A Marriage So Lethal (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 11
Before dawn had even broken, a blue-tinged light seeped into the bedroom in the early hours of morning. Kang Woo quietly opened the bedroom door.
He wore a dapper suit—shirt buttons fastened, no tie—with a neat hairstyle, already perfectly prepared for work.
Kang Woo, who had been watching Se Ah’s sleeping figure from a distance, finally stepped forward. He sat quietly on one side of the bed and gazed down at her tranquil, sleeping face.
It felt like an awfully long time since he’d last seen her sleep so deeply like this.
Whenever he came home, he usually just showered and collapsed into bed. And once awake, he was always in a rush to get to work.
Even though she didn’t need to, Se Ah always tried her best to wake up at his departure time. On the rare days she failed, he would—just like today—quietly observe her sleeping face before quietly slipping out.
Looking back now, these were good memories.
He gently pulled up the blanket that had slipped down to the tips of her tiny feet, tucking it around her neck. In her sleep, Se Ah fluttered her long eyelashes, and her calm, closed crimson lips parted ever so slightly.
The sensations that had kept him awake all night reignited, flaring hot once more.
Last night, he’d been drawn to Se Ah’s figure—wearing an ivory cardigan over a black slip. Though her aura was different from usual, the moment her gaze fleetingly softened, it was unmistakably Ji Se Ah, the woman he’d always known.
Just like that moment—when her still, clear eyes pulled him in, stirring deep affection and desire.
His life had previously been consumed solely by work, leaving no room for anything else to intrude. Naturally, he didn’t understand—no, couldn’t clearly define—what Ji Se Ah meant by love or romance. Without any personal experience, how could he possibly gauge it?
One day, Ji Se Ah suddenly thrust herself into his everyday life.
Whether by accident or fate, they became spouses—and he’d never once considered divorce.
But after Se Ah’s abrupt divorce announcement, he fell into chaos. He was now keenly aware that even someone like him could feel emotions swing wildly and uncontrollably.
He gently brushed her motionless cheek once, then stood up.
One hour after Kang Woo left for work, Se Ah woke up.
What time was it?
She quickly started to rise, then suddenly paused—realizing she’d forgotten he no longer needed to wake to match his schedule.
For nearly a month now, he had slept and left for work from a separate room. Kang Woo had strictly honored her unspoken request for separate bedrooms—and unless necessary, never entered her room.
Perhaps because he’d lingered unusually late in the bedroom last night—or maybe due to the suddenly chilly breeze—the morning felt unusually lonely as she woke up alone.
Why was the blanket pulled all the way up to her neck? Had she unconsciously pulled it over herself in her sleep because she felt cold?
She lifted the blanket and got out of bed, then headed to the dressing room. She shed her thin slip and gathered a towel and fresh clothes.
Absentmindedly, her eyes caught her reflection in the full-length mirror. She looked down, carefully inspecting the area around her abdomen—the faint scar from her laparoscopic appendectomy remained visible near her navel.
Three years ago, when she lost consciousness from acute appendicitis, she awoke in a private room at Hansung University Hospital.
The landlord, who’d come to collect rent, found her collapsed and called an ambulance. Remembering Hyun Sook’s instruction to contact her in emergencies, he called—only to reach Kang Woo instead.
Upon hearing the landlord’s explanation, Kang Woo dispatched Secretary Choi to handle the hospital admission and surgical consent on his behalf. He even arranged for a private room, though of course, that was the extent of it.
Throughout her entire week-long hospitalization, Kang Woo never once visited her room.
At that time, she and Kang Woo were strangers—more precisely, he was the distant, lofty son of her guardian. She plainly knew it made no sense to feel disappointed; she had no right to expect anything.
Still, after hearing he’d been informed, she waited several days, half-hoping he might come—perking her ears up at every footstep passing the corridor.
She told herself it wasn’t entirely unreasonable: she’d occasionally joined meals with Hyun Sook’s invitation, and after all, she’d once been his teacher.
Yet Kang Woo never came. On her discharge day, Secretary Choi appeared once more to assist with the paperwork.
Then, she realized—with bone-deep clarity—that Kang Woo truly did not see her as a woman, not even a speck.
Years later, at their reunion during the graduation ceremony, one year after their last meeting:
“Are you feeling better? You took a leave of absence because you were sick, remember?”
That single sentence from him shattered her completely—because he remembered and asked about something so small yet meaningful to her.
Remembering her more innocent, naive past self, Se Ah gave a faint smile.
As her fingers lightly brushed the faint scar, a faint burning sensation rose. Suddenly, Kang Woo’s gaze last night in bed came to mind.
Each time they shared a bed, he carefully traced the area around her navel with his thumb, asking gently if she was alright, if it still hurt—despite normally being a man far removed from tenderness.
Had the depth and intensity of his gaze that night left a lingering imprint, like a wound? Though three years had passed since her surgery—and logically there should be no pain—an inexplicable ache stirred within her.
Whether this marriage meant to him a responsibility tinged with pity, or—as Nam Tae claimed—a fleeting impulse, she instinctively sensed their relationship would conclude with the fulfillment of their one-year contract.
Today being the day she had promised to formalize the contract with him, these complex, ambiguous feelings were only natural.
At Chairman Lee’s main residence in Seongbuk-dong.
Having finished getting ready for work, Min Young descended the stairs from the second floor. As usual, her father, Chairman Lee, sat in the honored seat of the living room sofa.
“Father.”
Though mornings were always busy, Min Young smiled brightly and seated herself opposite him. Chairman Lee watched fondly as his daughter placed her autumn jacket and handbag beside her.
“Off to work?”
“Yes.”
Min Young, after dating a regular employee at GComs for years, broke off the engagement just before the wedding. Afterward, scandalous rumors swirled everywhere, prompting Chairman Lee to assign her to the U.S. branch for a full year.
Now that the turbulent period had passed and Min Young—his most cherished child—had returned healthy and safe, he couldn’t help but feel pleased.
“Fully adjusted to the time difference yet?”
“It’s already been quite some time, Father. You really.”
Min Young tucked a strand of her slightly curled bob behind her ear. Though she wore only tailored pants and a single delicate wristwatch as accessories, she exuded a distinctive, elegant grace—sophisticated yet intelligent.
“How’s the collaboration with CEO Cha progressing?”
Steam gently curled from the freshly brewed peppermint tea placed moments earlier. Min Young carefully lifted the cup and took a thoughtful sip.
“Yes. The more I observe him, the more I realize CEO Cha is remarkably sharp.”
Min Young gave a brief nod, her lips curving faintly.
“We’ve provisionally agreed to proceed only with Season 1 for now, and to discuss a potential second contract afterward.”
“I subtly probed his intentions over dinner recently—he expressed tremendous pride in his company.”
“Well, naturally. He built it up entirely on his own, from the ground up.”
“I hear many companies have tried incorporating CI Soft as a subsidiary, but it’s proven difficult. He wants to keep it independent.”
Chairman Lee chuckled heartily, though his expression hinted at bold audacity.
“You’re pursuing this collaboration for the same reason—ultimately aiming to recruit CI Soft, correct?”
“Since CEO Cha’s company dominates the mobile sector, absorbing it into GComs would be highly advantageous. So, try persuading him—and mention we’re prepared to offer him a position as a group company CEO.”
“I’ll look for the right opening when I meet CEO Cha next. By the way, you’re visiting Congressman Cha’s residence this weekend, right?”
“Of course.”
As if recalling something, Chairman Lee smiled lightly.
“A few days ago, I played golf with Congressman Cha—he’s quite ambitious, apparently aiming even for floor leader. Perhaps CEO Cha takes after his father—haha.”
“Whether businessman or politician, surviving in this world demands that level of ambition.”
Coming from Min Young, that was surprisingly high praise. Chairman Lee’s gaze, which had been studying his daughter with interest, suddenly sharpened.
“You’ve completely severed ties with that Kang Hyun Tae, correct? No reapproach, no contact?”
“Rest assured. Even without your surveillance, I won’t see him.”
“That ungrateful wretch—I gave him a chance despite having nothing but his wits, and he tried to exploit you!”
Chairman Lee slammed the sofa armrest in anger. Recognizing it was time to leave, Min Young picked up her jacket and handbag.
“If only CEO Cha were single. Even if his maternal side links to Geumsong Food and his paternal side merely to an academic family—mediocre at best—Congressman Cha holds real influence. An alliance between our families would significantly expand business opportunities.”
At another mention of Kang Woo, Min Young quietly set her handbag back down.
“But here’s something truly intriguing.”
“What do you mean?”
“That such an ambitious man as Congressman Cha would accept as his daughter-in-law someone he merely served as guardian for.”
“CEO Cha married the congressman’s ward?”
Min Young’s eyes widened in shock—she’d been in the U.S. and knew nothing about this. During their several contract meetings, Kang Woo never once mentioned his private life.
Regardless, this was certainly rare in their circles.
Think of how desperately even an ordinary man like Kang Hyun Tae had coveted her family status and wealth.
Could a man like CEO Cha really have married purely for love? Did that even make sense?
Suspicion and a peculiar curiosity arose simultaneously.
“Either Congressman Cha is unusually lenient toward his own child, harbors some deep undisclosed reason, or perhaps CEO Cha is simply a romantic at heart. In any case, I’ve grown quite interested in CEO Cha lately—he’s truly an uncommon figure in many ways.”
Chairman Lee added, with lingering regret, “Which makes it all the more a pity,” as he looked at Min Young.
She appeared stunned, pressing her lower lip with an unsettled, doubtful expression.
“Anyway—though you begged and pleaded and I yielded once, there won’t be a second time. Focus solely on the company, and marry whoever we choose for you. How can someone so rational be so blindly devoted to men? Tsk.”
“Father. I really must leave for work now.”
She could already picture the coming stream of lectures. With a weary expression, Min Young turned to leave.
A lawyer from a major firm visited the newlyweds’ home. He was Se Ah’s attorney, dispatched by Kang Woo.
Having heard from Kang Woo last night, Se Ah had already dismissed the housekeeper and prepared thoroughly in advance.
“Discuss everything you want with Attorney Go—I authorize you to demand all conditions you desire.”
She recalled Kang Woo’s face as he said this—calm, eyebrows unmoving, as if courage came from nowhere.
The attorney handed Se Ah a gold-embossed business card bearing his name and title.
“Hello. I’m Go Yu Jin, here to assist with today’s agreement.”
“Yes. Please have a seat here for a moment.”
After guiding the attorney to the living room sofa, Se Ah brought out fig tea.
“In case you’re concerned—I represent you, Madam. Please feel entirely at ease stating whatever you wish.”
“Understood.”
Per Se Ah’s request, Attorney Go included clauses requiring the marriage to be maintained for one year, with contract termination occurring upon breach.
“Next, we should decide the amount for damages, if applicable.”
Attorney Go paused typing and looked gently at Se Ah.
“It seems the CEO isn’t unilaterally pushing for divorce. In such cases, securing the strongest possible position now is crucial. Ideally, instead of waiting until divorce, we could transfer certain assets to your name immediately.”
“No, thank you.”
Se Ah shook her head firmly without hesitation.
“Madam, many clients suffer when their husbands—after fully regaining affection—refuse to pay damages. Since damage amounts vary by financial contribution, full-time homemakers are severely disadvantaged. Moreover, in your case, the duration of cohabitation is relatively short.”
“Truly, damages aren’t necessary.”
“But Madam—”
Attorney Go’s earnest, regretful tone overlapped with the sound of the front door unlocking.
Precisely at 8 p.m., a tall, imposing figure strode confidently into the living room—Kang Woo, accompanied by his own attorney.
“Are we finished? Or should I wait longer?”
Kang Woo removed his suit jacket and held it in hand. Behind him stood his attorney—a dignified man with horn-rimmed glasses, standing solidly. Attorney Go stepped forward and addressed Kang Woo.
“We haven’t yet concluded discussion on several key matters with Madam.”
“Is that so?”
Kang Woo’s gaze—tinged with interest—flicked down to Se Ah as he asked, his low voice oddly lingering in the air. His attorney behind him cleared his throat subtly, trying to ease the tension.
“No. I think we can proceed. I’ve already expressed everything I wanted.”
At Se Ah’s reply, Kang Woo gave a faint smile and draped his jacket over the sofa headrest.
“If my wife requires any additional terms, we’ll include them.”
“Sir, it’s best you refrain from making such remarks.”
His attorney advised him—but though the volume wasn’t low and Kang Woo clearly heard, he pretended not to, keeping his gaze fixed intently on Se Ah. After a long, silent exchange, Se Ah was the first to look away.
Slowly and with quiet authority, Kang Woo spoke.
“Let’s begin.”
Male lead first thought she played hard to get, only to realize she
really disliked him
Short intro:
What she can’t stand the most is the streets full of effeminate men, especially that so-called top beauty whom she avoids at all costs.
Shen Yaoxing looks at Jiang Mingyue, who keeps approaching her with coy shyness.
Shen Yaoxing: Bro, don’t be like this, I’m really about to throw up!
She fears nothing in heaven or earth, except for him getting close to her.
*
At first he thought she was just using the trick of feigning indifference to attract his attention. Later, he learned that she truly despised him.
This dealt a heavy blow to Jiang Mingyue, and he vowed to make her, like everyone else, fall at his feet in worship!
***
Synopsis:
Before transmigrating, Shen Yaoxing only wanted to find a reliable man to spend her life with. Who knew that after transmigrating, she would become a reliable woman herself…
A forced misandrist, highly skilled, and reliable female lead
vs.
An initially aloof and arrogant, later morbid, obsessed male lead
_____
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