At first, Hae Yeon sat there in a daze. She just couldn’t accept this situation.

Even through the fabric of the pajamas that she didn’t fully open for fear of waking him, she could tell the scars were large. The moment she saw his body, the phrase “shattered to pieces” flashed through her mind.

She couldn’t move at all. It felt like someone had poured plaster over every joint in her body, hardening it stiff.

As groans she could no longer hold back seeped through her fingers, Hae Yeon finally began to cry. She was afraid that the moment she touched Do Ha’s skin, it would cause him pain, so she just sat there frozen, crying.

“Hic, ugh…”

Tears flowed into her mouth and Hae Yeon bit down hard enough to draw blood. If Do Ha caught her like this… she felt like she wouldn’t be able to handle it.

She had to button up Do Ha’s pajamas somehow, but her hands were shaking badly. Mustering strength into her slippery fingers, she barely managed to do it up and carefully climbed off the bed.

Heuk! Her legs gave out and her knees buckled. Hae Yeon struggled to lift her collapsing body and headed straight for the bathroom. As soon as she locked the door, she frantically turned on the faucet and only then let out her sobs.

“Heuk, hic, huk.”

Even her weeping was interrupted, because she was afraid the sound of the water wouldn’t be able to hide it all, so she breathed heavily.

She couldn’t even imagine how much those scars must have hurt. Just thinking about the pain Do Ha must have endured made her mind scream in denial.

Was I really the one who made those horrible scars?

Just having such thoughts made her sick to her stomach with self-loathing. Those scars, only a year old and not even healed yet, how much must they have tormented him all this time?

Hae Yeon felt like she was suffocating from the voices inside her. Feeling guilty for even thinking such things, she crumpled to the floor.

“Hic, I, I have to get up.”

Hae Yeon urged herself. They were just scars after all, and she couldn’t fall apart already just from discovering one thing. Because she couldn’t stop.

Stopping without knowing the reason she left such immense scars on the person she loves, without knowing what she had done, that in itself would be a sin.

But her body wouldn’t obey.

Hae Yeon, who had wept to the point of dehydration, dragged her powerless limbs and struggled to stand up. She wet her face, stained hideously with tears, with cold water. Splashing water until her cheeks went numb, she lifted her head.

Gritting her teeth, Hae Yeon looked at herself in the mirror. Unable to look at her fleetingly fierce expression for long, she opened the bathroom door.

* * *

On an unusually clear morning, Do Ha woke up feeling a bit out of it from drinking too much the night before. Seeing the empty spot beside him, he headed to the kitchen. As a couple married for 4 years, they could guess where the other would be and what they’d be doing even if they weren’t in sight.

Sure enough, Hae Yeon was bustling around the kitchen since morning. Do Ha unknowingly stopped in his tracks at the sight of her lovely appearance. Crossing his arms and leaning against the wall, he gazed fondly at her mischievous figure.

‘Cute.’

Do Ha’s appearance as he thought this while looking at Hae Yeon was different from his usual flawless and neat look. His hair, always tidily combed back, covered his forehead. Having just woken up, it was a bit messy, and he was still in his pajamas, not having changed clothes after getting out of bed.

Despite the age gap with Hae Yeon, Do Ha had a youthful face. That face usually couldn’t give off a young impression due to his intimidating aura and style, but now he looked fresh enough to pass as a college student.

After gazing blissfully for a while, Do Ha approached Hae Yeon. He deliberately made his presence known as he walked slowly, so as not to startle her while she was holding a knife. As he stood behind her, his tall height cast a shadow over her head.

“Were you making juice?”

“Do Ha, you’re up? I just need to blend it now, so wait a bit.”

Over Hae Yeon’s shoulder, various fruits could be seen chopped into suitable sizes on the cutting board. Next to it were golden honey and clear ice, and the blender was also prepared.

These were ingredients his wife always kept on hand for him, busy with frequent overtime and work. Worried that Hae Yeon didn’t even look back despite him coming close, Do Ha finally leaned in.

“Hmm? Hae Yeon, did you eat ramen without me knowing? Why are your eyes so swollen?”

Do Ha asked mischievously. Up close, Hae Yeon’s eyes weren’t actually that swollen, but he deliberately exaggerated. As Hae Yeon shyly shrank back and whispered softly, Do Ha hugged her from behind, his Adam’s apple bobbing with laughter.

“…I guess I’m just tired.”

Mistaking Hae Yeon’s behavior as embarrassment at showing her swollen eyes, Do Ha embraced her from behind, his low chuckle continuing.

“Looks like you had a good time yesterday. Did you have fun with Do Hee?”

Only then did Hae Yeon lift the corners of her mouth. Not missing a beat to adorably roll her eyes at Do Ha’s manner of speaking to her like a child.

Unable to resist her lovely appearance, Do Ha moved to the side, raised his left hand, and cupped Hae Yeon’s cheek. Then he kissed her pink cheek.

“Yeah. It was nice.”

Hae Yeon’s eyes shone lovingly. Do Ha grinned and helped her put the fruit into the blender.

The two, having had a light breakfast, walked side by side down the hallway holding hands.

“I requested a housekeeper.”

Do Ha suddenly brought up beside her.

“What?”

What is he talking about? Belatedly understanding Do Ha’s words, Hae Yeon turned her head and widened her eyes. Do Ha slightly lowered his eyebrows.

“Since you’re starting work now too.”

“…?”

“Accept it.”

It was cute how he quickly added that, knowing she had refused his proposals so far. In fact, Hae Yeon had no intention of stubbornly opposing anymore, but Do Ha, not knowing this, acted cute, making her burst into laughter.

Perhaps sensing unease from her smile, Do Ha spread his arms wide and hugged her tightly. Feeling somehow urged, Hae Yeon laughed even more and relieved his worries.

“Even if you hadn’t, I was going to request one myself, so don’t worry.”

“What did I just hear?”

Do Ha cupped Hae Yeon’s cheeks with both hands and turned her face this way and that, as if he really couldn’t believe it. It seemed he couldn’t easily believe her, since he had insisted on getting a housekeeper from the first day of their marriage.

Having heard good news so early in the morning, Do Ha had a bright face even as he left for work. Seeing him so overjoyed, Hae Yeon even regretted not agreeing to his request much earlier.

After the noisy sendoff, Hae Yeon entered the study. Since dawn, after learning the shocking truth, she had been agonizing.

“I can’t do it alone.”

It was the conclusion she reached after investigating for weeks and going through yesterday’s events. The information that disappeared under the orders of Chairman Yoon and Do Ha was not something an ordinary person could uncover alone.

The reason Soo Rin met with Yoon Seo yesterday was probably to confirm with her, who likely knew the full story behind the incident.

So she needed help even more.

To find out the truth that had been buried to near perfection, it had to be someone with the information network and ability to take action like herself, not an ordinary person. Because the ones who hid the truth were none other than Chairman Yoon Myung Gil and Do Ha.

It was easier said than done. How many people would there be who could uncover information the two of them had hidden? Even if there were, they had to be someone she could make contact with, and she couldn’t ask a favor without compensation, so Hae Yeon had no choice but to agonize all night.

In fact, there was one person who came to mind as soon as she started worrying about this. But there was something holding her back, making her hesitate.

“There’s no other option now. I have to do it.”

Hae Yeon made up her mind and opened the planner on her phone to check the dates and memos. Conveniently, she heard that person would be attending a city hall event this week.

They were acquainted but not close enough to have frequent conversations. Even though he was her husband’s friend, Do Ha didn’t like her meeting him, so she only saw him at events or parties.

Lee Yoon Ho, the finance director of Mibon Foods and Soo Rin’s brother.

He was the person Hae Yeon had to meet this time.

* * *

Paaat.

On a summer night growing thicker, as the first part of the event, nominally a charity function, ended and the second part for invited guests only began, the lights of the concert hall lit up one by one, emitting a soft glow in contrast to the darkening outdoors.

This event, jointly held annually by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Gilmyeong Pharmaceuticals, was particularly splendid and grand this year befitting its 5th anniversary. It couldn’t be helped, due to the special instructions of Chairman Yoon Myung Gil, the organizer of this event.

She did not tolerate half-hearted preparation in a single prop or part of the program, yet she herself did not attend the event. Because in the first year this event started, she gave an interview saying her appearance would make it a vanity party. That, too, was one of the things she had planned.

The event venue was perfect, as Chairman Yoon intended. The matte black walls giving an overall sophisticated feel, crystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings emitting a soft light, and the ivory round tables placed between the pillars were elegant with tablecloths cascading to the floor.

The restrained yet high-class interior suited the nature of a charity event, not overly extravagant.

“Haha! Minister, you attended this time too!”

“President Han, about what you mentioned last time…”

“Long time no see, Assemblyman Kim.”

Befitting the 5th anniversary, several cabinet ministers, assemblymen, the Seoul mayor, and high-ranking government officials were invited. On the surface it was a charity party, but inside, it was a place for the business and political circles to build connections and cooperate in looking after each other.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the invited figures taking this opportunity to exchange greetings and chat, Hae Yeon and Do Ha made their appearance.

“Director Cha, you made it!”

As Do Ha, known as the second son of Gilmyeong Pharma and the group’s heir, appeared, the atmosphere heated up even more.

Do Ha wore a dashing dark navy suit that made his handsome features stand out even more, and on his arm, Hae Yeon wore a very pale sky blue long dress with slightly exposed shoulders, accentuating her long neck and fair collarbones.

“The main characters arrive late, is that it?”

Yoon Seo watched Do Ha and Hae Yeon from afar, holding a champagne glass in one hand. Then, seeing the couple move at Chairman Yoon’s summons, she turned her head.

“What? Do Ha just got here?”

At Do Hoon’s words, Yoon Seo bristled. Because beside her was that rascal, occupying the space with a glass in hand.

“Sigh.”

She had repeated how today was an important day, but seeing him unable to even be spoon-fed, a sigh automatically escaped. She should take comfort in the fact that he hadn’t caused any trouble yet.

“Wow, sister-in-law came too? I thought she wouldn’t be able to make it.”

“Why wouldn’t she be able to come? It’s been a while since the accident and she’s been walking around just fine.”

Even after going through something like that, Min Hae Yeon really was amazing, acting like nothing happened.

“Hmm, I suppose you could think that way.”

It seemed that wasn’t what Do Hoon thought, as he smiled meaningfully. Do Hoon’s reaction was strange, but since he was always like that, Yoon Seo ignored it and moved on. Now wasn’t the time to pay attention to this man.

“You got here first, elder brother.”

It was the moment an important figure of this event appeared.