Grace Department Store Annex VIP Parking Lot.

“Thank you for coming despite my sudden call.”

With polite manners, Kangjoon greeted the woman, who was Director Kang.

“I have plenty of time to spare. Why would I refuse a date invitation from a young and handsome President Seo?”

Even though it was their first personal meeting, Director Kang treated Kangjoon without any awkwardness, seeming to have a good personality.

“I will treat you properly, considering you’ve given me your precious time.”

“But if you’re choosing a bag to gift your wife, wouldn’t it be better to come with Madam Kim rather than me?”

Kangjoon had asked Director Kang to help him choose a gift for his wife. Of course, his real purpose was elsewhere, but that would come later.

“I understand that Director Kang is the only person my wife is close to. Your styles are also similar to my wife’s, so I judged that you would be able to choose a good gift.”

As Kangjoon replied calmly and extended his arm, Director Kang looked down at it with amusement. Most of the sons of her acquaintances or younger men were either all or nothing when dealing with her. They were either overly polite but distant, or too casual. But Kangjoon was different. Was it because he had lived abroad for a long time? He had manners that made women feel good ingrained in him. He treated her respectfully as a superior but also seemed to respect her as a woman. There wouldn’t be a woman who disliked being treated well by a handsome man. Director Kang naturally linked her arm with his and opened her mouth.

“You were acting like a married couple worse than strangers, did your heart change so quickly?”

“Any man’s heart would change if they met a woman like my wife.”

Kangjoon’s words were sincere. What man would dare to stand firm in front of that woman?

“I’ll take the compliment about having a similar style to President Yoo. President Seo knows, right? That his wife is a well-known fashionista in this industry.”

“I don’t know about that, but I know she looks beautiful in whatever she wears.”

Director Kang laughed out loud at his doting answer. As the two entered the department store, a dedicated personal shopper greeted them.

“We’ll be shopping quietly among ourselves today, so you can leave.”

Kangjoon politely saw off the personal shopper that Director Kang had dismissed. Anyone watching would have mistaken them for mother and son.

“President Seo is escorting me, so I feel a bit puffed up, you know?”

“Please call me anytime.”

“Surely, you’d come running?”

“Someone important to my wife is also important to me.”

His seemingly indifferent yet low tone had a sincerity that made the listener feel good. Of course, Director Kang also knew well that if this tone turned cold, it would be as chilling as a well-honed knife. She hoped that wouldn’t happen to that poor child.

“Okay, do you have a style in mind?”

“I would like to gift her a briefcase.”

As Director Kang had said, his wife had an exceptional fashion sense. She was good at choosing and matching numerous accessories, bags, and heels. But the briefcase she always carried was of one kind. Just looking at the naturally worn leather, one could tell how much his wife had carried that bag. That’s why it came to his mind when he first thought about giving his wife a gift.

“For briefcases, Chanel is famous.”

There was only one young male customer in the Chanel store. Even though they had said they would shop quietly, the store manager must have been contacted, as she recognized them and approached. But Kangjoon lightly waved his hand, expressing his refusal to the manager.

“I plan to shop quietly and leave, so please carry on with your work.”

Still, not forgetting to ask for Director Kang’s opinion just in case, he said,

“Are you alright with this, Director?”

“I’m fine. Shopping like this has its own fun.”

While Director Kang gave various orders to the employee, Kangjoon looked around the store. He could clearly hear the young man’s phone conversation in the store, but he didn’t pay attention. Not until he heard that name.

“Jin-kyung, it’s about Joo Se-hee.”

Kangjoon, who had slowly turned around, fixed his gaze on the man. Tall height, a well-proportioned slender body, and a surprisingly cute youthful face. A man with looks that women would like, yet strangely familiar. Where had he seen him before? The man, who had no way of knowing Kangjoon was looking at him, continued his call and moved.

“Hey! I’m doing this because I’m worried about Se-hee, okay?”

He found it ridiculous how sharply he reacted to just one name. Yet, he couldn’t help but feel annoyed. Hearing that name from another man, a name he himself hadn’t yet dared to utter.

“I’m telling you, she looked terrible! My Joo Se-hee was so skinny. Isn’t it because there’s no one to take care of her?”

Just then, his eyes met the man’s head-on as he turned his head. But instead of avoiding his gaze, Kangjoon stared even more openly. He had no reason to avoid it, nor did he feel the need to. As he looked, a sharp blue edge seemed to rise in his eyes. He just felt annoyed and disliked that man who called Joo Se-hee so casually.

“President Seo, I think this one suits President Yoo the best, what do you think?”

Slowly turning his head, Kangjoon finally realized. Where he had seen that man. He was the hunter who had been following his wife a few days ago. The one who had rudely watched their kiss for quite a while from the top of the third-floor stairs.

“Then let’s go with this one.”

Maintaining an elegant poker face and answering nonchalantly, Kangjoon was currently displeased. By the fact that he knew nothing about his wife named Joo Se-hee. He was barely holding back the urge to investigate her background right now. His wife should not have a deep relationship with that man. That would be better for that man’s well-being.

________________________________________

After shopping, lunch took place at a traditional Korean restaurant in the department store’s food court. Director Kang, who had finished her meal satisfactorily, smiled.

“How did you know I was vegan?”

“I’m not so thoughtless as to ask you to dine with me without at least that much preparation.”

Director Kang could see why the successor of Hanshin was the best groom material. Good looks, capable, good manners, charming. It was just that he didn’t allow anyone by his side; he was a generous man to those he favored. If she were younger, she would want to pursue him even if she were rejected.

“You bought a gift and treated me to a meal. Now, I think it’s time for you to tell me the real reason you wanted to meet me.”

“Did you notice?”

Kangjoon also didn’t bother to deny it.

“You don’t get older for nothing, you know? I’ve survived in this industry with just my intuition.”

Director Kang, who smiled leisurely, suddenly became curious. How much did the successor of Hanshin, who was clearly deeply in love with his wife, really know? Even if he knew the truth, could he cherish his wife as he did now? She even thought he might casually bury it. Most of the men in the political and business circles that Director Kang knew valued honor more than love. So, what about the successor of Hanshin?

“Alright, tell me. Let’s hear it.”

________________________________________

President’s office at Hanshin Motors. Tap, tap, tap- An unknown anxiety lingered at the end of the long fingers tapping on the desk. The man’s words grated on his ears like grains of sand.

‘I’m telling you, she looked terrible! My Joo Se-hee was so skinny. Isn’t it because there’s no one to take care of her?’

His wife’s image filled his vision. A delicate silhouette that looked like it would fly away if blown upon. The yielding body from their passionate first night, which he couldn’t even hold tightly for fear of breaking it. An unknown unease grew larger and larger. The feeling that that man and his wife might be quite close. It was an emotion Kangjoon was feeling for the first time. He had never felt anything difficult, scary, or anxious in his life.

“They can’t be lovers.”

Just imagining it made him feel disgusted. His head felt parched, like dry ashes were flying around.

“She has definitely lost a lot of weight.”

He could see his wife slowly wasting away in his own eyes. From their wedding day to when they reunited at the airport. From the airport where they reunited to just yesterday, to now.

“It’s all my fault.”

Acknowledging it made her heart ache and her mouth taste bitter. Madam Jo alone would have been overwhelming, but even she herself had drained her wife’s blood. Madam Jo outside, and she herself inside. They had tightened the noose around their wife so she couldn’t even breathe. The more she thought about it, the more sorry and regretful she felt, and the more she missed her wife.

“I should beg for forgiveness.”

Kangjoon’s gaze turned to the shopping bag he had thrown on the sofa. That much should be a sufficient excuse. Just then, Secretary Yoon entered with a knock.

“There’s a dinner meeting with the representatives of the investment companies in 50 minutes. The traffic might be bad, so we should leave early, President.”

Kangjoon abruptly stood up.

“Cancel the dinner meeting and let’s go to Inno Fashion.”

“Huh? But...”

“Are you worried that if I don’t have dinner with them, they’ll withdraw their investment?”

“It’s not that, but...”

Secretary Yoon trailed off. It wasn’t the dinner that was important, but the conversation that would take place there.

“Then what’s the problem?”

But at his superior’s cold and sharp gaze, Secretary Yoon decided to save his own skin once again today.

“There’s no problem. I’ll take you there right away. Then, should I contact Madam in advance...”

“Contact Secretary Kim and just confirm her location. But do it secretly, without my wife knowing.”

“Huh?”

What was this all about now?

“I’m planning a surprise event for my wife.”

Kangjoon held up the shopping bag with the luxury brand logo. He knew his wife would run away if he told her in advance that he was coming. So, he had no choice but to barge in. He had allies everywhere.

________________________________________

Taeryeong’s face hardened as she entered the conference room. Instead of the Strategic Planning Team, who had requested the emergency meeting, her husband, Kangjoon, was there. She glared at Secretary Kim, who had deceived her, and he clasped his hands together with a pitiful expression, begging for understanding. Please understand my position. I am the ultimate subordinate, President. In the end, Taeryeong sighed and gestured for him to leave. There was no way Secretary Kim could handle a man even she found difficult to deal with. As the door closed, Taeryeong calmly opened her mouth.

“Don’t make things difficult for Secretary Kim.”

“Because I thought Taeryeong-ssi might run away if I said I was coming.”

Taeryeong stared intently at her husband before her. I won’t run away anymore. I’ll return to my rightful place as planned, and then there won’t be many days left for me to see you. So, I’ll look at you as much as I can while I still can.

“What’s the reason for your sudden visit?”

“There are things I need to confirm.”

The scent emanating from her husband, who had come closer, was strong.

“And there’s something I need to give you.”

Unlike his hand that casually offered the shopping bag, her husband’s deep gaze was fixed on Taeryeong’s lips.

“I bought a briefcase that I thought would suit Taeryeong-ssi.”

Why was he coming so close when his arms were so long? It was making it hard for her to breathe. Because of the precarious gap between their bodies, Taeryeong’s body was reacting like Pavlov’s dog. Her head grew hot, and a strange warmth spread through her body. It was all her husband’s fault. It was him who had breathed life into every cell of her body and imprinted himself on her. In the silent conference room, only their breaths could be heard. The too-close proximity of their bodies, the heat radiating from his dry eyes, the blatant angle of his gaze. A red warning light flashed in her head. It was too dangerous right now. Taeryeong took a step back and asked as calmly as possible.

“Are you going to leave right away after I receive this?”

I’ve seen your face, so please just go now.

“Are you really just going to let me go like this?”

Just then, the conference room door burst open, and the executives rushed in. As all eyes turned to them, Taeryeong looked coldly at her husband and handed the shopping bag back.

“I don’t need gifts like this, so take it.”

As if she were angry at a lover. Fortunately, her quick-witted husband slowly took the shopping bag back.

“Then I’ll prepare a different gift. Until Taeryeong-ssi forgives me.”

“Kangjoon-ssi.”

“Then, I’ll take my leave for today.”

With those last words, Kangjoon really did leave the conference room. Only then did Taeryeong check her wristwatch and look back at the executives.

“Isn’t it past quitting time?”

“Ah, there was an urgent matter to discuss. It will only take 10 minutes.”

“It’s against company regulations, so let’s finish quickly and go home.”

As soon as she left the conference room, a sigh escaped Taeryeong’s lips. She was grateful and sorry to her husband for quickly catching on and keeping his promise. She knew there was no need to be so cold. But she had to be careful about even the smallest things, not knowing how her words might be interpreted. Even if they didn’t know Taeryeong was married, some of the executives were Madam Jo’s people. Madam Jo would be able to recognize her husband just from a description of his appearance.

“Did he really leave?”

Her husband had left, and she just needed to ignore it. But she missed him. She was also curious about what gift her husband had bought.

“Should I call him?”

Just as she was fiddling with her phone and heading towards the elevator, the door to the emergency staircase burst open. A large hand suddenly reached out, wrapped around her waist, and pulled her inside. She was so surprised that not even a scream escaped her lips. The only thing that filled her slowly blinking vision was her husband, Kangjoon.

“......You haven’t left yet?”

As she whispered, he smoothly raised the corners of his lips.

“I haven’t given you your gift yet.”

At that smile, Taeryeong’s heart fluttered.

“And there’s something I need to receive from Taeryeong-ssi.”

“What...”

She saw her husband’s handsome face bathed in the orange light. He leaned down, bringing his lips close to her ear, and whispered,

“Because you acted for me.”

But oh my, even the timing was on her husband’s side.

“I need to receive my skinship bribe.”

The light in the emergency exit, which had not detected any further movement, flickered.