Chapter 16: Unwanted Ties

Ji-Ah stormed out of the hall, her mind racing.

Married? To Evelyn?!

This had to be a joke. A sick, twisted joke.

Her parents' words echoed in her ears.

"You know their influence. We didn't have a choice."

Ji-Ah clenched her fists. So, this wasn't about her. It was about power. Control.

She needed air. She needed a moment to process this madness.

But before she could even step outside, Min-Hye and Seo-Jun caught up to her.

"Okay, what the hell just happened?" Seo-Jun asked, completely out of breath.

Min-Hye grabbed Ji-Ah's arm. "Tell me this is a prank."

Ji-Ah exhaled sharply. "I wish."

"So… you're actually engaged?" Min-Hye's voice dropped in disbelief.

Ji-Ah scoffed, shaking her head. "Apparently, I don't get a say in my own life anymore."

Seo-Jun let out a low whistle. "Damn. That's rough."

Ji-Ah rubbed her temples. "I need to talk to Evelyn."

Min-Hye raised an eyebrow. "You think she's behind this?"

"No." Ji-Ah frowned. "She looked just as shocked as I was."

But where was Evelyn now?

Meanwhile, Evelyn was still in the private room with her parents.

Her fingers trembled, but her face remained calm, unreadable. Years of dealing with them had taught her that much.

"You do understand what you're asking of me, right?" she said quietly.

Her mother finally spoke, her voice soft yet firm. "You will do this, Evelyn. This isn't just about you."

Evelyn bit back a bitter laugh. Of course, it wasn't. It never was.

Her father stood up, looking at her with the same cold gaze he always did. "The engagement will proceed. That's final."

"And if I refuse?" Evelyn asked, her voice void of emotion.

Her father's expression didn't change. "Then you leave this family with nothing."

Evelyn swallowed hard. She had expected this, but hearing it out loud still hit her like a punch to the gut.

She had spent her entire life trying to meet their expectations, to be the perfect daughter. And yet, it was never enough. Now, they were making it clear—she was nothing more than a piece in their power game.

They would cut her off. Completely.

No inheritance, no company, no connections.

Not that she cared about their wealth. But her independence? The security she had fought so hard for? That was the real weapon they held against her.

And they knew it.

Her father's voice was calm, final. "We're not asking, Evelyn. You know what to do."

Evelyn's nails dug into her palms. She felt like screaming, but she knew better. There was no point in fighting back—not yet.

So instead, she exhaled slowly and walked out of the room.

She needed a drink. Or ten.

Ji-Ah finally spotted Evelyn standing alone on the balcony, leaning against the railing.

For a second, she hesitated. She had no idea what to say.

But Evelyn turned before she could decide, her gaze locking onto Ji-Ah's.

For once, Evelyn didn't smirk. Didn't throw a sarcastic remark.

She just looked… tired.

Ji-Ah stepped closer. "So… you didn't know either?"

Evelyn let out a dry chuckle. "You think I'd willingly get engaged to you?"

Ji-Ah folded her arms. "Could've fooled me. You love making my life miserable."

Evelyn finally smirked—just a little. "And yet, somehow, you're still alive."

Ji-Ah rolled her eyes. There she is.

But then Evelyn sighed, rubbing her temples. "We're screwed, aren't we?"

Ji-Ah leaned on the railing beside her. "Pretty much."

They stood there in silence for a while.

Both trapped. Both frustrated.

Both completely unprepared for what came next.