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When Sa-hee didn’t immediately respond, Young-shin grew impatient and pulled out another envelope—this one noticeably thicker than the first.
“I’ll make sure you’re well compensated. Do I look like someone who makes empty promises?”
Sa-hee stared at the envelope in front of her.
For some reason, thoughts of the intruders who had broken into her home and her brother Cheol-woo crossed her mind. A part of her wanted to open the envelope and check the amount inside. If she accepted the money, she could pay off the debts and be free. The temptation was undeniable.
After biting her lip for a moment, Sa-hee closed her eyes tightly and reached out. Her fingertips brushed against the white envelope.
“You disappoint me. Is there something else you need? Anything at all, just say it.”
“No.”
Instead of taking it, Sa-hee pushed the envelope back toward Young-shin.
“I don’t need material compensation. I’ll help you without any conditions.”
“Without conditions? You’d help me for free?”
“Yes.”
Though surprised by Sa-hee’s refusal of payment, Young-shin looked pleased that things were going her way.
Sa-hee had agreed to assist because she genuinely wished for Ji-hyuk to meet someone he could love deeply and build a happy life with. It was an act born out of sincerity and hope, even if it meant stepping aside herself.
Still, a bitter taste lingered in her heart. Helping him find someone else felt like a vow to watch from afar—a painful but necessary sacrifice.
“Madam, I think we should head upstairs.”
“Oh my, is it already that time?”
“Yes.”
Checking the clock, Sa-hee picked up her bag and stood.
“He’s probably still asleep.”
Young-shin rose as well, her expression suddenly uneasy. Why did she seem so awkward? Could it be…
---
A memory flashed through Sa-hee’s mind—the day Young-shin had opposed their marriage.
“You liked me, but not as a son-in-law? Never thought of me as your son’s partner?”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. Give me the answer I want. Tell me this isn’t what you want, that you’ll stop seeing him!”
“…”
“Shin Ji-hyuk! How could you do this to your mother?”
The memory of Young-shin’s fierce opposition resurfaced. She had never approved of Sa-hee as Ji-hyuk’s partner. Even having her stand beside him as his secretary was barely tolerable. Naturally, the idea of Sa-hee entering Ji-hyuk’s private space alone would be equally unacceptable.
Realizing this, Sa-hee couldn’t help but smile bitterly.
“I’ll go up with Chauffeur Song.”
“That’s fine. That’s better.”
Young-shin’s face brightened instantly. Sa-hee contacted Jin-ha, who had been waiting outside, and called him over.
Moments later, accompanied by Jin-ha, Sa-hee ascended to Ji-hyuk’s room on the second floor. After knocking without receiving a response, Jin-ha opened the door.
The heavy blackout curtains shrouded the room in darkness, though scattered lights allowed some visibility. The atmosphere felt far removed from morning.
Ji-hyuk lay sprawled on a deep gray bed, his arm covering his eyes. His shirt was off, leaving only his lower half loosely draped in pants. The blanket had slipped down, exposing his bare torso.
The scene reminded Sa-hee of the morning at the hotel when she had found him similarly vulnerable. Unconsciously drawn to his figure, she quickly averted her gaze.
“Director.”
“…”
“Director? You need to wake up.”
“…”
“The meeting starts soon. You need to hurry.”
With no sign of whether he was awake or not, Sa-hee hesitated about shaking him awake. Approaching the bed, she paused, unsure where to place her hands—his exposed upper body and precarious lower attire left her uncertain.
Finally, she gently shook his forearm.
“Please wake up, Director.”
“Hmm…”
Lowering his arm, Ji-hyuk turned his head. His already deep-set eyes appeared even more languid.
“Ah… so you really came…”
His voice was low and subdued.
“I tried using Secretary Yoon as an excuse to skip, but why are you so obedient?”
Running a hand through his tousled hair, he closed his eyes again. Thankfully, it seemed he wasn’t planning to fall back asleep.
“Director, I’m here too,” Jin-ha announced from behind.
Opening his eyes, Ji-hyuk glanced between Sa-hee and Jin-ha.
“Why? Afraid I’ll bite?”
It was clear he suspected they’d brought Jin-ha along as backup. Sa-hee deflected the comment with a light laugh and reminded him of the time.
“You have 40 minutes, Director.”
“…”
“Is there anything I can assist with?”
“…”
“Should I wait in the car?”
“Yes.”
His tone was sharp, his once-drowsy eyes now piercing.
Nodding, Sa-hee turned and left, making sure to bring Jin-ha along.
---
Moments later, Ji-hyuk emerged looking impeccably composed, radiating an icy demeanor. Jin-ha stepped out of the car to open the door for him. Sa-hee, who had been reviewing the schedule in the passenger seat, noticed his arrival.
Once Ji-hyuk settled into the backseat and Jin-ha took the driver’s seat, the car smoothly departed. Sa-hee glanced at the rearview mirror—true to form, Ji-hyuk wasn’t wearing a tie.
Not wearing ties was an old habit of his; he simply found them uncomfortable. As his secretary, Sa-hee always carried spares for important events.
Preferring silence, Ji-hyuk kept the car devoid of music or radio. They arrived at H Hotel, known for its stunning city views, in quiet contemplation.
“Tie.”
“…”
“Secretary Yoon.”
“Ah, yes.”
Caught off guard, Sa-hee realized he was calling her. Moving to the backseat, she retrieved a spare tie from her bag. Fortunately, she always came prepared.
Turning slightly toward her, Ji-hyuk gave her access to his neck. Facing him so closely made her heart race, despite knowing it wasn’t the time for such feelings.
Maintaining a professional demeanor, she carefully tied the knot. Throughout, Ji-hyuk watched her intently, making it hard to breathe.
“I’ve reserved a room. Go rest. You too, Song.”
“No, I’ll wait in the car.”
“How long do you think this will take?”
“I can wait.”
“Chairman Tae of Wonil Materials is attending.”
“Ah.”
Chairman Tae was known for being kind but also for his lengthy speeches, which often dragged meetings longer than expected. This one would likely take twice as long as usual.
“Then I’ll return to the office first.”
“Must you?”
“…”
“If I tell you to rest, will you insist on working instead? Am I that unbearable?”
“What? No, of course not.”
“Then go rest. Song.”
At Ji-hyuk’s command, Jin-ha replied cheerfully, “Yes.”
“Go ahead. Don’t cause trouble.”
“Yes.”
Jin-ha, clearly thrilled at the prospect of resting instead of working, headed off eagerly. Recognizing the mood, Sa-hee eventually nodded in agreement.
---
“When you’re done, contact me.”
“Yes.”
“Yes.”
As the elevator doors closed, carrying Ji-hyuk upward, Sa-hee straightened and exchanged a glance with Jin-ha before shrugging lightly.
Their rooms were on the 18th floor—different rooms but the same level.
“See you later.”
“Later.”
Jin-ha, still grinning widely, disappeared into his room. Sa-hee walked to the end of the hallway and swiped her card to enter.
The room was cozy and tidy, with a large window next to the bed serving as the focal point of the decor.
After briefly surveying the space, Sa-hee sat on the bed and removed her shoes. Despite wearing them for only a short while, her feet felt tired.
Breakfast meetings usually lasted at least three hours. Sa-hee lay down sideways on the bed, gazing out the window. As her thoughts drifted, memories and questions flooded her mind.
If this endless dream refused to break, then this must truly be reality. And if it was, she needed to give it her all. But how should she live from here on?
Entangled in her thoughts, Sa-hee’s eyelids slowly drooped, and she drifted off to sleep.
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