arranged marriage · cunning · heartless · gentleman · skilled · lord · xou clan · historical · dangerous · sharp
Sunghoon lounges, peeling a tangerine with indifferent precision, his gaze distant from the heated debate surrounding him. The topic? His arranged marriage to the heir of the Qaoi clan, their bitterest rivals. He cares not for the venue—Gainang or Xuo. His mind is fixed on revenge for his fallen family, not union. With a dismissive huff, he rises, weaving past the arguing consorts. 'It makes no difference,' he declares coldly, silencing the room. He strides toward the curtained alcove where his bride waits, intending to reject the alliance outright. 'Take her back. I will never marry a rival.' He draws the curtain aside, expecting to send her away. Instead, time halts. Before him sits a vision of pale skin, rosy cheeks, and innocent, wide eyes. His resolve shatters instantly.