Chapter 1
“Then, let’s proceed with the contract. I look forward to working with you again, Dayun.”
“Yes, thank you. I look forward to it as well.”
Dayun had just finished her previous serialized novel and brought a new manuscript to her editor. Now that the contract was successfully signed, she could barely contain her excitement. Walking with a bounce in her step, she eventually let out a goofy giggle. The tension that had been weighing on her had finally lifted.
By the time she realized it, the sky had begun to darken, and the path she had been excitedly following led her right to her house.
“I’m home~”
“Oh, my daughter~ Did the contract go well?”
“Yeah, yeah~ Mom, I got the contract!”
“Oh my, that’s amazing, my dear! I’m so proud of you!”
Seeing Dayun grinning from ear to ear, her mother gently patted her on the back, smiling affectionately. Though she wasn’t her biological mother, anyone could see that they shared a warm and loving bond. Perhaps out of jealousy at this display of affection, her father, who had been watching TV on the couch, gave them a disapproving look. However, his eyes were filled with pride.
“Geez, why are you two making such a big deal? It’s just an online novel contract.”
“Ugh, Dad. Do you even know how hard it is to become a web novel author? I worked so hard for this contract, and I was so nervous.”
Dayun pouted, feeling hurt that her father brushed it off so casually. Noticing her reaction, he began to sneak glances at her, as if realizing he had gone too far. Understanding everything, her mother wrapped an arm around Dayun’s shoulders and said reassuringly,
“Your dad is just embarrassed. Before you came home, he was so anxious, worrying about whether you’d get the contract. And he couldn’t stop bragging about you.”
“Hmph, what’s the point of saying all that now? Anyway, let’s eat. I’m hungry.”
Clearly flustered, her father coughed awkwardly before heading to the kitchen.
“Alright, alright~ Dinner is ready. Go change your clothes, dear.”
“Okay~”
After changing into comfortable home clothes, Dayun entered the kitchen. The sight before her made her jaw drop.
“Wow~ What’s the occasion? This is a feast!”
“Our daughter signed a new novel contract today. And Daon is coming home tonight too.”
“Oh? My brother’s coming home today?”
While talking, Dayun had already started eating, as if she had been sitting at the table all along. Her father shot her another disapproving look.
“Yes, so eat slowly. Are you planning to eat everything yourself? Your brother needs to eat too.”
Despite his words, he placed a piece of delicious, steaming galbi on her rice.
“Hmph, then why are you putting galbi on my rice?”
Even as she pouted, she happily munched on the food her father had given her. Once again, he gave her a disapproving look.
“Then why are you eating the galbi while complaining?”
“Hmph, because Mom made it.”
“Hey, she’s my wife, you know?”
“Oh, both of you, that’s enough.”
Dayun’s mother sighed. Who was the adult here, and who was the child? Then, she whispered softly, just low enough for Dayun not to hear,
“Oh dear, how am I supposed to send her away…”
“Huh?”
Startled, her mother quickly waved her hands, looking flustered.
“Oh?! No, nothing, dear. Just eat up.”
It seemed a bit suspicious, but Dayun brushed it off. Smiling brightly, she nodded and continued eating.
“Okay!”
But soon, her chopsticks froze in mid-air. Her father’s glances were getting more frequent, as if he had something to say.
“Why? Do you have something to tell me?”
“Uh… well… Congratulations on the contract.”
“Oh… I thought it was something serious. You made me nervous. Anyway, thank you, Dad.”
Thinking it was nothing, Dayun picked up her chopsticks again. But then, her father’s next words made her hands tremble, and her chopsticks clattered onto the table.
“Yeah, I really mean it. Congratulations. Also, congratulations on your marriage.”
“Marriage?!!”
What on earth was he talking about? The document before her read something like this:
Contract – Choi Dayun, daughter of Choi Mingu, shall marry Ahn Jaehoon, son of Ahn Seokhyun, upon graduating from university…
And if the contract was broken…
“Choi Mingu must return the business funds he received, along with interest on the debt Ahn Seokhyun repaid on his behalf. Ahn Seokhyun will then forfeit all assets he was to receive.”
Dayun’s hands trembled as she held the document close to her face, her anger barely contained. With a quivering voice, she asked,
“Dad, what is this? Am I getting married?”
“Yes. My daughter, you have to get married.”
Not ‘Are you getting married?’ but ‘You have to get married.’
“Dad!! This is ridiculous!”
Furious, Dayun slammed the document down and yelled at her father. Then, looking pitiful, she pleaded,
“Dad, I’m only 24! I haven’t even been out of college for a month.”
“Oh wow, you’re already 24? Back in the day, you’d already have kids by now.”
“Dad!!”
“Just do it. The guy you’re marrying is my friend’s son. I saw his picture—he’s good-looking. If you weren’t my daughter, I wouldn’t even be able to say this, but honestly, people might think he’s too good for you.”
“Ugh… seriously…”
Dayun realized her father had already made up his mind. Talking wouldn’t change anything. Then, she spotted her mother fidgeting beside him.
“Mom, no way…”
Her mother flinched.
“Did you know about this?”
“I’m sorry, dear.”
“Wow…”
For the first time, she felt resentment toward her mother. But she couldn’t give up so easily.
“Dad, Mom, I’m sorry, but I can’t do this. I’ll take care of you both. You know I’ve started making money from my novels.”
Her father let out a deep sigh.
“Daughter, do you know how much we owe? It’s in the billions. Will you keep paying until you’re an old lady?”
Dayun’s eyes widened. “Billions?!” The word echoed in her mind. Trying to act calm, she forced a smile.
“Hah… It won’t take that long, right?”
“Sweetheart, interest accumulates. The longer you wait, the worse it gets.”
“Ugh… So, you’re saying I should just get married?”
“Exactly.”
Her last hope, her mother, sighed.
“If you truly hate it, we won’t force you. You’re an adult. Marriage is your choice.”
Dayun teared up.
“Mom…”
But then, her father interjected,
“Dayun, trust me. This isn’t just about money. You and Jaehoon need each other.”
“How would you know?!”
“Because I’m your father! Just get ready for the wedding!”
And with that, the car was on its way to the meeting place. In the end, Dayun made her decision:
“Fine. I’ll get married.”
