Yuna and Hwan stood under the blinding lights and flashing cameras of the media horde. The murmur of the crowd filled the air as Yuna's hands trembled, a forced smile struggling to settle on her lips. Beside her, Hwan confidently wrapped an arm around her.
The officiant took the microphone and began the ceremony. "Yoon Hwan, do you take Lee Yuna to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
Hwan's eyes locked onto Yuna's, a mix of desire and cunning flickering within. Without hesitation, he said, "Yes, I do."
Yuna's heart constricted. The words lodged in her throat like a bitter lump. She glanced at the eager faces of the press. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes, and the image of Eunwoo's smiling face flooded her mind.
"Lee Yuna, do you take Yoon Hwan to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
She hesitated. It felt as if the whole world held its breath. Her lips quivered, and her heart ached, but she had already made her decision.
"Yes, I do."
When the officiant announced, "You are now husband and wife," Hwan swiftly pulled her into a possessive kiss. Applause erupted from the crowd, cameras flashing wildly. Hwan's smile was fake, but his eyes gleamed with a sinister triumph.
Instantly, headlines blazed across the nation: "Power Couple Yuna and Hwan Married!" The story went viral, generating millions of likes and comments.
An emergency meeting was called at Nova's company headquarters. The members of Nova stood anxiously before the CEO, who pointed to his phone resting on the table.
"This morning, something very significant happened," the CEO stated coldly.
The group's leader, Doyoon, furrowed his brows. "What happened? Is something wrong?"
Their manager reluctantly handed Doyoon the phone. "See for yourself."
Doyoon's eyes widened as he watched the video of Yuna and Hwan's wedding ceremony. Hwan's possessive demeanor, Yuna's resigned expression, and the kiss that played repeatedly on the screen.
Faces around the room shifted from shock to disbelief and then to disappointment.
The CEO spoke, his tone smug. "This unexpected turn of events has put an end to all scandals. Nova's popularity is back at its peak. The company's stock prices are rising. Yuna and Hwan's marriage saved Nova."
Doyoon's voice trembled. "This... is this real?"
The manager sighed and nodded. "It appears so."
Eunwoo said nothing. His eyes remained glued to the screen, bloodshot and filled with anguish. Fury twisted his expression as he clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white. In a flash, he stormed out of the room.
"Eunwoo, wait!" Doyoon called out.
But Eunwoo ignored him, striding quickly down the corridor. The other members rushed after him.
"Eunwoo, calm down! Where are you going?" Doyoon shouted.
Eunwoo didn't answer. Rage clouded his vision.
Another member spoke frantically. "Eunwoo, there must be an explanation! Don't do anything reckless!"
But Eunwoo kept walking, doors slamming behind him as he left the building.
Eunwoo burst through the café's entrance, his eyes searching desperately. Instead of Yuna, he found Minji behind the counter.
"Where is Yuna?" he demanded, his voice hoarse.
Minji's face faltered, but before she could reply, Hwan's voice echoed from behind.
"Yuna? You can't just talk to her whenever you want anymore. She's my wife now," he said with a smug grin.
Eunwoo's blood boiled. He raised a fist, ready to strike, but Yuna quickly stepped between them.
"Hwan, please. Let me talk to him," she pleaded, her voice trembling.
Hwan's eyes flickered with jealousy, but he said nothing, retreating a few steps.
Yuna led Eunwoo into Hwan's office and shut the door. Silence weighed heavily in the room.
Eunwoo's eyes blazed. "So this is it? This was your choice?" he growled, voice cracking. "While I was fighting to get you back, you'd already made your decision. How foolish of me!"
Yuna's eyes welled with tears. Her voice wavered as she spoke. "Eunwoo, it's just an arrangement. A three-month marriage... to end the scandal, to protect Nova and you!"
Eunwoo let out a bitter laugh. "You sacrificed yourself? That's your solution?"
Tears streamed down Yuna's face. "If I hadn't done this, everything would have fallen apart. Nova would be disbanded. Your career would be over. I couldn't bear to lose you."
Eunwoo stepped closer. "But you already lost me, Yuna..."
Yuna's eyes widened, a lump forming in her throat.
There was no anger left in Eunwoo's eyes—only pain. He hung his head low. "You tried to protect me, but you shattered my heart."
Yuna tried to speak, but her voice caught, words crumbling in her mouth.
Eunwoo turned, yanking the door open. The harsh slam echoed through the room, reverberating in Yuna's heart. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the floor, tears flowing freely.
"Eunwoo... I only wanted to protect you," she whispered into the empty room.
But he was already gone.
Outside, Eunwoo closed his eyes, struggling to steady his ragged breaths. He understood her sacrifice, but the pain of losing the woman he loved was unbearable.
Tears slipped down his face as he realized the cost of Yuna's choice. A gaping wound tore through his heart.