I Hate The Way You Love

16 - Fear

At that time,

they were happy.

Happily married,

and in love.

Kim Mingyu and Yoon Jeonghan.

Almost eight years ago, Mingyu proposed to Jeonghan during a European cruise holiday. When the ship docked in Piraeus, a vibrant port city in Athens, Greece, Mingyu knelt under a clear blue sky, the same brilliant shade as the sunlit ocean, and asked Jeonghan to spend forever with him.

The first time Mingyu laid eyes on Jeonghan was at a luxury brand party, where Jeonghan had just been announced as the brand ambassador. Mingyu fell for the blond instantly.

Who wouldn't? Jeonghan's angelic, delicate features could charm anyone.

Jeonghan, of course, wasn't one to let an opportunity slip by when a tall, handsome, and wealthy man approached him so boldly.

From the moment they got together, Mingyu rarely complained about Jeonghan's high-and-mighty attitude. Sure, there were moments when Jeonghan's sharp words got on his nerves, but more often than not, Mingyu found them amusing—a lively counterbalance to the monotony of his work life, especially after his father's passing. Maybe that's why he never saw it as a problem and only felt more drawn to the blond.

Well, love is blind, isn't it?

Jeonghan hadn't expected Mingyu to propose so soon—only a few months after they had officially started dating—but how could he say no? Mingyu's romantic proposal swept him off his feet, and marrying someone as perfect as Kim Mingyu had always been Jeonghan's dream.

And a year later, they tied the knot.

At first, Jeonghan truly had the perfect married life he had always envisioned. That is, until Mingyu's mother—his lovely mother-in-law—started nitpicking everything Jeonghan did in his career as a supermodel.

"Aren't these photos a little... too sexy, Jeonghan?" Hyorin asked, frowning as she flipped through the pages of a glossy magazine featuring Jeonghan's latest work. Her disapproval was clear in the way her lips pressed into a thin line, her sharp gaze lingering on the spread showcasing his newest photoshoot.

She had stopped by to drop off a red ginseng parcel from one of their business partners. Unfortunately for her, Jeonghan happened to be home and Mingyu was still at work.

Jeonghan paused mid-stir, the spoon clinking softly against the teacup he was preparing for her. Standing in the open kitchen of Mingyu's penthouse—now his home too. Forcing a polite smile, he gave the tea one last swirl before carrying the cup into the living room. Setting it down on the table, he took a seat across from his mother-in-law, meeting her pointed gaze with practiced poise. He already knew exactly where this conversation was headed.

"It's just part of the job, Mother-in-law," he replied smoothly, though a faint edge of defiance colored his tone.

Hyorin raised an eyebrow, her expression sharp. "Part of the job? And what about being a Kim now? Don't you think it's time to tone down this... image? A supermodel flaunting himself like this—it's hardly fitting for this family."