The phrase ‘a sincere apology’ triggered warning bells in Yul Li’s mind.

“No, no. It’s okay.”

She hastily backed away, but it was already too late. Je Ho firmly wrapped his arms around her waist and dragged her to the bedroom. First trying to undress her and now heading straight to the bedroom – his actions were clearly inconsistent with his words.

Yet, instead of resisting, Yul Li’s face flushed with anticipation for his next move. It seemed she was just as contradictory in her words and actions as he was.

Je Ho placed Yul Li on the bed and quickly disappeared into the bathroom. Moments later, he returned with a first aid kit in his hand.

……Huh?

Was this his idea of a ‘sincere apology’?

As disappointment started to show on her face, Yul Li quickly bowed her head. Je Ho placed the first aid kit on the table and, climbing onto the bed, he gently lifted Yul Li up.

Suddenly, Yul Li’s heart raced again. He hadn’t brought the first aid kit to treat her, had he?

He wouldn’t go all the way, would he? Why?

Conflicted about whether to push him away or accept his advances, Yul Li’s mind was in turmoil.

“Just relax.”

Expecting him to passionately kiss her, Je Ho instead gently laid Yul Li deeper into the bed and helped her lean against the headboard.

Confused, Yul Li watched as Je Ho opened the first aid kit and pulled out a medical ice pack, hitting it hard with his fist. As the ice pack rapidly cooled, he carefully placed it on her bruised arm.

“This will help reduce the pain.”

He really was a decent person. Yul Li laughed at herself for thinking otherwise. Her giggles caught Je Ho’s attention.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Nothing, nothing.”

Watching her for a moment, he silently grabbed her other bruised arm. He seemed to interpret the chill as a ticklish sensation.

“I’ll apply a cooling patch here for now.”

A menthol-infused cold patch sprayed onto the bruised area.

After the treatment, Je Ho closed the first aid kit and casually asked, “So you’re not getting married? You discussed this with Min Woo today. That’s why he got upset and hurt you like this?”

Yul Li slowly nodded. It seemed pointless to deny what he had already figured out.

“Are you waiting to tell Chairman Kwon about the canceled marriage?”

“How did you know that?”

“I’ve known Min Woo since we were kids. I know how his mind works.”

“What do you mean?”

“Let’s just wait and see when he reports to Chairman Kwon.”

Her question was cut short as Je Ho’s lips met hers. The hand gripping her chin applied pressure, and the breath rushing in was intensely deep.
Was it because she was relieved about not getting married? Je Ho was even more bold and persistent than last night. Yet, he carefully avoided touching Yul Li’s bruised arm. Instead of hugging her crushingly, he cradled her face in both hands, focusing on her lips alone.

For Yul Li, inexperienced as she was, it wasn’t easy to keep up with his skill. It was overwhelming to the point of tears, but at the same time, it was thrilling. His earnest desire for her made her heart race.

…Too good.

She whispered softly to herself, her eyes closed.

Deep and sweet breaths filled the bedroom.

Min Woo’s situation wasn’t incomprehensible, but he kept procrastinating on telling Chairman Kwon. The weekend passed, and halfway through the week, Min Woo hadn’t made any move. Instead, he postponed the dinner appointment at Chairman Kwon’s house to the following week.

“Father thought it would be better to have dinner with the congressman. He’s currently in Geoje, so let’s wait till he’s back next week.”

It was an appointment that would naturally be canceled once the broken engagement became known, yet Min Woo suggested postponing it.

“Do we really need to do that?”

Yul Li wanted to ask when he planned to tell Chairman Kwon but couldn’t rush him. Instead, she asked indirectly.

“Sorry, Yul Li. I meant to tell him as soon as possible, but he’s been under the weather lately. I’ll talk to him as soon as he feels better, by this weekend or early next week at the latest. Just wait a bit longer, please.”

Yul Li couldn’t say anything more. She ended the call and turned to the calendar.

She counted the days left until the wedding. There was still plenty of time to cancel it before the ceremony. Yul Li sighed and pulled up a 3DS file she was working on.

“Yul Li, are you staying late tonight?”

How much time had passed?

The last remaining employee, Sun Young, stood up and asked. Yul Li looked around in surprise, realizing everyone else had left.

“I got so absorbed in my work, I lost track of time. It’s already 9 o’clock.”

Pointing at the clock, Sun Young headed towards the door.

“Don’t stay too late. They’re doing a building-wide power cut after 11 PM for maintenance. I’ll lock the door on my way out.”

“Thank you, Sun Young. See you tomorrow.”

After Sun Young left, Yul Li focused back on her computer. She was having trouble with 3D modeling due to persistent errors, taking up more time than expected.