The boutique was luxurious—tailored for Seoul's elite. Rows of designer gowns, velvet chairs, and stylists who treated clothes like sacred art. Ji-woo stood stiffly in front of the mirror as the lead stylist circled her like a hawk.
"She has potential," the stylist said, adjusting Ji-woo's hair. "Delicate features. We'll give her a soft-glam look. Something elegant, classic… wife material."
Ji-woo winced. Wife material, as if she were a mannequin on display.
Joon-hyuk sat nearby, legs crossed, casually scrolling through emails on his phone. He hadn't looked at her once since they arrived.
"Mr. Lee," the stylist cooed, "would you prefer something more form-fitting for your wife? Or shall we keep her modest?"
Ji-woo narrowed her eyes at the stylist but said nothing. It wasn't her world—yet.
Joon-hyuk barely looked up. "She'll wear whatever makes her look powerful."
Ji-woo blinked.
Powerful? Not beautiful. Not perfect. Not obedient. Powerful.
That single word shifted something in her.
By the time they stepped out of the boutique, Ji-woo wore a navy-blue silk gown with a plunging neckline and a dramatic back. Her hair was swept into a graceful bun, and silver heels made her walk like she ruled the world.
Even Joon-hyuk stared a little too long before looking away.
At the gala, the flash of cameras was blinding. Seoul's high society turned to look at them as they entered hand in hand. The cold CEO… and his mysterious, stunning new bride.
Whispers filled the room.
"Is that the girl from the tabloids?"
"She looks too… real."
"She's definitely not one of us."
Ji-woo smiled anyway, chin lifted high. Let them talk.
Joon-hyuk leaned in as they posed for the cameras. "You're good at this."
"I told you," she whispered, lips not moving, "I play the part well."
But just as they moved deeper into the crowd, a familiar voice stopped her cold.
"Ji-woo?"
She turned.
And there he was—Min Ho, the man who had once promised her forever… and betrayed her with her best friend.
He froze. "What are you doing with him?"
Ji-woo smiled sweetly, resting her hand on Joon-hyuk's chest. "Didn't you hear? I'm married now."
Min Ho's face paled.
Joon-hyuk's jaw tightened.
And Ji-woo realized—tonight, the real game had just begun.