“By all means, today’s main characters are not me, but all of you, so please enjoy yourselves.”

Myung Il descended from the platform amidst applause.

As the formal greetings ended, people flocked to Yu Kwon. Da Eun was surprised by his popularity surpassing even Myung Il’s, but quickly accepted it.

Myung Il’s grandson of marriageable age, and with outstanding business skills to boot, had suddenly disappeared from the matchmaking market, so people must have been curious.

She thought he must be a bit tired.

In college, even when no one knew he was Myung Il’s grandson, Yu Kwon was always surrounded by people. It was a life Da Eun couldn’t imagine.

Unlike the tense Da Eun, Yu Kwon simply looked bored.

“Hello, Yu Kwon.”

It was Yeom Mi Ra, the second daughter of Samil Industries. She was a matchmaking candidate Da Eun had personally chosen.

“Yes, hello.”

Yu Kwon responded with a friendly smile.

“Who is the person next to you…?”

The blatantly curious gaze was burdensome, but Da Eun didn’t avoid it.

“I am…”

“This is my lover. We’re dating with the intention of marriage.”

Yu Kwon, putting his arm around Da Eun’s shoulder, resolved their curiosity with a bright smile. Thanks to that, he was able to fend off three more women behind Mi Ra at once.

Phew, Da Eun finally let out a long breath. Even though she had prepared, she couldn’t remain detached. The words about dating with the intention of marriage. It was what she had said to Geum Suk, but the weight felt different. Thump thump, her heart beat rapidly.

She would have to get used to it.

Da Eun stuck close to Yu Kwon’s side. Hyanglimjae was excessively large.

She had visited Hyanglimjae a few times before, but only when assisting Yu Kwon or running errands for Myung Il. The errands were mostly about choosing women suitable for Yu Kwon.

She had to pick three out of countless photos spread out.

Three per day, no more than that, as Yu Kwon had strictly ordered.

Choosing marriage partners for her first love. It was bizarre even now thinking about it. And every time, Myung Il would prepare various refreshments for Da Eun.

As Da Eun carefully looked at the photos, Myung Il would teasingly ask if she was reading fortunes. Myung Il was more like a kind-hearted restaurant owner than a conglomerate chairman. His appearance, tone, and actions were all like that.

“Stay close to my side.”

“I was planning to.”

Besides women, many people came to speak with Yu Kwon. Although she had received and memorized the guest list from Han Min Woo in advance, she couldn’t help feeling nervous.

“Secretary Song, it’s been a while.”

When it seemed to have quieted down somewhat, a familiar voice was heard. It was Yu Kwon’s second aunt, Yong Ju.

Unlike the cold-feeling Yong Hee, she had a lovely style.

But contrary to her girlish appearance, her temperament was no less than Yong Hee’s. Yong Ju was a person who, enjoying wealth thanks to the business her father had built, was trapped in a sense of superiority and didn’t hesitate to abuse employees.

“Hello.”

Yong Ju looked Da Eun up and down, then approached and touched the dress Da Eun was wearing.

“Was Secretary Song the owner of this?”

Da Eun smiled awkwardly with a puzzled expression.

“Our Yu Kwon must have put in a lot of effort.”

As Yong Ju stared at Da Eun as if looking at department store goods, Yu Kwon placed her behind him.

Looking up at the large back blocking her view, Da Eun quietly exhaled.

She hadn’t even gone to Myung Il yet, but already her nape felt stiff. It was due to nervousness.

“Uncle was looking for you.”

Yu Kwon skillfully diverted Yong Ju’s attention.

“Uncle? Which uncle?”

When Yu Kwon didn’t answer and just narrowed his eyes, Yong Ju made an embarrassed expression.

“Ah, our Jong Il. Then I’ll go see him. See you later.”

After Yong Ju disappeared, Da Eun asked him.

“Is that true?”

“No.”

Yong Ju smelled of the cigarettes Seo Cheon smoked, and Seo Cheon smelled of Yong Ju’s perfume. Others might not notice, but Yu Kwon with his sensitive nose could sense it.

That’s why she didn’t immediately understand who he meant when he said uncle.

“I’m going to step out for a moment.”

“I’ll come with you.”

“There’s no need to come with me to the bathroom.”

Da Eun waved her hands and turned to walk away.

Trying not to draw attention, she was walking towards the least crowded area when Secretary Oh, who had approached without a sound, stood beside Da Eun and walked along with her.

“Secretary Song. Executive Director Cha is looking for you.”

“Hello, Secretary Oh. Executive Director Cha is looking for me?”

“Yes, I’ll guide you.”

“Ah, yes.”

Secretary Oh guided her to a separate building next to the pond. This was the separate building used by Executive Director Cha.

“Please wait here for a moment.”

Da Eun sat on the reception room sofa waiting for Yong Hee. What could she have called for? It didn’t seem like anything good.

Just as her curiosity was reaching its peak, Yong Hee appeared.

“Did you wait long?”

Da Eun, about to stand up from the sofa and answer, was startled to see Ju Ri standing next to Yong Hee. Seeing Da Eun’s visibly changed expression, Yong Hee smiled with satisfaction.

“Hello, Executive Director.”

Da Eun greeted Yong Hee with a stiff face. No matter how she thought about it, Yong Hee and Ju Ri had no connection.

Did she approach Ju Ri on purpose after learning about Yu Kwon and Da Eun’s relationship? Or did Ju Ri approach Yong Hee?

Either situation was unwelcome. Ju Ri’s appearance was certainly not a good sign.

“Oh, it’s nothing much, just a gift.”

Yong Hee held out a shopping bag. Without even a box, there were shoes and a scarf inside. Moreover, neither the scarf nor the shoes were new.

Da Eun, who had taken the shopping bag in bewilderment, checked inside and tilted her head as if she couldn’t understand.

“Give it to your mother.”

Da Eun hesitated for a moment. There was no way Yong Hee gave it out of consideration for Da Eun, was it an intention to put her down? Or had the malice towards her nephew extended to her as well?

Anyone could see they were used items. It was impossible not to see the insult in telling her to give them to her mother, so Da Eun couldn’t easily accept it.

Ju Ri, who clearly read that feeling, watched Da Eun while hiding her smile.

“When an elder gives you something, you should accept it without hesitation.”

When Da Eun showed no reaction, Yong Hee urged her.

“Thank you.”

“It’s Secretary Song’s mother who should be thankful.”

Something sharp struck her chest.

Da Eun looked at Yong Hee with a face as if she had been hit.

Before she could say anything, she continued speaking.

“Just kidding, kidding. Oh, but Secretary Song’s mother wouldn’t need shoes, right?”

It was a remark mixed with blatant mockery.

The things that happen at Hyanglimjae should be forgotten the moment you leave this place. So there was no need to keep such words in her heart, but the blade that pierces a painful point is particularly sharp.

Da Eun erased her surprised look and smiled as usual.

“Yes. She only wears comfortable shoes. I’ll gratefully accept your kind intentions.”

“Then Secretary Song should wear them. Your shoe size is the same as mine, right?”

“I…”

The moment she tried to decline, Yong Hee’s eyes became fierce.

“Thank you. I’ll wear them well.”

Phew, a deflated sound escaped from Ju Ri’s mouth.

“You can go.”

Da Eun bowed lightly and turned her back.

Every step hurt as if walking through a thorny path. It must be the same for Geum Suk.

“Da Eun, let’s go together.”

Da Eun turned her head. Ju Ri quickly approached and stood beside her. She looked delighted.

“Why are you here?”

“Because I was invited.”

Ju Ri’s name wasn’t on the guest list. It seems Yong Hee had invited her personally.

While curious about their intentions, she didn’t want to know.

“Being an executive secretary must be nice, receiving luxury gifts.”

“Does it really look nice to you?”

“Of course not. Even I wouldn’t accept used items.”

Ju Ri burst out laughing as if she couldn’t bear it. Da Eun stared at Ju Ri without any expression.

“Why? You used to pick up my used things and use them frugally.”

Da Eun slowly smiled, and conversely, Ju Ri’s expression darkened.

Da Eun calmly continued walking.

“You’re right.”

Ju Ri, who had composed her expression by now, spoke in a cheerful tone.

“You know, I’ve always envied what’s yours.”

Ju Ri packed malice tightly into her short words. Her forced smile twitched at the corners of her mouth.

When she learned that she wasn’t her father’s biological daughter, when she found out that her father had a biological daughter with another woman, Ju Ri was only fifteen years old.

Ji Hwa didn’t drink much, but when she did, she would drink to the point of being completely drunk. It was always Ju Ri who had to take care of her mother in that state.

Then one day, drunk, Ji Hwa spilled the secret of Ju Ri’s birth and the things she had done. It was a setup that would be hard to find even in a makjang drama.

“You, you’re not your father’s daughter. And your father has a biological daughter the same age as you.”

It was shocking that Jun Il wasn’t her biological father, but it was even more shocking that he had a daughter the same age.

And she remembered the girl who had been peeking into their yard when she was ten years old.

A shabby girl, but with eyes that shone like jewels. Her already pale eyes gleamed amber in the sunlight.

Whenever she recalled that scene, Ju Ri felt anxious.

They say blood pulls. If father learned of Song Da Eun’s existence, she would gain father’s love without any effort. Because she’s blood.

On the other hand, if it was revealed that Ju Ri wasn’t the biological daughter, she would be discarded immediately. The more she thought about it, the more she hated Da Eun.

Those pale brown eyes that resembled her father, the dimples that showed when she smiled.

“Senior Chang Beom, Seon Ho, Go Young Hoon, I envied them because they were yours.”

The love-hate towards her father, the resentment towards her mother became twisted emotions directed at Da Eun. As if all the responsibility lay with Da Eun, Ju Ri hated her.

“This time it’s Cha Yu Kwon, right?”

As expected, Da Eun wavered. The moment she saw her slightly trembling eyes, Ju Ri was certain.

You’re sincere, Song Da Eun.

“What, do you covet Cha Yu Kwon too?”

Da Eun bit her lip tightly.

“Yes, I do covet him.”

“So the pregnancy was a lie?”

“Of course. I made it up to break up your marriage.”

A sneer leaked from between Da Eun’s lips.