At the same dining table, the three of them sat in an awkward atmosphere. Lunar didn't stop stealing glances at the two couples in front of her alternately. Arkan didn't stop loosening his tie as if it wanted to strangle his neck. Raya felt uncomfortable having to share the table with strangers when it used to be occupied by only two people.

Arkan was still contemplating what his secretary had said yesterday regarding a house that couldn't possibly be used as a place for two women to live. If given a choice, he would choose Raya. Unfortunately, he couldn't make a choice now. How could he expel Raya, who had been living with him in this house for so long?

Did he only buy one apartment for Lunar to live in? He planned to live with Raya in his current house so that they wouldn't have to face each other. However, his father wouldn't allow the son-in-law of the Gray family to live in the apartment alone. The question of who would stay was extremely complicated. Why did Lunar have to appear in his life?

Arkan brushed aside all the doubts that frustrated him and said, "Soon, Lunar and I will get married. After that, there can't be two women in this house. It will only attract unwanted attention."

Raya listened carefully to his words. She concluded that Arkan wanted to remove one of them from the house. Was she the one who would be expelled? She had no reason to stay there.

There was nothing wrong with Arkan's decision; she felt it was the right one. Two women couldn't coexist under the same roof. However, it seemed unfair to her that she had to leave before Lunar. Why did she have to occupy the house before Lunar? Everything felt so unjust.

Lunar nodded in agreement with the decision to remove Raya from the house. Having another woman in their marriage would only complicate things. The reputation they had carefully maintained would be at risk again. It was enough for them to be trapped in a loveless marriage.

"That's why I decided to buy an apartment, so one of you can live there."

"D-do you intend to kick me out?" Raya asked, hoping her worst fears wouldn't come true.

Arkan shook his head confidently. "No. I'll ask Lunar to leave."

Raya widened her eyes, surprised because her thoughts were completely different from reality. Even Lunar was shocked to hear this unreasonable decision.

How could Lunar be kicked out of the house where the wife of Arkan should live? Even though their marriage was a sham, it made no sense for the person who was supposed to be the mistress to give in.

"W-why me?" Lunar asked.

"Because you're just a stranger, now or even after we get married. Even though you will have the status of my wife."

Lunar didn't know how to respond. She couldn't deny that her presence was a mistake that had to be accepted. They were just strangers living together. No, in fact, now she would live alone in the apartment. The wife of the businessman herself would be exiled to a special place. Wasn't that sad?

But what was wrong with all of that? What made her grieve? They were strangers and would forever remain so. She would be the one benefiting the most from this situation, right? In just one year, she had obtained a shelter and a prestigious status. It didn't matter if she was alone in the apartment. After all, she didn't really know anyone else in the house.

"If you've made up your mind, I can't refuse," Lunar said, hiding her excitement.

"How about we clear up this misunderstanding? Wouldn't that be better? We might face more rumors, but at least we wouldn't have to go through with the wedding," Raya suggested, trying to save them all from this sad situation.

"No!" Lunar and Arkan shouted simultaneously.

The calm atmosphere immediately changed. Raya looked at them with a demanding expression, wanting an explanation. Wasn't clearing up the misunderstanding a better solution? They wouldn't have to go through with the wedding and everything would return to normal, with Raya as the true bride-to-be.

"I-I..."

Lunar was confused about what reason to give for her choice to disagree. If she said she didn't want her whereabouts known, which would only result in her being remarried, she would sound like a woman seeking refuge from someone else's future husband.

"Father has made his decision," Arkan said, holding Raya's hand on the table. "You know how my dad is, don't you?"

Raya lowered her head and took a deep breath. She had only been thinking about her own wishes, not considering how Arkan would be perceived if suddenly two women appeared in his life. Not to mention the questions that would arise about his relationship with Damian, his childhood best friend. She also knew that Arkan didn't want to disappoint Damian if their business partnership would be affected.

Raya pursed her lips and touched her hand to the one holding it. "I understand."

Seeing the relationship between the two couples in front of her made Lunar feel even more awkward. Their existence felt like that of a third wheel, something that was never intended. But what could they do when the situation had become so complicated? It wasn't just Arkan who didn't want to be in this situation; she also didn't want to be trapped in a loveless marriage. There were so many things she wanted to do out there, to live a normal life if it weren't for Nico.

***

Lunar followed the man's footsteps to their new place of residence. She was sandwiched between two tall and slender men. In the deserted alley, the three of them walked, with Arkan as their guide, while Secretary Ham dragged a dark-colored suitcase whose contents were unknown.

The red carpet she had walked on earlier now seemed like a farewell. She felt a tinge of sadness because she would be alone in the apartment. Back at her family's home, there was always someone to talk to. The conversations revolved around her job prospects and marriage, discussions she had been reluctant to engage in. Perhaps, she just missed her parents.

"For now, you'll stay here in the future," Arkan said.

Lunar glanced at the suitcase that had been brought into the room, its door already open. She didn't immediately pay attention to Arkan's words; instead, she entered the apartment, her gaze exploring her new living space. She had expected a modest place since she was just a foreigner, but the reality exceeded her imagination. Arkan had given her a luxurious place to live.

"Thank you, Arkan."

"No need to thank me. I'm doing all this because you'll have the status of... um, my wife," Arkan cleared his throat awkwardly, as it was the first time he referred to Lunar as his wife. He needed to get used to it since Lunar would soon become his wife.

Arkan noticed the black suitcase Secretary Ham had brought earlier. "For now, you can use the clothes in this suitcase. It's too late to buy new clothes. I'm not someone who can always anticipate your needs."

Lunar chuckled at his lighthearted yet endearing words. "I never expected you to anticipate my every need. I'll stay here alone," she said, turning her head to survey the room before pointing in one direction. "With the flower pots, floor tiles, and ceiling."

Arkan shifted his gaze from the flower pot to Lunar. Lunar would be living alone in the apartment, so there was no reason for him to live with her.

"You'll be my wife. Of course, I'll come to this apartment. People will suspect something if I'm not seen entering the place that will be your residence."

"You'll live with me here?"

"Only occasionally."

"Okay."

Secretary Ham received a signal and immediately handed Lunar a pouch containing a cellphone that would facilitate their communication. Lunar eagerly received the new phone, her eyes sparkling as if she had just received a lifeline.

"I've already saved my number and Secretary Ham's number in there. You can contact me only for very important and urgent matters."

The phone rang, and Arkan had to answer the call. However, the ringing abruptly stopped.

"Oh, so it really is your number."

Arkan grumbled in annoyance. "I told you to contact me only for very important and urgent matters."

Lunar paid no attention to the scolding and busied herself with her new phone. There were only Arkan's and Secretary Ham's numbers saved in it, and she had to decide whose number to save.

As Lunar realized that it was time to say goodbye, she quickly pocketed her phone and pushed Arkan and Secretary Ham towards the apartment door.

"It's too late for a visit now."

Arkan didn't argue because it was already very late at night, but he felt annoyance building up inside him at Lunar's suggestion.

"A visit?"

Arkan grinned, eager to argue, but unfortunately, the apartment door slammed shut right in front of him before he could continue.

"This is my apartment! I bought it! And you'll be my wife!" he exclaimed.

"C-calm down, Sir," Secretary Ham tried to calm him down, avoiding any unnecessary conflict. He guided Arkan to leave immediately.

For the second time, Lunar wore a white wedding dress compared to her wedding dress when she was with Nico. The dress now is more conservative. If she were to run away in the dress she's wearing now, it would be difficult because she can't walk fast. She just has to be careful so she doesn't fall.

Lunar accepted the offer of a helping hand as she approached the groom. She was carefully brought before the priest, and they stood firmly side by side in front of the witnesses. Only then did Lunar's hand escape from the gently gripping hold.

Lunar thought that the man she was about to marry was both ignorant and arrogant, but she could see a caring side to him today. Like just now, Arkan patiently waited for her slow movements.

Maybe... her assumption was wrong. She had almost forgotten that their marriage was meant to deceive everyone. Of course, Arkan would act that way for the sake of their public image.

The wedding vows had been made in front of witnesses. Cheers of joy immediately filled the room. They were married, truly married. It seemed that their deception had been successful.

Suddenly, Lunar's shoulder was turned so that she faced Arkan. She stared as his face came closer to hers. Unable to say anything due to their close proximity, and with her waist embraced and brought close to Arkan's body, they kissed.

"Stay like this for the next ten seconds," Arkan whispered.

It was a fake kiss. They merely closed the distance between their lips, creating the illusion of a kiss. In reality, there was no kissing at their wedding. Nevertheless, Lunar could feel Arkan's breath gently tickling her lips. Why was her heart beating so fast?

Ten seconds passed, and they moved apart. Lunar saw Arkan's smile after the fake kiss, feeling a mix of emotions from their earlier encounter. Their hands remained entwined. It was all fake.

After the event concluded, Lunar and Arkan returned home together in the same car. During the trip, they were silent, lost in their own thoughts. When they arrived at the apartment building, they got out and headed inside.

Lunar furrowed her brows, surprised why they hadn't parted yet. Now Arkan was entering the same apartment with her. She felt an itch in her tongue, longing for an answer as soon as possible.

"Are you staying the night today?" she asked.

Arkan threw himself on the sofa, tired from the pretense he had to uphold at the wedding venue. He took off his tie and replied, "Of course not. I'll stay here until Secretary Ham comes back and says that things are under control outside."

"Then, would you like me to make you a drink while we wait for Secretary Ham?" Lunar offered.

"You don't need to bother. I'll take care of it myself. Just do whatever you want. Pretend I'm not here," Arkan said.

Lunar pursed her lips. There shouldn't be anything wrong with fetching the drinks herself. She lifted her dress to walk, but climbing the stairs seemed difficult. Earlier, Secretary Ham had assisted her, but now there was no one she could ask for help except the man who sat on the couch with his head tilted back and his eyes closed.

"Could you help me up the stairs? I can't walk freely in this dress," Lunar requested.

Arkan, who had opened his eyes, noticed the wedding dress she was wearing and took a deep breath. No one could help Lunar except him. Reluctantly, he got up and approached the woman who was struggling.

Arkan lifted Lunar's body lazily, and suddenly, she let out a scream. Lunar wrapped her arms around Arkan's neck tightly to prevent herself from falling.

"W-why are you carrying me? Just help me walk like Secretary Ham did earlier. Help me handle this long wedding dress," Lunar exclaimed.

"I don't have much time to support you like before," Arkan replied.

Lunar frowned, trying to understand what she had just heard. Didn't have much time? Arkan had plenty of time until Secretary Ham arrived. It was clear that he was merely making excuses.

Lost in her thoughts, Lunar was shocked when Arkan suddenly threw her onto the bed.

"What are you doing?!" she exclaimed.

"I already helped you. No thanks needed," Arkan responded.

After that, Lunar watched as Arkan left the room. Trying to forget about his odd behavior, she slowly got off the bed. She unbuttoned her wedding gown so she could comfortably enter the bathroom. Inside, she washed herself with warm water, relieving her muscles as if she were receiving a VIP massage.

***

Arkan glanced alternately at his watch and cellphone. The absence of any word from Secretary Ham indicated that it was not yet time for him to return home. Apart from that, he had also received no news from Raya since their last meeting. Perhaps Raya was still upset about the marriage, causing her great sadness. He wished he could meet Raya and console her.

His thoughts were interrupted when Lunar walked past him. Arkan quickly turned his gaze away. "How can you dress like that when there's a man still in the house?!"

Lunar, who was heading to the kitchen to get a drink, slowed down her movements. She noticed Arkan's disapproval of her current attire—a nightgown to be precise. So, what was wrong with it? She had even worn a covering garment to ensure it wasn't too revealing.

"Don't come in here!" Arkan shouted, trying to shield his eyes with his hands.

"You bought me these clothes. I'm only wearing what you provided," Lunar explained.

Arkan glanced at Lunar, who quickly drank from the glass, before diverting his attention. "Did you take the nightgown from the suitcase?"

Lunar nodded while muttering. She recalled that night when Arkan had said she could wear the clothes in the suitcase. She hadn't expected to find a nightgown there, but considering the suitcase was filled with clothes, she assumed Arkan had a fetish for women's underwear.

Perhaps Arkan was clueless when it came to choosing the right clothes for a woman. She hoped Raya wouldn't experience the same thing, as Arkan might be perceived as a pervert. Fortunately, their relationship was only that of strangers, so it wasn't a major concern for Lunar to know Arkan's true nature.

"I never bought you..." Arkan began, his mind flashing back to the night he came home after accompanying his father's important business client. That night, he was supposed to help Lunar move into the apartment. He was late, but luckily, Lunar was still awake when he arrived.

On their way home, Secretary Ham reminded Arkan about clothes for Lunar. They searched for clothing stores, but unfortunately, only a few were still open. Arkan, not knowledgeable about women's clothing, left everything to the secretary. He never checked what clothes were purchased, never realizing that Secretary Ham had included a nightgown in the suitcase.

Why did Secretary Ham buy Lunar a nightgown? Did Secretary Ham have inappropriate thoughts about Lunar?

Why was he so concerned about it? And why hadn't he considered how caring Secretary Ham was towards Lunar? There must be something about Lunar that Secretary Ham found problematic, Arkan thought.

The ringing of the bell broke his daydream. Their attention shifted, and Lunar went to open the door, while Arkan observed from a distance. He watched as the apartment door swung open, revealing Secretary Ham. Arkan rushed over.

Arkan quickly made Lunar turn her back to prevent Secretary Ham from seeing what had been blocked from view. The wide-open door was closed again. Arkan pressed his hand against it, preventing the secretary from entering the apartment.

Lunar, her back against the door, was startled by the sudden turn of events. She wondered why Arkan was acting so strangely.

"Let me handle this. You better rest in the room. And remember not to casually open the door, especially in the clothes you're wearing," Arkan instructed.

Arkan opened the door only enough to slip out of the apartment, then closed it tightly. Just a meter away, Secretary Ham stood with an astonished expression. It seemed that Arkan had protected Lunar from the secretary's ill intentions.

"We need to talk," Arkan said in a serious tone. "In private." He emphasized the seriousness of the matter.

Secretary Ham maintained the same expression as he watched his boss walk away. Seeing how Arkan spoke, it was evident that they needed to have a serious discussion. Secretary Ham was filled with anxiety, thinking that he had made a grave mistake that required a one-on-one conversation. He followed Arkan's steps, exiting the apartment building.

Was he right in suspecting that Secretary Ham had feelings for Lunar? Could it be that Secretary Ham had an unhealthy obsession with secretly giving away such a revealing lingerie?

Arkan never knows what the secretary's love life is like, including the female character Secretary Ham likes, nor does he ask anything about it. Through the Lunar incident, he discovers that his secretary has extreme tastes when it comes to romance.

"You bought Lunar a lingerie?"

Secretary Ham lifted his head, frowning. Lingerie? What was his boss talking about right now? He thought. Those deep frowns faded upon realizing what was being said. He had indeed put the nightie in the suitcase when they had gone to buy clothes for Lunar.

"Yes, Sir." Arkan furrowed his brows deeply.

"Why? I never asked you to buy it. Do you like Lunar and want to see her in that lingerie?"

Secretary Ham shook his head rapidly, denying what he was being accused of. He had no ill intentions at all, not even daring to think of Lunar in a lingerie. Seeing Arkan looking so angry, Secretary Ham became suspicious. He knew that Arkan didn't want the marriage to happen, so why was Arkan's attitude now as if he didn't want him to like Lunar?

Compared to that, Secretary Ham remembered the moment the apartment door had suddenly closed without him even taking a step inside. "Did your wife wear a lingerie?" He asked, wanting to reconfirm his memory.

Arkan loosened his furrowed brows angrily. That attitude made him think that the secretary had seen nothing at the apartment earlier. He placed his hand on Secretary Ham's shoulder, gripped it, and shook it vigorously. "Tell me, what did you see back in the apartment earlier?!"

Secretary Ham was actually afraid of that anger, but he still replied, "I saw a very beautiful... madam," he said as if he was choking himself. Arkan grabbed Secretary Ham by the collar and pushed him until he hit the car. Meanwhile, the person whose position is being threatened is overwhelmed with how to calm the situation. Secretary Ham might run out if the lingerie issue continues.

"I-I didn't see it very clearly," said Secretary Ham, squinting the other way. "The lingerie was a gift from one of the clothes we purchased. I could swear that I never thought ill of madam."

Arkan loosened his grip and let Secretary Ham off the hook, though he still wasn't calm. "Then, what did you see earlier? You really didn't see anything?"

Secretary Ham was still sticking his body in the car without daring to move from his place. He just moved his head to the right and left, and even then while squinting. "I only saw the same color lingerie as the one you got, Sir. Before I could see more clearly, the apartment door was closed."

Arkan briefly observed Secretary Ham's expression. After making sure that what he heard wasn't a lie, he pushed the secretary aside so he could get into the car. For him, who already got the answer, he finally chose to end the conversation. Not so apparent for Secretary Ham who feels that Arkan and Lunar's closeness is a loophole for him. He, who was just an ordinary person, was too reckless to like his own superior's lover.

Yes, Secretary Ham likes Raya, whom he has always seen as the best woman. He has kept his feelings a secret, not wanting to ruin Raya's happiness with Arkan. It's just that those feelings have become harder to keep under wraps lately, and he really wants to have Raya.

Secretary Ham opened the front cabin door and sat in the driver's seat before starting the engine. The car accelerated at a moderate speed. It was time for them to go home. Meanwhile, Arkan sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window.

"Does Lunar really suit that lingerie, Sir?" Arkan, who had forgotten the topic of discussing lingeries, immediately caught his attention. Why would Secretary Ham ask about Lunar's appearance?

On the other hand, Secretary Ham saw the anxious look, which made him clear up any misunderstandings that might be in Arkan's mind right now.

"I'm thinking of replacing it if you think it doesn't suit her."

Arkan let out a deep breath, then turned his gaze from Secretary Ham back to the window. He had no intention of answering the question. Even so, what was asked made him think back to the incident at the apartment. Only he saw how the dress fit on Lunar's body.

Secretary Ham, who was stealing glances through the mirror, couldn't help but purse his lips. Arkan's face was now turning red, and that made him even happier. The question aimed at provoking feelings succeeded in letting him know how interested Arkan was in Lunar.

***

Arriving at their destination, Arkan approached where his girlfriend was. Raya was sound asleep in the room with the lights on. He entered the room very carefully, then stood beside the bed before lowering his body so he could see Raya clearly. He gently stroked her cheek while smiling.

Arkan noticed that her eyes were red, and her eyelashes were slightly wet. Even in the corners of her eyes, tears were falling slowly. His thumb rubbed to wipe them away. Looking at her current condition, it seemed that Raya had not stopped crying over his marriage to Lunar.

He slowly moved away from there, then left Raya's room. He closed the door tightly before letting out a heavy sigh. Even though Lunar no longer lived in the same place as them, Raya still felt the pain. If only he could keep Lunar out of his lover's sight, but he couldn't remove Lunar from his life.

Arkan went to his room and opened the wedding clothes that were still untouched. The hand that was unbuttoning the shirt stopped as he chose to stare at the jacket that had fallen off. Then, he sat beside the jacket, bowing his head. Regrets came over and over again. Raya is suffering the most, unwanted marriages, and their long-standing relationship is damaged because of his incompetence.

Now the wedding they were going to hold had to be postponed for the next year. His current status was also Lunar's husband, and no matter what happened, he had to prioritize Lunar. Raya would undoubtedly endure a lot of pain in the future. How could he let the woman he loved get hurt? On the other hand, he was also unwilling to let Raya find happiness with another man. His life was threatened to fall apart from all sides because of Lunar's presence.

The ringing cell phone broke his reverie and triggered his anger. He immediately picked up the call when he found out who was calling. His father's voice could be heard from the other side, very angry while discussing the matter of Lunar living in the apartment. He had predicted in advance how his father would respond but still insisted on moving Lunar.

"Sorry, Dad. I won't listen to you on this matter."

"Is all this because of Raya? Are you arguing with me? You also insisted on marrying her, and now you dare to kick the Gray family's son-in-law out of the house."

In fact, his relationship with Raya was not approved at all. Naturally, Lunar's position was higher in Damien's eyes because now the woman who had officially become his wife was the daughter-in-law of the Gray family, whose position had to be recognized. In contrast, Raya was only considered as his childhood friend.

"Why are you silent? Return Lunar to her proper position quickly! I don't want to hear any bad news about you again!"

"I can't do it, Dad. After all, the person you should hate is Lunar, not Raya. She's the one who ruined your son's life."

The desires of the father and son were like two different poles. One did not want the business to shake even a little and was too panicked to maintain stability, while the other did not want Raya to be within the scope of her marriage to Lunar. It would only cause more pain for Raya in the future.

"You have to do it."

"No, Dad."

"You have to!" The voice on the other end paused. "Okay. I won't force you to bring Lunar back."

Arkan widened his eyes, unable to believe what he was hearing. His father relented, and it was very rare. But it raised suspicions about an attitude he found uncharacteristic. What did his father really want?

"Instead, you should move to the place Lunar is currently occupying. I don't want to hear any more objections!"

Arkan wanted to refuse but had to stop because the phone call was unilaterally cut off. How else was he supposed to make his father understand? He couldn't imagine what it would be like if he had to see the woman who brought chaos to his life every day.

"As my dad gets older, he becomes more and more annoying," Arkan said alone.