The two chatted for a while longer, and by the time they finally stood to leave, night had already fallen.
Outside the café, Yeri watched as Lianna got into a taxi. She waved until the car disappeared into the traffic before turning around only to find the familiar chauffeur already waiting beside the sleek black car Shin Keir had assigned to pick her up after school.
Yeri climbed in without a second thought.
She didn't notice another inconspicuous black sedan parked a short distance away, its windows tinted dark. Inside, someone leaned forward anxiously, a camera clicking frantically as the lens followed her every movement, capturing the farewell, the car door closing, the vehicle pulling away.
By the time Yeri returned to the penthouse, the lights were already on. She paused in surprise upon seeing Shin Keir there.
He was seated casually on the sofa, jacket draped aside, sleeves rolled up. When he noticed her, he lifted a hand slightly, gesturing for her to come over.
At his feet, Carpet had already bounded toward her, tail wagging so enthusiastically it looked like it might take flight.
Yeri bent down instinctively. "I missed you too," she murmured, giving Carpet a quick pat before straightening.
"Had school activities today?" Shin asked calmly.
Yeri shook her head. "I met Sister Lianna."
She paused, suddenly remembering something. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out the USB Lianna had given her and placed it neatly on the table.
"She asked me to give this to you."
Shin glanced at the USB, his expression barely shifting. Without comment, he reached for a document on the table and handed it to her instead.
Yeri recognized it immediately. The agreement stating that if she were mistreated after marriage, Shin Keir would transfer all his assets to her.
She stared at it for a moment, then calmly took out a pen.
With quick, decisive strokes, she crossed out one of the lines and wrote something else in its place. She reread it once more, nodded in satisfaction, and handed it back to him.
Shin's eyes dropped to the paper. Then he laughed.
It was low, sharp, edged with unmistakable anger.
Before Yeri could react, he tore the document in half until the pieces fluttered to the floor like discarded snow.
"You want a divorce instead of my assets?" Shin said, his teeth clenched, his voice dangerously controlled.
Yeri stared at the torn paper scattered at his feet, stunned.
There was nothing wrong with her idea. If anything, it was reasonable for both of them.
Who in their right mind would give up their entire life's hard work so easily? Why was he doing something so foolish? This wasn't like him at all.
"You should be thankful I'm not taking advantage of your feelings," Yeri said, trying to reason with him.
Had it been any other woman, they would've signed the agreement in a heartbeat, taken his billions and walked away without a second thought.
Besides, if someone was being mistreated, why stay married and torture themselves?
Divorce was the logical solution.
And even after a divorce, she'd still be entitled to a fair share. She wouldn't end up penniless.
Yet Shin's expression only darkened.
He looked at her as though she had just committed an unforgivable crime, as if she were so heartless.
They weren't even married yet, and she was already thinking about divorce.
"I forgot to tell you something," Shin said slowly, his gaze heavy. "There is no divorce in the Keir family."
Yeri stared at him. "…?"
"Why not?" Yeri crossed her arms. "Divorce applies to everyone in this country."
Shin looked at her as if she were a child who had just discovered the word law for the first time. "Divorce exists," he said calmly. "That doesn't mean it's accessible."
He leaned back slightly, his expression indifferent. "Why do you think my father never divorced his crazy wife?"
"Your stepmother is crazy?" Yeri blurted out before she could stop herself.
Now that she thought about it, she had never met Shin's stepmother, not once. Not even during something as significant as the engagement gathering.
But Shin remained unfazed, as though they were discussing an unimportant stranger.
"Mentally unstable. It was an arranged marriage. Like most couples in our circle."
Yeri felt a flicker of awkwardness. She knew he was an illegitimate child, but she knew almost nothing about his childhood. The topic suddenly felt heavier than she had anticipated.
"But… you're you," Yeri muttered. "If you really wanted a divorce, who would dare stop you?"
"I don't want a divorce," Shin replied flatly.
Yeri swallowed the rest of her thoughts. Maybe it was too early to talk about such things. And strangely enough, Shin's views on marriage felt almost outdated.
Then a piece of gossip surfaced in her mind.
"Your cousin, Hadi Keir," she said hesitantly. "Isn't he divorcing his wife?"
Shin scoffed. "He's been clamouring to divorce her for years." He paused, lips curling in disdain. "But doing so would leave him with nothing."
Only then did Yeri understand as he explained.
Over the years, Hadi's wife had quietly gathered evidence, countless affairs, financial misconduct, moral scandals. He could shout about divorce all he wanted, but he would never truly act on it.
Someone like Hadi would rather die than part with his wealth. Even now, after losing three percent of his company shares, it still pained him.
Frowning, Yeri asked, "Then isn't this favourable for his wife? Why doesn't she divorce him?"
Shin smiled faintly, meaningfully. "Because even a good-for-nothing like Hadi possesses something most men don't."
Yeri stared at him, puzzled. Then it dawned on her. It's the 'Keir' surname. Equivalent to authority, influence, and protection.
Perhaps she had it wrong all along. The foolish one wasn't Shin Keir, but her.
In the upper class, battles weren't limited to business or inheritance. Women fought wars of their own, quiet, strategic, and suffocating.
Yeri sighed and nodded. "I understand your point. Divorce in a family like the Keirs doesn't just affect reputation. There's too much at stake."
She paused, then continued carefully, "So let's put that aside. Since the engagement is already settled… how about moving the wedding until after I graduate in college? There's no need to rush it right after high school."
Shin's gaze sharpened.
The way he looked at her made her skin prickle.
Then he sneered. "You're not thinking of backing out now that Leo Nafplion is dead, are you?"
Yeri flinched. Her eyes darted instinctively, like a thief caught red-handed.
How did he even think of that?
She was thinking of it, about buying time, about breathing room. Marriage without the possibility of divorce was terrifying, especially after talking to Lianna Neri.
Lianna couldn't even find a lawyer willing to take her case.
At the very least, Zahn Neri was only avoiding her for now and he hadn't yet crossed the line into outright cruelty or despicable methods.
Seeing her expression like her thoughts had been laid bare, nearly drove Shin into anger.
So she had thought about backing out.
Very good.
"Don't think that just because Leo Nafplion is gone, there won't be another," Shin said coldly.
Leo Nafplion and Marco Fabian. They were merely the visible ones. Countless others had their eyes on Zhi Corporation, and Yeri would always be the weakest link, the most convenient entry point.
"That's not it!" Yeri waved her hands frantically. "I just think marriage is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. I want it to be grand. Perfect."
"I can make it grand and perfect," Shin replied without hesitation. "Even if time is short. Whatever you want, my people will deliver."
"But- " Yeri searched desperately for reasons. "A wedding dress can't possibly be done in such a short time. And what if I want a different style? This year's spring collection is already over. Next year's designs might be better… or the year after that…" Her voice trailed off, thin even to her own ears.
Shin studied her for a long moment, as if weighing truth against evasion.
He reached for his cigarette, then paused, remembering she was there, and withdrew his hand.
"If you truly think the date is rushed," he said finally, "then we'll do as you suggest."
Yeri lifted her head, stunned. She almost felt like hugging him, until he continued.
"But we'll go tomorrow and register the marriage first."
Yeri felt her scalp go numb.
The room went silent.
Shin smirked at her reaction. "What? Something wrong with my suggestion? If you're only worried about the wedding arrangements, then a marriage certificate shouldn't be a problem."
Yeri "..."
She had tried to delay the wedding, and instead, she had stepped into something far worse. The more she retreated, the tighter his grip became.
Forcing herself to stay composed, Yeri put on a brave, slightly aggrieved expression. "Why are you so adamant about getting married? What era are we living in? We already live together. We've done what most dating couples haven't. We can stay together without a flimsy piece of paper or an expensive ceremony."
"If it's just a piece of paper," Shin said coolly, "then it shouldn't matter if we register, right?"
Yeri choked on her words.
"Or," Shin continued, his gaze sharpening, "do you see me as some gigolo you can sleep with at will? Living under the same roof without any responsibility?"
His voice lowered, dangerous. "Yeri Zhi, by your own words, we've already crossed boundaries most couples haven't. Yet you refuse to give me a proper title... or was it never your intention to make this relationship official?"
Yeri was so choked her mind went completely blank.
Is it just her or was he implying she was the scumbag in this relationship?