Episode 9
Chairman Seo also knew it—he could no longer give Hwaran more power.
But out of guilt for having left her to raise his grandchild Mi-hyun without a husband, he had always indulged Hwaran in nearly everything.
This time, however, he had decided to take Lee Hyun’s side.
Because for the first time, Lee Hyun had asked him for something.
> “You’ve worked hard raising Hyun. Don’t you think it’s time for you to rest? After he gets married, you should take some time for yourself. Go on the trips you couldn’t before.”
“I’m really okay, Father. Please let me keep doing things as they are. I’m just worried he won’t be able to enjoy his newlywed life if he’s burdened with too much work.”
Chairman Seo’s expression tightened at Hwaran’s words, clearly not spoken from the heart.
“You seem very worried about Hyun.”
“Of course. He’s my son.”
“Then shouldn’t you also support him if he decides he wants to do something? That’s what loving a child really means.”
Lee Hyun had always been a child who never asked for or demanded anything. That’s why this request seemed all the more sincere.
“Hwaran, I’ve always been on your side. I felt bad about the wrongs my son committed, and I’ve tried to give you everything you asked for. But this time, I want to support Hyun. This is the first favor he’s ever asked of me. You’re his mother—you know what kind of man he is. You understand, don’t you?”
“…Yes, Father. I understand. If that is your wish, I will follow it.”
Hwaran nodded, but her face clearly showed disappointment.
“Good, then let’s do that.”
As she left the chairman’s room, her stomach churned in anger—but she had to keep her true feelings hidden for now. She still needed Chairman Seo on her side.
Just as she was calming herself—
Bzzz—
She received a message.
> “Ellamin Hotel.”
Seeing the message, Hwaran smiled and quickly began preparing to head out.
—
The wedding preparations for Lee Hyun and Harin progressed rapidly.
Lee Hyun moved everything forward as if he had already planned it in advance. All Harin had to do was follow his lead.
But Harin felt uneasy that things were going too smoothly.
Do-young, Hwaran, Yeoun…
If they were the people she knew, there was no way they’d remain this quiet.
Especially the night she heard Hwaran say:
> “You won’t last long there.”
What did she mean by that?
What exactly wouldn’t last?
—
“Joo Harin, what are you thinking about?”
As they ate together, Lee Hyun asked after noticing Harin dazing off.
“You don’t like the pasta? Ji-hyuk said it was delicious when I made it. Or is there something bothering you? If there’s anything I can help with, just tell me. I’ll do whatever I can.”
Putting down his fork, Lee Hyun leaned in close and rested his chin on his hand to listen.
At home, Lee Hyun was completely different from how he was at the office.
At work: Cold, flawless, emotionless Director Seo Lee Hyun.
At home: Wearing an apron, cooking dinner, ready to give her anything—her sweet fiancé.
Perhaps only Harin and Ji-hyuk had seen both sides of him.
He even looked cute at home, and Harin wondered if she was losing her mind.
“What’s troubling you? Is it something serious?”
Snapping out of her thoughts at his voice, Harin replied.
“I just… suddenly felt anxious.”
Her answer drained the energy out of Lee Hyun.
Was he not providing enough stability to make her feel secure?
“Why? What are you anxious about? Is it me? Am I failing to give you peace of mind?”
“No, that’s not it… It’s just… Ever since I was young, whenever something happy happened, something bad followed right after. Like the day my parents passed away. It’s like every high gets followed by a huge crash. That fear just stays with me.”
Harin usually didn’t open up like this. But perhaps hypnotized by Lee Hyun’s attentive gaze, she kept talking.
She didn’t even seem to notice herself opening up.
To Lee Hyun, she looked so lovely at that moment.
“So, what you’re saying is… You’re happy right now?”
Lee Hyun smiled warmly. Embarrassed, Harin lowered her head and stuffed pasta into her mouth.
> “Harin, just enjoy the happiness you’re given. And if misfortune ever comes, stand behind me—I’ll block it for you. Learn how to rely on someone. Learn how to stay behind someone else when needed. Facing everything head-on isn’t the only way.”
> “I want you to use me shamelessly. If it keeps you safe and happy, hide behind me as much as you need. That’s the kind of person I want to be for you.”
Every word he said wrapped around her heart.
It felt like the emotional scars she’d carried alone were beginning to fade, slowly erased by his presence.
Her heart wavered again.
She almost said she wanted to kiss him—again.
She didn’t recognize herself anymore. First wanting to kiss him, now wanting to sleep beside him…
Why was she like this only with him?
> “Joo Harin, are you crazy? Get it together! Falling in love with your boss? That’s ridiculous. What if you get hurt again?”
She shook her head, trying to push her feelings aside.
Lee Hyun, watching her shake her head in a daze, thought she looked like a girl falling in love. He had no idea what she was thinking—he just found every bit of her adorable.
If allowed, he wanted to hug her, kiss her, and never let her go.
Embarrassed by his own thoughts, he decided to change the subject.
“Um… should we have a glass of wine?”
“Yes, that sounds good.”
Grateful for the distraction, Harin agreed.
Lee Hyun retrieved a bottle from the wine cellar and brought out two glasses, placing one before each of them.
“This is a first, huh? Drinking together. I thought you didn’t like alcohol.”
“It’s not that… I was just afraid I might do something stupid…”
“Oh? So you think you’re safe with me now? Are we that close already?”
Lee Hyun put meaning into her every word and action, and Harin found that surprising.
This cold man who had never cared about anyone else was paying close attention to her.
“You said yourself—this isn’t work, and this is your house. So I think it’s okay to have a drink.”
“Exactly. That’s what I want. Let’s toast—to getting a little closer.”
As Lee Hyun raised his glass, Harin nodded and clinked her glass against his.
—
The wine, the food Lee Hyun had made—it felt like a date.
And the awkward air between them grew heavy.
Harin, perhaps nervous, kept drinking.
A moment later—
“Joo Harin, slow down.”
Lee Hyun tried to stop her, but it was too late.
Harin was already slumped over, swaying unsteadily in her seat.
Lee Hyun rushed over to support her.
Between her long hair, he saw her delicate nose and plump lips.
The sweet scent of wine mixed with her breath teased his senses.
Ordinarily, it wouldn’t have affected him—but with her, it was different.
> “God… I’m going crazy.”
Harin was the first person in his life to make him feel this way.
And his patience was wearing thin.
He lifted her carefully and laid her down on her bed.
“Good night, Joo Harin.”
As he turned to leave, he felt her tug on his arm.
Looking back, Harin’s half-lidded eyes were gazing up at him.
> “Can you… stay with me?”
Her tear-filled eyes grabbed his soul.
His resolve clashed with his rising desire.
He had promised to wait until she felt the same—but…
She pulled on his arm again.
He nearly fell on top of her but managed to brace himself with one hand.
When he opened his eyes, he saw her lips brushing against his.
He had always hated women who acted like this when drunk—but with Harin, he couldn’t resist.
> “God, Joo Harin. What have you done to me? Why am I only like this with you…”
Their gazes locked in silence, filled with tension.
His heart pounded wildly, and his logic gave way to desire.
> “You started it.”
He urgently pressed his lips to her slightly parted ones, drinking in her breath.
One hand wrapped around her back, drawing her into him—
And the two of them became inseparably close, leaving not a single space between.
