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Tae-ha’s demands to Kim, his lawyer, had always been simple. Above all, speed was paramount.
Whether handling private matters like purchasing a house or something as weighty as breaking off an engagement, Tae-ha prioritized swift execution. While mistakes could be corrected, lost time only exacerbated problems.
“You’re late.”
Kim, sitting alone in the meeting room, greeted Yoo-ri’s representative with a gentle smile despite their 20-minute delay.
Though Tae-ha’s side had initiated the annulment, nothing had been officially announced, so no financial loss or reputational damage would affect Yoo-ri or her company. Moreover, Taesung Group offered a lucrative partnership for their overseas resort project as compensation for the effort and time invested in the engagement.
“You just notified us yesterday. We needed time to review the document. I pulled an all-nighter to get here.”
“Why are you acting like amateurs? You know how this works. I even kindly summarized everything into a one-page document for your convenience—formatted at 15-point font for Chairman Kang’s comfort.”
Yoo-ri’s legal representative awkwardly took a seat. As Kim said, the annulment notice from Taesung Group offered far more benefits than the marriage itself would have provided. This left Chairman Kang curious about the real motive behind the breakup.
“What’s the reason?”
The representative subtly probed while handing over the signed acknowledgment of receipt, though he knew better than to expect a straight answer from Kim.
“Stop being amateurish. Once the money is handed over, we’re professionals. Let’s handle this cleanly.”
Kim presented the final document, which nullified all discussions related to the engagement and marriage, per Tae-ha’s instructions.
________________________________________
Sunlight filtered through the curtains, softly settling on Jisoo’s face. Her long lashes fluttered slightly, causing Tae-ha to pause mid-motion as he reached to close the curtains.
He wanted to let her sleep longer after last night’s emotional turmoil, but factoring in his schedule to visit the church and return, it was time to leave if they were to enjoy the evening together.
Pulling a chair beside the bed, Tae-ha sat down. Her hair, still damp from washing, smelled faintly of shampoo.
Jisoo, who rarely drank, had collapsed earlier than usual. Though unsure of alcohol’s effects, wasn’t it said that good food paired with drink could invigorate even the weakest body?
Tae-ha gently brushed away stray strands of hair. At his touch, her eyelids trembled faintly, and finally, she opened her heavy eyes.
“Good morning, sleepyhead.”
His voice was quite sweet, but it clashed with Jisoo’s current state—her body aching and throbbing. She blinked slowly to clear her blurry vision and glanced around.
Memories of sobbing last night, begging Tae-ha to take her home, surfaced. Why did mornings after drinking always bring back the things she least wanted to remember?
“What time is it?”
“Very exciting.”
Was Tae-ha losing his mind, or was she still hungover? Her already foggy brain struggled to process his lame joke. With a baffled expression, she stared blankly until he leaned in for a kiss.
It was calm and sweet—an unexpectedly tender morning kiss from someone who’d just cracked a bad joke.
“We’ll grab coffee quickly and head out. There will be plenty to eat where we’re going.”
“Where are we going?” she asked as he stood from the bed. He hesitated, enjoying her curiosity.
“Do you think anywhere we go together could possibly be worse than that chicken feet place?”
Speechless, Jisoo pressed her hand against her throbbing forehead. Just as Tae-ha turned to leave, he stopped and reached out, feeling her forehead and cheeks with warm concern.
“Are you in pain? No fever. Should I get you some medicine?”
Despite his assurance, his touch felt unusually hot today. Her skin tingled under his fingers as they traced her jawline and neck.
“Didn’t you say there’s no medicine here?”
“You teased me endlessly about having an elementary school palate—unable to handle spice or swallow pills,” he replied, smirking.
When his thumb grazed her swollen lips and pressed lightly, Jisoo tensed.
“I… I don’t remember. Did I really call you a baby? Surely not. How could I tease Vice President Cha? It must’ve been the alcohol talking. Nonsense galore.”
His fingers moved from her lips, down her neck, and toward her chest. They circled teasingly before tapping a sensitive spot, making her wince.
“This place seems to remember our traces from last night. Han Jisoo called me a baby, and what do you think the baby did? Aren’t you curious?”
She wished she couldn’t recall anything, but fragments of vivid sensations flooded back—the heat of his breath mingling with sharp stimulation.
“Should I bite again to refresh your memory?”
“No, I-I think I’ll forget eventually.”
Afraid he might pounce like a ravenous beast, Jisoo hurried to the bathroom.
________________________________________
As the car entered the countryside, Tae-ha rolled down the window. Fresh air, mixed with the scent of rain-soaked grass, filled the cabin.
Jisoo took a deep breath and smiled when their eyes met. The hem of her newly purchased flowing dress swayed gently in the breeze.
“Still won’t tell me where we’re going?”
“To meet someone who wants to see Han Jisoo.”
His cryptic reply only deepened her confusion. Who could want to see her? Was this some kind of parental introduction?
“Oh.”
Startled, Jisoo turned to look at him. Even while driving, Tae-ha’s attention remained fully on her, and he smirked slightly.
“This feels…”
Before she could finish, the car pulled into the church parking lot. Jisoo immediately wanted to bolt, but Tae-ha caught her fidgeting hand.
“This isn’t right. No matter how much I think about it, this doesn’t feel appropriate.”
“You just heard me explain. What’s changed in those few seconds?”
Jisoo looked up at Tae-ha, framed by the shade of a towering tree.
“I don’t understand why you’re doing this. You’re about to get engaged…”
“I broke it off.”
What? Stunned, Jisoo could only stare at him.
“And technically, it wasn’t an engagement. We negotiated terms, exchanged benefits, but there was no official announcement, ceremony, or meeting between families.”
Already overwhelmed by meeting his mother without knowing, Jisoo grew more confused by his words.
“Legally, I’m single. Physically, I’ve been worn thin by Han Jisoo.”
His attempt at a playful quip fell flat.
Tae-ha had broken off the engagement—a business deal with enormous stakes. Could she escape responsibility for pushing him to make such a choice?
“Regardless, it’s inappropriate for me to meet your mother like this. I can’t. I’m leaving.”
Jisoo tried to step away, but Tae-ha held her firmly in place.
“Tae-ha!”
A petite woman carrying a basket brimming with lettuce, perilla leaves, and cherry tomatoes approached, calling his name warmly. Instead of heading straight to Tae-ha, she walked over to Jisoo and smiled brightly.
Clutching her dress hem tightly, Jisoo bowed politely. “Nice to meet you. I’m Han Jisoo.”
“I’m Seo In-hee. Thanks to you, I get to use my full name today. So, you’re Tae-ha’s girlfriend, right?”
Jisoo could easily picture the amused grin on Tae-ha’s face behind her.
“No, I’m Vice President Cha’s…”
“She’s not my girlfriend yet—we’re still playing hard to get. Got it,” Tae-ha interjected smoothly, now standing beside her.
“That’s not true. I’m here as part of my duties assisting Vice President Cha,” Jisoo stammered, grasping at straws.
Mother and son exchanged knowing glances, suppressing quiet laughter.
“I see. I thought Tae-ha brought his girlfriend to introduce on his birthday. Are you hungry? Let’s go inside.”
Today was Tae-ha’s birthday? Jisoo looked up at him incredulously. How many more surprises awaited her?
As they walked to the dining area, In-hee proudly showcased the fresh vegetables she had grown herself. Today marked their debut on the dining table, and she expressed gratitude for their presence.
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