Chapter 1: The Marriage That Shouldn’t Have Happened

[Kang Family Mansion – Engagement Night]

The ballroom shimmered under the glow of an extravagant chandelier, casting warm light on the powerful businessmen and their families, all dressed to impress. The air was thick with laughter and pleasantries, but for Jiwoon Kang, the scene felt suffocating—like a prison sentence that had no escape.

Beside him sat Yujin Seo, his soon-to-be husband. His presence was a constant reminder of how fate had cruelly bound them together.

Jiwoon clenched his fists under the table, his knuckles turning white. So this is how my life ends? Forced into a marriage with someone I don’t love?

His thoughts raced back to Minjae, the man he truly loved. The man who wasn’t here tonight—because of Yujin.

Jiwoon’s gaze shifted, fixing on Yujin. The man beside him seemed to have it all: soft brown hair, warm eyes, and a gentle smile that seemed so perfect for a husband. But to Jiwoon, Yujin was nothing more than an obstacle—an opportunist who had stolen his happiness and his future with Minjae.

The elders around them continued their cheerful chatter, oblivious to the tension in the room.

“This marriage is a match made in heaven!” Jiwoon’s grandfather beamed proudly, his voice filled with satisfaction.

Yujin smiled politely, though his heart ached with every word spoken. He wasn’t happy either. He didn’t want this marriage. But Jiwoon’s grandfather had begged him—pleaded with him.

“You’re the only one I trust to take care of him,” the older man had said.

And because Yujin had loved Jiwoon for as long as he could remember, he couldn’t refuse. For Jiwoon, I’ll do anything. Even this.

Jiwoon stood abruptly, his chair scraping harshly against the marble floor. Without a word, he reached for Yujin’s wrist, his grip tight and commanding.

“Let’s talk,” Jiwoon said coldly. “Alone.”

---

[Private Garden – Outside the Ballroom]

The cool night air hit them as Jiwoon dragged Yujin away from the festivities. They stood under the soft glow of the garden lights, the flowers around them a stark contrast to the tension that crackled between them.

Jiwoon shoved Yujin against the stone wall, his chest heaving with fury. His eyes burned with rage, but underneath it all, there was pain—raw and unfiltered.

“Are you happy now, Yujin?” Jiwoon’s voice was frigid. "You got what you wanted. You separated me from Minjae. Did you really think that forcing me into this marriage would make me love you?”

Yujin’s heart skipped a beat. He hadn’t known Jiwoon thought that way. He wanted to explain, but the words caught in his throat.

“Jiwoon, that’s not—”

“Shut up!” Jiwoon’s voice cut through the night air like a blade. “You disgust me.” His gaze narrowed, a bitter edge to his words. “And since you wanted to be my husband so badly… I’ll make sure you regret it.”

The words hit Yujin like a punch to the gut. The pain was unbearable. He had loved Jiwoon for so long—since they were children, in fact. He had waited for this moment, thinking that once they were married, Jiwoon would come to see him differently. But now…

Yujin’s breath faltered, his chest tightening with every word Jiwoon said.

This was only the beginning of his suffering.

---

End of Chapter 1

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***