Spending the semestral break back in your little town was indeed one of the happiest days of your life. However, you couldn't help but wonder why Jaemin had been quiet for the past three days. After his confession at the beach, nothing much had changed. He had always been keen on treating you like a Queen even before he confessed to you.

The only thing that changed was the meaning behind every action, knowing now what he truly felt towards you.

You could still vividly remember that night, the sweet caress and romantic words, and how he forbid you to say you like him back. It was weird that he didn't want you to say it, but you didn't push him further.

You couldn't help but feel worried that he hadn't contacted you in days. His last message was:

I'm going back to South Korea.

He didn't say when he'd be back in the city. You felt nervous because it seemed like there was a finality in his message.

While you were busy thinking about him, he was currently facing the beginning of his own destruction.

Jaemin was walking down the familiar corridor of the Na manor. The walls were still the same shade of beige, the marble floor still shiny and spotless, the only difference were the decorations on the wall. There used to be a collection of original paintings lined up the wall but now there were a few masterpieces missing. It could probably mean one thing.

Somebody was selling it for cash. The Na Enterprises was going downhill.

There were two armed men clad in black waiting by the door of his grandfather's office. The two men recognized Jaemin and opened the double doors for him.

The Chairman was sitting on his leather chair while smoking tobacco. There were a few pieces of gray hair left on his head and he seemed weaker and older tham the last time he saw him. His suit was slightly bigger than him. Jaemin felt a slight sympathy but it disappeared when his grandfather looked at him with so much venom.

He didn't understand his grandfather's ways. If he hated his own grandson so much, why was he adamant to keep him in his manor? Why couldn't he just kick him out and cut off all of their connections?

All for wealth.

He let out a huffed.

"Good evening, Chairman," Jaemin greeted his grandfather before bowing low. He never called him grandfather out loud. Always the title that his subordinates called him. Because he never felt like a family, he never treated him one, so he contented himself with it.

"I see you're back from fooling around in that school," the Chairman said in a barely audible voice. His addiction for tobacco had an irreversible effect. He was always catching his breath whenever he spoke and he was always in pain. Yet he never stopped.

Jaemin didn't answer.

"I assume you know what's the occasion for tomorrow night. I want you to be on your best behaviour and do not do anything rash or improper. Don't embarrass my name."

"As you wish, Chairman," Jaemin replied. He was a robot programmed to obey and give the answers the Chairman wanted to hear.

"You may go," the Chairman dismissed him.

He left the office and walked straight to the east wing where his room was. Unfortunately, he passed by the formal living room and saw the evil stepmother with her children talking in hushed voices. His cousins were also there and they were all surprised when they saw him.

"Jaemin is back." His only uncle, the eldest son of the stepmother, was the first one to react. He walked towards him and gave him a firm handshake.

He was sure as hell that they were all displeased to see him. He made a short conversation, answered their questions briefly, before excusing himself and finally going to his room. He locked himself up and drew the curtains close.

He must avoid that family as much as possible. They would do everything in their power to sabotage him because tomorrow night, he would finally be introduced as the next heir of the Na Enterprises in front of the other wealthy families all over the world.

He had to stay alive, at least.

Hours before the grand social function, Na Jae Sook visited his son's chambers. He looked like he had aged a lot. There were deep wrinkles on his forehead and the dark circles under his eyes made him ten years older than his age. Jaemin hid the surprise when his father entered his room. He didn't get the chance to talk to him when he got back to South Korea because his father was busy.

"Hello, son," Jae Sook greeted his son awkwardly. Jaemin was standing in front of the wide window with a garden view. Jae Sook sat on his bed.

"Hello, father," Jaemin greeted back stiffly.

"Are you ready for tonight?"

"I don't think I have another option."

"You always have an option."

"Not on this one."

"I'm working on it," Jae Sook as he leaned on the headboard. He loosened his tie and exhaustion got the best of him. For years since he replaced his father, he had been working nonstop to save the company from being bankrupt. His inconsiderate father left him a huge responsibility and tons of problems to which he expected that he would patch up in a short amount of time.

"If you only married Lorraine Seo, this company wouldn't be in the brink of ruins!"

The Chairman was good at passing the blame but never at taking accountability.

And unfortunately, Jaemin would have to experience the fate that Jae Sook was able to dodge.

"Are you alright?" Jaemin asked, finally looking at his father and taking in his pitiful appearance. He was no longer youthful but handsome nevertheless. But the flicker of life in his eyes were long gone. He gave up long ago. He didn't even bother fighting for his son. That's what Jaemin thought.

"I'm okay as I can be," his father lied. "How about you? Did you enjoy going to that school? Are you happy with your friends? How's (Name)?"

"I suppose you know the answers to all of that."

"I guess I do." His father smiled.

"You never trusted me," Jaemin said. "That's why you sent your men to tail me around."

Jae Sook looked at his son who looked exactly like him. "I trust you with all my being, Jaemin," he replied. "I just wanted to know how you're doing. If you're happy and healthy. If someone's bullying you at school. Because I know that you'll never tell me any of those things. And it's my fault that you became secretive. I'm just happy to know that you've grown so much... and you've found the girl you treasured so much. Fate has interesting ways to bring two people back together."

"And yet I will never get the chance to be with her."

For the first time, Jaemin let himself slip. His courage faltered as his heart broke. No matter how much he try to put on a brave face, nothing would change the fact that his future with you was stolen.

"Don't lose hope, son. Be patient. What's meant for you won't miss you."

Half an hour before the family left, Jaemin was wearing a well-pressed black three-piece suit with matching black bow tie. His black hair was styled like a semicolon, few locks of hair curled on his forehead. He stared at himself on the full-length mirror and he was satisfied. There's no doubt that he would make heads turn at the party and everybody would be intrigued who he was.

He left his chambers and met the rest of his family outside where two shiny limousines were waiting. His father looked well rested but his grandfather didn't look any better. He looked frail and sick in his velvet suit.

The social function would be held at the place called Grand Palace in front of Han River, a luxurious building owned by a multi-billionaire named Lee Soo Man. Every year, a social function was held and all the powerful families around the world were invited. Tonight was Jaemin's first time and he wasn't even excited. It was a party of the wealthy, but it was also a ground for families to introduce their sons and daughters and arrange advantageous marriages. The latter was the purpose of Jaemin's attendance.

The limousine arrived at the Grand Palace and it was the grandest party that everyone could lay their eyes on. Hundreds of luxurious car arrived, families from all over the world dressed in the most expensive fabric designed by well-known designers, a red carpet was laid for the visitors. From the inside, chandeliers were hanging on the high ceiling made of diamonds and crystals.

"Don't look too shocked. Have some poise," the stepmother snickered at Jaemin when she saw his jaw dropped. He immediately concealed his surprise and fought the urge to talk back. They got out of the limousine and met the other guests. It wouldn't be a surprise if someone with a royal blood was invited. Thousands of armed bodyguards were situated on every post with metal scanners and dog sniffers to ensure the safety of the guests.

When the Na family got inside, they attracted so much attention, mainly because of the tall guy with a jet black hair and mesmerizing eyes. Jaemin put on a professional smile and greeted the other guests. Their family dispersed and conversed with the other people out there. In that huge room, none of them were friends.

Wealthy people don't make friends, they build connections.

"Na Jae Sook, we finally met after more than a decade," a woman wearing a low bun in a purple studded dress approached Jaemin's father and planted a kiss on his cheek.

Jae Sook was momentarily surprised before he got his wits back. "Lorraine Seo, it's nice to see you too."

Behind Lorraine, a girl with a sophisticated looking face was standing in a high ponytail and black sequined dress. She was very pretty.

"This is my daughter, Julia Choi," Lorraine introduced her daughter, particularly to Jaemin.

"You can call me Lia," Lia said and extended her hand and Jaemin shook it.

The Choi Incorporation, Choi Yong-jun is the current CEO and he has two children with Lorraine Seo, Choi Ji-su and Choi Junsu.

Jaemin remembered their names from the files that his father had given him before the social function so he coulsld familiarize himself with the guests.

There were a few familiar names he saw on that file.

Lee Jeno, which wasn't a surprise at all.

Zhong Chenle, grandson of a Chinese billionaire.

Giselle or Aeri Uchinaga, daughter of one of the wealthiest families in Japan.

Ten Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul, the Thai member of WayV. His family owned several hotel chains in Thailand.

Jung Jaehyun, a senior student in NeoU whose family lived in Connecticut. Which only meant that they were old money rich.

All he needed to do was to dodge Giselle and Chenle until the night ended or it would be bad news. He didn't want you to know what his fate was going to be yet. He wasn't ready to face it.

However, life had other plans.

Because the moment he turned around, he came face to face with his best friend Jeno in a royal blue suit, Chenle wearing an all white suit, and then Giselle in a stunning illusion dress that looked like her second skin .

The night went on and Jaemin was almost on his limit. He was socially drained and simply wanted to sit in one corner but they met several more people. His grandfather was also conversing with other people, forming connections and finding suitable wife for his grandson.

In the end, there were three women in the list.

Lia Choi. Lee Chaeryeong. Aeri Uchinaga.

"My father told me," Giselle whispered to Jaemin and the latter was shocked.

"Told you what?"

"That I am one of your potential brides," she answered before chugging down the champagne. "I almost threw up when I heard it. But I have to act ladylike to attract rich boyfriends."

Both of them laughed.

"I don't think you two should be laughing or else both of your families would think you're getting along," Jeno said from behind them, holding a glass of red wine. "Who knows, they'll probably arrange your marriage tomorrow."

"I seriously doubt it. From what I can see, Jaemin would surely be paired with Lia. Jaemin's father and Lia's mother had an unfinished business according to my mother," Chenle said.

"Rich people also love drama," Giselle commented. "Does (Name) know?" she asked Jaemin.

Jaemin shook his head.

"When are you planning to tell her?"

"You're asking me as if it's already been settled."

"Well basically, it is. We don't have much choice, do we? Especially you. This is the only time when you're most obedient. You're a pawn to your family's game."

"Aren't we all?"

"Not me."

"Lucky you."

The night had just begun and yet Jaemin was already exhausted. The grand hall was just full of fake smiles and hoax pleasantries. It was suffocating to say the least and he was dreading the fact that he would live like this his whole life. He didn't know how much bullshit he could tolerate and he wouldn't dare test the limits of his own patience.

The host of the grand party, Lee Soo Man, stepped into the stage and recited a scripted speech to which Jaemin didn't remember a word. Good thing Jeno's family was sitting with them in the round table. Once the speech was finished, the guests were back to mingling with each other again but the Nas and Lees remained on their seats.

"It's good to see you after shutting yourself in the office all these years, Chairman Na," Jeno's father said.

"Someone's got to make up for someone's failure," the Chairman answered and gave Jaemin's father a sideway glance, referring to him as the failure.

Liar.

"It's not so bad," Jeno's father replied. "Jae Sook did a great job sealing the deal with a great investor from Turkey and Germany. That's a remarkable achievement."

"Yes, indeed. I am not discrediting my son's effort, but only if he married into the Seo family, we would be as twice as bigger now."

Jae Sook gave his father a polite smile but his words were full of venom. "When will you drop this matter, father? Lorraine is already married. Do you want me to steal her away from her husband? Just like what someone did?" His eyes landed on his stepmother who suddenly felt small on her seat.

"Well yeah, you're right," the Chairman cleared his throat before turning to Jaemin. "At least we have our new hope here," he said and gestured to his grandson. "I'm hoping he wouldn't make the same mistake as his father did."

"You can't be serious," Jae Sook muttered under his breath.

"Indeed! Lia Choi is such a fine young lady. I heard from her mother that she's studying in an all-girls school. No wonder her manners are so refined and elegant," the stepmother butt in into the conversation.

"Out of all the people in this table, I didn't expect you to be the one talking about manners," Jaemin retorted and all eyes were on him. His grandfather gave him a disapproving look, his father didn't say anything. They couldn't touch him knowing that the future of their company rests on his shoulders.

Jaemin excused himself and went to the restroom. He couldn't handle the suffocating air inside. He might go berserk for all he cared. He stared at himself in the mirror, wild eyes looking back at him. What would life be like if he was born in a simple family without the pressure of getting married for advantage?

Maybe I wouldn't be here. Maybe we still have a chance. Maybe I'm not miserable like I am now.

Taking a deep breath, he left the restroom and he was surprised to see Lia leaning on the wall as if waiting for someone. He didn't say anything and walked past her when she called his name.

"Na Jaemin!"

He turned around as he heard the click of her heels on the floor. She stopped in front of him, eyes filled with a strange glint. She was very pleasant back at the grand hall but there were no hints of joviality in her face now. She was still beautiful, but fierce.

"Yes, Miss Lia Choi?"

"You know why I'm talking to you right now."

"Sorry Miss Choi but I'm afraid I'm not gifted with a mind reading ability."

Lia took a dramatic sigh.

"Okay, first of all, just call me Lia. Miss Choi is too formal. Second, I don't wanna get married yet, not with someone I don't know, plus we're too young! Third, you're not my type. And lastly, I'm already in a relationship with a woman named Shin Ryujin."

"Did you just come out? To me?" Jaemin asked incredulously and Lia's eyes widened.

"OMG! That was supposed to be a secret! What am I gonna do?" Lia had a mental breakdown and Jaemin rolled his eyes. "You better not tell my parents or I will ask my girlfriend to strangle you."

"I don't care about anyone's businesses. And you're not my type either so we're good."

Lia took in Jaemin's miserable expression before speaking. "You're in love with someone, aren't you? And I am making it harder for you."

Jaemin looked up and stared at the moon, remembering the necklace he gave you. "Yes, I'm in love someone. Deeper than I had intended. And no, it's not your fault that this is happening."

"I know you. My mother used to tell me stories about your father," Lia said. "She was foolish to fall in love with a man that she saw on pictures alone because he looks charming and reliable. My mother was brokenhearted when she found out that your father eloped with a middle-class woman. But if your father had chosen her over a heiress, that means there's something about your mother that sets her apart from everyone."

Jaemin looked at the starry sky, reminiscing the kind face of his mother. "Indeed. She was kind and independent, taught me a lot of things and showered me with love."

"Why don't you do the same thing as what your father did?"

Jaemin let out a bitter laugh. "I can't. I'm trapped. The company is in the brink of destruction and my marriage with you is the only way to secure our place."

Lia flinched. "I know, I've heard about it. My parents have been preparing me for this but I still can't grasp the idea of marrying off your child purely for economic advantage."

"My grandfather has been calling me useless all my life so I will feel guilty if I try to run away from my responsibility."

"We will be miserable together," Lia said softly. "I don't want that."

"Me neither."

Days had passed and the Chairman didn't waste any time to seal the arrangement for Jaemin's wedding. Lia, too, was miserable. She wouldn't talk to her parents but that didn't stop them from planning the upcoming wedding. Jaemin stayed in his room, not bothering to answer phone calls or texts from his friends. He didn't contact you either. You sent tons of messages to him but he never replied to any. He was afraid to confront the reality so he fooled himself that if he let it pass, maybe he would be able to go back to you.

Finally, Jeno had enough. He stormed into the Na manor. He didn't have any difficulty dealing with the staff and just walked to Jaemin's room and kicked the door open. He found his best friend staring blankly outside the window.

"Na Jaemin!" he called his best friend, his voice filled with anger.

"What do you want?" he asked lifelessly.

Jeno walked and towards Jaemin and stopped in front of him, blocking the view outside. "We're worried about you! You didn't answer any of our calls. We thought you're dead!"

"I might as well be dead."

Jeno ran a frustrated hand over his hair. "Tell me what can I do to help you?"

"Nothing... I'll be a married man soon."

"Have you tried convincing the Chairman?"

"Nobody can talk him out once he had set his course. And have you forgotten the torture I had to endure in this household? This is the only way I can have full control over them. To let them control me until they hand me the power and authority."

"But this will destroy you!"

"I am already ruined."

"Tell that to (Name). I dare you to tell that to her."

Jaemin didn't answer. He took a deep breath as he leaned back on his seat. Jeno was losing hope. He wanted to help his best friend, but it seemed like he already gave up.

"It's no use. This is what I am meant for even from the start. I only made it difficult when I chose to be selfish over being practical. But I didn't regret it at all," Jaemin said and a soft smile graced his lips. Jeno dropped on his knees while holding Jaemin's hands, begging him to fight.

"Please tell me you still have a fight left in you. (Name) is waiting. Would you just leave her like that? Leave her without warning then the next, she'll find your face all over the news with a woman in your arms?"

Jaemin looked down on Jeno who was still holding his hand. "Maybe you can do something for me one last time."

To say that you had been worried was an understatement. You kept glancing at your phone each second, waiting for Jaemin's reply. One moment, you almost jumped when you heard the notification sound, turned out that it was only Giselle sending you a picture of her when she went to a social function. She wore such a stunning gown and she was so beautiful.

Your parents were watching a popular TV show in the living room and you locked yourself in your room. While scrolling through your phone, you almost jumped when Jaemin finally messaged you.

"OMG!" you exclaimed and immediately opened the message. He sent a picture of a tree trunk with your initials engraved on it. You recognized the surroundings and you couldn't believe it.

I'm here. Meet me outside.

You didn't need to read the message twice. You snatched a thick jacket on the rack and sprinted out of the house to meet him at your orchard. Your parents called you but you had no time to answer. Jaemin, he's the only thing that's in your mind at the moment.

Jaemin was standing under the cherry blossom tree, tracing the initials inscribed on the rough trunk.

"Nana!" you called him and he turned around with a gentle smile on his face.

You threw yourself on his arms and hugged him tightly, your arms wrapped around his neck. His arms slid down to your waist and pulled you closer to him. You noticed that he was wearing such thin clothes and it's cold outside.

"You're probably shivering out here. Let's go inside," you said and tried to drag him but he stayed unmoving. He pulled you back and hugged you once again.

"I missed you so much. I missed your warmth. I missed your smell. I missed how you perfectly fit in my arms."

"Why didn't you reply?" you asked. It took everything in you not to be mad. You tried to understand his circumstances.

"I'm sorry," he said and pulled away. He held both of your shoulders and looked at you directly. The tears he had been holding back cascaded down his cheeks.

"Nana, why are you---"

"(Name), I'm so... so sorry."

"Why are you apologizing? Tell me what's wrong. How can I help?"

Jaemim shook his head. "I'm a hopeless case. I'm very sorry."

"Please enlighten me. I don't know what are you apologizing for?" You were worried that he was acting strangely and now he's crying in front of you. He was crumbling, he's vulnerable and you felt helpless.

"I love you so much, (Name). Just know that if I have another chance, if I will be lucky again to meet you in another life, I will find you and marry you."

A constricting pain squeezed your heart, knowing where this would lead.

"Please, Nana. Don't. Don't say anything."

"It must be said. We can't pretend to be in bliss anymore."

"Na Jaemin, tell me. Just... just tell me directly. Stop making me guess."

Jaemin saw pain in your eyes. He hated to hurt you. It's hurting him just as much, but there was no way out.

"I'm getting married in two months time. Everything has been decided. My grandfather arranged everything immediately. I met the girl in the social function I attended. I met Giselle, Chenle, and Jeno there. There was even a member of WayV. I forgot to ask his autograph---"

"Jaemin... you're engaged?" The words felt unbelievable. You only witnessed those situation on dramas but you never would have thought that it was happening in real life.

Jaemin nodded. "Unfortunately, I am. We both hated it. Hell, the girl I'm marrying likes girls. Can you imagine that?"

You nodded, trying to blink away the tears. "Must be hard."

"I... I'm really sorry. This is the only way I can help my family. I know, I was selfish for wanting to spend my remaining freedom with you. You can punch me, kick me, do whatever you want with me. Release your anger."

You shook your head and held his hands. "No, No. I'm not angry. Not at all. I'm devastated, yes. Nana, you know I love you. I love you so damn much. I wish... I just wish we had more time."

Jaemin cupped your face as he watched the tears cascade down your cheeks. Slowly, he closed his eyes and leaned to you, planting a feather light kiss on your lips. It lasted a few seconds and it almost killed you when it was over.

"Thanks to Jeno, I was able to say spend this little time with you. He helped me escape the manor because I was not allowed to go out. We switched clothes and I had to wear a cap so I will not get recognized. He let me use their private jet but I need to go back tonight. I have to go home before the plan will get busted."

"Partners in crime until the end," you said and let out a forced laugh. Tears were flowing out uncontrollably. It was physically painful to even look at his beautiful face. "So... is this goodbye?"

"You know I will never love someone as much as I love you," Jaemin said and caressed your cheek. He kissed your eyes, your cheeks, your neck, every part that his lips could reach.

For the last time, you held each other in a tight embrace before saying your last goodbyes.

You watched as he walked away and disappeared into the darkness. The ground was soft when your knees hit the ground as you cry in pain. You looked up into the sky and the moon was like the shape of the necklace he gave you. It was as if life was mocking you. You felt as if someone had punched a hole in your heart and you had to curl into a ball to prevent yourself from falling apart. It was hard to breathe.

But it was harder to imagine that the man you fell in love would never be yours.

The story ended before it even started.