chapter 4

Yuna felt a surge of satisfaction and resolve coursing through her as Heeseung stretched out his hand toward her. His movements were deliberate, his expression composed, but there was something in his eyes that she couldn't quite place. Was it amusement? Curiosity? Or perhaps something deeper, something that lingered in the shadows of his normally stoic demeanor? For a moment, her confidence wavered, and she wondered if she had crossed a line she couldn't return from. But no—there was no going back now. This was her moment to rewrite her fate, to take control of a life that had once spiraled into despair.

With a deep breath, Yuna steadied her trembling hands and carefully slid the ring onto his finger. The cool metal felt heavier than she expected, as though it carried the weight of her choices, her defiance, and the beginning of a new chapter. "Oh, thank you, sir," she murmured, her voice soft but firm enough to carry over the murmurs of the shocked crowd. Her words were polite, almost distant, but inside, her heart pounded like a drum.

Heeseung's lips curved into a faint smirk, his dark eyes fixed on her. There was an intensity in his gaze that made her skin tingle, as if he were seeing not just the woman standing before him but the storm brewing within her. His hand was warm and steady as he took her smaller one, and for a moment, Yuna felt a strange sense of security—an anchor in the chaos she had created.

The murmurs in the crowd grew louder, a cacophony of whispers and gasps as the reality of what had just happened sank in. Some guests exchanged bewildered glances, others covered their mouths in shock, and a few even began snapping pictures, their camera flashes lighting up the room like tiny bursts of lightning. Yuna didn't care. She was no longer the timid, naïve woman who had let her life crumble in silence. This time, she would face everything head-on, no matter the cost.

The applause that broke out was sharp and deliberate, cutting through the noise like a knife. Yuna's head snapped toward the source, her stomach twisting as she recognized the mocking clap. Ji-soo, Jaewon's mother, stepped forward with a smirk that could curdle milk.

"Wow… Yuna. Just wow," Ji-soo drawled, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "What a performance. Are you really that desperate to worm your way into this family? Can't get it with my son, so you latch onto Heeseung instead? Pathetic."

Yuna's jaw clenched, but she quickly schooled her expression into one of calm indifference. Inside, her thoughts were a whirlwind. Of course, she'd say that. Ji-soo, the ever-judgmental queen, the woman who never saw me as anything more than an inconvenience. Memories of her past life clawed their way to the surface—Ji-soo's cutting remarks, her disdainful glares, the way she had undermined Yuna at every turn. But this time, Yuna wouldn't let Ji-soo get the better of her. Not today. Not ever.

She straightened her back, her lips curling into a small, almost innocent smile. She walked toward Ji-soo with deliberate steps, her heels clicking against the floor like a countdown to war. "Mother-in-law," she said sweetly, her voice soft but carrying an edge that made Ji-soo falter for a split second, "what are you saying? Your son cheated on me with my best friend. I chose not to marry him anymore, so I don't see how that's a problem for you."

Ji-soo's eyes narrowed, but Yuna didn't stop. "Now I want to be with Heeseung-oppa. He's still single, after all, and clearly interested in tying the knot with me. How does that bother you? Besides," she added, her smile widening into something that almost resembled a challenge, "you never wanted me to marry Jaewon anyway. You should be happy about this."

The room fell silent as Ji-soo opened her mouth to retort, but before she could, a deep voice cut through the tension like a blade.

"Enough." Min-jae, Jaewon and Heeseug's father, stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. His sharp eyes swept over the crowd before settling on Ji-soo. "This wedding has turned into something else entirely," he muttered, his tone exasperated. Then, to Yuna's astonishment, he turned to her, his expression softening.

"If this is what you want, Yuna," Min-jae said, his voice steady and authoritative, "then so be it. You have my blessing to marry Heeseung. He's been single for too long anyway, and frankly, this family could use some stability."

Yuna's chest tightened at his words. They weren't just unexpected—they were a lifeline. For a moment, the air seemed to shift, and she felt a flicker of gratitude. She bowed her head slightly, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. "Thank you, Father-in-law," she said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Min-jae nodded, then turned to Heeseung, who had been silently watching the exchange with an unreadable expression. "Take care of her," Min-jae said firmly, placing Yuna's hand in Heeseung's.

"I will," Heeseung replied, his voice low and filled with a sincerity that sent a shiver down Yuna's spine.

As Min-jae led them to the altar, Ji-soo's voice rang out again, sharp and unyielding. "What? No! If they're getting married, then Jaewon and Sohee should also get married. Right here, right now!" she demanded, dragging Jaewon and Sohee forward.

Min-jae turned, clearly about to argue, but Yuna raised her hand, stopping him. Her expression remained calm, though a glint of defiance sparkled in her eyes. "Let her have her way," she said softly, her voice carrying an undercurrent of amusement that only Heeseung seemed to catch.

Ji-soo's face twisted in confusion, but Yuna merely smiled. Let her have this moment, Yuna thought, her resolve hardening. She'll soon realize that the game has changed—and I'm the one making the moves now.

Heeseung's fingers tightened around hers, a silent promise of support, and together, they stepped forward to seal the future Yuna was determined to create.

The priest cleared his throat, his deep, resonant voice cutting through the mounting tension like the toll of a distant bell. The sound reverberated in the grand hall, a reminder of the sacredness of the moment that had turned into something entirely unprecedented. Yuna's gaze flicked toward him briefly before returning to Heeseung, who stood beside her with an unreadable expression, his hand still clasped firmly around hers.

Her mind was a whirlwind, thoughts colliding in a storm of emotions. This is really happening. I'm standing here with Heeseung, of all people. Not Jaewon. Not the man who betrayed me. The man who stood by and let me shatter. But Heeseung… Her gaze lingered on him, his sharp features outlined by the flickering light of the chandelier above. Heeseung, who was always there, watching from the sidelines in my past life, offering silent support when I didn't even realize it. Could he really…? No. This isn't about love. This is about survival. Revenge. Reclaiming my life.

The priest shifted, flipping through the pages of the holy book in his hands, and Yuna's attention snapped back to the present. The room had fallen into a tense, almost reverent silence, broken only by the occasional cough or the rustle of fabric as guests shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Cameras still clicked in the background, capturing every second of this bizarre, scandalous ceremony.

Yuna's heart thudded against her ribs, but she kept her face calm, serene even. She knew how this would look to the outside world: the jilted bride suddenly marrying her ex-fiancé's older brother. It was fodder for tabloids, gossip columns, and social media posts. The headlines practically wrote themselves: "Scorned Bride Shocks World with Last-Minute Marriage Swap." She could almost hear the whispers of judgment, feel the stares of those who pitied or condemned her. But she didn't care. Let them talk. Let them judge. None of them knew the truth—how this was her second chance, her do-over, her moment to take back everything she'd lost.

She risked another glance at Heeseung, and her stomach flipped at the slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. There was something almost playful in his expression, a quiet confidence that made her pulse quicken. What's going through your mind, Heeseung? Are you as composed as you seem, or is your heart racing like mine?

The priest's voice interrupted her musings. "We are gathered here today," he began, his tone measured and solemn, "to unite these two souls in the sacred bond of matrimony."

Yuna felt a rush of conflicting emotions—nerves, anticipation, and a lingering trace of doubt. Was she making the right decision? Could she trust Heeseung? Her mind flashed back to moments from her past life: the way he'd quietly stepped in to handle things when Jaewon failed, his steady presence during crises, the rare occasions when his guarded exterior softened, revealing glimpses of a man she'd never taken the time to understand.

And then there was Ji-soo, standing a few feet away with her arms crossed, her glare searing through Yuna like a laser. The older woman's disapproval was palpable, a storm cloud darkening the otherwise glittering room. But Yuna refused to let it intimidate her. You can glare all you want, Ji-soo. I'm not the weak, naive girl you pushed around before. This time, I'll make you respect me—or at least fear me.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jaewon shifting uncomfortably, his face a mask of barely concealed frustration. Sohee stood beside him, clutching his arm like a lifeline, her wide, tear-filled eyes darting nervously between Yuna and Heeseung. Yuna almost laughed at the irony. You got what you wanted, Sohee. You stole Jaewon from me. But now? Now I've taken something far more valuable—your victory. Let's see how you like that.

The priest's words faded into the background as Yuna's thoughts churned. Her grip on Heeseung's hand tightened imperceptibly, and she felt him respond, his fingers curling around hers with reassuring steadiness. It was such a small gesture, yet it grounded her, reminding her that she wasn't alone in this.

When the priest finally looked up, his gaze settling on her, Yuna straightened her posture and lifted her chin. She met his eyes without hesitation, her voice steady and clear as she answered his question: "I do."

The words hung in the air, simple yet monumental. Yuna felt the weight of them settle over her like a mantle, solid and unyielding. She glanced at Heeseung as he echoed the words, his deep voice resonating with quiet authority. For a moment, their eyes met, and Yuna saw something there—something that sent a shiver down her spine. Was it approval? Amusement? Or was it… affection? She wasn't sure, and she didn't have time to dwell on it.

The priest raised his hands in a gesture of blessing. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Yuna's breath caught. This was it—the culmination of her impulsive, audacious gamble. Her gaze flicked to Heeseung, who leaned in slowly, deliberately, his eyes never leaving hers.

Heeseung noticed the way Yuna's shoulders had stiffened, her body tense as if she were carrying the weight of the entire world on her back. The subtle rise and fall of her chest betrayed her uneven breathing, despite the composed mask she wore for the crowd. Heeseung had always been observant, especially when it came to her. He'd watched her from afar for so long, learning her every expression, her every gesture. And now, standing beside her as her husband, he couldn't ignore the storm brewing within her.

Without a word, he stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a firm, protective embrace.

Yuna's breath hitched in surprise. For a moment, her mind went completely blank. She wasn't used to such gestures, especially not from someone like Heeseung, who had always exuded a cool, distant demeanor. His warmth enveloped her, the steady beat of his heart against her cheek grounding her in a way she hadn't expected. The tension in her body began to melt away, replaced by a strange, unfamiliar comfort. Why is he doing this? she wondered, her thoughts swirling. Is this for show? Or… does he mean it?

The murmurs in the crowd grew louder, a mix of surprise, curiosity, and even a touch of envy. This wasn't the cold, aloof CEO they were accustomed to seeing. This was a side of Heeseung no one had witnessed before—gentle, protective, and undeniably human.

Heeseung leaned down slightly, his voice low and soothing as he whispered in her ear, "Relax, Yuna. You're not alone in this anymore."