07

AT PLUMP'S RESTAURANT

SEOJUN'S POV

"I missed you a lot" Haeun said as she caressed my cheek.

I smiled at her . She's just too good.

"Me too. Eun, I'll be busy for the next two weeks . So we might not be able to meet up frequently" I gave her a sorry look.

"For your engagement?" She asked

"Hmm. This week engagement then next week wedding" I sighed .

I just wish to finish this mess as soon as possible.

"It's fine. Just finish up everything and come to me for celebrating my birthday. You promised me Okay?" She smiled and replied.

I told her everything about my marriage and how my father blackmailed me, the next day .I expected a slap but I received a hug from her . She frowned and looked as if she was about to cry but told me that she was happy as long as I was with her. She was sad but didn't break our relation for which I felt more guilty and grateful too. Seriously how selfless can she be. This question also raised in my mind as she never complained about anything.

"Jun?Are you listening to me?" She asked

"Oh uh yes yes I'm listening. I'll cancel all my schedules on your birthday and spend the entire time with you" I replied by caressing her hair.

"Dad is throwing a b'day party for me so I want to celebrate my birthday on 20th. Only you and me. Okay?"

20th? That's

I stopped caressing her hair and replied

"Eun , that's the day of the wedding"

"Oh.Then you can come to me after your wedding ends . You promised me Jun."She gave me a pleading look

I opened my mouth to protest but closed it . She always sacrificed her happiness for me and for once when she asked me something I couldn't say no. It would be wrong from my side to not accept it.

"OK . I'll come" I smiled at her and so did she.

This is just a fake wedding and besides Ava is aware of it too so it won't be a problem to leave after the wedding right?

The evening went on smoothly. We talked and spend the time together till 11pm. It was a nice time.

For a moment , I forgot about all this mess and became happy and felt at eased.

***

Third Person's POV

The next day....

Feeling frustrated, Ava got up from bed and walked towards her closet.

Today, his dad invited her and her parents for dinner before the engagement.

He reasoned that since they had not yet seen the Jeon Mansion so before the engagement he invited them for a visit.

And she was not having a good feeling about it since she liked Mr.Jeon and didn't felt like pretending in front of him.

But after all she has no choice.

She didn't want to look so formal but at the same time not so casual.

So after inspecting her clothes she finally choose a yellow floral print knee length dress with long sleeves.

It looked perfect for the visit.

It was neither too formal nor too casual.

After a quick warm shower she quickly wore the dress and paired it up with not so long black heels.

And she finished her look by wearing a simple silver pendent.

After looking at herself for the last time in the mirror,she left her room and went down where she saw her parents waiting for her.

"You're here Ava. You look beautiful dear." Her mom gave a motherly smile and complimented her daughter.

"After all she's my daughter." Her dad joked and the mother-daughter laughed in unison.

"Now come. Let's go or else we'll be late." Her dad reminded them and they all headed outside towards the car.

It's gonna be a long day - thought Ava.

***

AT JEON'S MANSION

After 30 minutes of ride they reached the Jeon mansion.

And right after they entered the house , they were warmly welcomed by his dad.

"Thank you so much for coming even though it was so sudden." Mr.Jeon smiled and welcomed them.

And the Manoban couple smiled and gave him two basket full of fresh fruits as a gift.

Mr.Jeon tried to refuse but nonetheless took it as they were gifts from his in-laws.

"You look beautiful dear." Mr.Jeon smiled and lovingly stroked Ava's head.

"Thank you uncle." Ava replied shyly.

She was a person who didn't know how to receive a compliment so she preferred not to receive it at all.

"Oho still calling uncle? Silly girl call me Dad." Mr.Jeon warmly smiled and scolded her.

"Sorry. Dad." Ava smiled awkwardly.

Guilty. She was feeling guilty.

He truly considered her as his daughter but she- She was just faking it.

"Oh!! My apologizes I'm making you all stay at the door. Please do come in." Mr.Jeon gestured them to come in.

And the manobans followed behind.

Finally after settling in the sofa.

The elders started conversing about their children's engagement which was going to be held this we

ek and about their wedding.

Ava felt so out of the place as she had nothing to say in the elders talk.

She sat there awkwardly and smiled from time to time.

She looked around his house. It was designed very vintage. Not so much colour yet it looked very classy and elegant.

Not so much of furnitures too. Just the right number.

She looked around more, not until her gaze fell upon him.

He was standing at the end of the staircase.

He was wearing plain white casual T-shirt with grey sweatpants. His hair being a bit fluffy and almost covering his eyes. It looked like he just came out of shower. As she could see some water dripping from his hair. His hair was a mess - a beautiful mess.

He looked so handsome in just some casual clothes. How? Wondered Ava

"Oh you're here. Come and greet your in-laws." His dad gestured him and so he came, bowed and greeted the Manobans.

She looked away when he glanced at her.

She suddenly felt hot. Why the hell are you drooling over him Ava?

Get yourself a grip!!!

She internally scolded herself and hoped that he didn't notice it.

"Seojun take Ava and show her our house." His dad told him and he nodded.

"Uncle, aunty please excuse us. Ava, come let me show you around." He offered her his hand and smiled at her.

She internally rolled her eyes.

How fake.

She would not have accepted his hand but since all the elders were present she couldn't help but take His hand and get leaded by him.

After they were out of their parents sight.

Ava quickly took her hand back.

"You didn't had to do that." She said and looked everywhere except him.

"What? Offering my hand?" He scoffed

"Weren't you checking me out some minute ago? I thought you'll like it." He said in a teasing tone and came closer to her till she was leaning against the vase table.

He saw it!!!!!

"I wasn't." She finally got back to her senses and took all her strength to push him back and protested.

Although her flushed face was saying the opposite.

"I see." He chuckled.

Its not so bad to have a fake marriage with this silly girl. At least she's entertaining -thought Seojun.

"Show me around." She said angrily. She changed the topic to save herself from the embarrassment.

"Come." He said flatly and led her.

There was nothing much to show.

He led her and boringly showed her the 1st floor. It consisted of the guest rooms, the study room, his room, his dad's room and his brother's room.

The 2nd floor consisted of a gym, and a big room which was full of his brother's paintings .

The house was too big for 3 persons. Although his brother comes home only during vacations.

She learned alot from her dad about him. Jeon Seojun, the youngest son of the owner of Jeon Company , CEO and next in line to own the company in the next 2-3 years. Has a brother ,who's a painter and lives in New Zealand , and a dad. He lost his mom when he was 18.

And has a girlfriend ~

Well the last information wasn't told to her by her dad.

She was looking around his house but something caught her attention. She stopped midway towards the place he was leading her and went towards the door that led to a small garden. It looked as if the garden was not taken care for years, it had shabby leaves and the place which would have looked beautiful with different kinds of flowers was covered with spider webs and some common ugly looking hanging leaves.

She felt bad for the poor garden.

"What are you doing here?"

Noticing the disappearance of the girl , he looked back and saw her in the garden. Precisely his mom's garden.

"Why do you not maintain this place?" She asked curiously.

She couldn't help but wonder. They had many maids and money was available in abundance so why not buy flowers and maintain it?

He frowned and said in a low voice.

"Next time, do not come to this place."

She wanted to question 'Why?'

But seeing the serious expression on his face. She just nodded.

The house was just too big so they took time to look around just the 1st floor.

Upon reaching the 2nd floor his phone rang and seeing the person's name his face lit up which was noticed by the girl standing behind him.

Ava couldn't help but frown. He then excused himself and left her alone.

Yes , left her alone like the last time when they went to buy the engagement rings.

'Always leaving me Alone.'

She didn't had the mood to look around anymore so she went back to the living room where the elders were still having a conversation.

Upon seeing the girl alone. His dad frowned and asked her why she was alone.

She faked a smile and replied that he was attending an important call.

'Why am I covering for him?'

After getting informed by one of the maid that dinner is ready.

All of them went to the dinning table and made themselves comfortable.

He came just on time.

Faked an apology and sat beside Lisa who didn't even spare a glance at him.

The dinner consisted of Thai and Korean dishes prepared specially by Mr.Jeon's Chef.

Both the families had their dinner peacefully. From time to time Jungkook would put some meat and some other things on Ava's plate just for show. For which the girl hated him even more and didn't ate the things he put at all!!

He noticed it too but didn't mind it. Her choice ,If she doesn't want to eat then let her be.

After dinner , they stayed for a while and talked but seeing that it was really late. The Manobans bid their goodbyes and left the Jeon Mansion.

***

The next few days went by quickly with both the families preparing their engagement.

It was going to be held in the farm house owned by the Manobans.

"Here, a glass of water for you." Isabella handed her the glass of water to Ava who looked like she was going to have a breakdown at any moment.

Even though this whole marriage thing was fake and Isabella knew it too. Since Ava was her bestie she came here in Seoul to be there for her in her most crucial times.

"Thanks" Ava took it and drank the water in one gulp.

"Why are you so nervous? It's not even real." Isabella couldn't understand her friend.

"I'm not." Protested Ava but her expression was saying something else.

"I understand. Just breath and relax or else you'll look ugly in your engagement pictures." Isabella joked to make her friend's mood better.

But Ava couldn't laugh at her bestie's joke.

She just nodded and gave a small smile.

She couldn't help but feel nervous.

After all she's a girl. Every girl would be nervous in her engagement!!!

"Ava, come now. The engagement will take place in 5 minutes." Her mom came and called her out.

"Coming mom." She stood and walked towards her mom followed by Isabella.

"Ava, you look gorgeous. Relax and enjoy." Her mom gave her a motherly smile before she went out.

Ava was wearing a very beautiful lavender colour long off shoulder dress. It was especially picked up by her mom. She paired it up with matching colour heels and a beautiful silver lily pendent.

She was looking stunning. Especially when she kept all her hair up in a messy bun.

Everyone in the venue couldn't help but compliment the gorgeous bride.

How could the annoying and spoiled brat get such a beautiful wife!!! Thought everyone.

And the bachelors couldn't help but feel jealous.

Ava saw him sitting in the middle of the stage looking alone and bored. She couldn't help but think that he looked adorable.

He was wearing an elegant black tuxedo. His hair cleanly kept on the side.

He was looking very handsome!

All the guests looked at the beautiful couple and thought that they were indeed match made in heaven.

Ava walked towards him and heard Isabella's comment before sitting beside him.

'Such a handsome jerk.'

She didn't look at him and just hoped that it will end soon.

Since she was not even sparing him a glance so he was the first to start a conversation. As it would look weird and suspicious if they weren't even talking at the time of their engagement.

"Ignoring me won't make you feel less nervous." He said while smiling sweetly at her.

She couldn't help but roll her eyes.

She then thought

'Why should he have all the fun?'

"Why? Is my Fiancé feeling bad since I'm ignoring him?" She came closer and sexily whispered in his ear while keeping her hand on his chest.

He was taken aback.

He didn't expected this from her.

Seeing the boy stiffen ,she retreated back with satisfaction.

He scoffed when she retreated.

Such a tease.

Soon the ring ceremony took place ,followed by people cheering.

She couldn't help but frown looking at the beautiful engagement ring that was wrapped around her finger.

She lightly caressed the engraved initials on the ring.

'Such a pity that it is all fake'

But she was soon brought out of her thoughts when people started coming towards them to congratulate them.

She was the one who was doing most of the talking since he was standing at the corner while attending a call.

'Can he for once not leave me alone?'

This question made her pity herself more.

After getting congratulated by tons of people , Ava felt exhausted and went down to get herself a drink.

Not alcohol but lemon juice to refresh herself.

The ceremony was coming to an end as she saw the sky was getting dark.

She looked around to see Isabella talking with some guys.

Well more like flirting.

Didn't she come here for me?

She heavied a sigh and shook her head. Well Bella was also reaching the age of marriage so its all fine.

For the first time that evening, she took a moment to look around.

It was decorated so simple yet elegant. Just her style.

Invited guests also didn't reach 100. Only close relatives , friends and some important business clients were called.

After looking around for some time she suddenly thought of him.

'Wait where is he?'

Its been an hour since she was left alone . The last time she saw him was when he was attending a call.

She wished to shrug it but if they were not together then it would cause another problem followed by ridiculous questions from her relatives and she couldn't afford it so after puffing her cheeks in annoyance she went to search for her fiancé.

She looked around silently not letting people notice her existence.

She looked around for about 10 minutes but couldn't find him. It was almost time to end the ceremony.

'Where the hell are you Seojun?'

She then decided to call him.

'Why didn't I think of it from before?'

She called but he didn't pick up which made her more angry.

After calling for some more time while still walking around. She heard his phone ringing.

He must be nearby.

She followed the sound of his phone ringing. And it led her to a very silent and dark place , far from where the ceremony was taking place.

'I don't have a good feeling about it.' She thought but nevertheless she didn't stop walking.

And she finally reached the place he was at.

'Is he smoking in this deserted place?'

She expected to see him but the scene in front her made her face pale.

She found it hard to breath properly.

She saw him kissing another woman aggressively. If it weren't for the ceremony, he might have had that woman by now.

After coming back to her senses she scoffed.

'Seriously Seojun? At your own engagement?'

She felt her heart being poked by a needle.

'Fuck it'

She left the place and saw many curious eyes looking at her. They probably were wondering why the bride was alone.

"Ava dear, where's Seojun?" Mr.Jeon came towards her and asked her worriedly.

'Making out with his girlfriend.'

She wanted to say that but didn't.

"He's attending an important call." She said and gave a small smile.

His dad gave an 'Okay' but she could clearly see him getting angry.

The guests soon started leaving the Venue but there was no sign of him.

His dad tried to contact him but couldn't.

Eventually, he too left after apologising to the Manobans.

The Manobans at first didn't find it appropriate but after Ava lied to them about him leaving since an urgent thing came up , they didn't stretch it too much and just shrugged it.

Even though Ava was faking her smile all the time. Isabella noticed her mood being bad just before the ceremony ended.

"Do you want me to stay?" She asked Ava worriedly.

Ava insisted her to stay with her in their farm house right before Isabella came to Seoul but Bella refused it and said that she was fine to stay in the hotel.

But seeing her bestie in a bad mood she didn't want to leave her all alone.

"No. Its fine Bella and moreover I'm tired." Ava gave her a small tired smile.

So Isabella didn't insist. She wanted Ava to rest.

She hugged her for the last time and left the venue after everyone left.

After the ceremony ended Lisa took a long cold shower and came out after 20 minutes.

She sat on her bed and heavied a sigh.

"Why are you feeling down Ava? If he is having fun so shall you."

She then got up from her bed , took out a casual T-shirt , black ripped pants and a black leather jacket.

After dressing up she tiptoed and went out of her house without informing her parents.

They would for sure worry if she came late so she didn't inform them since she was going to come late.

She was quite an expert since she sneaked out of her house quite a few times during her college days with Bella.

Isabella made her a badass.

After successfully sneaking out of her house she checked for a nearby bar through her phone.

She was new here so she could only rely on her phone.

After finally finding out a bar she quickly took a taxi and reached the place.

'Been a while since I last tasted alcohol.'

After taking in a long breath she went inside and sat on one of the free seat.

There was loud music and she could see couple kissing , making out and dancing.

She ordered a drink and waited in silence , minding her own business.

She could see some men looking and checking her out but she just ignored it not wanting to get involved in anything.

The waiter handed her the drink and she drank in one gulp.

And ordered for another drink.

After chugging in 4-5 drinks she became drunk,she was a light drinker. She started giggling and cursing all of a sudden and the people around stared at her weirdly.

"I hate you Dickhead"

"Fucking bastard."

After giggling for a while, she stood up payed for her drinks and started walking out of the bar.

She reached the door when she lost her balance and almost fell on the floor when a pair of strong arms were wrapped around her waist preventing her from falling.

She lazily looked up to see a man with chocolate brown fluffy hair, handsome features, cat like eyes and he looked quite bulky.

She stared at him probably for a little longer and smiled at him.

"Thank you Mr.Handsome." She smiled and lazily stood straight when he unwrapped his arms from her waist.

But the stranger looked awfully familiar.

Ava squinted her eyes and came closer to his face to examine him.

"Why do you look familiar?" She couldn't figure it out why he looked so familiar so she gave up as it was causing her headache.

"Ugh the world is spinning." She stepped back and held on the stranger's arm for support.

"Are you alright?" The stranger looked at her worriedly.

Deep voice.

Ava couldn't help but think of that jerk when he heard this stranger's deep voice.

"I'm not. I hate him. I hate myself for getting wasted because of him." She shouted angrily which caused some people to look at them strangely.

The stranger felt embarrassed and quickly took her out.

"Hmmm fresh air." She giggled madly while clinging on the stranger's arm.

The stranger chuckled looking at her.

"Are you Ava Manoban?" He asked her in a quite unsure tone.