The Cost of Rejecting...

Min-Soo's grip relaxed slightly, and he leaned in closer, his voice low and husky. "Shall we, Ji-Hyun?"

Min-Ji, who was standing nearby, chimed in, "I'll leave you two alone. I have work on the way, so enjoy, guys." She smiled mischievously and walked away.

Ji-Hyun, still struggling in Min-Soo's grip, suddenly remembered the words that her friend had said to her before they parted ways: "Be careful around him."

Min-Soo, sensing Ji-Hyun's momentary distraction, smirked and leaned in closer. His hot breath danced across Ji-Hyun's ear, sending shivers down her spine. "Now that we're alone... shall we go to a hotel? Hm?" His voice was laced with flirtation, his deep husky tone sending a thrill through Ji-Hyun's body.

Ji-Hyun's eyes widened in surprise, and with a surge of adrenaline, she managed to wriggle free from Min-Soo's grasp. She adjusted her dress, her heart racing with anticipation.

"Who are you?" Ji-Hyun demanded, trying to keep her voice steady despite the turmoil brewing inside her.

Min-Soo chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You don't remember me, Ji-Hyun? I'm hurt." He took a step closer, his movements fluid and predatory.

Ji-Hyun took a step back, her eyes narrowing as Min-Soo closed in. "You don't remember me?" Min-Soo asked, his voice laced with mock hurt. "I'm your soon-to-be groom. How can you forget me? It's hurting."

Ji-Hyun's eyes flashed with confusion and alarm. "What are you talking about?" she demanded, trying to keep her distance.

But Min-Soo kept moving forward, his eyes locked on hers. Ji-Hyun retreated, her backpedaling matching Min-Soo's advance. Neither of them noticed the car approaching, its horn blaring as it drew near.

Min-Soo's head snapped to the side, his eyes locking onto the car. In a flash, he yanked Ji-Hyun toward him, pulling her into a tight embrace as the car whizzed past, its tires screeching in protest.

The driver slammed on the brakes, bringing the car to a stop just a few feet away. He leapt out, his face pale with worry. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry! I didn't see you two there!"

Min-Soo released Ji-Hyun, but not before she realized she was still clutching his coat, her face buried in his chest. She looked up, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment, as Min-Soo smiled and accepted the driver's apology.

"It's okay, accidents happen," Min-Soo said, his eyes never leaving Ji-Hyun's face. "We're fine."

Ji-Hyun, still feeling dazed, nodded in agreement. But as she looked up at Min-Soo, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Who was this man, really? And why did he claim they were getting married repeatedly? What's his motive?

Ji-Hyun whispered a small "thanks" to Min-Soo, her eyes darting away as she released her grip on his coat. She took a step back, maintaining a safe distance between them.

Min-Soo's expression didn't change, but his eyes seemed to gleam with amusement. "Let's grab lunch out," he suggested, his deep voice low and smooth. "Which restaurant do you want to go to?"

Ji-Hyun hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "I'm not hungry," she said finally, trying to sound firm. "I want to get home and rest. I'm not feeling well."

Min-Soo raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing."Someone said they wants to talk with me," he said, his tone neutral. "They said it's urgent and important. But, Why are they thinking of leaving? Don't they want to talk?"

Ji-Hyun's mind went blank as she struggled to come up with an excuse. She couldn't think of a valid reason to leave, and Min-Soo's words left her feeling trapped.

'If I don't go with him now, I don't know when I'll get the chance to meet with him. I have to make him to cancel this marriage.' She talked with herself, and after a moment's hesitation, she nodded reluctantly. "Fine. I'll go with you."

Min-Soo's smile was triumphant, but his eyes seemed to hold a hint of something more. "Great," he said, offering Ji-Hyun his arm."Let's go."

Min-Soo watched as Ji-Hyun walked away, leaving him standing alone. He felt a surge of frustration at being rejected, but a smirk spread across his face as he gazed at her retreating back.

He walked to his car, slid into the driver's seat, and started the engine. As he drove to the restaurant, he dialed his manager's number. "Book a VIP room for me," he instructed.

His manager accepted, and soon Min-Soo and Ji-Hyun arrived at the restaurant and seated in the VIP room which is allotted for them.

The waiter came to take their order. Min-Soo glanced at Ji-Hyun before speaking."We'll have the Haemultang, a bowl of Doenjang jjigae, and a plate of Kongnamul Muchim to share."

Ji-Hyun nodded in agreement. The waiter bowed and left to place their order. As they began their lunch, Min-Soo waited patiently for Ji-Hyun to break the silence.

Finally, she spoke up. "Why do you want to marry me?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Min-Soo leaned back in his chair, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "That's a good question," he said, his deep voice low and smooth.

Min-Soo's expression turned thoughtful as he began to explain."Your father and my father are good friends, but also competitors in business. They thought it would be beneficial for both families to unite through marriage."

Ji-Hyun's eyes widened in surprise, but Min-Soo continued. "At first, I didn't accept the proposal. But when I visited your parents' home, I was touched by their hospitality. I thought to myself, 'If Ji-Hyun is as kind and gracious as her parents, then this marriage might not be so bad.' So, I accepted."

Ji-Hyun's face fell, and she shook her head firmly. "I don't want to marry," she said, her voice clear and resolute.

Min-Soo's eyes widened in shock, his face frozen in stunned silence. He hadn't expected Ji-Hyun to reject the idea of marriage outright.

Min-Soo's expression changed, his eyes widening in surprise. "You don't want to marry?" he repeated, his deep voice tinged with incredulity.

Ji-Hyun shook her head firmly. "No, I don't. I was coerced into agreeing to this arrangement. My father and your father may be friends and business rivals, but that doesn't mean I have to marry you."

Min-Soo's face darkened, his jaw clenched in annoyance. "You're refusing me?" he asked, his tone low and menacing.

Ji-Hyun stood her ground, despite feeling a shiver run down her spine. "Yes, I am. I won't marry someone I don't love or even know."

The air was thick with tension as Min-Soo's eyes locked onto Ji-Hyun's, his gaze piercing and intense.

Min-Soo's face twisted in frustration as he reached out and grabbed Ji-Hyun's cheeks, his fingers digging deep into her skin. Ji-Hyun winced, trying to pull away, but Min-Soo's grip was unyielding.

"Am I a joke to you?" he hissed, his eyes blazing with anger. "Your parents want to marry you to me, and here you are, saying you don't want this marriage. What do you think of yourself?"

Tears formed in Ji-Hyun's eyes, but she couldn't speak, her words trapped by Min-Soo's rough grip. She felt a surge of fear mixed with pain.

"Don't dare to say no to me, do you get it?" Min-Soo snarled, his breath hot against Ji-Hyun's face.

With that, he released her, his face still twisted in anger. Ji-Hyun stumbled back, gasping for air, her cheeks throbbing with pain. Min-Soo turned and stormed out of the VIP room, leaving Ji-Hyun shaken and confused.

She wept, overcome by the sudden change in Min-Soo's behavior. She couldn't help but feel on the verge of tears as she gathered her belongings and left the restaurant. She hailed a taxi and headed home, determined to cancel the marriage.

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