Lajin’s head felt unbearably heavy, as if it would shatter.

Should she tell Prosecutor Kang Jiho that she couldn’t do it? Or confess that Kim Yujun’s misdeeds were because of her? It felt like losing her way with the destination right in front of her.

“You look really tired. I’ll take you to the door.”

Will things really change? Is that why he’s acting like this? Unlike usual when he would just lower the car window halfway and greet, Kim Yujun got out of the car and followed Lajin until she opened the front door.

“Don’t think too much. Go to bed early.”

“Yes. Please take care.”

“Just a moment.”

Kim Yujun turned Lajin, who was trying to escape into the gate, back around.

“My father thinks positively about our marriage.”

“The chairman?”

So that’s why. The reason for Kim Yujun’s change today!

“When my father fully decides, our relationship with Haeseong Group will be resolved soon.”

“What about Director Jajae Lee?”

“Just think about me. I’ll take care of the rest.”

If the chairman’s semi-approval had come down as Kim Yujun said, Lajin had little time left. Breaking off the engagement with Haeseong Group depended on the chairman’s decision.

“I’m busy for a while because of that damn special prosecutor.”

“…”

“Ha, I don’t want to send you away. That’s why I want to marry you quickly.”

Is this what it feels like when the brain shuts down? Kim Yujun’s smile and sweet whispers didn’t register at all. Lajin, with a pale face instead of her usual poker face, just stared at Kim Yujun’s eyes.

“Oh! Don’t answer Jonghyuk’s calls.”

“What?”

“I mean, if we get married, there’s no need to continue an acting career. It’s an opportunity to clean up the management.”

Kim Yujun quickly cut off the complicated talk. He wouldn’t casually spout words; he would be looking for the right timing to tidy up the management.

But shouldn’t the opinion of someone thinking about marriage be asked? Whether she wants to continue acting or take a break.

Well, what more could she ask of Kim Yujun?

Today, renting the entire art museum, buying expensive paintings she didn’t want, punishing Jonghyuk, and walking through a square suitable for taking pictures—all were Kim Yujun’s decisions.

The wall called Kim Yujun was too meticulous and sturdy. Lajin couldn’t muster the courage to overcome that wall. Is accepting and conforming to fate the only way now?

Meeting Prosecutor Kang Jiho, the self-confidence that Lajin had gradually built up crumbled away.

“Sleep well.”

With a picturesque smile, Kim Yujun said.

“I love you, Lajin.”

It would have been more Kim Yujun-like to shamelessly reveal possessiveness. Love, huh? Those sweet words that burst out of Kim Yujun’s mouth felt like a trap.

“I… ”

“Go inside. Quickly.”

Whether it was embarrassing to do something she hadn’t done before, Kim Yujun pushed Lajin into the gate.

“I’m leaving.”

Thud! As the heavy gate closed, the car engine started soon after. Only after Kim Yujun’s car disappeared like it was running away did Lajin think of Prosecutor Kang Jiho.
‘I need to contact Mr. Jiho. What should I do?’

What would be the better thing to do for that person?

Even as she passed through the meticulously arranged garden, casually took off her shoes, and climbed the stairs to the second floor. In Lajin’s mind, there was only one thought: contact him, yes, contact him first.

Lajin opened the drawer with her bag slung over her shoulder. Then, without any plan, she pressed the call button randomly.

[Lajin!]

In Prosecutor Kang Jiho’s urgent voice, Lajin’s eyes became warm.

“Mr. Jiho.”

[Are you okay? Did you just come in?]

A storm of his worried inquiries poured into her, and Lajin sighed deeply in response.

“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.”

[What happened?]

What words should she start with and where should she start with them? The weight of guilt engulfed Lajin in an instant.

“I messed up everything. No, it’s my fault from the beginning.”

[What are you talking about?]

To Jiho’s question, Lajin explained like a drunken person, repeating apologies without making much sense.

[Listen to me, Lajin.]

“No. This is clearly my fault.”

If we really wanted to blame someone, it might be her fault for giving Kim Yujun a goal. Lajin continued with a confession like a repentance. Later, she couldn’t even understand what she was saying.

Even when Lajin poured out intense emotions, he didn’t interrupt.

“The one who provided the cause is me. How can I share this burden with you?”

[Let’s talk face to face.]

“I’m afraid if I ruin you too, Mr. Jiho. I’m so scared.”

[I’ll come to you in just 10 minutes, no, just 1 minute.]

In the dark alley, flames sparked in Jiho’s eyes upon receiving Lajin’s call.

“Ms. Lajin. Let’s meet and talk.”

Without measuring front or back, Jiho immediately put the car in reverse gear. Passing narrowly between cars parked on both sides, he increased the speed.

[I really can’t do it with my conscience.]

“I can quit anytime. But let’s talk while looking at each other.”