“I’ll take a taxi to the main house. I need some safety measures. Why would I trust and follow you?”

“If you’re doubtful, do as you please. But if you don’t come to the main house, I will be here again tomorrow.”

After a subtle warning, Director Yi headed to his car. Se Ah, too, hailed a taxi.

Upon arriving at the grand house, Se Ah always felt a sense of constriction. She rang the bell, and Mrs. Youngcheon’s voice came through. Knowing someone was inside, she entered through the grand gate.
Se Ah was greeted by Mrs. Youngcheon and promptly went upstairs to the study. Director Yi, standing rigidly at attention in front of the study, exuded an overwhelming sense of intimidation, almost like a military figure.

Se Ah tried to bypass him calmly and enter the study.

“Give me your phone.”

“What did you say?”

“I don’t want to force you. Hand it over quickly.”

“Try to be forceful if you want. There are people in this house.”

Director Yi swiftly snatched Se Ah’s shopper bag, turned off her recording phone, and shoved it deep inside the bag.

As he thoroughly searched inside, Se Ah swallowed hard.

Finally, Director Yi returned the handbag with a cold sneer.

“Don’t feel wronged, Madam. It’s included in the 1.5 billion deal.”

Se Ah silently mouthed a curse. Director Yi’s eyebrows flickered for a split second before returning to normal. Ignoring him, Se Ah entered the study first.

Nam Tae appeared the same as last time, carefully tending to orchids and organizing scattered books, pretending not to notice Se Ah’s entry.

Director Yi re-entered with a thud of his footsteps.

“Congressman, Madam is here.”

“Hmm… Alright.”

Se Ah let out a small chuckle at the theatricality. As usual, there were a teapot and two cups for tea on the table.

“Sit down. Let’s skip the pleasantries.”

Nam Tae took his seat at the head, and Se Ah sat diagonally to his left. Director Yi stood firmly beside Nam Tae, like his bodyguard.

“Lately, you seem to be having fun with our Kang Woo.”

“…”

“No matter how young and passionate, Kang Woo is one thing, but as a woman, you’re bringing shame to your husband’s company.”

“Did you spy on me again? You’re really persistent, Father.”

Se Ah asked sarcastically and sighed.

“This is why we judge based on background. You’re just using a man’s instincts to secure a position.”

Nam Tae had initiated the kiss that day, and though she didn’t resist, there was no need to explain to Nam Tae.

“I won’t wait until the election is over. Once the nomination is confirmed, leave. I don’t want to see you anymore.”

“I refuse.”

“What?”

“Don’t call me for these matters anymore. I won’t come even if you do.”

Se Ah refused firmly, but then, splash. Cold tea splashed on her face. Nam Tae, his forehead veined with anger, held a small teacup with a plum blossom design.

His hand trembled as he put down the cup.

“How dare you. After seducing my son, now you want to take the wife’s place? By whose decision? You were never the daughter-in-law I chose.”

Furious, Nam Tae stood up abruptly.

“Sort this out before it gets uglier. Disposing of you is no big deal for me.”
Se Ah pulled a silk handkerchief from her handbag, a gift from Mrs. Youngcheon. A warm memory, starkly different from her current reality, brought a faint smile to Se Ah’s face. Nam Tae watched her with sharp eyes, his expression filled with scorn, as if he was looking at a woman who had lost her mind.

“Kang Woo’s slight kindness has made you utterly lose sight of your place. You were just playing the role of a daughter-in-law in this family for a while. I intend to give you the money promised. That should be more than enough for you, so don’t be delusional and leave.”

Se Ah calmly wiped her face, neck, and coat collar with the handkerchief, then stood up, gathering her things. She walked past Nam Tae with composed steps.

Suddenly, Se Ah grabbed the teapot, removed its lid, and poured its contents over Director Yi’s head. The hot tea soaked through his meticulously groomed hair, cold rimless glasses, and down his white shirt.

“Wha-what! Such outrageous behavior!”

Nam Tae collapsed into his chair in shock, unable to articulate properly. However, Director Yi’s face remained unfazed.

“This much Director Yi can endure for you, right? Considering your old age.”

Se Ah turned her gaze from the silent Director Yi to Nam Tae. Her limbs were shaking, and her lips quivered with suppressed grief.

“Father, what did I do so wrong? All I did was love Kang Woo.”

“That is your biggest mistake! Daring to covet someone you shouldn’t have.”

“I just liked him too much, yearned for him with a young heart. I was ready to let him go without asking for anything in return. But you, Father, used me twice for political gain! Forcibly.”

Se Ah faced Nam Tae’s fierce gaze with all her might. Tears eventually rolled down her cheeks, but she remained resolute.

“I gave it my all for a year, hoping to earn your recognition. Fearing your disapproval, I never spoke a word to Kang Woo, living in silence. I couldn’t even look him in the eyes, couldn’t ask to be with the person I love.”

“You’ve truly lost your mind.”

Nam Tae’s facial muscles tensed with anger. Se Ah bit her trembling lower lip with force.

“I can’t leave feeling this injustice. No, I won’t leave.”