Jaehyuk had visited that house occasionally during high school, but the Juwon he remembered didn’t give that impression at all.
He was the epitome of a typical omega with a small, slender build—elegant, gentle, and quiet—who seemed so fragile that he might break if hugged too tightly.
“I know what you’re thinking, but my uncle just has a body that can’t keep up with his temperament. His basic disposition is similar to mine. Well, he is more timid than I am.”
“Jeonghoo said his mother was an extremely delicate and pure person…”
“My oldest brother only sees what he wants to see.”
His tone was quite cynical. Different from Junghyun’s manner until now.
But Jaehyuk somewhat understood what he meant.
“That guy does have a rather narrow perspective. And he’s stubborn too.”
Jaehyuk had been sincere when he told Junghyun he was smarter than his brother. Jeonghoo, to put it kindly, wasn’t particularly bright. If anything, he was closer to being dull-witted. And Jeongmin below him, while cunning and resourceful, wasn’t particularly intelligent either.
Among the sons of that family that Jaehyuk knew, Junghyun was the most shrewd and mentally strong.
To be honest, judging by his temperament, he didn’t seem like an omega. He didn’t feel like an alpha either, but more like a beta leaning toward alpha. And quite a strong-willed one at that.
“It’s not that I dislike my oldest brother, but objectively speaking, he’s not particularly bright. His learning ability isn’t great either. It’s better not to challenge someone twice if you’ve already failed once with them. So, about your assets?”
Brought back to the financial inquiry, Jaehyuk responded promptly.
“I don’t know what you’re expecting, but inherited assets are not subject to division.”
“But assets grown based on those inheritances can be divided. Especially if I’ve contributed through dedicated support.”
“Do you plan to be dedicated?”
“You’re going to give me 10% anyway, right?”
Since that was the contract term, Junghyun smiled brightly.
As if he’d won the lottery.
“You’re more shameless than I thought.”
“I hear that a lot too. So please make lots of investments and buy many buildings during our year together.”
Seeing Junghyun excitedly typing, saying that 10% of the assets accumulated during that time would be quite nice, Jaehyuk looked down at him in disbelief.
Beyond expectations, Junghyun was quick-witted, shrewd, and good with calculations. Moreover, he had no hesitation in revealing these traits.
As Jaehyuk had felt in childhood, he was a child without cuteness.
Commonly referred to as a shrewd child, one who sits atop adults’ heads, a child unlike a child who doesn’t inspire affection.
He probably wasn’t much loved by adults. Nor by alphas either.
Normally Jaehyuk wouldn’t prefer this type of person, but he didn’t dislike Junghyun. Honestly, there were still aspects that made him uncomfortable, but Junghyun was a tailor-made match for him right now, more than enough to outweigh those concerns.
“I hate to burst your bubble, but there’s an exception to that condition.”
Junghyun politely raised his hand as if to say “please continue” with what was clearly an anticipated topic, this time indicating with his entire hand rather than just a finger.
“There’s only one condition you must keep throughout our marriage. I don’t care about anything else. To be frank, you can live like a complete scoundrel. That’s partly why I chose you.”
Junghyun had already anticipated this.
He needed someone to cause trouble at home.
Whether for an easy and quick divorce, or for some other reason.
“What’s that one thing?”
After pausing briefly at that point, Jaehyuk looked into Junghyun’s eyes as if warning him and spoke deliberately.
“Just one thing—no affairs.”
At his somewhat irritable warning, Junghyun looked surprised.
“That’s remarkably sensible for a dominant alpha?”
“I’ve always been sensible.”
“That’s hard to believe, but… that’s also a prejudice, so fine. Then, what’s your definition of an affair? Simple flirting or a casual relationship? Or dating? Or sexual relations? Does it include one-night stands? Or does it start with emotional dependence?”
To Junghyun’s request for an exact specification of the scope while quickly moving his hands, Jaehyuk promptly defined the range.
“One-night stands are obviously included, as well as flirting with excessive physical contact, and even mental connection. So naturally, dating is included too, right?”
“You’re basically telling me to live completely walled off from others.”
“No point in beating around the bush.”
“I don’t mind?”
“I figured you wouldn’t, but don’t forget our backstory—we fell in love at first sight and decided to get married.”
“Ah…”
That’s right. According to their story, they met at a blind date after falling for each other at first sight while drinking, and then quickly decided to marry.
In such a hurry as if someone else might take the other away.
“…I’m genuinely curious—do people actually believe that?”
“What if they don’t?”
At this question of “what would you do then,” Junghyun ran a quick mental simulation before nodding.
It’s a bit absurd, but falling for someone while drinking is certainly possible. They were both in situations of heartbreak that day, and when drunk, judgment and reason become clouded while instincts strengthen. In such circumstances, it’s easy to fall for someone who was kind.
“Since you remember that, you should also remember the rest of the story—that you were the one who fell for me.”
“That’s why we need to be more careful, right?”
Jaehyuk smiled meaningfully, as if he already knew this. That smile was ominous rather than lewd.
While thinking about this, feeling there was something more complex than just pride at stake, something occurred to Junghyun.
Yes, I think I understand what it is.
This person was the type who couldn’t be left alone even if he wanted to be.
Come to think of it, even when they were drinking together that day, there was a feeling that he was surrounded by overprotective parents.
Yes, that’s right. When he talked about his heartbreak, the lawyer hyung had said that if word got around among friends, his ex would be in a lot of trouble. So he’d advised being careful not to spread rumors.
That she wouldn’t be able to handle the stress.
That’s probably why this man had seemed decent to Junghyun. Because he was someone who respected and cherished the person he loved until the end.
People who protect those they’ve loved even after everything has ended aren’t that common.
“The more we talk, the more it seems like marriage will be really troublesome. Is my intuition wrong?”
Having a hunch that if he even came close to having an affair, he’d be torn apart not by this man but by the people around him, Junghyun asked, just in case. Jaehyuk neither confirmed nor denied, just smiled.
That meant yes.
“That’s why you need to be careful, right?”
“One year…”
A year was short when you’re having fun, but long and eventful when you’re working.
And honestly, it’s annoyingly complicated.
“…Just asking, but are there any deal breakers?”
“I already told you, didn’t I? You don’t have any choice in the matter anyway.”
“What if I have an affair?”
“It would be better not to. For a quiet and quick divorce.”
“What if I do?”
“Your life will become quite complicated and difficult. Not just yours, but JS Holdings and the Hanyul Foundation too.”
At the mention of the foundation that Uncle Juwon was managing, Junghyun no longer felt like smiling.
“Is this a threat?”
“If that’s how it sounds to you.”
That meant yes.
“…You’re more petty than I thought.”
“I don’t know how you see me, but I’m someone who will do anything to achieve my goals. In return, if the contract concludes well, I’ll transfer those shares to you. As a success bonus.”
“How much are we talking about?”
“Enough to significantly shake the control structure of Hanyul and JS Holdings, if you use your head a little.”
At his explanation that too much would be noticeable, Junghyun was momentarily tempted. Honestly, he didn’t care about shares and such, but that amount would make a good safety net.
And future income as well.
“Will you specify this in the contract?”
“Of course.”
“Good. Then, I accept. So we can’t use adultery as grounds for divorce. Speaking of which, do you have any divorce reasons in mind? I think there will be plenty of reasons after living together for a year…”
“There is one reason that both families would accept and that would allow for a smooth divorce without major conflict.”
“What is it?”
The conversation that had been flowing smoothly suddenly paused. Despite clearly knowing the definitive answer, Jaehyuk was strangely dragging it out. Junghyun gave him a look urging him to speak, and he finally opened his mouth.
“A child.”
“…A child?”
“It’s surprisingly one of the common reasons for divorce.”
In that moment, Junghyun recalled Jaehyuk’s expression that had seemed caught on something when they were talking about heat cycles earlier, and he was genuinely impressed.
That’s when he completely understood this complex situation.
He had heard that rumor. Half truth, half lie.
But a story known to only a very few people and rigorously kept secret.
That was remarkable.
Honestly, he thought it was impressive.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
