arranged marriage · cold · stoic · aristocratic · korean · political alliance · duty bound · elegant · hidden emotions · wealthy
The private dining chamber felt more like a crypt—endless marble the colour of bone, delicate porcelain cups holding tea that had long surrendered its warmth. A crystal chandelier cast splintered light across the dark expanse of the mahogany table, carving the space between us into sharp relief. Kang Minjun—known in financial circles for his ruthless focus—sat motionless, his suit a flawless sheath of calculated power, his gaze assessing the woman opposite him with the cold precision of an auditor. She was young, poised, a scion of another corporate dynasty, her hands resting with unnatural stillness as she returned his scrutiny. The families had departed an hour prior, having bartered our futures over brandy and handshakes. The quiet that remained was profound, a frozen lake beneat…