૮ ྀིᴗ͈ . ᴗ͈ ྀིა @sundives - Tumblr Blog

Chasing after storms ✶ ksn.

Summary: Your life has always been a matter of business. Even your marriage with the cold-hearted Kim Sunoo was purely out of business. An alliance. To strengthen one’s company and partnership. But when a conversation between Sunoo and a family lawyer involving divorcing you was overheard, you resorted to your only choice — ran away.

Seven months into your disappearance, and your husband found you in the smallest, most secluded isle in your country. Eager to bring you home, his desperation clashed with your stubbornness, creating a storm that left both of you stranded in your loveless marriage.

Fifth installment of Big reputations series.

✰ Song inspirations: I did something bad by Taylor swift, Ultraviolence by Lana del rey, My boy only breaks his favorite toys by Taylor swift

✰ Word count: 20.3k

✰ Tags: CEO au, arranged marriage au, cold ceo! Kim sunoo, ceo! Reader, aged-up characters (they’re in their late 20s), kinda small town au, cheating and infidelity, unresolved tension, the lack of communication here…, marriage issues, they need to go on couples therapy, they’re such a toxic couple tbh, ANGST!!! Fluff if you squint hard, smut, both of them are emotionally constipated lol, mentions of kpop idols.

✰ CW: plot with porn, smut, meandom! Sunoo, sub! Reader, p in v sex, unprotected sex (please don’t), heavy makeout, spanking, spit, degradation, hair pulling, multiple positions, breeding, kinda humiliation? manhandling, dacryphilia. This is just pure filth lol.

✰ Asul's note: I am back from my hiatus and yes, reputation series will continue! Apologies for changing sunoo’s story but this one? chef kisses i am soooo in love with the angst and conflict of this fic, and yes it does involve cheating so if it’s not your cup of tea, don’t read it. But I hope you guys enjoy this one. Not proofread by the way. Everything's fictional too. I wrote this when I was sick so I apologize if the writing’s off.

✰ Series taglist: @kyutiepeachy @rosepetals09 @toastmenace @k1ttyjwon @kikidoul @brokenengene @tatikeu @ddeondalandan @ellyre @addictedtohobi @fancypeacepersona @heeseungsgf26 @axfyl @dollvtte @saraabbas @meloncholatte @andieekosmos @soltyshshs

-

It was three in the afternoon and yet, the sun was nowhere to be found.

You looked up to the sky, seeing how fast the gray clouds swarmed the whole area, you assumed that rain showers were going to visit anytime. You’re used to Seokdo's unpredictable weather that’s why you decided to gather the clothes you’ve washed earlier and have it dry inside your house instead.

You hummed a soft melody as you took off the clothes from the clothesline. The spring breeze was still so calm and cold despite the dimmed sky, making you relaxed. You loved this feeling. You’ve gotten used to your lifestyle ever since you arrived in Seokdo. There were no regrets inside you but instead, you feel like you’ve achieved a more fulfilled tranquility.

There’s nothing more serene than living in the countryside — away from the crowded city of Seoul, away from the sky-high buildings and polluted humid weather.

Away from him. You’re your own person in this place. Your ring finger was empty as the cold band was stored somewhere on your small jewelry box back in Seoul. Seven months have passed and you have gotten used to the freedom of your choice. You unknowingly smile as you inhale deeply, immersing yourself in the serene life of living alone in Seokdo.

But before you could fully immerse yourself, you heard a loud engine of a motorcycle driving towards your area. You turned your head towards the sound and immediately assumed that maybe, it was just one of the nice uncles, perhaps bringing you their harvest again.

That’s why you moved out of instinct, went out to check it but you immediately froze when you saw who’s in front of your gate.

“Found you.”

“Sunoo,” you breathed, feet nailed to the ground as your eyes widened. “How the fuck —”

“You really chose a great place for hiding from me,” he teased. Demeanor still calm and cold as he casually walked towards you.

“How did you know?” you raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, you really think you can hide from me?”your husband laughed, tone deeper than usual. “That’s your first mistake sweetheart.”

“It took you seven months to find me?” you taunted.

“Doesn’t matter how long I did, what matters is that I found you,” from there, he grabbed you by the arms. “And we’re going home.”

“I’m not going with you!” you shouted as you attempted to escape his hold, and yet, it was no match for Sunoo who only stood there, surprised by your action.

“Do you hate me that much?” he asked, tone feigning with curiosity. “What did I even do to you?”

“What do you think Sunoo?” you asked back, tone angry and expression filled with irritation that it surprised the man for a second.

“I have no time to deal with your riddles y/n,” Sunoo coldly stated. His grip on you became tight as he yanked you close to him. Eyes meeting his cold ones. “Do you think I like this silly mousechase? Do you even know how much of a burden it was for everyone. Every. Single. One asking me where the fuck are you?”

A sly smirk formed on your lips instead. “Good.”

“Good?” he chuckled in disbelief. “You love putting me in hell, huh?”

“That shouldn’t be new to you,” you spat back. “This marriage has been a hell after all.”

Sunoo stared at you for a good minute until something in his thought clocked. “Ah. I get it now.”

“You understood now?” you questioned, appalled.

“Yeah,” he said sharply. “That you’re doing this to taunt me. You’re doing this to challenge our marriage. Are you that bored?”

“Are you that fucking dense?” you asked him back. “The last thing I want to do is to do something that will gain a single glimpse of your attention. Dream on Sunoo.”

Along with your sharp words, a series of thunders roared across the sky, and before you two could’ve reacted, rain started to pour. Heavy and huge droplets and yet, not a single one of you moved.

“Go home Sunoo!” you shouted as you attempted to yank your arms away but your husband was persistent.

“I am going home but I will make sure to bring you with me!” Sunoo declared.

You laughed. “For what!? So that you’d be praised that you had found your wife? That’ll boost your fucking ego won’t it?”

“Right, because the only one who could fucking tame my reckless wife is me!” he argued back and with that, he carried you by your waist, earning a loud scream from you.

“Put me down! What the hell —” you didn’t even notice that Sunoo had dragged you back inside your house until you heard the door closed in a loud thud and he placed you down on the floor. Both of you were already drenched, making you flinch at the coldness of the rain.

“You had the audacity to think you’re welcome here,” you told him, who busied himself with removing his coat.

“Where’s your bathroom? We should change or else we might get sick,” he stated instead, making you scoff.

“That’s your concern?”

“I am allowed to be concerned for our well-being wife,” he answered and his words caused you to flinch — no, some part inside your heart jumped. The rush of blood flushed towards your cheeks, completely malfunctioning your brain while Sunoo stood there with a smirk on his face.

“Flustered? That I addressed you in that way?” he teased and you snapped.

“No, I am surprised,” you answered immediately. “That you’d addressed me in that way when you’ve treated me like a ghost for the past three years.”

“Does that even matter to you? We’re still married.”

“Don’t pull that card right now Sunoo, we never acted like one. I don’t even know why the hell you’re here.” you objected angrily.

“Everyone’s looking for you,” Sunoo answered

You raised an eyebrow. “That includes you?”

Sunoo didn’t answer. He only stared at you with a blank expression, and his silence concluded you to his answer. That’s why you smiled at him, bitter and short as an understanding nod was all you gave him.

“The first boat to Jeju will be tomorrow at eight am, just so you know, I have no plans on returning to Seoul — especially to you, so leave me alone and return.” you informed him.

“I am not leaving this damn place without you. Despite the crap arrangement we have, you are my wife. You are my responsibility whether you and I like it or not. Now, you fucking listen to me. I have other important things to deal with within my company, so let’s make this trip short and return to Seoul first thing in the morning, alright?” Sunoo explained and you only crossed your arms.

“You’re insane to think I’d fold to you Sunoo. You’re only my husband by papers and I’ll make sure that it’ll stay that way.” You breathed. “You’re in my house, so you fucking listen to me. I’ll let you stay the night but I want you out of my place first thing in the morning, alright?”

“And we can’t have what we want, you know that?” he taunted and that made you chuckle.

“You’re right, so enjoy freezing to death there Mr. Kim,” you mocked as you left him standing there.

You went straight to your room. Closing it with a small thud before you leaned against the door. Clutching your beating heart as it pounded nonstop out of nervousness.

Sunoo’s here.

Kim Sunoo. Your husband of three years. One of the most influential businessmen in your country is here in a small isle, eight miles north from Jeju island. It takes four to five hours to go here by boat, and he did that just to take you home — his wife of three years.

It would’ve sounded so sweet. A gesture of a dedicated husband who found his wife after months of searching, but all you could see was that egoistic move of his. Everything feels like an act. Everyone would praise him if he’d be the one who’d bring you home after you ran away.

That was the last thing that you wanted to happen. You’re never going to fold to your husband. You know what awaits you once you return to Seoul. An earful lecture from your parents and in-laws, an apology from your distressed twin brother, and last of all — divorce papers from your husband, the very reason why you left in the first place.

You admit that you’re scared of Sunoo. He was a powerful man after all. Old money. Name plastered at every corner of South Korea, he and his family could make your family’s company crumble in a split second. That’s why it’s not a surprise that he could divorce you any time he wants.

It was an accident. You overheard his conversation with his family’s lawyer. It was a suggestion of divorcing you, simply because it was a trend nowadays.

The cherry on top of what you heard was Sunoo asking for more information about the divorce.

You were frozen. Disbelief entered your system as your anger towards your husband started to boil. Your mind was in haze, you barely heard the rest but all you could think of was how to avoid the divorce.

The divorce will be the end of you. Sure, you would love to divorce Sunoo and save yourself a lifetime of loneliness, but you’re at your peak. Your company’s reputation has become stable, and everything’s going well. There were future plans and the divorce will ruin everything. Cutting ties with the Kim family will paint you badly and it’ll greatly affect the company too.

Of course Sunoo doesn’t know that. He’d never understand that because everything was given to him ever since he was born. He was born wealthy and privileged. While your family were new money. You were competing with other rising companies, and the marriage secured your company’s stability.

Everything was purely out of business. Since you were in-charge of the company, it was your responsibility too, that’s why you accepted the marriage proposal from the Kim family. You know that Sunoo was strongly against it but in desperate measures, you agreed even if it meant that you’d spend the rest of your life tied to a heartless man.

Now, he has plans of divorcing you, which would ruin you forever. Hence, you devised a plan — run away from Kim Sunoo, leave your company to the safe hands of your twin brother, and while hiding, find a way to keep your company alive that if ever, the time Sunoo forced you to sign the divorce papers, you could walk away without any worry at all.

That’s how you ended up in Seokdo. A small isle that’s a five hour boat ride from Jeju. The population was so small that there were only approximately a hundred houses on the isle.

It didn’t take you long to adjust. Within a week, you’ve become accustomed to the place. The people were welcoming and friendly. They didn't know you that well, but they treat you as if you’re just a city girl who just wants to escape the city, and you let it remain that way.

They don’t know you’re married. They don’t know your whole reason for ending up in Seokdo. You spent your days helping the folks in their harvests and livelihood, babysit their kids, and sometimes, you would join them in their small get-togethers.

It was fun. You’ve become a local at some point. Day by day, you no longer yearn for Seoul and despite living alone, homesickness didn’t occur to you because as you stare at the serene view of the village by your bedroom’s window, you are convinced that you should put yourself first.

You felt like you belonged here. You don’t want to go back to Seoul, despite Jake’s lectures for you to return. You convinced him that you’ll return soon, but you don’t even have a clear answer. You’re still scared, you don’t know how to face everything — especially Sunoo. You know that Sunoo’s been looking for you. He had been tormenting your twin brother about your whereabouts after all.

But now, you’re at a dead end. Your husband finally found you and has every plan of dragging you back to Seoul. You don’t have any concrete plans yet but all you need to do is to find a way for him to return without you, and right now, the least thing you could do is for him to return safe and healthy.

Your feet moved, opening your cabinet to grab one of the folded towels and spare clothes that Jake leaves whenever he visits. You left your room and noticed that Sunoo hasn’t moved from his place.

He really has plans of freezing to death. You rolled your eyes before walking towards him.

“Here,” you said as you shoved everything to him. “Bathroom’s the first door near the kitchen area. There’s hot water there, just turn the knob to the left and wait for a few minutes for it to come out.”

“There’s hot water here?” Sunoo asked, appalled.

“Rain frequent this place, so yes, the folks need hot water — and heater. So please, take a fucking bath before you get yourself sick.” you explained.

“What about you?”

“That’s none of your concern anymore,” you answered harshly and he didn’t push furthermore. Your husband only gave you a stare before he went towards the bathroom. As the door shut, you were able to breathe again. It made you wonder, how you’ll survive the remaining hours with him.

You just hope that by tomorrow, he'll be gone from your sight.

-

An upcoming storm will land on Seokdo in the upcoming days.

The waves were huge and angry. Traveling and fishing weren’t advisable too. Everyone was informed to prepare for the upcoming surge and was advised to stay at home instead.

“Kill me now,” you muttered under your breath as you walked back home. The wind was howling and the sky’s gray. You could feel that chaos of the upcoming storm and you found it funny since it totally suited your situation right now.

Your husband’s stuck with you. Great. You wondered what you even did in your past life to end up in this situation.

As you entered your house, you found Sunoo standing by the corner with the phone near his ear. You noticed the sense of relief washing on his face as you made eye contact with him. He placed down the phone and walked towards you.

“You’re here, I almost called the police,” he said and you rolled your eyes.

“You’re funny when you act concerned for my well-being,” you commented before placing your umbrella on the rack.

“Am I not allowed to?” he asked.

“It doesn’t suit you,” you pointed out. “Anyways, bad news is, you’re stuck here. Storm’s coming and travels are cancelled. If you want a decent stay, Mrs. Lee has a transient house. It’s a bit cozier and bigger, you could stay there until you leave.”

Sunoo raised an eyebrow. “Why would I stay in Mrs. Lee’s house instead of here?”

“Because I don’t want you here Sunoo, simple as that.” you said without any hesitations.

“And you think that saying that would simply make me leave you and stay there,” from there, a sly smirk formed on his lips. “You’ve tormented me for seven months, I think it's best that I’d return that favor.”

“Seven months isn’t enough for the three years I spent living in the cold, lonely penthouse with you.”

“That’s why you ran away? Because you’re tired of our marriage?” he concluded.

“It’s not about our marriage Sunoo. I have long accepted the fact that our marriage was purely business only. I just want a change of environment,” you reasoned out but Sunoo wasn’t convinced.

“And you’d expect me to believe that?”

“I am not expecting you to do anything Sunoo, you shouldn’t have gone looking for me in the first place —”

“Do I have to repeat myself to you? You’re my responsibility y/n. We may be married due to business alliance but you are my wife regardless,” he said sharply. “I know you. You’re not just going to run away out of impulse. Now tell me why did you leave?”

The tension thickened as both of you fell under a staring contest. His eyes were cold and seemingly waiting for you to give in while you were on the edge of it. You wanted to confront him right there. Open up the fact that you had overheard his conversation with Mr. Park.

But the storms’ surging right now. Winds were slamming against the wooden windows as rain poured harder than yesterday. Everything’s overwhelmingly scary that you don’t want to add another chaos that’s brewing at the moment, especially when you're stuck in this small house with your distant husband.

“It doesn’t matter Sunoo, you’d never understand it anyway,” you told him before heaving out a sigh.

“So you’ll just remain stubborn?” he scoffed.

“I am not being stubborn Sunoo, I am doing what’s best for me.”

“By being selfish.”

“I’ve done a lot of sacrifices, Sunoo. Ever since I was born, everything I did was for my family and our business. So it’s fair that I am choosing myself this time.” you explained. “And if you’re going to stay here just to ruin my peace, I’ll be the one who’ll leave this place instead.”

“Don’t go,” he said immediately and you halted. “Just — fine. I am not going to ask anymore. Just let me stay here and I’m just going to let the storm pass by.”

“And then you’ll go back alone, right?” you asked.

“I’ll think about it,” Sunoo insisted and you were defeated.

“Fine, I’m going to make us breakfast,” you said as you went towards the kitchen area.

“Can I help?” he asked as he followed you.

“Do you even know how to?”

Sunoo became quiet, making you turn around to give him a glare. “Just stay in the living room, there’s a disc player with old cds there and books, keep yourself entertained.”

Like a kicked puppy, Sunoo returned to the living room and sat on the heated floor. He looked around the interior. The house was quite small. Only fitted for one to two people. The living room was a bit small but Sunoo noticed the subtle decorations like the potted plant and figurines. You sure made the house feel like yours after months of living there.

Sunoo then noticed the small pile of books on the corner table, shuffling towards it, he picked it one by one and noticed that they were books of foreign authors. Novels, poetry books, and self-help books. All marked and annotated that you seemed to have run out of books to read.

Sunoo wondered what you’ve been doing here in Seokdo for the past seven months. Clearly, you’ve changed. A lot. You seemed more independent and free than you used to. He doesn’t know if it should concern him but a small part of him was glad nonetheless, that you were alive and breathing even though you’re a thousand miles away from Seoul.

He decided to kill time by picking up one of the books to read, but his mind was distracted by the heavenly smell coming from the kitchen.

His curiosity beat him into it. Standing up, he abandoned the book and went to the kitchen where you busied yourself cooking breakfast.

Oblivious to your husband’s watching eyes, you hummed quietly as you placed the remaining ingredients needed for the soup. Stirring it lightly before taking a few sips from the ladle.

“Didn’t know you could cook —”

“God! Sunoo, don’t scare me like that!” you shouted, but your husband only smirked at you as he stood beside you to glance at the pot.

“Looks good, did you learn how to cook while you’re here?” he asked, not minding how close he was as his stare remained at the pot.

“No, I always loved to cook, ever since I was kid,” you don’t know why those words slipped out of your mouth or why you’re having a conversation with your husband. You felt a weird thumping feeling in your heart again, but you tried to ignore it by stirring the soup one more time.

“Really? Why don’t you cook back home?” he asked, tone filled with amusement.

“We have a chef Sunoo,” you pointed out. “Plus, I’m busy with the company, I don't have time to cook.”

Sunoo didn’t say a word. You were glad that the conversation ended as the two of you only stood there in silence. Your husband watched as you did a last minute seasoning before turning the gas stove.

Without saying a word, Sunoo helped you by placing rice on the bowl and setting down the table. You didn’t comment anymore as you placed the pot down, before sitting on the chair in front of Sunoo. The atmosphere’s awkward as you cleared your throat before gesturing to him to eat.

“Thank you for the meal,” Sunoo said, before scooping a ladle-full of soup.

You poured your portion and as you started eating, there’s nothing but mere silence. Only thunder and the heavy rain slapping against the window, mixed on the spoon and chopsticks drumming against the bowl.

You felt the atmosphere suffocatingly awkward. This was the first time you and Sunoo ate a meal together and alone. Your schedules usually clashed so you always had your meals alone. Not even breakfast, nor lunch or dinner. The only days you two are on the dining table together were during family dinners, faking smiles, and acting like your marriage is doing fine but deep inside there’s a void that’s slowly damaging your heart.

“So,” Sunoo broke the silence, making you glance at him. “Why did you choose to go here? You could’ve just, I don’t know, go to another country and disappear.”

Sunoo has always been a cold guy. Always wearing a blank expression and rarely smiling. Not even during your wedding did he flash a smile at you. He acted more like your business partner rather than a spouse. That's why it’s a surprise that he opened a conversation suddenly.

“I have no plans of disappearing at all,” you answered with honesty. “I just want an escape.”

“And you chose here where civilization seemed to have not touched yet,” he commented.

“Are you here to mock my choices Sunoo? Might as well keep your mouth shut by finishing your food,” you spat back, earning a teasing chuckle from your husband.

“You’re fun to tease, why didn’t I do it earlier?” he questioned and you rolled your eyes.

“Because we act like we don’t exist to each other,” you pointed out before you shoved a spoonful of rice in your mouth.

“I started to wonder about that part too,” Sunoo hummed. “Why did we act like strangers rather than just make the marriage work.”

That’s when you stopped. You stared at Sunoo whose eyes were still on you. A thought crossed your mind. The only thing that became a barrier to the two of you.

“You made it clear that you didn’t like the idea of marrying me.” you stated.

“I didn’t say it,” he denied.

“Your face says everything Sunoo,” you sighed. “I know what you’re thinking, we were just leeching your company. That’s very visible in your face when we first met.”

“Then you must have misjudged me.” Sunoo rebutted and your forehead creased.

“If that’s the case, why didn’t you try?”

“Well, why didn’t you? It takes two to tango.”

“You think I could just walk up to you and tell you that I want to make this marriage work? I am scared of you Sunoo,” you confessed and your husband’s face distorted into a confused one.

“Scared?”

“I am very much afraid of you,” you told him, voice almost breaking. “And I don’t know your next move or what you’ll do. That’s why I left.”

With that, you stood up from your seat and left, leaving Sunoo surprised and confused by your sudden confession. It wasn’t new to him that you had your walls high around him but to be scared of him? That’s new.

He looked at his half-empty bowl and then glanced at yours, still a bit full. It guilts him that he had to ruin a supposed peaceful breakfast but at the same time, all he could think of was; what did he do to make you leave?

-

The storm wasn’t pleasant.

It hurled its fury the next day. It was dark, cold, and all you could hear was how the wind howled against your windows. It felt like any minute now, it’ll tear off your roof. It jolted you awake at six am, with your heartbeat racing in nervousness.

You looked to your left to see your husband was still asleep. Deep in his own slumber like a baby. For a minute you ponder, thinking about yesterday’s argument that brewed tension between you and Sunoo.

You two were trapped in your own storm. Yesterday was suffocating. You two ate together in silence. Watch each other move and walk around in eggshells — and yet, no one dared to approach one another. Afraid that something might snap and flood the house with anger and frustrations.

Sunoo didn’t try to ruin your peace again. Thankfully. He waited, patiently, which never occurs to you because Kim Sunoo has always been an impatient man. He decides immediately. Always logically, always rational, and he never made any mistakes.

Well, perhaps coming here was a mistake for him because now, he’s trapped with you due to the storm and every schedule he had for the week was postponed. You noticed his irritated expression when he made calls with his secretary. You didn’t ask further, scared that he might snap on you instead.

There’s uncertainty on when he will go home, but at the moment, you’re trying your best to be a good host for him in hopes that it might melt something in his cold heart, and reconsider all his plans regarding your marriage — although that’s far from possible, it’s not bad to hope too.

Unable to sleep again, you stood up from your makeshift bed and left the room. Everything’s still dark and it seems like there won’t be any sun today. You switched the lights on and proceeded to your kitchen to make breakfast.

Deciding on a warm mandu soup, you opened your fridge and pantry to check your stocks only to see that you’re missing some important ingredients.

You glanced at your window, wondering if it’s still safe to go outside. Harsh winds were only present and if you made your errands quick, you’d be able to return in no time before it started raining. So you grabbed your windbreaker jacket, wallet, and an umbrella, and left your house quietly.

Mrs. Kim’s grocery mart — the only grocery mart in Seokdo was already open and god bless her sweet heart because it turns out she has made fresh batches of her sticky rice and mandu. You bought two servings for you and Sunoo along with some other stock that could last the storm.

“Wonbin told me that you have a visitor, a handsome one who arrived last Wednesday,” the old lady said while you placed your items inside the black plastic bag.

“Ah, yes, I do,” you told her with a casual tone.

“Was it Jaeyun? You should’ve told me, I have some candies here for him,” she was about to go to the back room to grab some sour snacks when you stopped her immediately.

“No, just a friend,” you answered but Mrs. Kim wasn’t convinced.

“A friend? He doesn’t look friendly, Wonbin told me,” she commented.

“That kid, he’s very judgemental of people,” you laughed before grabbing your stuff. “Thank you for the mandu Mrs. Kim, I’ll be going now.”

“You should pass by Mr. Han’s stall, he managed to catch some fish today, maybe he could spare you some,” the old lady advised and you only nodded to her words.

Mr. Han’s stall was a bit farther from your home, but since rain wasn’t pouring anytime. You decided to change your route and see if he had some available fish for you.

“Here, here, this one’s fresh, good for stew or maybe sashimi, good for you and your visitor,” the old man said with a smile.

You laughed at his words, “it seems like everyone knows that I have a visitor.”

“Well, it’s rare for city people to visit here, we just knew immediately, just like the first time you arrived here,” he said while gently cleaning the fish for you. “Who is he anyway?”

“A friend,” you said shortly.

“Oh a friend,” the man chuckled. “I guessed he misses you a lot, that's why he visited you.”

“Maybe he does,” you replied shortly, your smile turning small and bitter. It felt bitter on your part and yet, you remained quiet as you waited for the fish to be cleaned and be given to you.

As you walked your way back home, you hummed mindlessly as you kicked the stray rocks on the pavement.

Miss me? The world must be ending. You thought as you kicked the rock a bit too harsh. You didn’t care about Mr. Han’s words but in some ways, your mind would always go back to the same question; why is your husband here?

You wanted to think about it deeply. It wasn’t helpful to ponder about it when the said topic is just there in house. That’s why you changed your route just to walk a little longer. You didn’t care that the weather wasn’t one with your plans because in just a glimpse — rain showers arrived. Huge, noisy, droplets poured from the sky and you managed to get wet before you opened your umbrella.

You turned to your left, lengthening your route back home but you didn’t care about the harsh downpours because your mind was still thinking about Sunoo. You tried so hard to come up with a good explanation on why he’s here but everything doesn’t make sense at all. You know him, he wouldn’t just make a detour on his peaceful, usual routine just to travel here and pick you up. Who are you even in his life?

It didn’t sink into you that you’ve finally reached your home. That’s when you noticed that the gate’s opened and it left you confused, thinking that maybe the winds were too harsh that it opened the gates.

It didn’t sink into you that maybe, just maybe, your husband went out to look for you, not until a strong hand grabbed your arm and as you turned around you came face to face with your husband’s angry expression. Your eyes widened at the sight of him.

“What the hell Sunoo, where were you!?” you shouted, seeing him still in his sleeping clothes drenched in the rain.

“Where were you!?” he asked you back, tone angry. “You were gone when I woke up, I was afraid —”

“That I’d run away? Where do you think I will go Sunoo?” you taunted.

“You could’ve at least told me that you’re going out, there’s a storm! Who in the right mind will go out in the middle of the storm?” he pointed.

“Ask yourself, who’s drenched right now?”

“I panicked y/n, I was scared that something might happen to you.” he reasoned out and that shut you up.

You stared at him for a second, appalled as a scoff of disbelief left your lips. “Scared?”

“I was worried, okay!? Am I not allowed to?” he said and you couldn’t believe what you just heard.

You were stunned. Words didn’t come out of your mouth until a minute passed. “You were…worried?”

“Yes, now, can we stop this and just go inside? We might get sick if we stay here for too long,” Sunoo didn’t even let you say another word when he pulled you back inside your house.

Hearing the door shut close. You were frozen from your place as Sunoo stripped off his wet shirt. He was definitely drenched from head to toe, completely dripping on the floor while you were just a bit thanks to your umbrella and jacket.

“I didn’t think you’d be capable of doing that,” you break the silence, making Sunoo glanced at you with a deadpan expression.

“What?”

“Worry about me,” you told him.

“What kind of husband am I if I don’t worry about my wife who went outside in the middle of the storm?” Sunoo reasoned out. “You should be careful next time, if not, just tell me so I don’t have to worry.”

“Well, why worry now? You never worried about me back then,” you asked.

“I always worry about you,” he confessed and you weren’t convinced, not when his words remained cold and his expression never softened as he looked at you.

“You don’t show it.” you pointed out.

“I just don’t show it,” he clarified.

The thought made you scoff, “you’re unbelievable, aren’t you? How could I be convinced that you’re not lying?”

“Believe what you want then,” he rebutted.

You didn’t answer him anymore. Weirded out by the contrast of his words and actions, you just passed by him and made your way towards the kitchen. Placing down the plastic bag loudly as you focused on making breakfast.

The last thing you heard was the bathroom door opening and closing, and that made your heart heavier than before.

-

That same night, the storm was still surging outside along with the tension inside your house.

No one brought up the conversation again. You two remained quiet, walking on eggshells, as the coldness could be felt both from you two and the weather.

You were still angry. Your husband could see it. It’s not hard when you have that irritated look on your face that makes Sunoo look at you every minute, and yet — you didn’t even spare a single glance at him.

Sunoo doesn’t get your stubbornness. He was irritated by the fact that you don’t want to go home. He wonders why you had the sudden change in your heart when you have always been a quiet wife for him. You never crossed the line after all.

He was used to you being a ghost, his shadow, or his trophy wife who stood by his side. You would always smile and talk with much demureness and softness, but right now, you’re far different from it. All he could see was anger and pure rage in your eyes. He never thought that you’d raise your tone or even talk back to him. But maybe, Sunoo concluded that he’s wrong, and that’s because despite being married for three years, he never really knows you that deeply.

Or perhaps, he didn’t bother getting to know you at all. Sunoo wasn’t oblivious about the way he treated you. He knew from the start, the marriage was purely business only. His parents themselves told him, it’s up to him how he’ll make the marriage work.

So he did, in his way — and seeing how the events turned, he seemed that his ways were a failure.

You’re probably tired of your life, that’s why you left. But one logic Sunoo couldn’t understand was why? That wasn’t your personality at all. Despite the loveless marriage, you were persistent, not to him but to your company. He knew that you care for it and your family, and running away was the last thing you’d do. You’re not going to drop all of your responsibilities like a hot potato.

There’s definitely a bigger reason why you left all of the sudden. Despite that, Sunoo couldn’t ask you that. He doesn’t want to confront you again, especially since he had arrived all you two did was argue. It gets too repetitive too.

The only thing he wanted was for the storm to pass by and hopefully, it’ll be safe now to travel and return to Seoul. He had hoped that the storm would be just a day or two worth because right now, it has become too dangerous even though he’s under a roof.

The man found himself by your kitchen. Mug on his left while the thermos was on his other side. He couldn’t sleep. The weather wasn’t pleasant at all. It was too noisy for him and it left him agitated. Sunoo convinced himself that that’s the reason why he’s sleepless, and not because of something else.

“You’re still awake?” a voice surprised him all of the sudden. Turning around, Sunoo sees you standing by the doorway.

“Can’t sleep,” he answered simply as the thunder roared against the downpour. “The storm’s too noisy for me to sleep in.”

“Oh. Okay,” you acknowledged before your feet moved. Sunoo watched as you went to the fridge to grab yourself some water. He then glanced at the wall clock. It was past two am and it seemed like the storm’s not going to dissolve any moment.

“Can’t sleep either?” Sunoo asked. You nodded as an answer before placing down the glass on the sink, and instead of returning to your room, you leaned against the counter which confused your husband.

“What are you doing?” you asked as you eyed the mug Sunoo was holding.

“Making tea? From whatever I could find here,” he said with confusion.

“Here,” you opened your fridge to grab the peach extract your neighbor gave you. Place it on the kitchen counter before going to the second drawer below where your tea bags were placed.

“Peppermint,” Sunoo muttered as he read the label.

“Calms my mind,” you said with feigned nonchalance as you remained in your place, a close distance to your husband.

“Hopefully this works for me,” Sunoo commented and the two of you fell into deep silence. You watched as Sunoo made tea for himself, careful and meticulous just like how he does with his coffee.

“Do you want some?” he asked within a minute and you stared.

“You’d make me?” you asked, although jokingly, your husband seemed to have not noticed the tone in your voice.

“If you want me to.” Sunoo answered casually.

On most days you would’ve rejected Sunoo’s offer. You should’ve rejected his offer but you feel like tea would’ve been a good drink for your sleepless self. That’s why nodded and he grabbed another mug for you, making the same tea for you. Not a minute passed and he handed the mug to you which you accepted with a short smile.

“It’s sweet,” you commented as you took a sip.

“I like my tea sweet,” Sunoo muttered.

You nodded, “I know, you always have a sweet tooth.”

“How come?”

“I couldn’t ignore the sweet pastries and chocolates in our fridge Sunoo,” you pointed out. “You’re the only one who probably loves to buy those kinds of things.”

He looked at you. “Do you not like sweets?”

“I’m more of a sour girl.” you hummed.

“Ah, no wonder we never ran out of sour patches and sour belts in our pantry,” he commented and that made you chuckle.

The conversation ended in an abrupt silence and yet, you felt no awkward beat to it. The rain served as your background noise while minute-by-minute, you took a sip on the tea your husband made when suddenly, the wind howled again, slamming against the window making you flinch.

“You okay?” Sunoo asked, noticing your scared expression.

“Just surprised,” you quickly brushed it off. “The storm’s scary isn’t it?”

“Did you have trouble sleeping during your stay here?” he asked once again and that made you glance at him.

“Only during nights like this,” you commented. “It’s a storm. I was afraid that any minute it’ll flood my house or take away my roof. That has become my fear, I guess.”

“So why stay here? You mentioned that there’s better houses to stay in here.”

You shrugged, “I don’t know, got too lazy to move out. Got used to it too. That’s why I’m here.”

“Are you scared of the storm?” Sunoo asked.

“Who wouldn’t be? It’s a catastrophe,” you answered and he understood what you meant.

A beat passed. The two of you melted into the silence comfortably against the raging storm, you took a sip on your tea as the sweet, warm taste slid through your throat.

“How did you find me?” you asked.

“Do you really want to know?” he asked you back.

You chuckled, “Well, curiosity kills the cat, don’t they?”

“I’ve found you through Jake.” he answered and you raised an eyebrow. Has your brother given up and ended up telling Sunoo about your whereabouts?

“Jake told you?”

“No, I hired an investigator to follow Jake and trail his whereabouts,” Sunoo explained casually. “It was obvious that he knows something, but he just doesn’t want to tell me, and I don’t want to put more stress on him that’s why I hired someone to just stalk him instead.”

“Huh,” that was the only thing you could say and yet, it didn’t surprise you at all given that your husband must be that desperate to track you down. “That’s such a crazy thing to do.”

“Not as much crazier as running away.” Sunoo pointed out and you laughed.

“Touche,” you only said before a bitter smile formed your lips. You finished your drink a minute passed and placed down the mug. “You asked me why here right?”

“Right, why here in Seokdo?”

You became quiet for a moment, “We used to have a helper when I was a kid. She was kind, old — she was like a second mother to me. She lived here in Seokdo but went to Seoul to find a job.”

Sunoo only listened, he noticed as the smile on your face became fond as you recall your childhood days.

“She always tells me about her life here and somehow, I was curious. I wondered about life here in this tiny isle because it seems so mundane and peaceful,” you told him, the smile on your face never even fading.

“Did it exceed your expectations?”

“It did, on sunny days, it’s beautiful here,” you answered. “It’s warm and the folks were friendly, we would throw community gatherings, which made me feel like I’m part of their town.”

“But most days, it’s rainy here, mostly harsh rains and winds. I do end up sleepless. I didn’t notice that I’ve become scared of the storm,” you explained to him.

“What do you do when you can't sleep?”

“I just think, sometimes overthink, about things that don't make sense,” you joked but deep inside you were serious. Most nights wherein you couldn’t sleep all you could think of were your decisions in life — both past and future. It made you think whether your choices were right or not.

Sure you could consider that your days in Seokdo were bright and peaceful but most nights, you find yourself alone in your room, wondering if it’s right for you to stay here for the rest of your lives, hiding from your husband.

Noticing your worried expression, Sunoo didn’t say another word, and instead, he took a final sip on his tea before placing the mug on the kitchen counter.

“It’s bad for us to stay late, we should go to sleep now,” he announced, making you glance at him.

“What —”

“Come on now,” he said before he guided you back to your shared room. You weren’t able to rebut anymore, not when he’s tugging you towards your shared room.

As you reached the room, Sunoo pulled your mattress close to his, along with your pillows and blanket before laying on it.

“Come on now,” he ordered, patting the empty space.

“What are you doing?” you asked.

“Going to sleep?” Sunoo stated the obvious. “You said you couldn’t sleep, and I don’t know, but maybe you’re just lonely here. I thought — maybe, this would help.”

You thought it was a dumb suggestion. Seeing your cold husband avoid eye contact and stumble through his words, you find it funny yet endearing to see him trying to give you comfort. You still find his actions odd and yet, having no room to argue, you lay beside him.

“Is this okay?” Sunoo asked and before you could’ve asked, your husband scoot closer to you. Arms wrapped around your waist as he gently rubbed circles on your back.

“This is weird,” you mumbled, eyes shut as you can feel your husband’s warmth engulfing your whole body.

“How is it weird?” he asked.

“You know what I mean Sunoo.”

“I don’t see it as something weird given that we’re married,” without saying another word, Sunoo pulled you even more closer to his touch that your head’s almost resting to his chest. You could hear how his heart beat rapidly. It made you wonder if it’s because of the sudden affection you two have made.

“You should go get some rest,” he told you and yet, the position only made you even more sleepless.

“How come you would always say that,” you whispered.

“What?”

“Saying that we’re married,”

“Well, I’m just reminding you, because it seems like you’ve forgotten,” he stated.

You laughed softly. “That’s why this is weird, we don’t even act like one.”

“It’s not about the fact that we act like we’re a couple,” Sunoo pointed. “I am just reminding you that legally, you’re binded to me — and so am I to you, we’re stuck together unless —”

“Unless what Sunoo?” you asked.

Sunoo became quiet for a moment. A pause filled the room but you felt his hand tightened on your waist as a minute passed before he shook his head.

“Nevermind,” he said in defeat. “Let’s go to sleep now.”

-

No one brought up what happened last night.

Last night seemed to be a weird spur of the moment between the two of you. It’s probably because of the storm and the glimpse of loneliness. That’s probably why, you are convinced as you glanced at the window where rain continued to pour. You’ve been stuck with Sunoo for almost two days and yet, you two are in this silent truce of not opening any fight nor argument in order to maintain peace inside the house.

You two ate in silence. You cook, Sunoo washes the dishes. When neither are doing chores, you’re either reading or listening to music while Sunoo busies himself with his phone. Trying his best to complete some task that he left in the city. Mornings were quiet, but confusing.

Yet, despite that odd morning, you found yourself in the same position tonight. Wrapped in Sunoo’s arms, head resting on his chest, close enough for his warmth and beating heart.

So did the following night.

And the night after that.

Still, no one had the courage to bring up all that night you two spent cuddling in the midst of the storm. Maybe, you two wanted warmth. This has been the first time you two ever shared any type of skinship willingly, and it was weird. Practically weird given that you two never tried to fix your marriage and by the looks of it, your relationship’s far too ruined to be fixed.

You just hope that the storm would pass by now, so that you wouldn’t overthink anymore, at how your cold husband could give you that much warmth and comfort.

-

The storm disappeared after three days of nonstop downpour.

The sky’s still dark, but there were no more gray clouds around. The aftermath wasn’t that pleasant. You’ve heard that there’s a lot of damaged crops and livestock due to the storm.

The whole townspeople moved immediately. Fishing had started and people were clearing out the dirtied road. Some were invited to clear out the crop fields. Hopefully, they could salvage more crops than what was damaged. Everyone was encouraged to help — that includes you.

Sunoo had insisted that he should help. You were hesitant knowing your husband’s lifestyle, but in the end, he trailed behind you as you two walked towards the farm area where some townspeople greeted you with a smile and a concerned look on their face.

“Oh, is that your friend?” one of the elders asked as she pointed at Sunoo.

Your eyes darted at Sunoo who stood there confused. “N-no, uhm, he’s my husband.”

You noticed how Mrs. Kim’s eyes widened, “husband? You didn’t tell me you were married!”

You laughed awkwardly, “it’s a long story auntie, but I’ll just save it for another day. We’re here to help with the crops after all.”

Mrs. Kim didn’t pry further, leaving you alone as you watched her go to the other older folks, probably going to spread the news that the stranger that visited you wasn’t just a friend — but your husband. You let it be as you began walking towards a part of the field while Sunoo followed you.

“What was that?” Sunoo asked but you waved off your hands.

“Nothing, come on now, I’m going to teach you how to check if the tomatoes are salvageable,” you told him, who only nodded.

Sunoo was able to adapt quickly — too quick for someone who grew up in the city. The elders seemed to love him. They were in awe of his beauty and manners. It shouldn’t surprise you given that Sunoo has always been good-looking, but you find it funny how he ended up breaking his cold demeanor for the elders.

You watched him get pulled by some older aunties, separating him from you as he was tasked to carry a box full of tomatoes and carry it towards the pickup truck. You could only laugh as you continued your task when you felt a shadow hover over you.

“Seems like I am not needed here,” you turned around to see him standing in front of you. He gave you his signature dimpled smile, making you smile too.

“Jungwon, you’re here,” you said before giving him a hug which he reciprocated. “How are you? The storm was pretty intense?”

“Safe, very safe and fine, Maeumi’s fine too, but she keeps on barking whenever there's thunder,” he explained, and you only smiled.

“Well, I’m glad to hear you’re safe,” you said to him who hummed as he crossed his arms.

“How about you? Heard from Mr. Han that you have a friend visiting, but it seems like he’s more than just a friend,” Jungwon teased and you gave him a knowing smile.

“My husband’s here,” you announced and immediately, there’s a shift in Jungwon’s expression.

“Oh, your husband’s here,” Jungwon mused before chuckling. “Well, it’ll be a shame for me not to introduce myself right?”

“You're not going to cause any trouble, are you?” you eyed him but he only shrugged.

“You know I don’t want to cause you any harm y/n,” he answered meaningfully.

You glanced at him for a second before giving you a signal for you two to approach Sunoo who’s still by the pickup truck. Your husband seemed to have noticed you immediately, but his eyes darted towards Jungwon and from there, he sensed something strange.

“Sunoo, this is Jungwon, Seokdo’s village chief,” you introduced, and from that moment, Sunoo had felt a bad feeling about the former.

“Jungwon, Sunoo, my husband,” you introduced and that should’ve given Sunoo some pride but the way Jungwon looked at him — it feels like the man’s dissecting him.

“Nice to meet you, y/n told me about you,” Jungwon gave him a dimpled smile before offering his hand.

“Good things, I hope,” Sunoo said as he accepted it for formality, and yet, he couldn’t ignore the way Jungwon’s smile turned into a small smirk.

“Of course, y/n’s very nice, you’re a lucky man, you know?” Jungwon removed his hand from Sunoo.

“I don’t even know what you’re trying to imply,” the older one answered sharply.

“Just a compliment,” Jungwon shrugged casually before darting his attention to someone else. “I think Mr. Hong’s calling for me, excuse me.”

As Jungwon left the two of you, Sunoo noticed how your eyes trailed towards the younger for a minute. His mind wandered all of the sudden.

“He looks young,” Sunoo commented.

“Yeah, his father used to be the village chief, but since Mr. Yang’s bedridden now, Jungwon’s took over his position,” you explained before giving your husband a small smile. “Are you done already?”

“No, not yet, I think the grandmas are calling me again,” Sunoo excused, leaving you there alone while his mind was clouded with unpleasant thoughts.

The afternoon passed by in a blur. Almost half of the crops were disposed of. Sunoo could feel his body weary and tired, and yet, he didn’t complain. The least he could do was help the village, and also because he was amused by the grandmas who seemed to like him too.

“Ah look at those two, they’re together again,” one of the grandmas commented, making Sunoo stop to look in the direction they were staring.

It was you, with Jungwon, laughing as you two were by a corner, arranging the good crops and placing it on a box. The conversation seemed to be lighthearted but Sunoo couldn’t help but to notice how close you two are.

“Young love I must say,” another one stated but she was nudged by her friend, making her complain.

“What do you mean love? Y/n’s married, they’re just probably friends,” she corrected.

“That doesn’t look like friends to me.”

“They do look pretty close and cozy with each other. If the husband was out of the picture, they would make a good couple.”

“You two shut your mouths! Have some respect for her husband —” the moment one of the grandma’s eyes landed on Sunoo, she looked guilty, and hushed her friends. They all complained at the sudden change of the grandma’s attitude, not even noticing that Sunoo’s just nearby them, who unfortunately, had heard everything.

Sunoo’s eyes darted once again at the two of you. Observing thoroughly how you smile and laugh without any wariness while Jungwon’s leaned closer to you. Sunoo didn’t notice that his grip tightened on the box when Jungwon whispered something to your ears.

Then you’d laugh. You’d laugh loud like it was the funniest thing you’ve ever heard. Sunoo had never heard you laugh that loud, not even your twin brother’s joke would make you laugh that hard. It made him wonder — how close you and Jungwon are.

It didn’t help that throughout the whole afternoon, you and Jungwon were together. Even after the end of the day and everything had gone home after helping, you stayed to talk to Jungwon, for another hour or more.

If it wasn’t for Sunoo’s impatient self, then you probably would’ve spent the night talking to Jungwon. Even on the way home, the smile on your face remained. There’s a sharp bitterness that hit Sunoo as you two walked home. Mind confused as he remembered those nights where you’re within his touch but now he’s became a total stranger to you.

Him — your supposed husband suddenly felt like a ghost the moment Jungwon came into the picture.

That’s when he wondered. He doesn’t want to assume things about you, but Sunoo couldn’t help it, not when you look happier when you’re with him.

“You’re close with the village chief,” Sunoo commented the moment you two entered the living room, making you stop to glance at him, the smile on your face became more genuine.

“Wonnie? Yeah he helped me adjust here,” you shared casually, not noticing the way Sunoo’s jaw slackened at your words.

“Wonnie,” he chuckled in disbelief. “You seemed closer than I thought.”

That’s when you stopped, turning around to face him who had nothing but a cold, observant stare.

“What are you trying to imply?” you asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Should I be worried? For the past seven months you were gone, you’re here, getting well-adjusted with a man,” he spoke and his tone was filled with accusation.

But instead of a guilt-stricken expression, a smile on your lips curved. You seemed aware and yet, not scared of the sudden confrontation. “Are you saying…Jungwon and I had a relationship?”

“Have, dear, because it seems like it’s continuing even though I am here now.” Sunoo concluded.

You two became quiet. You stared at him for a moment as your heart started beating rapidly.

“You’re right,” you admitted with a smile on your lips. There wasn’t a hint of guilt in your tone, and it was as if it was something to be proud of.

“Cheater.” your husband accused and that’s when you let out a mocking laugh.

You looked at him with disbelief in a split second. “Oh, we’re going on that route now? Why are you so affected by it, Sunoo? We’re married in papers only, we don’t even act as a couple at all.”

“You should’ve at least respected the sanctity of our marriage —”

“Bullshit Sunoo, our marriage isn’t out of love. Our marriage is purely business, so don’t act all moral just because I looked for someone else.” you snarled at him.

“Why do you have to do that?” he asked, and you were confused by how he sounded so betrayed by your actions.

“Are you really asking that question?” you asked rhetorically.

“Just answer the damn question,” he ordered.

“Because I’m so lonely Sunoo,” you confessed, feeling that heavy weight on your chest disappear. “I’m so lonely in our marriage that our house felt more like a cage to me.”

“That’s why you left, and thankfully met Jungwon because it seems like you’re not lonely anymore,” Sunoo mocked and you only nodded to his words.

“Right, because he was there for me. Jungwon was there during my worst days. Listened to my worries — in fact, he acted more like my husband than you did.” you explained and word by word, Sunoo felt his system turning into knots.

“How far did you two go?” he asked out of nowhere, and you halted.

“What?”

“Did he touch you? Slept with him?” Sunoo asked accusingly and you shook your head.

“Does that matter Sunoo?” you answered.

“So he did, holy fuck, you let yourself get fucked by him?” your husband concluded.

“And he’s more than what I’ve imagined.” you added.

“You think I’d be affected by that?”

“You’re seething Sunoo, I can see it in your eyes that you’re mad,” you pointed out.

“Fuck right I am! You are my wife, why did you…fuck, why did you let another man touch you?” he asked, tone breathy and shaky as his eyes remained on you, betrayed and hurt. “Am I not enough?”

It made your forehead creased. How could your husband act this way all of the sudden? “You never touched me Sunoo, not even once — do you even remember our wedding night?”

“So you slept with him to spite me.” Sunoo concluded.

“During our wedding night, I was willing to give myself to you. It’s the least I could contribute to our marriage, be a good wife for you but all you did was stare.” you answered, completely ignoring his words.

“I didn’t want to sleep with you out of obligations, I don’t want to pressure you into giving yourself to me,” he reasoned out but you shook your head immediately.

“I was willing to give myself to you Sunoo. You should’ve asked me if I wanted to rather than look at me so disgustingly that all I could think of was —” a deep sigh of disappointment escaped your lips before you looked at him, eyes already glassy. “Shit, am I not that attractive enough for you?”

“That’s why you fucked around with Jungwon?”

“Because he sees me Sunoo! Something you never tried! you couldn’t even spare a single glance on me —”

“That’s when you’re wrong,” Sunoo rebutted. “You think I don’t see you? Do you even know how hard it was for me to control myself from fucking you that night? Or everyday when I see you in those damn pencil skirts or silk night gowns. You’re a walking temptation to me.”

“So why didn’t you? I am your wife, you have the right,” you pointed out.

“Don’t fucking test me. You don’t know that I’ve been holding it for three fucking years. All the times I rubbed it off in my bed or in the shower pathetically as I wondered what you feel like wrapped around my cock.”

The air shifted all of a sudden. Your breath halted as Sunoo took a step forward. The gap between you two became small.

“Tell me to stop,” he told you. “Or don’t. Don’t tell me to stop. Tell me to take you right here, right now because I know you want this too. I know how you’ve been dying to get fucked by me, am I right?”

You only stared at him. Both of you hold a staring contest as the air becomes more intense, suffocated by the years of repressed and hidden desires you two had for each other.

With no objection from you, Sunoo moved, taking a step forward which led you to take a step back.

“You said you’re my wife. That means I have the right to you, don’t I? So if I bend you over here and take you over and over again until the only cock you could think of was mine, you’re not going to complain, right?” he asked, tone deeper than usual. Your words got stuck on your throat as your husband gazed at you like a predator.

Before you could’ve moved, Sunoo had pushed you against the wall. His hands find themselves on your waist, holding it tight as you gasp for air.

A beat and two passed by, no one moved.

“Seeing how you’re not even attempting to struggle, that means you want this too,” Sunoo darkly laughed as he brushed the stray hair strands out of your face. He looked at you clearly, seeing how your eyes wander at any place other than his.

“Look at me,” he cupped your cheeks aggressively, making you face him with a whine. His fox-like eyes were all you could see. It was filled with nothing but wanting — something in him was yearning for you — his gaze was completely different from his usual cold expression

“Are you scared?” Sunoo asked and you blinked, before slowly you shook your head as answer.

That was his signal. Your husband didn’t hesitate to carry you towards the bedroom. Gently, he placed you down at the unkept bed mattress on the floor and that’s when your heart stopped.

“You’ve thought about this, haven't you?” he asked. “During our wedding night? I’m sorry if I have disappointed you.”

He crawled on top of you and without any words, started working on buttons of your blouse. He was eager, like a predator ready to feast on his prey — that thought had you fisting on the sheets while the moment your husband pushed your blouse away, revealing your bra, he let out a deep chuckle.

“Last chance to stop this,” Sunoo warned as he stripped off his shirt, revealing his toned body that made you gulp at the sight. You didn’t stop him nor did you push him away. All you did was stare at him who observed you thoroughly.

“You sure?” Sunoo taunted. Seeing that he was only met with silence, your husband leaned down on you. His face was an inch close to you that both your noses bumped onto each other. His lips grazed on yours that your throat felt dry at the tension.

“I’m not going to hold back dear,” he warned before closing the gap. His lips moved to meet yours. Slow at first not until he pushed himself deeper to get a taste of you. Feeling his lips lick through your lower lip, you groaned harshly at his action before without any thoughts — you kissed him back.

Your mind was screaming to push him away. This is wrong — yet it was dangerously addictive. It was your curiosity. It took you three damn years to get a taste of your husband’s affection towards you.

If that wasn’t enough, Sunoo broke the kiss first. You were catching your breath as your stare at him became obvious, looking so innocent yet needy that your husband immediately caught it. A deep laugh escaped his lips. It seems like the past few days you were so stubborn but just a snap, you submitted to him so willingly.

“You’re not going to need this,” he told you as he pulled your blouse away, tossing it somewhere before reaching your bra and unclasping it in a second.

You let him undress you. Embarrassment washed through your body as he pulled your pants down along with your panty. Both of you froze as the last piece of garments was thrown somewhere in the room. Your husband’s stare on you lingered longer than it should be. You couldn’t help but to cover your body with your arms but he was quick to swat it away.

“Shit,” Sunoo cursed. Disbelief boiled in his system as his stare on you became longer. He wanted to memorize every piece of you. Every curve, flaws, and moles scattered on your body.

He couldn’t believe he held back for three years when his wife’s body could envy every goddess to ever exist.

You’re far from what he had dreamt of — no, you were a fucking dream. All his thoughts and desires about you exceeded his expectations. Sunoo couldn't fathom the reality that another man had seen your naked glory before he could’ve.

That was his mistake. He should’ve claimed you during your wedding night. He shouldn’t be a gentleman to you if you were actually willing to give yourself to him. You were so lucky that he could control himself. You didn’t know that behind his cold facade was a monster who couldn’t take his eyes away from his lovely wife.

He’ll curse you that night. Approaching him with silence and patience, in that white slip-on silk night gown. You were a freaking angel from above, and god, it took him years to know what you were hiding behind that thin layer.

At the same time, Sunoo was also a man with dignity. He respected you and your arrangement. He’s not someone who lets his urges win — but tonight, something in him shifted. He wanted to claim you and taint your body with nothing but him.

He approached you closely, observing, wondering while his hands travelled on your bare skin, an audible gasp escaped your lips as you felt an electrified touch lingering at every part he touched.

“All of this…is mine?” he asked with utter surprise. You couldn’t answer his thoughts, not when his hands reached your thighs, gripping it softly on its plush skin before pushing for it to be spread in front of you.

“Shit, you’re already fucking wet for your husband,” he whispered and you remained quiet, observing your husband who gathered your slick from your entrance. Playing with it before putting it in his mouth. Shock was all you could feel as Sunoo glanced at you with a smirk on his face.

Sunoo went for a kiss once again. Soft with the lingering taste of your musk. It was sweet and addicting that your lips moved to get a taste of that nectar. The room became hotter as you could feel your skin make contact with Sunoo’s naked torso. He was too warm for someone cold.

It made you wonder, what he’s like down there. Your curiosity gave you a glimpse as Sunoo pulled you closer to him while his lips traveled down to your neck, leaving wet, messy kisses that left you breathless. Feeling his hard bulge against your naked cunt, you felt the heat on your core aching, making you whine as your husband busied himself on leaving marks on your skin.

“Sunoo —” a moan escaped your lips as your husband licked your nipples, making it hard against his tongue.

“Shh, just lay there dear, let me have this,” Sunoo hushed softly before he turned his attention towards your breasts once again. You let him play with it, feeling him suck and bite your right nipple hard that you were whining in pain before he proceeded to repeat the same action on the left.

The growing ache down your core started to become too painful to ignore, you couldn’t help but to buck your hips upwards, hoping to feel any friction from your husband who seemed to be taking his time worshipping your chest.

“Sunoo please —”

“Have some fucking patience,” he snarled at you. “I’ve waited three years for this, I am going to take my time.”

“Can you — please, just please, I want you inside me now.” you begged pathetically that it made Sunoo stop.

“Look at you, begging for my cock like a slut, who would’ve thought my wife has this side of her?” Sunoo taunted, a chuckle leaving his lips as he cupped your cheeks once again.

Your eyes were watery, almost whining as you called out his name once again making your husband smirk wider.

“Ah, what should I do? I wonder if this is how you beg Jungwon too. Did you kneel in front of him? Suck his dick hard just to get fucked?” he mocked devilishly.

“No.” you muttered but Sunoo only cocked an eyebrow.

“No?” he questioned, doubtful of your answer. “What? Did you lay there pretty while he ate you out? Or was it just a quick fuck for you?”

“Do you want to know?” you asked him, patient already thinning. “Do you really want to know how Jungwon fucked me so good that I stayed in bed the next day? Do you want to know how he filled me up to the brim that I could still feel him inside me? Is that what you want for me to confess, dear husband?”

“Fucking slut.” he cursed and you only laughed.

“Guess I bruised your ego with that one, couldn’t accept the fact someone touched your wife huh?”

“That’s fine, I guess I’ll just the fuck the hell out of you until you reminded who you really belong to,” he spat before proceeding to flip you without any warning.

Your knees scraped on the floor before he lifted your hips upwards for him. A slap stung your asscheeks making you yelp in pain but the only thing you heard was your husband’s dark chuckle as he untied the drawstrings of his sweatpants.

“You want to get fucked? Oh, you’ll get fucked like a dirty slut you are,” Sunoo muttered under his breath as he released his cock free from its strain, already hard and angry red. Using his spit to lube his length, Sunoo lined his tip on your warm and wet entrance.

“On second thought,” he murmured. “Why don’t you fuck yourself on my cock? Show me how needy you are for your husband’s cock.”

A whimper was your only answer. Head low as embarrassment flushed through you. You were almost crying as you shook your head.

“Don’t you want it?”

“Go to hell Sunoo,” you cursed at him and your husband wasn’t fazed.

“I’ll see you there,” he laughed before without any warning, inserted himself inside you, making you scream loudly. You could feel his thick girth ripping your walls in just a split-second, hot tears streamed through your eyes out of pain and pleasure that you froze from your position.

“Come on dear, I already put it inside,” your husband taunted before slapping your butt once again. The sting sent shivers down your spine but everything faded when your husband hovered over you. His breath fanned against your ear before he placed a gentle kiss on its shell.

“You don’t want to test my patience don’t you? You want my cock? You’ve got to earn it,” he whispered to you, and that’s when you fold for him.

All your pride came crumbling down the moment you thrust your hips backwards to meet his cock. You moved on your own, making a use of your husband who remained in his place, watching his wife fucked herself in his cock. He could only chuckle as he slapped your ass once again, making you cry further as you thrusted faster than before.

“Good wife,” he teased as his eyes never left your body. Watching how his cock disappeared inside your pussy, Sunoo couldn’t help but to groan in pleasure before he snapped his hips to meet yours halfway.

“Sunoo —”

“Don’t fucking stop,” he ordered and you nodded at his words before continuing your actions. You didn’t stop and instead moved faster and more hastily, letting his cock plunge inside you so deeply that you started to babble messy cries.

Embarrassment washed all over you as all the burning anger you had for your husband was replaced with nothing but that immense pleasure on your cunt. You found yourself getting high at the act, drowned at the act as lewd sounds escaped your lips.

It didn’t help that Sunoo’s starting to move too, his hands gripped around your waist, fingers dipping on the plush of your skin as he followed your rhythm, meeting your movement halfway, creating a more intense sensation on your pussy.

“Fuck — shit! So fucking tight huh? Even after sleeping with someone else, your pussy’s still tight,” he taunted before grabbing a fistful of your hair and pushing your face down the mattress. A cry escaped your mouth as your husband’s thrust became rough and harsh, as if he was angry at the idea of someone touching you.

“Have to — ha — remind you — who you fucking belong to,” Sunoo said in between his thrusts before lifting your hips further for him, and with the new angle, he rammed you without any mercy, burned with jealousy and pride to claim you as his own cockslut.

“You like that dear? I could feel your pussy tightening around my cock? You like getting fucked by your husband’s cock?” you couldn’t even answer him, your face remained buried on the soft pillows, already wet with your tears and drool while your husband continued to rail you like a madman.

You could feel yourself getting numb at your husband’s actions. Sunoo didn’t stop, his stamina was quite strong as all you could hear was his hefty groans and degrading words for you. You didn’t even notice the intense churn on your stomach as Sunoo’s shaft continued to abuse your g-spot nonstop.

Along with your cries, your orgasm came without any notice. A grunt escaped from Sunoo as he felt your pussy tightening as your muffled cries could be heard. He smirked at your pathetic self who came without any warning. He pulled your hair once again and all you could do was breathe as your husband didn’t stop his movements.

“Cumming without any warning, you really wanted to be punished, right?” he fumed.

“I don’t — I’m sorry,” you babbled, too focused on how your husband snapped his cock inside your cunt.

“Aw, look at you, you’re such a fucking mess, always a mess for me pick up, aren’t you?”

Sunoo stopped for a second before he flipped you once again. Your back hit the mattress before he crawled over you. He stared at you with your hair sprawled all over the pillow, glassy eyes, and cheeks filled with tear stains.

You couldn’t help but to tear up once again, the frightening feeling hovering over you as your husband’s stare lingered at you longer.

“Fuck, you’re so ruined for me,” he teased, wiping your tears so gently before he slides himself once again and gave you a sharp thrust. Your back arched naturally as a cry of pleasure left your lips.

“Come on, cry for me, pretty girl — want you to look ruin for me,” his thrusts never stopped, not even when your pussy started clamping around his cock once again.

“Open your mouth,” Sunoo ordered and without any thoughts, you opened your mouth and without any thoughts, your husband spit on your mouth, making you flinch by the act.

“You’re mine, got that?” he claimed while his hips continued abusing your cunt nonstop. You could feel your skin bruising at its intensity but all you could do was mewl and cry before nodding.

“Y-yes, yours Sunoo —” you said in between your tears.

The room became hotter and hotter, smelling like sex as both bodies moved in one rhythm. He could feel it, his orgasm coming in a minute. Everything’s becoming too sensitive for him and your warm, wet cunt wasn’t helping at all.

“I’m gonna cum,” he groaned. Everything’s becoming too overwhelming for him but despite that, it crossed his mind what you’ve said earlier.

“Fuck, I’m going to fill you up,” Sunoo announced. “Fill your pussy with cum until it leaks out, breed you — give you my babies. Fuck, you’re driving me insane woman.”

“Please,” you whined, feeling another orgasm churning in your stomach.

Sunoo chuckled at your attempt, “shit you want that? You want your husband to breed his cock-drunk slut? You want to carry my kids, don’t you?”

You nodded, tears still streaming from your eyes as your grip on the sheets became tighter — and that only drove Sunoo to go animalistic. The sight of you being a mess, whining and begging him to breed you urges him to go rougher.

Sounds of wet skin slapping against each other echoed inside the room along with the cries and whimpers from your lips. All of your senses have been heightened up, eyes turning white as your second orgasm came crashing down once again.

Sunoo followed in a second, his groan loud and guttural as he released a dump of his cum inside you. The warm feeling of being filled by your husband’s cum made you moan unknowingly. Sunoo didn’t stop, even when his legs were shaking and his breathing’s unstable, he didn’t stop thrusting inside you, wanting every last drop of his cum to fill you up.

You were catching your breath as a few mewls and whining was all you could do while Sunoo pulled out. He stared at how his cock’s still aching hard, mixed with both your juices, before shifting your attention towards you.

Gently he wiped the sweat trailing on your forehead. You hummed against his touch before he gave you a kiss on the lips which you accepted without a word.

“On your knees,” he whispered to you and you looked at him confused.

“What?”

“On your fucking knees,” he repeated. “I’m not done with you dear. I have to make sure you’ll be swollen with my cum that all you could think of was how I took you over and over again.”

You didn’t say another word. All you could do was let out a shaky cry before stumbling to get on your knees.

Without any warning, Sunoo plunges his cock inside your still sensitive pussy once again. You couldn’t do anything but to accept it and what awaits you that night.

-

Last night was a mistake.

That’s what you insist as you wander around Seokdo. It was still dawn. The sky’s still gray and tiny downpours accompanied you in your walk.

You can still feel your legs numb, core aching, and despite taking a long shower, you can still feel him inside you — just like what your husband swore to you.

You thought about last night and everything that happened after that. The way Sunoo touched you, took you over and over until you couldn’t think of anything other than him — you cursed at your helpless self.

That shouldn’t happen. You shouldn’t have succumbed to him. It felt wrong in every possible way. You felt your pride all bruised-up because no matter how much you try to convince yourself that you hate and loathe Kim Sunoo, you still ended up submitting to him.

You felt your body twitch as you recall how he claimed you like any husband would to their wife — and you felt the churn in your stomach when you remembered how you’ve consented to every part of it. All the words that left your lips last night made you groan in frustration as you continued walking mindlessly around the small isle.

“Y/n, isn’t it too early for your walk?” you freezed when you heard a familiar voice. You turned around to see Jungwon who had a smile on his face.

You smiled, short and simple as the man approached you. “Good morning Jungwon, you’re awake already I can see.”

The village chief hummed, “Grandma Hong wanted help with delivering her some cabbages to the market and I’m actually on my way home when I saw you.”

“That’s kind of you,” you commented and he gave you a dimpled smile.

“You seemed alone, where’s your husband?” he asked, and the mention of your husband made you flinch.

“Still asleep. I just want to clear my mind, that's why I went for a walk.” you answered immediately.

“Then, you wouldn’t mind if I accompany you?” Jungwon asked.

You smiled, this time genuine as you nodded, “of course Won.”

The two of you continued walking quietly. Jungwon’s presence has always felt calm to you and it did help you calm your mind. He didn’t pry, not when his curiosity could be felt with the way he glanced at you from time to time. You were grateful for it. All you wanted was peace of mind.

By the time you two are near the port, overseeing the lighthouse, you two stopped and watched the waves splash against the pier deck.

That’s when you talked.

“Sunoo had learned about us,” you told Jungwon whose eyes remained in the deep, gray ocean.

“He’s great at observing then — we weren’t subtle at the field either,” Jungwon joked and that made you chuckle.

“I admitted it to him, and one thing led to another,” you added and Jungwon didn’t react. He only nodded slowly.

“Ah, that’s why you weren’t able to answer last night. I went to your place, but felt like I was disturbing something private,” the man explained and that’s when your eyes went wide.

“Oh my god.” you groaned.

But Jungwon only chuckled, “So, you two had fixed your relationship then?”

“No — I don’t, it was a spur of a moment Jungwon,” you insisted. “It feels wrong.”

“Wrong? He’s your husband.” he questioned.

“He’s only my husband, he’s not the one I love.” you clarified.

Jungwon became quiet at your words. He stared at you for a second before shifting his gaze at the ocean. The two of you became quiet as a sharp rumble of thunder roared in the sky.

“Do you think this is love?” Jungwon asked and that’s when you glanced at him.

“It’s not, we both know that. But if I were being honest, I’ll never regret everything we’ve done.” you explained.

“So did I,” he admitted. “I enjoyed your company, but I wouldn’t call it love. After all, I’m still mourning her.”

You nodded. Agreeing to his words. Love isn’t an easy thing to happen to you. Your relationship with Jungwon, you wouldn’t call it love. Just an escape. An epiphany on your life and marriage. He was just a fleeting moment and maybe, you had concluded, he was just filling in the hole in your heart that your husband was supposed to be filling.

“I just think we’re just two lonely people in this small isle. Just two lonely people trying to find something they’ve been yearning for from their past relationships” Jungwon explained.

“You’re right,” you agreed. “And that’s all we will be.”

Jungwon nodded. That’s when you two concluded your relationship — just two lonely people in this small isle, standing together, watching the storm in front of them. The waves scattered in different sizes as the gray clouds continued to swallow the sky. Love feels like it doesn’t exist in Seokdo and whatever you and Jungwon had, seemed to be shallower than you think.

And yet, it was more than what you had with your marriage with Sunoo.

“Would it be pathetic if I told you that I would rather stay here in Seokdo with you and our blurry relationship than to return to Seoul with my husband?” you asked Jungwon as the two of you walked back to your home.

Jungwon chuckled. “You’re taking the risk? You have a great life there y/n. May I remind you that your family’s also there? And your company?”

“I was testing if you’d enable me and my bad decisions,” you mumbled.

“I don’t want to be the reason for your bad decisions y/n. A lifetime in Seokdo isn’t that beautiful as it seems, someday, you’ll miss Seoul and the elevators in your sky-rise penthouse.” Jungwon reasoned out.

That’s when you let out a laugh. “But if I get to laugh like this, I’d rather stay here.”

Jungwon stopped for a moment. He looked at you as your smile never faded. His heart skipped for a moment. A selfish thought crossed his mind as his eye never left you.

“Don’t stay here,” Jungwon advised as his stare deepened. Despite that selfish thought of his, his rational mind still won over him.

You gaze upon him. His words had a hint of bitterness on it that you were confused.

“You don’t belong here, you have a company waiting for you. Your brother’s waiting for you in Seoul. You were just meant to hide here, not stay forever,” he explained.

“I was just thinking hypothetically,” you reasoned out.

“It feels like you’re thinking about it seriously,” Jungwon pointed out, tone becoming serious. “Don’t stay because of me, you know I couldn’t love you the same way I have loved her.”

“I know,” you admitted immediately, it was more like a whisper as it felt sour on your tongue. You have accepted the fact that what you and Jungwon had was just a fleeting moment, and yet, it still hurts — how can you be so unlovable?

“I’m sorry,” Jungwon apologized, seeing your hurt expression and watery eyes. You nodded at his words, sniffing your tears away when suddenly you felt someone snatching your arms.

“What the —”

“What the fuck did you do to her?” Sunoo calmly asked, yet there’s a storm raging in his tone.

“Sunoo please, it’s nothing,” you insisted.

“Don’t cover up for him y/n, now tell me,” your husband ordered.

But Jungwon only smirked, a teasing one as he crossed his arms. “Look at you, acting like a husband to her. Do you know that you're too late for that act?”

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

“Do you even know why your wife ran away?” Jungwon clicked his tongue. “Or that she’d rather stay here with me?”

“Stay away from her,” your husband warned.

“I could, but could she stay away from me? I don’t think so, hyung,” the younger taunted.

Sunoo’s grip on yours tightened. His eyes darkened while the younger remained smug before giving you a glance. Jungwon’s eyes softened before mouthing something that you couldn’t comprehend.

Instead of answering Jungwon, Sunoo turned around and dragged you with him. You were helpless from his strength, almost dragging you back to your house until the last thing you heard was the door closing with a loud thud.

“You’re hurting me Sunoo,” you pleaded but he yanked you closer to him. His eyes were glaring, almost red with anger as he looked at you.

“We’re leaving,” he announced. “We’re going back to Seoul, and I’m not going to let you out of my sight. I am going to make sure that you’ll never escape or run away. This is the last time this will ever happen again. You don’t want to cross me right?”

But a chuckle of disbelief escaped your lips, “those are big words coming from someone who’s planning on divorcing me.”

You watched as Sunoo’s expression shifted immediately. He looked surprised — scared you might notice as his hold softened that you managed to yank your arms away from his hold. Clutching on the purplish mark that for sure, will hurt for the following days.

“How did you know?” he asked, still in shock.

“Sunoo, the walls of our house are pretty damn thin for a penthouse you know?” you sarcastically said. “So I guess it’s true, and you must be so, so desperate that you chased me all the way here.”

“How much did you hear?” he asked.

“It doesn’t matter Sunoo,” you exhaled. “But the truth’s out now, I left because I don’t want to divorce you. Fucking funny right? Because as much as I hate you, I still need you Sunoo.”

“You needed me?” he questioned.

“I needed your name, your reputation — your company’s share in my company because like I have always told you, our marriage is purely business, and divorcing me will ruin everything my family had built.”

“You think I am stupid to let that happen?”

“I don’t know Sunoo. You have everything, you don’t need me at all. You can discard me anytime you want, that's why you seemed interested in divorcing me.” you reasoned out.

“You’re making me like I’m sort of a heartless monster.”

You laughed at his words. “Aren’t you one, Sunoo? I’ve watched you from a distance for the past three years. All those calculated moves you do during family dinners or important events. The cold and short answers you would give to me — you never even looked at me once, just last night, why now?”

A tear escaped your eyes this time and yet, it felt nothing but the rage that you have bottled to your husband. It burst suddenly. The storm may have passed by but it left a lot of damage between you and your husband.

“For the past three years, I wanted to at least be a good wife to you. If not, a friend or someone you can lean to, but you never want all of it. So, I’m sorry if I am not convinced with everything you do — it’s like you’re scheming me to come home and what awaits there? Our divorce papers, am I right?"

“You’re right,” Sunoo confessed. “I am planning on divorcing you, but you’re wrong on one thing. I am not discarding you just like that.”

“Is this one of your chivalrous acts Sunoo? Next thing, you’ll tell me you’re divorcing me because you’re letting me go.” you mocked.

“You’re right.”

“Fucking bullshit,” you cursed. “Should I praise you now Sunoo? Drop onto my knees and be grateful that you’re setting me free from our marriage? Wow, you’re not as heartless as I thought you were.”

“Don’t test my patience y/n,” Sunoo warned. “I am doing this for us. This marriage should stop. Everything’s useless.”

You clicked your tongue. “That means my life’s ruined.”

“I am not stupid to let your company fall, y/n.” Sunoo stated. “We still have connections and ties. We’re still partners but there’s no more marriage. We don’t need that anymore.”

That’s when you became quiet.

“You’re serious?”

“I don’t take these things as a joke,” Sunoo stated. “Once we divorce, our shares remain but I’ll move out. You can stay in the penthouse. We can still meet but merely as business partners only, and I am going to make sure that the press won’t write any bad articles about you.”

“That sound like a fucking dream,” you whispered to him, still unconvinced. “You thought about this thoroughly huh? Did you even ask me about this?”

“That doesn’t matter. You don’t need to dwell further on it since we’ll eventually part ways.”

Sunoo left first. Going towards the back door towards the backyard while you remained frozen from your place, unable to process everything your husband just said.

But your feet moved, something in your heart was screaming its frustration towards your husband. You found yourself following Sunoo who’s outside, staring at the gray skies.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” you asked, making Sunoo turn around.

“What?”

“You came here, trying to drag me back to Seoul just to divorce me but I — I’ll benefit from it! You’re divorcing me for my own good. Why did you have to force yourself to go here just for me?” you asked and Sunoo became quiet because for the first time ever, he doesn’t have a concrete answer.

All he knows is that the moment he went home that day, and was welcomed by an eerie silence — he knew, something was wrong.

Ever since he arrived in Seokdo, the question that kept running in his mind was: what drove you to run away? Now that he had heard the real reason, all he could feel was guilt. He may look cold and heartless but Sunoo could still feel — he still has conscience and emotions, and he may have been a distant husband to you, but that seven months of searching for you had taught him one thing.

He needs you. Sunoo needed his wife and he doesn’t know why and how but — he just wants you.

Yet, there’s a part of him who knows that your marriage isn’t perfect anymore. Already ruined by him, the least he could do was to free you and save you from the lifetime of loneliness.

Hence, the divorce.

He knows that you deserve someone better. Someone who could love you wholeheartedly — like Jungwon. It wouldn’t surprise him if you’d return to Seokdo after finalizing the divorce papers. You seemed happier with him after all.

“This is my last duty as your husband.” he answered and you scoffed.

“Pulling that card again?”

“If you want me to stop pulling that card, sign the papers, once it’s ruled by the court, you could return here and live peacefully. I won’t disturb you anymore.” Sunoo proposed.

“Why should I believe you?” you questioned and your husband sighed in frustration.

“Because, like I said before, I care for you, and I care enough for you that I’m willing to travel all the way from Seoul to here, just to see if you’re doing okay and you’re fine enough to go home in Seoul,” Sunoo confessed and you were stunned. Surprised by his words that the only thing that became noisy was the thunder's grumbling in the sky.

-

You didn’t get to say goodbye.

Not only to Jungwon but to the whole townspeople. They’ll probably wonder where you’ll be. Grandma Hong might go to your house and see it empty, while the children might start to question why you don’t visit the elementary school anymore.

Sunoo insisted that in a few weeks, you could return to Seokdo. There’s no need for goodbyes and yet it still felt bittersweet.

But maybe it’s for the best to not say goodbye to them. You might hesitate to leave. You’re actually hesitating if it wasn’t for Sunoo’s promise of your freedom. That’s the only silver lining in this decision of yours.

You watched as the tiny isle of Seokdo turned into a small thin line as the boat sailed towards Jeju. The wind’s howling but the sky’s calm and muted blue. Everything suddenly felt like a huge change on your part as you remained from where you were standing, heart filled with nervousness as by afternoon, you’re now in Jeju.

By night, you’re back in Seoul. As you step inside the airport, you find yourself a stranger in your hometown. The place wasn’t crowded but everything felt rushed. The seven months were squeezed in a day or hour. It seemed like yesterday you were in Seokdo, helping the townspeople harvest their damaged crops.

The next thing you know, you’re back in Seoul — back to reality.

The first person you noticed by the time you walked into the arrival area was your twin brother. Jake’s eyes widened the moment he saw you. Flashing a huge smile, he ran towards you two with excitement, hair flopping like a dog’s ear before pulling you for a big hug.

“Jake — be careful,” you greeted as you hugged him back.

“Welcome back!” he said with joy before glancing at Sunoo. “Both of you, welcome back.”

“It’s only been a week,” Sunoo commented but the older male chose to ignore it as he broke out of the hug.

“You okay?” he asked, glancing at you who nodded immediately.

“I just want to rest,” you said as you felt your body getting heavy and weary from the trip. Your brother understood it immediately.

“If that’s the case, we should hurry now and go home,” your husband butted in.

“Actually, I want to stay in Jake’s place,” you said to Sunoo. “If that’s okay with you?”

“Of course y/n, you can stay with me,” Jake immediately answered, giving your back a gentle rub before glancing at Sunoo. “I should take her luggage now.”

Sunoo didn’t argue anymore, and instead, let Jake take your things as his eyes gazed on you.

“We’ll be going now Sunoo, your driver’s here too, waiting by the benches, have a safe way home,” Jake stated and Sunoo merely nodded.

“Call me y/n, when you’re decided,” Sunoo said to you who only nodded.

“Of course,” you replied before you and your twin brother began to walk away. Leaving your husband there alone, watching you disappear in front of his eyes.

-

Jake kept quiet throughout the whole ride on the way home. But he wasn't subtle at how he's extremely worried about you. You noticed how he would shift his stare at you from time to time. Not having the energy to talk, you chose to ignore it as you passed out on the drive home.

That’s why it shouldn’t surprise you that Jake had cornered you the moment you two entered his place.

“You’re back,” Jake stated. “Suddenly you’re back, what happened in Seokdo?”

You became quiet for a moment, “Sunoo and I are getting a divorce.”

Your twin brother’s eyes widened. “What!?”

You chuckled in disbelief, “pathetic right? But Sunoo said he’ll make sure that our company won’t lose its stocks and image even if we divorce.”

“Y/n, you don’t need it,” your twin brother interjected. “I got everything settled, we’ll be fine even without the Kim's help.”

That’s when you glanced at him, shaking your head in disagreement. “You got everything settled? Jake, you’re not supposed to take over the company, you should be focusing on your treatments.”

“I’ve been cancer-free for almost a year y/n, look at me, I’m fine!” Jake stated with a smile. “I still have my weekly check-ups but there's a low chance of my cancer returning, so I think it’s best that I’d handle the company starting from now on.”

“I don’t want you to stress too much, it’ll be bad for you,” you pointed out but Jake merely scoffed.

“Yeah, I do admit it was stressful at first but you know what? If I can handle cancer, I can handle stress,” he said with a wink but you weren’t convinced.

“Jake.” you called out.

Your twin brother hushed you merely before pulling you to a hug. “It’s okay, it should’ve been my responsibility from the start because I’m the man of this family. I’m really sorry for being your burden since we were born. It must’ve been hard for you, dealing with everything while I got a pass.”

“Jake, you were sick. We wanted to focus on your treatments and —”

“I told you, I’m healthy now. Mom and dad saw that I could handle everything, and they sort of fired you from the position,” Jake announced, making you stop, glancing at him who had an apologetic expression.

“W-what?”

“Yeah, I took over your position — but don’t worry! You’re still part of the board of directors, just not the ceo soooo…yeah, you’re free now.” your brother stuttered, careful with his words.

You blinked at his explanation. “Free?”

“Live your life, return to Seokdo — divorce Sunoo, we don’t need their alliance after all. I have handled everything and nothing’s going to ruin our parents’ hardwork.”

You couldn’t believe it. You’re free. Not only would you be free from your marriage, you’d also be free from your responsibilities. You should be angry. After all, all your efforts and years dedicated to running the company suddenly disappeared just because your twin brother is now healthy and capable of taking over it — but all you could feel was a sense of relief.

You’re still young. You still could do a lot of things. It’s not too late for you after all. The divorce was just the first sign, but this one? This one’s different. Your brother, who you always would look after, is now looking after you.

“Thank you Jake,” you breathed giving your brother a hug. “Thank you so much.”

“You deserve it, for all the years of looking after me,” Jake insisted as he hugged you tighter than before.

-

It’s been a week since you went home.

One week without any contact with your husband. Sunoo didn’t make any calls, nor text, or even a visit. It was better that way. You find his presence confusing especially when he’s probably in the middle of fixing your divorce papers.

True to Jake’s words, you no longer hold the highest position in your company. Meeting your parents meant a half-day filled with lectures and worries about them, in which in silence, you endured every word that left their mouth. Your twin brother looked at you apologetically, but you let him be, knowing that half of it was still your fault.

You returned to your office, well, now that you’re in a lower position, you don’t know what to do at all. Jake advised you to just chill and relax, since he really was planning on never letting you work anymore. But you don’t feel any sense of relief from it and would do your best to help him. (In the end, he wins and you just end up reading some books inside your office.)

Mr. Park, the Kim’s family’s lawyer, visited your office a few days later, bearing the news.

“Here are the papers,” Mr. Park said, giving you a thick-pile of papers which you started reading.

“Everything is settled there, since you two signed a pre-nuptial agreement, all discussions and divisions of marital properties and assets could be found on the page three, this includes your company and —”

“I’ll ask questions once I’ve read all of it,” you cut him off with a smile before darting your attention towards the paper. “Thank you for delivering these Mr. Park. I’ll let you know once I’ve signed it.”

The old man stood for a moment before he nodded to your words.

“Please take your time Mrs. Kim,” he said, dictating your surname before he left. It left nothing but chills to your spine before you continued reading it again. Careful and word-by-word so that you wouldn’t miss a single detail.

Not a few minutes later and Jake entered your office without even knocking.

“Hey, let’s go get some lunch…what’s that?” he asked, eyeing the papers in front of you. “Did they send you some tasks? I told them to not bother you.”

“No, stupid. It’s my divorce papers and agreement,” you said with an eyeroll.

“That’s fast, I guess he’s eager to get rid of you,” your twin teased but you didn’t laugh at his words, still focused on reading the papers.

Jake approached you and stood beside you, reading the paper along with you.

“Wow, he’s not even taking away their shares in our company. You get to keep your penthouse, plus you’ll get yearly support from him? And if ever you have a child — wait a minute, what is this?” Jake’s forehead creased as he pointed to the mentioned paragraph.

“What?” you asked innocently.

“What? What do you mean, “what”? Are you pregnant?” your twin brother asked.

“No, I’m not!” you defended but Jake stared at you, raising an eyebrow.

“So something happened in Seokdo, I assume given that he won’t be writing that in the settlement unless…you know, you and him —”

“Okay, that’s enough Jake, I know, and I assure you, nothing will come out of what happened that night.” you answered.

But your brother stared at you unamused. “So you do admit that something happened.”

You glared at him instead. “Literally shut the fuck up, if you’re here to disturb me, just get out,”

“Sorry, but on a serious note, are you going to sign it?”

“Of course, what else should I do?”

“Nothing,” he said, looking at you and checking your mood. “You seemed pretty sad for a girl who’s going to divorce her cold husband.”

“I’m not sad,” you lied as you grabbed your pen. Your hold on it tightened as you flipped through the pages. “I’m just confused. If good things will come out of this divorce.”

“Hey, on the brighter side, you’re finally free now,” Jake assured, hands patting your shoulder. “Even in your responsibilities in our company, you’re free from it too. So I suggest, do the things you always wanted to do.”

That’s when you placed down the pen and paper. That’s the thing. You could now do the things you wanted to do, but the question was, what do you even wanted to do?

“I don’t even know what to do,” you mumbled.

“What?”

“Jake, the only thing that’s been on my mind was running the company and being a good wife for Sunoo, and in a glimpse — I won’t be doing it anymore. I’m suddenly confused.” you admitted.

“Well, you’ve created another version of you,” Jake answered. “That girl who laughed freely, and got along with everyone in Seokdo. They’re probably waiting for you — Jungwon’s probably waiting for you too.”

A bittersweet smile formed on your lips. “You think so? You’d let me stay there forever?”

“If that makes you happy and free, why not?” your twin brother assured and his answer seemed to put a sense in you.

Looking at the divorce papers, you became quiet for a moment. You think of your husband and the three years you spent with him — are you going to let yourself live like that ‘til you die? Jake’s right, you deserve to be free after all.

That’s why you grabbed your pen, and with shaky hands but a determined heart, you signed every page of the divorce papers.

-

A week later and you found yourself standing in front of Sunoo’s office. The envelope containing the divorce papers were in your hands, signed from the very moment you received it.

Once your soon-to-be-ex-husband signed it, and had it approved by the court, you’d be free from him. Forever. You felt confused by the situation. Wondering whether good things would come out of the divorce. Even if it means your freedom, you still feel like something is at stake.

Despite all your worries, you tried to think of the brighter side and convinced yourself that you’ll be finally free from your husband. No more quiet penthouse and lonely nights. Maybe, somewhere in the future, you’d find someone better, you’re sure of that.

As you opened the door of his office, Sunoo was by his table. Outfit clean, hair pushed back while wearing his usual cold demeanor.

“You’re here,” he said the moment he laid his eyes on you. His tone indicated that he was surprised.

You only shrugged, “came here to deliver this.”

Sunoo accepted the envelope without any questions. Opening it and reading every page one-by-one, his heart stopped every time he saw your signature.

“You signed it,” he muttered, eyes still on the paper.

“Like what we’ve talked about,” you said to him. “It’s for the best.”

It wasn’t. Sunoo wanted to disagree. He looked at the papers once again and suddenly — a whip of thoughts hit his mind. It felt sickening. Seeing the divorce papers signed by you and if he complies with it. He’ll watch you walk again.

The idea of losing you again. Sunoo couldn’t fathom that idea. He wondered and thought about what your future would be if he had divorced you. Would you be happy? You’d probably return to Seokdo and reunite with Jungwon —

“What if it wasn’t?” he asked and that made you raise an eyebrow.

“Sunoo, this marriage is useless. We don’t benefit from it anymore, and I don’t want to burden you too,” you stated.

“You’re not a burden.” Sunoo calmly answered before standing up to face you. “You were never a burden to me. Not once, not even when you left me — do you even know what it felt like? Living seven months wondering where you are and are you doing fine? I was going crazy looking for you.”

You were surprised by his sudden confession but despite that, a scoff escaped your lips. “You think I’d believe that? What? It took me to disappear to realize that you care for me?”

“I care for you, you know that,” he rebutted.

“You just don’t show it, I know Sunoo,” you sarcastically replied. “But you think I’d settle for that? I’ve known my worth Sunoo and I just — I’m sorry but I just don’t see you loving anyone, not even me.”

“You’re right, neither do I. I don’t even know how to love,” Sunoo confessed. “But for you, I’d like to try.”

“Sunoo, the papers are signed,” you insisted. “Everything’s too late now.”

Sunoo glanced at paper, gathering it in his hands as he looked at it once again.

“Actually,” Sunoo looked at you and the next thing you knew, the papers were ripped in front of you.

He threw it carelessly, scattering on the floor while your face drew confusion.

“Sunoo —”

“It’s not too late,” he said sharply. “I changed my mind. I don’t want a divorce.”

You breathed, “Are you fucking insane?”

“When it comes to you, yes,” he stated, taking a step forward towards you. “Because now, all I could think of was that I don’t want to see you with somebody else. That’ll fucking kill me.”

Your forehead creased. “What are you trying to say?”

“I love you.” he blurted out, completely catching you off-guard. “I love you so much that I am willing to let you go because I don’t deserve you. We’ll just ruin each other y/n. We’re just not compatible.”

You stared at him whose eyes darkened before a laugh escaped his lips. “But you know what? I am ruined enough that I don’t care anymore. I’d love to enjoy the rest of our lives fixing and ruining each other because you’re the only person I want to do that with.”

“And I know somewhere in our future, we’d be fine. We’ll be living and loving peacefully like in your days in Seokdo and I want to be in that future with you. It might be a mess right now in the present, but for the future that awaits us. Can you hold on for more?” he asked, almost begging as his hands trailed on the edge of your waist.

Instead of an answer, Sunoo was welcomed by a sharp sting on his right cheek. He felt it turning numb as the sound echoed inside his office. He was frozen — and so were you, palm hurt and eyes watery as it sinked into you every word Sunoo had said to you.

“You’re so stupid,” you whispered to him, breath shaky and words stuttering. “Impulsive, repulsive, hot-headed, cold and — and yet, in the worst way possible, I fell in love with every, every inch of your existence that it hurts.”

You hated to admit that somewhere, in your lonely marriage, your heart yearned for your husband. That there were moments that you wondered if he could look at you the same way you looked at him.

Perhaps that’s also the other reason why you don’t want a divorce. You don’t want him to leave you. It sounded pathetic on your part, but people can learn to love someone at some point in their lives. You were patient, waiting for Sunoo to do his part, and anytime, you’d welcome him with all your heart.

“We clash, banter, and are too stubborn to lower their pride for the other, and I wanted to ask you, why now? Why!? Why are you years late Sunoo!?” you shouted in frustration. Tears streaming down on your face as the guilt and anger seethe on your system. You hated how you two had to go through everything just for him to reciprocate everything.

“I’m sorry,” he admitted, flashed with guilt as he stared at you. “I just didn’t think you’d go that far.”

“You pushed me to,” you spat back.

“That’s why I am not going to push you anymore,” he said, before grabbing you by your arms. The next thing you knew, you were trapped against the wall as your husband closed the proximity between you two that you could hear the rapid beating of his heart.

His deep brown eyes searched for yours. The time felt like it stopped as his grip on your waist tightened. The tension suffocated both of you and yet, no one moved.

“You’re the only one that I don’t have,” Sunoo whispered, breaking the silence. “It’s crazy to think that the only thing that’s holding me back is me.”

His face became close. Too close for you liking that your heart became more rapid, hyperventilating as your grip against the flat surface of the wall tightened.

“So tell me,” he proposed once again. “Tell me you want this too, even if it’s wrong, even if it’ll hurt us because the only thing that I wanted to do here is take you and show you — how much I’ve been controlling myself from making you mine.”

You looked him in the eye for a second. He was waiting for you. Patient and careful which is the total opposite of the Kim Sunoo that you always know. He has always been impatient. Time shouldn’t be wasted on silly ponderings and conflicts. Sunoo has always decided on everything, with his mind and heart.

Which meant that he meant every word he told you.

“You don’t have to do it Sunoo,” you answered — more like a whisper because you still feel scared — afraid that everything might turn into a passing feeling for him.

“Do you want me to kneel in front of you and beg for your love? Because if that’s what it takes, I’d do it in a heartbeat,” he professed and you shook your head as your hands cupped his cheeks to make him look at you.

“You don’t have to do it because, I’m yours already Sunoo,” you repeated. “I’m your wife, and you're my husband — and it will remain that way ‘til forever.”

With your words, Sunoo didn’t waste any more time. The next thing you knew, he tugged you upwards, arms supporting your thighs as he pushed you harder against the wall. His lips crashed onto yours unexpectedly. Soft, plump, tasting like cherry and that made you whimper against it.

You tugged his hair, brushing it softly as you fell under his spell. Kissing him back, tasting the sweet indulgence of him giving into you. It felt feverish feeling Sunoo’s lips against yours. It couldn’t sinked into you, not even when Sunoo left your lips and trailed kisses on your jaw downwards your neck, making you throw your head back with a moan.

There was nothing you could do as Sunoo drowned himself in your body. His lips were busy, biting and sucking every skin he could feel. His hold on you tightened because even though he wanted to take you right there, he wanted to lavish every part of you.

He stepped away from you. Eyes filled with lust as he kissed you hungrily once again, a whine escaped your lips before kissing him back. Your arms snaked around his shoulder, pulling him closer to feel more of his warmth.

“Sunoo,” you moaned, before he stole your lips once again. He didn’t let you speak, he let both bodies do everything to show that this is what you two have been waiting for.

Before you could’ve said anything, he carried you towards his desk table. Ignoring all the important documents that crumpled under your weight. You two didn’t care about it especially when Sunoo removed his coat and loosened his tie while you started to unbutton your blouse. He cupped your cheeks once again, staring at you with his cold, lustful eyes that made you inaudibly nervous.

“Mine,” he declared. The word slipped out so easy — so natural that he wondered why it took him long to do so. Why did he hold himself back from loving you for so long when you have always looked at him with the softest gaze one could gaze upon his cold demeanor.

“Always yours Sunoo,” you replied to him and instead of answering you back, he kissed you once again. More gentle, more careful enough to taste your warm touch against his. He couldn’t hold it anymore when his hands reached for your bra’s clasp and in a split second, your breasts were free and taken by Sunoo’s huge hands, fondling the soft flesh of it, making you whine against his mouth.

“You’re so perfect,” he whispered to you before stealing a kiss once again. “So fucking perfect for me — my sweet girl. Always good and nice for me right?”

You whimpered as an answer. You found yourself drinking all of his taste. Dangerous and yet, you have always been a magnet for chaos and trouble — it just turns out that your husband’s the most poisonous one out there.

His hands landed on your skirt, hoisting it up enough for him to caress your thighs, earning a soft moan from you. His smirk was evident as the two of you continued your heavy makeout.

“Mr. Kim, Mr. Lee is looki —” the two of you flinched when the door swung open revealing his secretary who was surprised by the scene.

Silence came through. No one moved. His secretary looked like a shocked hamster with her eyes so wide that it’ll pop out of the socket.

“I’m sorry!” she squeaked before closing the door with a loud thud. The two of you remained frozen from your position, trying to process everything before Sunoo let out a laugh, catching you off-guard.

It wasn’t just any laugh. It was boisterous and loud, echoing around his office that you were left confused and shocked because this was the first time you’ve ever heard Sunoo laugh this hard.

His laughter continued for a minute until a deep sigh escaped his lips. He rested his forehead on your shoulder while it just sinked into you what just happened.

“Poor Wonhee,” he commented before glancing at you, expression soft and light. “Well, it’s her fault for not knocking on the door.”

You couldn’t say anything. You only looked at your husband who gave you a smile as he kissed you once again.

“I never heard you laugh that loud,” it was the first you said.

“You’ll hear that laugh for the rest of our lives so don’t worry about hearing it the first time,” he assured and his statement immediately hit you.

“I’ll look forward to it then,” you smiled before you pulled him once again for a kiss which he reciprocated dearly.

“How about we go home now? Continue what has been interrupted and I don’t know, make up for the years we lost?” Sunoo suggested the moment you two broke from the kiss. You stared at him, hands brushing his messy hair as your heart beat in that steady motion — gentle and in relief.

“Of course, let’s go home, my dear husband.” you said with a smile.

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