Chapter Text
The marble hall of the Grand Seoul Hotel felt more like a courtroom than a wedding venue. Jake stood in front of the tall mirror in the bridal suite, tugging at the sleeves of his white suit. The fabric was expensive, perfectly tailored, yet it still felt suffocating. His mother fussed with his tie for the third time, her eyes glassy with unshed tears.
“Jaeyun-ah… you look so handsome,” she whispered. “This is for the best. For all of us.” Jake gave her a small, tired smile. He didn’t have the heart to argue anymore.
The Sim family business had been sinking for two years. Massive debt, bad investments, and one failed partnership after another. The only lifeline was the Lee Group — one of the biggest conglomerates in the country. And the Lee family had only one condition:
An arranged marriage between their eldest son, Lee Heeseung, and the youngest Sim heir, Sim Jaeyun.
Jake had met Heeseung exactly twice before today. Once during the family dinner where the arrangement was finalized, and once at the engagement party two months ago. Both times Heeseung had been polite, calm, and terrifyingly unreadable. A soft knock sounded on the door. “It’s time,” his older brother said gently. Jake exhaled shakily and stepped out.
The ceremony hall was beautiful — white roses everywhere, soft lighting, a string quartet playing. Guests whispered as he walked down the aisle. Most of them were business associates, not friends. This wasn’t a love match. It was a contract.
At the end of the aisle stood Heeseung. He looked unfairly handsome in his black tuxedo, broad shoulders straight, dark hair neatly styled. When their eyes met, Heeseung’s sharp gaze softened just a fraction. He offered Jake a small, reassuring smile that made Jake’s stomach flip.
The vows passed in a blur.
“I, Sim Jaeyun, take you, Lee Heeseung, to be my husband…”
Heeseung’s voice was steady and deep when he recited his part, never once looking away from Jake’s face. When it was time for the ring, Heeseung’s fingers were warm as he slid the platinum band onto Jake’s finger. His thumb gently stroked Jake’s knuckle — a tiny gesture no one else could see.
“You may now kiss the groom.”
Jake froze for half a second. Heeseung stepped closer, one hand resting lightly on Jake’s waist, the other cupping his cheek with surprising gentleness. Their lips met softly. It wasn’t deep or passionate — just a warm, lingering press that still managed to make Jake’s knees feel weak.
When they pulled apart, Heeseung whispered against his ear, so quietly only Jake could hear:“Breathe, Jaeyun. I’ve got you.”
The reception was lavish but exhausting. Jake smiled until his cheeks hurt, shook hundreds of hands, and posed for endless photos. Heeseung stayed close the entire time, his hand often resting on the small of Jake’s back — protective, steady. By the time they were finally alone in the private elevator heading up to the honeymoon suite, Jake felt like he might collapse. Heeseung loosened his tie with one hand and glanced at Jake.
“Tired?” he asked.
“Very.”
“You did well today.” Heeseung’s voice was softer than Jake had ever heard it. “Thank you for going through with this.” Jake leaned against the elevator wall. “I didn’t really have a choice.”
A heavy silence filled the small space. The elevator dinged. Heeseung opened the door to the penthouse suite and let Jake walk in first. The room was stunning — floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Han River, soft golden lighting, and a massive king-sized bed adorned with rose petals.
Jake stood awkwardly in the middle of the living room, not knowing what to do.
Heeseung took off his jacket and hung it neatly. “You can sleep on the bed. I’ll take the couch tonight.”
Jake blinked. “But… it’s our wedding night.”
Heeseung gave him a gentle smile. “Exactly. And you’re exhausted and overwhelmed. I’m not going to force anything, Jaeyun. This marriage may have started as a contract, but I don’t want you to be afraid of me.”
Jake stared at him, surprised by the sincerity in those dark eyes.
Heeseung continued, “We have time. As much as you need. I know this isn’t what you dreamed of… being tied to someone you barely know. But I promise I’ll take care of you. Your family’s company will be safe, and you… you’ll be safe with me.”
Something tight in Jake’s chest loosened just a little. He sat down on the edge of the bed, fiddling with his wedding ring. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Why did you agree to this? You could’ve chosen anyone.”
Heeseung walked over and crouched in front of him so they were eye-level. “Because when I saw your picture and read about you… I liked what I saw. You’re kind, smart, and you love your family enough to sacrifice your own happiness. That’s rare.”
He reached up and gently brushed a strand of hair from Jake’s forehead.
“And selfishly… I wanted you for myself.”
Jake’s heart skipped. The words were quiet but heavy with meaning. Heeseung stood up. “Get changed and rest. I’ll order some tea.” As Heeseung turned toward the living room, Jake suddenly grabbed his wrist.
“Wait.”
Heeseung looked back, eyebrows raised.
Jake swallowed nervously. “Stay… here. With me. Just… sleep. Nothing else. I don’t want to be alone tonight.” A soft, warm smile spread across Heeseung’s face — the most genuine one Jake had seen all day. “Alright,” he said quietly. “I’ll stay.”