IT - 33

33. The Name I’ve Waited For

From Yoo-ri’s expression, Ji-soo could guess how her mother had managed to enter the venue. Yoo-ri had orchestrated this—pretending it was an accident while secretly inviting Ae-ran. Even the wine-throwing incident seemed unplanned, even for Yoo-ri.

“I don’t know why you invited Mom to the anniversary event, but please don’t contact her again.”

Yoo-ri lightly blew on the shredded invoice, letting the pieces flutter and scatter to the floor.

“To be honest, I find it annoying too. Do you think I enjoy dealing with people who cling to me like beggars just because they claim to be fans? Ask your mother—who reached out first.”

How had Ae-ran gotten Yoo-ri’s contact information and initiated communication? Regardless of the sequence, gaining entry to the venue wouldn’t have been possible without Yoo-ri’s involvement.

“I thought Han Ji-soo was someone who maintained at least a shred of dignity despite financial struggles. Was I wrong? Or is groveling also genetic—did you inherit it from your mother?”

Despite Yoo-ri’s blatant provocations, Ji-soo remained composed, not even flinching. Watching her stand there so calmly, exuding elegance, made Yoo-ri’s blood boil. Imagining Ji-soo coyly batting her eyelashes in front of Eun-ho and Tae-ha only fueled her frustration further.

“I’ll handle the compensation claims myself. I apologize for the trouble caused.”

As Ji-soo stood to leave, Yoo-ri’s gaze sharpened. Could men really lose their minds over someone who flaunted herself so shamelessly?

“Stay out of this and mind your own business. I’ve already cleaned up the mess. And I’m kindly handling Ms. Han Ji-soo’s clingy mother too.”

The root of the problem lay in dismissing Ae-ran’s earlier request for Yoo-ri’s autograph and flower wreath as mere fan enthusiasm, assuming they’d never meet.

“If it’s such a hassle, you don’t need to bother. I’ll talk to Mom myself.”

Thump! Yoo-ri clenched her fists so tightly that her chair toppled backward as she stood abruptly. Han Ji-soo had an uncanny knack for getting under her skin. No matter how hard she stomped, that stubborn face refused to break.

“No, it’s fine. It’s not like I can’t accommodate a fan request. Besides, your mother will soon become one of our franchise owners. Living with a young man around your age, isn’t she?”

Ji-soo thought about her mother’s endless parade of men—too many to count on ten fingers. Ae-ran always loved passionately, as if each day might be her last, yet she never felt shame. Ji-soo envied her mother’s raw honesty and fervor—qualities she herself lacked.

So why should she endure such condescension from Yoo-ri, especially when they were having a civil conversation?

“I’ll take my leave now.”

“Not so fast. Don’t push your luck.”

Ji-soo turned toward Yoo-ri, who stood with her back to her, gripping her white-knuckled fists so tightly they trembled.

“Behave, and I’ll show some leniency in protecting what’s yours. But if you step out of line, I won’t hold back—I’ve never tolerated anyone acting so brazenly before.”

Ji-soo released the doorknob and faced Yoo-ri squarely.

“You seem quite anxious.”

With so much already in her grasp, Yoo-ri possessed everything Ji-soo had ever yearned for effortlessly—dreams, love, success—all handed to her at birth. Yet did Yoo-ri fail to see what truly mattered?

“What?”

Yoo-ri loosened her trembling fist and turned sharply.

“As you said, I’m low-class and clueless. So what are you so afraid of? If something of yours can be taken by someone like me, doesn’t that make it worthless?”

Yoo-ri’s narrowed eyes bore into Ji-soo. Beneath her tightly pursed lips, a faint red mark near her translucent neck caught Ji-soo’s attention. She didn’t need to inspect it closely to guess its origin.

Eun-ho still struggled to return to normal life after being devoured by the wicked witch, while this cunning woman shamelessly juggled two men, even daring to misbehave during a sacred ceremony?

“Did you sleep with Cha Tae-ha?”

Yoo-ri cut straight to the point without preamble. Ji-soo’s calm demeanor betrayed no flicker of emotion, as though she’d anticipated such accusations. Yoo-ri interpreted the silence as affirmation.

“You’re delusional if you think that changes anything. That kind of justification only works in love-based marriages. We’re talking contracts, business, partnerships.”

As Ji-soo’s previously serene gaze began to quiver slightly, Yoo-ri advanced slowly.

“To clarify: whether you two roll around together or set up house, it makes no difference to me. You’re nothing but an adulteress, and any child you bear would be illegitimate.”

Yoo-ri’s fiery glare pierced through Ji-soo, who responded with an enigmatic smile.

“I hadn’t considered that far, but thanks for the guideline. I’ll keep it in mind.”

“They say daughters resemble their mothers. Live like your parasitic mother, hopping from one man to another.”

Ji-soo met Yoo-ri’s fierce stare head-on without flinching.

“If I don’t want to end up like Mom, I suppose I should settle down with one man. I’ll take my time choosing—probably someone rich, handsome, and good in bed. Once I decide, I’ll introduce him to you.”

Leaving behind a visibly trembling Yoo-ri, Ji-soo exited the office. Moments later, a dull thud echoed from within.

Back in the waiting room, Ji-soo mulled over the bitter taste lingering in her mouth. In just a few days, her words and actions felt foreign, as though belonging to someone else. Hurting Eun-ho and using Tae-ha to spite Yoo-ri—it all seemed so unlike her.

She sighed deeply and rose from her seat. Her vacant gaze landed on her buzzing phone, silent and flashing insistently. The caller was her mother.

“Ji-soo! They upgraded us to direct-store status and gave us favorable terms. Isn’t Kang Yoo-ri amazing? So young, beautiful, talented, and considerate!”

Ji-soo didn’t want to dampen Ae-ran’s excitement, but she couldn’t let Yoo-ri continue manipulating her mother either.

“Mom, where are you? Shall we grab dinner?”

“Dinner? I’m on my way to Seungwoo. I need to sign the contract quickly before anything changes. You must be tired—go home and rest.”

The one whose words might change was Yoo-ri, not Ae-ran. Ji-soo had planned to persuade her mother over dinner.

“By the way, Ji-soo, stay close to Yoo-ri! She’s such a wonderful person—our benefactor. Despite her youth, she has so much to teach us. Didn’t you agree to be her bridesmaid?”

Ji-soo understood why her mother brought up the bridesmaid topic. She pressed her throbbing forehead with her hand.

“The wedding venue will be stunning. Imagine the two of you standing side by side—how beautiful! Many prominent families will attend the Taesung Group marriage, so it’s a great chance for you to find a match too, right?”

“Mom, I need to pack. I’ll hang up now.”

As Ji-soo stood, her glowing phone caught her eye. Seeing the name “Mealtime” flash across the screen, she realized she’d been waiting for Tae-ha all along.

She gazed at the glittering night view, reminiscent of golden fish swimming in a dark sea. Having stopped by his family home after the ceremony, Tae-ha had promised to arrive in ten minutes—but thirty minutes had passed without a sign of him.

It didn’t matter. Perhaps it was better if he didn’t come at all. Ji-soo keenly understood what tonight symbolized.

If she hadn’t argued with Yoo-ri in the office, hadn’t heard her mother’s words in the waiting room, hadn’t turned off her phone to avoid Tae-ha’s call—

Her feelings wouldn’t have shifted, and she wouldn’t have ended up here at Hera Hotel’s sky lounge.

Ji-soo dropped ice cubes into her glass and swirled them gently. The crisp clinking sound was oddly soothing. Maybe it was because she’d endured so many harsh words today—she wanted to keep listening to it. Playfully shaking her wrist, she noticed a shadow approaching her table.

“May I sit here if you don’t mind?”

A polite man with neatly combed hair approached, his demeanor friendly. Ji-soo turned her gaze from the window. A towering figure entered the room, filling the once-relaxed space with an overwhelming presence.

“No, I’m waiting for someone.”

“I see. My apologies.”

The man bowed respectfully before leaving. Tae-ha’s face hardened as he walked toward Ji-soo’s table. Did he usually wear his emotions so openly? Smiling brightly, Ji-soo greeted him with a look so disarming he couldn’t possibly scold her.

“Let’s go to the room.”

“Are you suggesting we have sex right away?”

Tae-ha’s brow furrowed slightly at Ji-soo’s unusually blunt choice of words. Spotting the half-empty bottle on the table, his displeasure became evident as he sat down.

“Aren’t you supposed to apologize for being late?”

“Who told you to drink alone?”

His sharp gaze scrutinized her exposed thighs and slightly tipsy demeanor.

“Tsk, avoiding saying sorry by changing the subject?”

Resting her elbows on the table, Ji-soo nodded absently before bursting into laughter.

Each sway of her delicate upper body sent ripples through her exposed chest. Who had given her such a provocative dress? The memory of its texture from backstage reignited Tae-ha’s desire, making him painfully aware of the tension between his legs.