Arranged marriage

Chapter 3

The morning was unusually quiet, the kind of quiet that made everything feel heavier, as if the air itself was thick with anticipation. Y/N stood before the massive mirror in her room, staring at the image reflected back at her. Her wedding dress, a blend of soft ivory and intricate lace, clung to her body like a second skin, tailored to perfection. The veil draped delicately over her shoulders, trailing down to the floor in a cascade of white.

But despite the beauty of the gown, Y/N felt like an outsider looking in on a life that wasn't hers.

Her breath came in shallow, uneven gasps as her fingers nervously smoothed down the bodice of the dress. It was surreal. She had imagined this day countless times, but never like this. Never with a man who barely spoke to her, whose presence filled her with both fear and confusion.

Jungkook.

The name alone sent a shiver down her spine. The man she was about to marry—the man who had rescued her from danger just the night before—was a mystery wrapped in shadows. She couldn't forget the way his eyes had darkened as he had fought off her attacker. There was something dangerous about him, something that scared her, but also something that intrigued her, pulling her in like a moth to a flame.

A soft knock on the door pulled Y/N from her thoughts. She turned to see her best friend, Yoona, standing in the doorway, her expression a mixture of concern and sadness.

"Y/N," Yoona said quietly, stepping into the room. "It's time."

Y/N swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. She had known this moment was coming, but the weight of it didn't hit her until now. Her hands shook as she reached for the bouquet of white roses that sat on the vanity.

Yoona stepped closer, her voice soft but firm. "You don't have to do this. If you want to leave, I'll help you. You don't owe him anything."

Y/N's heart clenched at her friend's words. The temptation to run was strong, but it wasn't that simple. She had made a deal—a deal she couldn't back out of, not without consequences. And despite everything, a part of her was curious. Curious about Jungkook, about the world she was stepping into.

"No," Y/N whispered, her voice barely audible. "I have to do this. It's the only way."

Yoona's eyes searched Y/N's face, looking for any sign of hesitation, of doubt. But Y/N had already made up her mind. There was no turning back now. She had chosen this path, for better or worse.

"Alright," Yoona said softly, squeezing Y/N's hand. "But if you ever need me, just say the word. I'm here."

Y/N nodded, her throat tight with emotion. She appreciated Yoona's support, but this was a journey she would have to face alone. No one could save her from what was to come.

With one last glance at her reflection, Y/N took a deep breath and followed Yoona out of the room, her steps slow and deliberate as they made their way through the mansion's grand halls. The weight of her decision pressed heavily on her shoulders, but she kept moving forward, one step at a time.

As they approached the entrance to the main hall, where the ceremony would take place, Y/N could hear the faint sound of music playing, a soft melody that echoed off the walls. The doors loomed ahead, tall and imposing, like the gateway to another life—one she wasn't sure she was ready for.