Title: Fated Ties
In a world where tradition dictates marriage, Taehyun and Y/N are thrust into an arranged marriage. Initially strangers with nothing in common, they soon discover that fate might have brought them together for a reason.
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You had always known that your marriage would be arranged. It was an unspoken rule in your family, a tradition passed down through generations. But knowing it was inevitable didn't make it any easier when the day finally came.
The announcement was made over a formal dinner, with your parents speaking in calm, measured tones as they introduced you to your fiancé. Across the table sat Taehyun, the son of a prestigious family with deep ties to yours. You had heard his name before but had never met him, not until tonight.
Taehyun was composed, his expression polite but unreadable. He was everything you expected—a picture-perfect son of a powerful family, with sharp features and an air of quiet confidence. As he met your eyes, you couldn't help but feel a pang of uncertainty. This was the man you were supposed to spend the rest of your life with, yet he was a stranger.
"Nice to meet you," he said, his voice smooth and even, betraying none of the unease you felt.
"Nice to meet you too," you replied, your voice wavering slightly. Your parents exchanged pleased glances, clearly satisfied that the initial meeting was going well.
The rest of the dinner passed in a blur, filled with polite conversation and talk of the future. But your mind kept drifting back to the reality of the situation. An arranged marriage wasn't supposed to be about love or romance; it was about duty and responsibility. Still, you couldn't help but wonder if there was more to it than that.
The wedding was a grand affair, as expected, with hundreds of guests, extravagant decorations, and an air of formality that left you feeling out of place. You stood beside Taehyun at the altar, your hands trembling as you repeated the vows you had memorized. Taehyun's voice was steady as he spoke his own vows, his gaze never wavering from yours.
When it was over, you were officially husband and wife, bound together by tradition and expectation. The rest of the day was a whirlwind of celebrations, but all you could think about was what would happen when the guests were gone, and it was just the two of you.
That night, you and Taehyun returned to your new home, a beautiful yet unfamiliar place that felt more like a gilded cage than a home. You both stood awkwardly in the living room, the silence between you heavy with uncertainty.
"I know this isn't what you wanted," Taehyun said suddenly, breaking the silence. His voice was calm, but there was a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "It wasn't what I wanted either."
You looked at him, surprised by his honesty. "Then why did you agree to it?"
"Because it's what my family wanted," he admitted, his expression softening. "And because I knew it was what was expected of me."
You nodded, understanding his words all too well. You had done the same, agreeing to the marriage out of duty rather than desire.
Taehyun sighed, running a hand through his hair. "We don't have to pretend, Y/N. We can take this one step at a time. We don't have to be anything more than we're ready for.
"His words were a relief, lifting a weight you hadn't realized you were carrying.
"Thank you, Taehyun. I appreciate that."
He smiled, a small but genuine smile that made him look younger, less like the polished image he projected and more like a real person. "Let's just... get to know each other first. We'll figure out the rest as we go."
The weeks that followed were surprisingly comfortable. Taehyun kept his word, giving you space and time to adjust to your new life. He was kind and considerate, always making sure you felt at ease, but he never pushed you for more than you were ready to give.
You found yourselves settling into a routine, slowly growing more comfortable in each other's presence. There were still moments of awkwardness, but they became fewer as you both began to open up. You learned that Taehyun was more than just the perfect son—he was thoughtful, intelligent, and had a subtle sense of humor that caught you off guard at times.
One evening, you were both sitting in the living room, Taehyun reading a book while you absentmindedly scrolled through your phone. The atmosphere was peaceful, and for the first time, you felt a sense of contentment in this new life.
"Can I ask you something?" you said, breaking the comfortable silence.
Taehyun looked up from his book, his eyes curious. "Of course."
"Do you think... we could ever be more than just partners in this arrangement? Do you think we could actually be happy together?"
Taehyun set his book down, his expression thoughtful. "I've been wondering the same thing," he admitted. "I think we have the potential to be happy. But it's going to take time, and it's going to take effort from both of us.
"You nodded, appreciating his honesty. "I'm willing to try if you are."
He smiled, a genuine smile that made your heart skip a beat. "I'm willing."
From that moment on, things began to change between you. The walls you had both built around yourselves started to come down, and you found yourselves connecting in ways you hadn't expected. You started sharing more about your lives, your dreams, and your fears. Slowly but surely, the bond between you grew stronger.
One evening, after a particularly long day, you found yourself sitting on the balcony, watching the sunset. Taehyun joined you, sitting beside you in comfortable silence."Do you remember the first time we met?" you asked, a small smile playing on your lips.
He chuckled, nodding. "I remember thinking you looked like you wanted to be anywhere but there.
"You laughed, the sound light and genuine. "I did. But now... I'm glad we're here."
Taehyun turned to you, his expression soft. "So am I."
In that moment, you realized that the marriage you had once dreaded was turning into something you never expected—something real. As you sat there, side by side, you knew that while your relationship had started as an obligation, it was now something you were both choosing. And that choice made all the difference.
