Chapter 51
Inside the returning car.
Kang Chairman’s cold gaze lingered in Ji-tae’s mind.
It had been a loveless, goal-oriented marriage from the start, but the disapproving eyes, tone, and every expression of Chairman Kang gnawed at his nerves, disturbing him entirely.
Veins bulged bluishly across the back of Ji-tae’s hand as he gripped the steering wheel tightly.
If it weren’t for NY Group, he wouldn’t have gone through with such a marriage. Hye-mi, after all, was far from his ideal type.
That thought made him think of In-young.
A glamorous face, a perfect body. A woman with no expectations or emotional demands. That alone was enough to pique his interest.
Ji-tae considered turning the car around to go to In-young but shook his head and tapped the steering wheel irritably.
Sooner or later, even Chairman Kang would become a toothless tiger.
Convinced that both NY Group and Kang’s influence would eventually fall into his hands, Ji-tae tried to forget today’s humiliation. But the fury boiling in him didn’t subside easily, and he bit his lip so hard that it bled.
Upon arriving home, Ji-tae saw Iseo holding a large bouquet, smiling as if she were the happiest person in the world.
That bright, radiant smile sparked something hot and turbulent deep within his chest.
More charming and beautiful than the flowers in her arms, Iseo’s image only further disturbed Ji-tae.
A poor and insignificant background that couldn’t even be compared to Kang Hye-mi’s.
It was certain she had been raised by a single mother, yet Iseo carried a graceful elegance and atmosphere that couldn’t be bought with money.
There was clearly something magnetic about her that Hye-mi completely lacked.
The fact that such a woman was by Tae-seok’s side—no, the fact that she was Han Tae-seok’s wife—irked Ji-tae immensely.
As he stared at them with a hardened expression, Tae-seok kissed Iseo on the cheek. Ji-tae’s eyes narrowed at the sight.
Tae-seok’s gaze toward Iseo was sincere.
A woman who could make cold-hearted Han Tae-seok smile.
Damn it.
With a twisted grin, Ji-tae slowly walked forward.
“You’re back,” Iseo greeted, surprised, her cheeks flushing red.
“The flowers are beautiful. Someone gave them to you, I assume?”
“Yes.”
As Ji-tae spoke, the corners of his eyes curved, but his sharp gaze landed on Tae-seok.
“We seem to run into each other often lately. It used to be hard to catch even a glimpse of you.”
“How could I bear it if I didn’t see her?”
Tae-seok’s casual reply made Ji-tae’s brow twitch again.
“I guess the saying is true—blood doesn’t lie. Like father, like son—both hopeless romantics.”
The meaning wasn’t lost on Tae-seok. His sharp, icy stare pierced Ji-tae.
In the past, he would’ve thrown a punch without hesitation, but now he simply gave a dry smile, his expression composed.
“As you can see, your sister-in-law is extraordinarily beautiful. There’s not a single flaw on her. Sometimes I regret not marrying her even earlier.”
Tae-seok gently tucked a strand of hair behind Iseo’s ear, his eyes softening.
“Who would’ve thought I’d change like this?”
“So I figured I’d give this marriage thing a try too.”
Tae-seok’s smile faded slightly—he knew the bride-to-be was Kang Hye-mi.
“Then you’ll soon understand. Even this fleeting time feels too precious to waste.”
With an expression that clearly said he had no interest in continuing the conversation, Tae-seok took Iseo’s hand and walked away.
Ji-tae, staring at their retreating backs, wore a strange, unreadable expression.
Back in their room, Iseo placed the bouquet on the table.
“Can’t you be a little nicer?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m talking about your brother. He’s getting married soon. He’ll be family. You’re too cold to him.”
“There’s only one person in this world I can be warm to.”
Tae-seok wrapped his arms around her waist.
His musky scent tickled her nose. Her heart still beat fast at every little touch and word from him.
“Sometimes I think you forget, but you’ve been a little too dutiful lately in your husband role. You’re getting off work early, and… we’ve been… quite active. I think we should keep a bit more distance.”
“Distance? Since we’re on the topic, I could go 24 hours a day. I’m just holding back for your sake.”
Considering that, Tae-seok hadn’t let a single day pass this week without making love to her.
After nights with him, she always felt a strange ache and slight soreness. Red marks remained on her body in various places.
“Do you even know the meaning of ‘moderation’?” Iseo asked, exasperated.
Tae-seok chuckled softly.
Though they used contraception, the mere thought of an accidental pregnancy worried Iseo constantly since their wedding.
Perhaps sensing her thoughts, Tae-seok took a step closer and pinned her against the wall, enclosing her in his arms.
“It’s almost dinnertime. Let’s not do this now…”
Her words faded. It wasn’t enough to cool Tae-seok’s growing heat.
He cupped her face and captured her moist lips. His tongue moved skillfully, sending electric jolts through her entire body.
She tried to push him away, but there was no way she could resist a nearly 190cm man with a sturdy build.
As the heated kiss deepened, his hand that had cupped her face now clutched her chest. Her soft breasts overflowed in his large hands.
Still breathing heavily, Tae-seok hoisted her onto the table without even breaking the kiss. When his breath brushed against her pale neck, her slender body trembled.
Every time their eyes met with flushed cheeks, Tae-seok’s heart surged, and watching Iseo pant with a dazed face only intensified his desire.
Her trembling at every touch, the way she called his name with reddened cheeks—everything about her was lovable.
The feelings he had for Iseo grew deeper with time, enough to forget that their marriage had started as a contract.
“Choi Iseo.”
As her name escaped his breathless lips, Iseo’s heart dropped.
Her white skin, glowing through the gap of her dress, drew a short gasp from Tae-seok. In their gazes, there was only each other.
His soft, gentle hands traced every inch of her as they slowly moved downward. Their fierce kiss left them tangled in each other’s breath and saliva.
His long fingers brushed her moist lips.
Unable to hold back any longer, Tae-seok carried Iseo to the bed. The moment her body touched the soft sheets, he pressed her down with his strong, solid frame.
At 7 p.m., just before dinner, the heat from Tae-seok’s body was hotter than the scorching midsummer sun.
A body that reacted only to Choi Iseo.
Like a giant wave swallowing a small boat, Tae-seok began to explore every inch of her.
Early dawn.
The faint light filtering through the thin curtains signaled the arrival of morning.
Tae-seok, having ravished Iseo’s body through the night, was now in deep sleep. Iseo, who had awakened slightly earlier, rested her head on her arm and watched his face.
His sharply defined nose and angular jawline looked like they had been sculpted.
Her heart, which had once dropped in fear at his every touch, now beat calmly.
What had once hurt and ached slowly became familiar. As time passed, though she didn’t want to admit it, she was starting to enjoy their relationship.
The sensations he stirred with every touch—shivers and pleasure—were beyond words.
She admired his face only briefly.
Half-asleep, Tae-seok habitually pulled Iseo into his arms.
Only when she was tightly held did he exhale again. Watching him, Iseo’s heart wavered with emotions she couldn’t name.
My man. My husband.
That phrase brought her a deep sense of comfort. Slowly, it was beginning to take root in her heart.
After getting ready for work, Iseo went down to the first floor.
“Good morning, young madam,” Ae-sook greeted, offering a freshly squeezed juice.
“Thank you for taking care of me every day like this.”
The juice’s freshness and aroma lingered as it slid down her throat.
“This evening, the future wife of the director will be visiting. The lady of the house asked me to inform you.”
“Then I’ll leave work a little early to help.”
“Oh, no need for that! We’ll handle the meal preparations. You needn’t worry.”
After parting with Ae-sook, Iseo stepped outside.
Stopping in the wide garden, she felt a cool breeze and the faint scent of flowers.
It was a different kind of breeze from the stifling summer heat. A pleasant wind signaling the end of summer—and the beginning of autumn.
