020

Y/N

Warm sunlight streaming through the windows. The cafe filled with the sound of conversations and the clinking of coffee cups. Smell of fresh pastries and brewed coffee waifs in air. I'm sitting in a corner seat— Air soothing despite everything that happened earlier.

But even now… his presence lingers. Like shadows clinging to my thoughts no matter where I go or what I do next.

People chatting softly over coffee cups, gentle hum of conversation filling the air.

I grip my cup tightly, stir it absentmindedly— Moments passing through I look around, pulse racing. Today, I snuck out just to meet him… Michael.My fiancé—the one who’s supposed to be here any second now...

My eyes well with tears. So much time has passed without seeing him - I have no idea what he's been through. Is he alright? Where has he been? Has Jeon harmed him?

No no no...

He's already put me through so much pain, made my life hell. I can't have him touch Michael too... please God no-

I tried calling him numerous times, but there was no answer. Then desperately, I sent him an email from my work account, asking him to meet me here. He said he would come...

I glance at the door as someone enters, heart skipping a beat. But it's not him -just another stranger.

I check the time on my wristwatch—he's late. I look up at the entrance—hoping to catch a glimpse of him.

Come on, Michael. Where are you?

Since Jeon broke my phone, I've been out of touch with everyone, including Michael, it felt like the world was closing in around me. But that changes today...

I'm going to tell him everything— I'll reveal everything to Michael. I'll tell him what had happened and then we'll escape to another country or something. We will do this. Yes! He loves me. He does, right? This nightmare will finally end.

The bell chimes softly as the door swings open. I glance up—my breath hitch in relief— I see him. Michael.

He looks exhausted, his usual warmth dulled by dark circles under his eyes and a tired slump on his shoulders—but it's him. My heart clenches painfully, how much I've missed seeing that familiar face...

I raise my hand weakly, waving at him with trembling fingers,  swallow the lump forming in my throat..

His gaze snaps toward me instantly like he sensed where exactly i would be sitting even before stepping inside fully yet anyway? Without hesitation whatsoever he comes striding over fast until finally stops right beside table, he breathing slightly heavier.

I rise from my seat to hug him—but he sits down across me. My heart sinks— I swallow and sit back in my chair.

"Michael, how are yo—"

"Why did you call me here y/n ?" He asks, voice cold—distant.

I stare him—He doesn’t even meet my eyes properly yet either… just stares at the table between us.

"What do you mean, Michael?"

He sighs "Y/n, I had to cancel two meetings just to be here. So get to the point."

I stare him blankly.

My throat drying "We— we haven't seen each other in days—" i swallow  "And now you're acting like this?"

He sighs, his frustration clear. "Y/n, I don't have time for this—just wrap this up quickly. I need to leave for meetings." He checks his watch impatiently as if he's already calculating how much longer this 'waste of time' will cost him.

I nod, swallow the lump in my throat. I know how busy he is.My heart pounds wildly— I reach out, taking his hand in mine. He stiffens, finally lifting his gaze to meet mine. "Michael—i-" My voice cracks slightly, i stare straight into those familiar yet distant eyes currently avoiding mine "let's get married."

His eyes widen.

Silence hangs heavy between.

I hold his gaze without blinking, We sit there, eyes locked, his hand still in mine.My heart thumps louder than before, echoing loudly in the tense silence between us both…

He's as rigid as stone, hand tense, unmoving in mine.

"Wh-what...?" He mumbles.

I smile "Yes, Michel. I truly love you. I can't wait any longer" i gulp- "We've been engaged for years now, and I think... We should get married now."

He remains stoic, lips parted slightly, Adam's apple bobbing as he stares blankly.

Silence hangs heavy in air—thick with tension.

"Michael say somet—"

He wrenches his hand away—my empty hand resting on the table.His face hardens, he stares down "I don’t wanna marry you."

Everything stops.

Time freezes around us.

I can't move my eyes from him. Some cruel joke being played out right here today... Because surely, he must be joking right??

Im waiting for him to laugh—for this to be some kind of cruel joke. But his face expressionless.

silence between us oppressive.

And he doesn't laugh out loud or say he is joking.

"W-what— are you saying... Michael?" I ask.

He stares at me, gaze cold, firm "You heard me, y/n."

My heart sinks—No , it can't be real.

Tears fill my eyes— "W-Why?"

His gaze unwavering, staring straight into mine— "I think you know the reason."

I gulp- my fists clench on table "Just— tell me the reason, Michael!"

His eyes cold, firm on me— "You… you slept with Jeon"

All breath leave my lungs.

Time stands still.

My chest tightening.

I stare him—stunned in silence.

"W-What did you just say?"

He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose "Look, y/n... I know you and Jeon... slept together.... So please don't ask anything more."

My heart clench. I can't believe what I'm hearing, heart squeezes painfully tight. Tears well in my eyes. "W-Who told you this?" I ask.

He rolls his eyes— "Everyone knows about your relationship with Jeon, y/n... after that case."

I grit my teeth — "That's not true, Michael!"

He scoffs at me— "Really... y/n? Are you trying to spin another story, just like you did in the courtroom?"

I couldn't believe my ears. "Michelle-!"

He scoffs "Oh please spare me your innocent act here today y/n!" His tone cold bitter "Everyone knows damn well who Jeon is - a hard-core criminal, a mafia and yet suddenly somehow magically out of nowhere he turns into squeaky clean good boy overnight" he scoffs  "And you want me to believe you did all of this for free? Seriously???"

My blood runs cold, his words sink deep. I can't believe my ears—This much of betrayal from the man who once claimed he loves me.

He stares me "Noone buying this fairy tale version events either!"

"Michael... I didn't have any choice"

"Oh please, y/n. Do you really think your lies are believable right now after all the deception you put on in court?" He spits "There's no chance i'm buying this bullshit."

I gulp— Tears blur my vision.I stare him—this man I once loved, now looking like a complete stranger "Y-You can't do this to me, Michael—"

"I can...Actually? I did." He snaps, eyes cold , firm "Because my wife would never be some criminal's whore—" My hand move fast— The sound echoes sharply across quiet cafe—

Tears stream down my face uncontrollably.  My hand stings but I don't care.

He stands abruptly— the chair scraping against the floor "I think it'd be best if you won't contact me anymore"

He turns and walks away without a backward glance.

Leaving me here alone, as if our five years of engagement meant nothing. All this time i spent loving him, patiently waiting for him to be successful in his career...All for nothing.Now he just walked away based on some bullshit words?!

Just like that.

Because of him.

Because of Jeon.

Tears blur, the cafe spins around.

Silence drumming in my ears.

I’m frozen—those five years were nothing.

Every promise, every late-night call, every “I’ll protect you no matter what”… was a lie.

I clutch my dress—try to hold myself together—but it’s splitting open anyway.

He called me a whore.

He believed it.

Not on me. Not on us.

But the rumors. The whispers. The lies people spun because he could believe a monster like Jeon. But not me.

He couldn't believe i defended him without a price.

But he is right. I did pay the price.

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