IT - 32

32. Every Moment is a Gift

“Elideke, who spent her life as someone’s daughter, a man’s wife, and the mother of two children, fell in love with a young neighbor and discovered her true self. It was then that she also uncovered her musical talent. Countless masterpieces flowed from her fingertips because, after discovering love, her surroundings and daily life became more special, inspiring her art.”

As the performer prepared on stage, Ji-soo briefly scanned the audience. Though the seating area was dimly lit and he hadn’t mentioned where he’d be sitting, she instinctively knew his presence. Just as Elideke had belatedly awakened to love, Ji-soo too found that since falling for Tae-ha, no moment felt mundane anymore.

Every sunrise, every breeze, every familiar commute, even the slight fatigue at dusk—none of these moments were ordinary. Every thought of Tae-ha felt like a gift, filling her with anticipation and hope.

“I hope today will be remembered by all of you as a precious time gifted uniquely to each of you. With that, we conclude Part 2 with a performance inspired by Elideke’s past, present, and future—a story of love. Thank you.”

As Ji-soo finished her introduction, the podium lights dimmed, and the stage brightened fully.

Holding the fluttering hem of her dress, Ji-soo descended toward the backstage area. Just before stepping onto the last stair, a strong force pulled her abruptly aside.

The arm wrapped around her waist drew her slender body close, and when Tae-ha’s lips aimed for hers, Ji-soo turned her head slightly. His kiss landed instead on her neck and shoulder.

Only now did she realize what he truly wanted—it wasn’t just a kiss but this slow, deliberate exploration of her smooth, exposed skin.

Listening to the gentle piano melody flowing through the air, Ji-soo raised her gaze. She knew it was the 12-minute-and-40-second piece from the program, but pushing him away still felt impossible. His large hands had already lowered the dress off her shoulders, exposing more than intended.

Though Tae-ha often disregarded time and place when consumed by desire, tonight’s urgency puzzled Ji-soo. The anniversary event had been hailed as their most successful yet, thanks to the vibrant festivities they’d organized. So why was he so riled up?

“Director, wait a moment.”

Her breathless plea barely restrained him. His firm thighs pressed between hers, trapping her in an inescapable position. Helplessly, she whispered,

“We’re right behind the stage; people will come soon...”

His sleek black suit pants tangled with the flowing chiffon of her dress. His large hand slipped inside the plunging neckline, exploring her softness. Even without lingerie beneath, she melted under his touch.

“I’m regretting this already.”

His eyes burned darker as his fingers roamed over her bare skin.

“You were the only one I thought about while choosing this. I assumed only I’d see you in this dress. How foolish of me.”

Though it sounded absurd, it was true. Trusting Stephan, a designer known for his impeccable eye, Tae-ha had relied on his recommendation. Stephan had gushed: “The Mediterranean blue complements fair skin perfectly, balancing purity and sensuality to maximize allure. Trust me, friend!”

Naive about fashion, Tae-ha trusted the expert’s advice. After all, relying on specialists minimized failure rates.

When Ji-soo first appeared on stage, Tae-ha reacted much like the rest of the audience—admiring the dazzling display. For a fleeting moment, he even reflected on the warmth of true friendship.

But then...

As the spotlight shifted to Ji-soo, the emcee of Part 2, and people began ogling her figure rather than the performances or visuals, Tae-ha’s mood darkened. Even the glittering diamond earrings dangling near her radiant smile seemed dull in comparison.

“This was supposed to be a special gift. And here I am unwrapping it?”

Tae-ha gripped her chest firmly, eliciting a cute wrinkle of her nose. Only then did his frustration ease slightly.

He released her, pulling the dress back up. Yet every brush of her warm, soft skin against his fingertips reignited his longing. Her scent alone was intoxicating enough to unravel him completely.

What exactly was it about Han Ji-soo’s body? Or was it some kind of illness? Which department should he consult to diagnose and treat this loss of control?

Tae-ha, ever knowledgeable, wiped away the moisture from Ji-soo’s lips with his thumb.

“You’re beautiful.”

Ji-soo couldn’t comprehend his reaction. After tormenting her, how could he look so entranced? Was he mad because she wore the provocative dress he sent?

“If I’m so beautiful, why are you angry?”

“You drive me crazy with how stunning you are. Wouldn’t it be easier if you were just moderately pretty? If you were mediocre, maybe I could be too.”

Ji-soo chuckled at his grumpy response. One thing was certain—he wouldn’t send such gifts again. She didn’t yet foresee him demanding even racier outfits during private moments.

- Annex team, moving to the banquet hall now.

At that moment, urgent instructions crackled through the walkie-talkie left on stage. Ji-soo pushed Tae-ha away forcefully and slipped out of his embrace.

Meanwhile, chaos unfolded elsewhere. Three women stood stained with wine and colorful fruit juices, their expensive dresses ruined. Amid the commotion, Yoo-ri arrived like a savior.

“Oh my! What’s going on here? Isn’t this Han Ji-soo’s mother? How did you get in?”

Ae-ran, unable to tolerate insults toward her daughter, had impulsively thrown wine and fruit at them. Now, flustered and unsure how to resolve the mess, she blinked blankly at Yoo-ri.

“Han Ji-soo?”

Realizing they’d insulted the wrong person, the three women grew defensive. Though initially shocked by Ae-ran’s sudden attack, learning she was Ji-soo’s mother emboldened them further.

“Do you know how much these clothes cost? Money can’t buy them—they’re exclusive new designs.”

“We’ll sue for damages.”

“Your busybody daughter won’t escape unscathed either.”

Yoo-ri gently patted Ae-ran’s shoulder, aware of the growing crowd. The trio eyed her curiously, surprised by her sudden kindness.

“Han Ji-soo’s mother is not only my fan but also someone I promised to assist professionally. Why escalate things unnecessarily? This seems like mutual fault. Let’s settle this reasonably. As for the damaged outfits, I’ll handle them…”

“Mom? What’s going on?”

Ji-soo surveyed the hostile trio and Yoo-ri beside them. Despite herself, Yoo-ri’s crimson-lipped smirk seemed faintly amused.

“Ji-soo!”

The crowd parted, revealing Ji-soo, radiant like a bride, contrasting sharply with the disheveled trio.

In the midst of this, Ae-ran proudly beamed at her daughter, oblivious to the tension.

An hour later, lawyers and secretaries gathered in a back office. Bills for the outfits and insured jewelry were presented. Before Ji-soo could examine them, Ae-ran snatched the invoices.

Her jaw dropped at the staggering costs listed.

“And that’s not all. There’s additional compensation for emotional distress and reputational damage…”

“What about the baseless rumors and conspiracies they spread about my daughter? Shall we counter-sue for defamation?”

“Ms. Yoo Ae-ran, we’re here to resolve this calmly, not escalate emotions.”

“How can I feel calm after being provoked?”

“Mom.”

While Ae-ran hesitated, Yoo-ri entered quietly with her manager and took a seat.

“The instigator here was Ms. Yoo Ae-ran, who publicly humiliated others…”

“Oh please, who even knows those nobodies? Why would influential people gossip maliciously about someone else’s daughter’s marriage prospects?”

Yoo-ri’s manager leaned in to whisper something to Ae-ran. Words like “business opportunity” reached her ears. Flustered, Ae-ran rose obediently and followed the manager out, signaling to Ji-soo that she’d call later.

“We’ve conveyed a compromise, but communication seems lacking. Consult your employers and let’s revisit this tomorrow.”

“To finalize compensation…”

“Auntie lucked into crashing Taesung Group’s prestigious event. Must we involve our lawyers in such trivial matters? Wouldn’t Taesung prefer to avoid scandal and move past this quietly?”

After brief phone calls, the lawyers and secretaries departed, leaving behind useless invoices. Breaking the heavy silence, Yoo-ri casually picked one up and tore it in half.