Chapter 4.2
As the meal neared its end, Nam Leehyun’s words came as a shock to Moonkyeong.
“Once you’re married, you’ll need to live in Do Hyowon for a year to settle into married life. I worry that we might impose too much on someone else’s precious daughter, but she’ll need time to learn the family traditions, don’t you think?”
Though phrased diplomatically, Nam Leehyun’s words seemed to Moonkyeong like a clear warning to brace herself. Learning the family traditions sounded like a euphemism for enduring the hardships of married life.
Caught off guard, Moonkyeong found herself absentmindedly touching the back of her neck, which felt cold. She grew resentful of Seojun for not saying anything in response to Nam Leehyun’s words.
Despite repeatedly saying she couldn’t marry him, the situation was progressing smoothly, and she hated it.
She felt small and insignificant in front of people who completely disregarded her opinions.
Adding fuel to the fire, Hyeran agreed with Nam Leehyun.
“Of course. She’s a smart girl and will handle everything well.”
“Alright then. Let’s wrap up today’s meeting here. I have another engagement, so we’ll skip dessert.”
“Yes, thank you for taking the time to meet with us.”
Nam Leehyun turned to Seojun.
“She’s your fiancée now. Make sure to drive her home.”
“Yes.”
Hyeran also ensured Moonkyeong got into Seojun’s car. Sitting in the passenger seat of his sedan, Moonkyeong stared blankly out the windshield.
The meal had been entirely uncomfortable. Her chest felt tight, and she couldn’t tell whether the food had gone down her throat or her nose. She pressed her lips together to hold back the rising frustration.
Her life was already tainted with lies; what difference would adding Kim Seojun make?
But still, she hated it. She hated it so much.
As soon as she saw Nam Leehyun and Do Hyeran’s cars leave the parking lot, she unbuckled her seatbelt.
Seojun, who was just starting the engine, glanced sideways at her.
“Do you hate it that much? You look furious.”
“Yes, I hate it.”
“Then why didn’t you say so?”
He sneered, as if mocking her for spending two hours at the meal saying nothing but eating.
Moonkyeong glared back at him with the same intensity.
You ate too. How are you any different? What’s the difference, really?
In that tiny, suffocating room, do you know what I wanted to hide the most?
The reason I hate this marriage so much, Managing Director Kim, is this:
Even if everyone else knows, I don’t want you to know.
I don’t want you to know how miserable my life is, how insignificant it has been.
That’s why I can’t marry you.
“I’ll take a taxi.”
Moonkyeong stepped out of the car, and he didn’t stop her.
Though it wasn’t winter, a cold wind blew against her cheek. The realization that she had no family, no friends, not even a single acquaintance to rely on struck her with cruel force.
Back at her studio apartment, Moonkyeong sat in front of her vanity to remove her makeup.
It had been a hectic day, starting with a morning trip to the hair salon with Hyeran. Her elegant hairstyle and makeup, designed to exude grace, suited her perfectly.
She let down her hair and removed the pearl earrings that clung to her ears.
[Director Shin Jueun prefers a more open-minded style, but Director Nam Leehyun is different. She’s extremely conservative, so you need to pay extra attention.]
Hyeran’s words from the salon echoed in her ears.
The thought of having to serve two mothers-in-law after marriage, combined with the idea of moving into the infamous Do Hyowon, made her head throb.
As Hyeran knew, Moonkyeong wasn’t a virtuous woman or a dutiful daughter.
Wiping off her makeup, which had portrayed a noble facade, she muttered to herself,
“Mom, your daughter was already ruined a long time ago.”
Her gaze fell on the vanity, cluttered with various cosmetics.
From skin products to essences, powders, and eye creams, everything Hyeran had given her was expensive and top-quality.
Her wardrobe overflowed with clothes, luxury bags, and sparkling accessories.
All of it was the latest fashion, worthy of being featured in magazines.
The life she had dreamed of as a child was now here—a life so glamorous and abundant that there was nothing left to want.
[Do you want to play with me?]
Moonkyeong recalled her first kiss with him on Spain’s Ibiza Island.
The scent of his cologne mixed with the sweet smell of sunlight on his gray shirt. The memory of their breath mingling and her heart racing uncontrollably.
The fear of being caught by Lee Heejin, yet feeling as if the world consisted only of the two of them—it was a memory she had never forgotten, no matter how many seasons had passed.
She thought she had let it all go.
Damn it. Why is my mind wandering back there? In this luxurious, abundant life, why does it drift to Kim Seojun?
Stop. I have to stop. Kim Seojun is absolutely not an option. This marriage cannot happen.
Moonkyeong erased the rest of her makeup.
***
The four-day performance of Swan Lake concluded without a hitch.
Among the roles she had taken on this season, the one she had poured the most effort into was receiving favorable reviews from various media outlets.
The upcoming Giselle in October was a significant piece that had elevated her to the position of principal dancer during her time in Germany.
Though she would soon be busy with choreography and rehearsals for Giselle starting early next month, for now, she had some time to rest. Taking advantage of this brief respite, Moonkyeong decided to call his office.
She was prepared to try anything—be it persuasion or intimidation.
Obtaining his phone number wasn’t difficult. The business card Hyeran had given her prominently displayed the phone number for the secretary’s office at HAN Motors, where he worked.
– Hello, this is the secretary’s office.
“Hello, this is Seo Moonkyeong. Could you leave a message for Managing Director Kim Seojun?”
– May I ask where you’re calling from?
“It’s a personal matter. I’m not affiliated with any organization.”
– Ah, please hold for a moment.”
After what seemed like a brief background check, the secretary responded.
– Yes, you may leave a message. I’ll relay it to him right away.
“Please let him know that I’d like to talk. He can decide the date, time, and location.”
– Understood.
Five hours later, the secretary’s office finally called her back.
They didn’t mention why it had taken so long or whether he had been busy in meetings. The secretary simply informed her of the time and place he had chosen for their meeting.
The next day, unable to contain her curiosity, Hyeran called her repeatedly after giving her the business card.
– Moonkyeong, have you met Managing Director Kim yet?
“No, not yet.”
– When are you meeting him?
“I’m on my way to meet him now. He asked me to come to his office.”
– To his office? He must be really busy with HAN Motors’ new business ventures lately. Don’t keep him too long.
“I won’t.”
– Still, good job. No matter how busy he is, he should see your face often. By the way, today’s your day off, right? We should visit the dermatologist together and start preparing for the formal family meeting. We’ll be busy as mother and daughter for a while—are you okay with that?
“Yes.”
– I’ll call you again later.
“Alright.”
As the HAN Motors headquarters building came into view amidst the tall cityscape, Moonkyeong ended the call and took a deep breath.
Her outfit today consisted of jeans and a slightly childish yellow T-shirt. It was the T-shirt that had been shoved to the farthest corner of her closet, far from anything elegant or sophisticated.
Even her beige eco-bag was chosen to steer as far away as possible from Seojun’s taste.
She hadn’t expected the outfit to make her look five years younger or to complement her naturally clear skin so well.
By the time she reached the secretary’s office where he worked, she found herself licking her dry lips.
How should I start the conversation?
She rehearsed her opening lines over and over.
Previously, she had been too flustered to ask him properly and had let him go, but today, she was determined to settle things once and for all.
With no one to help her, she had to face this head-on.
A young woman, likely his secretary, greeted her.
“You must be Seo Moonkyeong?”
“Yes.”
“Follow me.”
The secretary’s demeanor was somewhat cold, perhaps unaware of the impending marriage between Moonkyeong and Seojun.
Not bothered by this, Moonkyeong quietly followed the secretary.
Even when they stood side by side, the secretary’s gaze was far from warm. Her eyes quickly scanned Moonkyeong from head to toe, as if assessing her.
The secretary seemed relieved by her casual attire but also frowned slightly, perhaps realizing Moonkyeong’s connection to Seojun.
Knock, knock.
With a knock on the door, the secretary raised her voice.
“Managing Director, your guest is here.”
“Let her in.”
“Yes.”
The secretary gestured for her to enter. Moonkyeong gripped the strap of her eco-bag tightly.
After offering a brief word of thanks to the secretary, she stepped into the office.
The secretary, who followed her in, politely bowed and asked,
“Managing Director, shall I bring some tea?”
“No, it’s fine. You may leave, Secretary Park.”
“Understood.”
The door soon closed, leaving just the two of them in the room.
Standing before him, Moonkyeong took in her surroundings.
His office was much larger than she had expected. It was neat and uncluttered, reflecting Seojun’s personality.
On his desk was a nameplate reading ‘Managing Director Kim Seojun.’ Seated behind the long desk, he had just ended a phone call.
It seemed he preferred to remove his jacket and tie in the office, as they were draped over the sofa.
Wearing only a white shirt, he looked more relaxed than he had during the recent dinner meeting.
Seeing the jacket and tie lying around, Moonkyeong found herself recalling Seojun’s image.
A man who disliked rules and restrictions.
She had never heard him play the piano, but she knew he loved music.
Every week at the café they frequented, he always had earphones in.
Seeing him now as a Managing Director felt oddly out of place. She had never imagined him like this, even if they were to meet again someday.
It suited him so well that she couldn’t help but admire him, but now was not the time for such idle thoughts.
Focus.
He unbuttoned two buttons on his shirt, seemingly uncomfortable.
Her eyes followed the line of his face down to the open buttons, and at that moment, he turned his gaze toward her.
Feeling caught, she wrinkled her nose.
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vousyeux
wow i’m so anxious to read his inner thoughts i want to know if he realized he liked her when she fleed or if he knew the reason, i know he was aware that he desired her but i don’t think he know much more, i was hope that b* heejin to root in hell