2

As the soft click of the door echoed in the quiet suite, Andrea stood still for a moment, staring at the space where Eunwoo had just disappeared. His words lingered in the air—sharp, commanding, yet laced with something she couldn't quite put her finger on. Act like my fiancée. The phrase gnawed at her, making her clench her fists.

With an exasperated sigh, she turned on her heel and walked toward the couch where Eunwoo had dumped her shopping bags. The luxurious hotel suite was spacious, decorated in muted gold and beige tones with a touch of elegance. A massive glass window stretched from floor to ceiling, offering a breathtaking view of the city skyline bathed in the afternoon glow. Despite the grandeur, she felt suffocated—trapped in a game she hadn't agreed to play.

She sat down on the plush sofa, her fingers absentmindedly toying with the handles of a bag. Her mind was still stuck on Eunwoo's expression from earlier—the way he had looked at her when Kai had hugged her, his usually cold eyes softening for a fleeting second. It was so brief that she almost doubted if it had even happened.

She huffed and shook her head. Why do I even care?

Her phone buzzed on the glass coffee table, pulling her out of her thoughts. A message from an unknown number flashed on the screen.

Unknown: Dinner tonight. 8 PM. Private floor.

Andrea's brows furrowed. Eunwoo.

She groaned, letting her head fall back against the couch. So, he already planned everything without even asking me? Typical. She considered ignoring it but then remembered his warning—be presentable and act like my fiancée.

A mocking smile curled on her lips. "Just act like a fiancée, huh? Fine, Eunwoo. Let's see how good of an actress I can be."

The hours slipped by faster than she expected. After taking a long, relaxing shower, Andrea stood before the mirror, staring at herself. Her reflection looked almost foreign. The hotel's soft lighting cast a golden hue over her skin, and the silky black dress she had chosen hugged her figure perfectly. It wasn't over the top—just elegant enough to match the occasion, but not so extravagant that it seemed like she was trying too hard.

She added a pair of statement earrings and let her hair cascade down her shoulders in soft waves. A hint of red lipstick was the final touch—a bold contrast against her usual subtlety.

As she grabbed her purse, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Why does it feel like I'm walking into a trap?

Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of her room and made her way to the private floor.

As the soft click of the door echoed in the quiet suite, Andrea stood still for a moment, staring at the space where Eunwoo had just disappeared. His words lingered in the air—sharp, commanding, yet laced with something she couldn't quite put her finger on. Act like my fiancée. The phrase gnawed at her, making her clench her fists.

With an exasperated sigh, she turned on her heel and walked toward the couch where Eunwoo had dumped her shopping bags. The luxurious hotel suite was spacious, decorated in muted gold and beige tones with a touch of elegance. A massive glass window stretched from floor to ceiling, offering a breathtaking view of the city skyline bathed in the afternoon glow. Despite the grandeur, she felt suffocated—trapped in a game she hadn't agreed to play.

She sat down on the plush sofa, her fingers absentmindedly toying with the handles of a bag. Her mind was still stuck on Eunwoo's expression from earlier—the way he had looked at her when Kai had hugged her, his usually cold eyes softening for a fleeting second. It was so brief that she almost doubted if it had even happened.

She huffed and shook her head. Why do I even care?

Her phone buzzed on the glass coffee table, pulling her out of her thoughts. A message from an unknown number flashed on the screen.

Unknown: Dinner tonight. 8 PM. Private floor.

Andrea's brows furrowed. Eunwoo.

She groaned, letting her head fall back against the couch. So, he already planned everything without even asking me? Typical. She considered ignoring it but then remembered his warning—be presentable and act like my fiancée.

A mocking smile curled on her lips. "Just act like a fiancée, huh? Fine, Eunwoo. Let's see how good of an actress I can be."

The hours slipped by faster than she expected. After taking a long, relaxing shower, Andrea stood before the mirror, staring at herself. Her reflection looked almost foreign. The hotel's soft lighting cast a golden hue over her skin, and the silky black dress she had chosen hugged her figure perfectly. It wasn't over the top—just elegant enough to match the occasion, but not so extravagant that it seemed like she was trying too hard.

She added a pair of statement earrings and let her hair cascade down her shoulders in soft waves. A hint of red lipstick was the final touch—a bold contrast against her usual subtlety.

As she grabbed her purse, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Why does it feel like I'm walking into a trap?

Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of her room and made her way to the private floor.

.______..______..______..______.💮.______..______..______..______.

As they stepped out of their suite and into the dimly lit hallway, the faint hum of music from the grand ballroom below reached their ears. The atmosphere was already lively, the echoes of laughter and clinking glasses signaling that the party was well underway.

Eunwoo walked a step ahead before glancing back at Andrea, who was adjusting the silky folds of her dress. Without a word, he extended his hand toward her. Andrea hesitated for a second, eyeing his hand with slight uncertainty.

"Your hand," he said, his voice low yet firm.

Andrea pursed her lips before finally placing her hand in his. But instead of simply holding it, Eunwoo smoothly guided her hand to rest in the crook of his arm, securing it there. His grip was firm yet careful, as if ensuring she wouldn't slip away. Andrea felt a slight heat rush to her face but said nothing.

Together, they made their way toward the elevators. The soft click of Andrea's heels against the marble floor echoed through the corridor, matching the steady rhythm of Eunwoo's steps. The air between them was heavy—not with tension, but with something unspoken.

When the elevator doors slid open, a couple was already inside. The two were standing close, whispering and giggling as they leaned into each other, completely lost in their own little world.

Eunwoo barely spared them a glance before stepping aside and motioning toward the open elevator. "Get in," he said, his voice neutral.

Andrea stepped inside, followed closely by Eunwoo. As the doors slid shut, trapping them in the small space, the woman from the couple turned her attention toward Andrea. Her gaze was curious, her expression warm as she studied Andrea's features.

In soft, fluent Mandarin, she said, "你不是中国人吗?"

Andrea blinked, slightly caught off guard. She recognized the language but didn't fully understand the sentence. Before she could ask, Eunwoo leaned in slightly, his voice low as he translated near her ear, "She asked if you're not Chinese."

Andrea turned to the woman and offered a polite smile, shaking her head slightly. "I am Philippine."

The woman's eyes widened in pleasant surprise before she responded with another soft remark in Mandarin. "你太美了."

Andrea frowned slightly in confusion, not understanding the words. But before she could ask, Eunwoo once again leaned in, his breath fanning against her skin as he translated, "She said you're very beautiful."

Andrea's expression softened, and she smiled at the woman. "Thank you."

The woman smiled back warmly, before glancing between Andrea and Eunwoo. Her gaze lingered for a moment, as if piecing something together, before she finally asked, "你们是一对吗?"

Andrea didn't understand, but the sudden shift in Eunwoo's posture told her that the question held some weight. His grip on her hand tightened ever so slightly, and just as she turned to look at him for an answer, Eunwoo smoothly replied, his voice steady and calm, "是的, 快了."

Andrea's brows furrowed slightly, sensing the weight of his words.

"What did she say?" she whispered, looking up at him.

Eunwoo turned his head slightly, meeting her gaze with something unreadable in his dark eyes. He didn't answer immediately, as if debating whether to tell her or not.

But finally, in a voice barely above a whisper, he translated, "She asked if we're a couple."

Andrea's breath caught in her throat, her heart skipping a beat.

"And?" she pressed.

Eunwoo didn't look away, his lips curling into the faintest hint of a smirk.

"I told her… we will be soon."

Eunwoo was already there when she arrived.

Seated at the head of a private dining table, he exuded effortless power, dressed in a tailored black suit. His sharp, dark eyes flickered toward her as she stepped in, scanning her from head to toe.

Andrea raised an eyebrow at his blatant observation. "What? Cat got your tongue?"

He leaned back in his chair, a ghost of a smirk playing on his lips. "You clean up well, fiancée."

Her lips twitched. "So do you. Though you always look like you're ready for a hostile takeover."

He chuckled, low and smooth, as he gestured for her to sit. The moment she did, a waiter appeared, pouring wine into their glasses.

The setting was intimate—too intimate. Candlelight flickered between them, casting warm glows on the pristine white tablecloth. Outside the window, the city lights twinkled, creating a romantic illusion that Andrea found entirely misleading.

As the waiter left, Eunwoo swirled his wine lazily. "You're quiet tonight."

Andrea leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "I'm just wondering why you planned all this without telling me."

Eunwoo raised a brow. "I told you this morning."

She rolled her eyes. "That wasn't planning, that was dictating."

He smirked. "Same thing."

Andrea sighed, shaking her head as she took a sip of her wine. "Why are we even doing this? What's the point of this charade?"

Eunwoo's smirk faded slightly, his expression unreadable. He leaned forward, his gaze locking onto hers. "Because sometimes, pretending is easier than facing the truth."

His words sent a shiver down her spine. For the first time that evening, Andrea didn't have a comeback.

.______..______..______..______.💕.______..______..______..______.

Andrea's breath hitched. The words echoed in her mind, refusing to settle.

We will be soon.

Her eyes darted to Eunwoo's face, but his expression was unreadable. Was he joking? Teasing? Or was there something more behind those words? The warmth of his voice, the steadiness in his tone—it didn't feel like a passing remark.

Before she could react, the elevator dinged, announcing their arrival. The doors slid open, revealing a grand hallway leading to the ballroom. The warm golden glow of chandeliers spilled into the space, casting soft reflections on the polished marble floor. The distant hum of conversation, the soft tinkling of glasses, and the occasional bursts of laughter created an air of elegance and exclusivity.

Eunwoo, still holding Andrea's hand in the crook of his arm, guided her out of the elevator. The couple inside gave them a final glance before stepping out as well, the woman shooting Andrea a knowing smile before disappearing into the crowd.

As they walked toward the ballroom entrance, Andrea felt her heartbeat quicken. The reality of the night settled in—this wasn't just some dinner. This was a formal event, an elite gathering where every detail mattered. And she was walking in as Eunwoo's fiancée, at least for the night.

"Remember," Eunwoo murmured lowly as they approached the entrance, "act like my fiancée."

Andrea swallowed, nodding slightly.

The grand doors to the ballroom were opened by two uniformed attendants, revealing a breathtaking scene inside. Opulence dripped from every corner—the ceiling was adorned with massive crystal chandeliers, casting dazzling light across the room. Large, elegantly decorated tables stretched across the hall, their surfaces glistening with fine china and golden cutlery. Waiters moved gracefully between guests, balancing trays of champagne and delicacies.

And then there were the people.

Dressed in their finest, the guests exuded wealth, power, and prestige. Women in designer gowns draped in diamonds, men in tailored suits that probably cost more than an average person's yearly salary. Conversations flowed effortlessly, laughter punctuating the air, but beneath the charm and elegance, there was an undercurrent of calculation—of power plays happening beneath the surface.

Andrea felt a sudden wave of unease. This world was nothing like hers.

Sensing her hesitation, Eunwoo subtly squeezed her hand, drawing her attention back to him. His expression was calm, but his eyes held a silent message—just stay with me.

With that, he led her further into the ballroom.

Almost immediately, all eyes turned to them.

A hush seemed to fall over the room, subtle but noticeable, as whispers passed between guests. Andrea wasn't naive—she knew exactly why. Eunwoo was a well-known figure in this world, a name that carried weight and mystery. And now, he had arrived with her on his arm.

The scrutiny was intense, but Eunwoo remained unfazed. If anything, he exuded an effortless confidence, carrying himself with the grace of someone who knew he belonged.

A man in a sleek black tuxedo approached them, his lips curving into a knowing smirk. "Eunwoo, you finally decided to show up." His eyes flickered to Andrea, assessing her with curiosity. "And you brought company. How unexpected."

Andrea straightened slightly, suddenly feeling like a specimen under a microscope.

Eunwoo, however, remained composed. His grip on Andrea's hand didn't waver as he responded smoothly, "Surprises keep life interesting, don't they?"

The man chuckled, nodding in amusement. "Indeed. And this must be…?" He trailed off, clearly expecting an introduction.

Eunwoo didn't miss a beat. He turned slightly toward Andrea, his voice steady as he said, "My fiancée."

Andrea barely managed to suppress her reaction.

The man's eyes widened briefly before a slow smirk spread across his lips. "Fiancée?" He let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "I see. You always did like to keep secrets."

Eunwoo simply smiled—a sharp, unreadable curve of his lips. "I prefer to keep my personal life personal."

Andrea, still reeling from the way he had so effortlessly introduced her as his fiancée, forced herself to offer a polite smile.

The man glanced between them, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Well then, congratulations. I look forward to seeing how this unfolds." With that, he gave them a nod before strolling away, disappearing into the crowd.

Andrea exhaled, feeling the tension in her shoulders.

Eunwoo turned to her slightly, his voice quiet enough for only her to hear. "You're doing well."

She shot him a sideways glance. "You could've given me a little warning before announcing me as your fiancée."

His lips twitched in amusement. "I told you to act like one. Now, you don't have to act—you are one, at least for tonight."

Andrea narrowed her eyes slightly. "You enjoy messing with me, don't you?"

Eunwoo smirked. "You make it easy."

Before she could retaliate, another voice interrupted them.

"Eunwoo."

They both turned, only for Andrea to find herself face-to-face with a woman who looked like she had just stepped off the cover of a high-fashion magazine. Dressed in a deep sapphire gown, her hair cascading in soft waves, she exuded confidence and grace. But it wasn't her beauty that caught Andrea's attention—it was the sharp glint in her eyes as she looked at Eunwoo.

There was familiarity there. And something else.

Something dangerously close to territorial.

Andrea's stomach twisted slightly.

Eunwoo, however, remained unfazed. He regarded the woman with the same cool detachment he gave everyone else. "What a surprise," he said smoothly. "I didn't expect to see you here."

The woman's lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. "Didn't you?" Her gaze flickered to Andrea, assessing her with an almost imperceptible smirk. "And who's this?"

Andrea felt the weight of her stare, but before she could say anything, Eunwoo's arm subtly tightened around hers.

"She's my fiancée," he said, his voice firm.

The woman's expression didn't falter, but there was something calculating in the way she studied Andrea.

"Oh?" She tilted her head slightly, her smile never wavering. "That's interesting."

Andrea suddenly felt like she had just stepped into a silent battlefield.

.______..______.📖.______..______.📖.______..______.📖.______..______.

As Andrea stood beside Eunwoo, she couldn't ignore the way people were glancing at them. Some subtle, others not so much. It wasn't just curiosity—it was scrutiny. 

Every guest in the hall was paired off, standing with their respective partners, perfectly complementing each other in both presence and attire. There were no single attendees. This wasn't an event for casual networking or solo appearances—it was strictly for couples. Yet, here they were, Andrea and Eunwoo, an unfamiliar pair among the well-acquainted. 

The moment they entered, it became clear that tonight wasn't just about blending in—it was about playing their roles flawlessly. Andrea was no stranger to working under pressure, but something about the way these people watched them made her skin prickle with unease. 

"Everyone here is a couple," she murmured under her breath, her voice barely audible amidst the polite chatter around them. "No one is alone." 

Eunwoo didn't even flinch. "That's the point." 

Andrea clenched her jaw. Of course, it was. This wasn't just a high-society event—it was a carefully curated gathering where every guest had a purpose, a role, an identity that was recognized. And tonight, she wasn't just Andrea. She was someone meant to stand beside Eunwoo as his partner. 

She felt his hand brush against hers, subtle but intentional. When she hesitated, he took it, intertwining their fingers as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Andrea's pulse stuttered for half a second before she forced herself to relax. 

They had a job to do. A mission to complete. 

And in this room filled with pairs who had known each other for years, she and Eunwoo had to convince everyone that they belonged.

Andrea swallowed her discomfort, her fingers tightening slightly in Eunwoo's grasp. His hold was firm but not overbearing, a silent reassurance that she wasn't navigating this unfamiliar territory alone.

As they stepped further into the room, the soft clinking of glasses and murmured conversations filled the air. The chandeliers cast a warm, golden glow over the elegant setting, reflecting off the polished marble floors. Every couple here was dressed to perfection, their movements effortless as if they had done this countless times before.

Andrea, however, was still hyper-aware of her surroundings. Of the way people stole glances at them, curious but cautious. Unlike the other women, she wasn't draped in a traditional cheongsam or a designer label that screamed familiarity. She was an outsider.

Eunwoo, on the other hand, fit in seamlessly. He exuded the kind of confidence that didn't need to be announced, a presence that naturally drew people in. And the moment they entered, it was as if an invisible spotlight had turned toward them.

One of the women, elegantly dressed in a deep emerald gown, glanced at Andrea before turning to Eunwoo with a knowing smile.

"你們倆是第一次來這裡嗎?" she asked, her voice smooth, her expression polite but inquisitive.

("Is this your first time here?")

Andrea, of course, didn't understand a word.

She instinctively glanced up at Eunwoo, and without missing a beat, he leaned down slightly, murmuring the translation against her ear, his breath grazing her skin.

Andrea fought the shiver that ran down her spine before composing herself. "Yes," she responded in English, keeping her tone neutral but respectful.

The woman's gaze flickered with curiosity before she offered a small smile. "你很漂亮."

("You're very beautiful.")

Andrea blinked, processing the sudden compliment, before Eunwoo whispered the translation once more. This time, she responded on her own, her lips curving slightly. "Thank you."

Eunwoo studied her for a moment, his dark eyes unreadable.

But before Andrea could think too much about it, the woman continued, her gaze shifting between them. "你們是一對嗎?"

("Are you a couple?")

Andrea felt her breath catch slightly, but before she could react, Eunwoo responded smoothly, without a hint of hesitation.

"是的,很快就是了."

("Yes, soon to be.")

Andrea stiffened. Her fingers twitched against his arm, but Eunwoo remained composed, offering a polite, almost effortless smile. The woman didn't seem surprised, simply nodding as if she had already assumed as much.

Andrea exhaled slowly.

Eunwoo was too good at this.

It wasn't just the way he spoke—it was how naturally he played the part. Like he belonged here. Like the idea of them being engaged wasn't something fabricated for the sake of this mission.

And somehow, that realization unsettled her more than the questioning stares around them.