Chapter 17: A Celebration for Everyone— Except Them

The engagement party continued in full swing. Laughter and music filled the grand hall as guests clinked their glasses, celebrating what they thought was a joyous occasion.

But Ji-Ah and Evelyn?

They were anything but happy.

Ji-Ah sat stiffly at the main table, her jaw clenched as she watched her parents chat away like they hadn't just thrown her life into chaos. Her mother smiled at guests, accepting congratulations as if this were something they had all planned together.

Seo-Jun nudged Ji-Ah from the side. "I've seen people attend their own funerals with more enthusiasm than you right now."

Ji-Ah shot him a glare. "That's because it is my funeral."

Min-Hye sighed, looking around the room. "At least Evelyn doesn't look thrilled either."

Ji-Ah followed Min-Hye's gaze. Evelyn sat at the other end of the table, swirling the champagne in her glass but barely drinking.

Her expression was unreadable, but Ji-Ah could see it—the frustration behind her composed face.

Their eyes met for a brief second.

And then, Evelyn smirked.

Ji-Ah's eye twitched. What now?

Meanwhile, Evelyn was done with this event.

She had barely touched her food, barely spoken to anyone except for the occasional forced "thank you" to guests congratulating her.

Her parents were playing the perfect hosts, making sure everyone enjoyed the night.

Except their own daughter.

Evelyn tilted her glass, staring at the liquid inside.

Married to Ji-Ah?

She had spent months teasing, annoying, and competing with this woman, and now they were being forced into a marriage neither of them wanted.

It was so ridiculous that Evelyn almost laughed.

Instead, she turned her gaze toward Ji-Ah—her supposed fiancée.

She looked pissed. Annoyed. Helpless.

Good. At least Evelyn wasn't suffering alone.

So, she did what she did best—she smirked, just to get a reaction.

And it worked. Ji-Ah's expression darkened immediately.

That alone made this whole night slightly more bearable.

As the party went on, guests began gathering around Evelyn and Ji-Ah, eager to share their thoughts on the unexpected union.

"Well, well," an older relative chuckled, placing a hand on Ji-Ah's shoulder. "Didn't see this coming! But you two make a stunning couple."

Ji-Ah forced a smile. "Thank you," she said through gritted teeth.

Another guest turned to Evelyn. "And when's the wedding date?"

Evelyn took a sip of her drink before lazily replying, "Why rush? We have our whole lives ahead of us, don't we, darling?"

Ji-Ah nearly choked.

Evelyn's sweet tone was anything but genuine.

Min-Hye covered her mouth, trying to hold back a laugh. Seo-Jun, on the other hand, whispered, "This is hilarious—for us, at least."

Ji-Ah shot them both a murderous look.

Meanwhile, their parents looked more than pleased. The engagement was public, and there was no backing out now.

Ji-Ah clenched her fists under the table. She had lost all control over her own future.

And to make things worse?

She was stuck with Evelyn.