The last thing I expected when I opened the door that morning was Jun's mother standing on my doorstep. Her eyes, sharp as ever, sized me up before I could even say a word. She stood there, impeccably dressed in a tailored black coat, her demeanor as icy as I remembered.
"Mrs. Lee," I said cautiously, gripping the door tighter. "What are you doing here?"
She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Censia, may I come in? We need to talk."
Everything inside me screamed to turn her away, but curiosity and the sense of impending obligation pulled me back. I stepped aside, letting her into the small apartment. It felt strange, having her in my space. The tension in the room was immediate, and I could feel the heaviness of her judgment settling over the place.
"I'll get straight to the point," she said, turning to face me once we were seated. "There's an important gala in two days—one that will have the most influential figures in business, media, and fashion. Jun and Seong were meant to attend together, but Seong has been called away on urgent business."
Her words hung in the air, and I knew where this was going before she even said it.
"I want you to go with Jun. I need you to act as his fiancée for the night."
My breath caught. "What? Why would you want me there after everything that's happened between us?"
She let out a delicate sigh, looking every bit the image of a woman used to getting what she wanted. "Despite our differences, you're the one who has been seen with Jun. You're familiar, and I can't afford a scandal. There's no time to find anyone else suitable. Besides," she added, her lips curling slightly, "you've always seemed to care for him, no matter how complicated your situation became."
Her words hit me hard. Did she know how much I still cared for him, despite my efforts to move on? I swallowed, trying to keep my voice steady. "You want me to pretend to be engaged to Jun... in front of everyone? Why would you think I'd do that?"
She raised a brow. "Because it's not just for Jun's benefit. You stand to gain from this as well. I'll compensate you, handsomely, and you'll regain a semblance of dignity in high society after the rumors that have been circulating."
I wanted to tell her to leave, to tell her that no amount of money could drag me back into Jun's orbit. But the truth was, part of me still longed for him. Despite everything—the heartache, the betrayal—I missed him, and I missed the life we could have had.
"I'll think about it," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
---
Over the next two days, I did think about it. The offer lingered in my mind, battling against my better judgment. I tried to push the memories of Jun and Seong away, but every time I closed my eyes, I saw Jun's face—his pained expression the last time we spoke, the way he had pleaded with me not to leave.
And then there was Seong, always the calm one, always trying to hold us together.
It didn't help that Mrs. Lee's offer would put me right back in Jun's world, where my feelings for him still simmered beneath the surface, unresolved. Would it hurt more to go, to pretend to be something I wasn't? Or would it give me closure? I didn't know.
---
The night of the gala arrived sooner than I expected. I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing the deep-blue gown I had been sent. It was stunning, elegant, and far beyond anything I would have chosen for myself. My hair was done up in soft waves, and as I stared at my reflection, I barely recognized myself. I looked like the woman I had been when I was with Jun—confident, glamorous, but with a vulnerability beneath the surface.
When Jun arrived at my door to pick me up, he looked... breathtaking. His tailored tuxedo fit him perfectly, and for a moment, I was transported back to the days when we were together—when everything between us was simpler, before it all got so tangled.
"Censia," he breathed when he saw me. His eyes softened, and I could see the emotions flickering behind them—regret, longing, maybe even hope.
"Jun," I replied, stepping out of the apartment and closing the door behind me.
The drive to the gala was quiet. He tried to make small talk, but I couldn't bring myself to engage. My mind was swirling with thoughts—about him, about Seong, about the mess we had created together. I kept reminding myself that this was just one night. One night to play a part, to help him, and then I could walk away.
---
When we arrived, the ballroom was already filled with people. The opulence of the event was overwhelming—crystal chandeliers, elegant gowns, and the soft hum of classical music playing in the background. I felt Jun's hand on my back, guiding me through the crowd, and for a brief moment, it felt like old times.
We mingled, exchanged pleasantries with the guests, and all the while, I could feel Jun's eyes on me. He stayed close, never straying too far. At one point, he leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear. "You look beautiful tonight, Censia."
My heart fluttered, but I kept my face neutral. "Thank you."
As the evening wore on, we danced. His arms around me felt both familiar and foreign, and I couldn't help but wonder if things could ever go back to the way they were. But I knew better. Too much had happened. Too much had been said, and too much trust had been broken.
---
Later in the night, Jun's mother approached us, her expression unreadable. "You're doing well," she said, though her tone was far from warm. "Just a little longer, and you're free to go."
Jun stiffened beside me, clearly uncomfortable with his mother's involvement. But he said nothing, his jaw clenched.
After she left, Jun turned to me, his voice low. "I'm sorry for her. I'm sorry for everything, Censia."
I looked up at him, my heart heavy. "Why did you kiss him, Jun? At the beach, why?"
He winced, the guilt clear on his face. "I was drunk. I wasn't thinking. But it didn't mean anything. It's you I want, Censia."
I shook my head, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. "You can't have it both ways, Jun. You can't keep hurting me and expect me to stay."
He stepped closer, his hand reaching for mine. "I'm trying to make it right. I know I messed up, but I'm still in love with you."
I pulled away, my heart breaking all over again. "This isn't love, Jun. This is something else, something that's tearing us apart."
Before he could respond, the gala music swelled, signaling the next round of dances. I took a deep breath, stepping back into the crowd, knowing that this was just the beginning of the end.