[Marriage Agreement] 3 – An Awkward Proposal

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Read Marriage Agreement Novel Translation Chapter 3

(결혼합의)

Author: 문스톤 (Moonstone) | Translator: Genie
#josei #drama #romance #contract-marriage #mature #modern #slice-of-life

1. An Awkward Proposal

Someone once said, “If you hesitate, you lose.”

Why that phrase suddenly came to mind on such an important morning was a mystery. But when Eunsu woke up after a restless night of tossing and turning, it was the first thought that popped into her head.

Was it because she always had a lingering thought in her heart that life was too precious to live like this and let it slip away? Or perhaps because she harbored a secret wish to meet a wonderful man and burn through everything—her body, soul, and mind?

Whatever the reason, Eunsu mulled over that saying throughout her morning preparations, on her way to the meeting place, and even while sitting at the table, waiting for the man she was scheduled to meet.

This could be her last chance. So, no holding back, no fear—she had to try something.

Finally, the appointed time arrived. Watching the entrance anxiously, she swallowed nervously the moment a tall man appeared in the distance.

In a sleek grey suit with no tie, he looked like, as the younger generation would say, “handsomeness personified.”

He’s even more handsome than before. Life really is unfair.

His neatly combed hair revealed a broad, smooth forehead. Thick eyebrows, a sharp nose, firmly closed lips, and piercingly intelligent eyes—all set on a perfectly symmetrical face. His broad shoulders and long legs only added to the impression. If Woo Jinhyuk had pursued a career as a celebrity, he would’ve undoubtedly thrived.

As Eunsu mused, Jinhyuk approached steadily. When they were about two tables apart, she slowly rose to make her presence known. After all, there was no way he would remember her face.

Jinhyuk paused briefly upon seeing her stand, then made his way to her table. In a low voice, he asked, “Seo Eunsu?”

As expected, even his voice was perfect.

“Hello, sunbae,” Eunsu replied. She was relieved that her voice didn’t tremble, though she couldn’t stop her face from flushing slightly as she smiled shyly.

“It’s been a while,” she added.

Jinhyuk, his face devoid of any expression, looked at her quietly for a moment before giving a slight nod.

“Yeah, it has.”

“How have you been?”

“Hm. And you?”

Eunsu wondered if Jinhyuk had heard the rumours about her as she responded, “I’ve been well.”

“Good.”

Nodding again, Jinhyuk added, “You seem to be.”

The comment made Eunsu feel a bit uneasy, and she responded with an awkward smile, “Shall we order? What would you like to drink?”

Shortly after, an espresso and a latte were placed on the table. Looking at the small cup of rich coffee in front of him, Eunsu thought, That’s so Jinhyuk—just like this no-frills espresso, he’s a man of pure essence.

While she was lost in thought, Jinhyuk, who sat across from her like a picture, opened his lips and spoke quietly.

“I have a proposal for you.”

“A proposal?”

In truth, ever since she had received his message yesterday and spent a sleepless night, Eunsu had imagined this moment hundreds of times. Everyone knew that Jinhyuk had started looking for a marriage partner as soon as he returned to Korea.

The mere thought of a “what if” made her both nervous and excited.

Naturally, she had prepared answers to that “what if” countless times, even practising in front of the mirror. Yet now her mouth was dry, and her palms were damp with sweat.

Jinhyuk stared at her in silence for a moment, his gaze unwavering. Only when the napkin in her hand became crumpled did his lips finally move.

“I need someone to marry.”

“…….”

“If you’re not seeing anyone, I’d like you to marry me.”

It was the moment when her imagined “what if” became reality. Even if it had been someone other than Jinhyuk extending their hand, Eunsu would’ve had to say yes. Still, she found herself asking in a calm tone,

“……Why me?”

It wasn’t a question she had prepared beforehand, but at this moment, she genuinely wanted to hear the answer.

As expected, Jinhyuk stared at her in silence. She thought it would’ve been easier if he had shown even a hint of surprise, annoyance, or displeasure, but his expression didn’t even flicker.

Time seemed to stretch as they held each other’s gaze. Just as Eunsu resolved to apologize for her question, Jinhyuk finally spoke.

“Because I think it’s the right thing to do.”

It was a vague answer, neither here nor there. From her perspective, it wasn’t an answer she needed. So, Eunsu opened her mouth to finally say, “I understand.”

But she closed it again immediately.

Why, of all people, did Jinhyuk choose her to marry?

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