Scarlet Bond : Cursed to Love

Episode------ 21

Morning sunlight streamed across the council courtyard, catching on rain‑dark stones and the ancient carved pillars that had watched generations rise and fall. But today, the light felt harsh, exposing truths no one could hide.

Areum stood beside Junseo before the gathered elders and the watching eyes of retainers, scribes, and servants — a crowd waiting to see if love could truly triumph over blood.

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The council elder, voice like gravel, raised a scroll and read aloud:

> "By decree of the old families, Seo Junseo and Han Areum must make a public vow: that their bond is not born of fear, but of choice. Should they fail, their names will be stricken; their union, dissolved."

The words hung heavy as stone. Areum felt her heart pounding, a wild flutter caged behind her ribs. A vow won't break the past… but it could define what comes next.

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Junseo's hand hovered near hers, trembling slightly. She saw the exhaustion in his eyes — and beneath it, the raw hope that still survived every betrayal.

The elder's gaze swept over them. "Step forward," he commanded.

They obeyed, feet whispering across ancient stone.

Junseo spoke first, voice low but clear. "I was born of guilt and silence," he began, every word a raw cut. "My father's sins tried to shape my life. But I choose to turn away from that past."

He looked at Areum, eyes darker than ink, softer than memory. "I choose you," he whispered. "Not because you're bound. Not because of what we suffered. Only because you are you."

Areum's breath trembled, throat tight with everything she still feared to say. But his words steadied her, like a hand outstretched in darkness.

"I too was born of fear," she said, voice breaking, "my mother's fear that love would cost me my life. But I choose not to let fear guide me anymore."

She met his gaze, letting the courtyard and the council blur to nothing. "I choose you," she breathed. "Not because the curse commands me. Because my heart does."

For a moment, silence held everything together — fragile, trembling, alive.

Then the elder spoke, voice softer than before. "Your words are accepted. But know this: love will always be tested, not by enemies, but by time."

The crowd murmured, some faces softening. But before relief could settle, a voice cut the air — quiet, cold, and horribly familiar.

"You speak of choice," the voice drawled. "But what choice will you make when the dead return to demand payment?"

Areum turned, pulse stumbling. From the courtyard's edge, a figure stepped forward — tall, wrapped in a travel‑stained cloak. When the hood fell, Junseo's face paled, and Areum felt her breath lock tight.

"Father," Junseo whispered, voice flat with shock and old grief.

Seo Jaewon — the man whose sins had birthed this curse — stood before them, eyes as dark and cold as a dried riverbed.

"I heard my name dragged through your vows," he rasped. "You think love absolves you of my past?"

Junseo stiffened. "You should not have returned," he murmured. "Your place is with the dead past you created."

Jaewon's gaze slid to Areum, sharp as glass. "And you, girl? You claim to love my son despite knowing what blood runs in his veins?"

"I don't love his blood," Areum whispered, voice shaking but true. "I love him."

Jaewon's mouth twisted, amusement cold and joyless. "Then prove it. If your love is so strong, swear before the council that should Junseo ever repeat my sins — you would leave him."

Junseo flinched, as if struck. Areum felt the weight of the words settle over her heart — a promise sharp as a blade.

"Father—" Junseo began, voice cracking.

Jaewon silenced him with a glance. "Let her answer. Or show the council that her love is blind, just as yours was."

Areum's throat felt scorched, breath catching like cloth on thorn. To swear such an oath meant promising to walk away if Junseo ever chose power over love — if he became the man he feared most.

Her heart rebelled. I don't want to promise to leave…

But his eyes met hers — raw, afraid, yet steady. And in that moment, she knew what love demanded.

"I swear," she whispered, voice barely holding. "If Junseo ever chooses fear over love — if he becomes the man who once cursed me — I will leave. Because true love is choice, not chains."

The words cut deeper than any curse, but when they were spoken, she felt something shift — not break, but release.

Junseo's hand found hers, fingers trembling. "And I swear," he murmured, eyes wet, "never to give you cause to keep that vow."

Jaewon's gaze wavered — something old and wounded flickering in his eyes before dying to ash. "Then let the council judge," he rasped.

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Teaser for Ep 22:

The council rules on Areum's vow.

Junseo confronts his father — and a confession neither expected.

And Areum learns what forgiveness really costs.