Later That Evening — Nicole's POV
The ride back passed in a blur.
Nicole sat nestled into the back seat of the car, her body physically relaxed but her mind anything but. City lights streaked past the window, reflecting faintly against the glass—her own face ghosted back at her, eyes unfocused, lips pressed together as she replayed every moment of lunch.
The way Gu Sean had looked at her when she spoke.
The calm steadiness in his voice.
The tension that lingered every time their eyes met—unspoken, undeniable.
She hugged her purse closer to her side, exhaling slowly.
What did I just agree to?
The car slowed.
"Miss, we're at your destination."
The driver's husky voice snapped her back to reality.
Nicole blinked, sitting upright as she glanced around, momentarily confused before recognizing Ash's building. She thanked the driver softly and stepped out, the cool evening air brushing against her skin.
Inside the apartment, it was quiet.
"Ash?" she called lightly, slipping off her shoes.
No answer.
She released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.
Good. I need a moment.
Nicole headed straight to her room and turned on the shower. As the warm water cascaded down her back, she stood still beneath it, letting the day wash over her. Her movements were slow, absentminded—like she was watching herself from outside her body.
Her father.
The lunch.
The contract.
Gu Sean's eyes when she admitted the truth about her family.
The weight of it all pressed against her chest.
⸻
Later That Night
The living room glowed softly under warm lamps. Nicole and Ash lounged comfortably on opposite ends of the couch, snacks scattered across the coffee table—chips, fruit, half-empty drinks. It was their usual decompression ritual, a safe space carved out of years of shared history.
Ash rambled animatedly about work, complaining about coworkers and deadlines. Nicole nodded along, smiling at the right moments—but her mind drifted.
Ash noticed.
She paused mid-sentence, narrowing her eyes slightly.
"Okay," Ash said slowly, amused.
"You've been avoiding this for an hour."
Nicole stiffened.
"Avoiding what?" she asked, too quickly.
Ash smirked.
"Gu Sean."
Nicole groaned and leaned back against the couch, covering her face with one hand.
"I don't even know where to start."
Ash scooted closer, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Try the beginning."
Nicole sighed deeply.
⸻
Earlier That Day — Lunch
Gu Sean sat across from her, his posture relaxed, fingers resting loosely near the menu. Amusement flickered across his face—controlled, but unmistakable.
"So," he said calmly, "you finally agreed."
Nicole swallowed, heat creeping up her neck.
"I'm surprised," he continued. "You made that declaration before I even explained my terms."
She shifted in her seat, embarrassed by her own boldness.
"Look," she began, voice trembling slightly. "Clearly… we both stand to gain something from this."
She straightened, lifting her chin, forcing her voice to steady.
"I'm not going to lie. My family life isn't ideal."
Gu Sean's expression softened, his attention sharpening.
"I just got back from overseas for work," she continued quietly. "I only left because of an accident. I needed space. Time to breathe."
Her fingers curled in her lap.
"My dad has always favored my brother. He's the golden child."
Gu Sean remained silent, listening—really listening.
"I was kicked out of my own house," she said bitterly. "Because he's 'married' now. Apparently newlyweds need space."
She scoffed.
"I work myself to exhaustion trying to earn my father's approval, while my brother never has to try."
Her voice dropped.
"He thinks women are only good for marriage."
Gu Sean's jaw tightened imperceptibly.
"Now he wants to set me up with his colleague's son," Nicole added.
"And if I don't comply… he'll force it."
Silence stretched between them.
Gu Sean leaned back slightly, his face composed—but inside, something dark churned violently. The woman he had loved for years was being cornered, pushed toward a life she didn't choose.
The server arrived, taking their orders and briefly breaking the tension.
When they were alone again, Gu Sean spoke.
"You're not the only one who benefits from this marriage."
Nicole looked up.
He explained calmly—about his grandfather, the company, the inheritance conditions. About needing a wife not for love, but legitimacy. About time running out.
She listened carefully.
Then came the contract.
Four years.
Separate rooms.
Strict NDA.
Public appearances.
Penalty of ₩500 million for cheating or early divorce.
A real wedding.
Shared holidays.
Learning each other's interests.
Moving in together in two days.
And the most difficult part—
"We have to look in love," Gu Sean said evenly. "To everyone."
Their eyes met.
The air shifted.
Something unspoken lingered between them—something neither dared to acknowledge.
Nicole's head spun.
Yet… she didn't walk away.
⸻
Back to the Present
Ash stared at Nicole in disbelief.
"So let me get this straight," she said slowly.
"You trauma-bonded over lunch, signed your soul away in a marriage contract, and are moving in with your insanely hot director in two days?"
Nicole threw a cushion at her.
"It wasn't like that!"
Ash laughed—but then softened.
"You okay?"
Nicole nodded slowly.
"He listened," she admitted. "He didn't interrupt. He didn't judge."
She hesitated.
"And somehow… he made it feel safe."
⸻
Meanwhile — Gu Sean
Gu Sean exited the restaurant with quiet satisfaction. He hadn't needed to persuade her the way he'd expected.
But he still hadn't told her the truth.
That he loved her since the night he pulled her out of the water.
That she trusted me before she ever knew my name.
She couldn't know.
Not yet.
Isaac held the car door open, eyes searching his face.
Gu Sean slid into the back seat effortlessly.
Isaac grinned.
"That good, huh?"
Gu Sean didn't answer—only allowed a rare, faint smile.
"Send the marriage contract to Nicole," he said calmly.
"Assign Alex as her personal attendant. Two more staff. Lavender walls. Silver bedroom set. Skylight above her bed."
Isaac blinked.
"Yes, sir."
"She's the lady of the house now," Gu Sean added quietly.
"No delays."
Isaac's excitement was barely contained as he began making calls.
Gu Sean leaned back, eyes closing briefly.
I won't fail her.
Not this time.