Finally, they brought out the dress—a sleek, modern creation of ivory silk that hugged her curves before flaring slightly at the knees. The back dipped low, revealing more skin than Min-ji would normally be comfortable showing, while the front maintained a deceptive modesty with its high neckline.

As they helped her into it, Min-ji couldn't help but wonder how Jungkook had known her exact measurements, then decided she preferred not to know the extent of his surveillance.

When they finished, they led her to a full-length mirror.

The woman staring back at Min-ji was both familiar and foreign—undeniably herself, yet transformed into someone who looked like she belonged in Jungkook's world of wealth and power. The dress fit perfectly, the color making her skin glow. The minimal jewelry they'd selected—pearl earrings and a delicate diamond bracelet—added elegance without ostentation.

"You look beautiful, Miss Park," one of the stylists said softly.

Min-ji met her eyes in the mirror. "Thank you. Although I think it's about to be Mrs. Jeon, isn't it?"

The stylist didn't answer, but her expression held that same sympathy Min-ji had seen in Mrs. Kang's eyes. These women knew exactly what kind of marriage this was going to be.

A knock at the door signaled the end of preparations. Mrs. Kang entered, now dressed in more formal attire.

"It's time," she announced. "Mr. Jeon is waiting."

Min-ji took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. She would not enter this arrangement cowering. Whatever awaited her in this new life, she would face it with the same determination that had carried her through every other challenge.

For Hae-won. And for herself.

Mrs. Kang led her through the mansion's corridors to a part she hadn't seen before. They stopped before a set of glass doors that opened onto a garden terrace. Through the glass, Min-ji could see that night had fallen completely, but the terrace was illuminated by hundreds of candles and strands of tiny lights woven through trellises of white roses.

In the center of the terrace stood Jungkook, his back to the doors, dressed in a black suit that made his broad shoulders look even more imposing. Beside him was an older man in formal attire who Min-ji assumed was the officiant. Two others stood nearby—witnesses, presumably.

"Ready?" Mrs. Kang asked gently.

Min-ji nodded, unable to trust her voice.

The doors opened silently, and Mrs. Kang stepped aside. Without music or escort, Min-ji began the short walk that would change her life forever.

At the sound of her footsteps, Jungkook turned.

For a moment—just a heartbeat—something flashed across his face. Surprise? Appreciation? Whatever it was, it vanished quickly, replaced by his usual controlled expression. But his eyes... his eyes remained fixed on her with an intensity that made her pulse quicken.

Min-ji stopped beside him, close enough to feel the heat radiating from his body.

"You're beautiful," he said, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

Before she could respond, the officiant began speaking. The ceremony was brief and impersonal—no vows of love or devotion, just legal declarations and commitments to honor and protect. When prompted, Min-ji repeated the required phrases, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

Then came the rings. Jungkook produced two bands—one a simple platinum circle for himself, the other a platinum band adorned with diamonds that he slid onto Min-ji's finger. It fit perfectly, like everything else he'd provided.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the officiant declared. "You may kiss your bride."

Min-ji tensed. Somehow, in all the chaos and negotiation, she hadn't considered this moment—her first physical contact with the man who now owned her life.

Jungkook turned to face her fully, one hand coming up to cup her cheek. His touch was surprisingly gentle as he tilted her face upward. His eyes searched hers for a moment, then dropped to her lips.

"Mine," he whispered, so softly she might have imagined it.

Then his mouth claimed hers.

Min-ji had expected a perfunctory kiss—a mere formality to seal their contract. What she received instead sent shock waves through her system.

Jungkook kissed her with a possession that bordered on violence, yet contained a finesse that spoke of experience. His lips moved against hers with practiced skill, coaxing a response she was powerless to deny. When his tongue traced the seam of her lips, Min-ji gasped, inadvertently granting him access.

He took full advantage, deepening the kiss until Min-ji felt dizzy with a confusion of emotions—fear, anger, and something far more dangerous she refused to name.

When he finally pulled back, Min-ji was breathless, her lips tingling. Jungkook's eyes had darkened, the control he normally exuded fraying slightly at the edges.

The officiant cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Jeon."

Mrs. Jeon. The name fell on Min-ji's ears like a prison sentence.

Jungkook's arm circled her waist, his hand splaying possessively against the bare skin of her lower back, sending unwelcome shivers up her spine.

"Thank you all for your service," he said to the small assembly. "You're dismissed."

The witnesses and officiant bowed respectfully before departing, leaving Min-ji alone with her new husband on the terrace.

"What happens now?" she asked, her voice steadier than she felt.

Jungkook's hand remained on her back, his thumb tracing small circles against her skin that she tried desperately to ignore.

"Now," he said, "I make good on my end of the bargain. I've already dispatched men to negotiate your sister's release."

Hope flickered in Min-ji's chest. "How long will it take?"

"If all goes as planned, she'll be free by morning," Jungkook replied. "Though she'll need to leave Seoul—the country, actually. I've arranged for her relocation to Australia under a new identity."

Min-ji's heart sank. "I'll never see her again?"

"Not never," Jungkook clarified. "But not soon. It's for her safety as well as ours. The Hans aren't known for their forgiving nature."

It was another sacrifice, but one Min-ji knew was necessary. At least Hae-won would be alive.

"Thank you," she said simply.

Jungkook looked surprised, as if gratitude was the last thing he'd expected. "Don't thank me yet, wife. Our arrangement has only just begun."

The way he said "wife"—possessive, almost predatory—sent a new wave of apprehension through Min-ji.

"Am I allowed to ask questions about my new life?" she ventured.

"You can ask," Jungkook replied, leading her toward a table set with champagne and two glasses. "I may even answer."

He released her to pour the champagne, offering her a glass. This time, Min-ji accepted it, needing something to occupy her hands.

"What exactly will be expected of me?" she asked after taking a small sip.

Jungkook leaned against the table, studying her over his glass. "Publicly, you'll be the perfect wife—supportive, elegant, discreet. You'll accompany me to business functions and social events. You'll manage the household staff and any charitable endeavors associated with the Jeon name."

"And privately?" Min-ji forced herself to ask.

A dangerous smile curved his lips. "Privately, you'll share my bed, my home, and my life. You'll be loyal, obedient, and... available when I desire you."

Heat flooded Min-ji's cheeks at his blunt declaration. "You can't force—"

"I won't need to," Jungkook interrupted, his confidence absolute. "You signed the contract willingly, Min-ji. You agreed to be my wife in every sense."

"Out of desperation to save my sister," she countered.

"The motivation doesn't change the agreement." He set down his glass and moved closer to her. "Besides, your body's reaction to our kiss suggests forcing anything won't be necessary."

Min-ji took a step back, hating the truth in his words. Her physical response to him was undeniable, however much she wished to deny it.

"What about my shop?" she asked, changing the subject. "You said I could keep it."

"And you can," Jungkook confirmed. "Though your primary residence will be here, you'll be permitted to visit the shop regularly. I've already arranged for management staff to handle daily operations."

"You work quickly," Min-ji noted, unable to keep the bitterness from her voice.

"Efficiency is essential in my world," he replied without apology. "Speaking of which—" he checked an expensive watch on his wrist "—we have a dinner engagement in an hour. Your first official appearance as Mrs. Jeon."

Min-ji nearly choked on her champagne. "Tonight? With whom?"

"Business associates," Jungkook said vaguely. "Nothing you need concern yourself with beyond looking beautiful and saying little."

Anger flared in Min-ji's chest. "I'm not some decoration to hang on your arm."

Something dangerous flickered in Jungkook's eyes. He closed the distance between them in two strides, his hand capturing her chin in a grip that wasn't painful but brooked no resistance.

"You are whatever I need you to be," he said, his voice deceptively soft. "Tonight, I need a beautiful, silent wife. Tomorrow, perhaps I'll need something else. You agreed to these terms, Min-ji. Don't test my patience by renegotiating now."

Min-ji held his gaze, refusing to cower despite the fear coursing through her. "And if I do? Test your patience, that is."

Jungkook's grip tightened fractionally, his thumb brushing across her lower lip in a gesture both threatening and bizarrely intimate.

"There are consequences for disobedience," he murmured. "Some you might even enjoy."

Before Min-ji could process his meaning, he released her and stepped back.

"Mrs. Kang will help you change for dinner," he said, his tone shifting back to business-like. "I'll meet you in the foyer in forty-five minutes."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Min-ji alone on the terrace with her half-empty champagne glass and the weight of her new reality settling over her like a shroud.

Mrs. Jeon. Wife of a mafia king. A prisoner in a gilded cage.

But as Min-ji looked out at the Seoul skyline beyond the garden, she made a silent promise to herself. She would play this role—would bend to Jungkook's will when necessary—but she would not break. She would find ways to carve out pieces of freedom, to maintain some sense of self in this arrangement.

And perhaps, someday, she would discover the real reason Jeon Jungkook had chosen her for this macabre marriage.

For now, though, Min-ji drained her champagne.