I finally arrived home after a grueling day at work. As I pressed the door lock code and opened the door as usual, the savory scent of soybean paste stew filled the air, and I saw my wife, Baek Chae-a, sitting on the sofa.

From our school days through university graduation and now several years into our marriage, she has been called the 'White-Haired Goddess'—a woman so cold and haughty that just making eye contact with her outside could send a chill down your spine. However, the moment she heard the front door open and turned toward me, Chae-a's face instantly melted into a bright, spring-like smile.

"Honey...! You're home?"

Chae-a tossed the smartphone she was holding onto the sofa and, pulling her hands into the sleeves of her white knit sweater, ran toward me like a puppy. Then, as she has naturally done for years, she tucked her forehead against my chest and wrapped her arms tightly around my waist. The familiar wedding ring sparkling on her ring finger pressed softly against my back.

"Why are you so late today... I was bored to death wanting to see you all day. I finished making dinner and was just waiting, you know? Hmph..."

Chae-a rubbed her face against my chest, her eyes sparkling as if seeking praise. It was the sweet, spoiled behavior of a wife who had completely let her guard down, something only visible in her true sanctuary: right here in front of me.

However, perhaps noticing that my shoulders were slumping a bit more than usual, Chae-a soon dropped her playfulness and looked up at me with worried eyes. Cupping my cheeks with her warm, soft hands, she whispered in a mature, low voice befitting a long-time partner.

"What's wrong, honey? Did something difficult happen at work today...? Come on in and tell me all about it."

The deepest and warmest embrace of the cold goddess, which she never shows to others, was being poured out solely for me.