One week later,

So Hee stared at the girl in the mirror, Pretty in white and diamonds, curly brown hair held up with studded pins, delicate hands gloved hand holding a flower bouquet. This wasn't her at all. Where was So Hee who controlled boardrooms? Where was So Hee who wore designer suits and shook hands with presidents? She grimaced at her reflection, wishing she hadn't accepted this marriage.

“It's time.” Her mother announced.

So Hee tore her gaze from the full-length mirror and turned to her mother.

“Omo, you look so beautiful,” Mrs. Han gasped, her eyes filling. “Your father will be so proud.”

So Hee could only smile, wishing the ground would open and swallow her.

“So Hee,” a deep, elderly voice whispered.

So Hee didn't need to turn around to know it was her father. His arm hooked around hers and urged her forward.

“You look beautiful.” He said with a smile in his voice.

So Hee didn't reply. Her lips were set, her face stern and her gaze forward. She had enough on her plate already. She didn't want more.

“Aww. She's so beautiful.” Someone seated by the middle aisle whispered.  

“I love her dress.”

“Can you believe she'll marry her childhood sweetheart?”

So Hee almost snapped at the last comment. Who was spreading such lies? If Daniel was anything, it was the devil himself.

As they approached the aisle, So Hee’s father tugged at her arm and whispered. “I hope you're happy.”

So Hee gave a curt nod. She wasn't happy. Hell, she didn't even know what she was doing.

She lifted her eyes and met Daniel's, arctic-blue and sharp, his arms clasped behind him as he waited for her at the altar like a business partner and not a groom.

She reached the altar and her father gave her over to Daniel, who wouldn't stop smirking.

So Hee was happy she got to wear gloves, she feared touching Daniel's bare hands would give her hives.

“Smile, wife-to-be. The least you can do is pretend you're happy.” He leaned closer to whisper behind her ear.

She whispered behind his ears. “Why don't I bite off your ears, husband-to-be?”

He chuckled and pulled away, still holding his fake-ass grin.

The priest began the ceremony with a curt nod from Daniel. “Dearly beloved, we gather here to witness the solemnization of …”

So Hee tuned out the rest of his words. Her mind was still stuck in the expensive BBQ a client had promised her.

She felt a pinch on her arm and looked up. “What?”

Daniel gritted his teeth. “This is the part where you say ‘I do,’ idiot.”

She blinked. “Excuse me?”

A wave of murmurs filled the room.

Daniel leaned closer. “What the fuck are you doing? Say ‘I do’.”

So Hee furrowed her brows. “What?”

Then she realized she was standing on the altar with Daniel holding her hand.

“Shit,” she cursed silently and whispered. “I do.”

The priest nodded and turned to Daniel. And Daniel, cool and charming, said his vows without blinking.

“I do.”

So Hee gritted her teeth but said nothing.

“Now, by the power vested in me by the church, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.” The priest said.

So Hee felt the blood drain from her face. She had completely forgotten about this part. She turned to Daniel who was leaning closer now and grimaced. There was no way in hell she'd kiss him or let him kiss her.

As soon as Daniel's lips drew closer, She turned her cheek at the last minute.

The guests gasped softly at her reaction and she murmured. “I'm shy.” They erupted in soft giggles.

Daniel's smile faded as soon as she looked at him. For a second, she thought she had won. But no. He suddenly pulled her in by the waist and kissed her, full-on. No peck, no graze on the cheek. Daniel gave her a kiss.

For a moment, So Hee froze, stunned by the unexpected kiss.

Her first instinct was to pull away, or course, but the second she attempted to pull away, Daniel's grip around her waist tightened.

A low, almost involuntary growl escaped him as he kissed her. His warmth and expensive cologne  enveloped her like a trap she didn't know how to escape.

So Hee told herself to push him or maybe bite him but her body betrayed her. Her hands gripped the lapel of his tux and she melted into his arms, responding to the kiss.

As he deepened the kiss, she felt sparks race down her spine and spread throughout her body like a wildfire. Her mind screamed at her to stop but her body wouldn't stop. It craved his touch.

Daniel finally pulled back, his lips just barely brushing hers, her eyes fluttered open in disbelief.

Damn him.

She was breathless but she wanted more.

“A thank you would suffice.” He mumbled against her lips.

“Fuck you.” She whispered.

“I'll do that on our wedding night.” He pulled away finally, still holding her hand.

“You —”

“It's our wedding, wife. Try to look happy.” he smirked and tugged her to his side as they faced the applauding guests.

Daniel was acting like he hadn't kissed her. Well, it was just a kiss, a fake one at that. So why couldn't she act normal about it like he did? Why did it suddenly feel like she wanted more than just a kiss?

After the wedding, the couple signed the marriage certificate.

“Happy one year to us.” Daniel whispered behind her ears.

“I'll show you hell, you bastard.” So Hee hissed.

“Aww. The newlyweds can't get their hands off each other.” Someone whispered.

So Hee grimaced. “Eww.”

“Don't let them hear you.” Daniel murmured before pulling away, taking his warmth with him. So Hee frowned but suddenly composed herself. Why did she have Daniel's hands around her?