He stood up abruptly, pulling her up with him thanks to the handcuffs, and pinned her against the wall. His grip on her wrist tightened.
Ni-ki leaned in closer, his voice a cold whisper. "You're playing with fire, angel. Don't think for a second tha...
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RHAINE STARED AT HER REFLECTION IN THE MIRROR AS THE makeup artist brushed a soft pink hue onto her cheeks. She barely recognized herself. Her normally bare face was transformed, with perfectly winged eyeliner, shimmering eyeshadow, and glossy lips that caught the light. The sleek updo the hairstylist had given her made her feel like someone she wasn't—far from the girl who worked at her dad's chicken restaurant.
The makeup artist paused, who was sent to her by Mr. Jin, meeting Rhaine's gaze in the mirror. "You have beautiful skin. This look really brings out your eyes."
Rhaine forced a smile, though the compliment barely registered. She wasn't sure if it was the nerves from attending a fancy wedding with Ni-ki, or the fact that she was dressed like someone else entirely, but everything felt off. The dress she had chosen—simple yet elegant in navy blue—hugged her figure perfectly, but she still felt out of place.
"Thanks," she mumbled, her fingers tightening in her lap. The reality of the situation hit her in waves. She was going to a wedding. With Ni-ki. A wedding full of people who probably wouldn't believe for a second that they were a real couple.
"You look amazing," the makeup artist said, stepping back to admire her work. "All done."
Rhaine nodded and stood up, smoothing out her dress, her heart racing in her chest. She wasn't used to this. She wasn't used to being dressed up, to being the center of attention. But today wasn't about her—it was about keeping up appearances, playing the part.
And Ni-ki? He probably wouldn't care one way or another.
Just as Rhaine was about to check herself in the mirror one last time, a sharp honk from outside startled her. She flinched, knowing exactly who it was. Of course, Ni-ki wouldn't bother coming to the door like a normal person.
The makeup artist noticed her hesitation and smiled. "Let me help you up, dear."
"Thanks." Rhaine took her hand, grateful for the support as she stood.
The fabric of the dress held onto her tightly in a way that felt unfamiliar—constricting almost. She hadn't worn anything this elegant in years, and even then, it had never been by choice.
She slowly made her way downstairs, carefully holding the side of her dress so she wouldn't trip. The moment she reached the bottom, her parents turned to look at her—and their reactions said it all.
Her mom's eyes widened in awe, her hand flying to her chest. "Oh my gosh, Rhaine! You look... you look like a princess!"
Her dad, usually reserved with compliments, nodded in agreement, a proud smile spreading across his face. "She's right, sweetheart. You look amazing."
Rhaine felt her cheeks flush. She hadn't expected this kind of reaction. Her parents rarely saw her dressed up, let alone in something like this.
"Thanks," she mumbled, glancing away. She wasn't used to being the center of attention, even from her own family.
