Heavenly As Hell

The Reminder and the Outburst

Interior - Seo Residence, Living Room - Night

Min-ji is still reeling from her conversation with Woo-jin, trying to process everything that just happened. Woo-jin stands up, ready to leave, and glances at Min-ji with that same calm, gentle smile.

**Woo-jin**: "Min-ji, I look forward to seeing you at church tomorrow. It's important that we start our journey together in the presence of God. Service begins at 8 a.m. sharp. I'll save a seat for you."

Min-ji's stomach drops. Her usual Sunday morning routine consists of sleeping in, having brunch with friends, and maybe some shopping-definitely not sitting in a pew at 8 a.m. The thought of it makes her want to scream, but she forces herself to nod.

**Min-ji**: (forcing a smile) "Sure... I'll be there."

Woo-jin bows slightly, as is his respectful habit, and takes his leave. The door closes behind him, and the calm demeanor Min-ji has been trying so hard to maintain suddenly cracks. She turns to her parents, her face flushed with frustration and disbelief.

**Min-ji**: (bursting out) "Are you kidding me?! Church? At 8 a.m.? On a Sunday?! I don't even know this guy, and you expect me to marry him? He's like... some kind of monk or something! How am I supposed to do this?"

Her mother, Mrs. Seo, looks taken aback by Min-ji's outburst but remains composed.

**Mrs. Seo**: (calmly) "Min-ji, you're overreacting. Woo-jin is a wonderful man-any girl in town would be thrilled to be in your position. Being his wife is like winning the lottery!"

Min-ji scoffs, her frustration boiling over.

**Min-ji**: (sarcastically) "Oh, really? A lottery? Well, I didn't buy a ticket! I can't marry someone who doesn't even live in the same world as me. He's quoting Bible verses like it's normal conversation, and I'm over here just trying to keep up. Why didn't you tell me he's so... so... religious? Why didn't he become a priest?!"

Mrs. Seo sighs, trying to reason with her daughter.

**Mrs. Seo**: "Min-ji, you're being dramatic. Woo-jin has received marriage proposals from all over, even from Rome. Do you understand how special this is? His family is close to the Pope, for goodness' sake! You should be grateful."

Min-ji's eyes widen in disbelief. She can't believe what she's hearing. Her mother sounds like she's talking about some kind of royal match, not an actual person with whom Min-ji has to spend her life.

**Min-ji**: (raising her voice) "Grateful? Grateful for what? For being forced into a life I don't want? For having to give up everything I am because you think marrying this guy is some kind of divine plan? I can't do it, Mom! I really can't!"

Mr. Seo, who has been silent up until now, suddenly stands up, his expression stern and his voice cold. He's had enough of Min-ji's defiance.

**Mr. Seo**: (firmly) "Min-ji, that's enough. You need to stop acting like a spoiled child and start thinking about your future-and ours. This marriage is not just about you; it's about our family and our business. You will do as we say, for your own good and for the good of this family."

Min-ji feels her heart pounding in her chest. Her father's tone is final, leaving no room for argument. She's never seen him so serious, and it scares her. She looks at her mother, hoping for some sign of understanding, but Mrs. Seo just nods in agreement with her husband.

**Mrs. Seo**: "Your father's right, Min-ji. This is the best thing for you. Woo-jin is a good man, and he'll take care of you. This is what's best for all of us."

Min-ji feels the walls closing in on her. There's no way out, no way to make them see that this isn't what she wants. Her throat tightens, and she feels tears welling up, but she bites them back, determined not to cry in front of them.

**Min-ji**: (voice trembling) "So, I don't get a choice? You're just... handing me over like some business transaction?"

Mr. Seo's expression softens slightly, but his resolve remains.

**Mr. Seo**: "We're doing this because we love you, Min-ji. You'll thank us one day when you see how good this is for you. Now, go to bed. You have church in the morning."

Min-ji glares at her parents, feeling utterly betrayed. Without another word, she storms out of the living room and up to her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. She throws herself onto her bed, finally letting the tears fall. Her whole life has been turned upside down, and there's nothing she can do to stop it.

*Interior - Min-ji's Bedroom - Night*

Min-ji curls up on her bed, hugging a pillow as she stares at the ceiling. Her mind races, replaying everything that's happened in the past few hours. Woo-jin, her parents, the forced marriage-it all feels like a nightmare she can't wake up from.

**Min-ji**: (whispering to herself) "I'm really trapped... What am I going to do?"

As she lies there, her phone buzzes with a message. She glances at it, seeing a text from Woo-jin.

**Woo-jin's text**: "Goodnight, Min-ji. Remember, 'The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.' Numbers 6:24-25. See you at church tomorrow."

Min-ji stares at the message, feeling a mix of frustration, confusion, and despair. She tosses the phone aside and buries her face in the pillow, wondering how she's going to survive what lies ahead.

(To Be Continued)