Chapter Text
Jae-yi sat gracefully in her makeup room, surrounded by soft lighting and gentle chatter. Her best friends, Choi Kyung and Joo Yeri, buzzed around her, excitement radiating from their faces. Kyung carefully adjustsed Jae-yi's veil, while Yeri handed her a delicate, lace-trimmed handkerchief.
"You're stunning, Jae," Kyung said, stepping back to admire their friend. "Jun-Young is going to cry happy tears."
Yeri nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with happy tears already, "We've waited for this day forever! You deserve all the happiness."
Jae-yi smiled softly, her makeup accentuating her radiant complexion.
"I'm finally getting my fairytale," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.
Kyung and Yeri exchanged glances, both thinking: "Jae-yi is glowing – she's truly in love."
Jae-yi's makeup room door gently knocked – her father's warm voice outside, "Jae-yi-ah, it's time."
Jae-yi's heart swelled with emotion as she stood up, her wedding gown rustling softly. Kyung and Yeri helped her smooth out the delicate lace, exchanging tearful glances. Jae-yi's mother enters, handing her a small, exquisite bouquet, "Your grandmother's favorite flowers – for good luck and happiness."
Jae-yi's eyes welled up as she tightly embraced her mother, "Thank you, Omma... Appa... I'm so happy."
Her father cleared his throat, voice filled with emotion, "Shall we give Jun-Young the gift of your presence?"
Jae-yi beamed, nodding eagerly, "Yes, Appa – let's go."
With her father by her side, Jae-yi took a deep breath, ready to walk down the aisle towards her forever.
The grand ballroom was filled with soft candlelight and gentle music. 200 guests turned to smile as Jae-yi appeared with her father, a 10-piece orchestra played Jae-yi's favorite love song, elegant candelabras, and white flowers adorned the aisle, and her soon-to-be-husband, Jun-Young, stood at the altar, supposedly waiting for his bride.
He was dressed impeccably in a tailored black tuxedo, but…
His eyes were fixed on his phone, expression unreadable. As Jae-yi reached the altar with her father, her gaze locked on Jun-Young's. His eyes were still fixed on his phone, no loving smile for her. And when his best man whispered something to him, Jun-Young's expression turned pale.
Jae-yi's heart skipped a beat – something felt terribly wrong. Her father noticed her tension and squeezed her hand reassuringly. But Jae-yi's eyes widened in horror as Jun-Young suddenly turned around.
He walked briskly away from the altar, disappearing into the crowd. Gasps and murmurs erupted from the shocked guests. Jae-yi's father tried to hold her upright as her legs buckled and Jae-yi's mind reeled – DID HE JUST LEAVE HER AT THE ALTAR?!
Her vision blurred with tears as she whispered...
"Why...?"
Jae-yi's world crumbled around her. Her legs gave out, and she collapsed onto the altar steps. Her father tried to catch her, holding her upright as she screamed silently. Tears streamed down her face like torrents of rain. Her mind repeated only one word: "Why...Why...WHY..."
Her beautiful wedding gown was wrinkled and tear-stained.
Gasps and shocked murmurs spread like wildfire. Guests rose from their seats, eyes fixed on Jae-yi's devastation. The orchestra stopped playing abruptly, adding to the eerie silence, and Wedding photographers captured Jae-yi's anguish – unwanted memories forever frozen.
Kyung and Yeri pushed through the crowd, frantic expressions etched on their faces. Just then, the best man approached Jae-yi, his face ashen.
"Jae-yi...I...I have to tell you something," he stammered.
Jae-yi looked up, tears blurring her vision – still hoping for a miracle. But his words destroyed that hope.
"Jun-Young...he's been having an affair...for more than a year. The woman...she's in labor now. He left to be with her...their baby is coming today. He chose her and their child... "
Jae-yi's body shuddered violently as her world collapsed into utter darkness and betrayal. Her mind screamed silent obscenities at Jun-Young's name. Tears fell like rain as she whispered repeatedly "He’s having an affair… He chose her..."
Her parents and friends tried to hold her upright, but she slid to the floor. Kyung and Yeri knelt beside her, sobbing uncontrollably.
"No, Jae-yi," Kyung whispered.
Yeri added, trembling, "We'll get through this together...he doesn't deserve you!"
But Jae-yi's eyes were empty, her voice barely audible, "I was going to spend forever with him..."
The grand ballroom erupted into stunned silence, then murmurs and gasps, guests started leaving in shock, whispering to each other. Jae-yi's parents tried to comfort her, but she pushed them away gently. Kyung and Yeri stood guard around Jae-yi, fierce protectiveness etched on their faces.
Kyung whispered to Yeri, "We need to get her out of here. This scene is humiliating enough."
Yeri nodded vigorously, "I'll call our car service. We'll take her home – or wherever she wants to go."
Jae-yi slowly rose from the floor, her wedding gown torn and stained, "I...I don't want to go home. All his things...are there."
Her mother hugged her tightly, "We'll pack everything. You won't have to see anything that reminds you of him."
Jae-yi's eyes welled up again as she whispered, "I just want to disappear."
Jae-yi's friends quickly escorted her out of the chaotic wedding venue. They rushed past stunned guests who were capturing Jae-yi's distress. Yeri's pre-booked car service waited outside, discreetly parked away from everyone.
Kyung helped Jae-yi into the backseat, climbing in beside her while Yeri sat opposite them, eyes brimming with tears, "We're taking you to the Grand Hilton – their suites are private, you'll be safe there."
Jae-yi nodded weakly, still in shock. Her eyes fixed on the wedding ring’s box that they were supposed to exchange minutes ago, tears falling silently. Kyung gently covered Jae-yi's hand with hers, as if to say "We're here"
They arrived at the Grand Hilton, slipping into a luxurious suite unnoticed. Jae-yi collapsed onto the plush couch, removing her wedding shoes.
The room fell silent except for Jae-yi's soft sobbing. Kyung and Yeri sat beside her, holding her hands tightly.
After a while, Jae-yi spoke up, barely audible, "I thought he loved me..."
Kyung and Yeri exchanged tearful glances before Kyung whispered "He never deserved your love, Jae-yi."
Jae-yi looked up, determination flickering in her eyes, "I don’t know what to do anymore."
Kyung gently squeezed Jae-yi's hand, "You don't have to do anything right now, Jae-yi. We're here."
But Jae-yi's voice cracked further, "My whole life was supposed to start today... with him."
"We'll rebuild your life, Jae-yi – a better one, without him." Yeri wrapped her arms around Jae-yi,
Jae-yi buried her face in her hands, overcome with emotion. "I need some time alone... to process everything," she whispered.
Kyung and Yeri exchanged worried glances, but understood her need, "Okay, Jae-yi... we'll give you space tonight," Kyung said softly. "But promise us you'll call if you need anything."
"We'll be right outside this hotel, in our own room, waiting for morning to check on you." Yeri added.
Jae-yi nodded slightly, "Thank you... just need tonight alone."
Kyung and Yeri hugged her tightly before leaving the hotel suite, looking worried. Once the door closed behind them, Jae-yi collapsed onto the bed, exhausted from emotion. She laid there for hours, tears drying on her face, mind racing...
As the night came, suddenly, she sat up – a determined look on her face. She grabbed her phone, blocked Jun-Young's number, and started typing a text to her assistant, instructing her to handle all upcoming events and meetings and an email to her family's vacation home management, booking the house for an indefinite stay.
Her phone buzzed from her group chat, texts from Kyung and Yeri
Yeri
Jae-yi, we're worried sick about you!
Kyung
Pls respond so we know you're okay.
Jae-yi
I'm ok... just exhausted.
Can you bring me some comfy clothes,
I wanna get outta this dress and maybe my purse too?
Kyung
We're bringing them, NOW.
Yeri
Do you want coffee and some food too?
Jae-yi
Clothes only, thx.
I just wanna sleep tonight and forget today existed.
Kyung and Yeri understood.
Shortly after her phone buzzed again.
Kyung
We hang a bag of clothes and your purse on your door’s handle.
Yeri
Pls, text us if you need anything else!
Jae-yi
Thx, gonna sleep now.
She changed her clothes, turned off her phone, slipped out of the hotel room – unnoticed – and escaped into the night.
Kyung and Yeri woke up early, still worried about Jae-yi's state of mind.
"Let's go check on her. She said she was exhausted, but I barely slept thinking about her." Kyung said.
They headed to Jae-yi's hotel room door, where they had hung a bag of comfy clothes the night before. Yeri knocked gently, "Jae-yi, wake up... we're coming to make sure you're okay."
No response.
Kyung tried calling Jae-yi's phone – it went straight to voicemail.
They knocked again, louder this time, "Jae-yi, answer us! We're getting worried!"
Dead silence from inside the room.
Kyung's eyes widened in alarm as she whispered, "Do you think she...left?"
Kyung's voice trembled as she asked the hotel staff for help "Please, we need to check on our friend. She's not answering, and we're really worried."
The hotel staff member nodded sympathetically and unlocked Jae-yi's room door.
Kyung and Yeri pushed inside, calling out:
"Jae-yi! Jae-yi, are you here?"
The room was empty – except for the wedding dress and a faint trace of her perfume remained.
Yeri collapsed onto the bed, tears streaming down, "She's really gone... what if something happened to her?"
Kyung grabbed her arm, determination etched on her face, "We'll find her. Let's call her parents maybe they know where she might have gone."
Kyung called Jae-yi’s dad while Yeri calls Jae-yi’s mom.
Kyung
Uncle, we're really worried about Jae-yi... she was supposed to sleep at the hotel last night, but she's gone.
Jae-yi's dad
What do you mean gone? She was with you. She didn't call us.
Kyung
No, uncle... she just disappeared from her hotel room. We're trying to find her.
Meanwhile, Yeri talked to Jae-yi's mom
Yeri
Auntie, have you heard from Jae-yi? We're getting really scared.
Jae-yi's mom
No, dear... I thought she was with you girls last night. Is everything okay? You're worrying me!
Yeri
Honestly, auntie... we don't know what's going on. Jae-yi just vanished.
Both calls ended with the families clueless and concerned – Jae-yi's secret escape remained safe for now. Kyung and Yeri headed to the local police station, filled with worry and uncertainty. They file a missing person report, providing Jae-yi's details and explaining the situation.
The Officer asked, "When did you last see her, and what makes you think something's wrong?"
Kyung answered still shaking, "We last saw her around 3 pm at the hotel. She was emotional after...a personal crisis. This morning, her hotel room was empty except for her wedding dress."
The Officer nodded as he understood the situation, "I see. We'll do our best to locate her. Can you get permission from the hotel to view their security footage?"
Kyung nodded, already having called the hotel – they agreed to cooperate with the police. The officer assigned a detective to the case, who accompanied Kyung and Yeri back to the hotel...
They headed back to the hotel with the detective, who asked more questions along the way, "Can you tell me more about this 'personal crisis' Jae-yi faced yesterday? Something must have triggered her disappearance."
Kyung hesitated before sharing, "Yesterday was supposed to be her wedding day... but the groom left her at the altar. She was devastated."
The Detective's expression turned sympathetic, "I understand now. That explains her emotional state. Let's see if the security footage shows us anything."
At the hotel, they accessed the security room and started playing back the tapes. The footage showed Jae-yi sneaking out of the hotel around midnight, wearing comfy clothes carrying her purse, and showing her getting into a taxi outside the hotel entrance.
The Detective nodded thoughtfully, “Given the footage, it seems Jae-yi planned this escape carefully. Since she's an adult and appears to have left voluntarily, technically this doesn't meet our missing person criteria... It looks like she intentionally didn't want to be found or contacted.”
Kyung and Yeri exchanged worried glances, then Kyung spoke up, "But detective, she was just left at the altar yesterday! She's emotionally devastated – what if she's not thinking clearly?"
"Yes, should we just assume she's okay because she planned this escape? What if something worse happens to her?" Yeri added.
The Detective sympathized with their concern, "I understand your worries, but our hands are tied without evidence of foul play or endangerment. However, you could try contacting her family or reaching out to her directly – see if she responds."
Kyung's voice rose, laced with concern and frustration, "Are you kidding me?! She was humiliated in front of hundreds of people yesterday and now you're telling us to just 'try contacting her family' like she's just out shopping?! Detective, Jae-yi could be collapsing emotionally right now – alone and heartbroken – and you're saying your hands are tied?"
Yeri placed a calming hand on Kyung's arm, but Kyung shook it off, "No, Yeri, this isn't right. Jae-yi needs help, not some bureaucratic response!"
The detective maintained a calm tone, "I understand your frustration, miss... but without evidence of danger, our protocol—"
Kyung cut him off, "Protocol?! Jae-yi's life is falling apart and you're talking about protocol?! This is useless!"
Kyung grabbed Yeri's arm, pulling her out of the security room. Kyung whispered urgently once they were in the hallway, "They're not going to do anything to help Jae-yi."
Yeri nodded in frustrated agreement, "I know, Kyung. What are we supposed to do now?"
Just then, Kyung's phone buzzed – Jae-yi's mom was calling. Kyung answered, putting it on speakerphone, "Auntie, what's wrong? Did Jae-yi contact you?"
Jae-yi's mom sounded worried but also surprised, "Actually, yes... Jae-yi emailed our vacation home management last night around 10 pm. She instructed them to prepare the villa for her solo arrival."
Kyung and Yeri exchanged stunned glances – they knew it!
Jae-yi's mom continued, "The manager just called us this morning – Jae-yi arrived at the villa around 3 am. She didn't say why she was there alone, but... we think we know."
Kyung's eyes widened as she processed the new info, "Auntie, thank you for telling us. We were so worried about her."
Jae-yi's mom responded, "We're worried too... Jae-yi didn't say much in the email, just that she needed some time alone. Do you think she'll be okay?"
Kyung looked at Yeri before responding, "Honestly, auntie... we don't know about her emotional state. She was devastated yesterday. Yeri and I want to go to Jeju to check on her."
Jae-yi's mom expressed hesitation, "Girls, I'm not sure if Jae-yi wants visitors right now... her email implied she needed complete solitude. Are you sure she'll even talk to you both, or will your visit just upset her more?"
Kyung thought for a moment before responding, "That's a valid concern, auntie... but we're worried sick about her. We promise to respect her boundaries we just need to see she's okay physically from afar."
Jae-yi's mom sighed softly over the phone, "Okay... go. But please be gentle with her. And please update me!"
Jae-yi's flight landed softly on Jeju Island, surrounded by darkness but she could still see the turquoise oceans and lush green landscapes. As she stepped out of the airport, salty sea air filled her lungs, a calming contrast to her chaotic heart. She took a taxi to her family's vacation home – a serene villa overlooking the water.
Shortly after, she reached to her destination. Jae-yi stepped out of the taxi and onto the driveway of her family's villa, surrounded by darkness except for soft moonlight casting a glow over the ocean views and the faint sound of waves crashing against the shore.
She paid the driver, her hands still shaking slightly from emotional exhaustion. The taxi left, and Jae-yi was alone – the only sound was her own heavy breathing.
She unlocked the villa door, slipping into the familiar yet suddenly empty space. Jae-yi flipped on a single lamp, casting warm light over. She collapsed onto the couch, overcome with grief...
For the first time since the wedding shock, she allowed herself to truly feel grief for her lost love and future, her anger towards Jun-Young's betrayal, and fear of her unknown solo path ahead. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered, "What happened to my life?"
Her mind remained wide awake. Memories of their life together haunted her – laughter, adventures, promises. Her heart ached with every breath, feeling like it was shattering into pieces.
Hours pass – 3 am, 4 am, 5 am – Jae-yi's eyes remained open, reddened from crying. She relived the wedding day humiliation. She replayed to Jun-Young's best man's devastating words, and wondered what she did wrong, tormenting herself with "what ifs".
As dawn slowly broke outside – soft pink hues creeping over the ocean – Jae-yi's exhaustion finally won. She fell into a fitful sleep, still crying softly...
*time skipped*
Jae-yi woke up to the sound of waves gently crashing outside her villa window. She laid in bed for a moment, staring blankly at the ceiling – yesterday's trauma still fresh. The wedding day humiliation replayed in her mind like a painful video loop. Jae-yi threw off the covers and got out of bed, walking barefoot to the villa's floor-to-ceiling windows.
She slid open the door and stepped onto the patio, breathing in the salty Jeju Island air. The ocean view stretched endlessly – turquoise waves meeting clear blue sky. For a moment, Jae-yi's pain subsided, replaced by a sense of escape and solitude.
She spent the morning wandering the villa's grounds, then walked alone on the nearby beach. As she walked, tears fall freely – grief, anger, and heartbreak mingling with the sea spray. Hours passed, with Jae-yi lost in thought and emotion.
She wrote Jun-Young's name in the sand, only to erase it angrily with her foot. She picked up seashells, then threw them back into the ocean, symbolizing her discarded dreams. She sat on a rock, watching the sunset paint the sky with hues of orange and pink – a beauty that contrasts her inner pain.
As night came, Jae-yi returned to the villa, exhaustion mingling with her emotional turmoil. She showered, then put on comfortable clothes.
In the kitchen, she made herself a simple dinner. A bowl of steaming hot ramyeon noodles and a cup of lukewarm tea. Jae-yi ate alone at the dining table, staring out the window at the dark ocean.
After dinner, Jae-yi wandered to the villa's living room, collapsing onto the couch. She grabbed a nearby journal and began writing – pouring out her emotions, thoughts, and shattered dreams. Tears fell onto the pages as she wrote. Hours passed, and exhaustion finally won – she closed her journal and turned off the lamp.
Kyung and Yeri arrived on Jeju Island, booking a nearby villa with a partial view of Jae-yi's family estate. They observed from afar, seeing Jae-yi walking solo on the beach, tears falling down her face. Kyung and Yeri exchanged worried glances, their hearts aching for their friend. Though they wouldn't approach her, they wanted Jae-yi to know she's not alone.
Yeri recorded a voice note and sent it to Jae-yi's phone, "Jae-yi, we're here. On the island. Watching over you from afar. You're not alone, ever. We love you."
Kyung added a text message, "We're staying at a villa nearby. We won't disturb you, but we need you to know we're here for you. Always."
More voice notes and texts followed over the next hours:
"Your smile is missed, but your heart is seen."
"We know you're strong, but it's okay to break – we'll piece you back together."
"Jun-Young's loss, not yours. You deserve love – we love you."
Jae-yi's phone remained silent, but Kyung and Yeri hoped their messages would bring comfort.