Chapter 1: Fixed marriage
In the opulent Lee mansion, excitement buzzed through the air like a summer storm, filling the sumptuously decorated living room with an electric energy. The scent of freshly arranged flowers mingled with the gentle notes of classical music drifting from a hidden speaker, while two families gathered to discuss the highly anticipated marriage of their sons.
"It's all settled then; they'll be married next month!" Mr. Lee proclaimed, his eyes sparkling with pride as he exchanged delighted glances with the Shins. He leaned back on the plush velvet sofa, the golden light from the chandeliers casting a warm glow on the excited faces around him.
"But where is your son, Jun Seong, Hyuna?" Mrs. Shin asked, her gaze sweeping across the expansive room, where laughter mingled with the clinking of glasses filled with sparkling champagne.
"He's such a workaholic," Hyuna sighed, shaking her head in mild exasperation. She ran a hand through her perfectly styled hair. "He rarely visits us, and I worry he hardly takes care of himself."
"Have no fear, dear! I trust Seongho here will look after him well, right?" she continued, turning her attention to her own son, who sat nervously among the grown-ups, fidgeting with his sleeves.
"Y-yes, eomma," Seongho stammered, his cheeks flushing a deep crimson as he struggled to maintain eye contact. "Once we're married, I promise to take very good care of my hubby."
"Oh? You're already calling him your hubby even before the marriage?" Minseong teased, laughter erupting around the room as the others cooed at Seongho's bashful demeanor.
Mrs. Lee draped an arm around Seongho's shoulders, beaming with pride. "You see, he's like a little sunbeam, lighting up the room! We're so lucky to have him join our family."
Later that evening, as shadows danced in the corners of the mansion, Jun Seong returned, his heart heavy and his mind racing with a whirlwind of thoughts. Why had his parents summoned him so urgently? When he entered, he was met with the familiar sight of his parents engrossed in a reality show, the flickering glow of the screen illuminating their eager faces, laughter spilling out with each dramatic twist.
"Hi, Mom and Dad! How are you both?" he greeted, bowing slightly before settling beside them, feeling the plush cushions envelop him.
"How do you expect us to be okay with your workaholic behavior, pabo?" Mrs. Lee said sharply, her eyes narrowing with concern.
"Well, we've found the perfect solution to your problem," she continued, a mischievous sparkle lighting her gaze. "Your father and I have arranged your marriage to the Shin family. You remember them, right?"
Jun Seong's heart sank. He exchanged a glance with his father, whose knowing smirk betrayed a mix of satisfaction and resigned acceptance—there would be no arguing this decision.
"Mom, can I at least see his photos?" he asked, clenching his fists, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
"Of course, my son!" she eagerly scrolled through her phone, tapping on a picture. "Here he is. Isn't he handsome?"
Jun Seong couldn't help but smirk at the image of the pretty boy staring back at him—a flash of mischief in those bright eyes, cheeks still pink from the earlier conversation. A wave of amusement washed over him. This sham marriage might not be so dull after all, he mused.
"Okay, Mother and Father, I'll marry him," he said with a hint of feigned innocence, masking a flicker of curiosity about this Seongho.
"Wonderful!" Mr. Lee declared, leaning back into his chair with satisfaction as the reality show resumed. Mrs. Lee beamed with delight, showering him with praise and a flurry of excited chatter about wedding plans.
Moments later, he heard his younger brother's familiar voice.
"Hyung, I missed you so much!" Minseong exclaimed, wrapping his arms around him in a tight hug before plopping down beside him. "Hyung… your soon-to-be bride is so cute and pretty! He was all blushy when the engagement was brought up and even called you his hubby!"
Jun Seong felt an involuntary smile spreading across his face, despite his earlier resolve. Minseong's enthusiasm was infectious. Yet, he quickly chided himself—this marriage was merely a matter of convenience. He vowed not to fall for his soon-to-be partner.
After a lively dinner filled with laughter and playful banter, Jun Seong retreated to his luxurious room in Seoul, the moonlight spilling through the sheer curtains casting an ethereal glow over the space. His mind spun with tangled thoughts regarding the marriage he had been thrust into. He drove his sleek car through the night, the city lights blurring past, ignoring the polite greetings from his staff as he spiraled deeper into introspection.
Once inside, he took a refreshing shower, the water cascading over him as he tried to wash away his mounting apprehensions. As he dried himself, grim reflections about the next day's meeting loomed large. With a frustrated groan, he decided to distract himself and headed to his study to review reports that demanded urgent attention. Hours slipped away as he buried himself in work, the looming marriage fading into the background like a forgotten dream.
Meanwhile, in Busan, Seongho was a bundle of nerves and excitement, his heart racing at the prospect of meeting his future in-laws. He paced the floor of his room, practice smiles forming on his lips as he envisioned their first night together. Would it be tender and filled with affection, or merely functional? Butterflies danced in his stomach as he imagined his life transforming into a fairy tale—a life reminiscent of the web novels he adored. Exhausted yet exhilarated, he finally succumbed to slumber, a soft smile gracing his lips as dreams of his soon-to-be husband enveloped him.
Could their union blossom into something more beautiful than a mere marriage of convenience? Only time would reveal the wonders hidden just beneath the surface.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Amyratu
Amyratu "I've always been drawn to stories about love that blossoms in unexpected places. In this story, I wanted to explore the idea of two people from very different worlds coming together, forced by circumstance but finding something truly special in each other. I'm particularly interested in how Junseong's ambition and Seongho's warmth will clash and ultimately, hopefully, complement each other. I can't wait to see how their journey unfolds, and I hope readers will be swept away by their love story even though it requires patience."
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