Loveless in Seoul

Chapter 5

Perhaps I blacked out during the ceremony, but I believe it went smoother than I anticipated. There were rituals I was unfamiliar with, but I did a bit of research on it before I flew in. I only earned a few occasional glances out of the corner of Jihoon's eye when I was hesitant with a few things. I couldn't complain too, for not being able to decorate my own wedding it was still well done. The reception was beautiful, the wedding venue rather plan looking on the outside but on the inside it was like out of a movie. White walls with crystal, dangling lights on the ceiling. Every table had crisp, white tablecloths and purple flower centerpieces. It was all sleek, clean and screamed wealth. It wasn't what I'd ideal choose for my wedding, but it was still breathtaking for a rushed wedding.

Right after the ceremony, we were quickly ushered off the aisle and outside to the back where a lush and green garden was, cherry blossom trees hanging as the warm, spring air welcomed us as we stepped outside.

"We want to get some pictures in before dinner," my dad explained. So we all stood under the trees, our merged family standing together as the photographers clicked away on their big cameras. They then directed for just me and Jihoon to take pictures alone. We stood next to each other, awkward and stiff as can be with his arm around my waist. The photographers instructed something in Korean to Jihoon, who rolled his eyes and retaliated. When the photographer snapped at him, Jihoon let out a huff. As I was wondering what on earth they could be bickering about, Jihoon grabbed my chin. Before I even had a moment to think, he turned my head and placed his lips against mine. My eyes went as wide as saucers, and then snapped shut when the photographer barked orders at me. When I could heard a few clicks of the camera and knew the shot was taken, I immediately pulled away. My cheeks were bright red, unable to make out any words as I stared at him in shock.

"I know I broke a rule; relax, Princess." He scoffed, looking back at the photographer.

"Two rules. I told you not to call me that." I managed to finally say. The smallest, breath of a laugh escaped his nose.

"But it's true. You are a spoiled, American princess who has been given everything to her your entire life." He carried on, smiling for the pictures.

"Oh, and you're so humble too?" I said through my teeth as I too smiled for the photographers. "You've only just started working for your father's company. Before then you were just a rich playboy who spent most of his time partying."

The hand he held around my waist grew tighter, a low laugh escaping his lips. "Someone has done their research I see."

"I had to, since you refuse to tell me anything about you. I'd like to know at least what I'm getting myself into." I said, changing positions as instructed by the photographers.

"The little you know, the better, Princess."

"Well, as your wife now I think I deserve to know a bit about you."

The photos were done being taken and everyone was allowed back inside. Jihoon let go of my waist, the smile wiping of his mouth in an instant.

"Let's just go back inside and get this over with." He said bitterly as he adjusted his hanbok and followed the rest of the family inside

Back inside, my mother whisked me away and I was free to change out of my hanbok. I got into my western style bridal gown, a lace, long sleeve mermaid cut dress. It was a million times flattering on me, and suited my style a lot more which brought me much more comfort. However, there still was no sign of confidence inside of me. We went back to the reception hall, where everyone was sitting and dinning at the round tables, making small talk amongst the family, or men in fancy suits discussing business. It felt far from my own wedding. More like a party that happened to have my name on the invitation.

Up ahead at the front of the room I saw Jihoon sitting by himself at our table, sipping his flute of champagne. His arms were crossed, staring at nothing in particular. He had changed into a black suit now, a silver watch sparkling on his wrist under the chandelier. I went over and sat next to him, taking my own glass. I saw in the corner of my eyes his eyes roam up and down my body, before turning back to his drink.

"That dress suits you better. Should have worn that instead." He pointed out. "Most brides do now a day."

"I wanted to show you and your family that I was accepting of your culture." I explained simply as I picked up my drink. He replied with silence, just glancing down at me once more before looking out into the crowd of people drinking and laughing, murmuring something under his breath in Korean. I was too tired to argue or pester what he said. I watched as my mother and father chatted with Hyunwoo, a pit growing in my stomach. I was upset they decided to leave by tomorrow morning. And yet, they were the biggest motivation for me to say yes moving here. It felt like I couldn't even move across the city to get away from them. I had to move across the world.

It was late when Jihoon and I were free to leave. We got into the back of the car and were on his way to his penthouse. I couldn't stop shifting in my seat, unable to fight off any anxiety I had. I had never even lived with a roommate before, let alone a partner.

"You will have your own room." Jihoon suddenly said as he looked out the window, watching the streetlights pass. "I won't expecting you to sleep in the same bed as me. You're welcome to anywhere in the home except my room and office. Is that understood?"

Ugh, as if I would bother. Apart of me felt like he was just saying this to keep some control over me

"Alright," I said softly with a nod "Will I be free to decorate my room?"

"You can't paint the walls and you have to let me know if you want to hang things on the walls. I don't want any holes in them. But otherwise you're free to do whatever to it. Let me know when you to buy anything for your room and I will send you allowance money." He said in a cold voice, as if he was not thrilled that he had to share his money with me. Apart of me felt some guilt, knowing he was in charge of me financially now. But it was what he signed up for in the end. I move countries and he supports me financially.

"Okay." I said meekly. We pulled up to the penthouse and went inside, into the elevator and all the way up to the 15th floor. Jihoon unlocked the door and let me in, keeping his distance behind me as he followed. It was massive, dark hardwood floors and black accents on the walls. Sleek, minimal black and beige furniture, floor to ceiling windows that overlooked Seoul; the city lights twinkling like stars on earth. The lights that hung on the high ceilings casted a warm and dim glow to the living area, a massive fireplace on the right end of the room where the TV hung, and an ebony spiral staircase on the other side of the room leading to the second floor.

It was so different from my home. In all honestly, my parent's home had "old money" written all over it. This place was a young bachelors paradise. Yet the view of the city was to die for. I stepped closer to it, my heels clicking on the floors

"This place is lovely," I breathed as I gazed out the window "You'll have to give me a tour sometime, I'm sure this place is-"

"Your room is on the right end of the hall upstairs. Cleaning lady comes by every two weeks to do a deep clean. My room and office are off limits. Goodnight." He cut me off as he went upstairs. I watched as he carried himself down the hall, disappearing around the corner and slamming his door shut. My eyebrows furrowed with sorrow, my red lips curling into a deep frown. I peered back out the to the city. My new home until I was free to divorce this asshole.