DANCE WITH THE DEVIL

CHAPTER 31

Olympia Event House |

The hall echoed with rounds of applause and cheers, punctuated by bursts of confetti raining down. A red carpet stretched down the center, bordered by guests from Nucleus, as the newlywed couple entered, glowing with joy.

It was a simple yet grand reception, attended solely by members of the organization. Jaemin and Areum, now in new attire of deep, celebratory red, looked every bit the powerful couple.

Jaemin adjusted the delicate flower crown resting atop Areum's head, his fingers brushing her hair before he leaned in, a soft smile on his lips. "I love that smile on you, wife."

Areum laughed, her eyes warm as she touched his cheek. "And I want to see that sweet smile on you more often, husband."

"Well, food's ready," Soohyun chimed in, approaching the couple with a grin.

Areum's eyes lit up. "Do they have my favorite dishes?"

"It's all your favorites; Jaemin made sure of it," Soohyun laughed as she feigned a happy tear. "Honestly, I never thought I'd see you in a wedding dress."

"Why?" Areum asked, tilting her head.

"Let's just say you didn't seem the type to settle down," Mark interjected with a chuckle, joining them. Areum rolled her eyes and hugged him, feeling the warmth and protection he always gave. "Just promise you'll be a good wife, hmm? We'll still be here for you."

"When are you going to marry?" she teased, playfully jabbing his side.

"Next question, please." Mark chuckled, pulling back. "Are you sure about this? It's not too late to change your mind."

Jaemin stepped forward, catching Mark's gaze with a smile. "Careful there, brother-in-law," he said in a teasing tone, slipping his arms around Areum.

"She's still my sister," Mark replied with a smirk. "Take care of her, Jaemin."

"I love this troublemaker too much to let her go," Jaemin murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of her head. "Let's start the feast?"

Mark nodded, and Areum giggled, turning around to give Jaemin a peck on the lips. It was a magical moment—their eyes met, and for a second, they were the only two in the world.

The grand dinner began, and the couple temporarily parted. Areum went to sit with her family, while Jaemin mingled with other guests, accepting warm wishes with heartfelt thanks.

Even from a distance, Jaemin watched Areum, captivated. Her bright hair, her star-trapped eyes, her smile—all things he'd admired individually had now fused into the one he loved with unwavering devotion. The part of him he feared was too dark to love anyone had found salvation in her.

But the peaceful ambiance shattered suddenly with a loud bang as the doors flung open, and armed men poured in, their guns raised. Chaos erupted as screams filled the room. Jaemin spun around to find Areum, but her table was already empty, panic spiking in his chest.

"Sir Na!" Haechan appeared beside him, holding out two guns. "Mark has her. She's safe."