Maison Bar was a high-end bar Se-hee occasionally frequented. She liked its small size but private nature, with all rooms and no main hall.

“I’m sorry, Se-hee. I couldn’t help it when oppa suddenly showed up with free time. If I’d known this would happen, I wouldn’t have told him the meeting place.”

It was the first time Jin-kyung and she were meeting since Se-hee had rediscovered her name, Joo Se-hee. Perhaps that’s why Jin-kyung seemed apologetic for bringing along an extra person. When Se-hee smiled and said it was okay, Jin-kyung finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“Se-hee, do you want to go in with oppa first? I’m just going to the restroom.”

With Jin-kyung heading to the restroom, Se-hee found herself sitting alone with Jin-woo in the spacious room. The atmosphere, which used to be comfortable, felt a little awkward now. Jin-woo looked at Se-hee, subtly observing her. She looked even thinner than when he last saw her, rubbing her eyes as if tired. Still, he was glad. Truly glad she had returned. Even knowing Se-hee’s determined personality, he had secretly been uneasy. Even to another man, Kang-joon was a captivating and powerful male. Sensing his steady gaze, Se-hee also turned her head. When their eyes met, Jin-woo flinched, but Se-hee didn’t avert her gaze. Instead, she stared back intently and calmly opened her mouth.

“Oppa, it seems you haven’t sorted out your feelings for me yet.”

She couldn’t be any more cold-hearted. Why on earth did I like this girl for over ten years...? Jin-woo sighed deeply and retorted curtly.

“Is my heart a drawer? To be sorted and closed? Just wait. I’m sorting it out slowly.”

“You’re being too obvious, oppa. It might be better if we don’t see each other until you’ve sorted out your feelings. If Jin-kyung catches on, it’ll make things awkward between us.”

“That blockhead who hasn’t noticed in ten years isn’t likely to catch on now. And today, I just came to see your face as an older brother.”

When Se-hee still didn’t relax her expression, Jin-woo flared up.

“Hey! I want to get over you too! What’s so pretty about a stubborn little brat? I’m not going to be nice to you anymore, okay?”

“...”

“You don’t seem to get it, but women who like me are lined up around Seoul. Later, you’ll regret dumping me and kick yourself...”

Se-hee’s cold expression was now trying to suppress laughter.

“What? Why are you laughing like that? It’s annoying. Oppa, you really are popular, you know? Don’t you believe me?”

“Just... because it feels like the Jin-woo oppa I know has finally returned.”

Just then, the door opened, and Jin-kyung entered.

“What? Is the puppy still here?”

“Oh, really, calling your oppa a puppy.”

Then Jin-woo’s phone rang. Seeing that the caller was his manager, Jin-woo reluctantly got up from the sofa and handed over his credit card.

“Pay for the drinks today with this card, dongsaeng.”

“Oppa, your grace is boundless!”

“If you use this card for shopping, be prepared to cut ties with me.”

“Don’t you worry, Your Highness!”

Jin-woo snorted and whispered softly to Se-hee.

“Little one, could you please make sure Jin-kyung doesn’t overuse my card?”

Se-hee smiled and said she would. As soon as he left the room, Jin-woo let out a deep breath he had been holding.

“Phew, it was worth learning how to act.”

Fortunately, Joo Se-hee had fallen for it. She believed he was trying to forget her, treated him like the old Kim Jin-woo, and allowed him to stay by her side.

“I’m the winner, nameless one.”

Jin-woo muttered with a chuckle and headed to the parking lot. That man had won Joo Se-hee’s love. But the man who would be by Joo Se-hee’s side from now on was him. That alone was enough for Jin-woo.

________________________________________

What did she just say? To Jin-kyung, who slowly blinked, unable to believe it, Se-hee calmly repeated.

“I truly love my husband.”

Your half-sister’s husband? The words couldn’t even leave her mouth. She knew how much that one phrase would hurt Se-hee. Jin-kyung swallowed hard and cautiously asked.

“Does he love you too?”

“As far as I know.”

If that was the case, Jin-kyung understood even less. If they both loved each other, why were they breaking up? Wasn’t that just an excuse for a breakup that only happened in movies or novels?

“Didn’t you think about confiding your secret in him and finding a solution together?”

At Jin-kyung’s question, Se-hee met her eyes calmly.

“People’s emotions are highly variable. So why should I take that risk?”

Because you love each other. But Jin-kyung couldn’t bring herself to say it.

“It would be fortunate if Kang-joon accepted me. We could find a way to be together. But if not, I’ll lose everything. My revenge, and even his love for me.”

Se-hee, too, had countless times wanted to confide in Kang-joon. Her secret, the kind of woman she was. Even knowing all of that, Kang-joon might still love her. But if not, could she handle that irreversible situation? She had asked herself countless times, and the answer was always the same. No, I can’t handle it.

“Because if I break down this time, I don’t have the confidence to get back up. And I’d rather he remember me beautifully forever than see him despise me.”

Because she loved Kang-joon so much, Se-hee had no choice but to be a coward. Meeting Jin-kyung’s sympathetic gaze, Se-hee continued calmly.

“If the person I imitated wasn’t my half-sister but a stranger, I might have been greedy. But she’s my half-sister. It’s dirty to steal my sister’s husband.”

Jin-kyung once again found Se-hee amazing. How many people could think rationally when deeply in love?

“If Kang-joon’s image gets tarnished because of me... What right do I have to harm him? If only I gave up my feelings, no one would get hurt, and everything would go back to normal.”

“Se-hee.”

“Even if I act like I’m so great, I was just a coward.”

The self-deprecating smile that spread across Se-hee’s clear face was bitter. Joo Se-hee, you’re hurting. You’re hurting right now. You’re struggling because of that man. Jin-kyung wanted to tell Se-hee that it wasn’t too late and to be brave.

“Jin-kyung, I did the right thing, didn’t I?”

But the moment Se-hee asked in a trembling voice, Jin-kyung’s throat tightened. She respected her friend, who, with her small body, endured everything and calmly achieved what she wanted. But this was your true self. You were so tender-hearted and timid. She hadn’t even known that and had always just leaned on her and acted spoiled. She felt sorry for her friend, and also guilty.

“You did great! I would have cried and whined like a pathetic mess. You really are my Jjyu!”

That was all Jin-kyung could say to Se-hee at that moment. That she did well, that she was still the best.

“I’m also pathetic and selfish, Jin-kyung.”

Nevertheless, Se-hee dared to hope. Even while fearing to reveal all her secrets because she loved him. Wishing you would come to see me. As expected, Alicia and Kang-joon would have met in Germany. What are you doing now that you know everything? Will you despise me? Will you resent me? She hadn’t been drinking, but her mouth and throat were already burning. Her heart felt like it was painfully burning away. *** Over the slow yet fast three weeks, nothing happened to Se-hee. Kang-joon was probably thinking one of two things: either keeping Alicia by his side as his wife forever and continuing his revenge as originally planned, or divorcing Alicia and finding a new spouse or remaining single. Whether the former or the latter, the unchanging truth was that her husband wasn’t looking for her. Even Seo Kang-joon would be no exception. No, because he was Seo Kang-joon, it was only natural. Hanseon Group was a leading conglomerate in South Korea, and Kang-joon was the face of Hanseon Group. Although he maintained an air of mystery and hadn’t been publicly revealed by the media yet, the situation would change once his succession to Hanseon Group was officially announced. Kang-joon’s image would directly influence Hanseon Group’s stock price. Knowing all of this, Se-hee didn’t resent Kang-joon. Rather, she was grateful to Kang-joon for embracing and loving her even knowing she was a fake wife. For loving even someone like me. That was enough. Because she had received the love of such a man, and because she had made so many beautiful memories. She arrived at the traditional Korean restaurant where she was meeting Director Kang. Guided by a staff member, she entered the spacious room where Director Kang was already waiting.

“I’ve already ordered the food, is that alright?”

Se-hee replied yes and sat across from Director Kang.

“You rejected Musk’s offer? Is that true?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because persuading Yoo Tae-ryeong is easier than dealing with and persuading Musk, a global company. Anyway, I just need to put my name on the CEO position.”

“Her stubbornness is usually immense. How did you persuade her?”

Recalling young Alicia, Director Kang’s eyes sparkled with amusement, and Se-hee smiled brightly.

“Thanks to Aunt, who drove Alicia into a corner. Instead of her mother who tried to cut off her money supply and take away her freedom, I offered her money and freedom.”

“Not only Inno Fashion, but you’re also trying to break up a mother-daughter relationship? Se-hee, you’re tougher than I thought.”

Contrary to his words, Director Kang’s expression showed a hint of schadenfreude. Se-hee smiled gently and said primly.

“Did I do anything?”

After all, there was no mother-daughter affection between the two of them.

“Now, tell me what the problem is.”

“Alicia will move according to my will. But to perfectly defend ourselves at next month’s shareholders’ meeting, there’s something I need to confirm.”

Se-hee was confident. Alicia had stated her intention to step down as CEO and recommended her as the new professional manager to lead Inno Fashion. She had already sent documents proving her capabilities to the shareholders. That she was the CEO of Dora Shopping Mall, and that Inno Fashion’s past achievements were hers. Alicia had confirmed this. She admitted that the bold and innovative projects that saved Inno Fashion had actively adopted the advice of the Dora CEO and even attached the exchanged emails. It was the result of her quiet groundwork as Yoo Tae-ryeong.

“My aunt’s shareholding as Inno Fashion’s largest shareholder is 35.68%. And Director Kang’s is 10.7%. Mine is 5%. The shares of the shareholders you persuaded are 11%. The remaining 8.98%, which is less than my aunt’s stake, concerns me.”

Her management abilities had been proven. If she mentioned special dividends at the shareholders’ meeting, other shareholders would also support Se-hee. Regardless of who became CEO, shareholders ultimately wanted one thing. But she was still uneasy about Ms. Jo’s silence. She had thought about what it could be for an entire week. Even the possibility of an unpredictable variable arising from the insufficient 8.98%.

“I checked, and there’s a shareholder who lately bought Inno Fashion shares and holds 14%. But their identity can’t be confirmed. If that person is my aunt’s, then I can’t become Inno Fashion’s CEO.”

Unlike Se-hee, who was worried, Director Kang was relaxed. It was understandable, as Director Kang had sided with Se-hee partly for revenge, partly for fun. It was the moment she thought she might have to leave it to luck, like a game of chance at the shareholders’ meeting.

“I know that shareholder. If I arrange a meeting, are you confident you can persuade them?”

It was indeed Director Kang. Se-hee sighed in relief and asked.

“Could you do that for me?”

“Of course, I’m always on your side, Se-hee, and if I can just get one over on that blasted Ms. Jo, what can’t I do? I actually called you here because I figured out what you were worried about.”

Se-hee was momentarily stunned by the welcome yet sudden news.

“Now?”

“Why, too sudden? Are you not confident?”

“No! I can do it.”

“I knew you would. Anyway, it’s about time they arrived.”

Checking his wristwatch, Director Kang leisurely rose.

“They’re supposed to arrive by 1 PM, so try to persuade them well. I can trust you, Se-hee, right?”

“Yes. Thank you so much, Director.”

After Director Kang patted her shoulder and left, Se-hee looked out the serene window and composed herself. Just then, a knock sounded, and the door soon opened. Se-hee, hiding her nervousness, calmly rose from her chair, then froze. Behind the staff member stood a young man, a head taller.

“Please enjoy your time.”

The staff member left, and the door closed. Only then did the man approach with a straight gait, closing the distance. The man, who instantly dominated the subtly tense space, stood before Se-hee.

________________________________________

With eyes as black as if they could swallow light itself, he stared intently at Se-hee. Heat rose within her body, and her heart pounded at his intense gaze. Her mind seemed to have short-circuited, unable to function properly.

“...”

“...”

Unlike Se-hee, the man was remarkably composed. The intense scent of him wafted over her as he stood looking down at her, hands in his pockets. His low voice cut through the air, casually. Se-hee closed her eyes, feeling a distant yet aching sensation.

“Nice to meet you, Ms. Joo Se-hee.”

That familiar voice was polite, but not gentle.