The boutique was quiet, lined with mirrors that reflected every uncertain inch of her. The stylist fussed with the hem of her dress, murmuring compliments that barely reached her ears.
When she finally looked up, Joon-hyuk stood a few feet away, checking his watch like he'd rather be anywhere else.
"You didn't have to come," she muttered.
"You're my fiancée," he said smoothly. "Appearances matter."
She met his gaze in the mirror. "And that's all this is, right? Appearances."
His expression didn't change. "That's what we agreed."
But his eyes lingered a moment too long, as if searching for something he didn't want to find.
When she stepped out in the final dress — soft ivory, with sleeves that shimmered faintly — he actually froze.
For the first time, the CEO looked like a man caught off guard.
"That one," he said after a pause. His voice was low, almost rough. "It suits you."
Her chest tightened. She turned away before he could see the heat rise in her face.
"Fine," she said lightly. "Then it's settled."
As she walked past him, his gaze followed her — unreadable, quiet, almost regretful.