Cheong’s fists clenched and unclenched in frustration. It had been a long, chaotic night filled with antics, taunts, and indulgence, but now this?

The muffled, desperate pleas of a woman filtered through the closed door, stirring her from her thoughts.

-"Please, young master, I beg you... I already have a betrothed, someone I’ve sworn my future to. Please, take back your words. I am not a woman who sells her body..."

-"You wretched girl! You think you can sell your coquetry and smiles without selling your body? If this isn’t deceit, then what is it? Are you mocking me, a …