SELA - 6

“Today, you really must rest. I’ll call home later to check on you.”

“I told you already! Hurry up and go!”

“I’m leaving. Driver, let’s get going.”

After dropping her mother off at home, Sa-hee headed straight to Ji-hyuk’s family estate. It wasn’t far, so she arrived without delay.

“Thank you.”

Getting out of the taxi, Sa-hee adjusted her bag and stood before the imposing gate. The mansion, surrounded by towering walls, exuded an aura of grandeur that made it impossible to see inside.

Beeep—.

- “Who is it?”

“Hello, this is Yoon Sa-hee, Secretary to Executive Director Shin Ji-hyuk. I’ve come to pick something up as instructed.”

- “Ah, Secretary Yoon. Just a moment.”

Soon after, the heavy gate creaked open. Sa-hee walked through the automatic gates and along the long garden path. Surrounded by lush greenery, trimmed trees, and a serene pond, the beauty of the scenery made the walk feel shorter than expected.

Climbing the steps at the end of the garden, Sa-hee smoothed her clothes one last time before entering the mansion.

Led to the dining room, Sa-hee met Young-shin, the matriarch of the Taesung Group and Ji-hyuk’s mother. She would later become Sa-hee’s mother-in-law.

“My, Secretary Yoon! It’s been a while. How have you been?”

“Hello, Madam. Thanks to you, I’ve been well.”

“Have a seat. Let’s have some tea.”

“That sounds lovely, but Director Ji-hyuk’s request was urgent.”

Seeing Sa-hee’s polite refusal, Young-shin gave a disappointed smile.

“Very well. I know how Ji-hyuk can be. He even told me to guide you to his room if you came. What’s the matter?”

With a beckoning gesture, Young-shin led the way, and Sa-hee followed quickly.

“He urgently needs a change of clothes.”

“Clothes? What did he do to need those?”

Young-shin’s question caught Sa-hee off guard. Her awkward attempt to brush it off was unconvincing.

Walking through the expansive living room and up the stairs, they entered the far-left room on the second floor. The high-ceilinged space felt refreshingly spacious every time Sa-hee visited.

Familiar with the layout from her days as both a secretary and later as a family member, Sa-hee naturally opened the built-in wardrobe. Young-shin, sitting at the foot of Ji-hyuk’s bed, chuckled.

“How did you know right away where the clothes were?”

“What?”

“Most people can’t figure out what’s what in Ji-hyuk’s room since everything’s custom-built. But you found it instantly.”

“Haha, I just had a hunch. I thought it might be the wardrobe, and it turned out to be correct.”

“You have good intuition, Secretary Yoon.”

Sa-hee laughed awkwardly, hiding her face in the wardrobe. She had almost revealed her flustered expression.

“Do you need help?”

“No, I’ll choose something appropriate.”

“Alright then.”

Crossing her legs, Young-shin hummed a tune while watching Sa-hee pack. Occasionally, she checked her nails but mostly kept her gaze on Sa-hee’s movements.

“By the way, Secretary Yoon.”

“Yes?”

“Has Ji-hyuk been seeing anyone lately?”

Sa-hee froze mid-fold, startled by the question.

“I’m not privy to Director Ji-hyuk’s personal life.”

“Oh, don’t be coy. Even casual acquaintances—does he meet anyone?”

The memory of their first night together flashed in Sa-hee’s mind. The traces of intimacy she’d cleaned off that morning were still vivid. Pretending ignorance felt awkward, but…

“I believe he isn’t seeing anyone.”

Young-shin sighed deeply, clearly disappointed.

“You know how he dislikes others getting close to him. I worry about when he’ll start dating and settle down.”

Ironically, Sa-hee had already married Ji-hyuk once. The weight of lying again churned her stomach.

Forcing a smile, she finished packing the last item into the shopping bag and slung it over her shoulder.

“Speaking of which, you’re quite remarkable, Secretary Yoon. Few have lasted as long as you by Ji-hyuk’s side. What’s your secret?”

“My secret?”

“Yes, your secret. Drivers change daily, yet you’ve been here for years. There must be something special.”

“Well, I wouldn’t call it a secret…”

Truthfully, Sa-hee shared the same curiosity. Despite Ji-hyuk’s aversion to others, he had always treated her differently—even before their marriage. It puzzled her.

“Let’s have tea sometime and discuss your methods. I’ll pass them on to the young ladies eyeing him. They’re beautiful, smart, well-mannered, and from good families. Surely he won’t resist forever, right?”

Young-shin’s eyes sparkled with conviction. Sa-hee smiled awkwardly.

“Please remind him to answer his calls. It’s frustrating when he doesn’t show his face or pick up the phone.”

“I’ll relay your message.”

“Take care, Secretary Yoon. See you again soon.”

“Goodbye.”

After bidding farewell, Sa-hee took the chauffeur-driven car back to the hotel. Checking the time, she estimated she’d arrive just in time.

Taking a deep breath, Sa-hee steadied herself. The closer she got to the hotel, the more her heart raced. The moment to face Ji-hyuk was near.

---

Exiting the elevator, Sa-hee stood before the Presidential Suite on the 34th floor of the renowned A Hotel. The large, imposing black door was intimidating, with a small brass button beside it—the doorbell.

“...”

After a brief pause, Sa-hee moistened her dry lips and pressed the button. Though her hand trembled, she managed to press it firmly. Soon, a deep chime echoed from inside.

Beyond this door awaited the vibrant, living Ji-hyuk she had longed for.

Moments later, the door opened.

Ji-hyuk appeared in a loose robe, drying his wet hair with a towel—he had just finished showering.

“Is there something on my face?”

“Huh?”

“You were staring.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize.”

Ji-hyuk’s dry response and indifferent demeanor snapped Sa-hee out of her daze. Adjusting her bag, she followed him into the suite.

Tossing the towel onto the sofa, Ji-hyuk ran his fingers through his hair and gulped down bottled water. Meanwhile, Sa-hee gazed at the panoramic view of Seoul beyond the wide living room windows—a sight obscured by curtains earlier that morning.

“Leave it there.”

“Ah, yes.”

Following his instruction, Sa-hee placed the shopping bag beside the table.

Unable to help herself, she stole glances at Ji-hyuk, repeatedly meeting his gaze. Each time, she looked away embarrassed, only to find him still watching her.

“What happened to your knee?”

“Huh?”

“Your knee—it looks injured.”

Pushing his damp hair back casually, Ji-hyuk gestured toward her knee. Recalling the wound, Sa-hee belatedly murmured, “Ah... yes.”

“It’s nothing serious.”

Whether or not Ji-hyuk heard her reply, he was already contacting the front desk. Mentioning first aid supplies, it seemed he intended to assist her.

Sa-hee watched his profile silently. His presence felt surreal, like a dream. Was this truly reality?

“There’s a first aid kit in the fitness room. Wait here—I’ll bring it.”

“No, it’s fine. I can handle it.”

“Just sit.”

Ignoring her protests, Ji-hyuk left. Sa-hee sat on the sofa, wishing he’d return soon.

He returned shortly with a first aid kit, handing it to her.

“Shall I do it?”

“No, I’ll take care of it.”

Startled, Sa-hee answered quickly. Ji-hyuk smirked faintly.

Watching his smile, Sa-hee steadied her racing heart and opened the kit. She disinfected the wound, enduring the sting, wiped away the blood, and applied ointment. The process ended swiftly.

Now, with nothing left to do, Sa-hee reluctantly packed the kit, zipped it shut, and placed it back on the table. Fidgeting, she eventually stood up.

“I should get going.”

“Why?”

“Huh?”

Turning toward the sound, Sa-hee gasped. There stood Ji-hyuk, casually loosening his robe.

“Are you busy?”

“No, not at all.”

“Then let’s have dinner together.”

As the robe slipped off, the rustling of fabric seemed unnaturally loud.

“And your answer?”

“Yes.”

Distracted by the provocative sounds, Sa-hee barely managed to respond.