3. Shela

A sly smile spreads across my face as the plan unfolds in my mind. I consider myself clever enough to pull it off. All I need to do is convincingly feign affection for Baekhoon in public. Can I convincingly play the part?

"You're absolutely beaming, aren't you? Your smile's about to split your face. Be careful." Baekhoon's sudden appearance in the bridal suite catches me off guard, his tailored tuxedo accentuating his chiseled physique.

Stunned, I momentarily forget my composure. Baekhoon's dashing appearance in his tailored tuxedo leaves me breathless.

"I thought the earth swallowed you whole," I retort, attempting to conceal my surprise. His unexpected arrival, poised and unfaltering, catches me off guard – no hesitation, no escape.

"Ms. Lee Yongju, I'm surprised you have the audacity to involve yourself with people like us. Outside these walls, predators lurk, ready to pounce. You have ten minutes to reconsider. Think carefully! If you change your mind, I'll ensure your safe exit — a promise I will keep." His piercing gaze intensifies, a familiar, unsettling chill.

"Lee Yongju won't back out!" The President Director interrupts, entering my room. "Baekhoon, this marriage is your only chance to salvage your reputation. Why are you being so obstinate? Do you want the HK Group to collapse?"

Baekhoon's brooding smile hangs in the air, and I'm taken aback by the palpable tension and animosity between father and son.

"I genuinely wish to marry, but not some woman you picked up off the street. I only want Shela, Dad. Is that too much to ask?" Baekhoon said, his piercing gaze fixes on me, his finger pointed accusingly.

But what? Picked up? From the streets? His words cut deep. If I didn't have a conscience, I'd have slapped Baekhoon's smug face by now.

Then… Who's Shela? His lover? Ex, perhaps?

-o0o-

Camera flashes illuminate the grand hall as esteemed guests attend Baekhoon's and my wedding. Everything unfolds seamlessly; our vows are perfectly exchanged. No, our performance is flawlessly natural. Should I be proud of myself?

"It seems you genuinely enjoy torment, don't you?" Baekhoon whispered during our photo shoot.

My body stiffens. Despite the fear, I must appear resilient. "Smile wider! We're being photographed," I whispered back, trying to hide my trembling.

After greeting guests and meeting reporters, Baekhoon and I finally arrive at the hotel in Jeju Island. The President Director meticulously planned everything. Following the wedding ceremony, we immediately flew to Jeju for our honeymoon. I enjoy this vacation, but not for honeymoon.

What will people think of our honeymoon? They'll assume our marriage is genuine. But I've entered a lion's den; this won't be easy for me.

"Hey, Young Master!—" I call out to Baekhoon after swallowing my food.

He stops what he's doing and lazily gazes at me. His glance is enough for me to begin speaking, indicating he's willing to listen. I know he's uninterested in me, and I'm not bothered. I've understood this since we met a few weeks ago.

"—Um, who's Shela?" I asked cautiously. To fulfill my role, I need to understand Baekhoon better.

But — Baekhoon's expression suddenly darkens. His calm face turns grim upon hearing her name. He sets down his utensils, his piercing gaze fixing intensely on me, as if suppressing simmering anger.

"Is she... your lover or ex?" I asked mockingly. "Were the two of you not approved by your parents?"

Baekhoon's countenance darkened ominously, his clenched fists trembling with suppressed ire — as if the very mention of her name had unleashed a maelstrom of emotions he struggled valiantly to contain.

Without finishing his meal, Baekhoon abruptly pushes back his chair — his eyes flashing with unspoken emotions, and swiftly departs, leaving me stunned and bewildered, alone amidst the gentle hum of the hotel restaurant.

"Did I upset him?" I mutter to myself.

-o0o-

We return to Seoul today, despite having three days of our honeymoon left. Baekhoon's sudden decision to leave is triggered by his worsening mood after my innocent question. His behavior seems childish. Apparently, his issues with Shela run deeper. The mere mention of her name strikes a nerve.

We're trapped in an awkward silence as the car speeds from the airport to Baekhoon's house. He remains stubbornly mute, ignoring both me and the driver. His arrogance and stubbornness are nothing new . . . but his over-the-top reaction baffles me. What's really eating away at him?

His eyes are glued to the iPad screen, and I find myself wondering what's got him so busy. Is he really that furious with me, or is something else simmering beneath the surface? My heart is a tangled mess of anxiety — and I'm clueless why his anger unsettles me so deeply.

"What's up?" Baekhoon asked without looking at me. Does my gaze pierce him too intensely? He's aware of my stare, yet his eyes remain fixed on the screen.

"Nothing," I said, forcing a calm tone, though my mind races. Why does his piercing gaze make me stutter? This stunning man beside me, with his chiseled features and captivating presence, unsettles me. My heart skips a beat as our shoulders brush, sending shivers down my spine. What's wrong with me?

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Baekhoon's sharp gaze pierces mine, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Can't I look at my husband?" I blurt out, instantly regretting my words.

"Your husband?" Baekhoon's lips curl into a sarcastic smile, his eyes mocking me.

I nod innocently. Is there something strange about my statement? I'm his wife, and he's my husband. It seems like he's the odd one here. Yet, somehow, I'm the one who feels peculiar.

"I still can't believe I married you," he said, his tone laced with incredulity.

I raise an eyebrow, teasingly. "What's wrong with me? I'm beautiful, and my body's... well, pretty... um, quite sexy," I said, half-jokingly, seeking reassurance.

"Ha! That doesn't capture my attention at all. Even if your body's sexy, I wouldn't be tempted," he said with an elegant, mirthless laugh. His refined amusement is truly captivating. Does wealth teach people how to laugh with such sophistication?

"You're always mocking me," I whisper, a hint of vulnerability slipping through.

He’s incredibly blunt. What does he mean? Am I not his type? Because I’m a woman? Is he into men? Is he really gay, like the rumors say? How dare he! Even someone as stunning as me doesn’t pique his interest. How humiliating. And to make matters worse, his driver heard it too.

-o0o-

This vast, luxurious house feels eerily empty. Only Baekhoon and I reside here, with no one else in sight, not even his driver. I'm unaware of the driver's quarters. The silence is deafening. I head downstairs to prepare breakfast at 5:00 a.m., while Baekhoon seemingly slumbers on.

"Gosh!" I exclaim, my voice trembling with unease. My heart races as I stand frozen in the doorway, my eyes locked on the stranger rifling through our kitchen. "Who are you?" I demand, trying to keep my tone steady amidst the growing tension.