“Ah, my head……”

The hangover hit simultaneously with the slowly returning consciousness. Ga Eul held her forehead and sat up on the bed.

Feeling like she needed to drink something to settle her stomach, she entered the kitchen and found a pot of Mom’s bean sprout soup.

“Looks like Mom made this before leaving.”

Ga Eul put the bean sprout soup directly on the stove, and while it was boiling, she sat down in front of it for a while.

She doesn’t usually drink heavily or enjoy alcohol in the first place, but yesterday, given her mood, she ended up drinking more than usual.

It turned out to be a more enjoyable occasion than expected.

With his diverse experiences, she found herself involuntarily asking him all sorts of questions. In particular, there was nothing more enjoyable than hearing about the prospects of the art market.

He also offered some advice on her paintings that he had seen when visiting her studio.

Although he had never painted himself, he said he naturally learned things from encountering various painters while traveling around the world. As expected, his insight and views on art were remarkable for a man.

But……

“How did I even get home……”

She must have really drunk a lot. Even when she drank heavily at the graduation after-party, she was able to find her way home well and her memory was intact, but for yesterday, she had no recollection of how she arrived home.

She continued talking about art while looking at the night view with the CEO, and also, um……

Ga Eul bit her lip. It was because she couldn’t remember anything after that.

“Ah……! It’s overflowing.”

While she was trying to recall yesterday’s memories, the bean sprout soup overflowed before the memories came back.

‘I hope I didn’t make a big mistake……?’

After wiping up all the spilled soup, Ga Eul scooped it into a pretty soup bowl and headed to the table. Then, she took a sip of the clear broth.

“Ah, I feel like I’m coming back to life.”

It felt like her stomach was clearing up a bit.

To have a proper meal, Ga Eul picked up her spoon in earnest. Just as she was about to take another sip, Ga Eul dropped the spoon.

Clang-!

The spoon that slipped from her hand hit the floor with a sharp noise, but Ga Eul didn’t even think to pick it up and opened her mouth first.

-CEO.

-Yeah, what.

-CEOoo……

-……

-CEOoo……

-If you have nothing to say, don’t call me.

-……Yesss.

What was that? Why did I do that……?

I’m not sure why I did it, but memories of her repeatedly calling out to him while being carried on his back came back in fragments.

Also, what else did I do?

Ga Eul abruptly got up from her seat and paced around the dining table. However, those brief memories were all she could remember.

Groaning, Ga Eul, who had been wringing her memory for a while, finally picked up the cell phone placed next to the table.

‘I think he carried me because I was drunk, so let me apologize first. While doing that, I’ll casually ask if I made any other mistakes.’

After writing and erasing several times, Ga Eul sent a message that was as concise and clean as possible.

[CEO. I’m really sorry about yesterday.]

Contrary to her expectation that he would see it a little late because he’s busy, the reply arrived very quickly.

[You’re awake now?] [Yes. CEO, did I make any mistakes yesterday……?]

Leaving the soup that had already cooled, Ga Eul stared intently at the phone screen while holding it. Then, as if voice assistance was enabled, a series of replies that clearly conveyed his way of speaking arrived.

[Looks like you shouldn’t be drinking.] [I’m sorry.] [It’s fine.]

I guess I did make a mistake.

Having somehow conveyed her apology, Ga Eul pondered over the last message to send him. But this time, he asked a question first.

[How’s the hangover?] [I have a bit of a headache, so I’m having hangover soup now.] [I see.]

It seemed that was all he had to ask. There were no other particular words as if that was everything.

If it stops here, the conversation will end.

Should I try sending more……?

After hesitating for a moment, Ga Eul mustered up the courage to type a few more characters.

[What about you? Are you okay?] [I didn’t drink much in the first place.] [I’ll control my drinking from now on. I’m really sorry about yesterday.] [Alright.]

After exchanging a few more messages like that, he suddenly announced the end.

[That’s enough. I have to go to a meeting.]

Ga Eul, who was about to send a brief ‘Okay’, hesitated again and typed a few more characters.

[Okay. See you again, CEO.]

Then, a blunt reply followed.

[Yeah. Get some more sleep since your head will hurt.]

Ga Eul smiled softly because of him, who, although indifferent, never fails to respond to her words since some time.

* * *

“Ga Eul, your father is really an amazing person.”

Ga Eul met Ju A and Do Jin, who had arranged a drinking session to celebrate the contest and catch up after a long time. The place was a meat restaurant near the school that they no longer had reason to visit after graduation. It was the same place where they had their graduation dinner.

Ju A was eager to pour out her words as soon as she saw Ga Eul. She was so excited that Ju A, who already spoke fast, spoke even faster than usual.

“When you said at the exhibition that you were his daughter, I was really curious about how famous he is that everyone was so surprised?”

“……Really?”

“Of course! So as soon as I got home, I searched your father’s name on the internet. Wow…… All the paintings your father drew were the ones I knew……? I was really surprised. Why didn’t you tell us before!”

Do Jin, who was sitting next to them, abruptly interjected.

“That’s right. Actually, I was quite surprised too. To think that the painter Yoon Dae Ho is Ga Eul’s father……”

Ju A didn’t seem to know much about Ga Eul’s father in detail, but she was familiar with all his famous works, while Do Jin seemed to know everything. He just didn’t know that Yoon Dae Ho was her father.

“Sorry. I didn’t intentionally not tell you.”

While apologizing, Ga Eul unconsciously smiled softly.

She felt good about the gazes that still viewed her father favorably..

He was the father she respected more than anyone else, so Ga Eul was at a loss for words even more than when she was praised herself.

At that moment, Ju A, who had been intently observing Ga Eul’s expression that had bloomed, abruptly said playfully.

“By the way, our Ga Eul’s face has brightened up now that the contest is over?”

“……Huh? Really? I look the same to me?”

“No, no. You look very different. When you were preparing for the contest, you looked like a kid who was carrying all the worries in the world. It’s not the same as now at all. I was really worried then. Actually, I thought you might have gotten into an accident.”

“Ahaha…… What are you talking about.”

Ga Eul laughed awkwardly.

Come to think of it, at that time, due to the obsession that she had to execute a perfect painting that would fulfill her deal with him, she lost her composure.

Considering that, it certainly was different from recent days, as Ju A said.

Ga Eul quickly acknowledged it.

“I think you’re right, Ju A. Certainly…… now that the contest is over, I feel relieved and have some breathing room.”

These past few days, things have been going smoothly the way she wanted, regaining her sense of stability.

Also, entering a gallery that everyone aspires to made her feel excited and handle more workload than usual.

Ga Eul’s thoughts naturally shifted from the TS Gallery to ‘him’.

Although he refused to let her in despite the chairman’s request, citing fairness, he kept his promise and signed the contract with her once she fulfilled the contract conditions. He seemed to be only cold-hearted, but he was a man who kept his promises.

It was surprising enough that she had completed the contract with him, who had only seemed difficult, but thinking back now, it almost felt like her delusion that they had dinner together and engaged in conversation.

She thought they wouldn’t have a chance to become close until she left this mansion, but…… it seemed like people’s lives are truly unpredictable.

Ah……! I should also share this news with Ju A and Do Jin oppa.

They were the two people who always stayed by her side, supporting and comforting her during tough times. She wanted to inform them of her contract news first. Naturally, they would be the happiest for her.

Ga Eul’s cheeks were soon tinted with a peach color. Ga Eul smiled, showing a smile at the laughter that was slowly escaping, and spoke to the two.

“You know what.”

“……?”

“Actually, I signed a contract with a gallery a few days ago.”

In an instant, Ju A and Do Jin’s eyes widened at the same time. Regardless of whether other customers were looking, the two shouted loudly.

“What? Really, Yoon Ga Eul?”

“Ga Eul!”

As expected, she knew they would be happy for her as if it were their own business.

“Where? Which gallery did you sign a contract with??”

To the two who were waiting for her answer with anticipation, Ga Eul shyly replied.

“With TS Gallery.”

Then, Ju A and Ga Eul made a fuss.

“Wow, that’s really amazing! Not just anywhere, but TS? It’s really hard to get in there!”

“Among us, Ga Eul is the first to sign a contract. Sincere congratulations, Ga Eul.”

Rrrr……. Rrrr……

In the midst of receiving congratulations from the two, Ga Eul’s cell phone rang.

“Sorry. Just a moment.”

Leaving Ju A and Do Jin, who were rejoicing as if it were their own business, Ga Eul rummaged through her handbag and picked up her cell phone.

Ga Eul’s pupils trembled slightly at the unexpected caller.

[I’ll be coming to the main house for dinner in two days.]

A text from the chairman.

After mentioning independence, he hadn’t called her even once in two months……

Has he already heard about my news? Is that why?

Ga Eul bit her lip. She was somewhat nervous about the occasion that was quite overdue.

It seemed even more so because it was a face she was seeing for the first time after incurring his anger.

* * *

Two days later, Ga Eul headed to the main building at the appointed time.

‘He must have gotten over his anger, right?’

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have called for her.

Before entering the main building, Ga Eul checked and tidied her appearance once again. She was more nervous than usual, so she was conscious of even the smallest things.

Still, it must be certain that the news of the contract had reached the chairman’s ears.

“Phew……”

After taking a deep breath and exhaling, Ga Eul stretched her drooped shoulders and opened the front door. As she entered the dining room like that, Chairman Han warmly welcomed Ga Eul.

“Oh, yes. Ga Eul is here. Have a seat.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

‘Thank goodness. It seems his anger has subsided.’

Ga Eul, who had been worrying all along, was relieved and was about to take a seat when she suddenly noticed a guest and stiffened her body.

‘Huh……? That person is…….’

No wonder the chairman was in such a good mood. An unexpected guest was present at this dinner.

He was the chairman of Daerim Construction, Shin Min Chul, who had expressed a strong attachment to the painting he owned, questioning if it was plagiarized at the exhibition before.

Unlike when they met at the gallery, he had a gentle expression, making him look like a different person.

Although puzzled, Ga Eul bowed her head and politely greeted him first.

“Hello, Chairman.”

“Yes. Please have a seat first, Miss Ga Eul.”

Why was I invited to a dinner with an outside guest?

Chairman Han seemed to be in a better mood than usual, frequently raising his glass today and bursting into hearty laughter. The dining room was soon filled with the sound of his laughter, and Chairman Shin Min Chul, who was seated across from him, was the same.

The two seemed quite close personally and had great conversations.

Ga Eul found this dinner setting awkward, and there was no conversation she could join in, so she simply smiled occasionally at what they were talking about.

At that moment, Min Chul abruptly asked Ga Eul.

“I was surprised to learn that you’re Yoon Dae Ho’s daughter, but I didn’t realize you were also a child under Chairman Han’s care. It’s nice to meet you, Miss Ga Eul. We met at the exhibition, right? I bought your painting that day.”

Ga Eul was inwardly surprised that he would strike up a conversation with her, but she calmly replied.

“Of course. I remember, Chairman. It’s been a while since we last met after that day.”

“Yes, it has.”

He warmly accepted Ga Eul’s greeting and then boasted.

“Hanging your painting alongside it really made it look great. Is it because they’re a series?”

“Ah, yes….. It’s truly an honor for you to say that.”

Surprisingly, he offered an apology.

“I think I was too hard on you that day. I’m sorry. Actually, is the piece I value the most among the paintings I own. So, I got angry. I thought someone had made a counterfeit.”

“Ah, yes……”

“I apologize for that day.”

“No, Chairman……! I’m fine……”

Ga Eul, who was about to wave her hands and say it was okay, lowered her head without finishing her words.

She repeated the name of her father’s work that he claimed to own several times in her mind.

The greatest work that sold for the highest price among the pieces her father had painted.

While planning the series, they had carefully considered what to include. The conclusion they reached after putting their heads together was to try capturing the most precious things in the paintings.

Those precious things were nothing special, in fact.

Thanks to her father who endlessly accommodated her as a child, Ga Eul said she wanted to capture the beautiful roses they had gone to see together. She also said she wanted to capture the numerous flowers and scenery they had seen that year.

Although her father’s paintings were beautiful and those landscapes must have seemed special to others, they were actually filled with memories that Ga Eul, Hee Sun, and Dae Ho had shared together.

That’s how was born as the first piece in the series.

-Then, Dad will draw the roses. Shall we have Ga Eul draw the next one?

-Yes! I’d love to.

When Ga Eul first had the dream of becoming a painter and was excited to answer that she would draw the series with her father, Dae Ho hugged Ga Eul tightly and said affectionately.

-You can do it, our Ga Eul, right?

-Yep, of course!

-That’s right. These paintings are something only Dad and Ga Eul can create together.

Only the two of us.

The beautiful rose garden that captivated everyone’s eyes with its red hues.

Photos taken before it was sold are still circulating on the internet, showcasing its presence, but it’s true that the image quality is inferior to the actual piece.

She didn’t know whose hands that piece had fallen into…… It wasn’t until the day of the contest exhibition that she learned it was hanging in Chairman Shin’s house.

‘I want to see it…… Dad’s painting.’

Before she knew it, a bitter smile hung on Ga Eul’s lips.

After her father passed away, she sold all his works. It was so painful when she had to sell the pieces that held memories.

Her father had readily proposed a series to his young daughter who had decided on her dream of becoming a painter.

Because the product of that first promise was .

She never wanted to sell of all things.

Ironically, it was the most expensive sale among her father’s works.

The thought of wanting to see her father’s paintings would suddenly surge up from time to time, but not a single one remained in the hands of her, his own daughter, yet they were properly hanging in the homes of strangers she didn’t even know.

That fact was a little…… no, quite upsetting.

“Miss Ga Eul……? Are you alright?”

Only then did Ga Eul, who had come to her senses at Chairman Shin’s concerned question, force a smile and answer with difficulty.

“I apologize. I was briefly lost in thought during the conversation…… I’m fine. You don’t have to apologize for what happened that day.”

Ga Eul struggled to answer, but Min Chul had already grasped her feelings.

“Oh my, it seems Miss Ga Eul wants to see her father’s work.”

“…….”

Ga Eul, who was about to say something while moving her lips, soon closed her mouth tightly without uttering a word.

……She wondered if she had shown it too much.

She always hid her emotions rather than putting them forward. She always acted more mature than her peers.

But whenever things related to her father came up, she became helpless. In this regard, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that she was still a child herself.

As Ga Eul couldn’t even deny it, he cautiously said.

“It’s your father’s work, so of course you’d want to see it.”

“……?”

Ga Eul raised her head and looked at Min Chul.

With a friendly smile, he coolly proposed.

“Come and see it.”

At the unexpected invitation, Ga Eul blankly stared at him.