Arrange Marriage

CHAP 8

The event was one of the most exclusive gatherings in the underworld—the kind that happened only once a year, bringing together the most powerful mafia bosses and crime lords from across Asia. A sea of dangerous people in one place, all dressed in their finest, making alliances, cutting deals, and settling scores. Normally, Wonwoo attended these events alone, but this time, he couldn’t shake the thought of bringing Mingyu with him.

He was, admittedly, a little apprehensive about Mingyu’s reaction. He knew how charming his husband was, how effortlessly he drew people in with his warmth and playfulness, but the underworld was different. These were people who made fortunes off fear and respect, people who didn’t know what to make of someone as genuine and free-spirited as Mingyu. And yet, there was a part of Wonwoo that wanted to see Mingyu by his side, to see if he could handle this part of Wonwoo’s world.

When he asked, Mingyu looked more intrigued than intimidated. “A mafia gathering? Like, with all the crime lords and notorious gangsters? Sounds thrilling!”

Wonwoo raised an eyebrow, surprised but amused. “You do know it won’t be like a university mixer, right? These people are… intense.”

Mingyu shrugged, a mischievous grin lighting up his face. “Good. I like a little intensity now and then.”

And so, a few nights later, they found themselves stepping into a grand ballroom, where the underworld’s most powerful figures mingled under the glimmering chandeliers, each one radiating a quiet, intimidating aura. The room was filled with the scent of expensive cologne, and the conversations were laced with veiled threats and sly promises. Mingyu looked around, his eyes wide with fascination as he took in the opulent but tense atmosphere.

As they walked further into the room, Wonwoo placed a guiding hand on the small of Mingyu’s back, partly to keep him close and partly because he could already feel the curious eyes tracking their every move. Most people knew who Wonwoo was—the ruthless head of the Jeon family, feared and respected by all. But this was the first time anyone had seen him arrive with someone by his side, much less a young, bright-eyed university student who looked more curious than scared.

Mingyu seemed to take it all in stride, flashing polite smiles at the people they passed, greeting everyone with a warmth that contrasted sharply against the cold, calculated air of the room. As the evening went on, Mingyu somehow managed to hold his own, striking up conversations with everyone from deadly gang leaders to mysterious brokers. Wonwoo watched from a distance, a touch of amazement mingling with his usual guarded demeanor. Mingyu was a natural—fearless, adaptable, and utterly charming.

In one corner, he saw Mingyu chatting with an infamous triad boss known for his violent tendencies. The man was a mountain of muscle and menace, his scarred face a reminder of countless brutal fights. But somehow, Mingyu was making him laugh, gesturing animatedly as if he were catching up with an old friend. Wonwoo could see the triad boss’s hardened expression soften as he listened to Mingyu, chuckling deeply in a way no one had ever seen.

“Who is this?” one of Wonwoo’s closest lieutenants murmured, nodding toward Mingyu. “He’s already spoken to half the room, and everyone seems… well, captivated.”

Wonwoo crossed his arms, his gaze following Mingyu’s every move. “That’s Mingyu. My husband.”

His lieutenant raised his brows in surprise but said nothing more, merely watching as Mingyu laughed and charmed his way through the crowd, seeming completely unaffected by the aura of danger that hung over the room.