The Price of Glory

The set was cloaked in stunned silence. Everyone stood frozen, eyes fixed on Han Yuri, who sat paralyzed inside the car. She was screaming and pounding on the door, as if trying to escape an invisible cage.

The director jumped out of his seat, panic in his voice.

— Cut! Someone, get her out of there!

An assistant rushed over to open the car door, but Yuri, completely lost in panic, didn't even seem to notice. She was trembling, tears clouding her vision, eyes locked on something that wasn't really there.

Kim Min Hee, who had been watching from a distance, ran over at once.

— Yuri! Yuri!

She reached through the open door and gently placed her hand on Yuri's shoulder, firm but reassuring. Yuri flinched. Her eyes finally met Min Hee's, as if only now realizing where she was.

Her breathing was ragged. Her whole body was shaking.

— What just happened? the director asked, clearly worried.

Min Hee glanced briefly in his direction, then took Yuri's hand softly.

— It's nothing. Just a bit of a panic attack. I'll take her to rest for a while.

She helped Yuri out of the car and guided her slowly off set. Yuri still looked out of it. Her steps were slow, her eyes blank, while the whole crew watched her silently with concern.

The director, muttering to no one in particular:

— What the hell happened to her all of a sudden?

Makeup Room – a few minutes later

Yuri sat on a small couch, hands clasped tightly in her lap. Min Hee handed her a bottle of water.

Kim Min Hee

— Here, drink a little. It'll help calm you down.

Yuri nodded faintly, took the bottle, drank a few sips, and let out a shaky breath.

Han Yuri

— Thanks, Min Hee…

Min Hee sat down beside her, watching her closely.

Kim Min Hee

— Yuri… what happened back there?

Yuri didn't answer. She just looked at her for a moment, then slowly set the bottle on the table and stood up.

Han Yuri

— I'm fine, Min Hee. It was nothing.

Min Hee watched her stand, clearly unconvinced, but gave a slow nod.

Kim Min Hee

— Alright… But if you ever want to talk, I'm here, okay?

Yuri gave her a weak smile.

Han Yuri

— I know… Thank you. Let's go back to the set.

She turned to leave, but Min Hee gently grabbed her wrist. Yuri stopped and looked back at her.

Kim Min Hee

— I think we should stop here for today. I'll talk to the director.

Han Yuri (shaking her head)

— No, I'm really fine now. It was just… a little breakdown. Probably just exhaustion. I'm okay, I promise.

Min Hee was about to reply, but her phone started ringing.

She picked up, her expression turning serious.

Kim Min Hee

— Yes, Director?

Director's voice (on the phone, annoyed)

— What's going on? The director on set just called me.

Kim Min Hee

— Yuri had a bit of a panic attack…

Director (cutting in sharply)

— A bit of a panic attack? He told me she was screaming and crying like a madwoman. Honestly, I think it's best if you both come back to the agency. We'll postpone the shoot.

Kim Min Hee (calmly)

— Yes… I was just telling her the same thing.

Meanwhile, in a luxurious office…

Sitting behind a large mahogany desk, Lee Tae Min calmly flipped through a confidential file, his sharp eyes scanning rows of figures and analysis. He pressed a discreet button built into the desk and spoke in a composed, yet commanding tone.

Lee Tae Min

— Prepare a detailed report on last quarter's foreign investments. And send me the full file on the Han Foundation. I need everything before tomorrow's meeting.

He closed the folder gently, tapping his fingers on it thoughtfully.

Lee Tae Min (murmuring)

— Don't worry, Father. I'll take care of the company.

He stood slowly, face calm but eyes filled with determination, and walked toward the wide glass window. Seoul glittered before him—serene on the surface, chaotic underneath. Just like business.

His gaze lingered on a photo sitting on his desk. A family picture. Its reflection in the glass overlapped the city lights… a constant reminder of what he carried on his shoulders.

LYRA Entertainment – Directors' Office

The atmosphere was tense.

The director slammed his pen on the desk, clearly irritated.

Director

— What's going on with Han Yuri?!

Yuri was already seated on the office couch, her eyes lowered. She didn't answer immediately.

The director glanced around the room, visibly agitated.

Director

— And where's Kim Min Hee?!

Han Yuri (quietly)

— She's still on the phone… with the director from the set.

The director let out a long sigh, clearly at his limit.

Director

— For heaven's sake, Yuri… Min Hee fought hard to land you that contract after the scandal. And now, because of that outburst, everything might fall apart in one take.

(He paused, tense.)

— If the brand starts questioning your stability… they could easily ask for another actress.

Yuri looked up, startled.

Han Yuri

— Min Hee… She's the one who got me that deal?

Director

— Yes. The dealership owner's a friend of hers. They were looking for an actress for their campaign… and Min Hee insisted it had to be you.

At that moment, the door opened. Kim Min Hee stepped in, calm but determined. Her cold gaze locked on the director.

Kim Min Hee

— Don't talk to her like that. She had a panic attack… I read somewhere that when people are truly exhausted, it can cause reactions like that.

(Her tone sharpened slightly.)

And honestly, considering everything she's been through lately, it's not even that surprising.

You should be supporting her… not scolding her.

Director

— Whatever, Min Hee. Did you talk to the director on set? If he reports this to the company, we're in trouble… They might decide to replace Yuri.

(He sighed nervously, wiping sweat from his forehead. His eyes locked onto Min Hee's, full of concern.)

Kim Min Hee

— Yes, I spoke to him. I explained the situation—told him Yuri was just exhausted, nothing more.

He seemed to understand.

Director

— Let's hope so… VELOCIA Motors isn't just any client. They're a major brand. If we lose this deal… I don't even want to imagine the fallout.

(He shook his head, clearly anxious.)

— After the scandal, I thought no one would ever want to work with us again. Especially not with Yuri.

(His tone grew heavier.)

— But VELOCIA Motors gave us a chance.

(A deep breath.)

— This ad, especially with a brand like that… is a huge opportunity to bring Yuri back into the spotlight.

If we lose this too…

Kim Min Hee (calmly)

— Don't worry. Even if we lose this contract, there will be other chances. This is Han Yuri we're talking about. She'll bounce back. Even without this commercial… who wouldn't want to work with a Hallyu star?

She sat beside Yuri and gently wrapped her in a brief hug, as if to transfer some of her strength.

Then, with a warm smile, she added softly:

Kim Min Hee

— Don't overthink it, okay? Everything's going to be fine. I've got you.

Suddenly, Yuri's phone rang.

She gently pulled away from Min Hee's embrace and answered in a calm, almost drained voice.

Han Yuri

— Hello?

Voice on the phone – Yuri's Father

— Come home today. I need to talk to you about something.

Yuri sighed and rubbed her forehead, visibly tired.

Han Yuri

— I can't today… I had a really rough day.

Father

— I already told the chef to make your favorite dish. Just come. It won't kill you.

Han Yuri

— Alright.

She hung up without another word, then slowly got to her feet.

Han Yuri

— My father asked me to stop by the house… so I'll be going now.

Director

— Alright, go ahead.

Kim Min Hee also stood.

Kim Min Hee

— Wait, I'll walk you out.

They both stepped out. A few quiet minutes passed in the hallway before Yuri suddenly stopped.

She turned to face Min Hee, her gaze serious.

Kim Min Hee (with a small smile)

— What is it?

Han Yuri

— I heard it was you… who talked to someone to get me that contract.

Min Hee froze, a little caught off guard.

Kim Min Hee

— Oh… I didn't mean for you to find out.

I know you hate that kind of thing. You always say people only do that out of pity…

But that's not why I did it.

She took a quiet breath and added with sincere honesty:

Kim Min Hee

— I did it because I'm your friend. Because I want you to be happy.

I know how much your career means to you.

So if I could do even one small thing to help you shine again… I had to.

And come on, as your best friend… isn't it normal?

I just mentioned your name to my friend, but they already knew how talented you are.

They didn't even hesitate, you know.

(Yuri didn't reply right away. She simply looked at her for a few seconds, then quietly took Min Hee's hand, smiling faintly.)

Han Yuri

— Thank you… really.

You've always been there for me. Even when everyone else turned their back on me.

Kim Min Hee

— That's because they were never real friends.

You and I… we've been through too much together. There's no way I'd walk away from you now.

You were there for me too, when I hit rock bottom.

(She smiled.)

— And don't you remember the promise we made?

That we'd be friends forever?

(Kim Min Hee gently lifted Yuri's wrist, lining it up with her own, both wearing matching bracelets. A wide, cheeky smile appeared on her face.)

Kim Min Hee

— And honestly… I couldn't leave you even if I wanted to. We're already bound together forever with these bracelets, aren't we?

(She burst out laughing playfully. Yuri smiled, a little softened by the moment. Min Hee then looped her arm through Yuri's.)

Kim Min Hee

— Let's go, Madam Superstar.

(The two walked off down the hallway, arm in arm, like two schoolgirls who never quite grew up.)

4:00 PM – Hannam-dong

Han Ye Reum was getting ready to go out with her friends.

She wore a fitted yet elegant black dress with subtle sparkles, long sleeves, and just the right touch of bold makeup. Not vulgar—just captivating.

She grabbed her purse, walked down the stairs lightly, and headed for the front door.

But just as she reached for the handle…

Voice behind her

— Where are you going?

Han Ye Reum jumped and turned around.

Han Ye Reum

— Mom! You scared me… I'm just heading out.

Her mother (walking over calmly)

— Ye Reum-ah, you really need to stop going out every night and start focusing more seriously on the company.

Han Ye Reum (sighing, still calm)

— I am focused on the company. Why do you think I even came back in the first place?

But I need to enjoy myself too, sometimes.

And the company's doing fine, so what's the big worry?

Her mother stepped closer. Suddenly, her tone shifted—lower, colder.

Ye Reum's Mother (muttering, sharply)

— You seem to forget… you're not your father's real daughter.

You think partying and going out will win his heart?

Do you know why Han Yuri is adored by everyone?

Because she proved herself—by working hard.

She showed her father she could accomplish anything.

And now that her career is falling apart…

what's stopping her from taking over the family company?

Han Ki Tak's been waiting for that moment from the beginning.

Do you really think he'd choose you over his real daughter?

Especially one who's clearly smarter than you?

She let out a soft laugh, a smirk tugging at her lips.

Han Ye Reum stood frozen.

Her fists clenched—but she didn't say a word.

Only silence… heavy. Burning.

Then, without warning, her mother reached out and gently stroked Ye Reum's hair.

A tender gesture on the surface—but loaded with pressure.

Ye Reum's Mother (soft voice, almost sweet)

— I'm not saying this to hurt you, Ye Reum.

I'm saying it so you'll come to your senses.

So you can prove to your father that you can achieve great things. Even more than Han Yuri.

That's the only way… the only way to win his heart.

You understand me, don't you… sweetheart?

Han Ye Reum still said nothing. Her gaze stayed blank. Lips sealed.

A silence that said everything.

At the same time – Lee Residence

In his old bedroom, Lee Tae Joon was leafing through the book Yuri had looked at the last time.

As he heard the door open, he immediately closed it.

Lee Tae Min

— Looks like nothing's changed here… But what are you doing here?

Lee Tae Joon

— Just looking for a book.

Lee Tae Min

— You know, I never understood why you left them here.

Lee Tae Joon

— I guess… just to leave a small trace of myself.

Lee Tae Min's eyes fell on a family photo sitting on the nightstand.

He picked it up, a faint smile on his lips.

Lee Tae Min

— Do you remember that family vacation? We looked so happy…

Look at our smiles in this photo.

Lee Tae Joon (smirking bitterly)

— Funny… You always did have a way of sugarcoating memories.

Because me? I don't remember being happy that day.

Dad and Mom wouldn't stop fighting, she asked for a divorce, my dog died…

and if I remember right, your girlfriend dumped you too.

Lee Tae Min (perplexed)

— Huh… really? I don't remember that.

Lee Tae Joon

— Amazing how much a photo can lie, huh?

A heavy silence settled between them.

Lee Tae Min (changing the subject)

— So… how's Yuri? I saw the news.

Lee Tae Joon (his expression darkening)

— What news?

Lee Tae Min pulled out his phone, unlocked it, and played a video before handing it to him.

Lee Tae Min (murmuring)

— You mean you haven't heard?

About your wife?

Tae Joon stared at the screen silently.

It showed Han Yuri in the middle of a meltdown, screaming and pounding on the car door.

He didn't say a word.

He turned around and rushed out.

A few minutes later — outside

Standing by his car, Tae Joon dialed Han Yuri's number.

No answer.

His brows furrowed. He tried another number.

6:00 PM – Han Residence, Hannam-dong

Han Yuri finally arrived at her parents' home, slightly late.

She and Min Hee had stopped for coffee before she came.

She walked slowly through the garden to the front door.

Once inside, she stepped quietly into the hallway.

Han Yuri

— Father, I'm here.

Father (from the living room)

— What took you so long?

Han Yuri

— Sorry, I was with Min Hee. We stayed out a bit longer than expected.

She sat down calmly in front of him.

Han Yuri

— Why did you want to see me?

Father

— It's about our annual event. As always, we'll be hosting a big party…

But this time, you will be in charge.

Now that you're a married woman, it's time to step up.

Han Yuri (frowning)

— But you always handle these things… Why are you giving this to me now?

Before he could answer, his secretary rushed in with a tablet in hand.

Secretary

— Sir, you need to see this video.

The screen lit up—it was the footage from the shoot.

Han Yuri, mid-breakdown in the car.

Han Yuri

— Father, I can explain—

She didn't get to finish.

The slap landed—hard, sharp.

She fell to the floor, her cheek burning.

Father (shouting)

— Explain what?!

You're a failure!

You keep piling on scandal after scandal, dragging our family name through the mud!

You shame this family!

And once again, it's up to me to clean up your mess.

It's always been that way—I've spent my whole life cleaning up after your disasters!

Han Yuri stayed on the ground for a moment, then slowly got up and lifted her head.

Her gaze—shattered, but proud.

Han Yuri (low, pained voice)

— You… you don't even ask if I'm okay?

If I'm hurting?

Why I panicked in that car?

She let out a bitter, shaky laugh.

— Of course not.

Because what worries you… isn't me.

It's what others will think, right?

Because deep down…

my pain never mattered to you.

Father (furious)

— What did you say?!

How dare you talk to me like that?!

He raised his hand again, ready to strike—

But this time, a hand grabbed his wrist.

Lee Tae Joon.

Appearing out of nowhere, he caught his father-in-law's arm with quiet but solid strength, eyes locked onto his.

Lee Tae Joon

— I won't let you lay a hand on my wife ever again.

The room fell into a stunned silence.

Yuri's father froze, stunned, struggling to pull away—

but Tae Joon's grip didn't budge.

Han Yuri stood still, wide-eyed.

She stared at him, unable to move.

To be continued…