Chapter 19: Don’t have a Choice

Ji-Ah barely made it through the rest of the night without snapping. The endless congratulations, the forced smiles, the weight of her parents' silent expectations—it all felt suffocating.

She needed out.

Excusing herself from yet another well-wisher, she slipped onto the balcony, the cool night air hitting her skin like a lifeline.

"Running away already?"

Ji-Ah stiffened. She didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

"Not in the mood, Evelyn."

Evelyn leaned against the balcony railing beside her, looking as unbothered as ever. "And yet, here I am."

Ji-Ah shot her a glare. "Do you ever get tired of being a pain in the ass?"

Evelyn smirked. "Nope. It's my best trait."

Ji-Ah huffed and turned away, gripping the railing. "This whole thing is insane."

"Agreed." Evelyn's voice, for once, lacked amusement.

Ji-Ah glanced at her. For the first time tonight, Evelyn actually looked… serious.

"So why did you agree?" Ji-Ah asked.

Evelyn let out a slow breath, her usual bravado dimming. "Because I didn't have a choice."

Ji-Ah frowned. "Bullshit. You always act like you're in control."

Evelyn chuckled, but it was hollow. "You think I'm untouchable? My parents own me, Ji-Ah. If I refused, they'd make sure I lost everything I've built."

Ji-Ah studied her, surprised at the rare honesty.

"You actually care about your work that much?"

Evelyn tilted her head. "Wouldn't you?"

Ji-Ah clenched her jaw. Of course, she would. Her own career was everything to her.

Evelyn's eyes darkened. "They wouldn't just take my job. They'd erase me. My entire existence would be reduced to nothing more than a disgrace in their eyes. So, yeah, I accepted. Not because I wanted to, but because survival sometimes means playing along."

For a moment, Ji-Ah didn't know what to say.

She had always seen Evelyn as a spoiled, smug nightmare. But now, she saw something else—someone just as trapped as she was.

"That doesn't mean I like this," Evelyn added, smirking again. "But if I have to be engaged, at least it's entertaining."

Ji-Ah groaned. "And there it is."

Evelyn grinned. "What? You think I won't make the most of this?"

"I think you enjoy making my life miserable."

Evelyn leaned in slightly. "Maybe. But I'd argue that's a mutual feeling."

Ji-Ah rolled her eyes and pushed away from the railing. "This conversation is over."

"See you at the next family event, fiancée." Evelyn's voice was dripping with amusement.

Ji-Ah ignored her and walked away, but her mind was restless.

This wasn't just an engagement anymore.

This was war.