Chapter 112
Ga-eun offered a subtle bow in acknowledgment, her movement so refined it seemed choreographed. Her porcelain-like features and elegant posture were captivating—the cream-colored dress draping her figure in a way that was nothing short of enchanting, rendering her nearly impossible to look away from.
“Oppa, you’re all here!” A young woman burst into the scene, her eyes sparkling with a playful smile as she approached Si-heon. “Long time no see! How have you been?”
Instead of responding directly to her, Si-heon leaned toward Ga-eun, whispering, “How are you feeling?”
“…I’m fine,” she replied softly.
“Tell me immediately if you’re unwell. Don’t endure anything,” he insisted, his tone a blend of concern and command.
“I will,” she assured him.
Unbeknownst to them, Park Ju-yeon’s internal temperature was rising. Her anger was not directed at Si-heon for seemingly ignoring her, but instead blazed toward Ga-eun.
‘She doesn’t understand his value,’ Ju-yeon thought bitterly. The way Si-heon so tenderly cared for Ga-eun—something Ju-yeon would have considered an extraordinary privilege—appeared to mean nothing to this woman. Her nonchalant “I will” and slight nod only fueled Ju-yeon’s resentment.
“Ga-eun-ssi, are your wrists—” Ju-yeon’s words were cut short as Si-heon, still protectively encircling Ga-eun’s shoulders, smoothly moved them away.
“Huh. Is that really Kwon Si-heon? Did you see how he looks at his wife? I’m only now realizing if he’s capable of caring about anyone else.”
But no response came from the Park Ju-seong and Park Ju-yeon siblings.
Ju-seong’s gaze was fixed on Ga-eun, while Ju-yeon’s eyes remained locked on Si-heon.
“Hello? Who am I talking to?”
“…Park Ju-yeon.”
Ju-yeon answered without breaking her stare from Si-heon.
“Yes.”
“Is this your work?”
“Yes.”
“What? What work of yours?”
Instead of answering Jin Wu-hyeon’s question, Ju-seong tightened his lips.
“I really don’t know.”
“What? What are you two talking about?”
“Later. For now, let’s go see Tae Jung-hyuk.”
“Oh, right. Jung-hyuk got married not long ago. Wasn’t she the daughter of Congressman Hwang? By the way, I heard some news about Congressman Hwang…”
Park Ju-seong and Jin Wu-hyeon drifted away.
Left alone, Ju-yeon’s tightly clenched fist trembled, and she quickly opened her handbag roughly.
Pulling out her phone, she sent a message to the contact number for Chairman Kwon Soon-yeol’s secretarial office that she had painstakingly obtained.
[This is Park Ju-yeon from PK Holdings. I have something to tell you. When you look at the attached photo, you won’t regret it.]
***
Trailing behind Si-heon and greeting numerous people, Ga-eun grew tired.
Though she didn’t show it, Si-heon somehow noticed and guided her to the lounge.
“Wait here. I’ll finish up and come back.”
“I’m fine. Please don’t worry about me.”
Si-heon, staring intently at Ga-eun’s face as she spoke, removed his jacket and draped it softly over her delicate shoulders.
“Kwon Si-heon?”
“With that face, you’d have me believe you’re okay.”
He gently pressed her shoulder, guiding her to sit in a chair. Then, leaning on the armrest and bending forward, he met her gaze directly.
Large hands enveloped her delicate cheek.
Breaths intertwined, merging into one.
“Rest. Don’t strain your wrist.”
Ga-eun bit the soft inner flesh of her lip.
Don’t do this.
When they’re alone, just be cold and distant like usual.
Whenever Si-heon did this, her heart would crumble—layers of anticipation and despair collapsing simultaneously.
Suddenly, Ga-eun’s eyes widened.
His thumb was gently tracing her lower lip.
“Kwon Si-heon…?”
Si-heon gazed at her with an unreadable intensity.
“Stay here. I’ll be back soon.”
He adjusted her collar and turned away.
With a sharp click of the door closing, silence rushed in.
‘What… does this mean?’
What was that gesture?
What was his intention?
Her cheeks and lips still burned where he had touched her.
Ga-eun exhaled deeply.
She hated and… loved how he would throw her into despair, then immediately offer a futile hope.
His oversized jacket wrapped around her body was too large, too warm—it ached in her chest.
As she breathed in his lingering scent—the jacket that both unsettled and comforted her—the door suddenly burst open.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know anyone was here… Ga-eun?”
As she turned her head, Kim Juhan stood there, his eyes wide with surprise.
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