Kim Yi Hyun, who came out after taking a shower and roughly put on a robe, sat down next to Lee Ha Jun, who had already fallen asleep with her eyes closed.

“Every time I see it, even sleeping is beautiful.”

Gentle fingers moved from the forehead to the cheek, down to the nape of the neck.

“I’ll definitely make you my legal woman. So wait. Understood?”

Lee Ha Jun’s closed eyelids moved ever so slightly. Seeing this, Kim Yi Hyun chuckled.

“You’re not asleep?”

Lee Ha Jun, who flinched once again, carefully opened her eyes and turned to face Kim Yi Hyun sitting beside her.

“How did you know I wasn’t asleep?”

“Because I always watch you sleep.”

“You watch me… sleep?”

“Yes. Even when sleeping, Lee Ha Jun is like a doll. You lie down without moving at all, breathing so quietly that I can’t tell if you’re breathing or not. I have to put my hand under your nose like this to know, ‘Ah, she is breathing.'”

“That’s a lie.”

“It’s true.”

“Why are you watching that? Just go.”

“Because I’m conflicted. I want to stay with you all night, but if I lie down next to you, I’ll surely end up tormenting you again. I desperately hold back and go home every day so Lee Ha Jun won’t be drowsy at work. When we get married, I won’t have to hold back anymore.”

Though his tone was playful, his eyes were serious.

“Are you really going to marry me?”

“Yes.”

“You’re such an irresponsible person, Director Kim Yi Hyun.”

“I’m fine with that kind of life without any plans.”

Kim Yi Hyun smiled brightly.

The more outstanding and smart he was, the more precarious his older brother Il Jun’s position became. Kim Yi Hyun realized this quite early on.

Especially after their father passed away, when Yi Hyun’s birth mother In Hwa took over as the group’s chairwoman and gained real power, people started openly discriminating between the brothers. So he voluntarily hid himself in his brother’s shadow.

At first it was a bit awkward, but once he got used to it, a moderate life wasn’t so bad. All the heavy and difficult responsibilities were placed on his brother’s shoulders. Kim Yi Hyun only had to reign over people with his unique arrogance and leisurely attitude.

A carefree life like an idle rich person, just maintaining his given position and not causing any reckless trouble. Everything was abundant, so there was nothing particularly he wanted or desired.

That was Kim Yi Hyun’s life.

“But you know, I’ve always done what I set my mind to since I was young. It’s just that I don’t set my mind to things very often.”

Smiling, Kim Yi Hyun climbed onto the bed and slipped under the covers, nuzzling his face against Lee Ha Jun’s soft nape.

“Shall we stay here all weekend?”

“…”

In the end, the two of them only left the hotel on Sunday evening and returned to the officetel.

Completely exhausted, Lee Ha Jun collapsed as soon as she entered the officetel. Kim Yi Hyun looked at Lee Ha Jun lying on the bed with eyes full of regret. He wanted to stay together, but if he wanted Lee Ha Jun to go to work properly tomorrow, he had to let her rest comfortably.

“Rest. I’ll go.”

Lee Ha Jun nodded weakly with her eyes closed. She wanted to open her eyes and look at Kim Yi Hyun’s face one more time, but she was too sleepy.

Kim Yi Hyun gently stroked her hair and lightly kissed her round forehead.

“I love you. Sleep well.”

At the tender love confession, Lee Ha Jun’s closed eyes twitched for a moment. Kim Yi Hyun, who had been standing there watching her adorably, only moved his reluctant feet after some time had passed.

The sound of the room door closing, the door lock being released, and the front door closing were heard in succession.

Only then did Lee Ha Jun’s tightly closed lips open slightly.

“I love you too…”

It feels like a dream. There had never been such a good day in her life.

Even if it was just a fleeting dream that could break at any moment, she was so happy.

“But I’m so sleepy and tired, Kim Yi Hyun…”

With a small murmur, her eyelids, unable to overcome fatigue, slowly closed again.

But then, the officetel’s doorbell rang.

Lee Ha Jun, who had painfully opened her eyes again, opened the room door and stood in front of the wall pad. On the LCD screen was a middle-aged man she had never seen before.

“Who is it?”

− I am the executive secretary of Chairwoman Jang In Hwa of Jaein Group. Are you Lee Ha Jun?

“…Yes.”

− The chairwoman would like to see Lee Ha Jun. Please open the door.

“…”

With trembling steps, Lee Ha Jun stood in front of the entrance, pressed the doorlock button, and stepped back.

Then the front door opened, and Chairwoman Jang In Hwa, a middle-aged woman with eyes very similar to Kim Yi Hyun’s, entered. The executive secretary who was standing behind quietly closed the front door without following her in.

In Hwa, who had entered naturally as if it were her own home, glanced around the living room and sat down elegantly on the sofa.

“I don’t need tea, just come and sit down.”

“Yes.”

Lee Ha Jun sat down on the sofa with her head slightly bowed. In Hwa’s indifferent eyes, which scanned her briefly, were quite similar to Kim Yi Hyun’s.

“You’re pretty. And you look kind. I didn’t know our Yi Hyun liked such a modest style. It’s really unexpected.”

“…I’m sorry.”

“For what? Are you married? Or do you have a hidden child? Or did you approach Yi Hyun for his money?”

“That’s… not it…”

“It’s not something to be sorry about for young men and women to meet and fall in love. However, you should have the wisdom to play appropriately and end it according to your station, right?”

The voice emphasizing wisdom was quite resolute.

“Yes…”

As Lee Ha Jun readily answered, having expected this to happen, though much faster than anticipated, In Hwa’s eyes took on a different light.

“Our eldest daughter-in-law, Executive Director Oh Se Ra, has hired a very good secretary. Very neat, tidy, and accurate in understanding her place. There’s nothing to fault.”

“…”

“To be honest, I was a bit worried. What if you came out shamelessly talking about love and such. Then I’d have to take away everything Yi Hyun has been enjoying until now with my own hands. He might be head over heels for you now, but someone born with a silver spoon who’s lived his whole life doing whatever he wanted won’t be able to live with you licking his fingers as a pauper, so in the end, you’ll be the only one hurt. Don’t you think?”

Lee Ha Jun bowed her head at In Hwa’s scathing words. As she said, Kim Yi Hyun was someone who had lived affluently all his life.

In Hwa was now talking about the weight of the things Yi Hyun would have to lose because of her. No, she was warning her. That Yi Hyun’s life could change depending on her choice.

Having understood all of this, Lee Ha Jun slowly raised her head to look at In Hwa sitting loftily.

“You don’t need to worry about that, Chairwoman.”

At the definite answer without a hint of hesitation, In Hwa stared at her intently.

When she heard that he had even paid off her debt and moved her in, she thought he might have picked up some ill-bred gold digger from somewhere. When she heard that they had been occupying the suite room at Jaein Hotel all weekend as if to show off, she couldn’t stand by and watch her son’s mischief any longer and rushed over.

Who would have thought such a gentle and delicate girl would give the answer she wanted to hear as if she knew her mind? She felt relieved that her son’s eye for women wasn’t completely useless, and also felt a bit sorry for Lee Ha Jun in front of her.

However, for In Hwa, the company and Yi Hyun’s future were more important than a love game he might tire of at any time.

In Hwa sighed, hiding her complex feelings as she took her eyes off Lee Ha Jun, who was sitting silently in front of her with her eyes downcast, without any change in expression.

“I’m more worried about my son than you. He pretends to be idly playing around trusting his brother, but when it comes to being ruthless and tenacious, he’s the type to eat his brother alive.”

“Tenacious…”

Lee Ha Jun unconsciously muttered at the word that struck a chord in her heart.

“You’ve experienced it too? Did Yi Hyun even propose marriage to you?”

In front of those relaxed eyes that seemed to already know everything, Lee Ha Jun realized that lies would be useless.

“Yes…”

“I thought so. There’s never been anyone he’s dated this long. Of course, it’s also the first time he’s been meeting someone every day, hiding them away like this, almost like living together.”

“…”

“As Se Ra’s secretary, you might already know, but Yi Hyun will soon be engaged and have his wedding ceremony next year.”

“I know.”

“Good, then the conversation will be easier. I’ll just say it straight without beating around the bush. You leave Yi Hyun. That guy will keep holding onto you and shaking you until he gets tired of you. He’s been like that since he was young. A guy with no greed, but once he gets fixated on something, he has to hold it in his hand and shake it until he’s satisfied. And when he gets bored, he throws it away without mercy and turns his back. I think Yi Hyun will do the same to you.”

Unable to find the words to say, Lee Ha Jun just bowed her head deeply. In Hwa’s eyes, which were closely watching her, had become much warmer than before.

“You really are a quiet child. As if you’re there, as if you’re not, I think I can understand why Yi Hyun likes you.”

Curious eyes full of wonder unconsciously turned towards In Hwa.

“Are you curious?”

“…”

“Well, it’s not a secret, so I’ll tell you. Yi Hyun was really pretty since he was young. Not because he’s my son, but he was truly exceptionally handsome. So girls have been following him since kindergarten.

It was such a mess. Girls are usually meaner, you know. Yi Hyun would just be standing there, and they’d be fighting over him, saying he was theirs. So before he even graduated middle school, he got sick of girls. He said he couldn’t live with his ears hurting just from girls coming near him.”

“Ah…”

Lee Ha Jun unconsciously opened her mouth and then quickly closed it again, startled.

“Rich kids are like that. They think they’re the best in the world. So how much more persistent do you think the girls who were firmly rejected by Yi Hyun were? The more that happened, the more Yi Hyun got tired of girls. It’s all my fault for giving birth to such a handsome son.”

Lee Ha Jun was confused.

It was strange that In Hwa, who came to tell her to break up with Yi Hyun, was chatting so friendly like a neighborhood aunt.

“Is my story not interesting? Your expression hasn’t changed.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Oh my, no need to be sorry. I’m more of a nuisance, coming in the middle of the night. Ah~ Come to think of it, I should get going soon.”

As In Hwa elegantly rose from her seat, Lee Ha Jun quietly stood up as well. In Hwa’s gaze lingered on Lee Ha Jun’s black eyes, standing silently.

She was taciturn and blunt like her sons, but Lee Ha Jun’s eyes were different. Those kind and clear eyes were so full of all sorts of emotions as they looked at her. It was embarrassing to be telling her to break up with her son.

When she had her background checked, it turned out her deceased father was quite a solid small business owner…

Meeting Lee Ha Jun in person, In Hwa thought that if only that man were alive, she would have brought this child in as her second daughter-in-law without hesitation.

And In Hwa was a person who could make that thought a reality, or not.

In Hwa put aside her thoughts for now. She had an overseas business trip scheduled for early tomorrow morning, so she thought it wouldn’t be too late to decide after coming back. And she could meet this child once more while she was at it.

Standing at the entrance, In Hwa waved gently to Lee Ha Jun with a soft smile.

“You must have been surprised by my sudden visit, so rest. We’ll continue our unfinished conversation later. Okay? Let’s meet again soon.”

At In Hwa’s words, Lee Ha Jun’s eyes darkened.

Gulp, swallowing the rising nausea, Lee Ha Jun bowed her waist neatly and greeted her.

“I will wrap things up as soon as possible. So please don’t worry… and you don’t need to come again. Have a safe trip home.”

Looking at Lee Ha Jun’s small, round head bowed down, In Hwa smiled.

She hadn’t yet decided for herself how the next meeting would go, but she became curious about what expression this child would make if she were to withdraw her words about breaking up.

“Take care.”

The corners of In Hwa’s mouth lifted a bit more as she opened the door and left. However, Lee Ha Jun, who was bowing her head deeply, didn’t notice it.

After In Hwa left, Lee Ha Jun, left alone in the quiet officetel, sat back down on the sofa.

Although they had laughed and chatted in a good mood before leaving, what In Hwa had said was ultimately a warning to understand her place and get away from Yi Hyun as soon as possible.

“This is too much. Couldn’t you give me just a little more time to be happy without knowing my place?”

It was one day. Just one day. A full 24 hours.

“But it’s okay. Because it was 24 hours happier than my life so far.”

And finally, Lee Ha Jun, who had only been receiving from Kim Yi Hyun until now, had something she could do for him.

So it was okay to break up, Lee Ha Jun thought.