Episode 21
L Hotel Grand Hall.
Beyond the transparent glass walls, the stunning night view of Seoul stretched endlessly. Inside the hall, with smooth jazz flowing in the background, a VIP party was underway for overseas investors.
As Jaehyun and Seo-eun entered, all eyes turned toward them. It was as if they were the protagonists of the evening—attention naturally gravitated to the pair.
Especially tonight, Seo-eun looked more beautiful than ever, earning sincere compliments from all directions.
“Wow, you look absolutely stunning.”
Her sleek black dress accentuated her elegant aura, and the sapphire necklace contrasted beautifully with her pale neckline.
“The two of you look like a celebrity couple.”
“We’ve heard plenty of praise about CEO Cha, but seeing his wife today is truly a surprise—she’s gorgeous.”
Admiration flowed freely from all sides, causing Jaehyun’s brow to twitch ever so slightly.
Just a short while ago, Seo-eun’s complexion had seemed worn and pale—but now, she appeared better.
At least my efforts weren’t in vain.
Even with his early departures for work, he’d made sure to check in on her daily through Suwon-daek.
—
“Did she eat today?”
“Yes, but the portion was really small.”
Jaehyun didn’t look up, keeping his eyes on the documents. But Suwon-daek, sensing his concern through his silence, continued carefully.
“Yesterday, she managed to finish a bowl of porridge.”
“Porridge? Is she sick?”
“Oh, no—not exactly. She just said her stomach felt unsettled, so I’ve been preparing porridge in the mornings.”
Then, as if hesitating to overstep, she added gently, “If you’re curious about her, maybe you should ask her directly?”
Jaehyun fell into brief thought. Suwon-daek added quietly,
“I think… she’d appreciate it.”
“…Not necessary.”
It wasn’t like he was doing it for her sake.
Besides, with Suwon-daek looking after her, she’d eventually recover. There was no need for him to step in personally.
Or so he told himself.
Yet, despite those thoughts, he couldn’t stop remembering the sound of her quiet sobs from the other night. The way she tried to stifle them.
Think rationally.
He still didn’t know her true intentions or sincerity.
Even so, her graceful figure tonight, more radiant than usual, kept drawing his gaze.
Just then, Seo-eun turned and their eyes met. Her clear gaze made him momentarily forget to breathe.
Jaehyun quickly looked away, pretending he hadn’t been staring—but his heart continued to pound strangely.
What is this…?
As he frowned in confusion, Jang Taesu approached.
“CEO Cha, this way please.”
Jaehyun quickly composed himself.
“Chairman Keatings would like to have a word with you.”
“Let’s go.”
—
But the time wasn’t enough for Jaehyun to fully suppress his shaken emotions. He picked up a glass of wine and attempted to down it all in one go.
Just then, Seo-eun lightly grabbed his arm.
“Jaehyun, I’ll go with you.”
Her gaze was directed over his shoulder.
“Seems like most couples here are attending together. I think it would be good if I spoke with Mrs. Keatings.”
After a brief pause, Jaehyun nodded.
As they approached, guided by Jang Taesu, the nearby group turned to face them.
“This is Mr. and Mrs. Keatings, the CEO of the UK’s largest architectural firm, and Mr. Thomas Mackenzie.”
The couple appeared to be in their mid-fifties, while Mackenzie seemed to be in his late thirties.
“Pleasure to meet you, Chairman Keatings.”
“CEO Cha! It’s an even greater pleasure to meet you with your beautiful wife by your side.”
Chairman Keatings glanced between Jaehyun and Seo-eun with a warm smile. His wife also greeted Seo-eun with kind eyes.
“I’m Rose Keatings. And this is Thomas Mackenzie, one of our bright young executives.”
Mackenzie stepped forward and kissed the back of Seo-eun’s hand. Though it was standard social etiquette, his touch lingered just a second too long, causing Jaehyun’s gaze to chill.
“This is perfect. Rose’s been wanting to chat with your wife all evening.”
At Chairman Keatings’ words, Seo-eun smiled gracefully.
“It’s my pleasure, Mrs. Keatings. I’ve been following your company’s developments with great interest.”
Impressed by her refined manners, the Keatings couple’s faces lit up.
Jaehyun recalled Suwon-daek’s recent report.
“Madam’s been staying up late studying. Books, newspapers… all in English. To me, they just look like squiggly lines—I couldn’t make sense of them.”
At the time, he hadn’t thought much of it. But now, it made sense.
She’d been studying late into the night—for this very evening.
Suddenly, all the small things she’d done for him came rushing back.
At previous parties, she had helped him navigate conversations seamlessly despite his memory loss. She made sure meals were prepared, and late at night, she’d quietly bring him tea and snacks as he worked.
Why go so far?
He hadn’t asked her to.
Was it just because they were married? It didn’t make sense to him.
What confused him even more was how he now found himself obsessing over her motives.
But his thoughts were cut short by Mackenzie’s voice.
“Madam, may I offer you a glass of wine?”
He handed her a glass, and Seo-eun smiled politely as she accepted it.
“Thank you. By the way, Mr. Mackenzie, how is the London Docklands redevelopment project progressing? I read a recent article praising its eco-friendly design.”
“Oh? You read that article?”
Mackenzie’s eyes lit up at her interest.
Though she’d graduated from a prestigious business school, her knowledge on this topic had clearly come from recent studies.
Jaehyun remained expressionless, but his attention was completely focused on their conversation.
“Balancing urban renewal with environmental considerations made it particularly intriguing.”
“That’s a detail most wouldn’t notice. You must have a natural talent, Madam.”
“Thank you for the compliment.”
As Seo-eun spoke knowledgeably about the latest UK development trends, Mackenzie became visibly more captivated. His body language leaned toward her, as though pulled by a magnet.
“I had no idea CEO Cha had such a beautiful and intelligent wife. You truly have the best of both worlds.”
At Mackenzie’s bold praise, Jaehyun’s jaw tightened involuntarily.
Most husbands would take pride in such compliments—but for some reason, it made his blood boil.
Noticing Jaehyun’s tense expression, Mrs. Keatings smiled gently.
“So protective, CEO Cha. I see you’re quite the romantic after all.”
Jaehyun gave a short laugh and turned his head away.
Mackenzie’s lingering gaze on Seo-eun, the hungry stares from other men, and Seo-eun herself—shining so brightly tonight…
Everything annoyed him.
“I’d love to continue our conversation somewhere quieter. The VIP lounge upstairs should be—”
Before Mackenzie could finish, Jaehyun abruptly interrupted.
“That’s quite interesting.”
“You mean the Docklands project? I heard the projected returns are falling short.”
Mackenzie’s expression froze.
“Well, it’s still in the early stages—”
“Eco-friendly designs are admirable, but ignoring profitability is risky.”
Jaehyun smoothly stepped between Mackenzie and Seo-eun, continuing,
“Would you like to review one of our project proposals?”
At his signal, Jang Taesu approached and handed over the documents. Even as he received them, Jaehyun’s sharp gaze remained fixed on Mackenzie.
“Oh, and just so we’re clear—my wife doesn’t make personal appointments at events like this.”
At those words, Mackenzie looked visibly flustered. The Keatings couple exchanged a curious glance.
It was clear Mackenzie’s interest in Seo-eun went beyond business. But what puzzled Jaehyun even more was his own reaction. Normally, he wouldn’t have cared.
—
“Jaehyun…”
Sensing the growing tension, Seo-eun gently grabbed his arm.
The moment she touched him, the memory of that night in the car flashed in his mind.
Despite constantly telling himself to keep his distance, here he was—lingering near her again.
And once again, his next words came not from concern, but from a desire to keep other men away.
“I still have things to discuss with Chairman Keatings. Why don’t you go chat with Mrs. Keatings—”
But before he could finish…
“Cha Jaehyun?”
A calm woman’s voice called out from behind.
