Episode 22
Everyone’s gaze shifted toward the back.
A woman wearing a deep wine-red chiffon dress approached with elegant steps. Her Western features and perfectly proportioned figure drew all eyes.
In stark contrast to Seo-eun’s graceful and calm beauty, this woman exuded a bold charm and radiant presence. She stood before them like she was the star of the show.
“…Why are you here?”
Jaehyun’s voice held clear surprise at the unexpected appearance.
“I decided to stay in Korea for a while. You were the first person I wanted to see… and look at this—we’ve run into each other already.”
“Hard to believe it’s a coincidence, especially when everyone knew I’d be at this event.”
At Jaehyun’s cold jab, the woman looked a little sheepish—then let out a soft chuckle.
“You know I can never lie in front of you. Fine, yes. I came because I wanted to see you.”
Watching his reaction, Yoo Chaerin turned to Seo-eun.
“And this must be your wife?”
She acted as if she hadn’t known, but her sharp gaze lingered on Seo-eun.
“Hello, I’m Yoo Chaerin. Our families are close. I was abroad during the wedding, so I’m just now meeting you.”
Chaerin was refined in both looks and demeanor, but an unmistakable tension lay beneath her polished smile.
“Oh… I see.”
“I’d heard all sorts of things about your marriage. But seeing you two together now, it looks like the rumors were just that—rumors.”
“No matter how business-related the event, Jaehyun’s not the type to bring his wife along.”
Speaking as though she knew him intimately, Yoo Chaerin’s words made Seo-eun bite her lip. From the moment Chaerin appeared, a heavy pressure had settled in her chest.
“Pardon me, but may I borrow your wife for a bit?”
Sensing the tension, Mrs. Keatings, with the grace of a seasoned socialite, stepped in to smooth things over.
“I thought it might be nice to chat while enjoying the night view from the balcony.”
Perhaps she’d picked up on Seo-eun’s discomfort around Chaerin. Her considerate tone continued,
“It’s a bit crowded here anyway.”
Seo-eun glanced at Jaehyun, seeking permission. He gave a small nod, silently leaving it to her.
“Shall we go, then?”
As Yoo Chaerin tried to stop Jaehyun from walking away, Seo-eun suddenly stepped in close. Their sudden proximity made Jaehyun stiffen slightly.
Seo-eun reached up to his chest and straightened his tie.
“Your tie was a little crooked.”
“…It’s fine now.”
Watching from behind with a satisfied smile, Mrs. Keatings remarked,
“Well then, shall we head up?”
—
On the balcony, Seo-eun and Mrs. Keatings sat side by side at the tea table.
“Did you see CEO Cha’s reaction earlier?”
Seo-eun turned to her at the question.
“He didn’t know what to do when you approached. It reminded me of my own husband during our newlywed days.”
“…You’re being too kind.”
Seo-eun answered modestly, blushing slightly.
Why did I do that?
It wasn’t like her to act so forward in public. But standing before Yoo Chaerin, she hadn’t wanted to lose him—not even for a second.
She’d probably startled him.
“I didn’t realize this before, but your husband seems to get quite jealous.”
“Pardon?”
“Most men are flattered when others compliment their wives. But he looked genuinely uncomfortable.”
After a brief hesitation, Seo-eun spoke quietly.
“It’s not jealousy. He just doesn’t want me to make a mistake.”
“No need to be modest. Whatever we say here will stay just between us.”
“It’s not that…”
“Sometimes, it’s the outsiders who can see things most clearly. From where I’m sitting, it looks like he cares deeply about you.”
Mrs. Keatings offered a warm smile.
Jaehyun… jealous?
Seo-eun tried to dismiss the thought—it seemed too far-fetched. Yet, her heart pounded a little faster.
But soon, her expression turned somber.
What’s his relationship with Yoo Chaerin?
Even if she was curious, she didn’t have the right to ask.
Their marriage… this entire situation was built on lies.
—
“Have you come to Korea for leisure, Madam?”
Trying to steer the conversation away, Seo-eun asked politely. But her eyes kept drifting downward—to the floor below.
There, she spotted Jaehyun talking with Yoo Chaerin.
Don’t be curious. Stop it.
But a tight discomfort gripped her heart.
Just then, the sound of footsteps approached. Seo-eun turned her head and saw Mackenzie approaching.
He held a crystal glass filled with golden champagne.
“Would you care for a glass of champagne?”
Mrs. Keatings welcomed him with a smile.
“Thank you, Thomas. Perfect timing—I’d just finished mine.”
Mackenzie handed a glass to Seo-eun as well. The champagne shimmered gently in the moonlight.
“Thank you.”
He casually took a seat next to her. The strong scent of his cologne made her frown slightly.
I don’t mind Jaehyun’s cologne… In fact, I like it. So why does this one feel so unpleasant?
—
“How are you enjoying the party? Not too boring, I hope?”
“No, it’s been nice.”
“You seem unfamiliar with events like these. Are you uncomfortable at all?”
Before Seo-eun could respond, Mrs. Keatings smiled and interjected.
“Oh, Thomas—no need to worry. She fits in perfectly. I’m sure she’s attended many such events with her husband.”
Their conversation flowed smoothly, but Seo-eun’s mind kept wandering back downstairs.
Just then, Mrs. Keatings’ phone rang.
“I’m sorry—it’s an important call. I’ll have to step away for a moment.”
She rose from her seat and left Mackenzie with a parting word.
“Thomas, I’ll leave my guest in your care.”
“Of course.”
Seo-eun also wanted to excuse herself—but no good excuse came to mind. As soon as Mrs. Keatings left, Mackenzie dragged his chair closer.
“I heard CEO Cha wasn’t the type to marry.”
“I was honestly surprised when news broke that he’d gotten married.”
From the balcony, they could faintly hear Yoo Chaerin’s laughter below. The moonlight revealed Jaehyun and Chaerin’s silhouettes.
“I know how picky CEO Cha is… but I must say, Madam, you suit him perfectly.”
At his words, Seo-eun gave a polite but strained smile.
Jaehyun’s infamous selectiveness—didn’t that prove this marriage was a sham?
If it hadn’t been for her father’s scheme, Jaehyun would never have chosen her.
And even now, she was deceiving him while he still had no memory.
—
“You must know Jaehyun well, Mr. Mackenzie.”
“As a business partner, yes. Though I’m not sure if I should say this…”
He leaned in slightly. His tone had grown far too familiar, and his cologne stung her nose.
“…but I just don’t understand why a man like CEO Cha always goes to these events alone when he has such a stunning wife.”
A strange discomfort twisted in Seo-eun’s chest.
Normally, she would’ve laughed off such comments. But his tone—his implication that Jaehyun didn’t appreciate her—bothered her deeply.
She quietly rose from her seat and gripped the cold balcony railing, trying to calm herself.
Mackenzie approached her from behind.
“If I crossed a line, I apologize. But…”
He whispered softly in her ear,
“…just remember—there are people out there who recognize your worth, even if CEO Cha doesn’t.”
—
Meanwhile, downstairs…
“Jaehyun, remember me? I used to come over every Saturday for piano lessons at your house.”
Yoo Chaerin’s voice rang softly.
Jaehyun simply stared at his wine glass, expression tired and disinterested.
“Your mother loved my playing—especially Chopin’s nocturnes. She always smiled so brightly when I performed them.”
At the mention of his mother, Jaehyun’s expression stiffened slightly.
Their families had been close for a long time. His mother had especially cherished Chaerin like a daughter.
Because of those memories, he couldn’t treat her coldly.
But beyond that, there were no feelings left.
“The day before she passed, she even asked me to play for her…”
As Chaerin’s voice faded into the background, Jaehyun’s gaze suddenly lifted.
There, leaning against the balcony railing, stood Seo-eun.
Her pale neckline, her elegant silhouette—she looked like a painting under the moonlight.
Chaerin’s voice no longer reached him.
“Jaehyun… Are you even listening?”
