“A simple claim of irreconcilable differences will suffice for the divorce. People will think it’s due to the difference in family backgrounds. A divorce isn’t a big deal for someone like Kang Woo.”

“You don’t know modern people well. They aren’t swayed by public opinion campaigns.”

“You’ve become quite bold. How was your recent date with Kang Woo?”

So, the tailing was Nam Tae’s doing. She had suspected as much, but still felt suffocated.
Nam Tae scrutinized his surroundings before leaning close to Se Ah, his disdainful gaze overpowering.

“You seem unwilling to part with Kang Woo, but fulfill the contract duration. That’s the limit.”

“…”

“Leave quietly after the election.”

He finished speaking and stood up.

Se Ah, lost in thought, returned to the company.

She dreaded going home and sat in the writing room. At 7 PM, she knew Kang Woo would soon be home.

Do Young knocked and entered.

“Finished your deadline?”

“Yes, I have something to submit to the main writer tomorrow. But why are you here, Do Young?”

“Just passing by, wondering if you were here.”

“Oh, right. What were you saying in the meeting room earlier?”

Then it clicked.

“Is this what you were looking for in the small meeting room?”

Do Young placed a yellow mini notebook on Se Ah’s desk.

“Yes, that’s it.”

Se Ah’s smile faded as she stood up. Do Young rubbed under his nose, his gaze distant.

“I didn’t look inside, in case you’re wondering.”

“Huh?”

Se Ah’s eyes widened, worried he might have seen the photos inside.

But his words reassured her, and her expression brightened.

“See you at the dinner.”

Noticing Do Young’s changed demeanor, Se Ah quickly dismissed her concern.

“Thanks, have a good evening.”

After he left, Se Ah went back to her laptop.

She first saw Se Ah at bus stop 753 when she was 22. Discovering later that Se Ah lived in an orphanage, he had hoped to confess after she turned 20 but missed the chance.

He had seen an article about Nam Tae adopting a ward as his daughter-in-law and assumed Se Ah received his sponsorship.

The picture in the notebook of Se Ah and Kang Woo now made sense.

She wouldn’t go after a married man, he thought.

He reflected on the past further.
That day, Do Young had inadvertently witnessed a personal moment in Se Ah’s life.

There was a study room in the orphanage for the kids. Thinking it was empty, he was about to enter to do some work but heard voices. Se Ah’s voice was first, seemingly asking a question.

“Se Ah, I’m really sorry, but can I participate in the math competition this time? You’ve won several awards already, and it’s not necessary for you. You said you’re not going into science anyway.”

“Why don’t you talk to the teacher?”

“The teacher said it has to be based on grades, so there’s nothing we can do. Unless the person gives up. Everyone’s crazy about getting into college, who wouldn’t want to participate? It’s advantageous for college admissions.”

Another child grabbed Se Ah’s hand earnestly. Clasping her hands, she pleaded.

“Se Ah, we grew up here together, right? Can you just let me have this one? You’re better at mock exams and have many strengths. Even without this competition, you can easily get into a prestigious university. Not me. And you have a sponsor.”

The friend’s voice was filled with desperation, barely able to complete her sentences through her sobs.

“Okay, stop crying. Don’t worry. I’ll tell the teacher I won’t participate in this competition.”

When Se Ah agreed, the other child cried even louder, apologizing profusely.

Looking at the desperate scene, as if their very survival depended on it, Do Young’s heart ached as he turned away.

As he turned his back at the writing room’s door, his eyes held a determined resolve.

Back then, the timing was late, but this time, he wouldn’t let the opportunity slip away.