Episode 15

Their gazes locked. So-jung gazed down at Hyun, who had crawled from the floor, and Hyun, from his lower vantage point, looked up at her. After a moment of stunned silence, Hyun's eyes gradually widened.

"I knew it would come to this."

Meanwhile, Kang-chan approached So-jung. Upon realizing the situation, Hyun glared menacingly at Kang-chan.

"Did you tell her?"

"Yes."

"You betrayed me?"

"Betrayed you? I merely let the Madam know that there was a pit here. Besides, I side with the one who pays my salary."

Despite Hyun's grinding teeth, Kang-chan remained steadfastly by So-jung's side. Meanwhile, So-jung, who had stood quietly, parted her lips.

"I figured you'd still try to escape. So, I wondered what method you'd use in this situation?"

"..."

"I had no idea there was something like this inside the villa."

While So-jung marveled at the passage leading inside the villa's walls, Hyun stood up.

"So, what, you'll throw me back into the villa?"

Hyun, who had taken a step closer, appeared quite threatening. However, So-jung remained calm.

"No."

"Then?"

"I came to accompany you."

Hyun's eyebrows raised in surprise at the unexpected words.

"No matter what, if I take you back, you'll find a way to meet your cousin. So I should be there when you do."

"...."

"Get in. We don't have much time."

Instead of waiting for Hyun's response, So-jung gestured towards the car behind her. Kang-chan was already waiting in the driver's seat as the engine started running. A moment later, the two situated themselves behind Kang-chan.

"...What are you plotting?"

Of course, that didn't mean Hyun fully trusted So-jung. His face still showed signs of wariness.

"If I enter, my mother won't leave us alone."

"...I have a favor to ask of you."

"A favor?"

Hyun's mouth twisted into a smirk.

"I knew you had an ulterior motive for bringing me along."

"...."

"So, what's the request? It better not be something absurd."

"It's not. It's something you can definitely do. I'll let you know the details after you meet your cousin."

"What on earth are you trying to make me do?"

Hyun muttered while looking out the window, seemingly uninterested.

"And once you meet your cousin, we'll head straight back to the villa. No causing a scene."

"You have so many conditions for someone asking for a favor."

"Then should we turn back?"

"...Alright, alright!"

At So-jung's perceived threat, Kang-chan remained vigilant and monitored Hyun closely, prepared to make an illegal U-turn if necessary. Hyun shouted in frustration.

"But where are we going right now? This isn't the direction to the company."

"Of course not. We're going somewhere else."

"What? Where?"

Just as Hyun finished speaking, the car came to a stop. So-jung opened the door and stood up.

"We need to deal with your outfit first, so get out."

The car had stopped in front of a clothing store. As So-jung entered, the staff greeted her warmly.

"Hello, ma'am. It's been a while."

"I'm here to look for some clothes for my husband. It's an important day, so please help us find something suitable."

"Of course. We'll prepare everything right away."

At So-jung's words, the staff's eyes turned to Hyun as he followed her in. Hyun flinched slightly under their gaze.

"...What's this place?"

"It's a store you and the Madam often visit. Just keep quiet and smile, and they'll bring the clothes to you."

Kang-chan whispered in response to the bewildered Hyun. The staff were already busy bringing various suits.

"Which suit would you like to try on first? We recommend this season's new arrival."

"Well, then that one."

Hyun, overwhelmed by the selection, grabbed the nearest suit and ran into the fitting room. The staff, surprised by his haste, glanced at So-jung, who smiled awkwardly.

"My husband is in a bit of a hurry. We'll take that suit. Please go about your work."

"But..."

"It's fine. We'll leave right away. I'll pay now."

The staff, sensing the urgency, began to disperse. So-jung waited outside the fitting room. Despite the time that had passed, Hyun showed no sign of coming out.

"Are you done changing?"

So-jung asked as she approached the fitting room. Hyun's voice came from inside.

"I'm done."

"Then why aren't you coming out? The size doesn't fit?"

"No, it's just... wait a minute. Why are you rushing me like that?"

Even after, Hyun didn't come out. Eventually, So-jung pulled back the curtain.

"Hey, hey...!"

Hyun exclaimed in surprise, but So-jung stepped inside the fitting room.

"What are you doing?"

"Sorry. I thought you might be trying to escape again."

"Do you think I'm some magician who can escape from here?"

"Then why didn't you come out?"

Hyun had already changed into the suit, but he was still fidgeting.

"…The tie."

"What?"

"I don't know how to tie it."

As Hyun turned, the tie hung loosely around his neck. He grabbed it, irritated.

"Isn't it just a simple knot? Why is it so complicated?"

"..."

"Forget it. Let's just go."

Hyun struggled with the tie, growing more annoyed. So-jung snatched it from his hand.

"Hold still. I'll tie it for you."

"You? You'll tie it?"

"I used to often. When you were getting ready for work."

So-jung expertly handled the task. As Hyun hesitated but watched silently, she fell into her thoughts.

Now that I think about it, I used to do this often.

Rushed mornings, taking Harim to kindergarten, hectic days, and you, who would sometimes come over and ask me to fix your tie.

It wasn't that long ago, but it felt like a distant memory, just out of reach. After she would adjust his tie, the large man would always smile and say thank you...

"...."

When So-jung looked up, she realized they were closer than before. Close enough to feel each other's breath.

Ah.

The two were so close they could see even the faintest detail of each other's eyes. While Hyun stared at So-jung in a daze, So-jung...

"Ma'am, I've made the reservation at the salon as you requested. Also..."

But the moment didn't last. Kang-chan appeared from behind the curtain, breaking the spell. The two of them quickly separated.

"...Ah."

"..."

"My apologies. I didn't mean to interrupt your warm moment."

"Warm moment? What moment!?"

Hyun hurried out of the fitting room, the tie hanging around his neck. An absurdly short tie.

"I thought you were good at tying ties, but what's this?"

"It's been a while since I've last done this. I'll ask the staff to fix it."

"Whatever, it's fine. Let's go."

"But it's too short. People will definitely comment on it."

"That's great. I'll make sure to tell them it was you."

"Do you really have to go that far?"

Despite everything, Hyun didn't remove the tie So-jung had tied. Kang-chan observed them bickering fondly from behind.

---

"Welcome, ma'am."

The Company foundation ceremony.

As it was a significant day, Mi-ae entered the company fully prepared. Her nerves weren't just because of the importance of the event. It was because of the people attending.

"...Where is everyone?"

"They've already arrived. They're over there."

"Hello, Aunt."

Before the secretary could finish, Hoon approached Mi-ae.

"It's been a while. I was wondering if you'd show up since you didn't for the dinner. Look at you so early."

"That event seemed pointless, so I avoided it. I don't see any value in attending such useless gatherings."

Hoon's words caused Mi-ae's forehead to twitch, but she quickly regained her composure and smiled.

"Are you here alone? Where are the others?"

"I came early. The rest will arrive later. But..."

Hoon looked around Mi-ae.

"Is Auntie here alone as well?"

"...Yes. Why?"

"I heard Hyun had an accident. Is it serious enough to keep him from attending such an important event?"

Despite his words, Hoon's eyes coldly scanned the surroundings. Mi-ae, not backing down, replied.

"Yes, he seems to have some aftereffects. I told him to rest."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

"Then who are those two entering now?"

"What?"

Mi-ae turned quickly at Hoon's words. There, walking through the entrance, were two certain individuals.

So-jung and Hyun, both impeccably dressed.

---

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