Grace Hotel.

The G Coms launch party was in full swing.

Min Young, holding a martini glass, was surrounded by young men in fancy evening attire. Despite her loud breakup, her value in the marriage market remained strong.

“Director Min, let’s have dinner sometime.”

A man involved in the entertainment business secured the closest spot to Min Young.

“Sure. By the way, thanks to your recommendation of the new actress for the game teaser ad, we gained a lot of male fans. Thank you.”

Min Young responded with a smile.

“Why don’t you come to our social gatherings?”

Another man interjected eagerly.

“I’m actually quite shy. I’ll consider it…… slowly.”

Min Young elegantly sipped her martini.

She was surrounded by many attractive options at the party, but she stood out as the most captivating and eye-catching.

But…… why not Cha Kang Woo?

The thought resurfaced, twisting Min Young’s lower lip.

She had received word of his absence from Chang Seok Lee, but she couldn’t let go completely.

Really, not even showing his face for a moment? Hard to believe.

The men in front of her seemed dull. They might match her in every aspect, but their smiles, jokes, and attention felt trite.

They were eyeing her for a strategic marriage. It was mundane and boring.

Kang Woo, on the other hand, was a true man. His unavailability made him even more desirable.

“I hope you enjoy the party. I need to step away for a moment.”

“Director Min, if you’re going out for some air, let me accompany you.”

“Thank you for the offer, but I’m fine.”

Ignoring the evident disappointment in the men’s eyes, Min Young turned to leave.

A staff member, waiting nearby, helped ensure her long dress train didn’t get stepped on.

At that moment, Nam Tae, who had been lurking around her, made his move.

“Director Min, aren’t you tired?”

“I’m fine.”

Min Young’s tone became noticeably business-like, her smile turning cold. Nam Tae realized it was because of Kang Woo.

“Alright. Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Yes. I’ll be going now.”

She cut off the conversation abruptly, leaving Nam Tae with a burning frustration. He glared at Manager Lee standing beside him.

“Manager Lee, is there still no contact from Kang Woo?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Damn it.”

Nam Tae’s face hardened as he muttered to himself.

He had reasons for not leaving the party yet. Apart from his interest in Min Young, he needed to finalize a secret deal with Chairman Lee.

Previously, Chairman Lee had introduced him to the ruling party leader, and Nam Tae had sent a substantial untraceable payment. But he hadn’t yet received confirmation of his political endorsement.

He also hoped to expand his connections using Chairman Lee’s influence. Even being a son-in-law to a wealthy family, he didn’t receive much respect, and his own family’s academic background was of little value.

For Nam Tae, Chairman Lee was a lifeline, or more accurately, Min Young was. It seemed she had taken a liking to his son.

“Try contacting Kang Woo again. Keep trying until he answers.”

“Understood.”

Nam Tae was about to continue grumbling when his eyes caught sight of someone. Chang Seok Lee of CI Soft, who had just left a group of film directors and high-ranking platform officials.

‘He’s the chief planner promoted by Kang Woo’s company.’

Nam Tae’s eyes darkened with realization.

“Manager Lee.”

Manager Lee, who was dialing on his phone, paused and looked up.

“Yes, sir?”

“Bring Chang Seok Lee here in a car. I, Cha Nam Tae, demand to see him.”

Kang Woo lay in the bathtub, his robust body submerged in hot water that eased his exhaustion.

He frowned slightly as he recalled the events of the day.

‘Why did she cry?’

The same question had been nagging at his mind for hours.

At the time, it was too difficult to ask why she was crying in front of him. Confusion overwhelmed him.

Was she disappointed or dissatisfied with his confession?

“Messed up, didn’t I?”

He muttered lowly before submerging his entire upper body in the water.
About a minute later, Kang Woo emerged from the water. He brushed his disheveled black hair back and stood up, heading to the shower booth with a grave expression.

He felt a strange blow to his pride. It seemed like his once-in-a-lifetime confession had turned into a failure.

If it had been tears of emotion, she should have shown some sign of acceptance afterward.

Se Ah often says things like, “I like it so much,” or “I’m moved.” She’s not stingy with words and is honest.

But she just trembled her plump lips, continuing to cry. Unable to just watch her tears, he gently wiped her eyes with his thumb. While drying her soft, tender tears, Se Ah remained silent.

Even in the car, Se Ah hardly opened her mouth, only formally responding to his questions.

Suggesting to go to a hotel he had booked would only worsen the situation. Her amber eyes would widen accusingly, leaving him no choice but to silently steer the car home.

‘Because it’s you, my heart bursts with love for you.’

He wondered how many times he had mulled over those words he said.