The morning sun crept through the curtains of the Kang penthouse, but it didn't bring its usual heat. Ji-Hoon woke up slowly, the silence of the room feeling heavier than ever. He went through the motions—brushing his teeth, taking a long, steaming bath, and dressing in a custom-tailored suit that felt more like a uniform than clothes. He was preparing for a war he didn't want to fight.
Across the city, Han Seo-Yeon was already an hour into her morning. She didn't believe in "slow mornings." By the time the sun was fully up, she was already at the Han Corporation headquarters, moving through the halls with a dominance that made her staff hold their breath. Her father had handed her Ji-Hoon's number the night before, and with the efficiency of a CEO, she had already dictated the terms. At midnight, while Ji-Hoon was staring at the ceiling, she had sent the text: Grand Hyatt. Private Room 4. 8:30 PM. My schedule is tight. Don't be late.
Ji-Hoon checked the message as he headed to his car. He let out a dry, frustrated laugh. "She thinks she's the boss already," he muttered, his fingers tightening on the steering wheel of his Lamborghini.
To drown out the noise in his head, Ji-Hoon drove to The Nexus, an elite, high-tech gaming lounge. The room was dark, lit only by the neon glow of massive screens.
"Ji-Hoon's here!" Min-Ho called out from the center racing seat. His other friends, Tae-Jun and Doh-Hyun, were already mid-game.
Ji-Hoon slumped into his seat at the end of the row, his hands gripping the controller. "Just play," he said shortly.
"What's the vibe, man?" Tae-Jun asked, sipping his tea. "You vanished yesterday. Did the Chairman finally catch you?"
"Drop it," Ji-Hoon replied, his eyes locked on the digital road.
"Oh, come on," Doh-Hyun teased, mid-bite of a sandwich. "What did they say? 'Marry or else'?"
Ji-Hoon's car on the screen hit a wall. He dropped the controller. "Actually... yes. I'm getting married."
The reaction was a disaster. Tae-Jun choked, spraying his tea across the desk. Doh-Hyun coughed violently as his food got stuck in his throat. Min-Ho just stared, his mouth hanging open.
"Good one," Min-Ho finally wheezed. "April Fools was months ago. You? Married? You hate the very word."
"Believe it or not, that's your problem," Ji-Hoon said, his voice cold. "I'm going on the blind date tonight."
"But what about Yoo Ara?" Tae-Jun asked, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Today is her birthday. She's throwing that massive party at her estate. Everyone who matters in Seoul is invited. She's going to expect you by her side, Ji-Hoon."
Ji-Hoon felt a sharp pang of guilt. "Tell her I'm tied up with a corporate emergency. Tell her I'll be there as soon as I can. Just... make sure she doesn't suspect anything."
Meanwhile, the Yoo Estate was a sea of luxury. The birthday party was in full swing, filled with powerful figures, celebrities, and flashing cameras. Yoo Ara stood at the center of it all, looking breathtaking in a dress that cost more than a sports car. She was the queen of the evening, but her eyes kept darting toward the entrance.
When Ji-Hoon's three friends arrived without him, her smile faltered. She pulled Min-Ho aside immediately. "Where is he? Why isn't he with you?"
Min-Ho wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead. "He... he has some urgent work at the company, Ara. You know how his father is. He said he'll get here the second he's done."
Ara's eyes narrowed. She had a feeling something was wrong, but as a group of guests approached to toast her, she was forced to put her mask back on and welcome them. But deep down, her heart was beginning to burn with suspicion.
Back at the Grand Hyatt, the clock hit 9:00 PM. Ji-Hoon had been sitting alone for thirty minutes. His patience was gone. He drummed his fingers on the table—tap, tap, tap—the sound echoing in the silent, private room.
"I'm done," he hissed, standing up in a fit of frustration. He wasn't a man who waited for anyone.
But just as his hand reached for his jacket, the sound of rhythmic, sharp heels clicked against the marble floor outside. The heavy doors swung open. Two secretaries in black suits stepped aside as Han Seo-Yeon walked in.
She was a vision of cold, dominant beauty. She didn't apologize for being late; she simply adjusted her sleeve and looked at him with an icy, professional gaze. She looked every bit the powerful CEO she was destined to be.
Ji-Hoon froze, his breath hitching as he saw her for the first time. She was more beautiful—and more intimidating—than he had imagined.
At that exact second, the phone inside his jacket pocket began to vibrate violently. It was a loud, buzzing sound that sliced through the sudden silence of the room. He didn't need to look at the screen to know who it was. The timing was a curse.
Yoo Ara was calling from her party, just as his future wife stood three feet away from him.
Ji-Hoon didn't move. He didn't take the call. He simply stood there, the phone buzzing against his chest, as his eyes locked onto the cold, piercing stare of Han Seo-Yeon.
End of Chapter 5...