2. He’s more than handsome

As I gaze at him, a wave of frustration washes over me. "It's all about his looks, isn't it? Sickening," I mutter under my breath.

Baekhoon's eyes narrow, his brow furrowed in concern. "What's wrong?" he asked, oblivious to my inner turmoil.

I force a weak smile, desperate to conceal my true feelings. "Nothing," I lie, trying to brush it off.

"Okay. Finish your meal quickly!" he urged, unaware of the conflict raging within me. I exhale sharply, relief momentarily calming my nerves.

As I breathe a sigh of relief that my snide comment went unnoticed, Baekhoon's icy gaze meets mine, his expression a mask of indifference. He seems almost inhuman, devoid of emotions. He's like a being devoid of feelings, not even human, I think to myself. His demeanor is infuriating, making me wonder if he's truly capable of empathy.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice devoid of warmth, sending shivers down my spine.

I roll my eyes in exasperation. "Hey, aren't you supposed to take me to my wedding gown fitting?"

"Go by yourself! You've got legs, don't you?" he responds lazily.

I choke back a frustrated laugh. Spending time with him is hazardous to my sanity – and blood pressure. His words slice through me like a sharp blade. Once again, I must summon patience.

Regrets are futile now. I’ve sealed my fate by signing the contract. This chaotic marriage looms ahead, and I’m forced to surrender my dignity.

Why must I be their sacrificial lamb? I’m no saint. Do they genuinely believe restoring their shattered reputation will be effortless? Yet, I recklessly agreed. This world is insane, and I’m crazier for buying into their tantalizing proposal.

"Okay, Sir. Give me some money!" I said, holding out my hand as Baekhoon savors his dessert.

“What?” Baekhoon's eyes widen, taken aback by my sudden audacity.

"Give me some money! If you won't take me to the boutique, at least help me out. I'm completely broke," I admitted, feeling embarrassed.

He smirks, "You're perfect for your mission – a true money hunter."

I hate it when he smirks like that. Asking for money isn't materialistic; so petty.

“Yeah, I'm a money hunter. For someone like you, lending a little cash shouldn't be a problem, right? You'll never understand my situation. Ha! You've been spoon-fed with gold and silver since birth. Just give me money for the boutique; won't you?" I swirl my finger around the wine glass rim. "Ha, so stingy." I smirk.

Baekhoon glares at me, his piercing eyes like an eagle's gaze on its prey. He hands me some cash and tosses more bills on the table to settle the bill.

Finally, he listens. I thought he'd never give me the money.

"Thanks, Sir," I said.

-o0o-

To captivate the public's attention, Baekhoon and I are compelled to orchestrate a carefully crafted facade. Almost daily, we make grand entrances at upscale restaurants, indulging in exquisite cuisine, and attend exclusive events at trendy hotspots. Every gesture, every smile, every whispered conversation is meticulously choreographed to perfection. I'm trapped in a gilded cage, forced to embody the illusion of a wealthy socialite. The constant pretense suffocates me, stripping away my true identity.

Dining at luxurious restaurants isn't my style, but passing up this opulent experience would be a shame. It's been an eternity since I've indulged in exquisite dishes like tender spaghetti, succulent sushi caviar rolls, and Korea's finest, most exclusive wines. Every bite is a symphony of flavors, every sip a delight. I savor each moment deliberately, pretending to reap benefits from Baekhoon's generosity before he exploits me, uncovering the true cost of this lavish lifestyle.

He ignores me, as always. I can't believe he's a man with an breathtakingly beautiful face - not just handsome, but stunningly gorgeous. He's not just handsome, but beautifully stunning. No, he's more than that - handsome, beautiful and adorable all at once. His skin is flawlessly fair, well-groomed and remarkably smooth. From where I stand as a woman : Seeing him sparks envy within me. Everyone obsesses over him.

“What’s caught your attention? Have you never laid eyes on someone as captivating as myself?” Baekhoon queried, exuding self-assurance.

I roll my eyes in disgust, my voice laced with contempt. "You're absolutely right. He's stunning, but utterly repulsive. His chiseled features can't compensate for his loathsome character."

Despite being the sole heir of HK Group's President Director, I refuse to back down. His wealth and status don't intimidate me — I won't yield to someone as arrogant as him.

Baekhoon flashes a sarcastic smile. "If you're disgusted, why not reject the offer? Aren't you more repulsive for agreeing to marry someone as despicable as me?"

I am struck by shock. I reluctantly admit the truth. My sorrowful smile records my defeat.

“Miss Lee, I'll give you time to ponder. I'll do what my father did, but you must side with me. I'll cover your brother’s medical expenses until he’s fully recovered, provide a monthly allowance, and offer you a job. Remember, all this depends on your cooperation," Baekhoon added.

I swallow hard. What temptation lies before me?

"It's okay if you don't wanna it, but ... don't blame me if I rebel and make you choose to die than life."

"You!" I glared. I’m so mad and scary.

"I understand my father's intentions. I'll be gracious if you help me, Miss Lee. How about you?"

What kind of son dares defy their parent? He should be grateful to the President Director for helping, clearing his name. A same-sex enthusiast with a brutal nightlife – utterly disturbing. What drives someone to this?

"I'll incur hundreds of millions in penalties if I cancel the contract. You're aware of my financial struggles, Young Master."

"I'll cover it." Byun Baekhoon's words dripped with conviction and arrogance, leaving me perplexed. "Why settle for less when more is within grasp?"

My God, his mouth is incredibly venomous

-o0o-

With a mix of trepidation and resignation, I embrace my fate. My wedding day has dawned, marking the beginning of a life I never envisioned.

Baekhoon's parents, I assumed, would orchestrate a clandestine wedding ceremony for us, but instead, they're staging a grandiose affair, replete with opulent decorations and invitations to select journalists, hinting at a hidden agenda. Their true intentions begin to crystallize: this union serves a purpose beyond matrimony, a calculated maneuver to further their interests.

By inviting journalists to witness and chronicle our meticulously orchestrated union, Baekhoon's family seeks to deliberately construct a facade of heteronormative perfection, thereby extinguishing the persistent whispers about his rumored homosexuality and carefully crafting a reputation that aligns with societal expectations.