POV: Female Lead (Ha-neul)
Ha-neul's heartbeat pounded in her ears.
Do-hyun's threat wasn't just words—it was a promise.
She knew what he was capable of.
And if she didn't obey?
Min-jae would pay the price.
Her father sighed. "Ha-neul, I'm losing patience."
She clenched her fists. "I will never—"
Suddenly, Do-hyun pulled out his phone.
With a single tap, he played a new video.
Her breath caught.
It was Min-jae.
But not from last night.
This footage showed him being dragged out of his office by masked men.
Blood dripped from his temple as he struggled.
Then, a harsh voice:
"You should have stayed away from her."
The screen went black.
Her blood ran cold.
Do-hyun's smirk was back. "Now, do you understand, Ha-neul?"
Terror wrapped around her like chains.
This wasn't a game anymore.
This was real.
She had two choices.
Betray Min-jae… or watch him suffer.
Her father's voice was firm. "The press conference is in an hour. Make your decision."
The door slammed shut, leaving her alone with her fear.
---
The Plan
She needed to think.
Fast.
Min-jae was in danger.
If she played along, he might survive—but she'd be trapped in this nightmare engagement forever.
If she refused… Do-hyun would destroy him.
Her hands shook as she picked up her phone.
There was only one person who could help.
She dialed.
One ring.
Two.
Then, a voice.
"I was waiting for your call."
Her breath hitched. "Jin-ho…"
Min-jae's right-hand man. His most trusted ally.
And now, her only hope.
"I need your help."
Jin-ho's voice was sharp. "I know. We're already moving."
She exhaled. "Is Min-jae—"
"He's alive. But not for long if we don't act now."
She swallowed hard. "What do I do?"
Jin-ho's voice was calm, calculated.
"Get to the press conference. Play along."
Her stomach dropped.
"What?"
"Do-hyun expects you to obey. So make him believe you will."
Her hands tightened around the phone. "And then?"
Jin-ho's voice was deadly cold.
"Then, we burn him to the ground."
---
The Press Conference
The room was packed with reporters.
Flashes. Cameras.
Millions of eyes watching.
Ha-neul sat beside Do-hyun, her father on her other side.
Her chest ached.
Min-jae was out there—somewhere—suffering because of her.
Do-hyun leaned in. "Good girl."
She clenched her fists.
A man in a suit stepped forward. "We will now begin."
Do-hyun's voice was calm, charming. "First, I'd like to address the rumors—"
Ha-neul stood up.
The room went silent.
Her father stiffened. "Ha-neul, sit down."
She ignored him.
With steady hands, she grabbed the microphone.
Do-hyun frowned. "Ha-neul—"
Then, she smiled.
And lied.
"I have something important to say."
Do-hyun smirked.
The reporters leaned forward.
She inhaled sharply.
Then—
She ran.
---