Chapter Text
Han Junkyung had always considered charity work a vital extension of Hue Cosmetics’ mission. Today, he, along with his parents and Yoon Si-Hyeon, the company’s charity advisor and his ex-girlfriend, were visiting Seoul National University Hospital to discuss potential collaborations and expansions of their charity initiatives into the healthcare sector.
The hospital's halls were a mix of hurried activity and hushed conversations. As they approached the pediatric wing, a palpable tension hung in the air. Junkyung noticed a group of doctors stepping out of the operation theatre, their expressions somber. Leading the group was a female doctor, her face a picture of controlled sorrow.
She approached a family waiting anxiously nearby. Junkyung could see the desperation in their eyes. The doctor shook her head slightly, and all hell broke loose. The mother crashed to the ground, wailing in agony. The father’s face crumpled, tears streaming down as he tried to support his wife. The doctor, much to Junkyung’s surprise, got down on her knees in front of the inconsolable parents. The hallway echoed with the heart-wrenching cries of "my baby," making the grief almost tangible.
The mother, in her grief, hit the doctor a few times on her shoulders and arms, a raw expression of her unimaginable pain. Junkyung saw one of the doctor's colleagues start to move forward to protect her, but the doctor raised her hand, shaking her head in a clear warning: "Don't interfere." She stayed kneeling, her posture a silent apology, absorbing the parents’ grief and anger.
Junkyung was struck by the scene. The doctor’s empathy and resilience were palpable. She stayed with the family for at least ten minutes, a silent witness to their sorrow. Junkyung noticed a single tear roll down the corner of her eye, but she made no move to wipe it away. Her entire focus was on the grieving parents, speaking softly to them, her voice a low murmur amidst their cries.
His parents and Si-Hyeon stood nearby, clearly moved by the scene. Junkyung found himself unable to look away. The doctor's dedication and compassion were unlike anything he had witnessed before. He felt a mix of admiration and sorrow as he watched her share in the parents’ pain, offering whatever solace she could in such a devastating moment.
As the cries slowly began to subside, the doctor gently helped the mother to her feet, supporting her with an unwavering strength. Junkyung could see the exhaustion etched on her face, but also a steadfast determination. She guided the family away, still speaking to them in soothing tones.
Junkyung turned to his parents and Si-Hyeon, who were equally silent, reflecting on what they had just witnessed. “We need more people like her in the world,” his mother finally said, her voice thick with emotion.
“Indeed,” Junkyung replied, his mind racing. He felt a strange connection to the scene, an urge to understand more about this remarkable doctor who had just shown him a glimpse of the true depth of human compassion and dedication. He made a mental note to find out more about her as they continued their visit, now carrying the weight of the raw humanity they had just witnessed.
Han Junkyung sat at the elegantly set table, the atmosphere around him brimming with a mix of anticipation and formality. His parents, seated on either side of him, exchanged polite conversation with the Seo family, but he could sense the underlying tension. The reason for this gathering was significant: an arranged marriage between him and the Seo family's youngest child, Seo Ari.
Despite the upscale ambiance of one of Seoul's most high-end restaurants, the absence of Seo Ari was conspicuous. Junkyung had been told she was running late, and he couldn't help but feel a mixture of curiosity and impatience. He glanced at his parents, who were maintaining their composed facades, yet he knew they shared his sentiments.
Just as the conversation began to lull, the door to the private dining room opened with a quiet urgency. In rushed a woman, slightly out of breath, wearing a simple black t-shirt tucked into high-waisted trousers. Her hair, which he remembered as being tied up neatly in a bun earlier, now framed her face in soft waves.
Junkyung's breath caught in his chest. It was her—the doctor from the hospital. The same woman who had knelt in empathy before grieving parents, who had shown such raw compassion and strength. He looked towards his parents and saw the same shock mirrored in their eyes. The sheer coincidence was staggering.
Seo Ari bowed deeply, her voice earnest and sincere. "I'm so sorry for being late. I had an emergency at the hospital." Her gaze, though exhausted, was full of determination.
Much to their surprise, she leaned over and dropped a kiss on her mother's forehead, then her father's, and finally her brother's. The intimate gestures spoke volumes about her affection and closeness with her family. Her brother chuckled softly. "Ari and her instant gratification."
Ari sank into the seat diagonally opposite Junkyung, her exhaustion evident in every movement. "I heard that," she murmured, her voice tinged with fatigue yet carrying a hint of amusement.
Junkyung couldn't take his eyes off her. The woman who had captivated him earlier that day with her dedication and empathy was now sitting across from him, part of an arranged marriage discussion that suddenly felt anything but ordinary. He felt an inexplicable connection, a sense that fate had intertwined their paths in a way he couldn't ignore.
The initial surprise slowly gave way to a deep sense of admiration and intrigue. Here was a woman who was not only a brilliant neurosurgeon but also someone who wore her heart on her sleeve, unafraid to show vulnerability and strength in equal measure.
As the dinner progressed, Junkyung found himself paying closer attention to every word she spoke, every gesture she made. He was determined to learn more about this remarkable woman who had, in such a short span of time, profoundly impacted him.
As the dinner drew to a close, Han Junkyung found himself glancing repeatedly at Seo Ari. Her resilience and quiet strength had intrigued him throughout the evening. When she hesitantly approached him, he could see the weariness still etched on her face.
"Would you be open to taking a walk after dinner?" she asked, her voice soft and slightly uncertain.
He nodded, curious to see where this would lead. "Of course."
"Too crowded," she said, almost to herself, then looked directly at him. "Can I take you somewhere else?"
Intrigued, Junkyung followed her out of the restaurant. They walked towards his sleek Aston Martin, but Ari stopped in front of a black Mercedes G-Wagon parked beside it. She turned to him, her expression unreadable. "Please follow me."
Junkyung's eyebrows shot up in surprise. He didn't know a single woman in his circle who would opt for such a vehicle. Ari was full of surprises.
She hopped into the driver's seat of the G-Wagon with practiced ease. Junkyung slipped into his Aston Martin, the engine purring to life as he followed her through the bustling streets of Seoul. His curiosity only deepened as they drove, eventually arriving at the Han River front.
The area was alive with strollers, cyclists, and the general hum of everyday life. It was a stark contrast to the high-end restaurant they had just left. Ari parked and stepped out, walking towards the railing that overlooked the river. Junkyung followed suit, taking in the serene view and the refreshing breeze.
Leaning against the railing, Ari took a deep breath and whispered, "I'm sorry. I had a bad day. I needed an escape from the scrutinizing glances."
Junkyung nodded, understanding perfectly. As wealthy patrons, they were always under a microscope. The judgmental looks when Ari had walked in wearing a simple t-shirt to such a prestigious place had not gone unnoticed. But what struck him the most was how little she seemed to care about people's opinions of her.
"You did nothing wrong," he said softly, his eyes meeting hers. "Everyone has bad days."
Ari gave a small, grateful smile. "Thank you. It's just... today was particularly tough."
He watched her, seeing the vulnerability she rarely showed. Despite her calm exterior, he could sense the turmoil within. The way she leaned into the moment, seeking solace from the ordinary surroundings, was both poignant and telling.
"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked gently.
She shook her head, looking out over the water. "Not really. Just needed to breathe."
Junkyung nodded again, falling silent. Sometimes, words weren't necessary. Standing there with her, in a place where they were just two people and not public figures, felt surprisingly comfortable. He realized that despite the brief time they had known each other, he was beginning to understand her in ways that went beyond words.
As they stood together, the sounds of the river and the city blending into a soothing background, Junkyung felt a sense of calm wash over him. Ari's presence, her authenticity, was something he hadn't encountered in a long time. And in that moment, he knew that their journey together was just beginning.
Ari whispered, "I lost a patient today."
"I know," Junkyung whispered back, just as softly.
Her head whipped to his side so fast, her eyes wide and searching. "We were at the hospital today. Hue's charity is expanding. We saw what happened," he explained.
"Oh," she whispered, the word barely escaping her lips. She didn't say anything more, her gaze dropping back to the river.
"Can I ask you something, Seo Ari-ssi?" Junkyung's voice was gentle but insistent.
Ari looked uncomfortable, almost scared. The idea that he might ask her to share something deeply personal, when he had already seen a vulnerable side of hers without her knowledge, made her anxious. Still, she nodded.
"I understood the kneeling. I understood the apology. I understood the tear that rolled down your eye as you tried to hug the mother. But the hits? Why did you let her hit you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with genuine curiosity and concern.
"They will never get to see their kid laughing, eating, heck, even crying ever again," she began, her voice trembling but steady. "A few hits of grief will do me no harm. If hitting me would have helped the mother for even a second, then I would say I did good."
Junkyung's breath faltered in his chest as she said that. Her words, her empathy, her willingness to bear the pain of others, struck him deeply.
She looked at him sorrowfully, her eyes reflecting the weight of the world she carried. "Billions to my name, and I still can't save everyone. No amount of money can bring back the dead."
Junkyung felt a profound respect for her in that moment. This woman, who seemed so unassuming and simple in her appearance and demeanor, held within her a depth of compassion and strength he had rarely encountered.
"You did what you could, and more than most would," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "You gave them a moment of release, and that's something."
Ari gave a small, sad smile. "I try. Sometimes it's all I can do."
As they stood there, the night air wrapping around them, Junkyung realized that he was not just standing beside a remarkable woman, but someone who could truly understand the complexities of their world. And perhaps, he thought, they could find solace and strength in each other.
The silence stretched between them, comfortable and filled with unspoken understanding. The city lights flickered around them, and the gentle hum of life continued on, but in that moment, they were just two people finding a connection amidst the chaos.
As they stood looking at the waves of the Han River, the rhythmic sound of the water provided a tranquil backdrop to their silence. Junkyung felt an unexpected sense of peace, the most unburdened he had felt in the presence of a woman—especially one who might become his life partner. The usual pretenses and superficiality that accompanied his interactions with others of their social circle were entirely absent here.
Before he even realized what was happening, he felt a gentle touch. Ari's much smaller fingers were tentatively wrapping around his pinky finger. It was a painfully fragile and trusting gesture, almost as if she were silently asking for support. He glanced at her and saw the blush that dusted her cheeks as she kept her eyes trained forward, too shy to look at him directly.
Junkyung's heart swelled with a protectiveness he had never felt before. He wanted to pull her into his arms, to shield her from the harshness of the world. He was taken aback by the depth of his emotions for a woman he had only known for a few hours. But there was something about Seo Ari that struck him as profoundly real and courageous. She wore her heart on her sleeve, and her authenticity was a stark contrast to the facade that so many in their circles maintained. There was nothing fake about her. She was so genuinely herself that it would be intimidating for those who lacked character and mental fortitude to even maintain eye contact with her.
Junkyung admired her strength, her unyielding spirit. He realized that if he weren't secure in his own abilities and self-worth, he might have felt inadequate next to her. But instead, he felt a sense of kinship and a burgeoning admiration.
"Be patient with me. Please," she whispered, her voice soft and earnest.
He understood. She was talking about the arranged marriage, trying to sort out her own feelings about the whole situation. He turned slightly to face her, their pinkies still linked, and he nodded.
"I will," he promised, his voice just as soft. "We'll take this one step at a time, together."
She finally looked up at him then, her eyes reflecting gratitude and a glimmer of hope. In that moment, Junkyung knew that whatever the future held, he was willing to face it with her. They might not have chosen this path, but they could walk it together, learning and growing alongside one another.
For now, standing by the river with their fingers intertwined, it was enough.
The night of the Hue Cosmetics product launch was an important one for Han Junkyung. The event was not just a testament to the success and growth of the company under his leadership, but also a chance to bring the Seo and Han families closer. He had extended an invitation to the Seo family, hoping that Ari would attend, especially after their quiet yet meaningful night at the Han River two weeks ago. However, in the chaos of work and her busy schedule, they hadn’t been able to contact each other since then.
As he circulated through the elegantly decorated hall, mingling with investors, press, and influential guests, his eyes kept darting to the entrance, waiting for a glimpse of Ari. When the Seo family arrived, he greeted them warmly, but his heart fell slightly when he realized she wasn’t with them.
Had she decided not to come? Had their last interaction meant nothing to her? He pushed the thoughts aside, knowing he had responsibilities tonight. He was the face of Hue Cosmetics, and he needed to be present and focused.
But as the evening wore on and he made his rounds, something caught his eye. There, by the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city skyline, stood Ari. She was a vision in a sleek black off-shoulder dress that fell gracefully to her calves. The dress hugged her figure elegantly, and the high heels she wore gave her an added height that made her look almost statuesque. Her hair, long and flowing, cascaded down her back like a waterfall of silk, catching the soft light of the chandeliers.
But it wasn’t just her attire that drew him in. What captivated him most was the thin gold chain around her neck, adorned with a small, embossed pendant. It was minimalistic, almost unassuming—a stark contrast to the ostentatious displays of wealth that were the norm in their circles. The pendant’s simplicity made it all the more striking, a quiet statement of who she was.
Junkyung found himself walking toward her, his breath catching in his chest as he got closer. There was something about her presence, a quiet strength, and an unpretentious grace that made her stand out in the crowd of glittering socialites. She was gazing out the window, lost in thought, seemingly oblivious to the attention she was garnering from those around her.
"Ari," he greeted her softly, his voice cutting through the low hum of the room.
She turned to face him, her expression shifting from pensive to a gentle smile as she recognized him. "Junkyung-ssi," she replied, her voice warm, though her eyes still carried a hint of the fatigue he had noticed before.
"I wasn’t sure if you’d make it tonight," he admitted, his relief at seeing her evident in his tone.
"I wasn’t sure either," she confessed with a small chuckle. "I just got back from Japan this morning. It’s been... hectic."
He nodded, understanding. "I’m glad you did. It wouldn’t have been the same without you."
Ari glanced down for a moment, as if gathering her thoughts, then looked back up at him. "I couldn’t miss it. You’ve worked hard for this. It’s impressive, Junkyung-ssi. Really."
Her words, simple yet sincere, filled him with a warmth that no amount of accolades or business success could. "Thank you," he said, his voice soft. He hesitated for a moment, then asked, "May I ask about your pendant? It’s... unique."
Ari’s hand instinctively went to the small pendant resting against her collarbone. She glanced at it briefly before meeting his gaze again. "It was my grandmother’s," she explained. "She gave it to me when I was little. Told me that no matter how big the world gets, this would always remind me of what’s important."
Her words hung in the air between them, profound in their simplicity. Junkyung found himself admiring her even more—this woman who held on to values and memories in a world that often valued neither.
"It’s beautiful," he said quietly, and he meant it in more ways than one.
Ari gave him a small, almost shy smile in response, the kind that made his heart skip a beat. She looked back out at the city for a moment, then turned to him again. "Would you like to join me for a moment? The view from here is... calming."
"I’d like that," he replied, moving to stand beside her, their shoulders almost touching.
Together, they stood in silence, gazing out at the city that stretched endlessly before them. In that moment, surrounded by the opulence of the event, the noise of the crowd, and the expectations of their respective families, they found a quiet connection—a shared moment that was theirs alone. And for Junkyung, that was more than enough.
As they continued to stand by the window, the city lights of Seoul glittering in the background, Ari turned around, leaning against the glass. Her eyes shifted from the stunning view outside to the crowded room behind them. Junkyung remained facing the window, but he noticed the shift in her posture, the subtle tension that seeped into her frame.
She observed the gathering of people, the way their eyes flitted toward them, the camera flashes that seemed to go off more frequently in their direction. It wasn’t hard to deduce that the crowd was paying attention, perhaps a bit too much attention, to the two of them.
"We seem to be garnering attention," she murmured softly, her fingers absentmindedly playing with the pendant around her neck. The familiar, comforting motion seemed to ground her amidst the unwanted scrutiny.
Junkyung’s gaze remained on the cityscape, but his mind was on her. The concern in her voice, though subtle, didn’t escape him. After a pause, he asked quietly, his tone betraying a hint of vulnerability, "Does it bother you? Being seen with me?"
Ari was silent for a moment, the noise of the event fading as she considered his question. Junkyung’s heart beat a little faster as he awaited her response. When she finally spoke, her words took him by surprise.
"Not as much as I thought it would," she answered, her voice steady, but layered with meaning. His curiosity piqued, Junkyung turned slightly to face her, one eyebrow arching in silent inquiry.
Ari’s gaze flickered back to the crowd, taking in the sea of curious faces and judgmental glances. "I agree that I’ve stayed away from all of this," she admitted, gesturing slightly to the room filled with Seoul’s elite, the very circles she had always avoided. "But I think with you—" she paused, taking a deep breath, "with you, I will be protected."
Junkyung’s heart soared at her words, a warmth spreading through his chest. That she, a woman of such strength and independence, would associate him with safety, with protection—it was more than he could have hoped for. He had always thought of himself as a protector, someone who shielded those he cared about from the harshness of the world. To know that Ari saw him in that light filled him with a sense of purpose, a fierce determination to be that safe harbor for her.
But just as he was basking in the significance of her words, Ari did something that left him completely unprepared, as she often did with her unpredictable nature. She turned her gaze back to him, her eyes gleaming with amusement and something else—something tender, almost affectionate.
"I have found myself a possessive husband," she said, her tone carrying a mix of playful teasing and genuine affection. She looked up at him, one eyebrow raised in a challenge, daring him to contradict her, to deny what they both knew to be true.
Junkyung’s heart skipped a beat, his thoughts racing as her words settled in. He had only met this woman twice, yet she had already unraveled him, exposed parts of himself he hadn’t realized were there. And she was right—he was possessive of her. He wanted to protect her from the world, to ensure that nothing could harm her or make her feel lesser than she was. But it was more than that. He wanted the world to know that she was his, just as much as he was hers.
He couldn’t contradict her, nor did he want to. Instead, he let his eyes meet hers, his expression softening as he accepted the truth she had so boldly laid out between them. "You’re right," he said quietly, his voice laced with something deeper, something that made Ari’s breath hitch ever so slightly. "I am possessive. And I’m not sorry for it."
Ari’s lips curled into a small, satisfied smile, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of emotions—relief, contentment, and perhaps a burgeoning affection that she wasn’t ready to fully acknowledge yet. She had found her protector, her safe haven in a world that often felt too harsh, too overwhelming. And in him, Junkyung had found someone who understood him, who accepted his fierce need to protect and possess without judgment, without fear.
As they stood there, the weight of their unspoken understanding settling between them, the crowd around them seemed to fade into the background. For that brief moment, in the midst of flashing cameras and whispered conversations, it was just the two of them, standing at the edge of something new, something neither of them had expected but both were slowly, irrevocably being drawn into.
As Ari leaned against the cool glass of the floor-to-ceiling windows, she let her gaze wander across the room. The event was in full swing, and the whispers, glances, and occasional camera flashes directed toward her were impossible to miss. She could feel the weight of the judgmental stares, especially from the women in the room, who seemed to scrutinize her every move, every breath. Normally, such attention would have made her uncomfortable, perhaps even self-conscious. But tonight, something was different.
Han Junkyung was standing beside her, his tall frame just slightly in front of hers, as if instinctively shielding her from the attention she had always tried to avoid. It wasn’t something he did overtly—there was no grand gesture, no obvious attempt to protect her from the crowd. But his mere presence, the way he positioned himself without thinking, made her feel safe, protected in a way she hadn’t expected.
She could see the envy in the eyes of some of the women, their curious glances tinged with something more—jealousy, perhaps. Han Junkyung was a well-known figure, admired and desired within their circles, and here he was, standing close to her, seemingly unbothered by the whispers and attention they were attracting. Ari could almost hear the unspoken questions: *Who is she? How did she manage to secure his attention?*
But for once, the judgment didn’t bother her. None of it did. Because what they couldn’t see, what they would never understand, was the connection she was beginning to feel with the man beside her. Han Junkyung had turned out to be so different from the men she had met before—those polished, high-society individuals who always seemed to have an agenda, who judged her every action, her every word.
Junkyung hadn’t done that. From the very first time they had met, he had allowed her to be herself, without any expectations or judgments. He hadn’t told her how to feel or how to act; instead, he had simply let her be, accepting her emotions, her quirks, her complexities without question. And it was that acceptance, that quiet understanding, that made her feel free. Free to show him her true self, free to be vulnerable in a way she rarely was with anyone else.
Ari’s fingers instinctively reached for the small pendant hanging around her neck, fiddling with it as she considered the man beside her. She could see the protective instincts in his eyes, the way he watched her, not with possession, but with a quiet, almost fierce determination to ensure she was comfortable, safe. It wasn’t something he said out loud, but she could feel it, in the way he subtly adjusted his stance, the way his attention was always partly on her, even as they stood in silence.
She turned her gaze from the crowd to him, taking in the way his eyes remained fixed on the cityscape beyond the glass. There was something reassuring about his presence, something that made her feel like she didn’t have to carry the weight of everything on her own. And that was new for her—letting someone else share the burden, even if just a little.
"We seem to be garnering attention," she murmured softly, more as an observation than a complaint. Her fingers continued to toy with the pendant, a small, absentminded gesture that helped ground her amidst the overwhelming situation.
Junkyung’s voice, when it came, was just as soft, laced with a vulnerability she hadn’t expected. "Does it bother you? Being seen with me?"
Ari paused, considering his question. Did it bother her? She had spent so much of her life avoiding the spotlight, staying away from the judgment and expectations of high society. But now, standing beside him, the answer was clearer than she had anticipated. "Not as much as I thought it would," she replied after a moment, her voice steady.
She saw his eyebrow lift in a silent question, and she couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "I agree that I’ve stayed away from all of this," she admitted, glancing at the room filled with Seoul’s elite, the very circles she had always kept at arm’s length. "But I think with you—" She took a breath, letting herself acknowledge the truth of her feelings. "With you, I will be protected."
His reaction was subtle, but she saw the way his eyes softened, the way his posture relaxed slightly, as if her words had eased something in him. It made her heart flutter, knowing that he understood, that he wouldn’t let the world’s scrutiny touch her. And that feeling, that trust, was something she hadn’t realized she had been searching for until now.
But then, because it was in her nature to be unpredictable, to challenge the norms in her own quiet way, she looked up at him, letting a playful glint enter her eyes. "I have found myself a possessive husband," she said, her voice teasing but with a layer of affection that she hadn’t quite intended to show.
She watched his reaction, the way he blinked, his thoughts clearly racing as he processed her words. And then, just as she had expected, his gaze met hers with a depth of emotion that took her breath away. "You’re right," he said softly, his voice carrying a weight that made her heart skip a beat. "I am possessive. And I’m not sorry for it."
Ari felt a rush of warmth at his words, a contentment she hadn’t expected to find in this situation. She had always been independent, strong-willed, determined to protect herself from the world. But with Han Junkyung, she found herself willing to let go, to allow him to stand beside her, to protect her in a way no one else had. And in that moment, as they stood together, surrounded by the city’s elite but feeling like it was just the two of them, Ari realized that she had found something she hadn’t even known she was looking for—a partner who saw her, understood her, and accepted her for exactly who she was.
As they stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city lights twinkling in the background, Ari turned her gaze up to him, her eyes reflecting a mixture of vulnerability and resolve. Her slender fingers, warm and gentle, reached out to take hold of his right hand, the contact electrifying and intimate. Junkyung's breath caught as he felt her touch, her fingers tracing a path to his wedding ring finger.
She hovered there for a moment, her thumb softly brushing over the spot where his wedding ring would one day rest. It was a tender, almost reverent gesture, and Junkyung felt his entire being freeze, caught in the intensity of the moment. His heart pounded in his chest, every part of him attuned to her delicate touch and the significance of her actions.
Ari’s eyes locked with his, holding a depth that seemed to speak volumes more than words ever could. It was as though she was making a silent declaration, a claim on him that went beyond the physical touch. Her fingers lingered on his ring finger, a soft, possessive hold that suggested an unspoken promise and an earnest desire for their future together.
The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in this intimate, fragile bubble. Her voice, when she spoke, was a gentle whisper, but it carried a weight that made Junkyung’s heart race. "I don't want to wait too long to become Mrs. Han."
The simplicity and earnestness of her words struck him deeply. They were a promise of commitment, a declaration of her readiness and her desire to move forward together. Junkyung’s mind raced as he processed the gravity of what she had just said. Here was a woman who, despite the challenges and judgments, was willing to step into the future with him, to embrace a life that was intertwined with his.
In that moment, as he looked into her eyes, he felt an overwhelming sense of certainty. He knew, with an intensity that left no room for doubt, that he wanted to make her wishes a reality. The thought of delaying, of waiting for some undefined future, seemed inconceivable. The bond they were beginning to forge was real, and it was something he was ready to embrace wholeheartedly.
He took a deep breath, his voice soft but resolute. "Neither do I," he said, his words carrying the weight of his own feelings. "Let's not wait. Let’s make this happen."
Ari’s smile was radiant, a mix of relief and joy that illuminated her face. As their eyes met, there was a shared understanding between them, an unspoken agreement that they were both ready to take the leap. The future, once a distant and uncertain concept, now seemed within reach, and Junkyung knew that with Ari by his side, it was a future he eagerly anticipated.
Yoon Si-Hyeon POV
Yoon Si-Hyeon had always prided herself on her ability to read people. It was a skill that had served her well both in her career as a charity advisor and in her personal life. But as she stood on the outskirts of the event, watching Han Junkyung and Seo Ari by the floor-to-ceiling windows, she found herself grappling with an emotion she rarely allowed herself to feel: envy.
She had known Junkyung for years—first as a colleague, then as a lover, and eventually, as an ex. Their relationship had always been one of convenience, an arrangement of mutual benefit rather than a passionate love affair. Still, she had cared for him in her own way, even if she knew deep down that neither of them was capable of giving the other what they truly needed. Junkyung had always been closed off, his emotions tightly guarded behind walls that few could penetrate. He was a man of ambition, of control, and most importantly, of discipline. He had mastered the art of keeping people at a distance, and Si-Hyeon had accepted that long ago.
But tonight, as she watched him with Seo Ari, something was different. The way he stood with Ari, his hand resting possessively on her waist, was a sight Si-Hyeon had never witnessed before. It wasn’t just that he was touching her—it was how he was touching her. The gesture was protective, even intimate, as if he was silently telling the world that this woman was his and that he would do anything to keep her safe. Si-Hyeon knew Junkyung well enough to understand the significance of that simple touch. This wasn’t the cold, calculated CEO she had once known; this was a man who had found someone worth letting his guard down for.
And that stung more than she cared to admit.
As she observed them, she couldn’t help but notice the way Ari seemed at ease in Junkyung’s presence, despite the attention they were drawing from the crowd. The whispers, the curious glances, the subtle judgment—it all seemed to roll off her like water. Ari wasn’t just standing beside Junkyung; she was standing with him, as his equal. There was no pretension, no need to impress. She was simply herself, and that was enough.
Si-Hyeon’s gaze lingered on Ari’s face, noting the way she looked up at Junkyung with a soft smile, her eyes full of trust and something deeper that Si-Hyeon couldn’t quite place. It was then that she realized what she was truly envious of. It wasn’t just that Ari had managed to break through Junkyung’s barriers; it was that she had done so effortlessly, without even trying. Where others had failed, Ari had succeeded—simply by being who she was.
Si-Hyeon had always thought that if Junkyung were to settle down, it would be with someone like her—a woman who understood the demands of their world, who could navigate the complexities of high society with grace and poise. But looking at Ari, Si-Hyeon could see why Junkyung had fallen for her. Ari was nothing like the women in their circles, and that was exactly why she was perfect for him. She was real, unguarded, and most importantly, she didn’t need Junkyung to complete her. She was whole on her own, and that made her all the more captivating.
As she continued to watch them, Si-Hyeon felt a pang of regret. She had never been able to reach Junkyung in the way Ari clearly had, and now, she understood that she never would have been able to. They had been wrong for each other from the start, two people who were too similar in their emotional detachment to ever truly connect. But Junkyung had found someone who could do what Si-Hyeon never could—make him feel.
And so, as she watched Junkyung and Ari together, Si-Hyeon couldn’t help but feel a bittersweet mixture of emotions. She was happy for Junkyung, truly, because she had always wanted the best for him. But at the same time, she couldn’t deny the envy that simmered just beneath the surface. Ari had something with Junkyung that Si-Hyeon had once longed for, and seeing them together only served to remind her of what she had never had.
Still, as she turned away from the scene, Si-Hyeon knew that this was the way things were meant to be. Junkyung had found someone who could break through his walls, someone who could give him the kind of love he deserved. And as much as it hurt to admit, Si-Hyeon knew that she was not, and never could have been, that person.
She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and prepared to face the rest of the evening with the poise that had become her trademark. But as she did, she couldn’t help but steal one last glance at Junkyung and Ari. In that moment, she allowed herself to feel a sliver of hope—hope that maybe, just maybe, she too would one day find someone who could make her feel the way Ari made Junkyung feel.
But until then, she would have to be content with watching from the sidelines, knowing that she had played her part in helping Junkyung become the man he was today. And that, she told herself, would have to be enough.
The next day, Ari stepped out of Seoul National University Hospital with a purposeful stride. The usual hustle and bustle of reporters outside the hospital entrance didn’t faze her—she was used to the occasional media attention. But today, the air felt different. There was a heightened sense of anticipation, a murmur of curiosity that rippled through the crowd as soon as she appeared.
With a small smile playing at the corners of her lips, Ari let herself enjoy the moment. She wasn’t one to flaunt her wealth or status, but she wasn’t about to let the opportunity slip by today. As she approached the hospital steps, she casually reached up to brush a stray lock of hair behind her ear, making sure to use her left hand. The morning sun caught the diamond on her ring finger, sending out a flash of light that immediately drew the cameras' attention.
The engagement ring was exquisite—a princess-cut diamond set in platinum, timeless in its elegance. It wasn’t just any ring, though; it was a Han family heirloom, a piece of history that had graced the hand of Han Junkyung’s grandmother for decades. The ring had been carefully preserved, waiting for the day it would be passed down to the next Han bride. Now, it was on her finger, a symbol not just of their engagement, but of the legacy she was about to become a part of.
As expected, the photographers didn’t miss the subtle display. The clicks of the cameras became a rapid staccato as lenses zoomed in to capture the sparkling diamond. Ari didn’t stop, didn’t pose, but she didn’t need to. The message was clear: Dr. Seo Ari, the elusive billionaire heiress and neurosurgeon, was officially off the market.
She could feel the curiosity and the whispers as she walked to her car, but she ignored them with practiced ease. Once inside her black Mercedes G-Wagon, she allowed herself a small, satisfied smile as she buckled her seatbelt. The ring felt heavy, but in a good way—a reminder of the weight of her commitment, of the future she was choosing to build with Han Junkyung.
The drive to Hue Cosmetics headquarters was familiar, the city passing by in a blur as she navigated through the traffic. Despite the media frenzy, her thoughts were calm, focused. She had an important meeting with the hospital board later, but right now, her priority was something—someone—else entirely.
Junkyung.
Their engagement had been whirlwind, but it felt right. He had shown her more understanding and patience in these few short weeks than most people had in her entire life. And today, she wanted to see him, to talk about everything and nothing, to steal a few moments of peace before their busy schedules took over again.
As she pulled into the underground parking lot at Hue Cosmetics, Ari felt a flutter of anticipation. She parked her car and made her way to the private elevator that led directly to Junkyung’s office floor. The ride up was smooth, the silence broken only by the soft hum of the elevator’s mechanics.
When the doors opened, she was greeted by the familiar sight of the sleek, minimalist design of Hue Cosmetics’ executive floor. She walked past the reception, giving a polite nod to the staff who greeted her with warm smiles. They had become accustomed to her presence here, but today, there was a certain lightness in their expressions, a knowing look that made Ari feel a bit self-conscious.
She reached Junkyung’s office and knocked lightly before entering. The moment she stepped inside, her eyes found him immediately—standing by the window, looking out at the city below, lost in thought. He turned at the sound of her entrance, and his expression softened instantly, a slow smile spreading across his face.
“Ari,” he greeted, his voice warm and welcoming. “I wasn’t expecting you so soon.”
“I couldn’t wait,” she replied, her own smile matching his. She walked towards him, her steps light and easy, as if she were being pulled by an invisible thread that always led her to him.
Junkyung’s gaze dropped to her hand, and when he saw the ring, something flickered in his eyes—a mixture of pride and possessiveness that made Ari’s heart skip a beat. He reached out, gently taking her hand in his, his thumb brushing over the diamond.
“Looks like you made quite the statement this morning,” he murmured, his voice laced with amusement.
“Did I?” Ari feigned innocence, but the twinkle in her eyes gave her away.
Junkyung chuckled, shaking his head. “You know exactly what you did, Ari.”
“Well, someone had to make sure the world knows I’m taken,” she teased, stepping closer so that their bodies were almost touching.
His hand moved to her waist, pulling her even closer until there was no space between them. “Trust me, they know,” he said, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. “And if they don’t, I’ll make sure they do.”
Ari felt a shiver run down her spine at his words. This was what she loved about him—his quiet strength, the way he made her feel safe and cherished without ever saying too much. He didn’t need to. His actions, his presence, were enough.
“So,” she said, breaking the momentary silence. “How about that date you promised me?”
Junkyung’s smile widened, and he leaned in to press a soft kiss to her forehead. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”