As an illustrator, once Do Young’s major work was done, the rest would be up to the assistant artists. Although in different fields, Se Ah admired his capability.

“I’m planning to switch companies.”

“Why?”

“That’s the advantage of being a freelancer. Unlike your situation, I’m just an employee here.”

“Ah…”

“You’re doing well, right? With him.”

“Yes.”

“I thought so. You look happier.”

“Thank you.”

Se Ah pressed her lower lip, seeming uncomfortable. Perhaps it was just a habit, but it seemed like she was uneasy around him.

He had hoped they could at least remain colleagues, but having a conversation with her again made it clear that such a relationship would be difficult for him too.

The suppressed feelings slowly resurfaced, spreading into guilt that it wouldn’t work out. Despite the bitterness, Do Young maintained a pleasant smile.

“Let’s get up then.”

Do Young stood up first, and only then did Se Ah seem to relax and smile comfortably.

Se Ah led the way out, with Do Young following slowly. Reaching the glass door, Se Ah pulled it, but it didn’t budge, causing her to be pushed slightly backward and bump lightly into Do Young.

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“Writer Se Ah, you need to push it.”

“Yes.”
Feeling slightly embarrassed, Se Ah laughed out loud. Do Young’s gaze settled on her as she laughed like a child. He stepped forward, standing beside Se Ah and extended his hand to gently push the door.

“Like this.”

“Ah, sorry. I thought it was a pull door. I tend to pull everything.”

Was that a reference to Mr. Kang? Do Young chuckled at her witty, writer-like joke. As Se Ah grabbed the handle again and pushed the door, she let out a small voice almost instantly.

A call filled with emotion, one she had never given to him.

“Mr. Kang…”

Se Ah shyly raised her head, her profile radiating the image of a woman deeply in love. Her eyes, full of embarrassment, and her unrestrained smile said it all.

Kang Woo, too, had his eyes fixated only on Se Ah. His gaze, intense with a possessive desire, disappeared from their view as they moved apart.

Back in his office, Kang Woo placed his tie on the desk. He pressed his hand against his sternum, feeling a sharp pain. He had noticed a decrease in appetite but hadn’t felt significant pain.

Pulling a chair closer, he instinctively reached for the approval documents. His long fingers twirled a black pen as he fixed his gaze on the papers.

His eyes felt unusually blurry today. He alternately massaged his eyelids with his index fingers. Opening the top drawer, he took out a pair of white, frameless glasses for eye protection.

Even with the glasses on, the words wouldn’t sink in. He had to return several times to the first sentence, unable to comprehend the not-so-lengthy content.

“What a troublesome day.”

Finally, he placed the pen back on the table and leaned deeply into the chair. His heart raced and his pulse rose. A slight tremble began in his fingertips.

Closing his eyes, the image of Se Ah and Do Young at the café lingered in his mind.

Her long, round eyes narrowing into gentle smiles always made him smile too.

In truth, Se Ah hadn’t smiled like that for him much before. It seemed like she barely managed to lift one corner of her lips. But since acknowledging their feelings, she started to burst into cheerful laughter.

And yet, she did so easily for Kim Do Young.

Was it too selfish to wish to be the only recipient of such smiles?

Perhaps the man Se Ah truly liked wasn’t him.

Because of her youth, lack of experience with men, or simply because they were married, she might believe she had to or did love him.

Maybe Se Ah also lacked certainty, which is why she delayed having children or refused to file for marriage.

Other women would have questioned if their husband hadn’t considered filing for a year, but Se Ah harbored no resentment. She just watched and eventually talked about divorce.

What if Se Ah left one day? The more he loved, the more fear and anxiety crept in.
Kang Woo, feeling a torrent of unpleasant emotions, was deeply immersed in his thoughts when he heard a knock.

Straightening up, he picked up his pen, expecting Secretary Choi to enter. But to his surprise, it was Se Ah standing at the door.

“Mr. Kang…”

Caught off guard, Kang Woo looked intently at Se Ah. His expression seemed quite cold to her. She cautiously observed his reaction.

“Why are you here? I didn’t call for you.”

“I was worried… if you had eaten.”

“I have.”

Kang Woo lightly touched his chin. He hid the truth that he hadn’t eaten and wasn’t even in the condition to eat.

“Ah… that’s good.”

What about you?

As if responding to his silent telepathy.

“I also had lunch, went to the café, and bought some coffee and cookies. I was going to buy bread, but thought it might be too much if you had already eaten… I’m glad I chose cookies.”

Kang Woo observed Se Ah’s lips as she explained hesitantly.

Who did you eat with? Kim Do Young? He bit his lip to suppress his ugly jealousy.

“Mr. Kang, you’re wearing glasses?”

Se Ah looked intently at him. The frameless glasses made him appear sharper, yet his intellectual charm was evident. His unyielding lips made her feel a tad bit aggrieved.

“I know you’re upset, Mr. Kang.”

“Upset?”

“Yes. Because things didn’t go well today.”

Se Ah continued hesitantly. Kang Woo stepped closer to her. He tilted his head slightly towards the small woman standing near the door.

“Am I so insignificant that one guy’s actions should upset me?”

“No, I didn’t mean that.”

Her attempt to suppress her emotions failed.

It was infuriating and saddening to see this woman, who was showing concern, yet he knew it wasn’t right to lash out emotionally. Why did he lose his logic and balance in front of her?

“Don’t worry about me. If I feel deceived, that’s the end of it.”

“…”

“There’s no coming back, even if Chang Seok returns and begs.”

Kang Woo’s black pupils showed no emotional turmoil. Se Ah looked at him, perplexed by his cold manner.

Kang Woo reached out and opened the door. His frosty smile left Se Ah clueless.

“If we’re done here, please leave. I have work to do.”

He didn’t want to reveal his trembling fear of her leaving.

So please, just go.