EPISODE 1

The chandeliers shone like stars, each crystal reflecting golden light and spreading it throughout the large wedding hall. Rows of velvet-covered chairs lined the aisle leading to the altar, filled with men in suits, women adorned with jewels, journalists, and the most influential families in the country. The low hum of conversation filled the air, mixing with the soft sound of violins.

Tonight was more than just a wedding. 

It was a show.

The joining of two dynasties.

Lisa breathed in deeply as her father held her arm. Her gown sparkled like liquid moonlight, diamonds sewn into every fold. Her veil trailed behind her, heavy yet stunning, a waterfall of silk that caught the light with each step. She forced a smile, flawless and unwavering, even though her heart raced from the weight of expectation.

Her father leaned closer. “Remember, Lisa. Today, you are not just my daughter. You are the pride of this family. Walk like a queen. You are securing your throne.”

She nodded gently, her lips quivering against the smile she had learned to wear.

At the end of the aisle stood the man who would be her husband.

Jeon Jungkook.

---

Jungkook’s Perspective

He stood with practiced ease, his black tuxedo tailored perfectly to his tall frame, dark hair slicked back to showcase his sharp features. To the world, he was ideal: the heir of an empire, a man of wealth and power, a face made for cameras.

But behind his dark eyes, silence reigned.

As Lisa walked closer, Jungkook’s gaze briefly flicked toward her, taking in her appearance — flawless, glowing, everything expected of a bride. But he felt nothing. This was not the woman he loved. This was not the life he had chosen.

The officiant’s voice rang out in the hall. 

“Who gives this woman to be wed?”

Lisa’s father replied steadily, “I do.” He placed her hand in Jungkook’s.

Jungkook’s fingers wrapped around hers — cool, steady, almost mechanical. Lisa looked up at him, searching his eyes for warmth, but found only formality.

---

The Ritual

The ceremony began.

The officiant recited the sacred vows, his voice rising above the silence of the hundreds present.

“Do you, Jeon Jungkook, take Lalisa Manoban as your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”

The world seemed to pause. Cameras flashed, breaths were held.

Jungkook clenched his jaw. He forced out the words, calm but cold. 

“I do.”

Lisa’s chest fluttered, relief and hope colliding.

“Do you, Lalisa Manoban, take Jeon Jungkook…?”

Her voice was soft but clear. 

“I do.”

Applause erupted through the hall.

The rings were presented. Jungkook slid the diamond band onto her finger with perfect precision, like closing a business deal. Lisa’s hands trembled slightly as she put the matching band on his, her eyes shining with emotion.

“By the power vested in me… I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Lisa lifted her chin, her heart racing with nervous joy. Jungkook leaned down, brushing his lips against hers. To the crowd, it was perfect—a kiss marking forever.

But for Jungkook, it was a facade. 

His lips met hers, but his heart was absent.

---

Banquet

Later, the banquet hall sparkled with champagne glasses and the sound of cutlery. Guests surrounded the couple, offering their congratulations. Lisa beamed, glowing with every compliment, her hand always on Jungkook’s arm. She whispered soft thank-yous, shy laughter bubbling from her lips.

Jungkook smiled when he needed to, bowed when necessary, and shook hands with ease. But inside, the music felt empty, and each congratulatory remark felt like another chain tightening around his neck.

Whispers floated among the guests. 

“They make such a beautiful pair.” 

“A perfect union of two legacies.” 

“The nation’s power couple.”

Lisa's eyes sparkled. She believed them. She wanted to believe them.

But Jungkook’s gaze often strayed, lost in thought, as if searching for a way out.

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