Chapter 2.
The tires of the sleek black sport car crunched against the gravel as Lee Dae steered toward the perimeter. Rising from the landscape like a golden wall, the Huge Golden Gates stood twenty feet tall, their wrought-iron bars plated in shimmering 24-karat leaf. As the car's sensors triggered the silent hydraulic system, the massive wings of the gate swung inward without a sound, revealing a cobblestone driveway that curved toward the main house.
The Building: Neoclassical Grandeur
As they rounded the bend, the mansion came into full view—a masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture. The building was a sprawling fortress of white marble and cream-colored limestone, featuring:
Massive Corinthian Columns: Four stories high, they supported a grand portico that sheltered the main entrance.
Tiered Terraces: Stone balconies lined the upper floors, overlooking manicured gardens and a cascading water feature.
Floor-to-Ceiling Windows: Reflective glass panes caught the afternoon sun, making the entire structure appear as if it were glowing from within.
Lee Dae brought the car to a smooth halt directly under the portico. Two suited attendants immediately stepped forward—one to open the driver's side for Lee Dae, and the other to handle the rear doors for the other two companions.
The trio entered the building through twelve-foot-tall mahogany doors with intricate gold-filigree handles. They didn't just walk in; the transition was seamless:
They first stepped into a climate-controlled marble vestibule, where the air was scented with expensive sandalwood and oud.
Passing through a second set of glass-inlaid doors, they emerged into the Great Hall, a vast open space featuring a dual-winding "Imperial" staircase made of white oak and gold-leafed railings.
Moving together, they crossed the polished white-oak floors toward the center of the hall, their footsteps echoing against the vaulted, hand-painted ceilings.
The sheer scale of the interior, with its layered lighting and open-concept design, made the transition from the outdoors feel like stepping into another world entirely.
The atmosphere in the living room was heavy with the scent of expensive leather and the lingering chill of the night. The space was vast, lit by recessed floor lights that cast long, dramatic shadows against the marble.
As they reached the center of the room, Kim Jo collapsed into a deep, charcoal-grey velvet armchair. With a groan of relief, he kicked off his expensive black loafers, letting them thud unceremoniously onto the polished floor. His fingers fumbled with his silk tie, yanking the knot loose until the fabric hung limp around his neck.
"What a night!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing off the high ceilings. He threw his head back against the cushion and raised his voice. "Any maid around?"
The only response he got was a sharp, dry scoff from Seo Joon, who was still standing, looking out the floor-to-ceiling window at the dark estate grounds.
"As if you hired some," Seo Joon muttered, his voice dripping with characteristic coldness. "We only have old Mrs. Oh Ni."
Just then, the soft shush of a hidden sliding door broke the silence. Mrs. Oh Ni stepped into the room, her movements practiced and silent. She carried a heavy silver tray holding a bottle of aged red wine and three crystal glasses. Without a word, she set the tray on the low marble coffee table.
With steady, weathered hands, she uncorked the bottle. The rich, oaky aroma of the wine immediately filled the air. She poured three equal measures, the dark red liquid swirling against the glass, before bowing slightly and retreating back through the side door.
Kim Jo reached forward, his fingers brushing against the cold crystal as he lifted a glass. He looked at the other two, a tired but triumphant glint in his eyes.
"Let's drink," he said, his voice dropping to a low murmur.
"I know many methods to find true love.Kim Jo....' Lee Dae tilts his head sideways and gave him a look,his eyes teasing him "Are you interested ?"
Kim Jo dropped the crystal glass cup and stand up.
"No, thank you!" He replied quickly and tried escaping the conversation but Seo Joon was fast to block his way pushing him back to the chair and Kim Jo fell back to the chair in a sitting position.
"Hey! What is your problem? Do you want to ruin my expensive suit?" Kim Jo asked looking annoyed.
"I just can't bear to see you stay single for the rest of your miserable and pathetic life".
Seo Joon answered and Lee Dae laughed.
"Whose life are you calling miserable and pathetic? Don't you know insulting me also means you are insulting your pathetic life too? We are friends and it was said, choose your friend and I will tell you who you are".
Kim Jo said and pushed him away from his sight and angrily left the living room to his own villa.
Seo Joon tried to follow him but Lee Dae stopped him midway.
"Don't worry,he will come around."
Lee Dae said looking confident about it.
Seo Joon gave him a suspicious look and slowly walked up to him and sat beside him.
"Mind sharing the secret?"
"No secret ". Lee Dae answered slowly slipping from his crystal glass of wine.
"Are you sure you aren't hiding something from me? "
Seo Joon press on peeping at his face and Lee Dae sighed and look at him giving him a funny look.
"Over heard his parents is going to pressure him to bring them a wife or else...he will be stripped off his precious things he has. Houses, ship, cars and even his Bank account will be frozen. And you know,he will not survive that. While me,my marriage with Paige is in the next three months so I was hoping to have Kim Jo as my partner; Lee Dae stretched and dropped the crystal glass and stand up ; we will be wedding our bride the same day. Isn't that beautiful?"
He asked and left the living room to his private villa.
Seo Joon was left alone, thinking.
"Does that mean,I should be looking for my own wife too?"
Seo Joon thought through his mind and when he made up his mind he shouted
" Lee Dae!! Come tell me the secret to finding true love!!!"
He yelled and quickly stood up and chased after Lee Dae.
Lee Dae hearing the hurry footsteps of Seo Joon,ran quickly to his villa with Seo chasing.
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