The Heir (BBANGSAZ)

Chapter 6: Life In An Arranged Marriage

The grand ballroom of the Kim family estate glittered with a dazzling display of lights and floral arrangements. It was a scene straight out of a fairytale, but for Minji and Hanni, the reality was far from magical. They stood side by side at the altar, both wearing masks of composure that hid the turmoil within.

Hanni's heart raced with nerves as she glanced at Minji, who stood beside her with an unreadable expression. She wore a stunning gown that hugged her figure perfectly, her hair styled elegantly, every inch the picture of a blushing bride. Yet, Hanni knew this was all for show-this marriage was a business transaction, nothing more.

Minji, for her part, maintained her calm facade, her thoughts a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She knew the importance of this union for their families, for their shared business ventures, but her heart felt heavy with the weight of duty over desire.

The officiant began the ceremony, their words echoing through the ballroom as Hanni and Minji exchanged rehearsed vows. Hanni's voice wavered slightly as she spoke, her eyes fixed on a point in the distance. She recited the words she had practiced, promising to honor and obey, though her heart rebelled against the emptiness of the vows.

Minji's voice was steady as she repeated her vows, her gaze distant as she uttered words that held no meaning for her. She pledged loyalty and fidelity, knowing that these promises were necessary for the facade they were presenting to their families and the public eye.

The exchange of rings followed, a symbolic gesture of their commitment to each other and their families' alliances. Hanni felt a pang of sadness as Minji slid the ring onto her finger-it was a beautiful piece of jewelry, but it represented a union devoid of love or passion.

As the officiant declared them married, applause filled the ballroom, masking the inner turmoil of the newlywed couple. Hanni and Minji shared a brief, chaste kiss, their lips meeting mechanically, devoid of the warmth and tenderness that should accompany such a momentous occasion.

Later, in the privacy of their suite at the mansion, Hanni and Minji stood awkwardly, unsure of how to proceed now that they were alone. The weight of their arrangement hung heavy in the air, each silently grappling with the reality of their situation.

Hanni broke the silence first, her voice tentative. "Thank you for... for going through with this," she said, her words tinged with regret.

Minji nodded stiffly, her gaze distant. "It was necessary," she replied coolly, her tone businesslike.

They stood apart, the space between them a chasm of unspoken words and unfulfilled expectations. This marriage was a transaction, a merger of families and fortunes, and they both understood their roles in maintaining appearances.

As the night wore on, they retreated into their separate thoughts, each grappling with the knowledge that their lives had been irrevocably altered by this union. They had chosen duty over desire, obligation over passion, and now they were bound together in a marriage that lacked the one thing they both longed for-love.

---

The morning sun filtered through the windows of the expansive kitchen in the Kim family mansion, casting a warm glow over the marble countertops and stainless steel appliances. Hanni moved with a sense of purpose, determined to start the day off right despite the lingering awkwardness from the previous night.

She hummed softly to herself as she chopped vegetables for an omelet, the rhythmic sound of the knife against the cutting board filling the otherwise quiet room. Cooking had always been a comfort for Hanni-a way to express care and create moments of connection, even in the midst of uncertainty.

After carefully arranging the ingredients, Hanni slid the omelet into the sizzling pan, the aroma of herbs and melted cheese filling the air. She glanced at the clock nervously, noting that Minji usually appeared around this time.