Soft piano notes still floated through the hall like silver threads as the ceremony reached its final moment.
The MC stepped forward with a warm, practiced smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he said into the microphone, voice smooth and celebratory. "We will now hear the vows once more from the bride and groom."
He turned toward them.
"Miss Nisa Rattan, do you promise to stand beside Do-Hyun through every season of life. Through success, through hardship, through laughter, and even through arguments about soup portions?"
The crowd chuckled.
Nisa smiled brightly, eyes glimmering. "I do."
The MC nodded and turned.
"Mr. Kim Do-Hyun, do you promise to protect her happiness, to cherish her dreams, and to love her faithfully for the rest of your life?"
Do-Hyun looked at Nisa for only a second before answering, voice firm.
"I do."
The MC lifted a hand with theatrical flair.
"Then by the joy witnessed here today… you may kiss the bride."
Do-Hyun didn't hesitate.
He leaned down and kissed Nisa gently. The hall erupted into applause, cheers rising like confetti in the air.
The couple stepped down from the stage, bowing deeply to the guests.
"Thank you for coming," Nisa said warmly.
"Thank you for celebrating with us," Do-Hyun added.
Guests lined up to congratulate them. Madam approached first, face glowing with pride.
"Well done," she said, clasping Nisa's hands. "A beautiful wedding."
Soon Nisa's family moved forward with tissues wiping tears. Her older brother Teerak wrapped her in a strong hug.
"You actually did it," he laughed.
Mrs. Rattan wiped her eyes. Mr. Rattan patted Do-Hyun's shoulder approvingly.
Then came their friends.
Arisoo and Aiko arrived together with Lin, Min-Jea, Do-Yoon, and Kai-Wen, carrying a large gift box.
"This is from all the staff," Arisoo said.
Nisa and Do-Hyun smiled brightly as they accepted it.
"Thank you," they said together.
Ji-Ah stepped forward next, ready with her own congratulations.
But suddenly Yoo-Na moved first.
Her shoulder "accidentally" bumped Ji-Ah aside. Hard.
Ji-Ah stumbled, nearly falling before catching herself.
Mrs. Han and Yoo-Na walked past her like nothing happened, presenting their gift to the couple.
Yoo-Na smiled sweetly.
"Oh Nisa," she said smoothly. "I just know Ha-Joon is so lucky to have me. I'll probably be the best girlfriend he'll ever have."
Ji-Ah stood behind them, rubbing her shoulder.
Inside her head her voice muttered dryly:
Best girlfriend? Please.
You mean best gold digger.
If ambition had a perfume, you'd smell like a bank vault.
Yoo-Na continued, clearly enjoying herself.
"Anyway, Ha-Joon and I will probably be next. Our wedding should be soon."
Nisa smiled politely.
But the smile had edges.
"Oh," she said lightly. "That sounds… fast."
Ji-Ah finally stepped forward again, folding her arms.
She looked Yoo-Na up and down once. Slowly.
Then she spoke.
"Interesting confidence," Ji-Ah said. "Usually people wait until the proposal before planning the wedding."
A few nearby guests snorted quietly.
Yoo-Na frowned.
Ji-Ah tilted her head.
"And Judging by how he looked at you the moment he came.. I don't think your fantasy will soo come true."
A couple of reporters lowered their cameras to hide their laughter.
Yoo-Na stiffened.
Ji-Ah continued pleasantly.
"Honestly I admire the talent. Sweet voice, clingy, mocking comments… somehow all my fault. At this rate you might blame me for the weather next."
Min-Jea choked on her drink.
Yoo-Na's smile twitched.
"And one more thing," Ji-Ah added casually. "If you're aiming to marry into the Park family… maybe start by winning an argument that doesn't involve dairy products."
Min-Hyuk clapped a hand over his mouth to stop laughing.
Seo-Yeon elbowed him.
Madam, however, was not amused.
She stepped forward sharply.
"Young lady," she said coldly, looking Ji-Ah up and down. "People from modest backgrounds should learn humility. Not arrogance."
The air cooled instantly.
Seo-Yeon stepped forward.
"Madam, that's unnecessary—"
Madam cut her off.
"Poor manners often come from poor upbringing."
Before Ji-Ah could respond, Jeon-Seo stepped in firmly beside his sisters.
"That's enough," he said calmly. "My sisters are respectable. Please do not insult them."
The tension stretched like a pulled thread.
Mr. Park quickly bowed toward the surrounding guests and cameras.
"We sincerely apologize for the disturbance," he said respectfully. "Please enjoy the celebration."
Min-Hyuk looked ready to jump in, but he held himself back. Interrupting his mother would only explode things further.
Ha-Joon finally stepped forward, placing a steady hand on Madam's arm.
"Mother," he said quietly.
Then he bowed to the guests and media.
"I apologize as well. Please continue enjoying the wedding."
The cameras slowly lowered.
Music resumed.
Guests drifted back toward the celebration.
Meanwhile the younger crowd headed toward the photo area.
"Group photo!" Do-Yoon announced.
Min-Hyuk immediately dragged Seo-Yeon and Jeon-Seo over.
"Everyone say cheese!" Do-Yoon shouted.
"Cheese!" they yelled.
Kai-Wen snapped pictures rapidly.
Min-Jea threw exaggerated poses.
Aiko and Lin grabbed each other's hands, dancing when the DJ suddenly played the song Trouble Maker. Laughter spread through the group.
Ji-Ah joined them, spinning playfully with Min-Jea.
For a moment, she blended perfectly with the crowd.
Madam noticed.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
Especially when she saw how close Ha-Joon was standing beside Ji-Ah.
Too close.
She glanced toward Mrs. Han.
Mrs. Han met her eyes.
And gave a small, confirming nod.
Mrs. Han leaned slightly toward Yoo-Na, her voice barely more than a whisper.
No one heard the words.
But Yoo-Na's lips slowly curved into a knowing smirk.
She nodded once.
Then, with elegant calm, she picked up a glass of deep red wine from a passing tray. The liquid glowed like polished rubies under the chandeliers.
She walked toward the guests as if she belonged to the music itself.
Laughter floated around her. Cameras flashed. Conversations buzzed.
Then Ji-Ah appeared from the side of the hall.
And in one smooth movement, Yoo-Na "accidentally" collided with her.
The wine splashed.
Crimson streaks spread across Yoo-Na's pale dress.
Before anyone could even process it, Yoo-Na shoved the empty glass into Ji-Ah's hand.
Then she screamed.
"LOOK WHAT YOU DID!"
The music stuttered to a halt.
Every head turned.
Cameras lifted instantly.
Yoo-Na stared down at her stained dress in dramatic horror.
"My dress! Ji-Ah, how could you?!"
Ji-Ah froze, the glass still in her hand.
"I—I'm sorry," she said quickly. "It was an accident—"
Then she stopped.
Her eyes slowly lowered to the glass.
Then back to Yoo-Na.
Confusion flickered.
Wait.
Her brows furrowed.
"How did this even end up in my hand…?"
The realization slid into place like a puzzle piece snapping into its slot.
Ji-Ah looked up sharply.
"You pushed into me."
Yoo-Na gasped theatrically.
"Excuse me?!"
Ji-Ah's voice steadied.
"You poured it yourself."
Gasps rippled through nearby guests.
And the media.
Whispers began spreading like wildfire.
"Did you see that?"
"She was holding the glass…"
"Did she really throw it?"
"I heard she already argued with Yoo-Na earlier."
Reporters leaned closer, cameras clicking rapidly.
"First she insults Yoo-Na…"
"And now this?"
"What kind of behavior is that at a wedding?"
Ji-Ah clenched her jaw.
"That's not what happened," she said firmly.
But Yoo-Na's eyes glistened as if tears were seconds away.
"I tried to be polite earlier," she said shakily. "Even after she humiliated me…"
The crowd murmured louder.
Madam stepped forward slowly, examining the ruined dress.
Then she sighed.
"Oh dear," she said, voice dripping with sweet poison. "Some people simply don't know how to behave in respectable gatherings."
Her gaze slid toward Ji-Ah.
"It's unfortunate… but upbringing shows eventually."
The insult landed heavy.
Guests whispered openly now.
"So rude…"
"She ruined the bride's mood too."
"Poor family background, I suppose."
Mr. Park remained composed, though tension lined his face. The Park family said nothing, maintaining polite calm.
Across the hall, Seo-Yeon's fingers tightened around her father's arm.
Jeon-Seo looked at Ji-Ah once.
Then he took Seo-Yeon's hand.
"Let's go," he said quietly.
They began walking out.
Ji-Ah stood there.
Still holding the glass.
The room buzzed around her like a swarm.
For a few seconds she didn't move.
Then slowly she placed the empty cup onto a nearby table.
She lifted her chin.
Straightened her shoulders.
And walked toward the exit.
Calm.
Dignified.
No more explanations.
Ha-Joon watched her leave.
His eyes followed her all the way to the doors.
But he didn't stop her.
Min-Hyuk sighed heavily and hurried after her.
Arisoo picked up Nikki, holding the little boy close as his small arms wrapped around her neck.
"Let's go," she murmured.
Min-Jea followed quickly.
Do-Yoon, Lin, and Aiko exchanged quiet looks before also taking their leave.
One by one.
They left.
The laughter that once filled the hall had disappeared.
The wedding lights still sparkled.
The music resumed.
Guests tried to smile again.
But the warmth was gone.
What had been a joyful celebration now carried a strange heaviness.
The kind no one ever wants to remember from a wedding.