The atmosphere in the sitting room grew increasingly heavy as everyone took their seats.
Song Minkyu and Kate Song sat side by side on the main sofa, their posture composed but their expressions unusually solemn. Opposite them, Park Hyun Woo remained relaxed, one leg crossed over the other, his gaze calm yet unyielding as it followed Ji Eun's every movement.
Ji Eun, however, did not sit immediately.
She remained standing for a brief moment, her fingers tightening around her handbag, as though anchoring herself to the reality she was desperately trying to escape.
"Sit, Ji Eun," her mother urged gently.
Reluctantly, Ji Eun took a seat, keeping a noticeable distance from Park Hyun Woo. Her back was straight, her chin slightly raised, embodying the pride she was so well known for.
"Let's make this quick," she said coldly. "I have somewhere to be."
Her words carried an unmistakable hint of defiance.
Park Hyun Woo's lips curved faintly, as though amused by her resistance.
Song Minkyu cleared his throat, his expression hardening slightly.
"There is no need to rush," he said firmly. "What we are about to discuss concerns your future."
Ji Eun's brows knit together.
"I already know what this is about," she replied. "If it's the engagement, then my answer hasn't changed."
A tense silence followed.
Kate Song exchanged a brief glance with her husband before turning her attention back to Ji Eun.
"This is not something you can decide so lightly," she said, her tone gentle but resolute. "You are aware of our family tradition."
Ji Eun scoffed softly.
"Tradition?" she repeated. "You mean forcing your daughters into marriages they didn't choose?"
"Ji Eun..." her father warned.
"No!" she interrupted sharply, her composure beginning to crack. "I've listened long enough. I told you I don't want an arranged marriage, and I mean it."
Her breathing quickened slightly, but she refused to lower her gaze.
"I have my own life. My own choices. I won't let you decide who I spend the rest of my life with."
Her words hung in the air like a challenge.
For a brief moment, no one spoke.
Then...
Song Minkyu leaned forward slightly, his voice firm and unwavering.
"The engagement has already been decided."