The morning sunlight filtered through the tall windows of their penthouse, casting a soft glow on the luxurious space. Seo-jin awoke early, her heart fluttering with anticipation. It was a Saturday—her favorite day of the week, not just because Min-jae would be home, but because she knew their time together was more than just fleeting moments. It was a full day of his attention, his love, and for her, that meant everything.
The house staff had already set up everything she could need for the day, anticipating Min-jae's needs and ensuring that she was taken care of, though Seo-jin had little use for anything beyond his presence. She was content to wait, her heart already racing as she thought about the love he would shower on her today.
Min-jae was in the gym, as usual, his sculpted body glistening with sweat as he worked through his routine. The sight of him was enough to make her heart skip a beat, and without thinking, Seo-jin rushed to the gym, unable to wait any longer.
She entered the room, her eyes immediately locking onto him. There he was, his broad shoulders and chiseled physique on full display as he lifted weights, his muscles flexing with every movement. To Seo-jin, he was perfect—he always had been, but now, he was more than just the man she had rejected years ago. He was the embodiment of everything she had ever wanted and needed.
Before he could even acknowledge her presence, Seo-jin crossed the distance between them, throwing her arms around his torso, pressing herself against him. She closed her eyes, resting her head against his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin and the rhythm of his heartbeat. He was everything to her now, her strength, her desire, and her world.
Min-jae paused, the dumbbells still in his hands. He stood still for a moment, the weight of her touch settling over him. He looked down at her, a slight frown creasing his brow as she clung to him.
"You've become quite dependent on me, haven't you?" he said, his voice quieter than usual. He wasn't angry, but there was a trace of something—something that almost sounded like hurt.
Seo-jin immediately pulled back, her face flushed with panic. "No, Min-jae! I—" Her words stumbled as she tried to reassure him, her mind racing to say the right thing. "I... I just... I love you so much, I can't help it."
But even as she said the words, she knew they didn't fully explain the depth of what she was feeling. It wasn't just love that made her cling to him like this—it was something far darker, something deeper. It was the fear that, if she ever let go, if she ever faltered, she would lose him.
Min-jae's eyes softened, but only slightly. He set the weights down on the floor, turning to face her completely. "If I looked like I did all those years ago," he said, his voice almost quiet enough to be a whisper, "would you still want me? Or would you have left me again like you did before?"
Seo-jin froze, her breath catching in her throat. The words cut through her, sharper than she expected. She shook her head frantically, trying to assure him with her eyes and her touch. "No, Min-jae! I— I would love you no matter what! You know that!" she said, her voice trembling.
But deep down, she knew the truth—Min-jae's transformation had been the reason she had returned to him, the reason she had become so desperate to stay. He had changed, and so had she, but for different reasons. His change had been driven by the desire to never feel rejected again, while hers had been driven by a fear of losing him. She could feel it—the way his presence had become the anchor to her existence, the way his love had turned into something she was now dependent on.
She stepped back, unsure of what to say next. The chains of their contract felt heavier with every passing day, and yet, she had never felt more alive. She was his possession—there was no denying that. And while part of her feared the reality of their situation, another part of her reveled in the safety it gave her. She needed him, more than she had ever needed anyone.
Min-jae watched her, his gaze unreadable for a moment. He took a slow step toward her, closing the distance again. "You don't have to lie to me, Seo-jin. I know what you want. You want to keep me. You want to make sure I'll never leave you. And you're scared."
Her chest tightened, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. She nodded slowly, the fear that had been gnawing at her insides spilling out in that simple gesture. "Yes," she whispered. "I'm scared. I'm scared of losing you again. I'm scared of breaking your trust... of making you hate me."
Min-jae reached out, gently cupping her face in his hands. His touch was soft, but his grip was firm, almost possessive. "You won't lose me. I won't let you. But remember, you're not just in my life now... you're mine, completely."
Her breath hitched at his words. She wanted to tell him she loved him, that she wanted to be with him forever. But the truth was, it wasn't just love. It was something else—something that had started as love, but had grown into something darker. Something that was all-encompassing and terrifying.
"I'll do whatever it takes to keep you," she whispered, her voice almost breaking. "I'll never leave you."
Min-jae's lips curled into a small, satisfied smile. "Good. You know how much I hate to be left. And you're not going anywhere."
He leaned in and kissed her forehead softly, the love in his eyes a strange combination of warmth and finality. "As long as you don't make me regret it."
As they stood there, locked in that moment, Seo-jin realized just how much control Min-jae had over her. His love, his affection, were no longer just gifts—they were chains. And she was more than willing to wear them. Because she couldn't bear the thought of losing him again.
Not now. Not ever.