DANCE WITH THE DEVIL

CHAPTER 26

The house had an unusual calm as the days ticked by, with no incidents or conflicts—a welcome reprieve from the recent chaos. The staff remained vigilant, however, doubling down on security and protocols. Areum, too, took advantage of the quiet, throwing her energy into training, working out her frustrations on the punching bags and target boards, pushing herself until she could barely stand. She didn't need to think about the future, only to focus on every punch, every shot. But as the day approached when the boss would return, a simmering tension settled over the house.

When Jaemin finally arrived, everyone felt the relief. The plane had landed without incident, and he'd made it back along the long path to their secluded estate. As he entered the house, Jaemin let out a tired sigh, pulling off his gloves and coat, which his assistant quickly took from him. He was halfway up the stairs when he spotted Soohyun following behind.

"I need the last week's report summary and the details on recent product requests," he said, glancing over his shoulder.

Soohyun nodded, though he encouraged, "Maybe rest first? The reports will keep for an hour."

"Not if I can help it," Jaemin replied, smirking as he continued upstairs.

Mark appeared, running up behind them. "Doyoung's on the organization; everything's in motion," he said before disappearing down another hallway. Soohyun patted Jaemin on the shoulder with a shared, weary smile and headed off to his own room.

Exhausted, Jaemin finally made his way to his room, barely aware of his surroundings. But when he opened the door, he stopped in his tracks, his gaze falling on the figure lying peacefully on his bed. The sight caught him off guard; there was no mistaking the silver hair spilling over the pillow. Areum, deep in sleep, looked almost ethereal.

A soft smile tugged at his lips. He sat down quietly on the edge of the bed, not wanting to disturb her. There was something undeniably captivating in how she lay there, completely fearless, trusting, her face softened in sleep. Jaemin gently reached out, brushing a stray lock from her forehead. The gesture seemed to soothe her; her face relaxed, and she sighed in her sleep, as though even unconscious, she knew his touch.

After a long shower, Jaemin returned, slipping under the duvet beside her. He moved carefully, avoiding waking her, but she stirred, her eyes fluttering open.

"Who— Jaemin?" she murmured, blinking in disbelief.

He chuckled. "Hi?"

Her face lit up as she registered his presence. "Oh my god, you're here!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug.

Jaemin laughed, wrapping his arms around her. "I thought I'd come back to a sleeping beauty. Guess I wasn't wrong."

She pulled back, giving him a mock glare. "And I slept through your arrival! How embarrassing."

He smirked. "Well, it was worth the wait." He hesitated, then tucked her hair behind her ear, looking intently at her. "Areum, I have something to ask."

She tilted her head, curiosity in her gaze.

With a slow smile, he asked, "Will you marry me?"

The question hung between them, dreamy and surreal. She felt like she was floating, as if this moment should feel like a fairy tale. But just as quickly, reality brought her back down.

The next day, they sat in the office. Areum was beside Soohyun, with Mark and Chenle opposite them. Jaemin was behind his desk, a contract and a box of rings laid in front of him.

"I'm not marrying for duty alone," she said, voice steady.

All eyes turned to her.

Areum's hands clenched in her lap. "And I'm not marrying Yuta. You all promised you'd protect me, that I wouldn't be a pawn. Why aren't you doing anything?"

Chenle looked down, a hint of guilt in his eyes. "I didn't know about mom's connections, Areum. I'm so sorry."

Soohyun spoke next. "We tried to shield you. I only brought you here because the family alliance was falling apart. If you stayed, you'd have been at greater risk."

Jaemin's eyes softened as he added, "I'm not letting you marry Yuta, Areum. We caught onto their intentions too late, but I won't let him use you."

She glanced pointedly at the contract and rings. "Then what's all this?"

Jaemin's voice dropped to a gentler tone. "Remember the plan we talked about if things took a dark turn? This is the way to protect you. We'll marry if it's what keeps you safe."

"Tell her the truth," Mark said quietly. "Or I will."

Jaemin sighed. "Yuta's family wants control. They're pushing this marriage to elevate their status, to take what belongs to me. If they succeed, they'll use you as leverage."

Areum absorbed his words, glancing around the room at her family before finally returning her gaze to Jaemin. "When do we make this official?" she asked quietly. "If I'm marrying anyone for my future, at least I'll choose you."

A soft smile played on Jaemin's lips as he picked up the box of rings and walked over to her. "I've asked you once, but I'll do it properly now." He held her hand, gazing into her eyes with a tenderness rarely seen from him.

"I know that danger's always waiting around the corner, and I'm no perfect savior. I'm not the hero of any romance, and my hands have seen darkness. But you—" his voice softened. "You brought light into this life, chased me through the shadows. This isn't a fairy tale proposal, but I'll say it as best I can. Areum Soleen, will you marry me?"

In that moment, surrounded by the storm and with those simple words, she knew she would.