In an antique Chinese restaurant’s private room, two influential men were dining. One was the head of a conglomerate with the power to sway politics, the other a leading candidate for next year’s South Korean presidential election.

Although accustomed to each other’s company, there was a sense of caution in their conversation due to various circumstances. Eun Chae felt suffocated amidst their guarded exchanges, barely eating her meal and wiping her mouth with a napkin.

“We are practically family now, helping each other like this. It’s heartwarming and good,” said Congressman Han Ji Chang, to which Chairman Song Myung Hwan laughed heartily in agreement.

Despite his son Han Seung Yoon’s scandal causing a dent, Congressman Han’s popularity hadn’t plummeted with the election only three months away. They planned a collaboration project between D1 Group and the in-law’s business, providing food and donations to snow-heavy mountain regions.

“Having Han, the executive, personally visit each region would be beneficial,” said Chairman Song.

“Yes, I agree,” Congressman Han concurred, subtly raising an eyebrow. The conversation had deliberately skirted around Seung Yoon’s issues. Quick to change the subject, Congressman Han continued, “Regarding the scandal involving my son, it’s common for such rumors before an election. It’s all been cleared up now. You can trust me on this.”

“I understand. And it’s not unusual for a young man to have multiple girlfriends,” Chairman Song responded, almost disgustingly, to which the congressman nodded in agreement, satisfied.

“About Eun Chae, I apologize for the inconvenience with the wedding… We’ll set another date…”

“I’m sorry, but I’d like to consider the marriage null and void,” Eun Chae interjected firmly, setting down her cup of jasmine tea.

Caught off guard, Congressman Han was speechless while Chairman Song, despite his attempt to signal her, received no response from Eun Chae’s unwavering expression. She had only complied with the meeting to declare her decision, knowing Chairman Song would otherwise ignore her.

“Ms. Eun Chae?”

“I believe personal wishes are crucial in arranged marriages. Mine was forced.”

With that, Eun Chae stood up, “I have my graduation recital tomorrow and need to rest. Goodbye.”

She left without looking back, leaving Chairman Song and Congressman Han in shock. Only when Chairman Song fi
Eun Chae felt neither shame nor hesitancy, instead, she felt empowered. Now, she thought she could face Ki Joo with pride.

Feeling liberated and refreshed by her decision to break free and find her own path, she felt a burden lifted off her shoulders, especially with her crucial graduation recital approaching.

Knock-knock.

“Miss,” called the housekeeper, entering after a knock.

“What brings you here at this hour?” Eun Chae asked, stepping down from the bed to open the door.

“Well, Miss, your fiancé has come and is waiting in the drawing room,” the housekeeper hesitantly informed her, referring to Seung Yoon.

“Alright, I’ll be down shortly,” Eun Chae replied, throwing on a robe over her pajamas. She wondered why Seung Yoon would visit at this hour, especially since he was supposed to be secluded at the villa. With Chairman Song not yet home, his visit raised questions.

Descending to the drawing room, Eun Chae scrutinized Seung Yoon, who returned the gaze.

Avoiding Seung Yoon’s displeased look, Eun Chae felt absurd seeing him after such a long time. Despite the recent troubling events, Seung Yoon looked slick and polished.

“How could you not even call once? We’re supposed to be a married couple,” Seung Yoon broke the silence in a strained voice, trying to contain his anger.

Eun Chae frowned slightly. “We’re nothing to each other. The wedding is canceled. Didn’t you get the message from the congressman?”

Surprised, Seung Yoon couldn’t believe what she was confidently asserting.

“Look,” he retorted sharply, brushing back his hair, “I have nothing to blackmail you with anymore. It’s all out in the open. But what about Song Eun Chae?”

“What do you mean…?”

“I had D1 Group check him out. A commoner, struggling to make ends meet, thinks he can date the sole daughter of D1 Group? Wake up from your dream. At best, he’s just a bodyguard. If I speak up, don’t you think Chairman Song will bury him?”

Eun Chae clenched her jaw. The information Seung Yoon had on Ki Joo was starkly different from what she knew. The profile he got was obviously fake, used for Ki Joo’s undercover entry. Now, her relationship with Ki Joo was in jeopardy.

Pretending calm, Eun Chae firmly responded, “There’s no need for you to do that.”

“Don’t know who’s threatening who here,” Seung Yoon scoffed, stepping closer to her.

“Then it won’t be free,” he continued, “Do to me what you did with him.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Kiss me,” he demanded, smirking vilely as Eun Chae’s eyes widened.

Eun Chae stood stiffly, unable to react. If her relationship with Ki Joo was exposed, it could ruin years of his undercover work.