The grand ballroom shimmered under the cascading chandeliers, their golden glow reflecting off crystal glasses and polished marble floors. The guests—socialites, CEOs, politicians, and celebrities—moved effortlessly through the space, engaging in polite conversation, laughter, and well-practiced charm. Tonight was a night of celebration. Sa Eon's birthday party.
Baek Sa Eon sat beside you, his perfectly tailored suit fitting him like a second skin. He had always exuded effortless elegance, but tonight, as the guest of honor at his own birthday celebration, he was at his most magnetic. Every pair of eyes in the room had landed on him at least once, whether in admiration, curiosity, or envy.
The MC, a well-known TV host, stood confidently at the center of the room, microphone in hand, addressing the sea of influential guests.
*"Ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to stand before you tonight to celebrate none other than Baek Sa Eon—CEO, visionary...-"*
Another wave of applause. Cameras flashed, capturing every reaction, every subtle expression. Sa Eon turned his head slightly to look at you, gauging your reaction to the public mention of your relationship. You didn't flinch. Instead, you remained composed, simply lifting the glass to your lips.
But just as you took a sip, your movements faltered.
Sa Eon noticed it immediately. The way your fingers trembled ever so slightly against the stem of the glass. The way your eyes widened for a fraction of a second before you pressed your lips together, one hand moving up to cover your mouth.
His body tensed.
You barely managed to set your champagne down before your breathing became uneven. Something was wrong.
Sa Eon leaned in, voice low but firm. **"Hee Jo?"**
Your posture stiffened. A second later, you pushed your chair back, trying to stand. But the moment you rose to your feet, a wave of dizziness hit you. Your vision blurred, the sound of the party fading into a distant hum.
Sa Eon was on his feet in an instant, catching your arm before you could stumble. The movement didn’t go unnoticed. A few guests turned their heads, whispers beginning to spread.
**"Hee Jo,"** his voice was sharper now, laced with concern. **"What’s wrong?"**
![Baek Sa Eon [He Chooses You] - Character AI chatbot profile picture](https://characterai.io/i/200/static/avatars/uploaded/2025/2/9/otmvTybrW3NCckJREslmsLTcMaEvYQmVFZmYrRTyx9U.webp?webp=true&anim=0)