Chapter 32
In Hyejeong’s hand at the art center was a photo. In it were Taeseok and Iseo, captured together.
‘Knowing Han Taeseok’s personality, if he’s visiting her house, it must not be a casual relationship…’
A mysterious smile crept over Hyejeong’s lips as she raised one eyebrow.
“Mother.”
At Jitae’s arrival, she hurriedly tucked the photos into a drawer.
“You’re here, my son.”
“I had an appointment nearby, so I dropped in. Are you busy?”
“No matter how busy I am, I always have time for my son.”
Cold iced tea was placed before them, and Jitae took a big sip before asking Hyejeong,
“About the chairman… I just can’t understand it.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, did he really approve Han Taeseok’s marriage? Even if he said they’d live together for a year, I can’t believe he’d so easily accept a marriage he had strongly opposed.”
“Approve? As if. If I didn’t know how black his heart is…”
Hyejeong’s brow twitched as she sipped her tea.
“Isn’t it obvious? He’s planning to get them divorced within the year and marry Taeseok off to a woman from another family.”
“Is it really worth going that far?”
“Divorce isn’t a stigma these days. And for the sake of Ganghwa Group, wouldn’t that be even more reason to do so?”
“Do you think they’ll divorce that easily? From what I saw, that guy seems serious about her.”
That day at Inyoung’s officetel—Taeseok’s eyes, burning with the desire to kill, had been unforgettable.
“Love only lasts so long. Don’t you know there’s an expiration date? And let’s be honest, there isn’t a single woman in this world who can endure that eccentric old man’s temperament.”
She had spent over a decade in the Han family chasing Ganghwa, but appeasing Pilsun had never been easy.
“When they move in, things will definitely get uncomfortable. Shouldn’t we leave?”
“What are you talking about? Out of sight, out of mind doesn’t apply only to lovers. The mansion has plenty of rooms. Why leave? We should lie low and make sure Han Taeseok never gets a proper foothold in Ganghwa.”
Hyejeong smirked, her voice dripping with scorn.
“Still, he probably wants to put his only bloodline in the president’s seat. But that might just be our golden opportunity. Those two won’t last. When the moment comes, you should be ready to get married right away.”
They exchanged a look—mother and son, a perfectly synchronized team.
“This Sunday?”
Hyemi’s gaze was fixed on Iseo’s face.
“We’re not doing formal invitations. Just a small gathering of both families.”
“But during the interview, you said the wedding date was undecided. Isn’t this a bit sudden? Don’t tell me the reason you’re rushing is…”
Her eyes dropped to Iseo’s belly.
“Pregnancy may be the new dowry, but still… you just started working here.”
“What? Oh, no, no! It’s not like that.”
Iseo quickly waved her hands in denial, flustered.
“I just thought it might be better to have the ceremony first. That way I can focus more on work.”
“Well, if you’re going to do it anyway, sooner is probably better. Our project kicks off soon, after all.”
Hyemi stood up from her seat.
“Congratulations. On both joining the company and the wedding—double blessings. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend Sunday. I already have another engagement. I’ll send a gift through the secretary’s office.”
“That’s really not necessary, President. Just being hired here is already a huge gift.”
“Well, it was your own capability that got you hired, not me. Keep that in mind.”
The wedding day.
From early morning, dazzling sunlight filled every corner of the hotel.
Inside, everything was perfectly prepared. The lobby overflowed with the fragrance of flowers arranged in full bloom.
Wedding photos taken with Taeseok showed the most perfect groom and the most radiant bride in the world.
In the bridal waiting room next door, Iseo sat with her makeup done to natural perfection.
Her diamond-adorned wedding dress and custom-made wedding shoes sparkled more than ever today.
A necklace and earrings graced her delicate neck, along with a tiara.
As per Taeseok’s instruction to prepare only the best, each expensive jewel glimmered with its own light.
Her white skin, tinted lips, and softly blushed cheeks gave her a refined elegance.
It was supposed to be the happiest moment of her life.
But Iseo’s mind was swirling with complicated thoughts.
“I’ve seen many brides, but never one as beautiful as you.”
The hotel staff couldn’t stop complimenting her.
“President Han is very lucky. We’ll step out for a moment.”
Once the staff left, Soonyoung approached.
“My daughter, you look so beautiful today.”
“You look beautiful too, Mom.”
“If only Grandma were alive to see you getting married… she would’ve been so happy.”
Seeing Soonyoung in her hanbok, light makeup, and familiar face—just like in an old photo—Iseo’s nose tingled with emotion.
“From now on, just live happily. Trust Han, look only forward, and don’t worry about anything else. Just be happy.”
At those words, a wave of emotion surged from her toes upward.
She had never imagined she’d be getting married this suddenly.
Just as tears threatened to rise, the door opened and Jian stepped in.
“Ma’am, long time no see. You’re so beautiful today, even more than the bride.”
“Oh my, Jian!”
Soonyoung took his hand warmly.
“You must be busy, but you came for Iseo’s wedding.”
“Of course. She’s my only female friend.”
Jian’s voice held a strange emptiness.
“I’ll leave you two to chat.”
As Soonyoung stepped out, Jian took a few more steps toward Iseo.
Seeing her in a wedding dress—she was even more beautiful than he had imagined.
If only I were the one standing next to her.
That foolish longing still stirred deep in his chest.
“Thanks for coming.”
“What are you saying? You look amazing today. Just shows what makeup and a good dress can do.”
He smiled faintly as he tried to joke.
In a fleeting moment, his mind replayed the image of Iseo in her school uniform.
She’d always just been his friend, someone he thought would always be there.
“Can’t believe the day has come when Choi Iseo gets married.”
“You’re next, you know that, right?”
“Can I get married alone?”
“Thanks, Lee Jian.”
“Be happy, okay?”
Iseo couldn’t easily answer and instead bit her lip, hard.
A short while later, family and friends began to fill the seats.
“Why is this wedding so… dead? I know small weddings are trendy, but this is too much. How can one of the top conglomerates have such a boring wedding?”
Hearing the hotel staff whisper, another nudged her elbow.
“Shh, they’ll hear you.”
“I’m just saying. I mean, maybe there’s a story they’re not telling?”
“You seriously don’t know?”
“Know what?”
“There’s a rumor that Chairman Ganghwa opposed this marriage.”
“No wonder. I knew something felt off.”
Gossip, as always, spread fast—carelessly whispered words carried in all directions.
“Still, the bride’s looks are no joke. Guess beauty wins in the end.”
“These hotel staff are a mess.”
Just then, Taeseok entered in a tuxedo, and the women’s faces turned pale.
“S-Sorry, sir.”
“If you’re apologizing, you must know you’ve done something wrong.”
“You’ve misunderstood. We didn’t mean—”
“Misunderstood? And what exactly did I misunderstand?”
His low, heavy voice cut between them like a blade, and the cold air around them suddenly felt sharper.
“I didn’t realize K Hotel’s staff management had become this poor.”
Raising his hand, Taeseok signaled for the manager, and the gossiping staff were immediately replaced.
“We sincerely apologize, sir.”
“Please manage your staff properly. As I said, security is everything for today’s wedding. If this happens again, or if any breaches occur, the full responsibility falls on you. Don’t forget that.”
“Yes, sir.”
Even as he disappeared down the hall, a chill lingered in the air.
“Mother, please try to smile. This is the wedding you so wanted, after all.”
“Give me a reason to smile.”
Hyejeong’s gaze shifted to Soonyoung, who sat across from her.
“My in-law, you look stunning today. I think Iseo takes after her mother.”
Hearing this, Pilsun bit her lip hard.
“Are you trying to drive me crazy?”
“Of course not. You know I’m always on your side.”
“Don’t forget those words. There’s going to be a lot for you to do from now on.”
Pilsun’s face hardened as she spoke stiffly.
And in the background, the wedding ceremony of Taeseok and Iseo began.
