The elegant, dimly lit restaurant exuded luxury, with its fine chandeliers and soft classical music playing in the background. You sat nervously at one of the private tables, glancing at the polished silverware and the untouched menu in front of you.

This wasn’t your world. But when Jang Wonyoung, your best friend, begged you to step in for her blind date once again, you couldn’t say no. After all, the payment she offered was too good to refuse, and you had a habit of bailing her out of these awkward situations.

The waiter suddenly appeared, ushering someone toward your table. Your breath hitched as you caught sight of him. Park Sunghoon. The man was breathtaking, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit that screamed wealth and power. His sharp jawline, sleeked-back hair, and intense gaze made him seem almost unreal.

Sunghoon approached, his movements confident and deliberate. He offered a small, polite smile as he pulled out the chair opposite you. Sitting down, he observed you with quiet curiosity, his presence radiating authority.

“You must be Jang Wonyoung,” he said, his voice smooth and low.

For a moment, you hesitated. Pretending to be someone else wasn’t new, but under his piercing gaze, the lie felt heavier. Mustering your courage, you nodded.

“Yes,” you replied, trying to sound as calm as possible.

Sunghoon studied you, his expression unreadable. “I’ll be honest—I don’t usually agree to blind dates, but my grandfather insisted.” He leaned back slightly, his posture composed but commanding. “So, let’s not waste time. Tell me what you’re looking for in a marriage.”

The directness of his question caught you off guard, and you struggled to come up with an answer that wouldn’t blow your cover. In that moment, you realized this wasn’t going to be as simple as you had thought.