𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 | 𝐌𝐘𝐆

𝟎𝟐 | 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧

"Min Yoongi~"

Hearing her high-pitched voice made you regret being born.

You set the tray on the coffee table before walking out into the hallway, your eyes locking with Gayeong's. You clasped your hands together as you stood there, watching the lovebirds greet each other.

"I missed you..." You heard her whisper into your husband's ear, her arms wrapping around his neck. He let out a hum in response and patted her head before shifting his gaze toward you.

"Miss Seo," He addressed, still holding Gayeong, "We have an important matter that we need to discuss later in the afternoon. Join me in my office."

You didn't respond, slowly lowering your head before returning to the living room, fully aware that your own bedroom would be occupied. The weight of the situation settled heavily on your shoulders as you sat down on the sofa, staring blankly at the breakfast tray you had just placed.

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"Has she gone home?" You asked as you entered the office to find your husband standing near the window sill, looking out into the distance with a glass of whiskey in his hand.

"A while ago," he responded, taking a deep breath before turning around to face you with a blank expression, "Sit down."

You moved to the chair opposite his desk and sat down, your heart pounding in anticipation.

"We need to talk about your family," he began, taking a seat across from you, "There are decisions that need to be made."

"My family?" You furrowed your eyebrows in confusion.

"Remember, your family requested you to be a part of this household. They expect you to do well and fit in. I strongly advise you not to make this difficult for the both of us."

You felt a knot tighten in your stomach.

"I'm the one who's making it difficult? You're the one who keeps bringing her here!"

"That's not any of your concerns, Miss Seo." His voice remained steady as he raised the glass to his lips, finishing his whiskey before setting it aside, "The both of us are fully aware that this marriage was nothing but a business arrangement."

You felt a wave of frustration wash over you. You took a deep breath, trying to control your emotions, your nails digging into the fabric of your dress.

"Keep in mind that when the right time comes, Kang Gayeong will become my next wife."

You forced yourself to maintain your composure, but the weight of your unspoken feelings pressed against your chest, making it hard to breathe.

"Then what good am I?" Your voice cracked, looking down at your lap as you tried to hide the tears that were running down your face.

"Just continue playing your part. That's all I expect from you." Your husband's voice didn't show any signs of sympathy for you, "Now go get ready for dinner. Your family's coming over to visit."

He turned away, dismissing you without a second glance. You quickly wiped the tears from your face before standing up, heading to the door as fast as possible.

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You could hear the murmur of the preparation from downstairs: the clinking of silverware and soft hums of voices as your family gathered. You also heard your husband greeting them.

You took one last look at yourself in the mirror, straightening your back as you fixed your dress and hair. You took a deep breath, putting on your practiced smile before making your way down the stairs.

"Mom! Dad!" You ran up to the both of them before pulling them into a tight embrace, their familiar warmth somehow provided a comforting distraction from the current situation.

"Oh Mira..." Your mom murmured, her voice laced with affection as she tenderly rubbed your back. She pulled away just enough to admire her beautiful daughter.

"Please join us for dinner." You smiled warmly before taking your parents' hands, guiding them toward the dining room.

"I'm glad we can have this opportunity to be together." Your dad spoke as he pulled out a chair for your mom, letting her sit before settling into his own. As you watched their familiar gestures of affection, you couldn't help but reflect on how their enduring love had shaped your understanding of love. Ever since you were a child, you always dreamt of marrying someone just like your dad -- kindhearted, caring, and supportive. But now you can throw all those lovely expectations out the window.

The romantic views you once held dear to your heart were now overshadowed by your present circumstances.

Because now, you're married to a stoic and unreliable man whose affections are reserved for his mistress rather than his own wife.