A Marriage So Lethal (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 10
Se Ah left Hyun Sook’s hospital room and headed straight to the main house.
Her hands trembled on the steering wheel. At a red light, she briefly rested her forehead against the wheel.
The conversation she’d had with Director Lee just an hour ago kept echoing in her ears.
“Five hundred million won, all of a sudden? When did I ever ask for money?”
“It’s merely fair compensation for the deal. Isn’t this a good thing for you, Madam?”
“Director Lee!”
“If you have something to say, come to the main house now. I’m hanging up.”
*Click* — a mechanical tone cut off the call abruptly.
Gradually, she was coming to understand the nature of Nam Tae’s retaliation—not a swift, decisive blow, but a slow, withering death, as if punishing her for daring to touch something strictly forbidden.
When he learned she’d spent the night with Kang Woo, Nam Tae hadn’t erupted in anger.
She still remembered it vividly: his expressionless face, the fleeting flash of contempt in his eyes, and then, once more, that chilling indifference.
Se Ah pulled her car to the side of the road partway up the hill leading to the main house.
Stay calm, Ji Se Ah.
Though her heart pounded wildly, she tried hard to steady herself.
Ever since Director Lee first proposed the contract renewal, she’d been torn endlessly—whether to accept their terms or reject them, whether she could possibly stand alone against such a formidable force. She feared no one would believe her, even if she told the truth.
But above all, her lingering feelings for Kang Woo kept holding her back.
Yet she couldn’t let them manipulate her forever.
This might not be the last time—but even if it were, she couldn’t bear it anymore: fretting over Kang Woo, or unwittingly deceiving him.
She would go in and declare, once and for all, that she refused to sign that despicable contract.
Kang Woo might respond with icy disdain once he learned she’d signed a contract with Nam Tae—but it was still better than being seen as a woman who’d approached him for money.
With resolve hardened in her eyes, Se Ah gripped the steering wheel once more.
✦✦✦
Madam Yeong Cheon was already waiting at the front entrance.
“Has the Young Madam arrived? The Congressman is in his study.”
“Yes.”
“Ah, Young Madam…”
Madam Yeong Cheon called out to Se Ah as she passed, pale-faced.
“Yes? What is it?”
“It’s nothing major—I was just worried about the Senior Madam. I left before seeing her wake up that day…”
“She’s fine, so please don’t worry. I’ll go up now.”
Upon reaching the second floor, she found Director Lee waiting outside Nam Tae’s study—like a guard dog, Se Ah thought, twisting her lips faintly.
“Did you come out to greet me?”
“I was waiting for the Young Madam—wondering when you’d arrive.”
“Well, I’m here now. Let’s go in.”
Director Lee’s gaze drifted calmly to Se Ah’s hands as she spoke. She curled her fingers into a tight fist, squeezing hard.
With a slight tilt of his lips, Director Lee opened the door.
Nam Tae was examining an orchid resting on his desk.
“The Young Madam has arrived.”
Only then did Nam Tae lift his eyes, offering a stern, polite smile.
“Ah, good. You’ve done well. You may go.”
After the sound of Director Lee’s footsteps receded, the door shut with a heavy *thud*.
“This is a Jeju Hanran variety—‘Choo Kwang,’ they call it.”
An oddly sudden opening remark. Nam Tae handled the orchid’s flower stalk with unusual care—despite his wife lying hospitalized, he fussed over a mere houseplant.
A luxurious ribbon encircled the terracotta pot, bearing the inscription: *Congratulations, Congressman Cha Nam Tae.*
Nam Tae remained indifferent, even as Se Ah stared at him in disbelief.
“It’s an exceptionally delicate specimen—how fussy it is, just to bloom a single flower.”
“I heard you wished to speak with me.”
“There’s no need to rush. You’ve already quit all your lessons, so you must be quite free these days.”
“If you have nothing to say, I’ll take my leave.”
Nam Tae raised his head, meeting her changed tone and gaze—his eyes sharpened like a serpent’s.
“So, you’ve clearly gained some confidence.”
“…”
He stopped touching the fragile petals of ‘Choo Kwang’ and shifted the pot instead, placing the orchid where sunlight streamed in clearly—then fixed his gaze on Se Ah.
“Se Ah, even a plant like this is born into a hierarchy.”
She understood his meaning instantly, without needing to ask—and knew exactly what he intended to stir within her. She bit her trembling lip, forcing herself to stay composed.
“There are weeds trampled underfoot—but also rare breeds cultivated with reverence. Even a figure like Chairman Lee covets one like this, begging just for a cutting.”
Her silence only narrowed Nam Tae’s eyes.
“Sit down.”
Nam Tae gestured toward the sofa in the center of the study. Since she’d resolved not to flinch, Se Ah walked over and sat.
After a leisurely pause, Nam Tae settled himself in the seat of honor.
“I’ve recently become close with Chairman Lee of G Coms—you must’ve heard from Kang Woo. Since your husband runs a gaming business, surely even a wife who claims ignorance of her husband’s work would have heard something.”
“I’m aware.”
“His younger daughter is still unmarried. There was quite a stir in the media about her engagement, but it fell through in the end.”
“…”
“Frankly, it worked out better this way. A flaw like that forces even someone like Chairman Lee to lower his expectations.”
Nam Tae leaned back deeply into the sofa, scratching just beneath his chin. This was unexpected—and Se Ah’s eyes narrowed sharply.
“So now, at last, you’re afraid.”
“I came to formally decline the contract renewal.”
To avoid being drawn further into his schemes, she stated her intent quickly, firmly.
Nam Tae chuckled darkly, pushing himself forward.
“That isn’t your decision to make.”
“And why can’t I decide?”
She met his gaze steadily, calm in her retort.
“Now you want to back out—even after taking the money.”
“I never wanted the money. From the start, this contract was unilaterally demanded by you, Father.”
“And who would believe that?”
Nam Tae smirked, adjusting his posture.
“Five hundred million won is already in your account, and your signature is on the contract. Moreover, I never used physical coercion on you. Have you already forgotten the choice you, an adult, made freely?”
“You pulled me aside in that cramped car and made me sign—using your authority and my feelings for Kang Woo as leverage.”
*Thud*—his fist struck the armrest. Nam Tae’s eyes turned cruel and sharp.
“There’s no way for you to prove that. Ultimately, I never forced you.”
She pressed down hard on her shaking legs. If she showed fear here, she’d be submitting to him once more. Her sweaty palms clenched tight.
“Soon, I plan to host a luncheon party at my home—and I’ve already invited Chairman Lee and his daughter.”
Watching Se Ah bite her lower lip, Nam Tae offered a sly, bitter smile.
“They seem like a well-matched pair for our Kang Woo. What do you think?”
“I find it distasteful.”
Unable to face him directly, she stared only at the bridge of his nose—then lifted her gaze higher.
“I mean your conduct—claiming a daughter-in-law through a contract while secretly scheming to pair your son with an unmarried woman behind her back.”
“What did you say?”
Nam Tae’s brow furrowed fiercely—his dark, cunning nature, previously veiled, now fully surfaced. Unfazed, Se Ah pressed her lips together slightly.
“I could say worse—but I’ll stop here, knowing you’d likely lecture me about decorum and pedigree.”
“So Kang Woo has clearly grown fond of you.”
He clicked his tongue, letting out a hollow laugh.
“I’ve trained his discernment since he was young—yet somehow… *tsk*. Now it’s too late to regret having placed him in a daycare as a child, only to become some lowly teacher.”
Nam Tae abruptly rose to his feet.
“Is Director Lee outside?”
Director Lee, who’d been waiting just beyond the door, entered at once—holding the same contract Se Ah had seen before. Without looking away from Se Ah, Nam Tae simply extended his hand—and the pen and documents were placed in it.
*Tap*. He set the contract and pen down on the table.
“Sign it.”
His gaze locked onto Se Ah, her lips still tightly pressed. Nam Tae watched her resistance with easy confidence.
“When the media uproar over a conglomerate’s daughter-in-law threw the plan into disarray, it was exhausting—”
“…”
“But misfortune can turn to fortune. Now I have a chance to catch two rabbits at once—nearly slipped up, though.”
She entirely ignored his muttered, almost soliloquy-like words.
“Once this contract ends, I’ll take the money and leave. Then we’ll never have to see each other again.”
Without answering, Se Ah suddenly reached for the pen. After carefully reviewing the terms, she signed.
“Even if people say 1.5 billion won isn’t much these days—it’s still a significant sum for an ordinary person. Especially at my age. Given the emotional damage I’ve suffered, I at least deserve the money.”
“How wise. Chasing what’s beyond your reach only deepens despair.”
“If you’re finished speaking, I’ll take my leave. Please send the contract afterward.”
She couldn’t bear to stay a moment longer. Se Ah rose and walked toward the door—
“Don’t trust Kang Woo too much.”
A sharp, piercing voice—like a drill—stopped her in her tracks. His vile, murky gaze pinned her in place.
“To Kang Woo, you’re merely a new objective. Once he’s achieved his goal, do you truly think he’ll still want you? Men quickly lose interest in what they’ve conquered. His feelings for you will cool within a year.”
The crisp *click-clack* of heels echoed elegantly. Se Ah stood straight before Nam Tae, looking down at him as he remained seated, meeting her gaze unflinchingly.
“Father, do you know why I signed? I intend to test Kang Woo—because thanks to you, I’ve grown curious about his sincerity too.”
“What an insolent brat.”
“The day will come when you regret having presented me with this contract again today.”
Leaving Nam Tae, his brows raised in disbelief, she opened the study door and stepped out.
✦✦✦
Se Ah sat at her dressing table, arranging her hair and applying a sheer red-tinted lip balm.
Lately, Kang Woo left work on time—so he’d be home soon. Over the black slip dress the personal shopper had delivered last time, she draped a light cardigan.
She picked up the square-framed photo on the dressing table—her wedding picture. She gazed longingly at his face, then brushed her fingers across the glass.
When had she first fallen for him? Because he was handsome? Intelligent?
Those things mattered, of course—but more than that, he’d won her heart almost instantly.
Others, once learning she was an orphan, would either pity her suddenly or grow inexplicably uncomfortable. Sometimes, they even suspected her easily—
Like back in elementary school, when someone lost their wallet and a few classmates shot her suspicious glances.
From then on, she kept her time in the orphanage an absolute secret. With no one to confide in, she never formed a single close friendship.
Yet Kang Woo never offered her hollow sympathy or forced kindness—and strangely, that was exactly why she liked him.
Had love turned her foolish? Wanting to give him her heart unconditionally, even if unrewarded—or just to be seen well in his eyes? In hindsight, love had made her a sentimental fool.
*“You’re just a new objective. Once he’s achieved his goal, do you think he’ll still want you?”*
Nam Tae’s cutting remark clawed at her chest. Once again today, he’d ruthlessly targeted her deepest insecurity.
She knew Kang Woo wasn’t as petty as Nam Tae—yet she still lacked certainty about his heart.
Why had affection for her appeared so suddenly? And would it vanish just as quickly?
Even so, she’d declared so boldly to Nam Tae that she wouldn’t regret it—because she wanted to prove something:
Even a cornered mouse will bite.
The wall clock struck exactly eight. *Click*—the bedroom door opened, and Kang Woo’s tall figure appeared in the mirror.
“What were you so deeply lost in thought about? I think I knocked at least three times.”
“It’s nothing.”
As Se Ah tried to slip past, Kang Woo caught her wrist, gently but firmly, and met her eyes. His strong frame lowered slightly, his deep, dark pupils shimmering.
“I missed you—all day.”
Faced with his utterly sincere expression, she could have poured out everything she’d suppressed:
*Do you truly want me now? Do you love me? Must it be me, and no one else?*
Instead, she said:
“Let’s make a contract, you and I. I’m also curious—just how far your sincerity goes, Kang Woo.”
His eyes narrowed slightly, and with one hand, he cupped her cheek.
As he brushed aside her long hair, her pale, slender neck and rounded shoulders were revealed. A warm, tender gaze spilled over her bare skin.
Soon, Kang Woo’s lips parted slowly as he held her gaze.
“As you command.”
Ex-husband Wants Reconciliation
One-line summary: Chasing the wife to the crematorium (making an effort to attract someone who has become indifferent), the female lead doesn’t look back, the second male lead takes the position.
Intro:
To repay the kindness of the older generation, Su Mu crossed into a female-dominated world and became a live-in daughter-in-law of the Yan family, single-handedly saving the Yan family from fire and water.
But her husband, Yan Jiyue, the eldest son of the Yan family, treated her with sarcasm and never showed her a good face.
It wasn’t until after Su Mu’s death that this pampered and arrogant young master shed a few fake tears and pretended to want to die for love.
This life’s kindness was enough. If there was a next life, she would definitely kick Yan Jiyue away.
Who knew that the heavens would be so kind as to allow her to be reborn, returning to the time when she had just married into the Yan family.
Su Mu glanced at the Yan eldest son, who still spoke coldly to her, and threw a divorce letter in front of him.
“Let’s divorce!”
***
Yan Jiyue never imagined that he would be reborn. He happily went to find Su Mu, wanting to make up for the mistakes he had made in his ignorant youth.
Wasn’t the reason the heavens allowed him to be reborn to let him reconcile with Su Mu?
But when he pushed open the door to Su Mu’s room, the person lying on the bed was another man.
Su Mu’s personal attendant, Xie Yi.
Yan Jiyue hated him so much that his teeth itched. In front of Su Mu, Xie Yi was a gentle and considerate whisperer of sweet nothings, but in reality, he was vicious-hearted and deliberately sabotaged their husband and wife relationship.
In the previous life, it was he who secretly hid in Su Mu’s coffin and committed suicide, stealing a step ahead of him to be buried with Su Mu.
Yan Jiyue’s eyes were filled with hatred as he cursed, “What kind of thing are you? Your background is lowly, what right do you have to occupy Su Mu?”
Xie Yi looked at the sleeping Su Mu and no longer pretended to be a whisperer of sweet nothings.
He proudly stuck out his belly, “I have the right because my belly is capable of giving the Wife-master a daughter.”
***
Yan Jiyue was consumed with jealousy. He spread rumors that Xie Yi had once been branded with the mark of a “harlot” on his chest.
But on the night Xie Yi cut off the flesh bearing that mark, Su Mu suddenly realized something was amiss.
“How did you know the exact moment I was poisoned? And why did you show up a month early?”
Xie Yi remained silent, blood from his wound soaking through his robes. His sapphire eyes brimmed with anguish – or was it just a flawless act?
Between a once-arrogant husband now seeking redemption, and a gentle soul willing to die for her – who truly held the darkest secrets? And could it be that Su Mu and Yan Jiyue weren’t the only ones given a second chance at life…?
[Reading Guide]
1. True divorce, chasing the wife to the crematorium, the female lead doesn’t look back, the male lead is Xie Yi.
2. The ex-husband did not cheat, he just realized too late and didn’t realize that he liked the female lead.
_____
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