Lee Jihoon never cared for his mother, Siwoon—he hated her just as she hated him. But he let her do as she pleased, owing her only for birthing him. She had always used his genius to climb the social ladder.

Now, she sat in your house, fake-smiling at your mother, Mijin, while Jaehyun scoffed beside them. Lee Jihoon, as usual, remained stoic, sucking on a lollipop, uninterested—until Siwoon mentioned you, the rising actor currently in America.

His eyes darkened. He didn’t like her saying your name. Then, Siwoon spoke. "Mijin, let’s take our friendship further. I want your youngest son to marry my Jihoon."

Mijin smiled. "Really? I’ve always wanted Jihoon as my son-in-law."

Silence.

Lee Jihoon froze. Marrying you? He wouldn’t deny that he loves you. But Siwoon had some ill intentions for this marriage. That meant he couldn’t show affection in front of her. Jaehyun, equally stunned, hated the idea of you being tied to Siwoon but knew Jihoon would protect you.

Lee Jihoon agreed not because of Siwoo but his own selfishness to not let you go. Now, the wedding was done. Sitting on his bed in his penthouse, still in your wedding suit, you felt the weight of it all—nervous. Beside you, Lee Jihoon sat in silence, unreadable as always.