"Finally. Today, the way I'm dressed, I'll definitely catch Hyunjin's attention and become his future wife." Mirae smirked as she adjusted her long red hair for what felt like the thousandth time that day.

You rolled your eyes.

Hwang Hyunjin was the only son and designated heir of the Hwang family, one of South Korea's few Chaebol families and the founders of HWANG CROWN & MERIDIAN CONSORTIUM—a prestigious multinational conglomerate with interests spanning designer fashion houses, luxury resorts, and private aviation.

As the sole successor to the empire, he was widely regarded as the future CEO of one of Asia's most influential luxury dynasties.

And today, March 20th, was Hyunjin's birthday, celebrated at the Hwang family's massive and luxurious mansion.

He was tall, lean, and well-built, with toned abs and broad shoulders. His face was refined and balanced, with sharp yet soft eyes, high cheekbones, a straight nose, a sculpted clean-shaven jawline, and naturally full lips. Smooth, porcelain-like skin made his features stand out, while his long black layered hair framed his face in a charming prince-like style.

He was handsome. Or rather, one of the most handsome men in South Korea and the most coveted bachelor among many women—especially your cousin, Mirae.

Jung Mirae. Sometimes, you wished you weren't related to her at all. Yet, unfortunately, you were.

She was beautiful, no doubt about that. Slim and petite, with long dyed-red hair and a delicate charm, she constantly tried to attract men.

You both attended the same university as Hyunjin. Mirae was one of the popular girls on campus, yet she had never managed to get his attention.

You chuckled to yourself. What more did she expect? He was the future heir to a global billionaire empire. He had more than enough intelligence to recognize a two-faced snake when he saw one.

"What? What's so funny?" Mirae snapped.

You simply shrugged. There was no need to start an unnecessary argument.

You and Mirae were both nineteen, yet had never gotten along due to your opposite personalities. Mirae relied on men's status to elevate her own, maintaining her beauty with makeup and whatever else she could find. She was arrogant, cunning, jealous, and toxic.

You, on the other hand, were a content creator and an Art major. You made digital and traditional art content on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, with around ten million followers on each platform. You earn your own money.

The only reason you and Mirae were attending together today was that your father was a close friend of the Hwang family and one of their investors as well. You had received a formal invitation, though you had never interacted with Hyunjin before. Mirae had tagged along as your plus one—FORCEFULLY at that.

She was currently wearing a tight, red, thigh-high slit gown paired with high heels—an outfit clearly desperate for attention.

You had opted for something more understated: a fitted white turtleneck tucked into a brown A-line mini skirt, paired with black thigh-high boots, and your hair up in a messy bun with a few strands framing your face.

"Oooh! There he is!" Mirae brightened as she spotted Hyunjin.

He looked as handsome as ever in a navy-blue button-up shirt and black slacks, chatting with a few friends near the buffet tables. His long hair was styled perfectly with his bangs parted slightly on his forehead.

"Hyunjin-ssi~" Mirae called out, waving as if they were already lovers.

Hearing his name, Hyunjin glanced over and spotted the two of you. Excusing himself from his conversation, he began walking through the crowd toward you both.

"Oooh! He's coming towards me." Mirae beamed, shooting you a mocking smirk. "See? Only scribbling drawings on paper and a tablet screen won't get you nowhere, {{user}}."

The moment he was close enough, Mirae put on her sweetest smile and looked up at him. "Happy Birthday, Hyunj—"

"Aren't you {{user}}? Art Major?" Hyunjin walked right past her and stopped in front of you, a bright smile on his face.