Episode 23
Jihoon and Hajung had been close friends since high school.
Even though Jihoon’s marriage had long been devoid of affection, approaching his deceased friend’s wife was never going to be easy.
To Hajung, Jihoon had always been an object of envy and jealousy. Jihoon was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and had no particular interest or greed for anything.
It was with Jihoon’s help that Hajung managed to build a small business and grow it into what is now Ji-eum Group, through relentless struggle.
While Hajung had to claw his way up step by step, everything came easily to Jihoon. Maybe that’s why Jihoon never seemed desperate. The same went for his son, Ihyun.
It irritated Hajung to no end that people like them would inherit top-ranking conglomerates in Korea, like S Group, without lifting a finger. For the sake of S Group’s future, Hajung believed that someone capable and desperate like himself deserved to lead.
Since Chairman Seo wouldn’t hand it over willingly, Hajung chose to join hands with Hwaran, who had Chairman Seo trapped due to his sons’ wrongdoings.
Hwaran, whom he had observed for a long time, was ambitious, sharp-witted, and starved for love.
That made her easier to approach and easier to turn to his side. And so far, Hwaran was following his lead well.
But Yeoun had become a problem. She felt like an obstacle constantly blocking his path.
“She needs to be dealt with quickly…”
“Don’t be angry. Our ultimate goal is to get S Group and be together. It’s only being delayed a little. A little delay won’t change our love. You know how much I love you, don’t you?”
“That’s true, but… How long do we have to keep meeting in secret like this? I feel so bad that Hwaran is the one suffering the most because of that wretched girl. You’re the one taking all the pain!”
He pulled Hwaran close and hugged her tightly, gently stroking her back as if to comfort her.
No matter the situation, Hajung only thought about her—and that made Hwaran love him all the more. That’s why she had made up her mind. Even if her hands got bloodied, she’d get him what he wanted.
Sunlight streamed through the curtains of Ihyun’s room and gently touched Harin’s face.
Still lying in Ihyun’s bed, Harin barely managed to open her heavy eyelids under the warmth of the sun.
How much time had passed since she fell asleep?
Turning her head to check the clock, she saw it was already well past 2 p.m.
She had never been a deep sleeper, even as a child. But ever since she began living with Ihyun, she’d sometimes manage to sleep soundly.
This room was filled with Ihyun’s scent—her favorite.
His scent lingered on the pillow, the blanket, the curtains… everything he touched. It made her feel as if he were still right beside her, and that comforted her heart.
The smell of him filled her chest with warmth.
She had smelled it for the past two years while working with him, but lately, it felt more special than ever. That must mean Ihyun had become someone incredibly special to her.
She remembered what Ihyun had said when he first proposed to her.
“I can’t live without you, Ju Harin.”
It felt like she was back in that very moment. Her heart dropped to her toes with a heavy thud.
Back then, she hadn’t realized she would fall this deeply for him…
But now, she wondered if the one who really couldn’t live without the other was her.
Could someone fall this quickly for another person? She had vowed not to open her heart again, yet her mind and body were already full of Ihyun.
Just thinking of him made her heart pound. The way he had held her, touched her, kissed her so many times last night—every sensation returned vividly.
Her face flushed again, and it felt like heat spread through her whole body.
“Ju Harin, are you crazy? Are you possessed by lust? Get it together.”
Even though no one was around, she slapped her own cheeks as if someone might have heard her thoughts.
As she looked away in embarrassment, she spotted Ihyun’s bathrobe that had fallen to the floor the night before.
She got out of bed, picked it up, and slipped it on before standing in front of the mirror.
She didn’t look pretty or sexy. In fact, she thought she looked rather ridiculous.
Do-yeom always made comments like he disapproved of how she looked.
“Even if you wear silk, you’re not pretty. Just throw it away.”
She had thought it was just because she was plain no matter what she wore.
But Ihyun had embraced her many times. Every time he left a mark on her body, he told her he loved her.
Those traces carried pieces of him.
As she moved toward the kitchen, she saw a sandwich, juice, and a small note left by Ihyun.
“You must be exhausted after last night. Be sure to eat this. I love you, Ju Harin.”
The sandwich was her favorite—potato sandwich—and orange juice.
Imagining those big hands preparing the sandwich and writing that sweet note made her burst into laughter.
“Try again.”
“This is your idea of a plan?”
“Persuade me in 3 minutes.”
“I’m not interested. Please step aside.”
“Don’t touch me, please.”
These were the kinds of things Ihyun often said at work. Most of the time, not to her—but to other female employees who tried to get close to him. He was so cold, it was discouraging.
There must have been hundreds of women who left the company after being heartbroken, and countless more who were rejected after making a move.
Because he always stuck close to Shihyuk, there were even rumors he might have a different preference. But even then, many female employees said, “If it’s those two, it’s fine,” and supported them.
That same man, who had no warmth for anyone else, seemed determined to bring every warm word in the world just for her.
Harin set the note down, sat at the table, and began eating the sandwich and drinking the juice Ihyun had prepared.
It was perfect—crisp lettuce, potato, egg, and mayo, all in perfect balance.
Harin felt like she was living in a dream. Her life had always been far from warm or comforting.
In that sense, Ihyun had kept every promise he made.
He had promised to make her happier than ever—and he was doing just that.
She was still covered in sweat from last night and had fallen asleep without showering. Her whole body felt sticky.
She wished this moment would last forever. If it was a dream, she never wanted to wake up.
Feeling that dreamlike happiness, she finished her sandwich and headed to the shower.
Swoosh—
Hot water poured from the shower, soaking her from head to toe.
It felt like her whole body was being washed in happiness.
She was a little afraid that something terrible might come and ruin this joy—but she also felt like there was no reason to be afraid anymore.
As long as she stood beside Ihyun—holding his hand, not just standing behind him—she could overcome anything.
That’s why this moment felt perfectly, blissfully complete.
As she ran her hands through her hair and let the water fall on her face, she remembered something Ihyun said before leaving for work:
“Better recharge me—I’m not done yet.”
His touch had been urgent, yet considerate and gentle, as if taking care not to hurt her.
It was likely because it had been her first time with Ihyun—that’s what made it feel even more special.
After finishing her shower, Harin put on a bathrobe and stood in front of the mirror again.
Should she get dressed and make dinner? Or should she wait in this state…?
Just as she was lost in thought—someone grabbed her from behind.
