CHAPTER 30 – Necklace (Part 2)

“Show me a necklace that’s not too flashy, something classic.”

Dojun leaned back on the dark green sofa as the employee brought out a stack of flat rectangular velvet boxes, displaying necklaces of various price ranges and designs.  Another staff poured sparkling water into ice-filled cups and left the room.

“This is one of our oldest designs, representing infinity and diamonds, symbolizing eternal love…”

From left to right, the employee showcased each piece, extolling their history and design. Speaking earnestly about the origins and meanings.

Over the employee’s soothing voice, trying to convey how this necklace could make love shine like it, Dojun heard the voice of Secretary Kang from his report the previous late afternoon.

‘Update on Lee Sehyun’s movements. It’s been confirmed that he stopped by the hotel on the night of the 31st, as you mentioned, and that he stopped by the hotel lounge cafe with Ms. Yoon Seoyeon on Thursday afternoon, the 6th. He then went on a business trip to Hong Kong and returned today. No one has been tailing Yoon Seoyeon.’

It was obvious what Lee Sehyun, who had been trying so hard to get back together with Yoon Seoyeon, must have said after seeing Dojun and Seoyeon together – he must have accused her, begged her, threatened her, or maybe all three.

“Next, the most recent design is the Emily line, with pendants in the shape of butterflies and flowers.”

As Secretary Kang’s voice faded, the sales associate’s voice overlapped again. The delicate gold chain dangling in the employee’s hand glimmered in front of Dojun. The pendant was too large and flashy for Seoyeon.

Dojun’s gaze shifted to the velvet boxes below, and the employee lifted the last necklace, beginning the explanation.

“This is a popular design for gift-giving among lovers, with the eternal love symbol of the ‘E’ engraved.”

Love.

Dojun chuckled. He liked the blatant name. He was curious to see Seoyeon’s reaction to receiving a necklace with diamonds scattered all over the “Love” line.

She would likely receive it with a cold expression, saying she couldn’t accept it, that it was nonsense at this stage as they were nearing the end.

Dojun’s fingers paused in front of the sparkliest of the differently designed necklaces.

“I’ll take this one. Can it be ready right away?”

“Yes, I’ll bring it to you momentarily.”

As the employee left the room, Dojun took a sip of the cold sparkling water. He wondered if Seoyeon had gotten in the car by now.

The car stopped in front of a building near Sangsu Station. A large red brick structure, resembling a warehouse or factory, with a small metal plaque that read ‘The Space’ on the entrance.

The spacious parking lot was full of cars, and there were people lined up on the long bench in front of the building.

[Come to the 3rd floor dining room].

Recalling Dojun’s message, Seoyeon climbed the stairs. As she went up, she noticed the 1st floor was a cafe with coffee and cakes, the 2nd floor was a wine bar, and the 3rd floor housed the fine dining and rooftop area. Passing through the lively spaces, especially the ones filled with couples, Seoyeon headed up to the 3rd floor.

“What name is your reservation under?”

Pushing open the door marked ‘Space – dining’, an employee greeted her with a friendly smile.

“Hwang Dojun.”

The employee nodded in understanding, checked the seating on the computer, and guided Seoyeon. She followed the employee through the dining hall.

The spacious hall had simple round tables scattered around, soft jazz music playing, and most of the tables were occupied by couples, chatting intimately and gazing at each other affectionately.

The gentle murmur of conversation, the subtle clinking of cutlery, and the soothing music filled the space.

The employee led Seoyeon to a table by the window. Her eyes met Dojun’s, who had stood up from his seat to greet her approach.

“This way, please.”

The employee guided Seoyeon to the seat across from Dojun. Dojun also gave Seoyeon a light greeting as she sat down.

“You’re here.”

“Yes.”

As Seoyeon settled into the chair, Dojun also returned to his seat.

“We’ll start serving the dishes you ordered right away.”

At the employee’s words, Dojun nodded. In front of Dojun was a round wine glass, filled with a clear pink wine.

“I’ve already started on the wine.”

Almost simultaneously with Dojun’s words, a sommelier approached and placed a wine glass in front of Seoyeon, filling it and providing a brief explanation. Shortly after, another employee arrived with a silver tray, setting down the amuse-bouche to start the course.

“The sommelier here is skilled. They’re famous for their wine pairing courses. Give it a try.”

As Seoyeon picked up the fork and knife, Dojun grabbed the cute tart-shaped amuse-bouche with his fingers, popping it into his mouth and chewing before sipping his wine. Seoyeon, who had eaten the abalone and citron tart, also tilted her glass to drink the wine.

“Is it good?”

“It’s delicious.”

Although she wasn’t particularly a fan of French cuisine, it was still delicious. She could feel the rich flavors when paired with the wine. While she wasn’t an overly sensitive palate, she could still appreciate the excellent food and wine pairing at this establishment.

As Dojun lifted his wine glass, he asked Seoyeon,

“Did you buy any chocolates?”

Seoyeon looked at Dojun and raised the corners of her mouth in a sly smile.

“Isn’t today the day women buy chocolates for men?”

“Well, about that…”

She wasn’t sure how to respond. 

Should I say we aren’t really a couple, so I didn’t buy any? Or that I don’t usually put much meaning into such days? Or that it’s silly to buy chocolates when the relationship is almost over? 

Before Seoyeon could respond, Dojun spoke up as if answering himself.

“It’s a marketing ploy. But is there anything that isn’t a marketing ploy? It’s just an excuse to give chocolates, give gifts, buy meals, go to hotels, and so on.”

Dojun gave a slight smile and finished his wine. Staring blankly at the empty glass, he then grinned at Seoyeon.

“Isn’t that right?”

Unsure of how to respond, Seoyeon turned her gaze out the window. She could see the rooftop area. Round lights strung up, cozy tent-like cabanas, plush low sofas, bottles of wine, and transparent wine glasses scattered about. It suddenly struck her that there were so many couples in this world.

“I’m not like that.”

At Seoyeon’s response, Dojun let out a brief chuckle as if to say, “Is that so?” As the second course was served and a new wine glass was placed, the sommelier refilled the wine and left. Dojun then pulled something out of his pocket.

“I am like that.”

Dojun extended a red, gold-rimmed box.

“Open it.”

Why?

Seoyeon looked down at the red box and thought.

Why does this feel like a compensation?

Receiving a gift in this setting, on this day, in this place meant for lovers, it felt like she was being mocked.

This place, this day, this gift just didn’t suit our relationship, even if it’s temporary. Despite knowing that, why are you doing this? Even if it’s a limited-time relationship, this is such an inconsiderate act.

“Are you perhaps refusing without even opening it?”

Dojun sliced the cod steak in front of him with his knife as he spoke. Watching him lift the fork to his mouth, Seoyeon briefly pondered how to respond.

Didn’t we agree to just sleep together? Should I say I find this gift unpleasant? Should I ask him to take away this compensation-like gift? 

But do I really need to argue and distance myself now when the relationship is nearly over?

No.

Since the relationship is ending soon anyway, there’s no need to question or distance myself.

If I receive this gift, so be it. Even if it feels like compensation for the time we’ve spent in bed, I can shrug it off casually. I can resell it and donate the money, throw it away, or just stash it in the corner of my closet – it doesn’t matter.

“No, thank you.”

Seoyeon reached out with a gentle smile and took the box. As she opened the elongated case, the necklace sparkled under the light. She roughly knew the price of this necklace. It was an excessively lavish gift for a woman he had only met a few times.

Calmly gazing at the dazzling necklace, Seoyeon looked up and replied to Dojun’s steady gaze with a polite smile.

“Thank you, CEO. It’s beautiful.”

Just like you, I won’t make a big deal out of this either. As if this moment will never end, as if I can just dust off my hands and walk away, so casually. I’ll coolly enjoy the remaining time. Seoyeon smiled prettily, crinkling her eyes.

Dojun swallowed a welling laugh with his wine.

I didn’t know Yoon Seoyeon at all.

A bitter laugh escaped him. He had momentarily forgotten how thoroughly she could mask herself when necessary.

He had expected her to be offended and refuse. Of course, that’s what he thought she would do. He had deliberately chosen this gift, hoping for her to refuse it, to be upset, to get angry. But Seoyeon had nonchalantly brushed aside his obvious expectation with her poised smile.

He had thought the moment she refused, feeling hurt, would be when his mood would truly sour. But the opposite happened. The moment he faced Seoyeon’s neat and smooth smile, he realized.

I had thought wrongly.