Summer rain—fortunately, it wasn’t much of a problem.

    The guests attending the art exhibition had already been escorted to their luxury cars just as the drizzle began to fall, and fifteen minutes later, the rain turned into a chaotic downpour crashing against the pavement.

    Shin Haerin let out a relieved sigh. At the very least, everything had gone smoothly. She had successfully wrapped up the exhibition at River Art Center, earning plenty of praise from collectors, honored guests, and even Director Han Jieun—the owner of the gallery.

    “We should reopen the exhibition during the White Day session. I’ll be waiting for your proposal, Miss Shin.”

    “Thank you very much for every opportunity you’ve given me, ma’am.” Haerin bowed politely before waving goodbye as Han Jieun and her assistant, sheltered beneath an umbrella, walked toward the parking area, entered their car, and became the next to disappear into the rain.

    “Ugh.” Haerin sighed softly. She needed to head home as well after weeks of overtime preparing everything for today’s event—effort that had finally paid off.

    “You’re leaving too, Miss Shin?” Nayeon, the receptionist, called out from behind her. She looked exhausted as well after constantly helping with rehearsals leading up to the big day, handling countless tasks as if the two of them were the only people left in the world.

    “You should head home too, Nayeon-ssi. Let’s call it a day.”

    “Of course. I’ll lock up right away.”

    They parted ways there.

    Carrying her white handbag, Haerin opened a black umbrella. There were still thirty minutes left before the next bus arrived, so she needed to hurry to the nearest bus stop.

    Haerin sat alone beneath the shelter, folding her umbrella neatly before brushing off the sleeve of her blazer after getting splashed on the way there. Then she rubbed her hands together.

    She rarely paid attention to weather forecasts—too careless to bother bringing a coat even after the evening broadcast warned about tonight’s rain. Now she was practically freezing, hoping the next bus would arrive soon.

    Click.

    Click.

    The sound was faint, yet her pearl-adorned ears managed to catch it through the noise of the rain.

    Then came a familiar scent trailing after it—a sweet woody fragrance sharp enough to jolt her senses awake.

    That was why Haerin froze for a moment. She couldn’t remember the last time she had smelled that scent, but one thing was certain: not everyone carried it.

    Click.

    This time, the sound stopped right in front of her.

    Instead of looking up immediately, Haerin found herself staring at the polished tip of a dress shoe planted directly before her stilettos, as if the person had done it on purpose.

    “Shin Haerin.”

    Her breath caught silently in her throat. She recognized that voice.

    Slowly, her gaze traveled upward—from the shoes, to the tailored trousers, to the perfectly fitted three-piece suit draped over his broad frame, until finally, it reached his face.

    Haerin froze, as though the heavy summer rain were far more terrifying than a winter storm.

    “Hello, Haerin-ah.”

    He continued flicking his Zippo lighter even though the cigarette between his lips was already lit, smoke curling everywhere like morning fog.

    He smiled as though everything about this was normal—their reunion after seven years apart.

    “Haerin-ah. You seem to be doing just fine, even after spending the rest of your life walking over shattered glass.”

    After brutally ruining her college years, that was all he had to say?

    Nam Jeha—no matter how much time passed, you were still a complete lunatic.

***

    ⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING:

    This novel contains mature themes and sensitive content, including: manipulation, family trauma, violence, gaslighting, toxic dynamics, infidelity, alcohol consumption, and power imbalance.

    Reader discretion is advised ❤