Bound by a Ruthless Contract - Chapter 67

Kwon Soon-yeol’s eyes turned ice-cold.

Ga-eun unconsciously drew in a sharp breath.

Under his piercing gaze that seemed to freeze the blood in her veins, she finally understood how lenient the Chairman had been with her until now.

“That statement just now. May I ask what you meant by it.”

The pressure emanating from the old man was nearly suffocating.

But… to achieve what she desperately wanted, she needed to provoke him.

“After the divorce, I hope you’ll ensure that my aunt and I can live comfortably, just the two of us.”

Kwon Soon-yeol’s eyes narrowed.

So in the end, it was money she wanted. Just like everyone else.

How disappointing. Kwon Soon-yeol relaxed his gaze and gave a perfunctory nod.

“Of course, I plan to pay alimony. Separate from helping rebuild your family.”

“I want no one to be able to find us. Not my father, not my stepmother, not even Mr. Kwon Si-heon.”

Kwon Soon-yeol squinted, as if measuring her.

“Do you think our Si-heon would look for you after the divorce? Has he given you reason to think so?”

Ga-eun shook her head.

“No, that was just an example. I want to live peacefully somewhere where no one can recognize or find us.”

Her answer appeased Kwon Soon-yeol’s mood.

“Would overseas be acceptable?”

“As long as it’s a place where my aunt can receive treatment in a peaceful environment, I don’t mind.”

It wasn’t that she wasn’t afraid of him.

She must have been clenching her fists under the table, and her light brown eyes were trembling slightly.

Yet Gye Ga-eun maintained eye contact and stated her wishes until the end.

‘Though she’s of lower status, being illegitimate…’

Her composure wasn’t bad, for someone who would only briefly remain by his grandson’s side.

“I promise you this. After the divorce, not even Si-heon will ever be able to find you.”

Kwon Soon-yeol did not know.

That this promise would one day drive Si-heon to the depths of despair.

* * *

On the day of her unexpected private meeting with Kwon Soon-yeol, Ga-eun met with Artist Ja-myeong.

It was both compensation and consideration from Chairman Kwon for their sudden meeting.

“So you’re becoming Chairman Kwon’s grandson’s bride? So that’s why Si-heon was being so picky about meeting our Teacher Gye.”

Ga-eun could only respond with thanks to Artist Ja-myeong’s praise, as he knew nothing of her contract marriage with Si-heon.

“I’ll be actively involved, if only for Chairman Kwon’s sake, so don’t worry too much. Contrary to what people say about me, I’m not that inconsiderate.”

“I never thought that about you, Artist. Just being allowed to hold the exhibition is an honor.”

Artist Ja-myeong smiled at Ga-eun’s sincere expression.

“Chairman Kwon can finally rest easy. Getting his eldest grandson married was his greatest wish. He’s been practically drilling into me for years that I must paint a congratulatory piece when his grandson gets married.”

Ga-eun rolled her lips inward.

She felt guilty toward Artist Ja-myeong, who would be painting a celebratory piece for a fake marriage.

“Oh yes. Would it be alright to invite one more person to the wedding? I’ll ask Chairman Kwon too, but I felt I should get the bride’s permission.”

Ga-eun quickly nodded.

“Of course.”

“Thank you. At this age, there aren’t many people left by your side. And it’s hard to make new friends because you become too calculating and cautious. That’s why the few close friends I have are so precious.”

“You must care for each other deeply.”

“Well, yes. Besides, Chairman Kwon is quite wealthy, isn’t he? One of the richest in Korea! So I can’t help but cherish him.”

Artist Ja-myeong let out a hearty “wa-ha-ha” laugh.

“Maybe it’s because I don’t go out much. People seem to think I’m terribly gloomy. But what can I do? There’s not even enough time to meet all the good people.”

Ga-eun silently agreed.

She wanted to successfully complete this marriage contract and be with her aunt as soon as possible.

“The person I want to invite is someone I met while traveling across the country. You know Yeonjun? If you follow along Gyuseong Mountain there, there’s a quaint little village called Byeolnaeri, both peaceful and charming.”

Yeonjun. Gyuseong Mountain. Byeolnaeri Village.

Ga-eun’s heart pounded violently at these familiar names.

“What’s wrong? Do you know it?”

“Ah, no… It’s my first… time hearing about it.”

“Hmm, it’s a hidden gem. The food is delicious, and the scenery is beautiful. You should visit when you have time. It’d be a nice place for a vacation home.”

Ga-eun forced her lips to curl upward with all her strength.