Seokjins' Pov:

Shortly after signing the agreement, I was aware that the course of my life was about to change, but I didn't foresee that the shift would occur one week later. This individual had several major problems that needed to be addressed. I don't believe he really appreciated that not everything needed to be completed immediately. If he had been working on the construction project when Rome was being constructed, I have no doubt that he would have finished everything in a single day.

It baffles me how anybody could work with him. I would go insane if I had to work with him, but when I stop to think about it, I'm in a tougher position than the people who have to deal with him. I had put my name on a document that said I would marry this guy. What the living hell was I thinking?

"Jungkook, you have 97 billion dollars, and that number accounts for all of the assets you hold."

During the portion of the conversation in which his accountant was discussing his fortune, I had a firm grip on the chair I was sitting on. If you were wondering, he and I were meeting with his accountant and his lawyer, Taehyung, to discuss how our respective financial situations would be impacted by the marriage that will occur later today.

Indeed, you have it right. Later on, today, Kim Hoseok and Kim Taehyung will be our guests for the private ceremony that marks the beginning of our marriage. Apparently, I failed to insert a condition in the contract stipulating that the marriage should not occur immediately after my signing.

"Thank you, and could you tell me about Seokjin? I think he granted you access to his information, didn't he?" After hearing him question his accountant, I rolled my eyes at him. It was a mystery why he took an interest in the little amount of savings I had. I can't even count to 97 billion, much less get my head around how someone can have that much money and want to put me on a $5,000 budget.

I had to acknowledge that even though I wasn't very interested in getting married to him, I did have someone looking out for my best interests. I didn't even have to go after him; instead, he came to me, and if that isn't a gift, I don't know what is.

"Mr. Seokjin has a combined wealth of two hundred and fifty million dollars. When you two are married, let me know, and I'll make sure that your names are added to each other's accounts."

"Good that-"

"I apologize for interrupting, but does the figure of 250 million dollars include Seokjin's stocks, shares, and investment in Seoul's National?"

I could not believe what I was hearing and shifted my focus to Taehyung. Wow, I knew I had every cause to hate this guy.

Jungkook turned his head in my way and asked me, "have you given my accountant all the information he needs on the assets you have?"

No, the fuck, I did not. Why would I do that?

After taking a few slow, deliberate breaths, I finally managed to say, "I thought we were just including what we have in our bank accounts. I suppose that I am to blame for misinterpreting the task. Thank you very much, Taehyung, for bringing everything that belongs to me up here. I really appreciate it!" Fucking asshole.

"Oh, Mr. Seokjin, there is no need to worry about that; if you supply me with the specifics, I will be able to add it to the total that I have here. Do you have a rough idea of how much money is still lacking so that I may do some preliminary calculations?" Oh, I hate his accountant too.

I reacted with a smile and said, "It's just a tiny bit under one hundred million."

"Great, so that would land us at roughly 350 million dollars. Was that also inclusive of the amount your current home is worth?"

Oh, this is where I draw the line!

"Listen, I have no problem with whatever that I own being merged with Mr. Jeon since it will still be mine after the merger. On the other hand, the home that my late husband bequeathed to me will not be incorporated into anything, nor will it be a part of anything. I am the only owner of the value that is contained in that home. I will not give it to anybody, and if I ever decide to sell it, I would rather the proceeds go to a charity in my husband's honor.

That home was custom-built for me by him as a present, and even though I have already caused him a great deal of harm by, for example, splitting his money with Mr. Jeon, I won't do any more than that. I really hope that this is understood and respected."

I was aware that my voice was shaking as I talked, but there was no way in hell that I was going to give anything from that house to anybody or share it with anyone. If there was going to be anybody who benefited from gaining anything with that property, it would be Yoongi's preferred charity.

"Seokjin, you and Jungkook-"

"It's not a problem, Taehyung. He is free to retain the home. It is unnecessary to integrate the home with the other assets; I will respect his decision to maintain it and let him decide what he will do with it. I would like it if you could write up a separate agreement for him about exclusive ownership of that home, and I will sign it."

Wait a second, did Mr. Jeon just say that he appreciates my decision? When did he start using such seductive language? Fuck. After all, getting married to this guy may not be such a horrible idea.

*****

When I finally did it, after eight years, exchanging one ring for another was a lot more painful than I had anticipated it to be. I realized how pointless a marriage was when the vows were not sincere and given some consideration.

While today marked the beginning of a new, unpredictable, and nerve-wracking chapter in my life, I could not stop thinking about what I had had and how swiftly I had lost it. Now, I was really terrified of what the future held. I didn't want another loss, but I wasn't certain if this was a gain either.

It was only a business transaction for the man opposite me, a safeguard for his future heirs. I was still uncertain about my role in all of this. It was a lot to absorb, but I believe that if I concentrate my attention on my children and take things one day at a time, I will eventually regain my footing as I did with Yoongi.

"I want you to give me a hug," Hoseok murmured to me as he pulled me into his arms, instantly ripping me away from the thoughts that I was having.

I greeted his embrace with a warm smile and a "thank you."

"You are very welcome, and I ask that you not put too much pressure on yourself. I am aware that this has been a lot on you, but I honestly have a positive feeling about everything."

As I moved away from him, I sighed and said, "I wish I could say I felt the same way. It's fine, though; my kids will be taken care of. I suppose this is the kind of sacrifice that parents are expected to make, right?"

"Within the next two years, I anticipate that you will be expressing gratitude to your children. The two of you can't live together without developing feelings for one another. Already, I can tell by how he stares at you that he is interested in you."

What? Okay, this is laughable. When we consider who he is married to, it really shouldn't come as a surprise that he has some kind of a problem.

"Interest in causing me misery, absolutely, I would agree with that."

*****

"Thank you," I said to the waiter who had pulled out my chair for me to sit.

He returned a smile to me, "anytime, would you like me to get you something to start with?"

"To begin, maybe some water would be nice. However, I will need some time to check through the menu before deciding. Unless, of course, you want to suggest anything to me-"

"We would appreciate it if you could allow my husband and me some time to go through the menu, and we will get back to you if we need your help."

Oh my my, what the hell was wrong with this guy?

I observed as the waiter immediately expressed his regret before leaving the table. I felt terrible since he was really kind, yet grumpy still managed to screw things up again.

"Jungkook-"

"Seokjin, I am aware that the start of our relationship has been unusual, but let me be clear: we are now married. As simple as those vows may have been, I take them seriously, expecting the same from you. I don't want you to flirt with or pay unnecessary attention to anyone in my presence or outside. I have already had one failed marriage, and I will not have another. Therefore, every ounce of your focus, if not on our children or on yourself, should be on me and not anyone else."

Would it be absurd to say that I felt somewhat confused?

"Jungkook, I believe that if you had let me finish my sentence before interrupting me, it would have dispelled any preconceived notions that you may be getting at this point. I am a friendly person. However, I am aware that this may not be the case for you. I can honestly say that I have never cheated on anybody, and I have no intention of starting now.

I would never dishonor our simple vows, but I will not allow you to prevent me from being kind to other people. Don't blame me because you married the wrong person or that they cheated on you in the past. To put it another way, you are not Yoongi, and neither am I your ex-husband. Therefore, let's not look at each other in the same manner we used to look at the people we've loved in the past. If I were to do that, I would not be sitting here with you."

I was aware that I had angered him when I saw that he was shifting in his seat and fiddling with his jacket, but I didn't care; don't attack me like this. I am not a person who cheats. Many characteristics describe me, but deception has never been one of them.

"I did not want to suggest that you are a cheater or would cheat. However, I feel it disrespectful that you give other men your attention while I am there. I find it offensive, and I hope you will stop. I doubt these guys can distinguish between your friendly and flirtatious behavior. I offered to take you to this restaurant. Instead of asking him for recommendations, you should have asked me what I recommend given that I brought you here."

Point made.

"Understood, Jungkook. You are totally right; I should have asked you about the recommendations. I will note it in the future, and I will also pay attention to how I interact with other guys, both with and without you there. I apologize if it came off as rude to you; please know that it is not my intention to treat you in such a way." It wasn't worth my time to argue with him when he made a point that couldn't be disputed. I listened carefully to his concern and going forward, I will take it into consideration.

Despite the unusual circumstances surrounding our marriage, he is the man to whom I have committed my life and who is now known as my husband. I shall act toward him as I would have with Yoongi in terms of both respect and treatment.

"Thank you, and I apologize if this has been a difficult day for you; I know we did a lot today. I apologize for the rush, but I'm leaving on a two-week trip tomorrow and couldn't leave this undone."

Say what?

"You leave for what?"

"I have a business trip in New Zealand-"

"Alright, and for how long have you been aware that you are going on this trip? Have you forgotten that I have an appointment at the doctor's office in two days? This next weekend is when we are expected to move into our new home; what the fuck, Jungkook? You just delivered a speech to me about the need for respect, yet this is what you do—and you want me to be okay with it?"

"I am sorry, this trip was not planned in advance. I learned yesterday night that I must visit because of an important problem."

"Really? How important, who is dying?"

"Seokjin, I don't think-"

"Jungkook, it doesn't matter where you need to go; I need you back by the weekend so we can move in on the day we agreed upon. I will not be moving into that home by myself, and the move will take place this weekend since we already confirmed that day with the movers. I am fine with going to the doctor by myself." He was being really ridiculous now!

Without looking at me, he took up his phone and said, "I will ask my assistant to change my flight to return on Friday."

Good, do that!

"What other future travels do you have that I do not know about, and how often do you travel for work-related reasons during the year?"

If these were things that worked in the past with his ex-husband, he was in for a new beginning because I was not good with it. Communication was vital, and it needed to go in both directions. I bet he wouldn't be happy if I stood up in front of him and said that I was going to Africa.

"Also, because we are talking about future travels, I feel obligated to note that I will be traveling to Africa next month."

He took his eyes from his phone and fixed a glare on me before asking, "what was that?"

Exactly.

"It's a joke, but anyway, back to my previous questions, where do you have upcoming travel plans?"

"I'm having my assistant provide you my schedule so that you can view it more easily."

Oh, so he wasn't ignoring me. Good to know.

"Your assistant works this late?"

"Yes, why?"

Wow, it was after seven.

"Do you mind putting your phone down and letting us eat? It's our wedding night after all, and I am hungry."

"Sure, let me send this email, and we can place our order."

I waited patiently until he was done without saying a word. When he placed his phone down, he looked at me, "what size clothes do you wear?"

"Excuse me?"

"I want to get you a gift, as I know this wedding was probably different from what you previously experienced."

"Umm, you can get me something besides clothes." I have no intention of disclosing my size with him, given that it changes daily.

"Do you like jewelry"

"I do like diamonds, yes."

"Okay."

I was unaware that we would be distributing presents. I wonder what I could get him.