pillars lined the driveway, and towering gates surrounded the perimeter, making it clear that those inside were untouchable. It was a far cry from Hyunji

were living in someone else's life. But the reality of the situation settled in the moment he crossed t

ightly. "Mr. Hyunjin, Mr. Jeon

His feet sank into the thick carpet as he walked, each step heavy with the knowledge

d. His hand hovered over the doorknob

n. Dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, he looked every bit the part of the powerful

is voice deep and steady. "Com

him. His palms were clammy, but he kept them hid

a chair across

ing would begin to change. He had always known that working for someone like Jeon

sk, a sleek pen placed neatly on top. "This is

was clear enough. This marriage was nothing more than a business arrangement, a façade to strengthen Jeon's position in the eyes of his criminal partners. In

the engagement publicly next week, and the wedding will take place two weeks after that. Once we're married, you'll attend all public e

the arrangement, but all he could think about was how he'd be tied to this man for the next twelve

time, you'll have access to anythin

ked up to meet Jeon

n's lips, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Think

him the world, but at a price. His independence. His peace of mind. Everyt

to hold the question back any longer. "Out of

ingers as he regarded Hyunjin with a calculating gaze. "You're loyal. You're quiet.

one who could be easily controlled? The realization stung, but he forced himself to

tered, his voice bar

ing more-something deeper-in the other man's gaze. But it was gone as quickly as i

in," Jeon said, his voice

om and never look back. But he knew he couldn't. Not without facing the consequences. The contract w

ching across the page seemed deafening in the silent room. His signature, nea

his hand. "Welcome to

uch of the man's cool skin sending a shiver down his

-

t shake the weight of what he had done. The contract felt like a chain around his neck, and the thought of

d be like if that changed. What if, by some cruel twist of fate, his heart b

one thing he knew for certain, it was that Jeon was not a man wh

o choice but to play the role he had agreed to. A pawn in Jeon'