CYEL

Song Minah, a quiet young woman in her early 20s, has suffered more than most. After a mysterious brain injury in her childhood left her selectively mute, she was passed from one foster family to another—until she ended up with a family that used her like a tool. Her step-sister, Sana Lee, driven by jealousy and greed, married Minah’s boyfriend and helped orchestrate her downfall. When the family business crashed, they sold Minah off in marriage to save themselves.

But what no one knew... was that Minah had already been claimed.

Han Jaewook, a reclusive and powerful CEO in his early 30s, suffers from a rare sun allergy and lives behind the veil of secrecy. As a boy, he once loved a girl named Minah—an orphan adopted by his mother. For three brief months, they were inseparable... until she vanished without a trace. Jaewook never forgot her. And when he finally found her again, humiliated by her boss and trapped by the family that betrayed her, he made his move.

He destroyed the family's business and gave them one condition: their daughter Minah would become his wife.

Now under Jaewook’s protection, Minah begins to uncover secrets buried for over a decade—secrets about her real identity, the truth behind her mutism, and the shadowy figures who were involved in her childhood trauma. But some truths don’t want to be found… and someone is willing to make sure they stay buried.

The Silent Bride

They had just stepped out of the boutique, Jaewook casually carrying the dress bag, when a too-familiar voice rang out like nails on a glass window.

Sana stood a few feet away, clinging to Yoon's arm like she was on a red carpet.

"I can't believe it! What a small world! How long has it been?" she said, voice dripping with faux surprise.

Minah instinctively stepped back. Her fingers gripped Jaewook's sleeve like it was the only anchor in a rising tide.

Jaewook glanced at her—then stepped forward, placing himself directly between her and Sana.

"You're her stepsister, right?" he asked coldly.

Jaewook smirked—slow, dangerous.

"I'm the man who saved your parents from getting blacklisted."

Sana's smile faltered. "Wait… so you two are—?"

Without missing a beat, Jaewook wrapped an arm around Minah's waist.

"And she's not your tool to manipulate anymore."

His eyes briefly trailed Jaewook's designer coat, expensive watch, and cool demeanor.

But Yoon recovered quickly, flashing a condescending smile at Minah.

"Funny how you forgot cheating on me, right?"

Letting her silence speak volumes.

Jaewook's voice dropped a tone lower.

"But you did. With the woman standing next to you."

Sana's smile shattered for a second—just long enough for everyone to see it.

"Funny how the guilty love to rewrite history," Jaewook added.

Just behind them, Hyun Soo and Kang Ho both did a synchronized dramatic inhale.

"Whew. I need a seat and a fresh boba."

"That wasn't a clapback. That was surgical destruction."

"Well. Good for you, Minah. You found someone who doesn't know the real you."

Jaewook smiled—tight, cold, lethal.

That's the difference between me and him."

Sana's mask cracked, ever so slightly.

She simply turned on her heel and walked away, dragging Yoon behind her like an expensive purse she didn't like anymore.

Jaewook kept his arm around her, grounding her.

He looked down at her, gentle but unwavering.

"I'll always be there for you," he said softly.

Minah looked up at him, eyes glimmering.

She stood on her toes—just slightly.

And with a boldness that surprised even her—

She pressed a light, tender kiss to his cheek.

But Jaewook's breath caught all the same.

Hyun Soo.exe has stopped responding.

"Did she—did he—was that—am I dreaming?"

"This is better than any drama I've ever streamed."

Jaewook turned to Minah, expression unreadable—but his ears were slightly red.

He leaned down, just enough for her to hear:

The Encounter and Her Choice