Ki Joo had mentioned something about being on duty. Eun Chae handed her viola case to the bodyguard and got into the car.

In the car to the art hall, she filled her idle time with thoughts of Ki Joo. He rarely had a day off. What would he do on such days? What time would he wake up, what would he eat, whom would he meet?

Or does he even rest? Perhaps Chairman Song Myung Hwan kept him busy with tasks beyond bodyguard duties.

He probably doesn’t even know what rest is.

Eun Chae leaned her head against the headrest and raised her ring-clad right hand to the window frame. Despite trying not to look, the ring kept catching her eye.

Practice went as usual. Playing in the ensemble, she thought of Ki Joo, who said he liked the sound of the viola. She inadvertently looked at the door.

Especially today, the viola’s sound stood out in the piece. It would have been nice if he had heard it.
While she was lost in thought, others engaged in predictable conversations. The topic was about who to invite to the graduation recital.

Eun Chae had been sighing at the thought of inviting Han Seong Yoon.

The idea of performing in front of a man who had no interest in classical music was distasteful. Her brow furrowed involuntarily. As she soothingly stroked her viola, the vibration of her phone broke her concentration. It was a message from an unsaved number, but the name Kim So Hee popped up.

“Invitation to the night of a promising artist.”

A grand introduction for a mere invitation. Eun Chae had received countless such invitations and felt no excitement, but the last line piqued her interest.

“It would be an honor to have Ms. Song Eun Chae attend.”

At first glance, it seemed like a generic message with just the name changed, but Eun Chae sensed a deliberate intention.

She clicked on the profile picture of the woman who sent the message. In the photo, Kim So Hee, embracing a man from behind and smiling, was wearing the ring she had boasted about last time. The man’s back was unmistakably Han Seong Yoon.

Eun Chae chuckled. She replied.

“Last time was a shame, wasn’t it? Coincidentally, I was planning to visit the art gallery today. Good timing.”

After sending the message, Eun Chae picked up her viola case and dialed Han Seong Yoon’s number from her phone contacts.

The exterior wall of the art gallery, cleared of snow, seemed somewhat dry. Whether it was due to her mood or intentional design was unclear.

Eun Chae stopped Kwon Ki Joo from following her inside the gallery.

“Wait here.”

He frowned, already aware of her boldness but questioning why she would willingly get her hands dirty in such filthy matters.

“Why enter on your own when you asked me to keep you away?”

As the wind blew, her long hair stuck to her face. Ki Joo reached out, gently brushing it aside, and asked if she was sure.

“This is the last time.”

What could he do but shrug and slide his hands into his pockets, signifying he would wait as instructed.

Eun Chae then entered the gallery comfortably. Unlike her last visit, the interior was quiet and static.

A gallery employee noticed her, greeted her, and quickly made a call. While waiting, Eun Chae leisurely viewed the art pieces on the walls.

About three minutes later, Kim So Hee rushed in, then composed her expression as she approached.

“The director is out today, so I will be assisting you. Please follow me to the director’s office.”

Eun Chae simply nodded and followed Kim So Hee, her face unreadable. Kim So Hee seemed uneasily anxious.

Once they were seated in the director’s office, a brief silence ensued. An employee asked if they would like some tea. Eun Chae requested black tea, while Kim So Hee declined, saying she had already had some.
As the employee prepared the tea, a few polite words were exchanged. Kim So Hee couldn’t hide her awkwardness. When the employee placed the tea in front of Eun Chae, she took the opportunity to ask for a moment alone.

Even when they were left alone, Eun Chae’s face remained composed. She took a sip of her black tea and spoke evenly.

“I’d appreciate it if you’d refrain from personal contact.”

“It was a message sent to all the attendees of the last charity party. Was there a misunderstanding?” So Hee crossed her legs and leaned back, responding confidently. Eun Chae let out a low laugh and pulled out her phone. She clicked on Kim So Hee’s profile in the message app and showed it to her.

“Did you send this to show me this back of a head?”

So Hee rolled her eyes in a brazen manner, making no attempt to deny it.

Eun Chae put her phone away and said, “I don’t care if Han Seong Yoon is naked with you. I just wish you’d leave me out of your affair.”

“Huh,” So Hee sneered incredulously.

“Really? If you truly have no feelings, then cancel the marriage. Tell him not to marry.”

“That’s just ridiculous,” Eun Chae muttered in disbelief. Ignoring So Hee’s glowering look, she casually tossed a suggestion, “Then steal him and marry him yourself.”

“…”

“If you can’t do that and plan to remain as a mistress, then at least act dead.”

Eun Chae’s harsh words pierced So Hee, yet she showed no sign of remorse. This direct hit of reality enraged So Hee, who grabbed her lukewarm teacup and flung its contents at Eun Chae’s face.

Eun Chae’s face was drenched with the tea. The liquid dripped down her chin.

As she slowly opened her eyes, which she had closed reflexively, her lashes were wet with droplets like tears, but her expression was ice-cold. Even as she wiped her face, she maintained her dignity, infuriating So Hee even more.

“Why won’t you let go of him if you don’t even care? Why!”

So Hee’s face turned pale as Eun Chae calmly picked up a vase from the table.

With a ‘why not’ expression, Eun Chae swung the vase. Water, along with petals, sprayed in the air before drenching So Hee. Her hair, face, and top were soaked.

Frozen, So Hee had leaves stuck to her face. Eun Chae watched her indifferently and said, “Think clearly who is really making Kim So Hee so miserable. Do you really think it’s me?”

So Hee’s face looked as if she was about to burst into tears.

At that moment[Dash]the director’s office door burst open.