He said he had something to say. But suddenly, work issues erupted, and the precious time was postponed until this weekend.

Despite promising not to waver, she didn’t even realize that she was wobbling.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

That Saturday.

“I’m leaving.”

“…Yes.”

Arin got into the car with Jaehyuk to go to the department store, matching the opening hours of the department store.

She glanced at Jaehyuk. His next seat was bigger and heavier than she had thought.
Ban Jaehyuk was not an ordinary man. As a leader guiding the South Korean business community, people paid attention to whatever he did.

She had the experience of parting ways with him once. Moreover, it was a one-year relationship. Of course, it was a secret to others, but people were undoubtedly more likely to view their reunion as gossip rather than a blessing.

So Arin hoped that her meeting with Jaehyuk would not come to the surface. In fact, she thought it could be avoided because it was a one-year contract.

Until Chairman Ban Hojun said so.

“You must attend official events together as a couple.”

A few days ago, Chairman Ban Hojun urgently found him and added that.

“Official event? Does that even make sense? I don’t want to. I won’t go.”

“Arin.”

“That’s right. If we go out together, people will know everything about Ban Jaehyuk and me. I don’t like it.”

“Sorry. It’s just this once. There won’t be a next time. Please, just this time. I’ll convince my father.”

Recalling his words, Arin bit her nails.

‘Chairman Ban is never someone who changes his opinion. Is he really sorry for me? If so, this shouldn’t be happening. Why, knowing it would be difficult for me, would he…’

Arin was more confused and angry because she couldn’t understand Chairman Ban’s intentions.

Why did this happen?

Today, more than ever, she was confused about what she was doing.

It was a peculiar relationship of a contract romance, a strange relationship of being together without the need to be together. Although it started as a romance, the time they lived as a couple was never a wasted time, giving them a feeling similar to that of a married couple.

“We’re here.”

“Oh, yes.”

At Jaehyuk’s call, Arin got out of the car like a machine.

On the way to the department store, Arin was lost in thought. She walked because her feet were moving.

“Huh?”

As she was doing so, he stopped at a brand shop. Arin stopped when Jaehyuk did.

Arin’s mind suddenly flashed at the fact that this brand was familiar to her.

“Why are we here?”

“Jewelry is as important as clothes.”

“Who says?”

Arin approached Jaehyuk and asked, scratching her neck. He turned his head slightly, avoiding her gaze.

“…A director said so.”

His answer, a beat late, flowed out with his lips pursed.

“What?”

“A director.”

“Please don’t misunderstand. I won’t force you if you don’t like it.”

Arin stared silently at Jaehyuk. Her expression stiffened rapidly. The words he just said reminded her of something she had heard before.

“Ah…”

Memories surfaced, and she lowered her head deeply. The words he had just said were reminiscent of something she had heard countless times from his mother, Madam Jung. The voice of Madam Jung echoed in Arin’s mind like an echo.
“Ha, do you know anything at all? How do I have to teach you every single thing? What on earth did your mother teach you?”

“No sense, seriously, sigh.”

Madam Jung always treated Arin harshly, but there were days when she became unusually sensitive.

That day was when Arin and Jaehyuk attended an official event.

Madam Jung paid attention to others’ gazes as persistently as ever. So, on that day, Arin was not a target to be oppressed by Madam Jung but a target that she needed to fix for herself.

“It’s my reputation. If you look bad, our VAN Group will look ridiculous. Pay attention. The completion of fashion is giving points with accessories that suit the occasion. If you have money, anyone can wear nice clothes. But you know, using expensive jewelry is something only those who have it can do. You, born like a beggar, may never understand throughout your life.”

Arin recalled Madam Jung’s unpleasant expression as she filled her mind with accessories, and she felt annoyed.

Moreover, Madam Jung interfered with everything Arin said and did at the official event. After the day she did something annoying, for a week, she poured all kinds of contempt and insults.

“Even dog poop has its uses. Where on earth do you use yours?”

“Did I say accessories are as important as clothes? Did I? Is your head screwed on? Do you have a brain? How many times do I have to say for you to understand?”

Madam Jung went so far as to say things that should never be said between people.

‘I’ve heard a lot of painful words. I have.’

Thinking of the words Madam Jung said, Arin consoled her past self.

The memories of the incredibly difficult times in her head had gradually blurred over time, but they hadn’t completely disappeared. When faced with a similar situation now, memories of those times came back like déjà vu.

Feeling her mood sink into memories of painful and unwanted experiences, Arin was consoled by her past self.

Jaehyuk, who was observing Arin’s expression, lowered his body.

“Where does it hurt?”

His hand touched her forehead.

Feeling the warmth on her forehead, Arin slowly raised her head. She met eyes with Jaehyuk. Worriedly, he asked in a gentle voice.

“If it’s tough, let’s go back.”

At his words, Arin’s gaze shook harshly.