My Love, My Revenge

The afternoon sun was warm, and the market street was full of noise and laughter. Vendors shouted to attract customers. Children ran between the stalls. The smell of roasted chestnuts and sweet rice cakes filled the air. Jin Woo walked slowly through the busy street, holding a small hand in his. “Father, look!” Mina pointed excitedly at a stall covered with colorful ribbons. “Mother would love that red one.” Jin Woo looked down at his daughter and smiled. Mina was only five years old, but she already cared so much about her mother. “You think so?” he asked gently. Mina nodded quickly. “Yes! Mother likes red. She said it looks warm.” Jin Woo chuckled softly. “That’s true,” he said. “Your mother always says warm colors make people feel happy.” Today was a special day. It was Ara’s birthday. Jin Woo had finished his work early so he could spend the afternoon with his daughter and buy something nice for his wife. Nothing too expensive. Ara never liked expensive things. She always said simple things were enough. Still, Jin Woo wanted to surprise her. After all, Ara had given him everything. Years ago, when he was nothing but a poor scholar with empty pockets and big dreams, she had stood beside him. She worked long days in the market so he could study. She saved money so he could buy books. Even when he doubted himself, she never did. Because of her, he had passed the royal examinations. Because of her, he had become someone respected across the nation. And because of her, he had the family he loved more than anything. “Father, this one!” Mina said again, pulling him toward the ribbon stall. The merchant smiled when they approached. “Ah, Lord Jin Woo,” the man greeted politely. “Buying something for your wife again?” Jin Woo nodded. “It’s her birthday today.” The merchant picked up a beautiful red ribbon and handed it to him. “This one would suit Lady Ara perfectly.” Jin Woo looked at the ribbon. It was simple, but elegant. Yes… Ara would definitely like it. “I’ll take it,” he said. Mina clapped happily. “Mother will be so happy!” Jin Woo reached into his sleeve to pay when suddenly— “Lord Jin Woo!” A voice shouted from behind. The tone was desperate. Jin Woo turned around. A young palace servant was running toward him through the crowd. The boy was breathing heavily, his face pale with fear. People moved aside as he pushed through the busy street. When he finally reached Jin Woo, he bent over, trying to catch his breath. Jin Woo frowned slightly. “What is it?” he asked calmly. The servant looked up at him, eyes shaking. “My lord… you must come quickly.” Jin Woo’s chest tightened. “What happened?” The boy hesitated. For a moment, he seemed unable to speak. Then finally he said the words. “Your wife…” Jin Woo felt the world grow quiet. The servant’s voice trembled. “Lady Ara… something terrible has happened.” Jin Woo grabbed the boy’s shoulders. “What do you mean?” he demanded. The servant swallowed hard. “She… she was attacked.” For a moment, Jin Woo couldn’t understand the words. Attacked? That didn’t make sense. Ara was at home. She should be preparing dinner. She should be waiting for them to return. “Father?” Mina looked up at him with confused eyes. But Jin Woo was no longer listening. His heart began to pound violently in his chest. “Where is she?” he asked sharply. “At your home,” the servant said quickly. “Please hurry!” Jin Woo didn’t wait another second. He grabbed Mina’s hand and began running. The ribbon fell from the merchant’s stall, forgotten on the ground. People turned in surprise as the usually calm and composed official rushed through the streets like a man chased by death. Jin Woo’s mind was racing. No. This couldn’t be real. Ara was strong. She was careful. Nothing would happen to her. Nothing could happen to her. Yet the servant’s terrified voice echoed in his head again and again. She was attacked. Jin Woo ran faster. His daughter struggled to keep up beside him. “Father, what’s wrong?” Mina cried softly. But Jin Woo couldn’t answer. A cold fear had already begun to spread inside his chest. And deep down, a terrible feeling was starting to grow. Something was very wrong. Very, very wrong. By the time Jin Woo reached the gate of his home, a small crowd had already gathered outside. Neighbors. Servants. Everyone looked frightened. No one spoke. When they saw Jin Woo arrive, they stepped aside silently. Jin Woo’s legs suddenly felt heavy. His heart pounded louder than ever. He slowly walked inside the courtyard. And then he saw it. Blood. A dark red stain spread across the stone floor. And in the middle of it— Ara. She was lying there, unmoving. “Ara!” Jin Woo rushed forward and dropped to his knees beside her. He lifted her into his arms. Her body was warm. But her breathing was weak. Her beautiful clothes were stained with blood. Jin Woo’s hands began to shake. “Ara… Ara, look at me.” Her eyes slowly opened. They were cloudy with pain. But when she saw his face, a faint smile appeared on her lips. “You’re… back…” she whispered. Jin Woo felt his chest break. “I’m here,” he said quickly. “I’m here, Ara. Stay with me.” Tears were already falling down his face. “Someone call a doctor!” he shouted desperately. But Ara gently shook her head. “No…” Her voice was barely a whisper. Her fingers weakly held onto his sleeve. “Jin Woo…” He leaned closer. “Yes?” Her lips moved slowly. “Take care… of Mina…” Jin Woo’s heart stopped. “No,” he said quickly. “Don’t say that. You’ll be fine.” Ara looked at him with the same warm eyes she had always had. The eyes that believed in him when no one else did. “I’m… sorry…” Her hand slowly slipped from his sleeve. “Ara?” Her head tilted slightly. Her body grew still. The courtyard was silent. Jin Woo stared at her. Waiting. Hoping. But she didn’t move again. “Ara…?” His voice broke. But there was no answer. In that moment, something inside Jin Woo shattered. And far away, inside the royal palace, someone smiled. The game had finally begun.