[Lim Sanggyeom]

"At last, the day has come." When Dad pronounces these words, I'm not sure if I should take him seriously. Heo Moeun is gorgeous, I can't deny it. However, I don't think I'm her type, nor does she seem to be impressed by my qualities. This marriage is unlikely to work in the way our families (mostly hers) want.

Before I can voice my concerns, Dad continues, "You and Moeun are in for a lot of amazing things." He notices my confused glance and his expression changes into a frown. "Come on, Sanggyeom, what's that face? You're supposed to be happy. It's your wedding day, isn't it?"

As much as I'd like to come clean about not loving Moeun and not wanting to marry her, I prefer maintaining a more diplomatic approach. "It's just that tension is getting the best of me." A classic white lie to keep suspicions away. It works perfectly.

"Well, as long as you don't mess this up, I'm fine. Remember, Sanggyeom, this marriage is very important, so treat Moeun with respect and you won't face trouble." I nod at his last statement as he leaves. If only I had the courage to openly tell him I don't want to marry that woman...

I have no more time to dwell in regret, so I stay silent, finish preparing myself for the big day, and pray I'll find an exit way sooner than later.

***

Even though only two hours separate me from what can be an authentic nightmare, they seem like an eternity. If I want, I have enough time to run away and make sure not to leave any traces. But how long can I go undercover without being caught?

I can always dump Moeun at the altar. But this way I will be the only facing scrutiny over that even though I know she doesn't love me either. The point is, I can't accept this situation passively. I have to take proper action. Too bad I'm on my own. My family will be upset if they catch me with Daejeong or Seokcheol again.

I'm an adult, though. I'm not a child. I can't let my family dictate me over a marriage purely for business and other favors I hope to never find out about. I must come up with a convincing plan. I want to make sure to keep control.

While I go through my drawers in my room, I find it. That one, yes. That one letter. The one I thought I burned it. I can't believe it's been hidden here all this time. Anyway, I can't keep dwelling over the past. "Let's rip the band-aid, then." I mumble between myself and occasionally tend an ear to the air, fearing that someone might hear me.

I open it and start reading it in a hushed tone. 'Dear Saeryeong, I'm writing you this letter because there's something important you need to know. Please, read it as soon as you receive it.

'I've loved you for so many years that I've lost the count. You're the one who has kept me motivated to reach my goals, to find my purpose in life. I needed that one push to move forward after what happened that day, and you were the one who made me attain it.

'Do you remember that day when we were stuck in the escape room on our own? Daejeong and Seokcheol claimed they'd have a surprise in store for us... It wasn't a good one at first! They snuck out as soon as they could so that we'd be alone.

'Yet, that was what made it special. Just the two of us, hand in hand, solving the riddles that were posed to us—until we shared our first kiss, a passionate one, when the puzzle unraveled after we found every clue to leave the room.

'That was when I realized that you love me, and I do love you back. Let's turn our feelings into something real that will last forever. I promise I'll be by your side, no matter what. May I be damned if I break it for any reason.

'Let's be a thing for real, Saeryeong. The moment you receive this letter is when the promise is sealed. No turning back. No regrets. Just love. One day, I'm meant to be yours and you'll be mine.

'To unwavering love.
Yours, Lim Sanggyeom.'

Tears pour down my face as I finish reading the letter. How foolish I am! Why am I accepting to be stuck in a nonsensical business deal involving an arranged marriage when I can be with my one true love?

It's safe to say I'm moments away from breaking the promise. I have to muster the courage to burn the letter, or face Saeryeong and be honest with her about everything. She deserves to know. She can't be caught in the middle of a storm I have caused.

I hear knocks at the door. This is the sign I must go. To make sure I'm not caught, I put the letter back in the envelope and tuck it between my tuxedo and my shirt, in a hidden fold no-one can see. As the knocks turn more frequent and insistent, I take them seriously and leave the room.

***

At the altar, it's just me and the officiant. The bride hasn't shown up yet, which is a sign in itself. Maybe she, like me, isn't ready to take such a leap. Maybe she's unwell. Who knows? What I know is that half an hour has passed, and the officiant is growing impatient by the minute.

"If the bride and her family don't show up within the next thirty minutes, we can declare this ceremony void." These words, though grave, are a ray of hope. Maybe this deal is just not meant to be. I know how my parents will take the rare case of the marriage falling through. They'll try to pin the blame solely on me.

I won't care, though. I'm not their puppet. I can't be modeled like clay at their pleasure. If I want to play this game, I have to do so on my own terms. They can try and plot behind my back as much they want. They can kiss asses for their personal gain, but they must stop playing with hearts.

I'll tell Saeryeong everything. Knowing her, she won't sit still and cry her eyes out. She'll try to take action. She is my best shot at not falling in Moeun's arms. By the way, twenty-five minutes pass with no sign of the latter.

Under normal circumstances, I'd take this as a victory. However, my mother manages to convince the officer to delay the ceremony to tomorrow. She also makes it clear she plans to monitor my moves so that I don't run away or do stuff with Saeryeong behind my family's back.

She and Dad really want me to be married to Moeun. But do they know her? Do they know her interests, her personality? Or is she just a cash cow? How involved are her family in this plot?

I say to myself, 'Hold on, Saeryeong. Just be patient. I'll play my cards well and I'll be back to you before you know. But, first, I'll tell you all the truth.'