Arrange Marriage

CHAP 4

Life after the wedding settled into a rhythm, but it wasn’t the peaceful one Mingyu had envisioned. Wonwoo threw himself back into work, his days occupied by meetings, negotiations, and security plans. He was often gone before Mingyu woke up, only returning late at night, exhausted and withdrawn. Mingyu, who had returned to university, found himself alone in their spacious house, rattling around in empty rooms that suddenly felt much larger than before.

At first, Mingyu understood. Wonwoo was a busy man with endless responsibilities. But as days turned into weeks and then a month, he started to feel like an afterthought. He’d wake up to find the other side of the bed cold, spend long hours in class and at home alone, then see Wonwoo slip away before Mingyu could even ask how his day was. Mingyu tried calling, leaving little notes in Wonwoo’s office, even making dinners that ended up eaten alone. Every effort felt like a pebble dropped in a bottomless well, and his patience was wearing thin.

One Friday, after his last class of the week, Mingyu decided he was done waiting. He was tired of trying to find his place in Wonwoo’s life and being met with silence. Mingyu stormed home, went straight to the kitchen, and packed a picnic basket with everything he could find—a bottle of red wine, an assortment of cheeses, crackers, even a container of strawberries he’d been saving. He grabbed the basket, set his jaw, and headed straight to Wonwoo’s office, fueled by a mix of irritation and determination.

When Mingyu arrived at the tall, sleek skyscraper that housed Wonwoo’s office, the guards at the entrance gave him hesitant glances but didn’t try to stop him. They knew better than to interfere when Mingyu had that look in his eye.

He reached the executive floor and marched right past Wonwoo’s assistant, who stammered, “Sir, Mr. Jeon is in a meeting—”

“Good for him,” Mingyu muttered, throwing the door open and stepping into the large, intimidating office. Wonwoo was seated behind a polished mahogany desk, several men sitting around in chairs in front of him, discussing something with grim faces. They all turned to look at Mingyu, shock and confusion evident on their faces.

Wonwoo’s eyes narrowed, though there was a flicker of something else there too—curiosity, maybe even amusement. “Mingyu,” he began, his tone calm but firm, “I’m in the middle of something.”

Mingyu set the picnic basket on the floor, his expression daring. “And I’m at the end of my patience,” he replied, crossing his arms. “If you won’t come home to spend time with me, I’ll bring the time to you.” He pointed at the men in the room, who were still gaping at him. “Out.”

They exchanged nervous glances before looking back at Wonwoo, clearly waiting for his permission. Wonwoo sighed, pressing a finger to his temple in exasperation, but he nodded. “Give us a few minutes.”

As the men filed out, Mingyu could feel his heart pounding, a mixture of adrenaline and frustration. Once they were gone and the heavy door clicked shut, he turned back to Wonwoo, his stance unyielding.

“You can’t keep ignoring me, Wonwoo,” Mingyu said, his voice low but fierce. “I’m not a ghost, and I’m not a decorative piece you can leave at home. I’m your husband, and I refuse to be pushed aside.”

Wonwoo’s lips twitched, though he clearly tried to suppress his amusement. “You’re not subtle, are you?”

“Why should I be?!” Mingyu snapped. He grabbed the picnic basket, setting it on Wonwoo’s desk. “If you won’t go on a date with me, we’re having one right here. In your office. And if you refuse, I’ll scream so loudly that every single person in this building will hear me.”