“First of all…”

Suddenly, Jeho’s mouth opened, and a dry voice flowed out.

“Let’s start by meeting the chairman. Everything will change depending on his reaction.”

[Understood. I’ll wait for your call.]

After finishing the call with the other party, Jeho touched his forehead as if lost in thought. However, he soon laughed with a sense of disappointment, nodding his head.

Thinking about it now, there was only one conclusion.

Jeho put his phone back into his jacket pocket and once again turned his gaze towards the bedroom where Yulli was still asleep. Then, with brisk steps, he left the house.

Unlike the cozy interior, a strong wind was blowing outside, as if facing a cruel reality that awaited…

Seeking warmth, Yulli rolled over to the side and opened her eyes to an empty space. Slowly blinking, she looked around, but Jeho’s figure was nowhere to be seen.

“…Ah.”

As Yulli got up from the bed, she furrowed her brow due to the muscle pain throughout her body. It was an expected result after staying up all night. Nevertheless, her heart felt light, as if it could fly away.

Having finally released the heavy burden of her suppressed emotions.

The family’s flaws, as well as the family’s shortcomings that she couldn’t readily express, felt as hot as a freshly grabbed potato in Yulli’s hands.

Even though she hesitated to talk about it last night, Jeho brought it up first.

―Little Father, I’m sorry. For twice blackmailing you with such private matters.

Although he expressed it as ‘highly personal,’ Jeho looked at her with a face that said he knew everything.

―Did you know what the blackmail was about?

In response to Yulli’s question, Jeho nodded and pulled her into his arms.

―Yes. I know that you didn’t take the ledger to get revenge on me. You sacrificed for your brother.

He had never thought of sacrificing for his brother before. He just believed that the family’s flaws shouldn’t be revealed outside. However, in the end, what Yulli worried about the most was Yuri.

Even now, he didn’t think of sacrificing for his brother. Sometimes he got angry, and it felt bitter to have taken away his father’s love. But still, he was his brother.

The child her late mother asked to protect. The one and only brother in the world.
Now, even if he tried to convince himself that he didn’t love his brother as before, in reality, his feelings for Yuri remained steadfast.

He didn’t want to see Yuri getting hurt. Sometimes he felt angry, and it seemed like Yuri had stolen their father’s love, making him resentful. But still, he was his brother.

The child his late mother had asked him to protect. The one and only brother in the world.

After finishing the shower and coming out of the room, Yulli brewed coffee with the espresso machine and glanced at the clock hanging on the oven. Time had already passed noon, much later than she had thought. She had overslept more than she intended.

While bringing a cup infused with the rich aroma of coffee to her lips, she called Jeho. The call only went through, with no answer. However, she wasn’t as anxious as she had been yesterday. She thought, ‘He must be busy.’

“If you have time, please call me.”

After leaving a voicemail, she ended the call, but her phone rang. Yulli pressed the call button without checking the caller, assuming it was Jeho.

[Yulli.]

An unexpected voice of Madam Ahn came through the phone.

“I heard the news. …Are you okay?”

Madam Ahn’s voice trembled uncertainly, as if she was genuinely worried. Yulli took a sip of coffee and replied slowly.

“Yes. Fortunately, I’m unharmed.”

[No, how did this happen… I’m sorry. I should have been there to take care of you…]

“I didn’t need to be nursed.”

At that moment, Yuri’s voice was heard from behind.

[Sister, are you okay? Huh?]

Not much different from Madam Ahn, Yuri’s voice was also shaking noticeably. Both seemed to have just learned about Yulli’s situation.

“Thank you for your concern. Please tell Yuri not to worry too.”

[…But, Yulli.]

Normally, Madam Ahn would have checked on her well-being and hung up soon, but today, she hesitated, calling Yulli with something to say.

[It might be confusing for you, and I don’t know if I should say this… but you should know.]

“Yes, please go ahead.”

[I heard that Congressman will resign after the presidential election. And he’ll also resign from his position as a congressman once he finishes his work.]

“Yes, he said he would retire from politics.”

[Hoo.]

Then, with a deep sigh, Madam Ahn uttered surprising words.

[So, I’m saying this… Now it seems that you and Yuri won’t need to be by the Congressman’s side. It won’t be a big flaw even if we get a divorce. There won’t be any voters to notice.]

“What are you talking about?”

Yulli’s voice tone rose with surprise.

[I plan to settle down in New Zealand with Yuri now. Congressman also wants that. I’m sorry, Yulli. Leaving like this, burdening you with such heavy responsibility…]

“Why all of a sudden?”