Kai: “You are beautiful,Saera .” The words slipped from the lips, fueled by memories and longing. I kissed her neck, lost in the echo of our past. But reality intruded—a chill, a sheen of sweat. “Oh, Saera, don’t…”

And then, Tae Hyun’s voice shattered the dream. “Kai, wake up.” His concern cut through the haze. “You have to stop thinking about Saera. It’s all in the past; she made her decision. Get a new life, bro.”

But how could I? Saera had etched herself into my soul. Nobody could replace her.

Hyun, ever practical, suggested swimming as therapy. “Cooperate with me, Kai,” he urged. And then he handed me a visiting card—a lifeline to a psychiatrist, his friend. “Sort things out,” he said. “Do this for me, brother.”

Months passed, therapy helped, yet my heart remained stubbornly loyal. Saera had left me no choice. I retreated to my parents’ house, seeking solace. But even there, I remained unchanged.

And then my mom intervened. “Life has to go on,” she said gently. “Meet this girl, Sia. She’s my friend’s daughter. Maybe she can make your life better.”

I knew it wouldn’t change anything, but Mom’s happiness mattered. Time was slipping through her fingers, and I couldn’t bear to disappoint her further. I’d caused her pain once—I wouldn’t do it again.

So, I went to meet Sia. Unexpectedly, her picture adorned the wall—a face I’d glimpsed before, perhaps in another twist of fate. She was the accident girl—the one who’d crossed my path when life was a blur.

And in that moment, I made a decision. Sia, willing to play a role, could be my solution. A pretend wife to make my mom smile. It wasn’t love, but it was a pact—a contract of its own.

As I looked at Sia's picture, I wondered: Could she be my second chance? Or was this just another chapter in my tangled story?

For now, though, I’d honor Mom’s wish. And maybe—just maybe—Sia held secrets of her own, waiting to be discovered.