Chapter 16: A Battle of Wills

The grand halls of the Lee family estate were as imposing as ever, their luxurious décor a constant reminder of the weight of tradition and expectation that had always loomed over YN's life. The moment she and Seokjin stepped inside, she felt the familiar pressure of her father’s expectations bearing down on her.

Seokjin remained by her side, his presence a comforting anchor. His eyes, however, were alert, taking in every detail of their surroundings, the tension in the air palpable. As they made their way to the drawing room where her father awaited, YN’s heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing with thoughts of how to navigate the confrontation that was about to unfold.

When they entered the room, her father, Lee Jong Suk, was standing by the fireplace, his back turned to them as he stared into the flickering flames. The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation, and YN could feel Seokjin’s hand hovering near hers, ready to offer support at a moment’s notice.

“Father,” YN greeted, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging inside her.

Lee Jong Suk turned to face them, his expression as stern as ever. He was a man of few words, but each one carried weight, and YN knew this conversation would be no different.

“YN,” he acknowledged, his gaze briefly flickering to Seokjin before settling back on his daughter. “I’m glad you came. We have important matters to discuss.”

“I’m aware,” YN replied, keeping her tone neutral. She could feel Seokjin’s quiet strength beside her, and it gave her the courage to stand her ground.

Lee Jong Suk’s eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her, his gaze calculating. “You know I only want what’s best for you, YN. That’s why I’ve arranged this meeting with the Kim family. Their son is a suitable match, and this union would be beneficial for both our families.”

YN felt a surge of frustration, but she forced herself to remain calm. “Father, I understand that you want what’s best for me, but I don’t want to marry someone I don’t know, someone I don’t love.”

“Love is a luxury, YN,” her father replied dismissively, his tone cold. “Marriage is about responsibility, about ensuring the future of our family. You were raised to understand this.”

YN clenched her fists, the anger she had been trying to suppress bubbling to the surface. “I wasn’t raised to be sold off like a commodity, Father. I have my own life, my own dreams, and I refuse to let you dictate who I spend the rest of my life with.”

Lee Jong Suk’s expression hardened, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features. “You’re being foolish, YN. This is not just about you. It’s about the family, about our legacy.”

“Then why didn’t you raise a son if the legacy is all that matters?” YN shot back, her voice shaking with emotion. “You’ve always treated me like I’m just a pawn in your plans, but I’m not, Father. I’m your daughter, and I deserve to make my own choices.”

Seokjin, sensing the rising tension, stepped forward. His voice was calm, but there was an underlying steel in his tone. “Sir, with all due respect, YN’s happiness should be the priority here. Forcing her into a marriage she doesn’t want won’t benefit anyone.”

Lee Jong Suk’s eyes snapped to Seokjin, his gaze icy. “And who are you to speak on such matters? You’re just an employee. You don’t understand the weight of these decisions.”

“I may be an employee, but I care about YN’s well-being,” Seokjin replied, meeting Lee Jong Suk’s gaze without flinching. “She’s a brilliant, capable woman who deserves to choose her own path, not have it dictated to her.”

There was a long, tense silence as Lee Jong Suk stared at Seokjin, as if weighing his words. YN’s heart was in her throat, her anxiety growing with each passing second. She had never seen anyone stand up to her father like this, and she couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration for Seokjin.

Finally, Lee Jong Suk spoke, his voice low and measured. “You seem very invested in my daughter’s future, Mr. Kim.”

Seokjin didn’t hesitate. “I am, sir. I care about her deeply, and I want to see her happy.”

YN’s breath caught in her throat at Seokjin’s words, her heart pounding in her chest. The sincerity in his voice, the way he stood so resolutely by her side, filled her with a mix of emotions, gratitude, affection, and something deeper that she couldn’t quite name.

Lee Jong Suk’s gaze shifted back to YN, his expression unreadable. “YN, is this what you want? To defy your family’s wishes and pursue your own path?”

YN swallowed hard, her mind racing. She knew this was her moment, her chance to finally assert her independence, to make her own choices. And with Seokjin beside her, she felt a strength she hadn’t known she possessed.

“Yes, Father,” YN said, her voice steady and clear. “I want to live my life on my own terms. I want to be with someone who values me for who I am, not for what I represent. I won’t marry someone just because it’s convenient for the family.”

Lee Jong Suk studied her for a long moment, his expression inscrutable. Finally, he sighed, the sound heavy with resignation. “You’re more like your mother than I realised,” he muttered, almost to himself.

He turned back to the fireplace, his shoulders slumping slightly. “Do what you must, YN. But remember this: the choices you make will have consequences, and you’ll have to live with them.”

YN felt a weight lift off her shoulders, but the warning in her father’s words lingered, a reminder that her battle was far from over. She nodded, her voice soft but firm. “I understand, Father. Thank you.”

With that, she turned and walked out of the room, Seokjin right beside her. Once they were outside, YN let out a shaky breath, the adrenaline that had been fueling her finally beginning to fade.

Seokjin placed a gentle hand on her back, his touch grounding her. “Are you okay?”

YN nodded, though she still felt a little dazed. “I think so. I just… I can’t believe I actually stood up to him.”

Seokjin smiled, a warm, reassuring smile that made YN’s heart flutter. “You were incredible, YN. I’m so proud of you.”

YN looked up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude. “I couldn’t have done it without you, Seokjin. Thank you for being there for me.”

Seokjin’s expression softened, and he reached out to take her hand, his thumb brushing lightly over her knuckles. “I’ll always be here for you, YN. No matter what.”

In that moment, as they stood together outside the estate, YN felt a sense of peace, of clarity. She didn’t know what the future held, but with Seokjin by her side, she knew she could face whatever challenges came her way. Their bond, forged in the fires of uncertainty and defiance, was stronger than ever, and nothing could break it.

As they left the estate, hand in hand, YN couldn’t help but feel that this was the beginning of something new, something beautiful a future that was truly hers to shape, with the man she loved by her side.

Please Vote.