The air was pierced by the blaring sirens of the police van as it screeched to a halt outside the Grand Hyatt hotel, drawing the attention of both staff and guests. Curious whispers spread like wildfire through the lobby, many speculating on the reasons for the sudden police presence at the posh establishment. Eyes darted toward the entrance as hotel employees exchanged anxious glances, sensing that something significant was unfolding.
As the officers spilled out of the van, the head officer, a tall man with an authoritative air, strode toward the reception desk. The receptionist froze for a moment at the sight of the officers, her mind racing as she comprehended the gravity of the situation.
"Excuse me," the head officer said, his tone brisk. "We need to know what room Jeong Ha young is staying in."
The mention of Ha Young's full name made the receptionist tense up. Mr. and Mrs. Jeong owned the hotel, and the family name carried weight in this establishment. She hesitated, glancing nervously around, torn between loyalty to her employers and the urgency displayed by the officers.
Seeing the strictness etched on their faces, she swallowed her apprehension. "Room 304 ," she finally replied, voice quaking slightly. "But—"
"No time for further discussion," the officer interjected, already motioning for his team to follow him. "Thank you."
Without a second thought, they moved toward the elevators, the urgency in their steps quickening hearts and heightening tensions throughout the lobby. The doors slid shut behind them, sealing off the hallway as the elevator ascended.
When they reached the eighth floor, the officers stepped out and headed straight for Room 304, knocking firmly on the door.
There was a pause, then the door creaked open to reveal Junseong, his expression fading from irritation , quickly replaced by a smirk as he gestured inside. "It's her," he said, as his gaze shifted to Ha Young, who was sitting on the floor with tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Jeong Ha Young , is it?" the head officer asked sharply as they moved inside. Junseong nodded, his annoyance palpable.
She looked up at the officers, eyes wide with a mix of fear and defiance. "I didn't—"
"Save it," Junseong interrupted, his voice steely. "She's the one who drugged me and tried to take advantage of me."
The officers exchanged glances, jotting down his words. " Mr. Lee, we'll take Miss Ha young along with us but we need you to accompany us so you can provide a statement," the head officer said, turning back to Junseong.
"Wait, you can't—!" she began, but she was cut off as the officers moved to cuff her wrists.
"No! Junseong, please!" she cried, panic rising in her throat as they placed the metal around her arms. But Junseong's face was resolute because he felt no sympathy for her pleas.
With Ha Young in handcuffs, the officers motioned for her to lead the way, and she reluctantly stood, wiping tears from her cheeks. Junseong followed closely behind, a fierce determination in his stride as they made their way down to the lobby.
As they entered the bustling lobby, gasps erupted from guests and employees alike. The sight of the billionaire Lee Junseong, flanked by police and a handcuffed Ha Young, sent shockwaves through the crowd. People whipped out their phones, taking pictures and capturing videos, a frenzy ignited by the unfolding drama.
Junseong who remained impassive amidst the chaos, already having dialed for one of his drivers to pick him up. As they reached the exit, Ha Young was roughly escorted toward the police van, defiance wavering in her eyes.
Outside, the van's doors opened, and the officers helped her inside, her gaze pleading as she shot one last look at Junseong. He glared at her with an icy stare and turned away, his jaw clenched, his anger simmering just beneath the surface.
Once Ha Young was secured in the back of the police van, the head officer approached Junseong. "You're free to leave with your driver," he said, nodding toward the sleek black car that had just arrived.
With a curt nod, Junseong turned and signaled for the driver to follow the police van as it pulled away from the curb, his expression dark.
The night was still young, but for Junseong, it was already heavy with the promise of confrontation. Anger radiated from him as he prepared to confront not only Ha Young's deception but the lengths he'd have to go to protect everything he held dear .
The police station was abuzz with activity as the van pulled up to the front entrance, the bright lights of the media frenzy illuminating the darkening night. Reporters crowded near the entrance, their microphones thrust forward as they yelled questions at the officers attempting to create a barrier. The air was thick with tension, punctuated by the constant flashes from cameras, capturing every moment of the unfolding drama.
As the back doors of the police van swung open, Ha Young stepped out, her expression unreadable and the handcuffs still chaining her wrists. Behind her, Junseong exited his car, his presence commanding attention amidst the chaos. The moment he appeared, a tidal wave of reporters surged forward, demanding answers.
"Mr. Lee!" one reporter shouted, voice rising above the noise. "What were you doing with Ha Young in a hotel room while you're married?"
"Is it true that Ha Young is handcuffed because she tried to take advantage of you?" another yelled, capturing the sensationalism of the moment.
"Miss Ha Young! Why do you keep leeching off Junseong, even though you know he's married? Is your family dragging this marriage contract case out for ulterior motives?" a third added, pushing for salacious commentary.
The police worked diligently to create a perimeter, pushing back reporters who shouted questions at them. Junseong's jaw tightened, the anger that had simmered within him now boiling over. He pushed past the reporters, focusing ahead as the police guided Ha Young into the station, her gaze flickering around nervously, betraying her anxiety.
Once inside, the atmosphere shifted from chaos to tension as the officers began the necessary processes. The fluorescent lights overhead flickered slightly, casting stark shadows on the walls, while the low murmur of conversations and the occasional ringing of phones filled the air.
The police officer on duty gestured for Ha Young to take a seat. "You'll need to call someone. Provide the numbers of your relatives," he instructed, his tone professional yet firm.
Ha Young grasped the phone, her frustration knitting her brow. After multiple attempts, she slumped back in her chair, exasperated. "Stupid parents, they're not picking up!" she yelled angrily, slamming the phone back onto the desk. "This is just typical, isn't it? I get into trouble, and they're completely useless!"
The officer raised an eyebrow but said nothing, observing her outburst with a mix of curiosity and nonchalance.
Junseong, meanwhile, had taken a seat at a nearby desk, furiously writing down his statement. He scribbled the details of the night, documenting every crucial moment and providing evidence of Ha Young's actions with a sense of urgency. The clatter of his pen on paper was the only sound breaking through the tense atmosphere as he focused intently on the task at hand.
Once finished, he presented everything to the officer in charge, eager to ensure that there was documentation of the events that had unfolded and that it would be kept safe. The officer nodded, taking the papers without a word, his expression serious as he reviewed the contents.
As Ha Young sat fuming, two officers approached to escort her to a holding cell. Just as they directed her toward the back, she turned, fiery determination igniting her gaze. "Junseong!" she shouted. "No matter what happens, I'll always be your wife, and nobody can ever change our fates!"
The words hung in the air, sharp as knives, echoing through the precinct. Junseong's fists clenched at his sides, anger and disbelief coursing through him. How could she even say that after all she had done? The audacity! He clenched his jaw, his mind racing with fury and confusion.
"Take her away from my sight, and I want her denied bail," he directed the officers, his voice low and tense. He turned to the police, his tone serious now. "I don't want her freed on bail unless I give permission. Understand?"
The officers exchanged glances but nodded in agreement. "We'll see to it, Mr. Lee. She won't be released without your consent and until the investigation is over."
With Ha Young being led away, her parting glare burned into Junseong's mind. He watched as she was taken toward the holding area, a mix of dread and disbelief settling in his chest. He had expected turmoil when he married, but nothing could have prepared him for this.
He turned back to the officers, a steely determination settling over him as he prepared for the fight ahead. The media madness faded outside as he steeled himself for the storm he would have to weather—both in court and in his marriage. The weight of the situation bore down on him, but he was resolved to confront the challenges that lay before him.
Junseong's Point of view
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on me as I thanked the police for their quick response. "Please keep in touch," I added, my voice steady despite the chaos swirling in my mind. When I stepped outside, I was relieved to find that the reporters had finally dispersed. I sighed, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly as I made my way to the parking lot where my driver was waiting.
"Do you have a cigarette?" I asked, the familiar craving gnawing at me.
He shook his head, and frustration bubbled up inside me. I knew it was a strange habit, but whenever I was stressed, angry, confused, or frustrated, smoking had become my go-to remedy. It calmed me in a way nothing else could, and right now, I desperately needed that calm.
"Take me straight to the mansion," I instructed, sliding into the back seat of the car. As we drove, I checked my phone and opened my call logs and messages, my heart sinking as I saw a flurry of notifications from my parents, Minseong, Min-ki,my friends and my husband, Seongho. A deep sigh escaped my lips; guilt washing over me, knowing that Seongho must have seen the news. I could picture him waiting up for me, unable to sleep until I returned home.
I decided to call Taesung and Taejoon. "I'm fine," I reassured them, trying to keep my voice steady. "The police have taken Ha Young into custody." I could almost hear their sighs of relief through the phone, and it brought me a small measure of comfort.
After ending the call, I turned to the driver with a sudden urgency. "Can you stop on the way and grab me some things? I need cigarettes, a bouquet of flowers, any expensive boxes of chocolate you can find, and a duck plushie."
He raised an eyebrow but nodded."Of course ,sir . I'll be quick."
After what seemed like an eternity,the driver returned and I couldn't help but smile cheekily as I took the items from him. I lit a cigarette and took a long puff, the familiar sensation calming my racing heart. I checked my reflection in my phone's camera, adjusting my hair, collar, and tie. I wanted to look presentable for Seongho, to ease his worries when I got home.
Glancing at the time, I noted it was 3:39 AM. Fatigue washed over me, mingling with the anxiety of returning to my husband. As the driver navigated through the familiar streets, I caught a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror. I shook my head at the sight of the usually composed Lee Junseong, now visibly shaken by the thought of Seongho waiting for me.
When we finally arrived at the mansion, my heart dropped. The sprawling structure loomed before me, its grandeur a stark contrast to the turmoil inside. I picked up the gifts, feeling their weight in my hands as I stepped out of the car. The driver parked quietly and came around to open the door for me.
"Thank you," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper as I exited the car. I sighed softly, steeling myself for the moment I would walk through the front door. Each step felt heavier than the last, but I knew I had to face Seongho.
With the bouquet of flowers, the box of chocolates, and the plushie clutched tightly in my hands, I took a deep breath feeling like the world was rested on my shoulders ,but the thought of Seongho waiting for me made me push through. I was ready to face whatever came next but first ,I needed to see my husband and make sure he was okay.
No one's point of view
Seongho sat on the couch, his eyes glued to his phone screen, watching the news report about his husband, Junseong, and Ha Young. The anger bubbled up inside him as he watched the way Ha Young was portrayed, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of annoyance at Junseong, too. "What were you thinking, Junseong?" he muttered, his frustration peaking.
Just then, the maids entered the living room, carrying a tray with water. "Sir, would you like some water?" one of them asked.
"No!" Seongho snapped, waving them away without even looking up. He was too focused on trying Junseong's number. As he pressed the call button again, he suddenly heard Junseong's ringtone in the background. His head snapped up, and his heart raced.
There stood Junseong, looking tired with a flush on his cheeks. "Seongho!" he said, his voice softening at the sight of him.
Without thinking, Seongho ran to Junseong and jumped into his arms, almost knocking him off balance. "Whoa! Easy, tiger!" Junseong laughed, barely managing to catch him.
The maids greeted Junseong, but he barely acknowledged them, his eyes on Seongho. They quickly retreated to the kitchen to prepare something for him, leaving the couple alone.
Seongho clung tightly to Junseong, his heart racing. After a few moments, he reluctantly withdrew from the hug, searching Junseong's face for answers. "What happened with Ha Young,hubby?"
Junseong sighed as Seongho led him to sit, sinking into the couch beside Seongho as he explained the situation. "She drugged me and the guys at the club, made me wanna have sex with her so that she could trap me, but I promise, I didn't do anything. She just wanted attention."
As Junseong spoke, he felt a pang of guilt realizing Seongho wasn't as angry as he should be. Junseong took Seongho's soft hands in his own. "You have every right to be furious with me. You could hit me, yell, or give me the silent treatment if you want," he said seriously.
Seongho chuckled, shaking his head. "Why would I do that? All that matters is you didn't actually do anything with Ha Young, and now that she's been arrested, I can't be mad at you, hubby." He perched himself on Junseong's legs, looking much too comfortable.
"Still, I hate that you have to deal with this," Junseong replied, his gaze softening as he watched Seongho's reaction.
Seongho's eyes lit up as he remembered the gifts Junseong had brought. "Oh, and I loved the gifts, especially this plushie!" he exclaimed, hugging the duck to his chest. "But why a duck?"
Junseong laughed, clearly enjoying the moment. "Because you look like one! With those cute cheeks of yours, it suits you perfectly."
Seongho's face fell into a pout, but he couldn't hide his smile. "A duck? Seriously, Junseongie?"
"Yes! A very adorable duck," Junseong teased, nudging him playfully.
Just then, Junseong leaned closer and sensed something in the air. "Wait a minute… is that... premium soju I smell?" His tone shifted, filled with mock annoyance.
Seongho tensed up, eyes darting away. "Uh, maybe?" he said sheepishly.
"Why did you drink it?" Junseong asked, his eyebrow raised in a mix of concern and slight anger.
Seongho puffed out his cheeks defensively. "Because I wanted to be cool like those ahjussi's I saw on TV!" he replied, his voice full of faux bravado.
"Are you serious right now?" Junseong shook his head in disbelief, though a smile tugged at his lips. "You're not an ahjussi!"
"Not yet, but I will be, one day! "
Junseong sighed, a mix of exasperation and affection shining in his eyes. "You're impossible, you know that?"
"Hmm!" Seongho murmured, leaning in for another hug, basking in the comfort of Junseong's presence.
As Seongho settled comfortably on Junseong's lap, the footsteps approaching interrupted their moment. The maids entered, maintaining their professionalism in front of Junseong. "Excuse me, Mr. Lee, the meal has been reheated and served," one of them announced.
Junseong looked up from where he sat, his expression cold. "I'm not hungry," he replied tersely, reaching for his phone instead. He began typing a message to his lawyer, quickly sending over the evidence they could potentially use in court for their hearing tomorrow.
Seongho, startled by Junseong's tone, immediately slipped down from his legs. "But at least eat a little!" he whined cutely, eyes wide with concern. "You can't just skip meals like that!"
Junseong didn't meet his gaze as he typed, shaking his head. "I already ate on the way home," he lied smoothly, hoping to brush off Seongho's worries.
Seongho frowned slightly, nodding but not entirely convinced. "If you say so… but you should really take care of yourself," he replied softly.
With a sigh, Junseong stood up, pulling on his jacket. "I'll be fine. Let's go," he said, heading towards the stairs.
Seongho quickly waddled behind him, clutching the gifts he was gifted to. "Wait for me hubby!" he called, trying to keep up.
When they arrived at their room, Junseong was surprised to see Mangchi, the usually lazy cat, darting across the floor, full of energy. "Hey, what's got you so worked up?" he asked, kneeling to scratch Mangchi behind the ears.
Seongho giggled, watching the cat bounce around. "Looks like he missed you!"
Junseong smiled, playing with Mangchi until he started to feel a bit icky from all the events that had happened . "Alright, that's enough for now," he said, straightening up, "I need to shower."
"Okay!" Seongho said brightly. "I'll get your pajamas ready!"
After finishing his shower, Junseong slipped into the comfy pajamas that Seongho had laid out for him. He felt revitalized and relaxed as he opened the door and stepped into the bedroom.
Seongho was sitting on the bed, eagerly patting the mattress beside him. "Come join me!" he urged, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Junseong chuckled softly and shook his head as he approached. "You're so eager," he said, amusement creeping into his voice.
"Of course! I want to spend time with you, silly!" Seongho flashed a bright smile, the little plushie tucked beside him for comfort.
With a resigned smile, Junseong finally laid down next to him, feeling the warmth radiating from Seongho. He shifted slightly, allowing the plushie to rest between them.
"See? This is nice," Seongho hummed, snuggling the plushie closer.
Junseong leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss on Seongho's forehead. "You're relentless, you know that?" he teased lightly.
Seongho grinned, eyes shining. "Yeah, but I know you secretly enjoy it!"
Junseong allowed a small smile as he settled in beside him. "Maybe," he admitted, leaning back comfortably.
As they relaxed together, the room filled with a soft, peaceful atmosphere. Though their arranged marriage wasn't traditionally affectionate, moments like these reminded Junseong that perhaps this was more than he had expected.
Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Jeong sat together on their plush sofa, eyes glued to the television as a news segment unfolded. The room was filled with the mundane glow of the screen, but that comfort was shattered when the anchorman announced, "Breaking news: This just in, Jeong Ha-young , the daughter of prominent hotel magnate and businessmen, has been arrested following an incident at the Jeong family hotel,for alleged attempted assault and drugging of business tycoon,Lee Junseong."
The screen flashed with the images of Junseong,Ha young and the police and officers outside their hotel, reporters swarming the area .
Mr. Jeong's jaw tightened, frustration boiling beneath the surface. "What has gotten into that girl?" he snapped, throwing his hands in the air. "Does she have any idea what this will mean for us?"
Mrs. Jeong shook her head in disbelief, her eyes narrowed at the screen. "This is a disaster! If Junseong's been gathering evidence against her, we're going to be in serious trouble in court."
As they continued to watch, camera flashes lit up the night from outside, and voices of reporters began piercing through the windows. "Mrs. Jeong! Were you aware of the situation? Did you orchestrate this with your daughter?"
"Can you believe this?" Mr. Jeong exclaimed, rising from his seat and striding toward the balcony, pulling open the doors. He leaned out, glaring at the reporters below. "Get lost!" he shouted, the frustration evident in his tone.
Mrs. Jeong joined him, crossing her arms as the reporters continued to shout questions at them. Their voices blended together into a chaotic blend of accusations and intrigue.
"Did you facilitate Ha-young's actions? Are you complicit in her criminal activities?"
They retreated back into the safety of their home as the questions rang in their ears. Mrs. Jeong asked one of the maids to shut the balcony doors, a heavy sigh escaping her lips. "This is a nightmare," she muttered.
"We need to call our lawyer," Mr. Jeong said, running a hand through his hair, the weight of their impending litigation heavy on his shoulders.
After a few tense minutes, they reached their lawyer. "We have a serious situation on our hands," Mr. Jeong began, trying to stay composed.
Their lawyer's tone was grave. "I've seen the news, and this complicates things significantly. Miss Ha-young's rash actions will not help your case, especially since the incident occurred at your hotel."
Mrs. Jeong interjected, unable to contain her anxiety. "What can we do? We can't let this ruin everything we've worked for!"
He paused, weighing his words. "Your daughter's impulsive nature has created an obstacle that's going to be very hard to overcome in court. It's not just about her; it reflects poorly on the entire Jeong family and your association with her."
An uncomfortable silence filled the room. Mr. Jeong exchanged a look with his wife, both knowing that their ambition and dreams rested on their daughter's next moves.
"We're willing to pay more—whatever it takes—to win this case," Mr. Jeong said, desperation seeping into his voice.
The lawyer sighed deeply, the weight of the situation palpable even over the phone. "I'll do my best, but understand that it won't be easy. The first hearing is tomorrow, and the evidence against you is substantial. This could change everything."
"We'll figure it out," Mrs. Jeong insisted, though her voice shook slightly. "Ha-young can't have jeopardized everything for a moment of recklessness."
As they hung up, the gravity of their predicament settled in. They eyed each other, knowing that Ha-young's overambitious character had placed them all in a precarious situation, one that could not only affect their daughter's future but their own aspirations as well. They were determined to fight for their reputation and future even if it meant facing the formidable Lee Junseong.
Mr. Jeong took a deep breath, steeling himself. "We need a plan, and fast," he said, glancing back toward the balcony, where the ruckus of the reporters still echoed faintly, a reminder of their rapidly unraveling lives.
He ran a hand through his hair, frustration simmering beneath the surface. "We have to bail Ha-young and clear out name out of this mess," he muttered, pacing the room. "But with Junseong involved, we don't know what he's telling the police. This could ruin everything!"
"Calm down, dear," Mrs. Jeong urged, her voice steady but laced with concern. "We need to think clearly. Panicking won't help us or the situation."
Ignoring her, Mr. Jeong grabbed his phone and dialed Junseong's number again, his heart racing with anxiety. The phone rang and rang, but there was no answer. He hung up, huffing in frustration. "This is ridiculous! Why isn't he picking up?"
"Maybe he's busy or—"
"Busy? He should be answering! That arrogant bastard is playing games with us!" Mr. Jeong snapped, his voice rising. He dialed again, desperation creeping in but just as he was about to give up, the call finally connected.
"Junseong!" Mr. Jeong said, relief flooding his voice. "Listen, you can't take Ha-young's actions personally. She's just possessive of you. You two have been friends since childhood, and—"
"Mr. Jeong?" came a voice, but it wasn't Junseong. It was Seongho and he sounded amused. "You're talking to the wrong person. Poor hubby fell asleep hours exhausted due to your daughter's antics and little drama."
Mr. Jeong's heart sank, irritation flaring up again. "Hey boy, this isn't the time for childish games. I need to speak to Junseong."
Seongho chuckled softly, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, I'm sure you do. But let me give you a little advice: don't even think about trying to manipulate him. It won't work. Junseong is not someone you can sway with your schemes."
Mr. Jeong's face flushed with anger. "What do you know about our family's business? You're just an outsider!"
"An outsider?" Seongho laughed again, the sound mocking. "I'm the one who's married to my hubby, with his ring in my finger and his name attached to mine . You think hiring reputable lawyers will help you fight the marriage contract case? Or orchestrating schemes behind the scenes will change anything?
Nothing and no one will come between us—not even Junseong himself. You think you're some big shot, but you're just a 'woodpecker and jeong-mal. You think you can strike from the shadows, but you'll never be able to touch my husband. He's mine, and no one, not even you, can change that."
Mr. Jeong's anger exploded. "You think you can just insult me and get away with it? You're just a—"
"A what? ,a nobody?" Seongho interrupted, his voice sharp. "Don't you know that you're a fool who can only strike from the shadows? You're nothing but an old, devious fool, Mr. Jeong. You think you can control everything, but you're just a coward hiding behind your money and schemes."
Mr. Jeong growled, his fists clenching. "Don't you dare speak to me like that! You have no idea who you're dealing with!"
"I know exactly who I'm dealing with," Seongho replied coolly. "And trust me, you won't win this game. You're outmatched, and you'll always be a step behind. So do yourself a favor and let go of these foolish ideas."
With that, Seongho hung up, leaving Mr. Jeong seething with anger. He threw his phone onto the table, his mind racing with thoughts of how to regain control of the situation. The walls felt like they were closing in, and the stakes had never been higher.
"Who does he think he is?" Mr. Jeong muttered, pacing again. "I won't let him or Junseong ruin all what we've planned for this family's success. "
Mrs. Jeong watched him, concern etched on her face. "We need to focus on Ha-young. Let's not get distracted by this. We'll figure out a way to make this right."
But Mr. Jeong's mind was already swirling with plans, each more desperate than the last. He couldn't let Seongho's words get to him, but the anger simmered just below the surface, ready to boil over.
The weight of the situation pressed down on him ,and he knew he had to act quickly . Junseong was slipping further away and he couldn't let that happen.