Episode 28
That afternoon, Chairman Seo Bukhan, head of TK Group and Tae-yoon’s father, returned home after a long overseas business trip.
“You’re back?”
Ahn Young-sook, who had canceled all her appointments to welcome her husband, ran out to greet him with a smile.
“Yes.”
Chairman Seo looked visibly exhausted from the long flight and travel. As he rubbed his tired eyes and removed his shoes, he spotted Seorin standing among the other staff members at a short distance. His eyes widened in surprise. Clearing his throat awkwardly, he quickly avoided eye contact and walked past the staff into the master bedroom.
While he was loosening his tie, Young-sook entered the room quietly. As soon as the door closed, Chairman Seo looked at her and interrogated her.
“You actually brought that girl into the house? Even after I opposed it so strongly?”
“There were circumstances,” she replied hesitantly.
“Circumstances? What circumstances? The marriage is already broken off. You could’ve just pretended not to know her.”
“Could I really turn my back on everything? Do you even know what kind of person Tae-yoon is?”
“That’s exactly my point. You know how Tae-yoon is. Do you think this will work out if you keep doing whatever you want?”
His tone grew sharper.
Trying to remain calm, Young-sook began to grow annoyed. Does he even know the success I’ve achieved today? After much effort, she had finally gotten a clear agreement from Tae-yoon to go through with the marriage. Her eyes sparkled with smug satisfaction.
“This is your problem. You’ve always tried to control Tae-yoon ever since he was a child. You never left him alone. That’s why he always resists.”
Chairman Seo’s nagging continued until Young-sook snapped.
“Be quiet! I said I’ll take care of it!”
“Woman, I swear—”
He glared at her, but Young-sook didn’t back down.
“When have you ever lost out because of me? Are you really going to let go of the chance to ally with Ohsung? Can you afford to do that?”
“Ugh, geez!”
He let out a heavy cough in response to her pointed comment.
“This isn’t just a marriage, you know! There’s a tech alliance involved. What are you going to do about that?”
Young-sook, her voice intense a moment ago, now softened it as she tried to sweet-talk him.
“Just pretend you didn’t see or hear anything. If you stay out of it, I’ll make sure to secure that alliance with Ohsung for you.”
“…Still, how am I supposed to live under the same roof with the girl who was supposed to be my daughter-in-law? After all these years we’ve spent with the Dongyoung family…”
Years spent? Hah. Young-sook smirked internally. He didn’t even know how often Han Soo-yeon had made snide remarks to her.
Forcing a sweet smile, she said:
“Just endure it a little. You’re barely ever home anyway.”
Chairman Seo took off his jacket with a frown. As she took it from him, Young-sook whispered,
“Once Jae-hee and Tae-yoon get married in a few months, this will all be over. Okay?”
Chairman Seo shook his head in exasperation, knowing there was no stopping her. Still, he had to admit he had benefited from her and her family’s connections.
Besides, Dongyoung Food is like a tiger with its teeth pulled now…
Frowning, he turned away.
“Fine. Do as you please.”
“Thanks, honey,” Young-sook beamed, carrying his jacket to the dressing room.
After her call with Young-sook, Jae-hee cheered and jumped for joy. Young-sook had just told her that Tae-yoon agreed to marry her.
The marriage, which had always seemed like a vague possibility, now felt within reach. Thinking that her childhood dream might finally come true filled Jae-hee with hope.
Burying her face in the bed and flailing her legs, Jae-hee suddenly stopped.
Tae-yoon… The guy who’s more stubborn than steel… Why did he suddenly agree to marriage?
It was right after Seorin had told him she was dating Cheonghyeon. Ever since Jae-hee promised to help Seorin with Dongyoung Food, everything had fallen into place. There was no way this was all just coincidence.
Jae-hee picked up her phone and searched through her contacts. Once she found the number, she made the call.
“Yes, Director Min? It’s me.”
— “Yes, Ms. Jae-hee. What’s the matter?”
“It’s about the Dongyoung Food distribution contract we discussed earlier…”
After a pause, Jae-hee nodded.
“Go ahead and process it.”
— “Understood.”
She ended the call with a shrug.
“Well, a promise is a promise.”
Normally, she wouldn’t even bother with a deal made with someone like Seorin. But things were different now. She was thrilled about Tae-yoon’s agreement, and she couldn’t afford Seorin to back out.
She had kept her word. Now all that remained was the wedding.
Jae-hee stretched her arms above her head and hugged a plush doll, letting her joy spill over.
“Yes, it’s great news, Auntie.”
— “Right? Honestly, I was unsure too, but they came today and signed the contract.”
Seorin gave a faint smile without moving her lips.
Yoo Jae-hee had kept her promise to save Dongyoung Food in exchange for letting go of Tae-yoon. It had all happened within just a few days. Something Seorin had never been able to achieve, Jae-hee did it effortlessly.
More than disappointment, Seorin felt relieved. With Ohsung’s investment, Dongyoung Food and its people could finally breathe again. Maybe there was a chance to bounce back.
“Got it. Thanks for letting me know, Auntie.”
— “Seorin… but listen…”
Aesun hesitated as if wanting to say something more. As Seorin waited, she reached her destination.
Up ahead stood a tall, brightly lit building. With the appointment time approaching, Seorin’s heart raced.
Was it urgent?
— “Huh? No, not really…”
“Sorry, Auntie. Can I hear it later? I have an appointment now.”
— “It’s nothing. Go on.”
“Okay. I’ll hang up now.”
She’d call back later. For now, she had to keep her promise to Tae-yoon.
Standing in front of the hotel Tae-yoon mentioned in his text, Seorin was suddenly hit with nerves.
Is this really okay? A secret meeting in a hotel? What if someone sees? What will happen to Dongyoung Food?
She clenched and unclenched her fists in hesitation. At that moment, the door suddenly swung open.
Tae-yoon appeared behind it, and Seorin looked startled.
As she stared in shock, Tae-yoon smiled softly and said:
“I figured it was about time. Come in.”
He stepped aside, and Seorin walked into the hotel suite.
With a sitting area, bedroom, and bathroom, the suite was perfect for an intimate encounter.
Leaning against the doorway, Tae-yoon asked:
“So, do you want to shower first… or together?”
The absurdity of the question made her laugh. He asked it as though she had a choice, when in fact, he had manipulated everything to bring her here.
And this—this was her only act of rebellion.
Setting her bag on the floor, Seorin looked him dead in the eyes as she slowly unbuttoned her blouse.
“No need for formalities. I’ve already showered.”
There was a sharpness to her gaze, almost defiant. Tae-yoon, who had been watching her calmly, smirked.
“Good. No need for small talk.”
He took a few steps forward, pointing toward the wall behind her.
“Then turn around.”
