Amour-propre

capitulo onse

The sun was beginning to set as Lisa and Irene arrived at the imposing building that housed the office of Mr. Kwon, the Manoban family's long-trusted lawyer. The ride there had been cloaked in a thick silence, punctuated only by the sound of the car's engine and the occasional rustle of Irene's dress as she shifted nervously in her seat. The weight of what they were about to do hung heavy in the air, pressing down on them both like an unseen force.

Lisa had kept her gaze fixed on her iPad for most of the journey, her fingers scrolling through documents with the practiced ease of someone who had spent years in the business world. But inside, a storm was brewing. She had made countless decisions in her life, many of them under immense pressure, yet this felt different. This wasn't just a business deal or a strategic move—it was a step into the unknown, a commitment that would tie her to Irene in a way that was both terrifying and exhilarating. Her heart thudded in her chest, betraying the nerves she was trying so hard to keep in check.

Irene, on the other hand, was visibly anxious. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her dress, and she couldn't stop herself from tapping her foot against the floor of the car. She had always been the type to wear her heart on her sleeve, and today was no exception. The enormity of what they were about to do was sinking in, and it was all she could do to keep from bolting out of the car and running as far away as she could. But she couldn't afford to run—not now, not with Jin's life hanging in the balance.

As the car pulled to a stop in front of the building, Lisa finally looked up from her iPad. She turned to Irene, her expression softening as she took in the other woman's obvious distress.

"Are you ready?" she asked, her voice low and steady.

Irene met her gaze, swallowing hard before nodding. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Lisa's lips quirked into a small, reassuring smile. "We'll get through this together," she said, reaching out to gently squeeze Irene's hand. The touch was brief, but it was enough to send a warm rush through Irene, momentarily easing her fears.

They stepped out of the car and made their way into the building, the click of Irene's heels echoing off the marble floors. Mr. Kwon's office was on the top floor, a sprawling space with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city. The lawyer himself was waiting for them just inside the door, his expression one of polite curiosity.

"Ms. Manoban," he greeted Lisa with a slight bow of his head. "It's always a pleasure to see you. Your grandfather sends his regards and wishes to see you soon for a discussion over tea."

Lisa nodded in acknowledgment, but she wasted no time on pleasantries. "Thank you, Mr. Kwon. I appreciate your time today. This is Irene," she said, gesturing to the woman beside her. "My wife."

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, Irene felt the weight of them settle on her shoulders. It was the first time Lisa had referred to her as her wife in front of anyone else, and it made the reality of their situation all the more tangible.

Mr. Kwon's smile widened, though there was a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Congratulations to you both," he said warmly. "I must say, Lisa, you're certainly moving quickly. But I understand your reasons, and I have everything prepared as you requested."

He led them into his office, where a stack of papers lay waiting on the desk. Lisa and Irene took their seats, the gravity of the moment pressing down on them once more.

"As we discussed," Mr. Kwon began, "these are the documents that will officially register your marriage. Once you've both signed, it will be legally binding."

Lisa nodded, reaching for the pen with a steady hand. But before she could sign, Mr. Kwon continued, "I also prepared the prenuptial agreement as a precaution. Given your family's wealth and status, it's standard procedure..."