A figure stood in front of me. A man.
He wore a crisp white shirt, the top four buttons undone, revealing his toned chest and defined abs. His face—sharp jawline, piercing eyes, and an aura that demanded attention—was even more breathtaking than I had imagined.
I swallowed hard. This was him?
His gaze darkened as he took a step closer. "Who told you to sleep in my bed?" His deep voice sent shivers down my spine.
"I... I—" My words stuck in my throat.
Before I could react, he climbed onto the bed, closing the distance between us in an instant. His strong hand wrapped around my wrist, his body brushing against mine. Heat radiated from him, making me feel paralyzed.
"So, you're the first daughter of the Park family," he murmured, his voice smooth yet dangerously low.
I forced myself to nod. "I… Yeah."
A smirk played on his lips. "Afraid of your own husband?"
I flinched. "But I don't even know you."
His grip tightened slightly, his gaze locking onto mine. "But I do. I know everything about you." His voice dropped to a whisper. "And I like you… more than anything in this world."
My heart pounded. Was he joking? His expression said otherwise.
"You're Mr. Kim Joon-seo?" My voice came out barely above a whisper.
His lips curled into a slow smile. "Yeah, but call me Joonseo."
"But I—"
Before I could finish, he silenced me.
With a kiss.
His lips pressed against mine—firm, demanding, taking control before I could even process what was happening. My hands instinctively tried to push against his chest, but his grip on me didn't loosen.
Heat rushed to my face as his intoxicating scent filled my senses. His kiss wasn't just a touch—it was a claim.
Then, just as suddenly as he had taken control, he let go. He pulled back, standing up from the bed, his eyes still fixed on me.
I gasped for air, my fingers trembling as I touched my lips. What just happened?
Why did he kiss me?
Jieun had said he was a sick man. A man who couldn't even walk.
But the man standing before me, pulling his shirt over his head to change, was anything but weak.
Still breathless, I quickly turned my back, avoiding the sight of his half-naked body.
A low chuckle filled the air. "Why are you hiding?" His voice was laced with amusement. "I'm your husband, after all."
Just then, footsteps echoed from outside the room.
"Mr. Kim Joon-seo," a deep male voice called.
I turned my head just in time to see Joonseo fastening the last button of his sleek black suit. His transformation was almost unsettling—just moments ago, he had been teasing, provocative, almost playful. But now, with his suit perfectly in place and his dark glasses shielding his sharp eyes, he looked untouchable. Ruthless. Dangerous.
The man at the door hesitated, glancing at me on the bed. "Did I come at the wrong time?" he asked, his tone careful.
Joonseo didn't even spare me a glance. Instead, his voice dropped, laced with cold authority. "Find out who's behind it."
The air in the room felt heavier.
"Yes, sir." The man nodded, quickly stepping out and closing the door behind him.
A tense silence followed.
I pushed myself up from lying down and sat on the edge of the bed, trying to process everything. But before I could speak, Joonseo took a slow step toward me.
His movements were deliberate, controlled—like a predator playing with its prey.
"Look," he said, his voice eerily calm. "If you try to escape…"
I held my breath as he leaned in closer, his lips just inches from mine. For a second, I thought he was going to kiss me again.
But instead, he brushed past my lips and brought his mouth to my ear.
"I'll break your legs."
His deep, merciless whisper sent ice through my veins.
I stiffened, every muscle in my body locking in place.
Then, as if he hadn't just threatened me, he pulled away with an amused smirk and adjusted his cufflinks.
I clenched my fists, swallowing the lump in my throat.
What had I gotten myself into?
"What do you mean?" I asked, my voice barely steady.
Joonseo didn't answer. He simply adjusted his cufflinks and turned toward the door.
"I'll be back soon."
And just like that, he walked out, ignoring my question entirely.
I exhaled sharply, frustration bubbling inside me. What kind of man had I just married?
Shaking off the unsettling feeling, I stepped out of the room, only to find two maids standing just outside. One had short hair, while the other had her long hair tied into a ponytail.
"Miss Minji," the short-haired maid greeted me politely.
"Is something wrong?" the one with the ponytail asked, tilting her head slightly.
"I just have a question," I said, hesitating for a moment.
"Of course! We'd be happy to help," the short-haired one responded with a warm smile.
I took a deep breath. "Are there guards outside?"
The two maids exchanged a quick glance before nodding.
"Yes," the short-haired one confirmed.
"Mr. Joonseo ordered them to guard the entire mansion," the ponytailed maid added.
I felt my stomach tighten. So, he wasn't bluffing. He really had this place locked down.
"I see," I muttered, trying to keep my expression neutral.
"Anything else, Miss Minji?" the short-haired maid asked, still smiling kindly.
"No… I just want to rest," I said quickly before stepping back into the room and shutting the door behind me.
Leaning against it, I let out a shaky breath. Why am I even thinking about escaping?
I had just married this man today, and yet… I already feared him. He had kissed me like he owned me. He had threatened me without hesitation.
I clenched my fists, my mind replaying his words.
"If you try to escape… I'll break your legs."
A shiver ran down my spine.
I slowly walked over to the bed and sat down, staring blankly at the floor.
What kind of marriage was this?
Would I ever be free again?
I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced myself to lie down.
"I should just sleep," I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible in the empty room.
But even as I closed my eyes, the weight of Joonseo's presence lingered in the air.
And sleep didn't come so easily.