You walk back into the hall alongside UEE, the atmosphere shifting as you step inside. The grand dining table stretches across the room, packed with family members awaiting Taeyeon's speech. You move toward your seat, settling next to Jihyo.
You glance around—Momo is looking at you again. Her eyes flicker with something unreadable before she quickly turns away, refocusing on your stepmom. You do the same.
Taeyeon clears her throat. "I'm so glad you all made it. We have so many family members gathered here today."
Murmurs of agreement ripple through the crowd.
"And, as you all know, I recently adopted a daughter. She's sitting right there."
She gestures toward you, and suddenly, all eyes are on you.
A wave of applause rolls through the room. You force a smile, nodding politely. The moment passes, and the attention shifts back to Taeyeon.
"Okay," she continues.
As she speaks, you catch Momo staring again. She mouths something, but you don't catch it.
Taeyeon finishes her speech and steps aside. "Now, I'll let my husband take over."
Yunho stands. "Thank you."
His presence fills the room—commanding, heavy.
"As you all know, our family is the wealthiest among everyone here. But recently, I've noticed my oldest daughter, Jihyo, struggling with her husband. And as tradition dictates, *all* my daughters must secure a future husband."
Unease ripples through the sisters.
"So tonight," Yunho continues, "we will determine who among my chosen daughters will be matched. We have three highly distinguished men prepared for selection."
The spotlight shifts to them—Lu Han, Daejung, and JunSeo.
"I hate this part," Nayeon mutters.
"Me too," Sana whispers.
Chaeyoung leans in. "Hopefully, I don't get picked—and Y/n."
"Y/n isn't getting picked," Nayeon assures.
"How do you know?"
"Mom wouldn't do that. She's new to the family."
Mina nods. "Yeah, she's right."
**Inside Nayeon's mind:**
*But if she does get picked… we have a problem.*
Yunho gestures toward the ceremonial jar, dipping his hand in to pull out a folded slip of paper.
He unfolds it.
The name stares back at him—back at *everyone.*
**Wang Royeon.**
A stunned silence grips the room.
Taeyeon recoils. "WHAT? Yunho, did you put her name in there?"
Yunho barely spares her a glance. "She's my daughter, isn't she?"
Taeyeon stiffens, fury simmering beneath her composure. As the host, she has to wait until the guests leave to confront him. But her rage is palpable.
Twice, too, sits in rigid silence, their expressions betraying their frustration.
Yunho doesn't waver. "Come up, Y/n."
You hesitate, scanning your sisters. Their faces are unreadable—but there's something beneath the surface. Sadness. A warning.
"Guys, what's wrong?" you ask.
"Nothing, Y/n," Jihyo says. "Just go."
You take a slow breath, then step forward, facing Yunho.
You loathe this moment. Every fiber of your being wants to rebel.
"I don't want to do this."
"You have to. It's tradition," Yunho states plainly.
He gestures toward the three men. "Lu Han, Daejung, and JunSeo."
You glance at them. *Ugly.* You force a smile and pick at random.
"Uh… JunSeo."
JunSeo beams. "Thank you so much for picking me, Miss Royeon. I will be the best for you."
You don't respond, barely containing your disgust as you retreat to your seat. JunSeo follows.
"Why are you following me?" you ask, irritation seeping into your tone.
"They have to," Jihyo explains. "Look—even Zack is sitting with me."
You turn—and realize Zack has been at the table this whole time. How did you not notice?
JunSeo settles beside you, eyes gleaming with something unsettling. Your sisters notice immediately.
"I'm so happy to be part of your family," JunSeo says.
No one responds.
Except Zack.
"That's good. So, Y/n, are you going on a date with him?"
"Can you *shut the fuck up?*" Your words are sharp, slicing through the noise.
Jihyo snorts. "Haha."
Zack glares. "You think this is funny?"
"Shut up, Zack."
"Double kill," Chaeyoung mutters, smirking.
Yunho clears his throat. "Okay, everyone—enjoy yourselves."
The moment shifts. The tension dissipates—at least outwardly. Guests begin mingling, laughter bubbling through conversations. Plates clink, food is shared.
But beneath it all, something festers.
You glance at JunSeo.
Your sisters glance at you.
This isn't over.