When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 6

I stepped out of the taxi, my suitcase rolling behind me. My fingers gripped the handle tightly, knuckles turning white.

The moment my eyes landed on the house—no, mansion—a lump formed in my throat.

Tall, sleek, and elegant, the estate stood like something straight out of a drama. White pillars framed the grand entrance, and the driveway stretched endlessly, lined with neatly trimmed hedges and expensive cars parked like they belonged in a showroom. The sheer size of the place felt suffocating.

I took a deep breath and walked forward.

Before I could even ring the bell, the door swung open.

“Ye Na!”

My aunt, Ji-eun, stood at the entrance, a warm smile on her face. Despite her elegant posture, there was something genuinely soft about her gaze, as if she had been waiting for this moment for a long time. She stepped forward, gently pulling me into a hug.

“You’re really here,” she whispered, pulling away to look at me properly. “I was so scared you would change your mind.”

I forced a small smile. “I almost did.”

Her eyes softened, but before she could say anything, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from inside.

“Oh my god! Ye Na?”

I barely had time to process before Harin came running out.

She looked the same. Beautiful, polished, the perfect image of an elegant, well-mannered woman. If I didn’t know her, I might have believed the kindness in her eyes.

“Oh, Ye Na!” she squealed, throwing her arms around me. “I missed you so much! Where were you all these years?”

I stiffened.

Her perfume was overwhelming, too sweet, like honey masking something rotten.

She pulled back, holding my shoulders, her face glowing with delight. “I can’t believe it! You’re here! I always wondered where my favorite cousin disappeared to! I was so worried about you!”

Liar.

I forced a tight smile. “Yeah… I was busy.”

Her eyes flickered with something unreadable, but she quickly replaced it with another bright smile. “Well, you’re home now! That’s all that matters!” She grabbed my hand. “Come on! Let me show you your room!”

Before I could respond, she tugged me inside, her nails digging slightly into my wrist.

Something told me…

She must be up to Something.

But this time, I won't let you play the game alone.

Harin practically dragged me through the grand hallways, her grip firm but her smile never wavering.

“You’re gonna love it here,” she said sweetly.

Harin turned away suddenly, her perfectly glossy lips curling into a sly smile.

“You know, Ye Na,” she said, her voice suddenly softer, smoother—like silk hiding a knife beneath. “It’s really amazing, isn’t it? How fate works?”

I looked her. “What do you mean?”

She set the engagement ring down carefully, then turned to me with that sweet smile still plastered on her face..
“I mean, look at us,” she gestured vaguely, tilting her head. “You? Finally crawling back to this family after all these years. And me? About to marry the perfect man. My life is so… perfect.”