Episode 6
Even though she didn’t think her anger would subside this way, she called Ji-hyuk anyway.
“Oh wow~ The oh-so-busy Director has finally decided to call, huh?”
“Don’t be sarcastic. I had a lot going on.”
“What’s more important than your own engagement article that not even your chief secretary knew about? If you were going to pull something like this, you should’ve at least given me a heads-up. Or answered your phone after causing all that mess! The article’s already out, I can’t do anything now! The chairman called and told me to get your wedding ready—with Secretary Joo! I looked like a total fool! What the hell is going on?!”
Ji-hyuk exploded, utterly dumbfounded.
“Yeah. I’m getting married.”
“No, seriously, are you really marrying Ha-rin?”
“Yeah. I proposed to Joo Ha-rin today.”
Lee-hyun spoke calmly.
“What?? Joo Ha-rin has a boyfriend! You crazy bastard.”
“Didn’t you see the article? ‘S Group’s Seo Lee-hyun to marry former fiancée of Kang Do-young.’ Former, meaning she had a boyfriend—past tense. Not anymore.”
“Oh, really? And you just happened to propose right after they broke up?”
“Yeah. I couldn’t hold back. That guy, Kang Do-young—he made her life hell. I couldn’t forgive him. I wanted to kill him. But I can’t. So…”
“Phew. Alright. Got it.”
“Good. We’ll talk details tomorrow, but for now, make sure that guy—her ex, Kang Do-young—never gets near her again.”
“I’m going to curse him out tenfold when I see him. What a scumbag.”
“I’ll raise your salary, so quit complaining and do it.”
“Oh wow, thank you, Director. Have a peaceful night.”
The moment he heard “salary raise,” Ji-hyuk turned playful again and hung up.
Lee-hyun worried about Ha-rin, probably asleep by now. His mind was completely consumed by her.
Had he gone too far and hurt her? Was she even more exhausted now?
But at that moment, he couldn’t think about anything else. All he could do was protect her in his own way, even if it was reckless.
Honestly, if he could protect her this way, then for the first time, he felt grateful to the father who’d birthed him as an illegitimate son of S Group.
Now, the priority was to protect Ha-rin—from the world, and from Hwa-ran.
He sent Ji-hyuk a message:
> “Block all negative articles about Joo Ha-rin with rebuttals. Release the official engagement article. The date can be set later. Make sure Kang Do-young never gets near her again.”
After sending it, Lee-hyun collapsed onto the living room sofa.
It had been a long day for both Ha-rin and Lee-hyun.
And thinking about Ha-rin peacefully sleeping in the other room, his heart pounded like crazy—he couldn’t fall asleep at all.
“God, I’m insane. How did I hold it in this long?”
Even now, the scent of Ha-rin lingered at the tip of his nose from when he hugged her. He didn’t want to let go. He wanted to fall asleep holding her.
But he couldn’t do that to a woman who didn’t even have feelings for him.
He promised himself: The day Joo Ha-rin tells me she loves me—only then will I hold her without reservation, for a day, for a lifetime.
—
The doorbell rang.
Ji-hyuk stood at the door, arriving early in the morning.
Lee-hyun had only just fallen asleep, his heart racing because Ha-rin was sleeping on the other side of the wall. He’d barely gotten three hours of sleep.
He was annoyed, but since he had wronged Ji-hyuk, he swallowed his frustration.
“What the hell. Why are you here so early? I just fell asleep.”
“I held myself back from coming last night. Be grateful, Director.”
“Tch. Come in.”
Ji-hyuk started briefing the moment he stepped in.
“Looks like the Chairman handled the marriage article himself.”
“As expected. He’s fast.”
“People were expected to criticize Ha-rin, but surprisingly, it wasn’t so bad. A lot of witnesses left comments and videos online supporting her. Public opinion is okay. Kang Do-young’s trashy behavior was confirmed on-site. People understand the situation. And really, who would say no to Seo Lee-hyun?”
“That’s a relief.”
Lee-hyun sighed, a small smile forming on his lips.
“As much as I hate to admit it, the buzz isn’t fake. Also, Kang Do-young is being fired. Turns out he accepted sexual favors from a partner company. They left evidence.”
“He was cheating and taking bribes? Disgusting.”
“He also had a reputation for harassing female employees. The CEO of his company has zero tolerance for that kind of thing. I sent some pictures and documents—it was enough to get him fired immediately.”
“Classic Ji-hyuk.”
Lee-hyun smiled proudly at his secretary.
“Okay, now spill it. Why the sudden proposal to Ha-rin? Weren’t you supposed to meet the daughter of the Si-eum Group?”
Usually Ji-hyuk would boast about his work, but today, he pressured Lee-hyun.
“You already sensed it working with us, didn’t you? Don’t pretend.”
“I knew you had feelings for Secretary Joo, but I thought it was just a passing crush.”
“I thought so too. But no—I kept noticing her. Couldn’t stop thinking about her. And seeing her cry in front of that jerk? I couldn’t take it.”
The image of Ha-rin crying returned to Lee-hyun’s mind, his fists clenching.
Ji-hyuk had never seen him like this before.
“So you really couldn’t hold it back, huh? But when I got cursed out, you were quiet. Asshole. So what now? You really going to marry her?”
“Yeah. Of course. Ha-rin agreed, and I got Grandpa’s approval yesterday.”
“What about your mom? She set up the blind date. She won’t be happy.”
Ji-hyuk looked at Lee-hyun with concern.
He’d been with Lee-hyun for a long time. He knew Hwa-ran and their dynamics well.
That’s why he was worried about what was to come.
“I’ll protect her this time. No matter what.”
—
At dawn, Hwa-ran headed to the Si-eum Art Gallery.
That’s where Ye-eun, daughter of the Si-eum Group, worked as a curator.
Upon entering, she was greeted by Secretary Choi.
“Ma’am, you’re here.”
“Ye-eun is just as lovely in the morning.”
“Thank you, ma’am. You look beautiful too. Let’s get you some tea. Secretary Choi, two cups please.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
They exchanged compliments and headed to the director’s room.
Soon after, warm chamomile tea was served—a perfect match for Hwa-ran’s somewhat flustered energy.
She took a sip and looked at Ye-eun apologetically.
“Sigh, Ye-eun… You must’ve been shocked. Lee-hyun is just like his late father—too softhearted. Don’t worry. I’ll fix everything. The wedding will go as planned.”
“I was a little surprised, but I’m fine.”
“That rascal just couldn’t ignore his secretary’s plight. I’ll sort this out. You just prepare for the wedding.”
“Oh, no. Please let him follow his heart. I’m really okay…”
Just then—
“Well, well~ What brings our future in-law here so early?”
It was Chairman Ha-joong of the Si-eum Group.
“Father, what brings you here?”
Startled, Ye-eun stood from the sofa.
“I stopped by to see my daughter after a trip. But seeing you here too—what luck.”
“Oh, sorry for the worry, Chairman. I’ll talk to Lee-hyun properly.”
“It’s fine. Boys will be boys. As if Director Seo would really marry a secretary? Even if he did, it’s no big deal. We’ve spoken, and the kids will follow through. I’ll speak to Chairman Seo myself.”
Both smiled broadly while Ye-eun felt deeply uncomfortable.
She’d never even had a proper conversation with Lee-hyun.
She had liked him long ago, but that was childhood fantasy. He never once looked at her.
Now, their parents were forcing this marriage as if they were the only ones involved.
Lee-hyun wouldn’t want it, and neither did Ye-eun.
She had plenty of suitors. Why force herself into a loveless marriage?
“I’ll be going now. You two talk.”
“Ah, of course, busy curator. I’ll get going too. You two chat a bit.”
“I’ll contact you later. Take care.”
With a soft smile, Hwa-ran exited the gallery.
Once gone, Ha-joong’s tone dropped.
“Ye-eun, go to Seo’s company first thing Monday. I’ve arranged it.”
“Father! The engagement article is out. How could I just barge in? I never even agreed to this!”
“Ye Ji-yeon!! I raised you for this moment! I want to grow our company—globally! Seo’s only heir is that director. Once he inherits it, it’s ours. Do as I say.”
“Father!!”
“Secretary Choi, make sure Ye-eun is ready Monday morning.”
“Yes, sir.”
As Ye-eun stormed out, Secretary Choi followed.
Left alone, Ha-joong took another sip of tea.
“Tch, just like Seo’s old man. Always acting soft and sentimental. If something like 20 years ago happens again, that would be bad…”
Buzz-buzz
A text message arrived. Ha-joong picked up his phone and checked it.
> “Elaine Hotel, Suite 2704.”
