Chapter Forty-eight: Unyielding Bonds.

Min Jun paced back and forth in his office, glancing at the velvet box that lay open on his desk. Inside, a simple yet elegant ring sparkled under the soft light. It wasn't just a ring; it was a promise—a commitment that he intended to make to Soo Jeon, one that would stand against all the challenges they'd faced.

 He had planned every detail meticulously, wanting this proposal to be perfect. The venue, a cozy rooftop garden filled with twinkling lights and soft music, was the same spot where they had shared their first kiss. Min Jun had chosen it for its significance, knowing that every element would remind Soo Jeon of their journey together.

. Just as Min Jun was finalizing the last of his arrangements, his phone buzzed with a message from Ji-Eun. She had invited him to a charity event that evening, claiming it was important for his firm's image. Min Jun frowned, sensing the manipulation behind her seemingly innocent request. He knew Ji-Eun well enough by now to recognize that she never acted without an ulterior motive.

 Min Jun didn't bother replying immediately. Instead, he turned his focus back to the ring, imagining the moment he would finally place it on Soo Jeon's finger. But as the minutes ticked by, the weight of Ji-Eun's message lingered in the back of his mind. He couldn't afford another misunderstanding, not when he was so close to cementing his future with Soo Jeon.

 Soo Jeon's voice on the other end of the call was hesitant when Min Jun told her about Ji-Eun's message. "Are you going to go?" she asked, trying to keep her tone neutral, but Min Jun could hear the underlying worry.

 "No," he answered firmly. "I don't want anything to do with her anymore. I'm going to make that clear once and for all."

 "But what if she tries something?" Soo Jeon's voice wavered slightly, the past betrayals and manipulations still fresh in her mind. "I just… I don't want anything to ruin what we have."

 Min Jun felt a pang of guilt. He hated that Ji-Eun's actions had sown so much doubt in Soo Jeon's heart. "Nothing will ruin us, Soo Jeon. I promise you. I'm going to put an end to this today."

 Determined, Min Jun called Ji-Eun and agreed to meet her, not at the event she had planned but at a neutral location. When he arrived, Ji-Eun's smile was confident, but Min Jun cut her off before she could say much.

 "Ji-Eun, this stops now," he said, his tone firm and unwavering. "Whatever you're trying to do, it's over. I'm committed to Soo Jeon, and nothing you do will change that. I need you to understand that there's no going back for us. It's done."

 Ji-Eun's expression faltered, a flash of anger crossing her features before she quickly masked it. "Min Jun, you're making a mistake. You think she can handle all of this? Your family, your work, the expectations—"

 "Soo Jeon is stronger than you think," Min Jun interrupted. "And more importantly, she's the one I love. So whatever you're planning, I'm asking you to stop. Respect my decision."

 Ji-Eun's smile was tight, but Min Jun could see the frustration simmering beneath. "You'll regret this, Min Jun," she said softly. "One day, you'll see that she's not what you need."

 Min Jun didn't respond. He turned and walked away, leaving Ji-Eun standing alone, her last-ditch efforts to sway him falling flat.

 Back at the rooftop garden, Min Jun took a deep breath, setting the ring on the table and arranging the final touches. He checked his watch—Soo Jeon should be arriving soon. His heart pounded with anticipation, a mix of nerves and excitement filling him. He couldn't wait to see the look on her face, to finally ask her to be his forever.

 Meanwhile, Soo Jeon stood in front of her mirror, smoothing down the soft fabric of her dress. She felt a flutter of nerves, not knowing exactly what Min Jun had planned but sensing it was something special. Just as she was about to leave, her phone buzzed with an unexpected message.

 It was from Ji-Eun: "There's something you need to know about Min Jun. Meet me before you make any big decisions."

 Soo Jeon stared at the message, her mind racing. A knot of doubt tightened in her chest. She trusted Min Jun, but Ji-Eun's persistence and the cryptic nature of the message made her pause.

 Should she go and see what Ji-Eun had to say, or should she trust her heart and go straight to Min Jun?

 As Soo Jeon hesitated, the weight of her choice settled heavily on her shoulders. She glanced at her phone one last time before deciding—one way or another, she needed to know where she stood.