When the Clock Strikes|Pi Han Ul x Reader|

(S02) Chapter 13

Harin stiffens.

Han Wool shifts beside her, clearing his throat. “Grandmother—”

“Let’s not waste time,” she interrupts, her voice carrying the weight of absolute authority. “I want to see how well my grandson’s fiancée fits into our family.”

Han Wool’s grandmother sits on the couch like a queen, her back straight, her sharp eyes scanning the room like she owns it. And, honestly, she kind of does.

I stand at the side, watching as Harin shifts under the old woman’s piercing gaze. She’s trying to look composed, but I can see the slight twitch in her fingers as she adjusts her dress.

Han Wool looks exhausted already, like he’s been through this before and knows exactly how it’s going to go.

His mother, on the other hand, is visibly nervous. She keeps glancing at Harin, at Grandmother, and then back again, as if praying that Harin will say all the right things.

“Baek Harin,” Grandmother finally says, her voice smooth but firm.

Harin straightens, nodding politely. “Yes, Grandmother.”

Grandmother hums, looking her up and down. “You’re quite pretty.”

Harin smiles, relieved. “Thank you—”

“But pretty isn’t enough,” Grandmother interrupts, leaning back. “Tell me, what makes you suitable to be my grandson’s wife?”

Harin freezes.

Oh. Oh.

This is not just a visit. This is a test.

I suddenly feel like I’m watching a survival show.

Han Wool sighs quietly beside her, rubbing his temple, while his mother forces a tight-lipped smile.

Harin swallows. “I—I love Han Wool.”

Grandmother raises an eyebrow. “And?”

Harin blinks. “And?”

“Yes,” Grandmother says, expression unimpressed. “You love him. How sweet. But that’s not an answer.”

Harin looks completely lost.

“I—” she stammers. “I will support him?”

Grandmother tilts her head. “How?”

Harin blinks rapidly. “By being there for him?”

Silence.

Grandmother exhales through her nose.

I swear I hear Han Wool mutter something under his breath.

“Baek Harin,” Grandmother says, “what do you bring to this marriage?”

Harin looks devastated.

“I—” she starts. “I work at my father’s company, I—”

“Your father’s company,” Grandmother repeats. “And what have you built on your own?”

Harin’s mouth opens, but no sound comes out.

I wince.

Even I know that was a trap.

Grandmother watches her, waiting.

Harin glances at Han Wool for help, but he pointedly looks away.

Smart move.

Harin clears her throat. “I work hard.”

Grandmother snorts.

Actually snorts.