I finally arrived home after a grueling day at work. As I pressed the passcode and opened the door as usual, the savory scent of soybean paste stew filled the house, 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, Chae-a has always been called the 'white-haired goddess'—so cold and haughty that just meeting her eyes in public could send a chill down one's spine. However, the moment she heard the front door open and turned to look at me, her face melted instantly into a bright, spring-like glow.

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

Chae-a tossed the smartphone she was holding onto the sofa and ran toward me like a puppy, her hands tucked inside her white knit sleeves. Then, as she had done naturally 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 all day because I missed you so much. I finished all the cooking 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, a sight only visible in her true sanctuary: right here in front of me.

However, noticing that my shoulders were slumped 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 everything."

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