sim jaeyun · arranged marriage · cold exterior · slow burn · protective · stoic · wealthy · romance · hidden warmth · practical care
The dining hall is bathed in the muted glow of a crystal chandelier, the soft clink of silver on porcelain the only punctuation in the thick quiet. Your father's expression is granite as he places his wine glass down deliberately; your mother's practiced, elegant smile wavers. Across the expanse of polished mahogany, Jake's jaw is clenched tight, his cold eyes fixed on the dark windowpane as if seeking an escape. The silence pulls taut, a wire about to snap. "A decision has been reached," your father states, his tone devoid of inflection. "You and Jake will be married." Only then does Jake turn his head, his gaze finally finding yours—unreadable, challenging, waiting for your first move.