16

JINA POV

I woke up with a slight ache in my back, confused at first, until I realized I'd fallen asleep on the couch again.

My head felt heavy, and the memories of last night slowly crept back in. The party, the clean-up, Serin. everything.

I sat up with a groan, lifting my hand then froze.

There was a bandage wrapped carefully around my palm.

I blinked. I hadn't done this myself.

Did Jake do this?

I picked up my phone and immediately checked my messages. There were no texts from Jake, but one unread message from Heeseung caught my eye.

It had already been opened.

My stomach dropped.

"Jina, I'm sorry for texting you so late. I wanted to ask if you'd accompany me to the launch ceremony today. Your husband told me he wouldn't be attending, and since you've helped so much, I thought it'd be nice to have you there with me.Please reply when you're up. Goodnight and sweet dreams."

I couldn't help it. A soft smile tugged at my lips. My chest felt warm just reading his message.

"Heeseung..."

I whispered, hugging my phone close to me.

"You really know how to make my heart flutter."

Just then, I looked up and saw Jake standing in the kitchen, wearing an apron and holding a ladle, staring at me blankly.

"What the hell are you doing?" he asked dryly.

I straightened up quickly, feeling awkward.

"Nothing."

Before I could reply to Heeseung's message, Jake turned back to his stove.

"Wear something formal. We're going to the launch together," he said casually.

I blinked. "But I thought you weren't going."

Jake shot me a cold glance.

"Is Heeseung your husband now?"

I stayed silent.

"No. I am. So do what I say," he added, voice sharp.

"You're listening, right?"

I nodded quietly.

⸻

I wore the dress Jake's stylist picked out for me, a white off-shoulder design that clung to my body more than I was comfortable with.

I wasn't used to showing this much skin, and the stares I got when we arrived at the venue only made me more self-conscious.

Jake, meanwhile, barely looked at me. He spent the whole ride on his phone, talking to his driver or answering texts.

When we stepped into the lobby, I gave polite smiles to a few familiar faces.

"I'll wait in the prep room,"

I said softly, bowing slightly to him.

He didn't respond. Just nodded without lifting his eyes.

⸻

I was sitting quietly in the waiting room when a familiar voice called out behind me.

"You look beautiful."

I turned quickly.

Heeseung stood there, smiling gently.

"Heeseung," I said, smiling despite myself.

I stood up, ready to apologize for the change of plans, but before I could say a word, he stepped forward and removed his coat.

He draped it over my shoulders carefully, his fingers brushing lightly against my collarbone.

"I thought you might be uncomfortable,"

he said softly, adjusting it to cover my chest.

"This suits you better anyway."

I stared at him, breath caught.

"Why are you doing this?" I whispered.

He looked into my eyes. "Because I want to protect you."

My heart beat faster.

He reached out and gently touched my cheek, turning my face toward him. I was frozen confused, overwhelmed, but unable to look away.

He leaned in slowly, eyes beginning to close.

My lips parted in instinct, my own eyes fluttering shut.

And just before anything could happen,

A voice cut through the air like a knife.

"What do you think you're doing with my wife?"