11

I was carefully rubbing cleanser on Jake's face when he suddenly said,

"Can I kiss you?"

The question froze me. I met his eyes, stunned. Slowly, he leaned closer, and for a moment, I thought he meant it.

I closed my eyes.

Then he laughed.

"You really thought I would?"

he said, amused.

"You're hilarious, Han Jina. Don't forget where you stand."

He gave me a light push and walked away.

I said nothing. I turned and quietly left the bathroom.

⸻

Jina's POV

Later, Jake came down the stairs wearing a black turtleneck, adjusting his watch like nothing had happened.

I glanced at him, the moment from earlier still lingering in my mind.

"Still a jerk," I muttered.

Trying to be civil, I said, "Let's eat."

He didn't reply. He walked right past me, grabbed his keys, and left the house without a word.

I stared at the untouched food on the table, sat down, and sighed.

"Why do I even bother?"

I ate alone.

⸻

That afternoon, while I was flipping through channels on the couch, Jake came into the living room, phone in hand.

"We're having lunch together," he said.

"Wear something appropriate."

I looked up. "Okay."

Once he left, I went to my room and opened the wardrobe. All I had were plain office blazers and cropped pants, not exactly lunch date material. I kept searching, but I had nothing else.

Then I noticed the Gucci box.

Heeseung's gift.

I hesitated, then pulled the dress out.

"He won't notice anyway," I whispered to myself.

⸻

The restaurant was packed. I stood near the entrance, shifting nervously as people whispered and stared.

Then Jake appeared out of nowhere and took my hand.

"Let's go," he said, guiding me past the crowd to a more private corner of the restaurant.

⸻

"Why the sudden lunch?" I asked once we sat down.

Jake didn't look at me. "My father wants people to see us together. He's tired of rumors."

He paused, then added, "You should be grateful. Or would you rather I keep you locked in the house?"

I kept my head down. People nearby had already started taking photos.

"I don't feel comfortable," I said quietly.

Jake scoffed. "You're always uncomfortable."

Then he stood and said, "I'm going to the restroom."

⸻

He walked off. I tried to focus on eating, but a group of strangers suddenly approached with phones pointed at me.

"You're Jake's wife, right?"

"Did you meet him at a club?"

"Was this marriage arranged or something else?"

I sat frozen, heart pounding.

Then Jake appeared again. Without a word, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me out of the restaurant.

We rushed to his car and got in just before they caught up.

He drove off in silence, tension thick in the air.

"You just sat there?" he said finally, his voice sharp.

"You didn't say anything. You didn't fight back."

"I didn't want to cause a scene," I answered.

He exhaled through his nose.

"I'm bringing friends over tonight. Make something good."

"Fine," I murmured, turning to the window.

A beat passed, then he reached over, brushing the fabric of my dress.

"This is a Gucci dress. Where did you get it?"

I hesitated. "Heeseung gave it to me."

Jake's face changed instantly. His grip tightened on the wheel.

He swerved to the side of the road, got out, and opened my door.

"Get out."

"What?"

"Walk home. I don't want to see that dress again."

"You're serious?"

"Burn it. Throw it away. Just don't wear anything he gave you."

He got back in and drove off without another word.

I stood there, alone again, holding the hem of the dress like it meant something. The wind picked up, but I didn't move.