“What were we talking about just now?”

“Nothing much.”

As soon as Jeho finished speaking, Yuri hastily answered, causing Minwoo’s eyes to glint sharply.

Something felt fishy, but he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was. That made him even more on edge.

Ah, geez… What the heck is going on?

As if that wasn’t enough, the call with his mother hadn’t gone as planned, making him incredibly irritated…

Throughout the call, Lady Na had bombarded Minwoo with nagging.

[You said you’d do anything if I let you marry Yuri, right? So why are you saying so much now? Are you saying you’re going to ignore family tradition?]

Family tradition my foot! What kind of frozen-to-death family tradition!

There was never any inherited wedding dress to begin with. Who wouldn’t know it was just to torment Yuri because she didn’t like her? But the price for rashly protesting was horrific. He ended up making things worse.

[I don’t want to hear it! Just take a picture wearing the dress and send it to me!]

Asking for proof shot… Ugh, this is driving me crazy.

The subtle atmosphere between Yuri and Jeho bothered him, but first he had to put out the fire at his feet. To do that, he shouldn’t needlessly irritate Yuri.

“…Hey, Yuri.”

Minwoo approached Yuri with a troubled face and an awkward smile.

“Let’s try it on first. Mother says if it looks completely off after seeing you in it, we can go with something else then.”

Minwoo carefully observed Yuri’s expression.

So in the end, you’re telling me to try it on.

Yuri wanted to refuse, but because Jeho was watching, she had no choice but to nod. She didn’t want to show herself arguing with Minwoo in front of a man who was already grating on her nerves with talk of jealousy and whatnot.

“Alright.”

A moment later, Nancy Song and a staff member entered the dressing room to help with putting on the dress. Yuri followed the two into the fitting room along with the rag-like dress.

[This is the timeline separator]

“Hmph, to think he’d rush out in such a flurry.”

Recalling how Minwoo had dashed out in a hurry as soon as he received Yuri’s call, Dahee narrowed her eyes. She needed some cold air to cool her boiling insides. Heading to the rooftop, Dahee leaned against the glass railing and pulled out a cigarette, putting it between her lips.

As she was about to light it, she seemed lost in thought for a moment, frowning, before taking out her phone from her pocket. The call connected after just a few rings.

“Yuri? It’s me, me. Shin Dahee. Have you been well?”

[Dahee senior?]

Yuri seemed a bit flustered by the sudden contact, but soon responded politely.

[Yes, have you been well too, senior?]

“Yes. I’ve been well too. Yuri, are you coming to the alumni meeting this time?”

[…Ah, well.]

“You must come. Let’s see each other after so long. Jaesik says he can’t come because of an overseas business trip.”

Yuri’s reaction to Jaesik’s name was palpable.

“So don’t feel burdened and make sure to attend. I called to let you know that.”

[Yes, senior. Thank you.]

“Then I’ll see you at the alumni meeting.”

After hanging up with Yuri, Assistant Manager Shin Dahee lit her cigarette with a smirk.

Hmph, did they think I’d just sit back quietly and retreat to the back room?

It’s something I started to hurt someone badly anyway. Originally it was meant for the one who stole my boyfriend, but as it went on, it became about the people around. But does it matter? As long as someone hurts, that’s enough. It would be unfair if only she had to hurt.

“Hah.”

Dahee blew out a long stream of cigarette smoke into the air.

[This is the timeline separator]

“You need to be careful because the fabric is old.”

Nancy Song explained as she slowly zipped up the back.

“Especially around the zipper, it can easily tear with just a little force.”

It was obvious even without saying it. To put it nicely, it was a dress exuding classic beauty, and to be honest, it was an antique. The dress, which covered every part that could be covered from neck to wrist, reminded one of a nun’s habit.

But because of that, it emphasized the slender yet voluptuous curves, in some ways accentuating the figure even more than a dress with a deep neckline.

“Wow, as expected!”

When Yuri came out of the fitting room changed into the ceremony dress, Minwoo opened his mouth in admiration.

Unlike Minwoo, who was busy taking proof shots with his phone, Jeho frowned as he looked the dress up and down, seeming displeased.

“It’s better than I thought, right?”

At Minwoo’s words, Yuri let out a small sigh. If they had been alone, she would have snapped, ‘What’s good about it!’ But complaints could wait until later. For now, it was important to finish the fitting as quickly as possible.

“Minwoo, you should try yours on too.”

“Oh, right.”

As Minwoo went into the fitting room to change into his formal wear, Jeho asked Nancy Song for permission.

“I don’t think he’ll need help with the men’s formal wear.”

“Then please ring the bell when you need us.”

Nancy Song pointed to the bell attached to the wall and quickly left the room with the staff member. Even though Minwoo was in the fitting room, it felt like she was left alone with Jeho since he wasn’t visible. Feeling awkward, Yuri unconsciously clutched at the skirt of her dress. But she soon regretted it.

Perhaps because it was so worn out, the lace sagged at even the slightest touch. Flustered, she quickly let go, but the stretched part didn’t return to its original state. Jeho seemed to notice too, furrowing his brow.

“What is this rag?”

He asked, grabbing the sagging lace.

“What are you doing?”

Yuri froze as she was about to pull the lace hem. One wrong move and it might tear. Stopping midway left her in an awkward position. To keep her from falling, Jeho naturally wrapped his arm around Yuri’s waist.

“You couldn’t have chosen this yourself…”

For some reason, he sounded like he was suppressing irritation. Why did he seem displeased if it was family tradition?

“A rag? This is grandmother’s dress. They say it’s family tradition to alter and wear it for generations.”

At those words, Jeho looked over the dress carefully once more. After a moment, the corners of his mouth turned up crookedly.

“So if it’s family tradition, you have to follow it without question? You’re going to walk into the wedding hall wearing this piece of trash? Are you in your right mind?”

His tone was sarcastic, and while it upset her, his words were right. Even if it was just a formal strategic marriage, she didn’t want to get married in such a shabby dress. But was there any need to reveal her true feelings? He was just a third party after all…

“I appreciate your concern, but I’ll decide for myself. No, that’s not right. Since I’m marrying Minwoo, I should discuss it with him.”

At the mention of discussing it with Minwoo, Jeho’s eyes wavered for a moment. But that was all. Jeho closed his mouth and just looked at her silently. Why was that? The silent gaze was even harder to bear than the sarcasm.

A gaze that seemed to see right through her. A gaze that seemed to have something to say. She could have just turned away to avoid his eyes, but she couldn’t. Earlier she hadn’t averted her gaze because she didn’t want to lose, but this time she couldn’t look away as if drawn like metal to a magnet.

Why was nothing going her way in front of this man?

In the end, Yuri admitted defeat.

“Fine, I don’t like the dress. I’ll talk to Minwoo about it later. Happy now?”

Only then did Jeho smile with satisfaction and release the lace he was holding. At the same time, the door opened and Minwoo walked out, changed into his formal wear.

“Huh? Where did everyone go?”

Minwoo looked around as if searching for Nancy Song and the staff. Unable to tie it himself, his bowtie hung loosely around his neck.

“Come here. I’ll do it for you.”

When Yuri gently reached out her hands, Minwoo looked puzzled. She had been cold just moments ago, but suddenly became gentle. What happened? But there was no reason to refuse her offer to tie it for him.

“Lift your chin.”

Yuri grabbed the collar with both hands to straighten it. That’s when something caught her eye. She narrowed her eyes to look closer. There were faint nail marks on the side of Minwoo’s neck, but he seemed completely unaware.

There was no need to wonder who made them or how they got there. Yuri recalled Assistant Shin with her striking red lipstick. Today too, a faint lemon scent wafted from Minwoo.

I’ll have to warn him when I get the chance, this won’t do. She could turn a blind eye to secret indiscretions, but she couldn’t tolerate such blatant displays. Instead of showing her feelings, Yuri smiled brightly at Minwoo.

“All done.”

After skillfully tying the bowtie, Yuri patted Minwoo’s shoulders with her palms.

“You look handsome dressed up like this.”

“Really?”

Minwoo’s lips curled up at the unexpected compliment. It was the first time Yuri had called him handsome. Especially being praised in front of Jeho doubled his joy. He felt elated with an indescribable sense of triumph.

Excited, Minwoo pulled Yuri towards him abruptly. Unlike usual, Yuri didn’t resist and let herself be pulled into his arms.

Ah, it hurts.

As always, Minwoo’s touch was rough and clumsy. Yuri bit her lower lip, holding back the urge to push him away forcefully. Just endure a little longer. Once the fitting is over…

“These days, is only the groom supposed to look good at weddings?”

Just then, Jeho’s dry voice was heard. Displeased at having his intimate moment with Yuri interrupted, Minwoo frowned.

“What are you talking about?”

When Minwoo asked in an annoyed voice, Jeho tilted his head to the side quizzically.

“If you’re really asking because you don’t know, then you’re truly stupid.”

What, I’m stupid?

Minwoo’s expression instantly twisted into a scowl. That was something he had heard tiredly since childhood. He wasn’t that far behind his peers, but compared to Jeho, it was like heaven and earth.

But it didn’t matter now. He would soon be the heir to KG Group, and it was he, not Jeho, who had Yuri in his grasp. He tightened his hold on Yuri even more, as if to show off.

“Is that any of your business, brother? Why the meddling?”

“Of course it’s not my business.”

Jeho nodded in agreement.

“Alright, that aside.”

A meaningful glance fell on Minwoo’s hands holding Yuri.

“You might want to check your cuffs.”

“What?”

Minwoo’s eyes widened as he followed Jeho’s gaze. His cuffs, which had come out from under his jacket, were tangled with the lace of the wedding dress.

“Ah!”

Flustered, Minwoo quickly pulled his hands away. But the already tangled lace didn’t easily come undone.

“What, need help?”

The moment Jeho reached out his hand, Yuri recalled Nancy Song’s words to handle it carefully. She was about to say ‘Wait a moment’ when a ripping sound was heard.

“Oh.”

Jeho looked at the lace torn like paper with an expressionless face. Part of the lace was still wrapped around the cuffs. While Minwoo was speechless with shock, Jeho once again grabbed the lace forcefully.

Another sharp ripping sound echoed loudly. This time, not just the lace but the dress skirt tore lengthwise, revealing pale bare skin. As the cold indoor air touched her skin, Yuri’s eyes widened in dismay.

“Oh my.”

Jeho murmured leisurely as he wrapped his arm around the exposed waist. Yuri reflexively grabbed Jeho’s arm, and for a moment their eyes met.

“It’s all visible, is that okay? I don’t mind, but…”

At those words, Yuri’s face turned bright red. As her grip on his arm loosened, Jeho slowly took off his jacket and wrapped it around Yuri’s waist as if embracing her. Her eyes, wavering in confusion, looked up at him. Jeho smiled gently at her, as if to reassure her. Then he turned to Minwoo, who was standing blankly, at a loss for words.

“What are you staring at? Aren’t you going to call Aunt?”

When Jeho mentioned Lady Na, Minwoo frowned in distress. Huh, Jeho let out a scoffing sigh. Then, slapping Minwoo’s shoulder, he said sarcastically into his ear:

“The wedding dress passed down for generations in your family just got torn.”