Shoo, shoo… Bang! Bang bang!

On the dark night, the restaurant on the ship was buzzing with a festive atmosphere. As the fireworks started, So Yeon, leaning against the ship’s railing, gazed dreamily at the night sky, lit up by the colorful fireworks.

Even amidst this, Seo Jun’s gaze remained fixed on her. Noticing his stare, So Yeon looked back at him.

“Why are you only looking at me? Don’t you like fireworks?”

“…”

What I like is Eom So Yeon. No matter how spectacular something else is, nothing can be more beautiful than you.

As he watched her smiling brightly, Seo Jun, feeling simply happy, slightly lifted the corners of his lips.

Those lips…

Those damnably enticing lips…

Without realizing, So Yeon reached out her hand towards Seo Jun’s face. In response, his magnetic lips formed a terribly elegant smile.

Like the ceaseless bursting fireworks, her heart raced uncontrollably. Yet, it was a palpitation different from excitement, a pressure she tried to ignore.

Should I confess now?

What will he say when he finds out Hyun Woo is his child? Will he be furious? Or will he laugh it off as absurd? Maybe he’ll despise me?

He’s probably never felt let down in his life.

What should I do then? Should I beg for forgiveness, or give up everything?

Before she could even speak, fear overcame So Yeon, her eyes filled with sorrow as she gazed at Seo Jun.

Then, in an instant…

His lips brushed against her forehead in a fleeting touch.

“What was that for?”

“Just bear with it. You’re so pretty, I had to do something…”

Chu!

It was a momentary action. So Yeon tiptoed and, as if to seal his words, pecked Seo Jun’s lips.

“What does that mean?”

Now, she could feel it.

The burning gaze that only saw her.

The warm hands that always considered her first.

The confessions and the earnest behavior consistently expressing his love.

This man’s efforts to shake her heart were utterly sincere, uncalculated, transmitting his desperate feelings to her through every touch.

“I just… you’re so cool, I couldn’t help it…”

Seo Jun gently grasped her delicate chin, drawing her wavering gaze to himself. His large hand then cupped the back of her head, bringing their faces closer.

A wave of hot breath and a sophisticated woody musk scent filled her senses. Surprised, her widened vision was entirely filled with Tae Seo Jun’s face. Not wanting to miss this moment, So Yeon closed her eyes.

A grand firework marking the end of the show illuminated the kissing couple and the dark night sky with bright, varied colors.

Upon reaching the mansion, Seo Jun quickly led So Yeon upstairs.

His steps were unusually brisk.

Entering his room, he paused to gaze into her big, innocent eyes, shining brightly. He then slowly kissed her small lips. Seo Jun, who enjoyed every tiny quiver, didn’t want to let go of Eom So Yeon tonight. He couldn’t stop himself.

Trapped between him and the wall, So Yeon gasped for breath, her heart racing as she curled up her arms and legs.

“It’s… it’s too fast…!”
“It’s not too late, is it? Eom So Yeon, you’re in trouble now.”

His declaration was thrilling.

Seo Jun playfully teased So Yeon’s face, touching here and there, briefly connecting their lips and igniting a fiery passion.

“…”

This is… something lovers do…

Ah, I don’t know anymore.

I just don’t know.

Engulfed in the incredibly sweet kiss, So Yeon felt like she could melt away happily, her heart pounding intensely.

Seo Jun, with a slight crease in his brow, passionately drew in her luscious lips. In that moment, her skirt slightly lifted.

The eagerness in his fingers as he began unbuttoning her blouse from the top was palpable. Hot breath followed wherever Seo Jun’s hands touched.

But suddenly, a rush of thoughts flew through So Yeon’s mind, halting everything.

El Estella Hotel.

The place Seo Jun frequented like his own home.

His father, smiling kindly in the portrait.

The face in the painting, which seemed familiar, kept circling in her head, and now So Yeon realized it matched perfectly with the face of Chairman Tae Seok Ho, often seen in the economic section of newspapers.

Yes, that’s right! That man must be the young Chairman Tae Seok Ho. Then, Seo Jun is his son!

Moreover, So Yeon’s mind, now clear as if a fog had lifted, plunged into chaos once more. She suddenly remembered a conversation between her mother and older cousin from her childhood.

“Why did El Estella Hotel send a birthday cake for dad?”

“The hotel sent it on Chairman Tae’s behalf. He said he had to send at least a cake since your father refuses to accept gifts.”

“Chairman Tae was that close to dad?”

“Indeed.”

“It’s strange. Dad, who spent his life studying, is close to Chairman Tae, a top magnate.”

“When you were born, your dad became his personal doctor after performing a transplant surgery on him. Since then, Chairman Tae has held great trust in your father.”