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As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the neighborhood, Haein stepped into their new surroundings. Unlike her previous home, this neighborhood was characterized by closely packed houses and a lack of green spaces, yet there was a sense of warmth and familiarity in the air.

Just as they were about to enter their new home, Grandpa intercepted them, a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his lips.

"Congratulations to the newlyweds," Grandpa began, his voice filled with genuine warmth. "May your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and countless happy memories. Remember, a strong bond is built on understanding and respect for one another. Now, come on, my daughter Harin, give your old grandpa a kiss on the hand."

"It's Haein Grandpa, not Harin."

"That's what I said Harin."

As Haein leaned in to kiss Grandpa's hand, a sense of warmth and gratitude washed over her. However, as she went to step away, she felt an unusual resistance, as if her foot was caught on something. Confused, she glanced down, her heart sinking as she realized what had happened.

Haein's heart sank as she realized what she had stepped in. Disgust and panic surged through her as she desperately tried to shake off the foul-smelling dog shit clinging to her expensive heels. "Get it off me, please! Oh my god, I can't handle the smell! It's..."

Frantically, she looked around for something to wipe her shoe on, her cheeks burning with embarrassment as the realization sunk in that she had just made a mortifying entrance into her new home.

Her eyes met Jake's, and despite the seriousness of the situation, she couldn't help but notice the amusement twinkling in his eyes.

As Haein nearly stumbled, she instinctively reached out, finding unexpected support in Soomin's hands. Their eyes met briefly, exchanging a mix of confusion before Jake, unable to contain his laughter, approached to assist his wife.

With a chuckle, he gently removed Haein's soiled shoes, his laughter infectious as he lifted her into his arms, carrying her bridal style across the threshold.

His sister's expression remained puzzled, a silent observer to the unconventional scene, while the rest of the family looked on with fond smiles, welcoming the newlyweds into their home.

Haein glanced around the cozy living room, noting the differences from her usual spacious surroundings. After changing into the slippers Jake had provided, she made her way to the living room, intending to retire for the night.

However, Soomin intercepted her with a mischievous grin. "Where do you think you're going, young miss? We haven't tasted the bridal coffee yet, and you need a wedding dress for that."

Haein's simple attire didn't quite fit the bill for a traditional wedding dress, but she complied nonetheless, taking a seat at the dining table. "Fine," she relented, "I'll take my coffee black."

As everyone turned to look at her, Haein felt a pang of discomfort, but Jake came to her rescue. "Haein, you're the one making the coffee," he pointed out.

Haein chuckled nervously. "But husband, you know I'm not very good at kitchen stuff," she protested half-heartedly.

Soomin shot Jake a disapproving glance, prompting him to give Haein a stern look, silently conveying the message. Sighing in resignation, Haein acquiesced.

"Black for everyone, and no sugar for me," Soomin declared firmly, setting the tone for the coffee ritual.

Haein opened her phone, and everyone assumed she was ignoring them. Soomin, fed up with the situation, turned to Jake once more.

"What are you doing?"

"Ordering coffee, duh," Haein replied nonchalantly.

But Soomin, reaching her limit, sat up and shouted, "God, have mercy on me!" With a sigh, Jake stood up and took Haein by the wrist, leading her upstairs to his room.

"Don't you dare lay a finger on me again, or I'll make sure you regret it," She hissed, her eyes flashing with anger.

"God, what did I do to deserve this insufferable spoiled brat?" Jake muttered under his breath.

"Insufferable spoiled brat?" Haein scoffed, her voice dripping with venom. "Look at yourself first before you dare to utter another word, you spineless excuse for a man."

Confusion clouded Jake's expression as he observed her anger. Haein, undeterred, pressed on defiantly, "Listen, I don't give in to this attitude. I am Kang Haein."

Jake moved closer, his tone firm, "Your last name is Sim now. You're mine, so you listen to me."

"I don't answer to you or anyone else, Sim or not. You may think you own me now, but let me make one thing clear—I am not yours to command."

Jake's expression hardened as he leaned in closer, his voice laced with authority. "You'll learn soon enough that in this house, you follow my lead. Got it?"

Haein sighed, looking like she gave in to Jake's words, but inside, she still seemed a bit defiant.

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on Haein's peaceful slumber. However, her tranquility was abruptly interrupted by the insistent knocking on the door. With a groan, Haein reluctantly pulled herself out of her dreams and into the reality of the new day.

"Girl, I said get up, breakfast will be ready," came the voice from beyond the door, jarring her awake.

Sitting up in bed, Haein rubbed her eyes and muttered to herself, "It wasn't a nightmare... all of it, it's real." She ran a hand through her disheveled hair, trying to shake off the lingering remnants of sleep.

As the memories of the previous day flood back, she realizes that the surreal events were indeed not a nightmare but her new reality.

With a heavy sigh, she pushes her head into the pillow, wishing she could escape.But with a determined resolve, she gathers her strength and prepares herself to face whatever the day may bring.

"Look, if you don't get up, I will make you get up," the persistent voice outside the door threatened, fueling Haein's irritation.

Reluctantly, she pushed herself out of bed and trudged to the kitchen, hoping to find something to appease her grumbling stomach. However, her quest for breakfast was met with disappointment as she found the fridge empty.

Just then, Grandma's unexpected appearance caught her off guard. With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, he quipped, "Haein, dear, are you starring in your own fridge-based movie this morning?"

Haein couldn't help but chuckle at his humorous remark, momentarily forgetting her frustrations.

"Oh, I was planning on making pancakes, but it seems your fridge has other ideas," Haein explained sheepishly. Grandma shot her a puzzled look, questioning the unconventional breakfast choice.

As Grandpa burst in with excitement, Grandma informed him, "Haein's preparing rice cakes for breakfast."

"Raiseok? The enemy's got to Raiseok?" Grandpa exclaimed, his words laced with confusion.

Grandma sighed, "He's insufferable when he forgets his medication." Despite the odd conversation, Haein tried to remain patient as Grandpa continued with his nonsensical chatter.

Soomin's interruption sliced through the conversation like a sharp knife. She scanned the empty table, her eyes narrowed.

"Mrs. Bride, will breakfast be ready by tonight?"

"I was planning on making pancakes, but I couldn't find the ingredients," Haein responded, her tone slightly defensive.

"These goddamn rich people," Soomin muttered under her breath before turning her attention to Haein's attire. "And what's with your outfit? Didn't you bring anything from home?"

"Well, we got married in a hurry, so I didn't have time," Haein explained.

"This won't do. I'll give you a dress, but first, you have to scrub those sinks," Soomin declared, her tone firm.

"And breakfast?"

"I changed my mind. I want you to do this. Why, you think you can't do it?" Soomin challenged.

Undeterred, Haein took it as a challenge. She pulled her hair up into a ponytail and rolled up her pants, ready to prove herself.

As Haein cleaned, her movements were slow and ineffective. She wiped the mirror halfheartedly, leaving streaks behind. Opening the sink to rinse her cleaning rags, she inadvertently caused a cascade of water to spill onto the floor.

Distracted by her broken nail, she failed to notice the overflowing sink until it was too late. Frantically trying to stop the flow, her attempts only made matters worse.

With a sinking feeling, she realized she had broken the sink. Removing the white thing inside, a foul smell wafted out, adding insult to injury.

Hurrying outside for a breath of fresh air, Haein found no respite as Soomin quickly intercepted her, launching into a scolding tirade. Instructing her to return and rectify the mess, Soomin's reprimand was relentless.

Unbeknownst to them, every detail was being meticulously observed by the maid who worked at Haein's house.

Jake entered the scene, observing the chaos with an amused grin. His smile widened as he saw Haein sprawled on the floor, attempting to fix the sink.

Giggling, he chimed in, "Good luck, Master Kang... Looks like you could use a hand."

"As if,"

"Yes, ma'am. Should we evacuate the house first?"

As Jake observed Haein's struggle with the sink he moved closer, gently pushing her aside to take over the task. Focused and determined, he worked on repairing the damage, his brow furrowed in concentration.

Taking charge of fixing the sink, Haein couldn't help but be captivated by his movements. With each flex of his muscles and deft maneuver, she watched in a mix of fascination and confusion.

There was something unexpectedly alluring about the way he handled the situation, a raw power in his actions that drew her attention. Despite her frustration with the situation, she couldn't deny the undeniable attraction that simmered beneath the surface.

As Jake glanced up and their eyes met, the Kang girl felt a rush of heat flood her cheeks. She quickly looked away, trying to suppress the unexpected flutter in her stomach.

But the image of his determined expression and the way he effortlessly took control of the situation lingered in her mind long after she had left the room.

Sitting alone in the garden, Haein tried not to think of what happened at the bathroom but before noticing tears welled up in her eyes as she wrestled with her emotions.

She reached for her phone, her fingers trembling with the urge to call her father, but a wave of pride held her back. In that moment of vulnerability, her pride seemed to overshadow her longing for connection, leaving her feeling more isolated than ever.

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