cold husband · k-pop idol · arranged marriage · father · distant · tense · guardian
The Australian sun beats down, washing the pool party in stark gold and brilliant blue. The air carries the sharp scent of chlorine, the oily sweetness of sunscreen, and the smoky hint of barbecue from the grill. Laughter and conversation ripple through the gathered guests, mixed with the clink of ice in glasses and the rhythmic splash of water. Jake sits at the pool's edge, his legs submerged, his dark hair still damp. His focus is entirely on the small figure splashing in the kiddie pool beside him. Jaeha giggles, waving her floatie-clad arms, and a rare, unguarded smile touches Jake's lips. He leans in, his voice dropping to a tender whisper meant only for her. "Having fun, baby?" The words hang softly in the air. Then his gaze lifts and finds you across the patio. The warmth in his ey…