Bound by a Ruthless Contract - Chapter 103

Saying he had a nearby appointment and needed to leave, Juhan spoke with a distinctly reluctant expression.

“Please go ahead. It was nice seeing you today, Juhan oppa.”

“Here’s my business card. Contact me anytime.”

Kim Juhan was the CEO of an IT company.

“Impressive. You have always loved tinkering with computers since childhood.”

“My family was quite strict. More accurately, completely closed-minded. They’d get angry, saying touching computers meant playing instead of studying. So out of defiance, I dove deeper into it. Haha.”

His kind smile brought back memories of his younger self.

For a moment, she felt transported back in time.

When her mother was still alive, before her aunt became ill.

Those moments of her life when she was happiest.

Perhaps because she’d just spoken with her aunt, her heart felt soft.

She needed to tighten her resolve again.

Not let it unravel.

Otherwise…

If these overflowing emotions touched that man, he would be displeased.

He might even get angry.

He might stop sharing his body with her at night.

So she must lock her emotions away again.

It was the only thing sustaining her right now.

“Would it be inappropriate if I could receive your business card?”

Ga-eun bowed her head.

“I’m sorry, oppa. I didn’t bring my business card. May I contact you later?”

Becoming Kwon Si-heon’s wife meant her business card, like his, carried heavy implications.

In this world, merely possessing a business card from the Hwanhee Art Museum’s senior executive director could generate countless interpretations.

Moreover, Kim Juhan knew her as ‘Eun Ga-eun’ from Byeolnaeri Village.

Familiar, yet potentially the most dangerous person.

After a brief awkward moment of indirect rejection, Juhan nodded.

“Of course. I’ll be waiting for your call.”

“Yes, please go in carefully.”

“Ga-eun.”

Before turning away, Kim Juhan called her softly, his voice laden with concern. “If you’re struggling with anything, talk to me. Anytime, as much as you want.”

He paused, analyzing Ga-eun’s expression before adding gently, “You look tired.”

“Oh…”

“If childhood memories are too painful, I won’t press. I’ll just listen. Don’t feel burdened.” He emphasized his sincerity, urging her to reach out.

With heavy steps, Kim Juhan left the hotel, repeating his heartfelt request to stay in touch. Ga-eun maintained her businesslike smile, suppressing her impulse to scan the surroundings. Perhaps someone might be watching.

She had learned through years of survival that appearing nonchalant, as if attending a routine business meeting, was the safest approach. Minimize suspicion, remain neutral.

‘When can I visit my aunt?’

A phone call might be possible, but a personal visit would only come after separating from Kwon Si-heon.

Divorce.

The word echoed in her mind as she quietly waited for her appointed time. Passing time was the only action left to her.

***

The weekend arrived, and Jinri Association members gathered for volunteer work at the orphanage. Their casual attire and sneakers appeared light-hearted, but each ensemble carried a price tag that belied its simplicity.

One outfit stood out, overwhelmingly luxurious.

“Oh, isn’t that… the unreleased Neptune S/S season piece? My friend works at the headquarters and showed me something not even on the runway yet. Exclusive, you know? I’ve been eyeing it as the most beautiful design.”

“Wow, a wife of the Hwanhee Group heir is something else.”

Neptune, a world-renowned French high-end brand, wasn’t a place one could simply purchase with money. Beyond financial means, it demanded social status and sophistication. Opportunities to acquire their belts, scarves, shoes, clothing, and bags were meticulously stratified.

Hence the saying: “Neptune, even above luxury brands.”

“People who wear unreleased clothes are extremely limited. Even in our country, they’d be countable,” the woman lowered her voice.

“Perhaps… Director Jung Yeo-jin wouldn’t even be allowed to wear unreleased pieces. They might not even show her.”

At those words, the surrounding women inhaled sharply, re-examining Ga-eun with intense scrutiny. Yet, she displayed no hint of pride. Her demeanor was indifferent, as if wearing something commonly available—and this very nonchalance made her appear even more refined.