Marriage Of Convenience | Haely

Chapter 7

**In the other side of the world***

That evening, Lily was at a lively party held at an exclusive club in Seoul known for its elite clientele. The club, a hotspot for the city's high society, was decked out in opulent decor and pulsating with music. Lily, enjoying the night with her close friends Sullyoon, Jiwoo, Hani, and several others, was immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the private lounge area. The room was filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the soft hum of an upbeat playlist curated for the high-profile guests.

Lily was dressed in a glamorous, shimmering dress that drew the attention of many. She was holding a glass of fine wine, savoring the luxury of the evening while chatting animatedly with her friends. The group's lively conversation was punctuated by the occasional toast, their glasses filled with some of the best wines available.

As the night wore on and the music played on, Sullyoon, who was known for her curious and straightforward nature, decided to bring up a topic that had been on her mind. She leaned in slightly, her voice just above the ambient noise, and asked Lily, "Hey, Lily, what's the latest on the arranged marriage thing with the Oh family? I mean, you haven't mentioned it much."

The question caught the attention of the others in the group. Jiwoo and Hani, who had been engaged in their own conversations, looked up with interest. The topic seemed to pique the curiosity of everyone present, and the lively energy in the room shifted to a more focused and concerned tone.

Lily took a sip of her wine before responding. Her face momentarily clouded with a mix of frustration and resignation. "Oh, that. Well, it's just something my parents have pushed for. You know how it is. They want to strengthen the business ties, and apparently, this marriage is part of their grand plan."

Sullyoon, always perceptive, noticed the strain in Lily's voice. "But aren't you, like, totally against it? You seemed pretty excited about your independence and enjoying life."

Lily nodded, her expression reflecting her inner turmoil. "Yes, I am. I mean, I love my freedom and the life I have now. The whole idea of being tied down by an arranged marriage feels so restrictive. I was really looking forward to just being me and doing what I want without these expectations."

Jiwoo, trying to lighten the mood, interjected, "Well, maybe it won't be so bad. You know, you might get along with the guy. Besides, it might turn into a good story for your future memoirs."

Hani, who had been quietly listening, added, "It's just one of those things that life throws at you. Sometimes we just have to roll with the punches, right?"

Lily sighed, clearly not comforted by her friends' attempts to cheer her up. "I get that, but it's not just about rolling with it. This is about my future, my choices. It's not something I can just brush off. I mean, have you seen the guy they're pairing me with? I haven't even met him yet, but the whole thing just feels like it's being imposed on me."

The conversation continued as Lily and her friends debated the pros and cons of the arrangement. Some offered sympathy, while others provided practical advice. Despite their well-meaning responses, Lily's frustration remained palpable. She was deeply conflicted between the life she cherished and the expectations her family placed upon her.

As the evening progressed, the music and revelry returned to the forefront, but Lily's mind remained preoccupied with the upcoming arrangements and the future that seemed increasingly out of her control.

After the conversation, Lily decided she needed a break and excused herself to the restroom. She walked through the crowded club, her mind still preoccupied with the frustrating discussion she had just had with her friends. Her elegant dress swished with each step, but she barely noticed the environment around her.