She was the one who worried that their relationship might be exposed every time, and he was the one who couldn’t understand why it was a problem if it became known.

Our lover has changed!

He smoothed her furrowed forehead with an ice cream, asking whether she felt hurt.

“Do you feel hurt? Should we be partners? With the ‘long-time lovers’ concept mixed with intense skinship.”

“Oh, do you still remember that?”

Such a memory! Can’t live with it, really.

That was a bizarre excuse Yeonwoo had come up with when she didn’t want to attend the dinner party. To avoid Junhwi as his partner, she acted as if she despised touching others and exaggeratedly avoided contact, as if she would touch them like a pervert.

But even that was Yeonwoo’s excuse. She wasn’t a person who disliked physical contact.

Rather, nowadays, at any opportunity, she would sneak up on him and cling to him, saying, “Hey, come on!” without letting him go.

“But.”
Junhwi’s firm gaze suddenly started to soften.

“How much do you need this time?”

“Yes, yes?”

“Last time, I asked for 3 million won for the party, so should I demand around 30 million won now?”

Oh, no! Today, embarrassing memories she wanted to forget came flooding back like sweet potatoes.

“Attorney, could you please forget about that? There were circumstances back then.”

“Forget that? You confidently came in, saying you’d do it as a top-notch service.”

Letting out a deep sigh, Junhwi’s large hand was placed on Yeonwoo’s head.

“Let’s not spend a penny this time. Don’t put on makeup.”

“What does that mean?”

“Why should I spend my money to show off to others? Absolutely not. Whether it’s 3,000 or 300 million, I’ll give it all, just decorate in front of me.”

Such childish words sounded weighty coming from the serious man’s lips.

Almost persuaded, Yeonwoo was about to nod her head.

“You always tell me to wear makeup. You said if I don’t dress up, it’s only for your eyes.”

“Oh, right.”

What on earth was this? Seriously considering it, he proudly puffed up his chest with his own compromise.

“Then, let’s do this. Just basic makeup, but this time, absolutely no wine-colored dresses like last time.”

“Was my outfit really that bad that day?”

“On the contrary, it suited you too well. Be careful with any red tones from now on. Wear them only in front of me.”

“Hmm.”

A forced laugh escaped. Is this dating with this serious man still normal? It’s curious.

“Are you a dictator? Now you’re even controlling the color of my clothes!”

Still, if it’s a handsome dictator who only sticks to me, well, it’s good. Trying not to reveal too much joy, Yeonwoo bit her lip.

“I don’t know. Every time you wear those clothes, I have to endure it with all my might.”

With just a wink, reason flies away. He was nonchalant even when throwing a hefty fastball.

Did I get hit by his fastball? From the cheeks to the nape of the neck, warmth spread in an instant. Yeonwoo gave up trying to cool herself with a fan and awkwardly played with her spoon.

“That deep red slip you wore after we showered together last weekend .”

“Oh my! Stop!”

This man! Even though it’s a place where no one is around, it’s too embarrassing.

Yeonwoo, whether disgusted or not, just raised her eyebrows and discovered a new fact as if she had found something.

“It tastes like cherry.”

“Yes?”

“Ice cream melted.”

Here. It’s red. Junhwi extended his arm and gently swept his thumb over Yeonwoo’s slightly reddened, plump lips, more than usual.

“Be careful with red.”

“No, this is, when you eat ice cream, it always .”
Unjust Yeonwoo’s protest soon melted into Junhwi’s moist lips that overlapped.

⭐⭐⭐

The vivid crimson early summer sunset began to spread a pleasant mood.

Departing from Yeouido, the large cruise leisurely took its place in the middle of the Han River, entering into the full swing of the party.

As expected from a place gathering such remarkable figures, the security was strict. Despite submitting various proof documents in advance, they had to undergo security checks again when boarding.

Yeonwoo, who had grumbled about it being bothersome, couldn’t help but open her eyes wide in awe once inside the cruise, captivated by its splendor and scale.

“Is this a ship? It’s much better than most hotels.”

There wasn’t a single thing that wasn’t luxurious, from the carpet on the floor to the handrails on the stairs. Even indoors, admiration burst forth as she walked through fountains, mini waterfalls, and gardens.

A huge chandelier hanging in the center emitted a dazzling light from each piece, making her eyes dazzled.

Even the paintings and fragrant floral decorations hanging around were elegant and sophisticated. Everything within the cruise that the eyes and hands could reach was graceful.

Nervous Yeonwoo unconsciously kept adjusting her dress. Today, she wore an ivory-colored evening dress that Junhwi had chosen for her.

“Jun! Yeonwoo!”

Emma, who had invited Yeonwoo, approached with her husband, smiling broadly.

“It’s been a while.”

“Have you been well? Thank you for accepting the invitation, Yeonwoo.”

“No, Madam. I should be the one to thank you.”

Exchanging a French-style greeting where their cheeks touched, Emma whispered to Yeonwoo.

“How about Jun? Is he still the same? Or have you gotten closer?”

Responding with a raised eyebrow, Yeonwoo mumbled, matching her raised eyebrow.

“My instincts are never wrong.”

Thanks to the proud Emma, Yeonwoo felt embarrassed, and she wasn’t sure how she ended the greeting. Unbeknownst to her, Yeonwoo found herself seated at a suitable table inside the banquet hall.

From the French president to the Prime Minister of Korea, members of the National Assembly, and chaebol leaders strolled around like a casual walk in the neighborhood park right in front of Yeonwoo’s eyes.

Seeing people she had only seen on TV right in front of her made it even more surreal.

‘Really, everyone is such a high-profile figure that they don’t even pay attention to me.’

Even that pleased her. Everything about this night was perfect.

Last time, she was preoccupied with work and attended half-business, half-party, unable to fully enjoy the party. Today, she should relax and enjoy!

Although Junhwi, who was busy greeting people, disappeared somewhere, luckily there was no time to be bored with people-watching.

Her feet automatically tapped to the lively yet not noisy music. Yeonwoo enjoyed the elegant pop of the champagne bubbles in her mouth with a sip.

She also felt the fun of carefully selecting the colorful finger foods on the plate.
Now, the special fashion show of a French brand is about to begin. Is he still in conversation with people?

Yeonwoo was scanning the banquet hall with her eyes, searching for Junhwi.

At that moment, her gaze unexpectedly met the eyes of someone she hadn’t thought of.

‘Mom!’

The top-ranked conglomerate in the business world, especially the living legend of the Korean business world.

Chairman Han Jungho, the ’emperor,’ was staring directly at Yeonwoo with his characteristic intimidating expression.