Tempting Possibilities

After Na-yeon left, A-ri found herself deep in thought, contemplating the advice and reminders her best friend had given her. She knew Na-yeon was right – she couldn't keep shouldering her burdens alone. Both her financial and emotional struggles were taking a toll on her, and she needed a way out.

As she sat in her small apartment, A-ri's mind kept wandering back to the concept of contract marriages. It was a daring idea, one that challenged her beliefs about love and commitment. But the more she thought about it, the more it seemed like a potential solution to her problems.

"A-ri, you can't keep pushing yourself like this," Na-yeon's words echoed in her mind. "You deserve to be happy, and it's okay to ask for help. Let people support you."

A-ri recalled how Na-yeon had reminded her about the importance of reaching out, whether it was for emotional support or practical assistance. Her best friend had seen her struggle for too long, and Na-yeon knew that it was time for A-ri to consider different options.

"And about the contract marriage thingy," Na-yeon had said with a teasing smile, "Who knows, it might be the adventure you need. You're always looking for inspiration for your art, right? This could be your next muse."

A-ri chuckled softly at the memory. Na-yeon had a way of injecting humour into serious conversations, lightening the atmosphere when needed.

With curiosity gnawing at her, A-ri decided to do some research on the topic. She opened her laptop and began searching for information about contract marriages in Korea.

To her surprise, she stumbled upon an article written by Na-yeon herself. It was a detailed piece discussing the rising trend of contract marriages and how it was impacting the lives of many individuals in the country. Intrigued, A-ri clicked on the link and began reading intently.

As she read through Na-yeon's article, A-ri learned more about the practicality and success rates of contract marriages. She found herself drawn to one particular agency, known as "Eternal Bond". Under this agency, the success rate of contract marriages was reported to be above 90 per cent.

The reviews from individuals who had used "Eternal Bond" were overwhelmingly positive, with many sharing their satisfaction with the service. It seemed like this agency had a unique approach that catered to the needs and desires of both parties involved.

Overwhelmed by the information before her, A-ri closed her laptop and cupped her face in her hands. The idea of a contract marriage was both alluring and daunting. On one hand, it could provide her with the financial stability she desperately needed, but on the other hand, she couldn't fathom being in a relationship devoid of genuine love and emotions.

Na-yeon's words echoed in her mind, tempting her to give it a try. She had always admired her friend's courage and pragmatic outlook on life. Maybe this was the opportunity A-ri needed to break free from her current struggles.

With uncertainty gnawing at her heart, A-ri decided to reach out to Na-yeon again. She needed to talk to her friend, to share her newfound discoveries and the conflict she felt within.

"Eh, calling me so soon. Did you miss me already?" Na-yeon teased. "You need mommy to sing you to sleep?"

"N... Na-yeon! Enough joking around!" A-ri scolded. "I'm trying to be serious here."

"Alright, my bad. So what's up?" Na-yeon quickly shot the question.

"I've been researching contract marriages, and I read your article," A-ri began the conversation.

"Oh, you did?" Na-yeon replied, her voice filled with curiosity.

"Yes," A-ri continued hesitantly. "It's just... I don't know what to think. The idea of a contract marriage is so foreign to me, but at the same time, it feels like a potential way out of my problems."

"A-ri, I understand your reservations. It's not an easy choice to make. But sometimes, we have to take risks and explore uncharted territories to find what we truly need in life," Na-yeon listened attentively, knowing how difficult this decision was for her friend.

"I'm just scared," A-ri admitted, her voice trembling. "What if I regret it? What if it doesn't work out, and I end up feeling even more lost?"

"You'll never know until you try," Na-yeon said gently. "But remember, you don't have to make a decision right away. Take your time to think it over, and don't rush into anything. Whatever you decide, I'll be here to support you."

"Thank you, Na-yeon. You've always been there for me, and I appreciate it more than you know," A-ri felt a sense of relief hearing Na-yeon's understanding and support.

"That's what friends are for," Na-yeon replied warmly. "Just remember, whatever path you choose, I'll always be by your side every step of the way."

As a couple of days passed, A-ri found herself increasingly stressed. The pressure of her overdue rent and the looming deadline for the art competition weighed heavily on her shoulders. She tried to immerse herself in her work, hoping that inspiration would strike, but the muse seemed to elude her.

Frustrated and desperate for a way out of her predicament, A-ri finally made up her mind. She couldn't afford to waste any more time. Today was the day she would visit "Eternal Bond" and explore the possibility of a contract marriage.

Dressed in a beautiful formal dress, A-ri set off for the agency's office. With every step she took, her heart pounded in her chest, and her palms grew sweaty. She was terrified of what she was about to do, but she knew that just lazing around wouldn't solve her problems.

As she wandered through the bustling streets of Seoul, A-ri kept her eyes peeled for the signboard of "Eternal Bond." When she finally spotted it, her heart skipped a beat. This was it. This was the moment of truth.

Summoning all her courage, A-ri approached the entrance of the agency. But every time she tried to bring her foot closer to the automated door, fear gripped her, and she found herself taking a step back. This dance of hesitation continued several times, with A-ri unable to overcome her inner turmoil.

Unbeknownst to A-ri, a man had been observing her from inside the agency. He was one of the agency's best employees, Park Jin-ho as the name etched on his suit. Jin-ho had a knack for reading people, and he could sense A-ri's nervousness from afar.

He decided to approach her and offer his assistance. He understood how daunting the idea of a contract marriage could be for someone who was not familiar with it.

"Hello there, miss. Is there anything I can help you with?" Jin-ho walked up to A-ri, greeting her with a warm smile.

"Um, I was just... I was curious about... about the services here," A-ri stammered, startled by his sudden appearance. Her face flushed with embarrassment, and she felt a wave of shyness washing over her. She bowed down, ready to run away.

"Oh, miss," Jin-ho said gently, reaching out to secure his hand on her forearm before she could dash off. His latex glove emanated a cold touch to her skin as he tugged on her gently. "You've mustered all the courage just to run away? I don't think so, miss."

Adverting her gaze, A-ri felt even more embarrassed by the second. However, her heart pushed her to speak up.

"W-Would you mind telling me more about your service here?" she asked timidly.

"Of course, we'd be happy to explain everything to you. Why don't you come inside, and we can have a chat?" Jin-ho nodded understandingly.

A-ri hesitated for a moment, but something about Jin-ho's reassuring presence made her feel a little more at ease. Taking a deep breath, she nodded and followed him into the agency's office.

Inside, the sleek and modern interior of "Eternal Bond" gave her a sense of professionalism and reliability. A-ri felt a mix of anxiety and curiosity as she sat down, ready to learn more about the world of contract marriages.

As A-ri settled into the comfortable chair, Jin-ho began explaining the concept of contract marriages in a casual and friendly manner. He described how "Eternal Bond" specialized in pairing individuals based on their compatibility and mutual requirements, ensuring that both parties needs were met through carefully crafted contractual agreements.

A-ri listened intently, still feeling a bit apprehensive but also intrigued by the idea. Jin-ho skillfully navigated the conversation, asking her seemingly innocent questions about her life, her dreams, and her struggles. He managed to keep the conversation light and friendly, never giving away his true intentions.

As they chatted, A-ri found herself opening up to Jin-ho, sharing her financial struggles and the stress she was facing due to her overdue rent and the art competition. Jin-ho listened attentively, offering sympathetic words and understanding nods.

"So, what are you looking for in a partner?" Jin-ho asked casually, concealing his ulterior motive behind the question.

A-ri pondered for a moment, not entirely sure how to respond.

"I guess someone who can be supportive and understanding," she finally replied. "Someone who can be there for me when I need them."

Jin-ho nodded thoughtfully, filing away the information in his mind. He knew he had to tread carefully and not make A-ri feel uncomfortable or pressured.

"I understand how important it is to have a strong support system," he said with a warm smile. "And our agency takes great care in matching individuals who complement each other in various aspects of life."

As the conversation flowed, A-ri felt a growing sense of ease with Jin-ho. He was an excellent listener and seemed genuinely interested in her well-being. Little did she know that Jin-ho was using this information to craft a convincing pitch for the contract marriage.

After spending some time together, Jin-ho tactfully guided A-ri towards discussing the benefits of a contract marriage. He shared stories of other clients who had found happiness and stability through the service, carefully selecting anecdotes that aligned with A-ri's desires and concerns.

As A-ri listened, she couldn't help but be swayed by the success stories and the idea of finding a practical solution to her problems. She found herself seriously considering the possibility of a contract marriage, even though a part of her still held reservations.

Unbeknownst to A-ri, Jin-ho was secretly relieved that their conversation was going well. He had been under pressure to secure one more couple for the month to win the best employee award, and A-ri seemed like a perfect candidate. If he could convince her to sign up and ensure her satisfaction, he would have a strong chance of winning the coveted title.

As Jin-ho walked A-ri back out of the office, he maintained his warm and friendly demeanour. He could sense her hesitation, and he didn't want to push her too hard. But he also knew that he needed one more couple to secure the best employee award, and time was running out.

"I understand that this is a big decision, Miss Han," Jin-ho said, his voice gentle and reassuring. "Take your time to think it over, and if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to us."

A-ri nodded, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within her. She appreciated Jin-ho's understanding and patience, but at the same time, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to his intentions than met the eye.

"Thank you for your time," she said, trying to sound composed even though her heart was pounding in her chest.

"You're welcome," Jin-ho replied with a smile. "I hope to see you again soon, Miss Han."

As they parted ways, A-ri couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Something didn't sit right with her, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. It was as if there was a hidden agenda behind Jin-ho's kindness, and she couldn't shake off the feeling that she had been played.

As she made her way back home, A-ri's mind raced with conflicting thoughts. She had come to "Eternal Bond" seeking a solution to her problems, but now she felt even more lost than before. Had she been naive to consider a contract marriage? Was she just a pawn in Jin-ho's quest for the best employee award?

At that moment, she knew that she had been tricked. Jin-ho had skillfully manipulated the conversation, asking seemingly innocent questions to extract information that would work in his favour. He had used her vulnerability and desperation to push her towards the decision he wanted.

Anger and disappointment welled up inside her, but so did determination. A-ri realized that she couldn't let herself be taken advantage of in this way. She needed to find a solution to her problems, but it couldn't come at the cost of her integrity and self-respect.