Chapter 15
Kang Dasom’s birthday party was held in the ballroom of Seoyoung Hotel. Kang Youngjun led her around, introducing her to people.
But most of them recognized Kang Youngjun’s face more than Kang Dasom’s. Her birthday party was little more than an afterthought.
“Oh my, happy birthday.”
“Oppa, you should’ve told me you had a younger sister. Please take care of me.”
Most of the people there weren’t actually there for Kang Dasom, but either knew Kang Youngjun already or wanted to use the chance to get acquainted with him.
But once word spread that Kang Dasom was dating Cheonmyeong Group’s second son, Yoon Sunghoon, their attitudes shifted one hundred and eighty degrees.
What disgusting people.
Dasom felt like she might vomit, but she hid behind her thick makeup and smiled.
“See over there? That’s Madam Choi Younghee of the Aria Foundation.”
The Aria Foundation was a nonprofit where wealthy wives held gatherings and social events: tea ceremonies, music, crafts, volunteer work, and so on.
It was a club of women married to the cream of the political and financial elite, and everyone longed to join.
“She’s hard to invite, so make a good impression. If you can get into that circle, it’ll make it much easier to take your place as mistress of Cheonmyeong Group in the future.”
“Yes, I will.”
Dusting the wrinkles from her dress, Dasom smiled like a doll and acted obediently.
Even in her previous life, she had been forced into the Aria Foundation gatherings because of Youngjun’s pressure. At first, they treated her well, but once Yoon Sunghoon’s position within the group weakened, she ended up ostracized and isolated.
Jung Hana had also been a member of the Aria circle. Looking back, there had been many strange things. Perhaps it had been Hana orchestrating her ostracism from behind the scenes.
“Hello, I’m Kang Dasom.”
Dasom approached Choi Younghee and her companions. From head to toe, they were draped in luxury brands, and at her birthday party, they chatted among themselves, ignoring her.
“Oh, you must be the birthday girl today? I’m sorry. I got so caught up chatting with old friends that I didn’t come see you sooner.”
“It’s fine. I’ve heard how busy you are—just having you stop by is already an honor.”
“Hoho, my goodness. Kim, my secretary.”
At Younghee’s signal, a man who had been waiting at a distance came forward and handed over a department store bag.
“It felt rude to come empty-handed, so I picked out a necklace I thought would suit you. Just a little token. Happy birthday.”
“You didn’t need to… thank you so much.”
Dasom tucked her hair back and smiled lightly. Younghee’s gaze lingered on the line of her bare shoulder.
“You’ve got such a nice figure, Ms. Dasom. Do you work out?”
“I used to do ballet. I was about to join a troupe once, but I quit.”
“Ballet, how perfect for you.”
“Would you like me to teach you?”
“Hmm?”
“Ballet. It’s only hard at first, but once you start, it’s not as bad as you think. It really helps with balance.”
Dasom had known Younghee would be there, so she deliberately wore a tight-fitting evening gown.
“Is that so? Then maybe I’ll give it a try.”
“Here’s my number. Call me anytime and I’ll set up a day. The rest of you too.”
“Oh my, I’d love that. When else will we get the chance to learn from someone who knows ballet?”
Dasom smoothly exchanged numbers with Younghee and the others. She approached them with warmth, and the women—who had been wary—quickly let their guard down.
Thank you.
In her past life, Dasom had had no sense of strategy. But after years as a chaebol wife, she had gained some social awareness, and remembering how Jung Hana had maneuvered against her, her words and actions now flowed naturally.
“I’m out of time, so I’ll be leaving now. Ms. Dasom, I’ll call you later.”
“Please get home safely.”
It was unclear who was the guest and who was the host, but Dasom didn’t mind.
The cake-cutting followed, then gift-giving and a light cocktail party. Youngjun left midway, saying he had business to attend to. Once he was gone, the guests quickly thinned out.
“Chief Baek, I’m sorry you’ve had to work so late because of me.”
“It’s no trouble. This is my job.”
Youngjun had left Baek Seongtae behind. He loaded Dasom’s gifts into her car and helped with cleanup.
“Oh, you brought your own car?”
“Yes. I should have told you in advance. Sorry.”
Baek had forgotten she was driving herself and had prepared another car for her.
“I’ve been enjoying driving lately.”
“Of course, I understand. Then please go ahead—I’ll follow behind.”
“No, Chief Baek, you should head home first.”
“…”
“I’ll just take a short drive before going back. It’s not like I’ll go anywhere strange. I’ll be home before long.”
Dasom knew perfectly well why Youngjun had left Baek behind: to watch her.
So she coaxed him, promising to be home before midnight. The house wasn’t far anyway.
“…Alright. But if you’re not back before twelve, I’ll come find you immediately. The Vice President will worry.”
Dasom answered with a smile. After Baek left, she returned alone. The few part-timers and hotel staff left behind were busy cleaning, eager to clock out.
Standing there in her dress, Dasom was ignored. Even if someone noticed her, at most they just glanced her way.
From beyond the wide-open door came footsteps. Dasom turned, and there stood Yoon Jinwoo.
“…”
“So you came after all.”
“Am I really here, though, when it’s already over?”
“I’m still here, and I’m the birthday girl. So yes, you came.”
Slowly, still turned slightly, Dasom walked toward him.
“I didn’t come because of your birthday.”
“Then maybe you should put down what you’re holding before saying that?”
At her words, Jinwoo instinctively tried to hide the wine bag in his hand behind him. His flustered expression was ridiculously cute.
Step by step, Dasom stopped right in front of him.
“That’s not for me? Really?”
“…It isn’t.”
“Then why’d you bring it?”
“…It felt rude to come empty-handed, so I just bought it.”
“Which means you bought it for me anyway.”
“I was going to give it to you, but you’re so cheeky about expecting it that I didn’t want to.”
The denial had slipped out before he could stop himself. Dasom laughed behind her hand. Jinwoo looked at her as she smiled, seemingly in earnest.
What a strange woman. She didn’t suit his brother at all. He couldn’t understand why his brother was dating her.
“Shall we book a room?”
“Are you insane? Who knows what could happen.”
“What are you even thinking, Jinwoo? I only meant to have a glass of wine.”
“….”
“Something wrong?”
“Do you really want to drink wine with me?”
“You’re the one who brought it.”
Dasom casually dropped honorifics in her sentences, but Jinwoo didn’t call her out.
Because every word she said unsettled him strangely. After standing stiff for a while, Jinwoo finally nodded.
“Fine. But—”
“But?”
“I don’t want any misunderstandings.”
“There won’t be.”
Dasom had no intention of seducing Jinwoo. Not yet, anyway.
Out in the lobby, she booked a vacant room. Inside, she ordered some cheese with room service to go with the wine.
Perching on the sofa in the middle of the room, she said:
“It’s not expensive wine.”
“I don’t care.”
“Ha… suit yourself.”
Jinwoo poured into her glass. The red liquid trickled down the clear crystal. They clinked glasses lightly and each took a sip.
“I’ve decided to do a project with Biyoon Film.”
“That’s good news.”
“How did you know?”
“Know what?”
“That they wanted to cast me.”
Her agency had already declined once. And Biyoon wasn’t even a major studio.
“Someone I know is acquainted with the CEO of Biyoon Film. When I met him the other day, he mentioned you. He sounded regretful, so I put in a word.”
“Who do you know?”
