Chapter 62: Tangled Hearts and Family Facades

“Why… that all of a sudden?”

“Just something I’m thinking about. Everything okay at school?”

“Yeah.”

Do Yoon froze like a statue, then turned to me.

“What do you think about it?”

“About what?”

“A guy liking another guy.”

Hmm. Ju Ria’s coming out shocked me, but that was it. People can love who they want. In the entertainment industry I half-worked in, it wasn’t rare—just hushed up. This was my first close encounter with someone coming out, though.

“I just think it’s whatever.”

His eyes shook.

“What if someone… liked you? A guy.”

“Me? Why would they?”

“Just hypothetically.”

His tone was anxious.

“Would you think they’re gross and cut them off?”

I sat up on the sofa, scratching my head.

“Nah, why go that far? It’s their choice.”

“You wouldn’t… feel bad?”

Why would I? Unless they pulled a Han Sung thug move and attacked me, it didn’t matter. That guy wasn’t bad because he was a guy—it was the violence. Man or woman, I’d hate that.

“No big deal.”

“So… you’d date them?”

I was surprised by his intensity on this topic. A thought hit me.

“Why? Someone confess to you?”

“…No.”

His face darkened. But with Do Yoon… a guy liking him didn’t seem far-fetched. He’s exceptional. Glancing at him, I said.

“If that happens, don’t be too harsh. It’s just someone liking someone. No need to be cruel. They’re just different from us. They shouldn’t have to feel like criminals or be rejected by family.”

I thought of Ju Ria’s tears. It really felt unfair. Her family seemed ultra-conservative—she’d probably have to keep hiding.

But Do Yoon’s face crumpled, looking devastated. Head bowed, he muttered.

“Why…”

“Huh?”

“If you’d just said you hated it to death, I could…”

I jumped as he grabbed my hands, his face fierce.

“If someone says they like you, never accept it. Say you hate it. Tell them to get lost, that you can’t even look at them.”

Tears fell onto my knees—his tears. Stunned, I nodded.

“Okay, okay.”

It’s not like it’d happen, so agreeing was easy. He quickly wiped his eyes, bit his lip, and stormed out. I sat there, dazed.

A storm raged in my mind. His piercing glare lingered.

Days later, I met Ju Ria and accepted her proposal. There was something in it for me. She looked like I’d saved her life.

“Thank you. I thought you might ghost me after last time.”

I’d considered it.

“From your perspective… it’s a hassle with no real reason to help.”

She wasn’t wrong. I cleared my throat.

“Whatever. You said five years, then we can break it off anytime.”

“Yeah. I’ll stall with a master’s or PhD, get a job. I need three more years for permanent residency since I got it late. I’ll keep trying for citizenship, or maybe investment immigration. After that, the adults will push for marriage.”

Her contract stated, “If Party B (Ju Ria) fails to comply, Party B shall compensate Party A (Choi Seung Hyun) with 10 trillion won.” An amount impossible to ignore.

So, like me, she planned to escape her family. The more I learned, the harder it was to turn away. She asked.

“That’s really all you need?”

“For now.”

I asked for houses in five sunny countries. She found it odd—my wealth could cover that. But it wasn’t about money; it was about disappearing without a trace. Do Yoon’s recent resentful glances chilled me. This novel’s plot could shift to the original at any moment, and I was terrified. She asked cautiously.

“Can’t ask what they’re for?”

“Nope. Keep it secret. Third-party names are better. Keep them empty.”

“You sound like me… Okay.”

I flinched but hid it. The houses were just an appetizer. The contract also said, “Five years after a smooth breakup, Party B (Ju Ria) will fulfill one request from Party A (Choi Seung Hyun), within legal bounds, or pay 10 trillion won.”

This was insurance for if I couldn’t escape the novel’s ending—penniless and ruined. With unpredictable risks, this deal wasn’t bad for the hassle. Do Yoon’s recent attitude pushed me toward it. I asked.

“When’s the ceremony?”

“Sooner the better. Before summer ends. I’m leaving for the States in September.”

“I’ll talk to the adults. What’s our story?”

“Obvious. You’ve always liked me, and your persistence won me over.”

I grimaced. She looked embarrassed.

“It’s the most natural.”

“Fine. Your family… they know everything?”

“Pretty much. They’re desperate to trick some guy into marrying me. They’ll treat you well to make up for it.”

Not a bad deal. Relying on Do Yoon’s feelings alone was too risky. A contract was solid.

Our engagement decision spread fast. Chairman Joo was thrilled, as expected, and my family was elated I’d changed my mind.

Grandfather praised my decision, urging me to bring my “future granddaughter-in-law.” His favorite “happy family” game was starting again.

It was a hot summer, so no garden parties. Instead, a lavish dinner was held in the family mansion’s grand dining room. By Grandfather’s order, everyone, including Do Yoon, attended.

Grandfather sat at the head, with Father, Mother, and Seung Hee on his right, and me, Ria, and Do Yoon on his left.

Grandfather beamed.

“Ria’s a blessing. Seung Hyun’s lacking, but take care of him.”

“No, I’ve always liked him. Just didn’t show it.”

I marveled at her audacity, lying without flinching. Seung Hee, across from us, widened her eyes.

“Didn’t you hate him? He got rejected more than once.”

Mother shot her a look, then smiled overly sweetly.

“Women pretend they don’t care when they do. Right, Ria?”

“Of course, Mother. And seeing him keep coming back was kind of cute.”

“No way.”

Seung Hee gaped. Ria, unfazed, smiled like she was reminiscing fondly.

“He told me, ‘I’m mentally mature, so I suit an older woman. That’s you.’”

Everyone burst out laughing. My face burned, and Ria giggled.

“It was hilarious at first, but it stuck with me.”

Of course it did—I’d been mocked for years. But her face and voice made it seem like she adored me. Like a paranoid maniac, I hacked at my lamb, fearing I’d choke if I ate a big piece. Father, across from me, nodded.

“A man shouldn’t give up after one rejection. Well done.”

“Haha… thanks.”

I could only laugh awkwardly at the nonsense. Then, Ria, beside me, suddenly looked at Do Yoon.

“Oh, Do Yoon-ssi. Are you okay?”