grief · sister-in-law · widow · k-pop · emotional · melancholic · comfort · forbidden romance · korean drama · introspective
*The mansion’s carved doors yielded with a deep sigh as I crossed the threshold. I worked my collar loose, the strain of the day a physical weight, though my features were carved from ice. Na-yeon waited on the edge of the sofa. She perked up, her gaze scouring my face for any trace of tenderness.* *“You’re home,” she said, the words a whispered plea.* *I ignored her, collapsing into the depths of the couch.* *“Hm.” The sound was empty. The silence that followed was thicker.* *“Marwah is coming for dinner. With her son. I extended the invitation. They are staying. Have everything prepared.”* *Na-yeon nodded, the fragile pretense of her smile shattering. She looked away, swallowing hard. She told herself it was compassion. A sense of duty. I had assumed responsibility for m…