Mr & Mrs Fake

Chapter Three

Theo

Three days ago, my dad told me I need to be married before taking over as CEO of Choi and Son. It's still shocking. In the twenty-first century, I'm expected to enter an arranged marriage. It's not the idea of marriage that bothers me—I want a wife and kids, but on my own terms, not my grandfather's outdated rule. I wanted my first marriage to be my only one, with someone I genuinely liked and saw a future with.

I don't want to marry someone I barely know, especially if she's after my family's money. I push myself harder on the treadmill, thoughts swirling. I pull my headphones off as my father walks in. "Appa, what are you doing here?" I ask, stopping the treadmill. I wipe my face and take a swig of water.

"I came to check on you," he says. "How's the app update going?"

"Good. The team is almost done. It'll be ready by the time the investors arrive," I reply. My dad nods. "So, how are you handling this news?"

"I'm pissed. It's ridiculous. Appa, you had fifty-three years to change Harabeoji's rule. Why didn't you?"

"I tried. The board supported your Harabeoji. I thought I'd have more time before stepping down," he explains.

"So change it now. Why can't you? I don't want to marry a stranger just to be CEO," I say, throwing my towel down.

"I would if I could, but I've already informed the board of my resignation and your appointment. Everything is set," he says.

"And how am I supposed to do this in two months? A bit of warning would've been nice," I reply.

"I know. You'll have to make the best of this. When you're CEO, you can change it," he says, patting my back. "Oh, and your mom is throwing a family dinner this weekend. She wants you to call the cafe or bakery you took her to and get some desserts catered."

"Yeah, okay. I'll do it later. I need to get to the office first," I say, staring out the window.

"Chin up, aduel. It'll work out. I'll see you in the morning. I love you," he says, giving me a brief hug before leaving.

I groan and head to the bathroom for a quick shower.