A Marriage So Lethal (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 1
1st wedding anniversary.
From the dim dawn, a rustling sound came from the couple’s bedroom.
Se Ah, awakened from sleep, turned on the bedside lamp and sat up against the headboard. Kang Woo, adjusting his tie knot, turned to look at her.
“Did I wake you up?”
“No, I went to bed early last night, so I woke up naturally.”
As always, Kang Woo was impeccably dressed in a suit.
His crisp white shirt and sharply tailored trousers bore not a single wrinkle.
A sleek cufflink gleamed from his sleeve as he picked up his briefcase.
“Leaving for work already?”
“Yeah. Why don’t you get some more sleep?”
“You got back pretty late last night, didn’t you?”
“Just past midnight. When I came in, you were already asleep.”
His tone carried no trace of disappointment—just a calm, deep-voiced statement of fact.
Though he was otherwise flawlessly put-together, unusually, the tip of his tie was slightly twisted. As Se Ah stepped in front of him, Kang Woo lifted his long-lashed eyes briefly.
“Do you have something to say to me?”
“Your tie knot is a bit crooked.”
“Is it?”
“…Slightly to the left…”
Hesitating, she reached out to him for the first time since their marriage.
Carefully slipping her hand under the crisp collar of his white shirt, she straightened the knot.
The moment Kang Woo’s gaze darkened subtly, Se Ah quickly withdrew her hand.
“I’ll be coming home late today.”
“Mr. Kang Woo… Today…”
“If you have something to say, just say it. Don’t start and then stop halfway.”
Kang Woo checked his watch with an impassive tone.
“Never mind. I’m sorry for holding you back when you’re busy.”
She didn’t need to ask—the answer was already clear in his eyes: he wouldn’t be spending the day with her.
“How bland. I’ll be back later.”
Kang Woo brushed it off lightly and turned away. At nearly 190 cm tall, even the ceiling of the room seemed low in comparison. She merely watched as his broad shoulders and the straight black suit followed his precise, disciplined movements.
Only after his broad back disappeared entirely through the front door—*click*—did the lock engage.
Turning back, she noticed a shopping bag on the tea table—something she hadn’t seen the night before. Inside were a dress, a watch, a handbag—an array of luxury items.
So he had remembered it was their wedding anniversary after all.
She’d assumed he’d forgotten, since he hadn’t mentioned it even once. As always, he remained obsessed with work, unable to spare time even for a day like today.
In that sense, it was a relief.
Cheongdam-dong, Kang Woo’s family home. Standing before the grand gate, Se Ah double-checked her outfit.
Once a week, whenever she visited her in-laws, tension gripped her tightly.
Her H-line dress reached just above the knees, paired with opaque stockings. Every item she wore was luxury-brand, yet no logos were visible. Her hair was neatly tied back, and her makeup—soft, neutral tones—added a touch of elegance.
“Has the Young Madam arrived?”
The line of maids at the entrance bowed deeply to Se Ah.
“Good to see you all.”
Smiling gently, Se Ah greeted those around her. Everyone dispersed except Madam Yeong Cheon.
“Where’s Mother-in-law?”
“I was told she’s on her way back from attending a charity bazaar with the Congressman.”
“I see.”
She took a quiet sip of the fig tea offered by Madam Yeong Cheon, then set it down delicately.
Just then, the intercom rang, and the staff sprang into coordinated motion. Se Ah, too, swallowed hard.
“The Congressman has returned, Young Madam.”
“Yes.”
Se Ah smoothed the hem of her dress and stood at the very front of the entrance line. Already, her palms were clammy and her breath grew shallow.
“Se Ah, have you been well?”
“Yes. And have you been well, Mother-in-law?”
As always, Hyun Sook affectionately patted Se Ah’s shoulder—then,
“Father-in-law, good to see you.”
Nam Tae gave no verbal reply—only a mechanical flick of his eyes downward, then back up. It was a glance assessing her attire.
Nam Tae handed his jacket and briefcase to Hyun Sook, who then passed them to Madam Yeong Cheon.
“Where’s Kang Woo?”
“He’s busy with work, so he won’t be able to make it.”
“A man in business is always busy. It’s enough that you came in his stead.”
“Yes.”
They headed directly to the dining room.
Even during the meal, the tension did not ease. Not even the clink of cutlery or voices was heard.
“No news about a child yet, I suppose?”
Once a month, Nam Tae posed the same question to Se Ah—but never before in front of others.
“No.”
As always, Se Ah found it hard to meet his gaze directly. His sharp eyes seemed to pierce right through people.
“Congressman, it’s only been a year since the children married.”
Hyun Sook glanced cautiously at Se Ah as she gently tried to dissuade Nam Tae.
“If it still doesn’t happen after some time, I’ll take care of it—no need for you to worry.”
Nam Tae gave a faint, twisted smirk and let out a hollow chuckle.
“If it were meant to be, it would’ve happened naturally. Pouring time and money into futile efforts only exhausts the people involved.”
“Yes, you’re right. Let’s eat.”
Though intimidated by her husband, Hyun Sook still tried—however feebly—to intervene, only to fall silent again at the sound of his dry cough.
“Don’t worry about children. Your only job is to support Kang Woo so he can focus solely on his business. Do you understand what I mean?”
Nam Tae’s cold, piercing gaze fixed wholly on Se Ah.
“Yes, Father-in-law.”
Her throat tightened, and Se Ah set down her spoon briefly to take a sip of water.
“Se Ah, are you done already? You look thinner, too. Are you unwell?”
“No, Mother-in-law.”
Despite Hyun Sook’s concerned tone, Nam Tae only clicked his tongue faintly.
“Never set down your spoon before those senior to you.”
“I’m sorry.”
Without offering any excuse, Se Ah picked her spoon back up. Her stomach churned—she couldn’t possibly take another bite.
“One’s upbringing is revealed even in the smallest habits.”
Nam Tae’s faintly smiling critique made Se Ah’s cheeks flush involuntarily.
His words subtly implied she couldn’t help it—being an orphan and all.
Yet he never said it outright. He always criticized her obliquely, just like this.
“Election day is near—everyone must be especially mindful of their conduct.”
Nam Tae rose first, then looked down at Se Ah.
“Come to my study.”
At this stern, emotionless command, Se Ah’s already pale complexion turned ashen. Suppressing rising anxiety, she followed him.
Amid the dense high-rises of Gangnam.
A black sedan entered the underground parking lot, and soon, Se Ah stepped out of it.
She entered the cooking class on the top floor. Image management, floral arrangement, English conversation—spending the entire day rotating through classes across Gangnam, this was her final session.
“Hello?”
The Director, organizing utensils in the storage cabinet, turned around.
“Oh! The Madam is here!”
The Director walked over from the cooking counter.
“You said you’d be a little late, but you arrived right on time.”
“Luckily, traffic wasn’t bad.”
Though fine red veins lined her eyes, Se Ah’s smile remained gentle as she stood at the Irish-style counter—showing no sign of fatigue.
“Today’s dish is chicken stew. We’ll use the leftover chicken from last session.”
Following the Director’s lead, Se Ah prepared the chicken and boiled the broth.
Standing rigidly by the stove in restrictive clothing and heels stiffened her calves.
After three full hours, the cooking lesson finally ended.
“You did wonderfully—even in this advanced course.”
The Director pulled out her phone from her apron pocket and rapidly snapped photos.
Though she claimed it was for blog promotion, Se Ah knew better—these were meant for *him*.
“Ah, Madam—I just remembered you haven’t registered for next month’s class yet. Since you apply every month, wouldn’t it be easier to enroll in the year-long program?”
Ever resourceful, the Director pressed subtly again.
“There might be urgent matters at home.”
“Oh, I see.”
While the Director packed their dish into a container, she chatted casually.
“By the way, G-Com’s second daughter recently enrolled here. Are you two acquainted?”
“No, I haven’t met her yet.”
The Director, who taught many celebrities and society women, was naturally gossipy and curious about others’ affairs.
“Well, she only returned from the U.S. recently. I met her for the first time last class—and wow, she’s stunning.”
“I see.”
Se Ah nodded politely, recalling the details.
G-Com was a global gaming company currently collaborating with Kang Woo—hence, their eldest daughter had attended their wedding.
Finally, the Director handed Se Ah the shopping bag.
“I’ll call you to confirm next month’s class schedule.”
“Will do. Thank you for today.”
Only after fully turning away did Se Ah’s smile fade.
This tiresome class—she’d endured it long enough. Today was the last.
After rotating through countless classes, Se Ah finally returned home—nine full hours later.
She collapsed onto the sofa and loosened the stiff zipper at the back of her dress slightly. Then she gently massaged her exhausted legs.
Had she lost more weight since marriage? Her ankles looked so slender they nearly slipped through her own fingers.
True to its status as Gangnam’s most expensive premium residence, the newlywed apartment was flawless: a stunning view, ceilings as high as a hotel’s, elegant interior décor, pristine ivory marble flooring, and modern furnishings. Her eye fell upon the wedding photo atop the antique side table to the left.
A man of peerless physique and striking, undeniable handsomeness—beside him stood herself, bashful and shy,
clumsily looping her arm through his, his long-lashed eyes lazily upturned in an arrogant air.
A beautiful wife married to a handsome, successful entrepreneur with a powerful in-law family—a life of affluence and elegance few could ever attain. Everything looked perfect.
Kang Woo would be home soon. She changed into the dress he’d gifted her for their anniversary and lightly reapplied lipstick.
Dinner was already set in the dining room. She placed the stew she’d made in cooking class—the prettiest serving dish on the table.
*Click*—a sound came from the entrance. Stepping out of the kitchen, she met Kang Woo’s gaze just as he slipped into his indoor slippers.
“You’re home?”
“Were you waiting for me?”
A faint, delayed smirk touched his lips. In one large hand, he held a deep-navy blazer and his briefcase.
“Yes, I waited.”
“That’s the first time I’ve heard you say that.”
His smile widened more distinctly than before. As Kang Woo strode ahead toward the dining room, Se Ah quickly followed.
“There seems to be more than usual set out today.”
Before sitting, Kang Woo scanned the table.
“Why is this placed only on my side?”
He tapped lightly on the crystal bowl holding the chicken stew—voice slightly higher-pitched than usual, and more talkative than normal. His unfamiliar demeanor left Se Ah momentarily dazed.
“…I made this in today’s cooking class, and I’ve already tasted it.”
Kang Woo, who’d just taken a spoonful, lifted his sharp eyes.
“Lately, you keep glancing at my face. Do you have something to tell me?”
Ever perceptive, his eyes narrowed slightly as he slowly curved his lips.
His dark, intense pupils locked steadily onto hers, forcing Se Ah to lower her gaze.
“Let’s eat first.”
Ignoring her suggestion, Kang Woo set down his spoon.
“If you have something to say, look at me while you say it.”
At his crisp, decisive tone, Se Ah looked up at him.
Whenever their eyes met for long like this, her face flushed involuntarily—awkward, still shy, just as she’d felt from the very beginning.
From the first moment she saw him, she’d felt it: he left an impression of vivid, striking color.
Contrasting starkly against his pale skin, his black eyes and lips—tinged faintly like diluted red paint—conveyed cool authority, even without harsh words. She quietly committed his image to memory, as if engraving it into her mind.
“Come to my office tomorrow at lunch.”
“…Why?”
“We still haven’t registered our marriage—might as well do it now that it’s come to mind.”
Instead of answering, Se Ah’s lips trembled faintly. She bit her lower lip, then gave a bitter smile.
“…No. There’s no need.”
“What do you mean?”
As if reconsidering her words, his long lashes fluttered.
“Let’s break up.”
When male lead is the homewrecker
“I know she doesn’t love him.”
I’ve read the novel below twice already. Girls, I’m highly recommending it to you!
The female lead? Not a good person.
The second male lead? Not a good person.
The male lead? Willingly plays the third party, breaking up the female and second male lead’s relationship despite all the warnings from his friends—so yeah, he’s definitely not a good person either.
Basically, nobody in this novel is simple-minded or without scheming.
The female lead starts off as the male lead’s secretary, but don’t worry—later on, she takes over the company while the male lead steps back to support her. He won’t steal her spotlight, overshadow her, or dull her shine.
I love novels where men are out here snatching wigs, tearing each other down, and going to war just to win the female lead’s affection. And this is exactly that kind of novel. Most of Hai Dai Ran’s works have this dynamic. You’ll see the male characters’ emotions being pushed to the absolute extreme.
There’s even a scene where the second male lead exposes the male lead online for being a homewrecker. The brotherhood immediately gangs up on him, dragging him through the mud. I find it compelling —it completely flips reality on its head, where usually, women are the ones fighting over a man and getting torn apart by the sisterhood.
For me, female leads in the novels I read should only struggle in their careers, not in love. But if the brainless romantics in the story are all men? I have zero complaints.
I’ve pretty much read all of Hai Dai Ran’s novels and even translated all of them—her works are just my thing. I’ll slowly upload everything here. One day, when my website is official, I hope I can invite her to join as one of the star authors.
Here’s the story synopsis:
One-line summary: She is his lifelong obsession, to the point where he was willing to be a third wheel, scorned by society, just to wedge his way into her relationship with her fiancé.
Cold-hearted and indifferent female lead + Scheming and subservient CEO male lead
Intro 1:
“I know she doesn’t love him.”
With blood trickling from his clenched fist, Rong Xiu gazed at the woman before him, his eyes clouded with anguish. Hidden in the wardrobe, he had witnessed Fan Xia – the woman he desperately loved – in an intimate embrace with her fiancé. Yet his heart still yearned for her, defying all reason.
Fan Xia, the elegant and composed assistant, carried something mysterious in her eyes whenever she looked at her fiancé, Wen Lan Sheng. Strange occurrences began to surface – secret meetings with the young Gu Jin Yi, an unexplained withdrawal of 5,000 yuan… Then suddenly, her fiancé’s sister, Wen Jing, violently attacked her.
In this matriarchal society, Rong Xiu had risen to become the chairman of a powerful healthcare conglomerate, breaking through gender prejudices. But for the first time, he willingly stepped into the shadows as the other man, disregarding his friends’ warnings to become her secret lover.
Because he had discovered the truth – Fan Xia wasn’t the pure angel everyone believed her to be. And perhaps, he was the only one capable of helping her execute her mysterious plan…
Intro 2:
Rong Xiu’s biggest regret in life was missing out on Fan Xia.
He secretly loved Fan Xia for 7 years.
Watched her go public with her boyfriend.
Watched her kiss her boyfriend at their wedding.
Until that man blissfully nestled in Fan Xia’s arms, obtaining everything he could only dream of.
The crazy jealousy stripped away his hidden secret love, layer by layer, burning like wildfire.
Fan Xia, how can I have you!
【Reading and Trigger Warning Guide】
1. Female dominant, male submissive, male pregnancy
2. Male lead schemes his way to the top, male competition
_____
Please help me, I want to bring you the best possible things.
If you find any chapter or novel with poor translation and editing quality, let me know by commenting directly under that novel or chapter. I will retranslate it as soon as possible.
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