Bound by a Ruthless Contract - Chapter 117

The JC executive, sensing an opportunity to establish a connection with Si-heon, continued his story.

“We had a meeting at the museum recently regarding the artwork loan. One of our employees wanted to ask something more, so we returned to the 4th-floor conference room.”

Si-heon’s eyes gradually turned cold and settled into a glacial stare.

The executive realized something was wrong, but it was already too late.

“You returned. And then?”

“Oh, yes, well… When I opened the emergency stairway door, I saw the back of your wife being supported, walking to the director’s office…”

His voice trailed off, becoming almost inaudible.

The executive bowed his head, facing Si-heon’s cold, penetrating gaze—like a messenger bearing unfortunate news.

“I was worried when I heard, so I thought I would ask… Did I make some mistake…?”

“No.”

Si-heon stood, buttoning his jacket.

Under the light, the ruby in his cufflinks and wedding ring gleamed blood-red.

“It seems the mistake was made elsewhere.”

From the moment he left his seat, walked through the long corridor, took the elevator to the underground parking, and boarded his car, his expression remained rigid.

Tak.

With the sound of Noh Man-su closing the rear car door, he suddenly realized something.

His wife had never contacted him first.

Not even once.

“…”

Of course, there was no need.

He had always received reports about Ga-eun’s daily activities.

But recently, he had temporarily stopped receiving those reports.

Because of an expression he never thought would appear in his life.

Confusion. His mind was turbulent.

Because of Gye Ga-eun.

Because of his small, delicate wife—not even half his size—who constantly rummaged through his thoughts and stirred his heart, whether he was watching or not.

This feeling was new to him.

A feeling like being tethered, clinging, unable to be cold or sharp, being dragged along moment by moment—like a pathetic dog.

Feeling satisfied looking at his marks of red on her white, delicate skin.

The way she would smile artificially, saying “Mr. Si-heon” in front of others, making his heart suddenly pulse.

The way she would unconsciously burrow into his arms while sleeping, stopping and smiling as if finding comfort when he held her… finding it endearing.

Even now.

What possible reason could there be to feel this sinking sensation at the mere fact that she had never contacted him first?

“…Hm.”

Noh Man-su flinched at Si-heon’s long sigh, glancing at him through the rearview mirror.

“Should I open the window?”

“No need.”

A brief silence.

“Ga-eun…”

Si-heon rarely left his sentence unfinished.

Noh Man-su waited, holding his breath.

“Has she gone home?”

“Not yet. She typically returns home after 7 PM.”

Si-heon furrowed his brow.

“Wasn’t her official leaving time 5:30PM?”

“Yes, that’s the set time, but she always handles more work. Not intentionally, but because work tends to consume time. Chief Secretary Myung always suggests she leave, and only then does she check the clock.”

Details about his wife’s daily routine flowed from Noh Man-su’s mouth.

He should be pleased that his secretary was performing his role so well.

Yet, why did he feel so…

Dirty.

“I heard Ga-eun was unwell.”

“What? I haven’t heard anything about that.”

Si-heon, giving a dry face wash while looking at the surprised Noh Man-su, suddenly gazed at the wedding ring on his left ring finger.

A red ruby set in the center.

“These are the items Miss Gye Ga-eun’s gaze lingered on the longest.”

Before their marriage.

Unable to find time to choose rings together, he’d sent a personal shopper instead.

The shopper selected items Ga-eun’s gaze had rested on longest and reported to Noh Man-su, who then relayed the information to Si-heon.

“All rubies.”

“Yes, that’s what the shopper reported.”

“My bride-to-be seems to like something more intense than appearances.”

I thought I had chosen a light as transparent and delicate as myself. It was unexpected. Not unpleasant. As I was a woman of pure white, I knew the crimson ruby would reveal itself more vividly, like a mark of possession. This carefully selected wedding ring. Now, it seems like a blazing sun. Like an intense flame that might consume everything—emotions, heart, all of it.

“Go home.”