BTCG 13🔐

Chapter 13 …

I didn’t dislike Nam Jin-woo. Actually, if it weren’t for the circumstances, I might have gratefully accepted his kindness. If we had met at another time, perhaps things could have naturally developed into a good relationship. But now wasn’t that time.

Even if it was just a contractual relationship, I still had a husband. And it was my husband’s friend. Beyond the pretense of a showy marriage, there were at least basic duties to uphold. Besides, I had the obligation to remain faithful to the act of pretending to be a married couple.

“Honestly… I do like you,” I admitted.

At my words, Nam Jin-woo’s expression brightened for a moment. But then he quickly added:

“Still, our timing isn’t good. Even if the marriage is just a contract and there’s no interference in private life, this isn’t right. And you two are friends… What if a report came out? An affair with your husband’s friend… That would be outrageous.”

Did Nam Jin-woo want me to firmly refuse him? Surprisingly, though, a brighter smile spread across his face.

“However, if the timing is bad, would it be okay to wait until the contract ends? By then, you’d be single again. Waiting just six months isn’t much.”

He looked delighted, as if he had just received a promise that we would start dating immediately. Flustered by his unexpected words, I couldn’t make a decision, only my eyes shifting nervously.

“Once the contract ends and you’re single, it’ll be okay to like me, right? I’ll be first in line. I’ll ask again then, ‘How about dating me?’ Is that okay? For me to wait alone?”

He asked with a serious face. How could I stop someone who was willing to wait?

I couldn’t answer right away, only gazing at his face. He tilted his head slightly and asked again, eyes full of anticipation.

“Is that okay? Yes?”

I had no answer. What was I supposed to say in this situation?

“Do as you wish. I can’t really tell you what to do…”

I left my words vague.

Nam Jin-woo smiled broadly, ear-to-ear, and said,

“I really will wait.”

Few people were this honest about their feelings. Compared to vague expressions that made others uncomfortable, this was clear and straightforward. That honesty was part of his charm.

As he laughed, talking about how the taste of bean sprout hangover soup depended on the right amount of salted shrimp, the simple, unpretentious vibe he gave off contradicted the title of “third-generation chaebol heir.” Of course, the fact that his wristwatch cost tens of millions of won and his distressed designer jeans were over 500,000 won might make calling him “unpretentious” inaccurate. Yet the impression he gave wasn’t flashy. Perhaps he, like me, was used to receiving unwanted luxury gifts. Expensive birthday boxes from companies he barely knew were probably routine in his life too.

“It’s best we part ways here.”

“Not even for a coffee?”

“Today, just a meal together would be better.”

His expression was full of regret. He seemed reluctant to leave, but in the end, he stepped back to accommodate me. He hailed a taxi, pre-paid the fare, and reminded the driver to take good care of me.

I headed to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which I had planned to visit yesterday but hadn’t. True to its reputation as one of the world’s top three museums, it was enormous; I gave up after barely seeing half the exhibits. I then took a stroll through Central Park, briefly lost in the sunset over New York. But today’s highlight awaited elsewhere.

I went to the Empire State Building observation deck to view New York against the sunset. This spot is often seen in Hollywood movies. While it appears in blockbusters like King Kong, it shines in tender romance films such as Sleepless in Seattle or Love Affair.

Taking a yellow cab to the building, I couldn’t help but recall a scene from Love Affair. The male lead waited endlessly at the observation deck, while the female lead, trying to meet him, was stopped by a traffic accident. I remembered crying over that scene as a middle school girl.

The Empire State Building was crowded with tourists. With the obvious risk of terrorism, security was as strict as at an airport. I waited in line among others for screening. My bag went through the X-ray, and I spread my arms for a pat-down. That’s when I noticed Director Choi standing ahead, looking surprised.

“Isn’t this Madam?”

And right next to him, I saw Jae-ha.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m going to the observation deck.”

I answered, subtly checking his expression. I half-expected him to scold me for wandering around in such casual attire. Jae-ha looked impeccable in his designer suit, while I in my shirt and skinny jeans looked mismatched.

“What brings you two here?”

“We have a meeting.”

“Here?”

“Don’t you know? Most of this building is offices. Over a hundred companies. Perfect timing—you can enjoy the observation deck while the boss is in a meeting.”

No, I’m fine… Being with him makes it hard to breathe. I swallowed those words and forced a bitter smile.

Luckily, the elevator I was taking and the one Jae-ha needed for his meeting went to different floors. Soon, we parted, and he said,

“I’ll call you when it’s done.”

I had planned to leisurely enjoy the sunset and city view, but now I had to take photos quickly and leave.

The observation deck was crowded. As the sun set, people gathered on one side, busy with phones and cameras. I took out my phone and snapped a few photos of the city and the red-tinted sky, even a few selfies.

The sky gradually turned deep red, enveloping the city. As darkness fell, the buildings lit up brilliantly, the city sparkling like a jewel.

How could I not take a selfie with this backdrop? I extended my arm, made a peace sign, moved my fingers to my eye and lips, even blew some air into my cheeks for fun. After a few shots, I lowered my arm and finally noticed Jae-ha.

He was silently watching me take selfies, a faint smile tugging at one corner of his lips.

“Want me to take it for you?”

“No.”

Embarrassed at the memory of puffing my cheeks just moments ago, I quickly turned away and started photographing the night view instead, particularly the dazzling Times Square multiple times.

Meanwhile, Jae-ha came to stand beside me. His familiar cologne was noticeable up close, enough that it had begun to feel familiar.

“Finished your meeting? Should we go now?”

“I want to stay a bit.”

“Huh?”

With the wind and city noise, he had to raise his voice.

“I just want some fresh air.”

I looked up at him. He gazed into the distance, looking somewhat weary. The strong wind tousled his neatly combed hair, and today, the fatigue of a businessman’s life seemed to seep through him. A pang of sympathy rose in me.

As darkness fully settled, the wind grew colder. I zipped my jumper to my neck and crossed my arms, but Jae-ha noticed and draped his suit jacket over my shoulders. He was now in just a thin white shirt.

“I’m fine.”

I didn’t want to appear fragile. As I tried to remove the jacket, his hand stopped mine.

“Don’t make me into a husband with no manners.”

His words made me pause. Was this part of the marital act? Or genuine concern? Either way, the jacket kept me warm.

After a long silence, he suddenly spoke and began walking.

“Let’s have dinner here first.”

“Huh?”

I followed him, noticing his furrowed brow as he looked at the crowd waiting for the elevator.

“Director Choi said this place has a steak restaurant. There should be a reservation.”

It was probably a high-end restaurant. Not exactly the attire for such a place, so I hesitated to speak.

“My outfit…”

He glanced me up and down, then said calmly:

“It doesn’t matter. It’s not an official occasion; we’re just having a meal together.”

His composed tone left me with no words to argue.