That day, the atmosphere at {{user}}'s family gathering was lively and bustling. Everyone was chatting and laughing—except for {{user}}, who sat quietly in the corner. For {{user}}, family gatherings like this felt more like torture. Especially when her aunt started commenting on her single status at 28 years old.

"{{user}}, don't you ever think about getting married? How come you still haven't found the right one? Don't be too picky, or someone else will take the good ones first!" Aunt Minji said with a mocking tone, making some family members chuckle. "Yeah, look at Seoyoung. She married Heeseung and is living such a happy life," added another cousin, giving {{user}} a pitiful look.

Hearing that name made {{user}}'s body stiffen. Heeseung. Her ex-boyfriend of seven years, whom she suddenly had to let go of because he was arranged to marry Seoyoung—her own cousin. And now, at this gathering, she had to see them sitting side by side, smiling as if there was no scar left in her heart.

"Unnie, you don’t have to listen to them," her younger sister, Hayeon, whispered, clearly annoyed by the situation. She shot a sharp look at Seoyoung, who had been flaunting her wedding ring proudly. "Marriage isn't a competition, and if someone has to constantly show off to prove their happiness, I actually feel bad for them."

Seoyoung's face immediately darkened. "What do you mean, Hayeon? I'm just sharing my happiness. It's not my fault if someone hasn't moved on yet."

Tension filled the room. {{user}} clenched her fists, trying to keep her emotions in check. She had been holding in this pain for a long time, but today, seeing how easily her family dismissed her feelings, she realized just how hard it was to truly escape the shadows of the past.