However, Jin Tae Yeon’s hopes were shattered by the voice of Cha Do Joon that followed soon after.

“It’s a great pleasure to see you like this.”

Everyone looked at each other, trying to find the meaning behind his words. It was as if he was speaking to someone he had known before.

Do Joon’s gaze was fixed on Tae Yeon the entire time. It was obvious enough who he felt pleased to see without having to look closely.

Tae Yeon tried her best not to meet Do Joon’s eyes. Team Leader Park couldn’t contain his curiosity and finally asked.

“Is there anyone among the team members that you have known from before, sir…?”

At those words, Tae Yeon’s face was filled with embarrassment. Was he going to talk about their relationship?

She hoped he wouldn’t. She didn’t want to reveal her relationship with Do Joon to her teammates.

Tae Yeon, who had been avoiding Do Joon’s gaze, suddenly lifted her head and stared at his face. Then, she slightly shook her head at him.

Fortunately, as if he had read her mind, Do Joon took his eyes off her.

“No. There isn’t. I was just saying I’m glad to meet all of you who will be working together.”

“Ah, hahaha. So that’s what you meant. We are indeed very happy that you like us so much.”

Do Joon quickly turned around and left the office as if he had nothing more to say. Team Leader Park followed him to ask about future schedules.

The remaining employees simultaneously started praising Do Joon.

“Wow, what Yoon Ji said was right.”

“Right? He’s really handsome, isn’t he?”

“I couldn’t believe it while looking at him. Not only is it amazing that he became a director at a young age, but his looks are also perfect.”

“Shouldn’t we call the museum in France?”

“Why?”

“To tell them that the sculpture that was on display there is now, right here!”

“What? Hahaha.”

Everyone burst into laughter, showering Do Joon with compliments.

In contrast to them, Yoon Ji asked Tae Yeon, who showed no reaction.

“What do you think, Tae Yeon?”

“Yes?”

“About the director. You’re the only one who seems stunned right now, you know?”

When Tae Yeon turned her head at Yoon Ji’s words, all the female employees had hearts in their eyes.

If they talked to Do Joon a bit more, all these reactions would probably disappear.

There was no need to let them know in advance. And she couldn’t pretend to know him either.

It was a very peculiar feeling. The joy of her husband being such an amazing person was short-lived.

Soon, she started worrying about whether their relationship would be found out by the people in the company.

And the most perplexing thing was… Why had Do Joon suddenly appeared here?

When they got married, Do Joon was clearly in charge of KK Entertainment’s US branch.

So he had flown away on a plane as soon as the wedding was over, and there was no way he would come to Korea unless KK Entertainment withdrew from the US business. Do Joon was someone who loved KK Entertainment more than anyone else.

Tae Yeon quickly took out her phone and opened a portal site. She started searching for KK Entertainment.

‘Did they possibly withdraw from the US business?’

But there were only articles saying that KK Entertainment was doing well, raising its stock price day by day. The latest article was about signing a movie contract with a Hollywood top star.

“Then why on earth…?”

Why did he leave the thriving KK Entertainment and come to KK Foods, which was on the verge of bankruptcy?

There were more than one or two things that were questionable.

And the most perplexing thing was that he had entered Korea without contacting his own wife.

‘Did he forget that he’s married to me?’

That thought was momentary. Tae Yeon unknowingly smirked at the absurd thought that had crossed her mind.

Team Leader Park called out Tae Yeon’s name as she sighed deeply, feeling troubled.

“Jin, the director wants to see you for a moment.”

“Me?”

“Yeah.”

Everyone showed interest, stretching their necks from their seats to look back and forth between Tae Yeon and Team Leader Park.

They seemed curious as to why the director wanted to see Tae Yeon first out of so many employees.

Tae Yeon left her seat with an awkward smile.

Before visiting his office, Tae Yeon headed to the restroom. And she was startled to see her reflection in the mirror, covering her mouth with both hands.

“Ah… Meeting him in this state…”

She tried to pull up her rain-soaked hair and give it volume, but it was no use.

It was truly the worst day.

The director’s office had a wooden tone.

Reflecting the owner’s personality, there was no other interior decoration except for the necessary furniture.

Do Joon, who entered that space, kept smirking as if something was so amusing.

It was the first time seeing his wife after taking wedding photos and leaving. They were a married couple who hadn’t even exchanged a single call after he went to the US.

Literally, they had only registered their marriage. Nothing had passed between the two of them.

Her eyes had widened in surprise upon seeing him, the hair that had grown quite a bit during the past year flowing down to her chest…

It was the first time properly seeing his wife’s appearance after briefly facing each other for a couple of hours on their wedding day.

On the hands that she clasped together in confusion at his sudden appearance, the diamond ring he had given her was still worn.

“She didn’t hide the fact that we’re married.”

It was very satisfying to know that at least one trace of him still remained.

At that moment…

Knock, knock- There was a knocking sound. The person who carefully opened the door and entered was Tae Yeon.

Do Joon stood up from his seat and stared at her intently. Just like in the office earlier, Tae Yeon was still avoiding his gaze.

“I heard the director was looking for me…”

“I didn’t call you here as the director.”

Tae Yeon lifted her head, openly expressing her bewilderment. She bit her lip for a moment as if trying to think, rolling her eyes.

“Then why…?”

“Why are you asking when you know?”

Taking a deep breath, Tae Yeon laid out the things she was curious about.

“Do Joon, weren’t you supposed to be in the US?”

“I was.”

Tae Yeon’s eyes were filled with resentment, wondering why he was here. Do Joon smiled, lifting the corners of his mouth.

“KK Foods is such a headache. I can’t throw it away, so I came with the intention of at least giving it CPR.”

“Then what about KK Entertainment?”

“I don’t think it’s time for you to worry about me.”

It was a valid point. KK Foods’ stock price had faltered due to various controversies that had erupted in succession, and it was gradually losing its former reputation.

Moreover, it was facing rejection from consumers as it failed to keep up with trends and only stuck to previously popular food products.

“Shouldn’t you be worried about KK Foods disappearing?”

Do Joon’s cold gaze was piercing through Tae Yeon.

He was right. Tae Yeon’s family, Chashin Dairy, was supplying various dairy products to KK Foods. KK Foods was Chashin Dairy’s largest trading partner and an indispensable presence.

Do Joon crossed his arms and tilted his head.

“Did you enjoy your freedom enough while I was gone?”

“Yes… No?”

Tae Yeon waved her hands in denial, embarrassed by the overly honest answer that had come out without going through her mind. Do Joon nodded his head in understanding, seeing Tae Yeon’s cheeks turning red in embarrassment.

“What do we do now?”

“Pardon?”

“That freedom. I think it ends today.”

“You’re moving into our newlywed home, right?”

It was an obvious question, but she said it hoping it wouldn’t be the case.

As if Do Joon didn’t expect Tae Yeon to say such a thing, he raised his eyebrows and asked back.

“Is there a reason I shouldn’t go to that house?”

“…”

“Don’t tell me…”

Do Joon, who had been talking near the table, used his long legs to stride towards Tae Yeon. It didn’t take long for him to reach Tae Yeon, who was standing by the door.

Tae Yeon was startled and tensed up as Do Joon quickly approached her.

“You’ve hidden a man in that house.”

“What? No!”

Tae Yeon widened her eyes in shock, even more dumbfounded than before, wondering how he could have such an outrageous thought.

“That’s a relief. Since you say it’s not like that.”

“When are you planning to come to the house?”

And Tae Yeon quickly added, worried that Do Joon might misunderstand.

“The house is very dirty. I think I need to clean it…”

Do Joon snapped his fingers as if he had just remembered something.

“Why didn’t you have a live-in helper all this time?”

“Pardon?”

Although it was a two-story house, Tae Yeon didn’t want a live-in helper because she wanted to be alone in that space. She only called a cleaning helper who came and went briefly while Tae Yeon was at work and the house was empty.

By the way, she was curious about how Do Joon knew this fact.

As if reading Tae Yeon’s thoughts, Do Joon spoke.

“Chairman Cha told me.”

“Ah…”

“You won’t be able to do that anymore.”

“If you’re worried that I might be clumsy at housework, you don’t need to worry about that.”

A short laugh escaped through Do Joon’s teeth.

Tae Yeon lifted her face to check on Do Joon, thinking she might have misheard. The corners of his mouth were raised crookedly.

“Of course, it would be nice to have no one in the house to properly enjoy our newlywed life.”

“…”

“It’s a bit disappointing that I won’t be able to spend time with you anytime, anywhere if a live-in helper comes.”

Then he could choose not to have a live-in helper. The reason followed from Do Joon’s mouth.

“I have no choice because Chairman Cha is forcibly sending one.”

It meant that a helper hired directly by Chairman Cha was scheduled to come to their newlywed home. Tae Yeon also knew the meaning well.

Even the smallest details about the couple’s relationship would be reported to Chairman Cha’s ears.

And that meant… Now they had to put on this absurd act even at home. Pretending to be a loving couple who couldn’t bear to be apart from each other for even a moment.

Just thinking about it made her feel suffocated already.

Do Joon checked the time on his wrist and spoke in a slightly faster voice.

“Did you miss me?”

“…Are you asking if I, no, if I missed the director?”

“I’m not asking if you were looking forward to me coming as the director. I’m asking if you were waiting for your husband.”

She couldn’t answer easily. She didn’t wait for him, but could she say that straight out?

Seeing Tae Yeon hesitating, Do Joon’s eyes, who had already grasped the answer, narrowed with interest.

“I didn’t come to Korea because I missed you either.”

“Of course you didn’t.”

There was no agitation or disappointment in Tae Yeon upon hearing Do Joon’s words. She wasn’t upset either.

That reaction piqued Do Joon’s interest. So he blurted out something he hadn’t anticipated or prepared to say at all.

“From now on, I’m thinking of making an effort.”

“For what?”

“To become the kind of couple who miss each other when apart.”

“…”

“To have that kind of husband-wife relationship.”