo on a shelf. Yuri, standing behind him, said nothing for a moment.
Han Yuri (calm voice)
— What brings you to my room?
He didn't answer right away, simply smiled while staring at the photo.
Yuri's father
— Do you remember this photo? Your mother took it. Look how beautiful you were…
Han Yuri
— How could I forget? That was our last family vacation. After that, Grandpa died, and you had to take over the business.
Yuri's father (calm voice)
— Yuri… I know I'm sometimes hard on you. But everything I do is for your own good. I've worked tirelessly so you'd never lack anything, just like my father did for me. You understand that, don't you?
Han Yuri
— Yes, I know… I know you've worked hard to uphold the family's reputation. And I also know it can't have been easy. I understand you more than you think. Like you, I'm trying in my own way to keep the family on top. But not with an arranged marriage.
Yuri's father
— I know an arranged marriage isn't easy at first… but Yuri, it's for your own good. Believe me, people would stop talking about the scandal if we gave them something else to focus on. That's how it always works in our world. Your mother and I had an arranged marriage too… and yet, we were happy. And we had you.
Han Yuri
— But you know very well that a marriage won't erase this scandal. Are you even aware of that or not?
Yuri's father
— I know full well it won't erase anything. But at least the public will be distracted for a while. It'll buy us time to sort things out behind the scenes. Think about it, Yuri.
He heads toward the door, ready to leave, then changes his mind and adds more gently:
Yuri's father
— I've already contacted my friend. He's okay with rescheduling the meeting. He saw the article; he understands that you're still shaken.
After the discussion in the bedroom…
As her father left the room, Yuri remained still for a few seconds. She sighed softly, her gaze distant. She grabbed the photo her father had looked at earlier. She tried to reposition it correctly on the shelf, then just stood there in silence, eyes fixed on the image. A memory floating somewhere between nostalgia and detachment.
As she set the photo down, she realized her necklace was no longer around her neck. She frowned. She looked around, searched under the cushions, in the drawers, under her bed… nothing.
After several minutes, she thought it might have slipped somewhere downstairs. She left her room and went down to the dining room, walking through the quiet house, bathed in soft lighting.
A housekeeper approached discreetly.
Housekeeper – — Are you looking for something, miss?
Han Yuri – — Yes. You haven't seen a necklace that might have fallen around here?
Housekeeper (with a slight smile) – — I had a feeling it was yours… Please wait a moment.
The housekeeper disappeared for a moment, then returned with the delicate piece of jewelry wrapped in a white cloth.
Housekeeper – — Here it is, miss. Is this the one?
Han Yuri (dryly, without emotion) – — Yes.
She took it without another word.
Housekeeper – — It must be very important to you… Was it your mother's?
Han Yuri (cold, distant) – — No. I'll leave you now.
Housekeeper (awkwardly) – — I'm sorry to have kept you… Have a good night, miss.
Yuri turned on her heels. While crossing the hallway to go back upstairs, she saw her father sitting alone in the living room, a cup of tea in hand, lost in thought.
Yuri's Father – — You're not asleep yet?
Han Yuri – — I forgot something.
Yuri's Father – — Alright…
She took a few steps, hesitated, then slowly turned around, her voice calm but firm.
Han Yuri – — I'll go to the meeting.
Her father looked up, surprised.
Yuri's Father – — You changed your mind? Why?
Han Yuri (calm, sharp voice) – — Because I'm Han Yuri. (A faint smirk crossed her lips, but her gaze remained icy.) I could never stand not being talked about. Disappearing… not being famous anymore… that would be worse than death.
(She tilted her head slightly, her tone subtly mocking.) — But don't get me wrong. This isn't a promise. Or a commitment. It's just… a test. I'm curious to see if your little plan actually works. (One last smile, sharper this time:) And besides… let's see what kind of person this famous Lee Tae Joon really is.
She climbed the stairs without another word. Once back in her room, she slowly closed the door behind her. Her fingers brushed over the recovered necklace, which she carefully placed back around her neck. She stood in front of the mirror, looking at her reflection for a moment. No emotion showed. Then, without a word, she headed to the bathroom.
The next day, 4:00 p.m. – Nari's Garden –
Yuri arrived in front of the private restaurant reserved for the long-awaited meeting. The place was chic, discreet—the kind of spot where powerful people dined without being seen. An employee in a dark suit bowed respectfully as soon as he saw her.
Employee – — Good evening, miss. Your table is ready.
She simply nodded, without a smile, and followed him through the silent hallways like a sanctuary. The click of her heels echoed with each step, matching her nervous tension.
The private room was elegant, minimalist, a bit too quiet. When the door opened, she discreetly inhaled. No sign of Lee Tae Joon yet.
Employee – — Mr. Lee shouldn't be long. Would you like to order something while you wait?
Han Yuri – — No, thank you. I'll wait.
He bowed again and left, leaving behind a heavy silence. Yuri sat down with elegance. Back straight, hands folded on her knees. Everything about her radiated control, but inside, it was a storm.
She observed the details of the room. The perfectly aligned cutlery. The crisp fold of the napkin. Nothing out of place. Everything too perfect.
A glance at her phone: no notifications. She locked it immediately, annoyed at her own impatience. She sighed, lightly tapped her fingers on the glass of water. One, two, three minutes passed. Still nothing.
Han Yuri (thought) – He could have at least been on time…
She briefly thought about getting up and leaving. But she stayed. Out of pride.
Her phone vibrated. Incoming call: Kim Min Hee
Min Hee (on the phone) – — So, is he there yet?
Han Yuri – — Not yet.
A male voice suddenly interrupted, right behind her.
??? – — Hello, you must be Han Yuri?
She jumped slightly, then rolled her eyes in annoyance.
Han Yuri – — I'll call you back. (She hung up and turned around.)
And there, surprise. The man in front of her looked like he'd walked straight out of a drama. Elegant, charismatic—the kind who turned heads effortlessly.
Han Yuri (thought) – Am I crazy? Of course he's good-looking… Now let's see if he's just another guy who thinks he can control me.
Man – — Miss Yuri?
Han Yuri – — Yes, sorry! Hello, nice to meet you.
Lee Tae Joon (calm smile) – — Shall we order something? Any cravings?
Han Yuri (icy but polite) – — Just a salad. (A faint but distant smile.) I'm an actress…
Lee Tae Joon – — Yes, my father told me about you.
Han Yuri – — Really? Have you watched any of my dramas? Which one did you like best?
Lee Tae Joon – — No. I've never seen your dramas.
Han Yuri – — Seriously? How is that possible? You do know I'm one of the most popular actresses in Korea. I also do a lot of ads. Are you sure you don't recognize me?
Lee Tae Joon – — No, I've never seen you. Is that a crime?
Han Yuri – — No, no… It's just fascinating to me that someone in Korea doesn't know who I am. (Then, a bit vexed, she changes the subject.) Okay… new topic. What do you like in life?
Lee Tae Joon – — I like writing novels… but it's just a hobby.
Han Yuri – — Writing? So it's your dream?
Lee Tae Joon – — I wouldn't call it a dream. And you? Have you achieved yours?
Han Yuri – — I suppose. (A silence, then she fixes her eyes on him.) Tell me the truth… Why did you come? Did your father force you?
Lee Tae Joon – — No. He just said if I met you, he'd buy me a car.
Han Yuri – — A car?! Wow…
Lee Tae Joon – — What? Why are you looking at me like that?
Han Yuri – — No reason… (She scrutinizes him, raising an eyebrow.) Just that a 31-year-old man asking his dad for a car isn't weird at all.
Lee Tae Joon – — It's not just any car! It's the Batmobile. One of his friends has the same, apparently.
Han Yuri – — You're unbelievable…
Lee Tae Joon – — You mean handsome and funny? Yeah, I get that a lot.
Han Yuri – — Really? I see you're very modest.
Lee Tae Joon – — I'm not lying. I'm kind, handsome, and rich. I'm not ashamed to say it.
Han Yuri – — Sure, sure… (A mocking smile.) So, what do you think about marriage?
Lee Tae Joon – — Wait… Are you proposing to me?
Han Yuri – — What?! No! I was just asking a question. You're really…
Lee Tae Joon – — You sure? If you ask, I'll say yes. But I have three conditions:
1. Introduce me to actor Lee Min Ho.
2. Buy me a pizza.
3. … oh wait, I only have two conditions.
A few moments later…
Lee Tae Joon seemed a bit distracted, his gaze wandering without really focusing.
Yuri noticed right away.
Han Yuri –
— What's wrong?
Lee Tae Joon –
— Ah, sorry… I'm having trouble digesting the whisky and soju combo.
Han Yuri –
— What? Whisky and soju? That doesn't even go together!
Lee Tae Joon –
— Yeah, I know…
Han Yuri –
— So why'd you try it?
Lee Tae Joon –
— I had soju, I had whisky… and I was bored.
Han Yuri (staring at him, incredulous) –
— So you mixed both just… to see what happens?
Lee Tae Joon –
— Yup. Spoiler alert: it wasn't a good idea.
Han Yuri –
— And you didn't think, "Hey, maybe a herbal tea would be less suicidal"?
Lee Tae Joon –
— I thought: "Worst case, I forget my boredom… or my name."
Han Yuri (deep breath, eyes to the sky) –
— …Right. New topic. Do you like traveling?
Lee Tae Joon –
— Who doesn't?
(He pauses, then winces slightly.)
But… I'm technically banned from setting foot in Canada again.
Han Yuri (intrigued) –
— What? Why?
Lee Tae Joon (suddenly pretending to be interested in the environment) –
— Hmm… Why isn't the food here yet? I thought this was supposed to be a high-end place…
(Just then, the door opens. A server walks in with a small rolling table, perfectly timed.)
Lee Tae Joon (relieved and theatrical) –
— Oh! There it is!
(The server starts placing the dishes one by one, with all the pomp you'd expect in an upscale setting. Yuri, however, keeps one eyebrow raised.)
Server –
— Enjoy your meal.
(They leave, letting Yuri and Tae Joon eat in private.)
Han Yuri –
— How is it possible to be banned from a country?
Lee Tae Joon –
— Don't worry… I didn't do anything illegal. Well, not technically. Let's just say Canada and I had… a minor disagreement.
Han Yuri –
— You know what? I don't want to know. Not a single detail. Keep your international fugitive secrets.
(She grabs her fork, resigned.)
— Let's eat before you tell me you got banned from Japan for stealing royal sushi.
Several minutes later
The meal finally ends. Tae Joon lets out a satisfied sigh as he sets down his utensils.
Lee Tae Joon (raising his hand) –
— Excuse me, the check, please.
(A server promptly approaches, perfectly groomed, polite smile in place.)
Server –
— Oh, that won't be necessary, sir. The bill has already been taken care of… by Miss Han's father.
(A brief silence. Han Yuri is left speechless.)
Lee Tae Joon (faking an emotional expression) –
— What a thoughtful gesture.
(The server bows politely and leaves without another word.)
They leave the restaurant in a momentary peaceful silence, both lost in thought… and a bit more confused than when they arrived.
8 PM – Lee Tae Joon drives Yuri home
In front of the Han residence
Han Yuri –
— This is it. Thanks for today… but I think we should leave it at that. I don't think I'm the right woman for you.
Lee Tae Joon –
— Wouldn't you want my opinion before deciding what kind of woman suits me?
(He smiles.)
But okay. I respect your decision.
Lee Tae Joon –
— If you ever change your mind… don't forget to bring my pizza.
(Han Yuri says nothing. She looks at him for a second, as if hesitating, then turns and walks away in silence.)
(When she gets home, her father is already in the living room with a glass of tea in hand.)
Yuri's Father –
— So, how was the date?
Han Yuri –
— It went well. But I don't think it'll work out… We're too different.
Yuri's Father –
— Two people with the same personality don't work either. And two like you… wouldn't exactly be a party.
Han Yuri –
— What do you mean?
Yuri's Father –
— Forget it… So, you're not planning to see him again?
Han Yuri –
— No, I'm sorry, Father. I'm really tired. I'll rest now.
[Two days later – Agency restroom]
(Yuri and Min Hee are leaning on the sink, away from eavesdropping ears. The sound of running water covers their voices.)
Min Hee –
— Yuri, we haven't had the chance to talk about your date. So? How did it go?
Han Yuri –
— It was fine.
(Min Hee stares at her intently.)
Min Hee –
— That's it? Come on, spill it.
Han Yuri –
— Okay…
One minute later
Min Hee –
— Why don't you plan to see him again? He's not good-looking enough?
Han Yuri –
— No, it's not that. It's just that…
Min Hee –
— Just what?
Han Yuri –
— He seems kind. And if I agree to marry him… it would mean I'm using him as a shield. So people forget the scandal. So I can save my image. You get it? And we're just too different.
Min Hee –
— Yeah, I get it. But Yuri, you can't always be this nice. Especially not in this industry. You worked hard to get where you are. So if you have to use someone to protect your image… so be it.
Han Yuri –
— Are you telling me to make a sacrifice?
Min Hee –
— Yes. It's not right, I know. But sometimes, we have to make small sacrifices to get our happy ending.
Han Yuri –
— And what about love?
Min Hee –
— Love? Yuri, come on. Weren't you the one always telling me love was nonsense? That the only thing that mattered in your life was your career?
Han Yuri –
— That's true… but him? He'll be stuck with me in a fake marriage.
Min Hee –
— Why fake? You said he was nice, right? Who knows… maybe you'll end up falling for him.
Han Yuri –
— You know this marriage won't make the scandal disappear, right?
Min Hee –
— I know. But it grabs attention, and people forget fast. Create a perfect little family with him. Show the public you're strong, that the scandal doesn't affect you. If you keep hiding, people will start believing the rumors are true. It's time for you to show up. Think about it, Yuri.
[Yuri's Room – Han Residence – 7 PM, after the talk]
(Yuri sits at the edge of her bed, eyes lost in thought. She replays everything Min Hee told her.)
Han Yuri –
— Maybe she's right. Life is a war. I have to make small sacrifices to protect myself.
What's wrong with wanting to survive?
I really need to act… or everything I worked for will go to waste.
I've worked so hard to get here.
(She picks up her phone. Dials a number.)
Call in progress… Lee Tae Joon.
Han Yuri –
— Tae Joon-ssi? It's me, Han Yuri.
Are you free… for a pizza night?
TO BE CONTINUED…