TBFMC 31

CHAPTER 31……………………………………

Not knowing what to do, Hana just nodded slightly.

Geon-woo didn’t reply. He calmly cut the steak and placed it onto one plate. Then, as if nothing had happened, he lifted his wine glass.

Throughout the meal, Geon-woo kept taking care of Hana.

Refilling her water when it ran low, handing her a new napkin when she dropped one.

But his expression remained indifferent. As if it were a matter of course, there was no emotion in his actions.

That puzzled Hana even more.

She couldn’t tell whether Geon-woo’s attention was genuinely from the heart or just a performance to uphold the prestige of Ilju Group.

What if it was sincere?

What did his attitude really mean, and how much was she letting herself be shaken?

The thought brushed past her, tightening her chest ever so slightly.

A little while later, dessert was placed on the table.

Chocolate mousse, macarons, and finely chopped fruits were neatly arranged on an elegant plate.

Geon-woo put down his fork and reached toward Hana’s plate. Quietly, he picked up a few macarons and placed them on her plate.

“You like chocolate, right?”

Hana looked at Geon-woo. He ate his dessert casually, listening to the conversations around him.

‘How did he know I like chocolate?’

He acted as if he didn’t care, yet he remembered such a small preference. That strangely touched her heart.

Hana took a bite of a macaron. The soft, crumbling texture and sweet chocolate scent spread in her mouth.

After the meal ended, the host stepped back onto the stage. Bright lights shone on him, and his calm voice echoed through the banquet hall.

“Now, we’ll have some time for free mingling. Please greet each other and enjoy yourselves.”

Instantly, chairs squeaked as people moved about.

Guests picked up their glasses, exchanged greetings, and laughter scattered around.

Waiters moved busily, pouring new wine.

Geon-woo stood up as well. Buttoning his jacket, he glanced around casually, then turned his gaze toward Hana.

“I’ll go greet a few people. Will you be okay alone?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“I’ll be back within ten minutes.”

He then walked naturally into the crowd. Hana reached for her glass of water just as…

“Hana?”

A familiar voice called. Hana slowly turned her head. Serin was standing there, smiling.

“Why are you alone? Where’s Geon-woo?”

“He went to greet some people for a moment.”

“Oh, I see.”

Serin sat next to Hana as if it were her own seat, unhesitant.

Hana quietly swallowed a sigh. She wanted to avoid her, but it was too awkward to leave.

“Um, Hana.”

Serin spoke hesitantly.

“I’m sorry if what I said earlier upset you.”

Hana paused. An apology—it was unexpected.

“No, it’s okay.”

“I didn’t mean to… I spoke a bit boastfully, didn’t I? It’s just a habit of mine. I’m really sorry.”

“No, really, it’s okay.”

Hana forced a smile.

“Really? That’s a relief. Honestly, I want to… get closer to you, Hana.”

Serin looked at her meaningfully.

“Since we’ll probably see each other often at events like this, it’d be nice to get along beforehand, right?”

Hana took a short breath. She smiled outwardly, but inside, tension was building.

Serin leaned slightly forward.

“Hana, can I ask you just one thing?”

“Yes?”

“Do you… like Geon-woo?”

The air seemed to stop. Hana blinked. Her mind went blank for a moment, not knowing what to say.

“I know it’s an arranged marriage, but I just wanted to ask.”

When Hana didn’t respond, Serin tilted her head and smirked.

“I knew it… you don’t, right?”

“…….”

“Good. I was worried you might actually be interested in him.”

Serin drew out her words as if swirling a champagne glass. Hana tried to remain composed, but her fingers trembled slightly.

Serin noticed, narrowing her eyes with a hint of amusement.

“Actually, I like Geon-woo.”

Her words fell like a declaration, firm, with a trace of triumph.

“You’ve heard the rumors too, right?”

Serin whispered, tilting her head slightly.

“The one about me and Geon-woo getting married soon? That… isn’t just a rumor.”

The corner of Serin’s lips curved subtly.

“So, tell me, when are you planning on getting a divorce?”

Hana inhaled sharply, then barely managed to speak.

“…What does that have to do with you, Serin?”

A brief silence hung. Serin had been staring at Hana as if surprised by the unexpected answer. She finally smiled, a slight lift of her lips, but her eyes didn’t smile.

“It has everything to do with me. A lot.”

Serin chuckled softly.

“Because that’s how I’ll marry Geon-woo. And his mother has been eagerly waiting for that day too.”

She deliberately enunciated mother, each syllable weighted, piercing Hana’s heart.

Serin placed her glass on the table and traced the rim with her fingertip. She pursed her lips as if savoring a bittersweet taste.

“I should go now. Too many people are looking for me.”

She stood up slowly, the chair sliding softly on the carpet. Straightening her back, she still smiled down at Hana.

“See you again.”

With that, she picked up her white clutch and walked off leisurely.

Not once looking back.

Watching her leave, Hana was momentarily speechless.

The ceiling lights reflected in her glass of water. Ripples rose gently, then settled.

It reminded her of herself.

Hana exhaled unconsciously, a tiny sigh escaping her lips. She forced her shoulders back and lifted her head.

Once she became aware of the surrounding noise again, laughter, music, and clinking glasses filled her ears.

She realized only now that she hadn’t heard them at all until just moments ago.

Hana ran her fingers slowly across the water’s surface. The coldness traveled to her fingertips.

The chill cleared her mind slightly.

‘Divorce…’

The word lingered in her head.

But it hadn’t come from her, nor from Geon-woo.

It had spilled casually from someone else’s mouth.

Light, yet cruel. Hana shook her head slightly, feeling stifled inside.

There was no one to explain to, no one to be angry at.

“…….”

Hana let out a silent, bitter laugh.

After the event, the ride home was quiet, as usual.

Geon-woo kept his eyes firmly on the road, hands on the wheel.

Hana sat in the passenger seat, staring blankly out the window.

Through the glass, the city lights stretched along the streets. Streetlights, neon signs, and traffic signals passed by in streaks.

The lights scattered and blurred like fleeting thoughts. Hana sat with her hands neatly on her lap, unmoving.

But her mind was deafeningly loud.