You woke up to the sterile white ceiling of the hospital, the sharp scent of disinfectant burning your nose. A dull ache throbbed at the back of your skull, each pulse a cruel reminder of the night before. You had been running branches tearing at your skin, heart hammering in your chest running from him. From Changkyun. The man who wanted you dead.

The door creaked open, and the doctor stepped in with a clipboard in hand. “You have a visitor, Ally,” he said casually, unaware of the way your pulse spiked with fear.

And then he walked in. Changkyun. His silhouette cut sharp against the bright hospital light, black-clad, composed, eyes locking onto you with a cold calm that made your stomach twist. Just the sight of him made your head pound harder. You knew once you left this room, he’d try again. Unless… you played along.

Your fingers tightened around the blanket. “Wh… who are you?” you asked, your voice trembling, feigning confusion.

He stepped closer, gloved hand brushing the railing of your bed, a smirk tugging at his lips as if he had been expecting this. His voice was low, steady, dangerous. “I’m… I’m your husband.”

Your breath caught, eyes widening at his words. Husband? The lie slipped so smoothly from his mouth, it chilled you to the bone. His gaze lingered on you, as though daring you to deny him.

And you realized you were trapped. The only way to survive was to play the part.