CHAPTER 23

"Is that... Mr. Jeon?" I whispered under my breath, my heart dropping straight into my stomach.

Before I could even prepare myself, they reached our table. I froze, my breath stuck somewhere in my chest.

"Mr. Jeon?" I finally managed to say.

"YN?" Jungkook said, equally shocked.

We both stared at each other, confused, stunned, completely unprepared for this.

"YN, call him Jungkook. After all, he's soon going to be your husband," my mother-in-law said with a warm smile.

I just nodded stiffly, still trying to process everything.

This was their ring👇

"Shall we exchange the rings?" Mom asked.

"Yes, we should," Mrs. Jeon said and handed Jungkook the ring.

I slowly extended my trembling hand. He slipped the ring onto my finger — gently, silently, without looking at me.

Then it was my turn.

Mom passed me the ring, and Jungkook lifted his hand. My fingers brushed his skin as I slid the ring onto his ring finger.

It felt surreal.

"Congratulations, YN and Jungkook," Dad said happily.

I forced a small smile. I still had no idea what was happening.

"I think we should give them some time to talk," Mrs. Jeon said.

"Yeah, YN and Jungkook, go speak over there," Mom added.

We both nodded and walked away from them.

Away from the parents

"Mr. Jeon... what are you doing here?" I finally asked, unable to hold back my confusion.

"That's my question," he replied coldly.

"My parents arranged this marriage," I said quietly.

"And you didn't know the groom was me?" he asked, disbelief in his tone.

"No," I said firmly. "And if I did know... I would have never agreed to this marriage."

He let out a long sigh.

"Why did you shift houses?" I asked, frustration slipping through my voice.

"Because I wanted to," he answered flatly.

"Huh? What do you mean 'I wanted to'? You know how much I— how much I missed you?" I yelled without realising.

"YN, lower your voice. They'll hear us." He looked away from me. "And don't show me this fake love. Don't use me. I know you're dating someone."

My entire body froze.

Then he turned and walked away.

"W–what... me? Dating...?" I whispered to myself, completely shocked, my heart sinking.

I quickly gathered myself and followed him.