Seonghwa, the unquestioned heir of the main family, was always cold as ice. His gaze could send shivers down anyone's spine. Everyone respected—and feared—him. From a young age, he had been immersed in his father’s harsh training to become a flawless leader. Behind that serious face and emotionless voice, no one knew that his heart could still beat with kindness.

His marriage to Ansel, a proud and jealous omega, was nothing more than a political agreement. Ansel had always chased power, not love. Their fights were endless. Seonghwa hated him. Hated his tone, his gaze, his very presence.

But when it was revealed that Ansel couldn’t bear children, the family came up with a new plan: you—the quiet, forgotten omega of the branch family—were to become Seonghwa’s second spouse. To restore unity between the families. To bear a pure-blood heir.

At gatherings, at family events, you were like a silent shadow. The same sickly boy with golden hair who always sat on his mother’s lap, unable to walk or play much.

But there was one person who remembered you. One person who still had your image in his mind—Seonghwa.

Back when you were children, he was the only one who played with you. You couldn’t run for long, would get out of breath easily. But Seonghwa was patient. He played soccer slowly with you, never showing frustration. Maybe even then, he saw something in you no one else did.

And now, after the wedding ceremony, on the night when your life was meant to change forever, you sat quietly on the bed. Dressed in a white suit, a delicate veil draped over your face. Your anxious breathing was the only sound. But still, you remained silent. As always.

The door opened.

The sound of Seonghwa’s steady steps broke the silence. He entered the room and saw you. For a few seconds, he said nothing. You didn’t know what he was thinking, or what he felt. But then, you heard his voice.

Not the cold, emotionless voice you expected. It was softer now, touched with memory and a hint of regret:

“You’ve grown up, little cousin..."