“One goal doesn’t mean changing the goalie. But if goals keep happening, eventually, you might change.”

He seemed to see right through her. Speaking leisurely, he gently caressed the back of her head with his large hand, gazing deeply into her eyes.

“So, I’m thinking of really starting to seduce you now.”
The smile on the edge of Je Ho’s smooth lips felt dangerously tempting. Yet Yul Li couldn’t bring herself to push away his touch or avoid his gaze.

After a while, when Je Ho withdrew his hand, Yul Li hurriedly got out of the car, not looking back as she entered the apartment. The spot where he had caressed her head still felt burning hot.

Despite his claim of starting a real seduction, Je Ho went to construction sites for two consecutive days due to issues. Knowing Yul Li’s phone number, he neither called nor texted her.

Staring at her silent phone, Yul Li turned her gaze to the computer monitor.

Was his talk of seduction just words?

Even if there was physical attraction, there were lines that should not be crossed. In the past, they might have been betrothed, but now she was officially his cousin’s fiancée, with the wedding less than a month away.

Perhaps the kiss had satisfied a momentary desire, and now he was content to step back. That would be a relief… But Yul Li bit her lip, checking her wristwatch. It was already past her quitting time. It seemed Je Ho wouldn’t be coming today either.

Just then, her phone rang. Seeing the caller wasn’t Je Ho, she felt foolish for her brief hope.

[It’s me, Nancy Song.]

Answering the call, a cheerful voice came through.

[Your wedding dress is ready. Would you like to come today or should I expect you with Director Kwon tomorrow?]

“I’ll come today.”

[Alright, I’ll be waiting for you.]

Yul Li hung up, turned off her computer, and left the office. She wasn’t ready to face Min Woo yet, especially after what had happened. Though kissing and sleeping with someone were different in intensity, neither was respectful to a marital partner.

Since that day, her only contact with Min Woo was a brief call yesterday morning. They discussed the wedding reception menu and planned to have dinner next week at Chairman Kwon’s house, as the wedding approached and they had more family matters to discuss.

Yul Li took a taxi to the bridal shop.

“Welcome.”

Entering, Nancy Song greeted her with a bright smile.

“You’ll be amazed. It’s a new arrival from Kinell, exclusive to Korea with only one piece.”

Indeed, the dress was breathtakingly beautiful, a near-perfect work of art that could leave no one indifferent.

“This dress isn’t for just anyone. You need the right figure… Oh, how does it fit so perfectly? It’s as if it was tailor-made for you.”

Despite Nancy Song’s excited remarks, Yul Li’s mind was elsewhere.
The bride reflected in the mirror seemed like a stranger. Her face was utterly pale, void of any color, her eyes lost and wavering, her lips trembling slightly. She looked almost like a ghost bride.

Soon, she would wear this dress to her wedding… But the man who would hold her hand there was not the one she loved. She knew this, considered the marriage merely a formality to gain freedom, yet now, doubts overwhelmed her.

Unaware of Yul Li’s turmoil, Nancy Song continued to heap praises.

“Oh my, clothes do make the woman! You look like an angel.”

Wings?

At that comment, tears welled up in Yul Li’s eyes. To her, the wedding dress felt not like wings but a heavy chain with shackles.

“My goodness, the bride!”

Seeing Yul Li’s teary eyes, Nancy Song misinterpreted it as stress from previously dealing with a ruined dress.

“What a relief that dress was beyond repair.”

As Nancy Song patted her back, she seemed to remember something and checked the tablet for appointments.

“That client from last time… the one who tore the dress, he’s booked for today. He’ll be here soon. Shall I show him in? He’ll be thrilled to see you in this new dress.”

Nancy had realized that day Je Ho had intentionally torn the dress. Seeing Yul Li in the new dress would surely please him. But hearing this, Yul Li clutched the hem of her dress.

“No, it’s okay. I’m going to change now.”

After changing, Yul Li hurried out of the bridal shop. She didn’t want Je Ho to see her in a wedding dress. Before, she didn’t understand her feelings, but now it was different.

Facing Je Ho in a wedding dress might reveal her true feelings. She might even burst into tears. No! That couldn’t happen.

Rushing out without calling a taxi, she couldn’t wait outside, uncertain when Je Ho would arrive. Yul Li aimlessly walked towards the nearest subway station when a call from Hyun Kyung came.

[Yul Li, are you ready?]

“Ready? For what?”

[Hey, we’re going to the club tonight! I confirmed it with you this morning.]

Oh, that’s right. With her mind so cluttered, she had forgotten. Soon, Hyun Kyung, who was nearby, rushed over in her car, picking up Yul Li within half an hour.

“Your outfit is not club-appropriate. I brought clothes, and we have a hotel room. Change there.”

Initially reluctant, Yul Li soon changed her mind. Being alone at home would be too melancholic. Maybe watching people in a bustling club would offer some distraction from her thoughts.
Upon arriving at the hotel, Yul Li’s mood shifted again when she saw the clothes Hyun Kyung had brought out. With a mix of surprise and dismay, Yul Li couldn’t help but exclaim loudly.

“No way!”

The idea of wearing such an outfit was unimaginable to her. She couldn’t possibly do it.