Walls of hate

The ticking of the clock in Jeon's luxurious office echoed through the spacious room, filling the silence between him and Hyunjin. The young secretary sat across from his boss, his posture straight and his hands folded tightly in his lap. The tension in the air was palpable, as if both of them understood the weight of the conversation that was about to unfold.

Jeon leaned back in his leather chair, eyes as cold and unreadable as ever. His reputation as a ruthless billionaire mafia boss preceded him, and Hyunjin had witnessed firsthand how effortlessly Jeon destroyed anyone who dared oppose him. Despite the power radiating off the man before him, Hyunjin kept his gaze steady, his heart pounding against his ribs.

"I won't repeat myself, Hyunjin," Jeon said, his voice low but firm. "The merger with the Japanese syndicate depends on my marital status. They want to know that I'm a stable family man-someone they can trust in business."

Hyunjin swallowed hard, his mind racing. He had been Jeon's secretary for two years, never once imagining that his duties would extend beyond office work. But now Jeon was asking him to become more than a secretary. He was asking him to be his husband.

"It's only for show," Jeon continued, sensing Hyunjin's hesitation. "A contract marriage, nothing more. You get paid handsomely, and in return, you play the role of my loving spouse. After a year, we'll dissolve the arrangement, and you'll be free to go back to your life."

Hyunjin clenched his fists under the table, his thoughts battling between logic and fear. A contract marriage? It sounded absurd. Ridiculous, even. But this was Jeon-there was nothing the man did that wasn't calculated. There had to be a deeper reason behind this.

"And if I refuse?" Hyunjin asked quietly, knowing full well that defying Jeon wasn't an option.

Jeon's eyes darkened, his expression hardening. "That wouldn't be wise, Hyunjin."

Hyunjin's stomach twisted. He knew what refusal meant. It meant losing his job, his protection, and possibly more. But agreeing to this marriage meant stepping into a life he wasn't prepared for-one filled with lies, deception, and danger. He had seen what Jeon was capable of. Being tied to him in any way, even if it was just on paper, was a risk.

Jeon stood, walking around the desk until he stood before Hyunjin, towering over him. "I don't expect you to love me. This is purely a business transaction. But I do expect loyalty. You'll stand by my side, no questions asked."

Hyunjin hesitated, then slowly nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "Fine. I'll do it."

Jeon's lips curved into a smirk, but there was no warmth in his eyes. "Good choice."

As Jeon turned back to his desk, Hyunjin couldn't shake the feeling that he had just made a deal with the devil.

Little did he know, this was only the beginning. The contract might say one year, but neither of them could predict how long it would take for their hearts to break through the carefully constructed walls they both lived behind.

The next morning, Hyunjin arrived at Jeon's mansion earlier than usual. The grand estate loomed before him, cold and imposing, much like its owner. Marble pillars lined the driveway, and towering gates surrounded the perimeter, making it clear that those inside were untouchable. It was a far cry from Hyunjin's modest apartment downtown-a place he probably wouldn't see much of in the coming months. After all, he was about to become the billionaire's "husband."

His stomach twisted with unease as he approached the front door. Everything felt surreal, as though he were living in someone else's life. But the reality of the situation settled in the moment he crossed the threshold and entered the world of Jeon, a world where love was as transactional as a business deal.

A butler greeted him, bowing slightly. "Mr. Hyunjin, Mr. Jeon is waiting for you in the study."

Hyunjin nodded, feeling out of place among the pristine decor and antique furnishings. His feet sank into the thick carpet as he walked, each step heavy with the knowledge of what he'd agreed to the night before. A contract marriage. It still sounded absurd.

He reached the study door and hesitated. His hand hovered over the doorknob for a moment before he pushed it open.

Jeon sat behind his massive mahogany desk, his sharp gaze immediately landing on Hyunjin. Dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, he looked every bit the part of the powerful mafia boss. His presence was overwhelming, but Hyunjin forced himself to remain composed.

"Hyunjin," Jeon greeted him, his voice deep and steady. "Come in. We have much to discuss."

Hyunjin stepped inside, closing the door behind him. His palms were clammy, but he kept them hidden behind his back as he approached Jeon's desk.

Jeon gestured to a chair across from him. "Sit."

Hyunjin did as he was told, his nerves taut. This was it-the moment where everything would begin to change. He had always known that working for someone like Jeon would come with risks, but he never imagined it would lead to something like this.

Jeon slid a thick stack of papers across the desk, a sleek pen placed neatly on top. "This is the contract. I suggest you read it carefully."

Hyunjin picked up the papers, his fingers trembling slightly as he flipped through the pages. Legal jargon filled each line, but the meaning behind the words was clear enough. This marriage was nothing more than a business arrangement, a façade to strengthen Jeon's position in the eyes of his criminal partners. In return, Hyunjin would be compensated handsomely. The numbers on the last page were staggering-enough to ensure that he'd never have to worry about money again.

Jeon watched him closely, his eyes narrowing as Hyunjin skimmed the document. "It's simple. You'll move in here tomorrow. We'll announce the engagement publicly next week, and the wedding will take place two weeks after that. Once we're married, you'll attend all public events by my side. You'll live here, but you'll continue your work as my secretary. The contract lasts one year. After that, we part ways."

"One year," Hyunjin repeated, his voice flat. He tried to focus on the timeline, on the structure of the arrangement, but all he could think about was how he'd be tied to this man for the next twelve months. How every moment of his life would revolve around playing the role of Jeon's devoted spouse.

Jeon nodded. "Yes. One year. In that time, you'll have access to anything you need. You'll want for nothing."

Hyunjin's eyes flicked up to meet Jeon's. "Except freedom."

A ghost of a smile tugged at the corner of Jeon's lips, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Think of it as temporary imprisonment with benefits."

Hyunjin's chest tightened. He wasn't naïve-he knew that Jeon was offering him the world, but at a price. His independence. His peace of mind. Everything would be dictated by the terms of this marriage, and by Jeon himself.

"Why me?" Hyunjin blurted out suddenly, unable to hold the question back any longer. "Out of all the people you could have chosen, why me?"

Jeon's expression remained unreadable. He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he regarded Hyunjin with a calculating gaze. "You're loyal. You're quiet. And you're smart enough to understand that in my world, alliances are everything."

Hyunjin's throat tightened. Was that all he was to Jeon? A pawn in his empire, someone who could be easily controlled? The realization stung, but he forced himself to push the emotions aside. He had agreed to this. He couldn't afford to back out now.

"I see," Hyunjin muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jeon's eyes darkened, and for a moment, Hyunjin thought he saw a flicker of something more-something deeper-in the other man's gaze. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by the cold, businesslike demeanor that Jeon wore like armor.

"Sign the contract, Hyunjin," Jeon said, his voice firm. "And we'll begin."

Hyunjin stared down at the papers once more. His mind screamed at him to walk away, to leave this room and never look back. But he knew he couldn't. Not without facing the consequences. The contract was just the beginning-he had already sealed his fate the moment he had agreed to Jeon's proposition.

With trembling fingers, Hyunjin picked up the pen. The sound of the ink scratching across the page seemed deafening in the silent room. His signature, neat and precise, marked the end of his old life and the beginning of a new one.

Jeon stood and extended his hand. "Welcome to your new role, Mr. Jeon."

Hyunjin hesitated before shaking Jeon's hand, the touch of the man's cool skin sending a shiver down his spine. This was real now. There was no turning back.

---

Later that night, as Hyunjin lay in his apartment for the last time, staring up at the ceiling, he couldn't shake the weight of what he had done. The contract felt like a chain around his neck, and the thought of spending the next year pretending to love someone who barely saw him as a person gnawed at his conscience.

He didn't love Jeon. He couldn't. And yet, part of him wondered what it would be like if that changed. What if, by some cruel twist of fate, his heart betrayed him? What if this arrangement became more than just a business deal?

The thought scared him more than anything. Because if there was one thing he knew for certain, it was that Jeon was not a man who could ever truly love. At least, not in the way Hyunjin needed.

But it didn't matter. The contract was signed, and now he had no choice but to play the role he had agreed to. A pawn in Jeon's game, trapped in a gilded cage of wealth, power, and deception.

Hyunjin arrived at Jeon's mansion the next morning, his heart heavier than the suitcase in his hand. As he stepped out of the black car that had picked him up from his modest apartment, the enormity of what he was about to do hit him all over again. This wasn't just some business deal-this was his life for the next year. His new reality. And it terrified him.

The mansion loomed before him, even more imposing in the early morning light. Sunlight glinted off the marble pillars and the sprawling front garden, a stark contrast to the coldness he felt growing inside him. This place wasn't home. It was a fortress, and now, it was his prison.

A butler stood waiting at the entrance, his hands clasped behind his back. He was the same man who had escorted him to Jeon's study the day before, and as Hyunjin approached, he gave a small, polite bow.

"Welcome, Mr. Hyunjin. Mr. Jeon has instructed me to show you to your quarters. May I take your bag?"

Hyunjin hesitated for a moment before handing over the suitcase, his fingers brushing briefly against the butler's gloved hand. He followed him through the grand entrance, the sound of his shoes echoing in the vast foyer. The walls were lined with expensive artwork, and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting soft, golden light on everything they touched.

Despite the beauty of it all, Hyunjin felt a deep sense of unease settle over him. This was Jeon's world-lavish, extravagant, and filled with secrets. And now, he was expected to live in it as though he belonged. But no matter how much money surrounded him, Hyunjin knew one thing for sure: he would never belong here.

They walked in silence through the mansion, passing rooms that seemed untouched by time. Finally, they arrived at a grand staircase, which the butler began to ascend without a word. Hyunjin followed, trying to keep his nerves in check as they climbed higher and higher.

"Your quarters are on the second floor," the butler explained as they reached the landing. "You'll have access to the entire mansion, of course, but this wing is reserved for you and Mr. Jeon. Should you need anything, simply ring the bell in your room, and the staff will be at your service."

Hyunjin nodded, though the thought of ringing for staff made him uncomfortable. He wasn't used to this kind of treatment, and he doubted he ever would be. But this was the life he had signed up for, even if it felt more like he had been coerced into it.

The butler stopped in front of a door at the end of the hallway and opened it with a small flourish. "This will be your room, Mr. Hyunjin. Mr. Jeon's is just down the hall."

Hyunjin stepped inside, his breath catching at the sight. The room was enormous, easily three times the size of his old apartment. A king-sized bed, draped in luxurious linens, dominated the center of the space. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the garden below, and the furniture was sleek, modern, and ridiculously expensive-looking.

He felt out of place immediately.

"I'll bring your bags in shortly," the butler said, bowing slightly before leaving Hyunjin alone in the room.

As soon as the door clicked shut, Hyunjin released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He walked over to the window, staring out at the perfectly manicured lawns and the rows of hedges that stretched as far as the eye could see. This wasn't just wealth-it was a different world altogether.

He hadn't even seen Jeon yet. Not since the contract had been signed.

For a moment, Hyunjin wondered if this was how it would be for the next year. Cold, distant, filled with empty spaces. Would he and Jeon barely interact, only appearing in public together when necessary? Or would their lives slowly intertwine despite the arrangement being purely business?

A soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. He turned to see the butler entering once again, this time with his suitcase. He placed it carefully on the floor near the bed and gave another slight bow before retreating.

Once alone again, Hyunjin sank down onto the edge of the bed, burying his face in his hands. What had he gotten himself into?

---

Hours passed before Hyunjin finally unpacked his belongings, neatly placing his clothes in the enormous walk-in closet. He had just finished when there was another knock on the door, this time firmer and more authoritative.

"Come in," Hyunjin called, straightening up.

The door swung open to reveal Jeon, standing tall and sharp in another tailored suit. His expression was as unreadable as ever, but his presence filled the room instantly. Hyunjin felt a shiver run down his spine as Jeon's eyes swept over him, taking in every detail.

"Settling in?" Jeon asked, his voice calm but commanding.

Hyunjin nodded, trying to keep his gaze steady. "Yes. The room is... beautiful."

Jeon gave a small nod, as though he expected no less. "Good. You'll be comfortable here."

Hyunjin bit the inside of his cheek, unsure of how to respond. Was he supposed to thank Jeon? Show gratitude for the lavish prison he had been placed in? It all felt so surreal.

"We'll be making the public announcement tomorrow," Jeon continued, his tone businesslike. "A press release will go out in the morning, followed by a small engagement party in the evening. I expect you to be ready."

Hyunjin's stomach twisted. "Engagement party?"

Jeon's eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained cold. "Yes. It's important for our cover. You'll need to get used to public appearances, Hyunjin. This is part of the deal."

Hyunjin swallowed hard, feeling the weight of Jeon's words settle heavily on his shoulders. It wasn't just about signing the contract-he had to play the part. He had to stand by Jeon's side and pretend to be someone he wasn't. The thought of being thrust into the spotlight, surrounded by people who believed the lie, made his skin crawl.

Jeon stepped closer, his presence overwhelming as he loomed over Hyunjin. "Don't worry. I'll make sure you're prepared."

Hyunjin looked up at him, trying to ignore the way his heart raced in his chest. "I'm not sure I'll ever be prepared for this."

Jeon's lips curved into a faint, humorless smile. "You'll learn quickly. You don't have a choice."

The coldness in Jeon's voice sent a chill through Hyunjin. There was no room for hesitation, no space for doubt. Jeon expected him to fall in line, to play the role perfectly. But the weight of it all-the deception, the public appearances, the lie that they would be telling the world-felt suffocating.

Jeon stepped back, his eyes never leaving Hyunjin's. "Get some rest. Tomorrow is the beginning of your new life."

With that, he turned and left the room, the door clicking shut behind him.

Hyunjin sank back onto the bed, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up to him. Tomorrow, the world would know him as Jeon's fiancé. Tomorrow, the lie would begin.

And there was no turning back.