Chapter 28
Taeseok’s firm, sculpted chest was clearly visible through his sweat-drenched shirt.
“With this weather, how about we shower together?”
“What kind of joke are you making with such a serious face? You’re making it hard to respond.”
“Who said it was a joke?”
He stepped closer, reducing the distance between them.
“The tub’s a bit small, but we can manage. You look overheated too.”
“I don’t know about that, but I was born in the summer, so I don’t feel heat as much as others.”
“Well then…”
Taeseok trailed off, his eyes narrowing slightly.
“That’s a shame, but I’ll shower alone for now. Wait for me.”
“Wait, Mr. Han Taeseok—why are you showering here? Hello?”
Without even listening to Iseo’s protest, Taeseok entered the bathroom, and his clothes were tossed out one by one as if they had wings.
Contrary to what she said about not feeling the heat, Iseo felt warmth flooding through her entire body.
A heavy silence settled in the room.
The only sound was the steady stream of water from the shower filling the entire living room.
Iseo neatly folded Taeseok’s discarded clothes over a chair.
Moments later.
The bathroom door opened, and Taeseok stepped out, prompting Iseo to quickly turn away.
Her heart pounded so violently it felt like it might burst out of her chest.
“What’s with you? It’s like you saw something you weren’t supposed to.”
Even though it was just for a second, the image of Taeseok wrapped only in a white towel was burned into her mind.
Tightly toned abs, sun-kissed smooth skin.
His well-sculpted body left a powerful impression on her, too vivid to ignore.
She had only glanced at him, yet her mind was spinning.
“W-what are you doing?”
“Can’t you see? I just took a shower.”
“That’s not what I meant. Why are you… undressed?”
Flustered by her rising body heat, Iseo grabbed the remote and quickly lowered the air conditioner temperature.
“My clothes are soaked with sweat, and the only robe in the bathroom was yours. I didn’t exactly have other options.”
“Still, you can’t just come out like that.”
“It’s not like I’m completely naked. You’re not a kid. Don’t tell me… is this your first time seeing a man’s body?”
His narrowed eyes locked onto her.
She couldn’t admit it, out of pride—but her flushed face and trembling hands betrayed the truth more than words ever could.
His still-damp hair clung slightly to his forehead, and the faint scent unique to Taeseok lingered in the air, tickling her senses.
“We haven’t even done anything yet. Why are you shaking so much?”
“M-must’ve turned the AC too low. It’s a bit cold.”
Seeing Iseo rub her arms with her reddened face made Taeseok’s lips curl into a crooked smile.
“We’re about to get married.”
“I know.”
“You agreed to this, didn’t you?”
“That’s true, but…”
“You know a half-hearted act won’t fool anyone. The moment you signed, it meant we had to be the most affectionate—no, even hotter—couple for the next two years. You understand that, right?”
If anyone found out it was a fake marriage, their contract would fall apart completely.
“Get used to my body heat, my breath, my scent—everything about me. Even my body.”
He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.
His fingers trailed slowly down from her jawline, brushing along her pale neckline and settling in the dip of her collarbone like he was painting on a canvas.
“Become completely mine.”
His deep, intense gaze made Iseo’s heart tremble violently.
Meanwhile…
“We’re here.”
Ji-tae, dressed in a sleek suit, entered with Hyemi at his side.
As she watched the two enter, Pilsoon’s brows began to twitch.
“Welcome, Miss Hyemi. Fancy seeing you like this.”
“It’s been a while, Chairwoman. I think we last met three years ago at the year-end party with my father—do you remember?”
“Of course.”
Hyejeong, who had been preparing food with the housekeeper, quickly came out to greet them.
“Nice to meet you.”
The total value of Hyemi’s accessories and dress easily exceeded fifty million won. Hyejeong’s eyes were drawn to her appearance.
“I was making some simple dishes since you were coming—haven’t eaten yet, have you?”
“You didn’t have to trouble yourself like this.”
“It’s no trouble. With such a special guest, of course I wanted to prepare things myself.”
Their exchange sounded almost like that of a warm mother and daughter.
“This is a gift from Miss Hyemi.”
Ji-tae handed a luxuriously wrapped box with a gold ribbon to Pilsoon and Hyejeong.
“During my recent overseas business trip, I found necklaces I thought would suit you both. I hope you like them.”
Inside the opened box were white gold necklaces adorned with dazzling diamonds.
“Oh my, what great taste. It’s beautiful. Do you like it, Mother?”
“How thoughtful. Let’s discuss more over the meal.”
Shinseollo, gujeolpan, grilled abalone, braised cod, and premium Korean beef galbi patties.
The long dining table was filled with delicious, aromatic dishes.
“I prepared Korean dishes since I prefer them. I hope it suits your tastes.”
While Pilsoon looked at the meal with a pleasant expression, her mind was racing with thoughts.
“Please help yourself.”
“May I speak more casually with you? And if it’s okay, may I call you Grandmother instead of Chairwoman?”
If Ji-tae and Hyemi married, the merger between Kanghwa and NY Group would be inevitable.
Hyejeong couldn’t stop smiling as she envisioned the perfect picture in her head.
“What do you think of Ji-tae, Miss Hyemi?”
“You can speak comfortably with me too.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course. I haven’t known Ji-tae for long, but he felt familiar right from the start. Maybe because we’re similar? He’s warm and nice. Maybe he got that from you, ma’am.”
Hyemi, who referred to her as “Mother” so naturally, placed a perfectly grilled beef piece on Pilsoon’s plate.
“Grandmother, I remember you liked meat before—please try this.”
“How thoughtful! She even remembered I liked meat.”
As Pilsoon watched Hyemi smiling with those crescent-shaped eyes, Iseo’s face suddenly flashed in her mind. Her brows immediately furrowed.
If it weren’t for Choi Iseo, NY Group would’ve gone to Taeseok, not Ji-tae.
The thought made her stomach churn, and a fiery sensation boiled up from her toes.
“By the way, the art center you run is very popular with people in their twenties and thirties. Next month, a famous artist will be signing with us at NY.”
“An artist?”
“Warm Hamilton.”
“My goodness, really? We spent so long trying to recruit him, but he’s so picky and a perfectionist that he never agreed to an exhibition.”
“If the contract goes through, I’ll do everything I can to make sure his work is exhibited at your art center.”
“That would be an honor. I know it’s early to say this, but I always wished I had a daughter. Seeing you today, it doesn’t feel like you’re a stranger.”
“Come to think of it, your name and mine are quite similar—Hyejeong, Hyemi. This must be fate.”
Among the three laughing together, Pilsoon alone forced a fake smile.
Early Morning
The car Taeseok sent arrived at Sunyoung’s home.
It was time for the family meeting before the upcoming wedding.
Upon being notified, Sunyoung came out and got into the car.
As the vehicle drove, her eyes followed the scenery passing by outside.
She thought of her daughter, whom she hadn’t done much for since birth.
Thinking of Iseo, who had suffered so much because of her own mistakes, emotions surged up uncontrollably.
Iseo had matured earlier than others, never once complaining about hardship—and that made Sunyoung’s heart ache even more.
After a long drive, the car arrived in front of Iseo’s officetel. Iseo, already waiting, ran out to greet her.
“Mom.”
“My baby, you’ve lost more weight already.”
“You’re worrying again the moment we meet.”
“You must be exhausted preparing for the wedding.”
“It’s hot—let’s talk inside.”
Iseo led her inside and quickly handed her a cool green tangerine tea with ice.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier.”
“What’s there to be sorry about? As your mother, I haven’t done anything for your wedding. I can’t offer much, but I still wanted to help somehow. I’m sorry.”
Sunyoung handed Iseo an old bankbook.
“What’s this?”
“It’s not much, but I saved it for your wedding. I hid it away so those loan sharks wouldn’t find it. It’s from working at restaurants and cleaning jobs—use it for your wedding.”
Inside was 5 million won that Sunyoung had scraped together over time.
“I wanted to make it 10 million, but saving money isn’t easy. For now, take this…”
Before she could finish—
The intercom rang, and Taeseok entered.
“Thank you for coming all this way.”
He bowed politely to Sunyoung. Seeing his reliable demeanor, a proud smile lit up her face.
“I should’ve come to pick you up myself. Sorry.”
“What are you saying? You even sent a driver—thank you. You must be busy with work.”
Taeseok placed the shopping bag he brought on the table.
“This is a gift, Mother.”
“A gift? But I haven’t done anything for you.”
“As your son-in-law, it’s a token of my appreciation. Please don’t feel burdened.”
Iseo’s eyes landed on Taeseok’s face.
“I’m so sorry, Han.”
Sunyoung gently placed her hand over his, her eyes brimming with tears.
“Thank you for accepting my dear, lovely daughter.”
