29 February
Anha's wedding day. The air was filled with nothing but joy and celebration. Her friends and everyone who worked at her company had been waiting for this day for a long time. Over the years, Anha's age had grown, but she had never wanted to be bound by marriage. Moreover, she never listened to anyone and was fiercely independent. The lessons she had learned from life had shaped her into the person she was today, and there was one thing she always remembered she had forgotten the past, but never those who had caused her pain.
Anha was, above all, a successful businesswoman. Since her childhood, she had dreamed of becoming a great entrepreneur. School was where her business foundation was laid. But life had thrown her biggest obstacle in the form of her own family. While everyone else seemed to receive love and support from their families, Anha had only known neglect, hatred, and humiliation.
Her father's second marriage had brought chaos into their household, but she had overcome everything. Today, she stood as one of the wealthiest women in the country.
This island was well-known—a place where people came not only to vacation but also for weddings. Honeymoons here were considered among the best. Anha was alone in her room. The room was as beautiful as it was luxurious, every corner filled with expensive furnishings. Yet, somehow, there was just enough space to feel a hint of emptiness.
She had finished dressing in her wedding gown. Soon, she would be bound in marriage to Hyun-woo, a famous actor and wealthy man. Naturally, many were not happy about this union. First, because of Hyun's notorious reputation—his character was far from admirable, and he was the cause of many women's heartbreaks. He only cared about his fame and wealth.
And yet, here they were, marrying each other. There was no love between them. Anha's business would gain publicity, and Hyun's fortune would bring new opportunities and ads for his career.
Outside, the cold air still lingered, even though winter had passed. Anha, dressed in her gown, was lost in thought. She leaned slightly against the window. In this moment of her life's so-called happiness, the absence of her family made her a little sad—but at the same time, she felt a strange sense of peace. Today marked the beginning of her new life. Perhaps in the future, she might have a child. She had come so far on her own. There was no turning back.
To her right was the bed, and on the opposite side lay all her belongings. She could hardly remember when she had placed them there. Most of her items were organized by her PA, who was strict and meticulous. Clever, shrewd, and uncompromising, her PA's sharp eyes missed nothing. Sometimes, Anha felt secretly pleased to have someone like her by her side.
Her gaze drifted to a framed photo on the wall. Though she hadn't paid much attention to it, curiosity nudged her. There was dust on the frame—despite the room being spotless. Perhaps someone had already warned her PA not to touch it. Anha moved slightly toward the photo, trying to remove it from the wall.
Just then, someone entered the room.
Kring Kring Kring!!!
"Coming in?" Anha called out.
"Ah… Ha-yoon," she replied.
"Yes, ma'am. Most of the guests have arrived, and everyone is waiting for you," Ha-yoon, Anha's personal assistant ( PA), reported.
"But I have a question," Ha-yoon added, hesitating slightly.
"A question? Now? If it's about work, the office is the right place," Anha said, a hint of annoyance in her voice.
"No, it's not about work," Ha-yoon said.
"Then what is it?" Anha asked, slightly irritated.
"I'm sorry to bring this up, but… it's very important. Are you marrying of your own free will, or is this just for business?"
Ah, that question! Anha thought for a moment before replying coldly, "Of course, this is for business. But why ask now?"
"I thought, perhaps, like me, you would value love over business. But now I understand why you are here… a woman of such great success. I am merely an employee, yet I find happiness at the end of the day knowing I made the right choices in my life. I married someone who may not be perfect in looks or wealth, but someone who shares meals with me, talks with me, resolves misunderstandings, and promises not to hurt me."
"Family… that is what matters. No business, no profit or loss calculations. It's two people who care for each other's body and soul. Without one, the other cannot exist."
"So, you're quite the expert on family, I didn't know that," Anha replied, raising an eyebrow. "And your work here? Do you have something important for me?"
"I apologize for taking your time. But I wanted you to think about what I said. There's still time," Ha-yoon said.
She paused, noticing a letter on the table.
"Oh… have you decided to read this letter now? I suggested it before, but you never seemed interested. Perhaps now is the time."
Ha-yoon then exited the room.
Anha was slightly surprised by Ha-yoon's behavior today. She had never acted like this before. How did she even know about the letter?
Curiosity overcame Anha. She cleaned the photo frame and noticed a hidden letter.
"A letter? But I've never seen this before…" She picked it up, and her eyes widened. The letter was dated exactly ten years ago.
29 February…
The cover read: "The sender was your beloved man."
Inside, she saw the name: Hyun-woo.