Aroha's POV
I'm getting married today. The biggest day of my life-the day l've always dreamed of. It's surreal, really, how everything has come together. My parents arranged my dream wedding-the venue is stunning, the cake is perfect, and my dress fits like a glove. Everything is in place, except for one crucial detail: the groom.
Juyeon. Just thinking his name sends a chill down my spine. The past week flew by faster than I ever imagined. I wished it would slow down, that somehow time could stretch to give me a little more breathing room. I wanted to delay this marriage, to escape from the reality that I was about to become his wife. But there was no way out now.
I don't want to marry him. The truth is, the fact that we don't love each other isn't the only thing driving me crazy. It's the sheer hatred that simmers between us, the resentment that feels like a dark cloud hanging over our heads. Most couples in arranged marriages eventually find a way to love each other, but what about us? We can barely stand to be in the same room without arguing.
How can we possibly build a life together when he's the one who has hurt me more than anyone else ever has? Just the thought of living with him makes me feel sick. The memory of that night at Sunwoo's, the laughter and the chaos, feels like a distant dream now-one that quickly turned into a nightmare the moment reality set back in.
We haven't spoken since he dropped me off at my house that morning. It was as if we'd fallen off the edge of a cliff, separated by an unbridgeable chasm. I've spent countless hours replaying the events that happened 10 years ago, wondering if we could have done things differently. But now, all I have are the remnants of what could have been-an unbearable weight pressing down on my chest.
As I look in the mirror, adjusting my veil, I feel the tears prick at the corners of my eyes. This should be a day filled with joy, but all I feel is dread. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I can do this. I have to do this. I just wish I could find a way to silence the chaos inside my head and embrace the life that's waiting for me, even if it's with him.
I wonder what's going on in his head right now. Does he feel the same way I do? It's hard to imagine that we could be on the same wavelength when there's so much animosity between us. But when I really think about it, he's the one who's lost the most out of all of us. Juyeon lost his two best friends, Eric and Sunwoo, me and Younghoon- his best friends' sister and brother.
But that's not all. He doesn't even realise the betrayal lurking behind the scenes, the one dealt by his own sister and girlfriend. He's the main victim of all the chaos Jiyah and Aera stirred up, and yet... that doesn't excuse his actions. He hurt me, and that's not going to change.
It still stings when I think about the things he said. Calling me an orphan, as if I didn't have parents who loved me. Being a parent isn't just about giving birth; it's about raising a child with love and care, something he clearly doesn't understand. How dare he label me like that?
I should have kicked his ass that day instead of letting his words get to me.
Why did I even cry? It feels so embarrassing now, like I let him get under my skin. I shake my head, trying to clear those memories away. I can't let myself dwell on that moment any longer. Today is supposed to be about starting fresh, no matter how twisted that fresh start may feel. But still, a part of me wishes things could have been different, that we could have faced our circumstances without the hatred weighing us down.
Juyeon's POV
Ah, I don't want to marry her. I can't bear the thought of tying the knot with the woman my ex-best friend loves. And the fact that she's the sister of that jerk who hurt my sister drives me insane. Jiyah is going to see Eric today, and he'll be arriving with his fiancée, right? I don't want them to meet. I can't stand the idea of watching my little one get hurt right in front of my eyes. Ugh, if only time could stop right now or take me back to ten years ago.
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Wait, why am I even thinking about travelling back in time? It's not like I made a mistake that I need to correct. I did the right thing that day; it was the best solution to all the chaos that Sunwoo caused.
Aera... I wonder where she is and how she's doing now. After getting humiliated in front of everyone, she just left. Two months before graduation, she changed schools without even seeing me. I know Sunwoo did her dirty. Maybe she hates me for associating with a guy like him. Agh, but how can Aroha be so naïve? How could she trust Sunwoo's words over Aera's?
I know Aroha has liked him for ages, but how could she choose to believe a man's word over a woman's? Aren't women supposed to support each other?
Okay, not trusting Aera is somewhat understandable; she's an outsider to Aroha. But how could she not trust Jiyah's words? They've been friends forever! How could she turn around and label my sister and Aera as liars and betrayers just like that? I lost my Aera because of Aroha. If only she hadn't believed Sunwoo, Eric wouldn't have been duped either, and he wouldn't have hurt my Jiyah.
Even though Younghoon is Sunwoo's half-brother, he always puts Aroha first for reasons I can't comprehend. So, in conclusion, it seems that Sunwoo and Aroha are the reason we had to split up ten years ago. Damn it, I really don't want to marry her.
They say better late than never. Should I stop the wedding now? That would humiliate her, right? Should I reveal what Sunwoo did ten years ago to ruin his career? Oh, both of them would suffer massive losses, right? But when I think deeper, it doesn't seem exciting. Ten years of revenge in ten minutes doesn't sound thrilling at all.
I should marry her, keep her by my side, and hurt Sunwoo. And when I finally find my Aera, I'll
abandon Aroha just like her parents did. Watching Aroha get heartbroken will hurt Sunwoo and Eric. As for the reason behind our divorce, I'll tell the media that Sunwoo and Aroha are having an affair. Just like that, his idol career will also be doomed. Wow! Now that sounds
like a perfect plan—exciting and satisfying!
Author's POV
As Juyeon was lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice the person who had entered the room just five minutes earlier. She observed him, concerned by his distant expression. Just as she was about to call out to him, she hesitated, wanting to let him linger in his thoughts a little longer. But as soon as he tilted his head toward her, her heart raced.
It was Jiyah, his little one, his precious sister—the person he cared for more than anyone else in this world. The moment their eyes met, a smile broke across his face, illuminating the room and dispelling the dark cloud of his earlier thoughts. It was the kind of smile reserved for only those he truly loved, a rare expression. It was the smile that Aroha had seen on that rainy day for the first time, a smile she hadn't witnessed in the past ten years.
"Jiyah, when did you get here? Aren't the groom's little sister supposed to arrive at the wedding a week ago? I'm disappointed that you came straight to the venue without even getting to see me getting ready. There were so many things you were supposed to do as my little sister!" Juyeon complained, his voice laced with mock annoyance.
Jiyah chuckled, cutting him off. "I was supposed to arrive on Wednesday, but all of a sudden,
a baby decided to come out. As a gynaecologist, I have to do my duty first. I told you about
him, remember? The baby boy who couldn't stop kicking his mom's belly—that was him. I think he'll become a great football player."
Juyeon smiled, shaking his head. "So you're saying your doctor duty comes before me?"
"Without a doubt, yes, big brother," Jiyah replied playfully.
"That is rude and unacceptable! But for me, my little sister comes first before anyone else," Juyeon shot back, crossing his arms.
"Okay, that was until now, but the moment you put that wedding ring on Aroha's finger, your
first priority should be her until the day you die."
