The 'S' brand company's charity night is a very closed and privy fundraising event. It's extraordinarily exclusive to the point where a lot of people and media have no idea this kind of event exists, also there is only a couple of insiders know. Super private. The invited guests mostly are famous names of a major business corporations in South Korea, some elite politicians and top tier celebrities. It's really an honor to get invited by them as every high class conglomerate families know that the 'S' brand company is completely selective of their guests. You're invited when your business or venture has an evident impact on South Korea's economy based on their standard or else you're never had a chance to breath near them.

Charity is always accompanied by auction. This time, start from a luxurious diamond and jewelry to a rare and antique fine art, everything is a very high quality and highly sought item. For this year, as stated by the 'S' brand company, all the proceeds and profits will be channeled in the interest of environment and ecosystem, especially for flora and fauna. It sounds thoughtful and gracious, yet it's no secret that it's just their way to indirectly show their arrogance and superiority, of course, also to brag and boast about their power and money. All the same, the guests who is as well as donors, they try to compete and place the highest bid, not for giving away their kindness and generosity but for telling away their abundance wealth and fortune. In the end of the day, it's just a crazy ulterior competition to sort out who is rich, richer and richest.

For Jimin, it's his first time to get invited as a young chairman of JJ corporation. Truthfully speaking, he is not interested to come, but since his grandma always did every year before, he decides to attend. After all, it's his opportunity to broaden his connection and build up his affiliation. Initially, he does it only for a formality, but once he knows that Seulgi gets invited and comes to the event regularly, everything changes. He excitedly proposes her to show up together with him and make a debut as fiancé and fiancée which she immediately agrees. Now, it feels like a first date all over again and he can't wait for it to happen.

***

In a year, Seulgi usually turns up in tens of fancy and extravagant charity event, but one thing that everybody has to know, tonight is different. Yes, it's called a charity night but actually it's just a lavish party and if she needs to describe it, the 'S' brand company really take it into another level. A particular theme and a required manner of dress. Last year, they chose a Winter Wonderland theme and it was so beautiful. Everything was in white, elegant ice sculpture was everywhere and there was a majestic snowfall inside the mansion throughout the event. For this year, even the invitation speaks about the chosen theme as it arrives with piece of leaves, twigs and flower petals.

'Once in a lifetime, the gate to Mystical Enchanted Forest is opened tonight and you're invited to experience its magical realm'

Seulgi is quite unprepared this year due to a lot of drama and incident that is happening. Even the dress, she just gets it at the last minute but she is satisfied enough as the dress fits the theme. Right now, she is getting ready for the event. She sits in front of her dressing table as her make up artist and hair stylist do their job professionally. She talks with them as sometimes she glances through the mirror to look at her beautiful dress which is displayed on a modelled mannequin. It takes a long time but it's worth it. Her make up is a little heavier than usual to bring out a mysterious aura from her and her hair is in a braid embellished half up-do which is accessorized by dark purple monarch butterfly clips. She looks extraordinarily gorgeous.

"Thank you so much, this is so good, you two do a great job, as always" Seulgi compliments with a smile.

Both the make up artist and hair stylist bow slightly and say thank. Then they help Seulgi to slip on her dress and once it embraces her body perfectly, both of them are in awe as they admire her beauty. The dark purple dress is decorated by scattered floral appliques and it looks like something that comes out straight from a fairytale. The strapless design really compliments her collarbone and the high slit line shows off her beautiful legs. It's a bit provocative but overall it's an elegant dress. She totally loves it.

At 6 p.m., Seulgi already waits for Jimin in the living room and when she hears the sound of his car, she immediately walks to the front door to welcome him. She stands there as she watches him walking out of his car in all black. He is so stunning already even though he is not wearing his tux jacket yet. She notices his comma hair and she thinks that it really suits him well. Why is he so handsome tonight? In the other hand, Jimin is in a hurry to ask Seulgi's opinion regarding of his suit, but he halts halfway when he sees her there. He is astonished by her beauty to the point where he loses all his words. He just blinks his eyes repeatedly till finally he smiles and asks her an obvious question.

"Why are you so beautiful tonight?" Jimin wholly waits for her answer but Seulgi just laughs it off.

"I'm serious lady, tell me why?" Jimin then talks as he continues what he intends to do.

"You're just teasing me" Seulgi says but her smile grows wider.

"I'm not---" Jimin pauses as he takes out three types of dark purple tux jacket from the backseat "---well, which one?" He asks Seulgi for her opinion. When he first hears that her dress is dark purple, he immediately digs up his closet and searches something to match hers. Those three are his only dark purple tux: a velvet, a brocade and a damask jacquard. He prefers the last one after he sees her dress as it matches the best.

"The jacquard one" Seulgi has no hesitation.

"Of course, I know it"

Jimin happily smiles because they share the same fashion sense. Thereafter, he puts on his tux and starts buttoning it while Seulgi just stares and watches. It's hot and cool at the same time and she enjoys the show too much. When he straights up his tux, she knows it's about to end and once he finishes, he reaches out his hand to her which she takes right away. He leads her to the car, helps her to get in and makes sure she sits comfortably inside before he steps in as well. As usual, he fastens up her safety belt and slyly steals a kiss from her. It surprises her but it doesn't stop her to join the game. As he is about to withdraw his body, she grasps on his tux, drags him closer and places a kiss on his lips.

"Naughty" Jimin comments.

Jimin quickly pulls away from Seulgi who teasingly smiles at him. It's all because he is more than aware if he stays still, they are going to be late or worse, they are not going to that charity night at all. He is going crazy. How he wishes he could ruin her lipstick, but he needs to hold back. No, not now, later.

***

One by one, polished cars start entering the imposing and spectacular mansion of the 'S' brand company. Through a spacious garden, the cars slowly reach the mansion's main door that is beautifully decorated by branches and creepers. Valet men already stand by in a straight line, sturdy as they are ready to do their duty. As the car stops, valet men bow mannerly then help to open the door before they take the car to park it at the far side of the mansion. The valet men are all used to see a lot of famous figures yet when they spot Jimin and Seulgi, their eyes shake and follow them around. The couple is undeniably eye-catching, their name and their face, lately everything related to them is everywhere and trending almost everyday. They are the hottest topic of the town and this is the first time they appear together in a closed public event, indubitably, everybody is interested to witness their interaction as is curious to know whether their relationship is genuinely built by love or it is just purely built for business.

After the barcode on the invitation is getting scanned and checked, Jimin and Seulgi are escorted by a girl who dresses like a flower nymph. Once feet step in to the mansion, it feels like a whole new world. Ivy climbing plants cover up every wall inside the mansion, hanging roots are decorated by supposititious luminous fireflies, leaves and dark flower petals scatter on the ground. The dim lighting and theatrical fog complete the mysterious glow of the mystical enchanted forest. It's fascinating and entertaining. Right, left, up and down. Everything is so impressive and extravagant.

Jimin and Seulgi walk slowly together. She holds his arm tightly as she looks around. She is aware that some people openly stares at them, but she just ignores those curious eyes. Step by step, they finally reaches the main hall and the escort shows and guides them to their seat. Before they sit, their sight land on a river that streams right beside them and for a moment they admire the scenery. The artificial river is so aesthetic and realistic at the same time. Crazy, the 'S' brand company really is all out for this year event. Once they are seated, Seulgi brings her face closer to Jimin's ear and covers her mouth to whisper in secrecy.

"It looks beyond amazing, right?---"

Jimin glances at Seulgi when he hears that. He is so close to agree but halts as he faces her and sees her expression. That is not a compliment but a sarcasm. He already knows what she is going to say next and his prediction is not wrong at all.

"---can you imagine the budget for this setting alone? Wow, those money should've been directly donated" Seulgi ironically smiles.

"I expect that kind of comment from you---" Jimin says as he looks at Seulgi "---but you know it yourself, these rich people are dying to brag about their money and power like there is no tomorrow" He lows down his tone as he is a little bit mocking, yet the next second he secretly feels ashamed as he realizes sometimes he is no different.

"Yeah, just like that time when you wasted one million dollar in exactly one second for my painting" Seulgi teasingly smiles at Jimin as she holds back her giggle.

"Hey, I wasn't bragging that time, I was protecting you" Jimin sulks. Though he knows Seulgi just teases him, but somehow it hits and triggers him.

"Calm down---" Seulgi speaks as she stares at Jimin lovingly "--- I know, I know it better than anyone else" She smiles until her eyes turn into beautiful crescent shape.

To be very honest, Jimin loves Seulgi's eye smile a little bit too much as it instantly brings warmth and melts his heart. A smile now appears on his face, a soft and sweet one. He says nothing as he just stares at her. She is aware of his gaze and without any doubt she decides to make an eye contact with him. There, they look at each other, need no word at all as everything is plainly all over their eyes. It's so obvious that they both are deeply in love with each other and their feeling is a genuine one.

"Excuse me, I'm sorry to interrupt---"

Both Jimin and Seulgi break the eye contact as they immediately shift their sight to the sound. What a surprise, it comes from the oldest grandson of the 'S' brand company, Lee Jaewook, who is accompanied by his wife, Song Yuna. Rumor has it, these two rarely approach and talk to people first as they are highly selective with their society and this reality is just mind-blowing, for Jimin and especially for Seulgi. She attended this event for years and never once she got a recognition or had a chance to stay this close to them. In one second, everything has changed.

"---Mr. Park and Ms. Kang, we just want to welcome you personally" Jaewook speaks. Jimin and Seulgi stands up in flash and shows gratitude as they mannerly bow to Jaewook and Yuna. People already give the attention to their conversation and envy them as they are the chosen one. Everybody knows, it's a praise already when Jaewook and Yuna decide to talk to you. It's even an honor when they personally greet you.

"What a nice dress, love it" Yuna compliments Seulgi which she replies with a 'thank you' and a smile.

"We really hope that you'll enjoy the event"

Both Jaewook and Yuna slightly bow and give their friendliest smile ever before they excuse themselves and leave without batting an eye to anyone else on the table or around them. Seulgi raises her eyebrows. It feels a bit strange as tonight she gets the acknowledgement from the king and queen of 'S' brand company just because she attends the event as the fiancé of JJ corporations' heir. Wow, that insanely shows how manipulative title, money and power are. Scary but she just shrugs it off as it usually happens around her circle. She is about to share the story with Jimin but halts when suddenly the lighting turns dim and the spotlight projects the stage. Master of ceremony comes up, greets all the guest and it marks the beginning of the charity night event.

One by one, the auction's asset is being shown on stage. Start from rare pearls and diamonds, deluxe jewels and gems, to palatial art and porcelain. Everything looks super luxurious and everybody tries to collect the item through a competitive bid. The rich boastfully shows off with a higher offer just to later let the richer ends the game with the highest bid. All this time, Jimin and Seulgi just watch all of them try to top the pyramid until the last item is brought to stage and being displayed. Immediately, its beauty blinds Seulgi until she unconsciously praises it and just like that, Jimin decides to place his first bid of the night.

"Ladies and gentlemen, right now we're looking at the prestigious and magnificent 0.5 carat alexandrite, a pure color-changing gemstone from the Ural mountain of Russia, it sits gloriously on 14k white gold ring with pavé diamonds around" The master of ceremony reads the description.

"Emerald by day, ruby by night, the opening bid is 125 million Won, now please begin" The master of ceremony invites.

The bid comes one by one and the price overwhelmingly rises. It multiplies until it reaches 250 million Won already. This is the time. Slowly, Jimin moves his hand and touches his auction plate before he raises it and shouts out his bid. 500 million Won. Immediately, Seulgi turns her face to him and with only her gesture and gaze, she protests. He just smiles at her and continues to place a bid when his is beaten. 750 million Won.

"Are you going to waste your money like that?" Seulgi asks.

"You say it's beautiful" Jimin answers casually as his ears keep listening.

"Yes, but I'm just saying, you don't need to---"

"No more bid?" The master of ceremony cuts off Seulgi's conversation with Jimin.

"No more? Then, congratulation Mr. Park, this beautiful alexandrite is yours" The master of ceremony informs as everybody claps.

Seulgi right away gives Jimin a look and frowns slightly. Of course, she loves to receive a nice present once in a while, but she really thinks it's a little bit too much. Yes, it's for charity and it's such a good thing, but still, she feels uncomfortable. She sighs and he asks why. She confronts and shares her argument in a very soft way. She speaks in whisper and tell him about her uncomfortableness.

"I understand what you mean, but please, take it, I rarely give you a gift and also, that ring will absolutely look good on you" Jimin defines softly.

Seulgi says nothing as she doesn't know what to say. Her heart melts away and it's hard to hold back her smile. She just then nods at Jimin and delivers her gratitude inaudibly. He also smiles as he puts his hand on the back of her hand and caresses it gently. Oh my, she really loves it whenever he shows a little affection in public. It's fluttering. In the other hand, he also loves to affectionately make a sweet skin contact with her in public. It's his way to tell the world that she is his girl, she is his fiancé, she is the one who owns his heart.

***

Dinner is royally fancy and tasty. The vibe is incredibly nice as an elegant orchestra accompanies everyone's chatter. Half hour after, some already start wandering around, paying a visit from one table to another, talking and building conversation with potential conglomerates. Jimin and Seulgi get a lot of guest on their table. Most of them congratulate the couple for their wedding before they give their attention fully to Jimin and talk about business. At first Seulgi just patiently listens and stays by his side, but as time goes by, she feels a little bit bored and decides to go to the restroom.

After Seulgi tells Jimin and gets a nod from him, she immediately walks away. On her way there, she meets familiar faces and stops to greet some acquaintances. She even crosses path with Kim Donghyun. He is so excited to see her as he always has a crush on her but then he remembers about her wedding and boldly asks if it's really what she wants. He needs to swallow disappointment as she confirms it with a very bright smile. A sigh leaves his lips but suddenly he remembers about her pregnancy rumor and the evil inside him feels the need to bring it up.

"Did that bastard really impregnate you?" Donghyun accusingly asks.

Humiliation and insult. This is awfully offensive to Seulgi. Even though Donghyun is a friend of her, it's still crossing the line to ask such a horrible question in a very impolite way like that. It's even worse because he refers Jimin as a bastard and she hates it. She feels the need to curse and slap him but she successfully holds back and just cynically smiles at him.

"Rumor is surely spread by a hater but you know what, it's only accepted by a fool, like you"

Seulgi beats Donghyun with one sentence. She then walks away and leaves him without waiting for his response. It's hard to believe that she is able to be unkind and rude. This is the first time she acts and talks this mean to anybody but honestly she has no regret at all. That idiot completely deserves it. She still feels resentful as she makes her way to restroom. She needs to force a smile every time someone greets her, trying to be nice and courteous. It gets faster with each step she takes though she has a hard time because of her dress. After a while, she turns to an almost empty hall until she finally finds the restroom. She is about to enter but suddenly someone calls out her name quite loud to the point where it startles her. Right away she looks to the source and sees a man in his late fifties, approaching and coming near her. Once he stands in front of her, that one unfamiliar face begins to talk.

"Ms. Kang, I'm Kim Soogeun from Body & Nature, Sojung's father"

Seulgi fails to control her expression. She is surprised and taken aback at the same time. Immediately she puts her guard on as there is a part of her which is scared of what harm is going to happen next. Her brain keeps telling her to run and just leave but it instantly disappears when Soogeun gives a deep bow to her and sincerely apologizes on behalf of his daughter. He says how much he is embarrassed and ashamed of what his daughter has done. He continues to ask for forgiveness and tries to get her empathy or even her pity. Once he witnesses her eyes change, he begins to beg for her help.

"Ms. Kang, please convince your fiancé to reconsider about the contract termination as well as the legal action toward my daughter, I don't know what to do anymore, please help me"

Soogeun sounds desperate and helpless. He is miserable and pathetic. At first Seulgi just blinks a couple of time until at last she gets a grasp of its meaning. Obviously, Jimin has made a decision alone, behind her back. He doesn't even bother to ask for her thought or opinion but he just right away does as he wishes. Of course, it's something that needs to be paid but he arbitrarily punishes not only Sojung but also people around her ruthlessly. How disappointing and upsetting his choice is. From her point of view, it's too vicious and heartless.

"Please, I beg" Soogeun pleads.

Seulgi actually doesn't know what to do or what to say as she is also in a state of shock because of the information. Her brain becomes blank and her tongue goes numb. She suddenly forgets her need to use the restroom, thereupon she just leaves. She doesn't want to promise a help or reject a plea. She is not sure about it and that's why she shuts her mouth. This is not fair, she knows it, but right now she is really confused with the situation and somewhat mad at Jimin. She is not in her right mind and her mood is not good. She swears, she is so ready for a long argument with Jimin but before that, she returns and give him a silent for the rest of charity night. She ignores him and he realizes there is something wrong. He tries to look her in the eyes but she keeps avoiding. It makes him nervous, somehow.

***

The event is over and everybody starts leaving the great mansion. Jimin and Seulgi stand in a line with other guests as they wait for their car. Her hand is around his arm and her body is so close to his, but there is a tension between them. She wishes for their car to come fast so she could be alone with him and talk about this matter. He wishes for their car to come fast so he could understand and find out what is actually going on. After a while, they finally get into the car and drive away. It's suffocating inside as it's overly quiet. He can't take it anymore. On an empty road, he pulls over and stops.

"What happened? Did I do something wrong?" Jimin asks innocently.

"You ask me? You should've known it yourself, what did you do behind my back?" Seulgi confronts him.

"I did nothing---"

"Yeah, of course, terminating a contract and even taking a judicial proceeding are nothing, how incredible" Seulgi sarcastically speaks.

Jimin petrifies after he finds the root of the problem. He doesn't need to ask to know that Seulgi is mad. It reflects on her tone and her voice. He lets out a deep breath and moves slightly to face her. He sees how her chest goes up and down rapidly as her emotion takes control. He secretly sighs before he calls her name several times but she refuses to look at him. It's okay, he is just going to explain, gently and slowly. Eventually, he admits everything and apologizes because he keeps it a secret from her then at that moment she turns to look at him.

"Jim, I have no idea that you're this cruel" Seulgi says.

It hurts to hear something like that. Jimin's heart is torn apart and his eyes shout it out. Seulgi's prejudice rips off his dignity and provokes his anger. He nearly loses it but he holds back as he clenches the steering wheel tightly until his knuckles turn pale. He tries his best yet he totally fails to keep calm when she calls him insensitive and inconsiderate. In the end, he totally explodes.

"You're the one who is insensitive and inconsiderate! How come you always care about other's feeling but never mine, the one who love you dearly?!" Jimin raises his tone with each word he says.

"Have you ever think about my feeling? Have you ever think how hurt I was when I saw you got assaulted by those crazy bitches?! No, you never!" Jimin now just bluntly screams at Seulgi and he doesn't care if he is scaring her.

"Jim---"

Seulgi halts as she is speechless. Yes, Jimin is right. She is insensitive and inconsiderate. She worries about other who is far away from her but fails to care about him who is so close to her. She is aware of how stupid and ignorance she is. She thinks she has done something great but actually not really. She thinks she is sensible but it's far from that. She opens her eyes and ears widely for other's misery but turns blind and deaf for his distress. She treats him unfairly and she is disappointed with her own doing. This is fully her fault and she blames it on herself.

"I'm not saying that I'm guiltless, but to be honest, this reality of you putting people first rather than me, it's disappointing" Jimin is stern with his words.

Seulgi stares at him but this time Jimin ignores her. He looks straight to the road but he quietly watches her from the corner of his eyes. Though he gives her the cold shoulder, she doesn't complain at all as she deserves it. She keeps her eyes on him but at last she looks away because tears build up on her eyes and threatens to fall. All this time, she always thinks that she is good enough but tonight he points out that she still lacks and she acknowledges it. She is at wrong.

"I'm sorry" Seulgi manages to speak.

One second, two seconds, no reaction. Seulgi repeats her apologize and her voice begins to crack. As always, she sounds fragile and it's one of Jimin's biggest weakness. He immediately shifts his eyes and gives his full attention to her. There, she breaks down in tears because she feels his concern though she is undeserving. In the other hand, he feels sorry once he hears her cry. He instinctively pulls and wraps her body into his embrace, holding her tight and comforting her. He softly whispers as he says it's alright and he is also in fault. Once she calms down, he lifts her chin up and says sorry one last time before he kisses her lips and reconciles. It's their very first fight and it's emotionally tiring. One thing for sure, they learn a lot from it.

***

I sincerely apologize for the wait and I hope you'll enjoy this chapter. Thank you so much, love.