Chapter 18: Stuck in This Together

As the engagement party dragged on, Evelyn and Ji-Ah found themselves surrounded by well-wishers, endless conversations, and the unbearable pressure of pretending this was something they wanted.

Ji-Ah had managed to avoid direct conversations with Evelyn all night, but that luck ran out when an elder from Evelyn's side pulled them both toward the center of the room.

"Come now, lovebirds," the older woman cooed. "A dance! Let the guests see how well you match each other."

Ji-Ah's stomach dropped. "That's really not nec—"

"Oh, but it is," the woman interrupted, practically shoving Ji-Ah forward.

Evelyn, to Ji-Ah's horror, looked entirely too amused.

"Shall we, fiancée?" Evelyn teased, holding out a hand.

Ji-Ah glared but took it anyway. Like hell I'm letting her make me look weak in front of all these people.

As the music started, Evelyn smoothly pulled Ji-Ah into a waltz position, leading without hesitation.

Ji-Ah immediately frowned. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Dancing," Evelyn replied innocently. "Or did you not expect me to be good at this too?"

Ji-Ah scowled. "I know how to dance."

Evelyn smirked. "Then prove it."

Ji-Ah tried to take control, but Evelyn matched her movements effortlessly, never once letting Ji-Ah take the lead.

"I hate you," Ji-Ah muttered under her breath.

Evelyn grinned. "You're welcome."

As soon as the song ended, Ji-Ah pulled away and marched straight toward her friends.

Seo-Jun was dying of laughter. "That was the most aggressive waltz I've ever seen."

Min-Hye smirked. "Are you sure you hate her? Because that dance looked like something else."

Ji-Ah groaned. "Not. A. Word."

On the other side of the room, Evelyn leaned against a pillar, watching Ji-Ah grumble to her friends.

Her father approached with a satisfied look. "I must say, you two look quite good together."

Evelyn's amusement faded. "I still don't see why this had to happen."

Her father's smile didn't waver. "Because it's what's best for both families."

Evelyn scoffed. "Best for you, maybe."

Her father ignored the remark. "The engagement is official. I suggest you make the best of it."

Evelyn clenched her jaw but didn't argue. She already knew the answer. Refusing wasn't an option.

Her gaze flickered back to Ji-Ah.

She hated this situation.

But if she was going to be stuck in this marriage…

She might as well enjoy annoying Ji-Ah for the rest of her life.