CHAPTER 25

To love like a moth was a luxury to Yeonseo.

Even calling it love was a futile effort. It was nothing more than a fleeting curiosity, an illusion that would soon stop.

Yeonseo stared at him intently.

“This isn’t something I’m allowing because I received money from you.”

“Then what are you doing?”

“I’m using you, too. Today, I’m just feeling lonely.”

“Lonely.”

Taeheon’s voice was dry as he repeated the word. Yeonseo had expected mockery, but he narrowed his eyes.

“It’s better that way.”

“Well, I’m glad then.”

“Open your mouth.”

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Taeheon pressed his lips against Yeonseo’s, his thighs was supporting her as he sucked on her lower lip.

“Mmm!”

She wrapped her legs around his waist to keep from falling off, and hugged his neck tightly. Swiftly entwining their tongues, Taeheon led her to a large bed. He gently laid her down and came over her like a shadow, covering her.

Just like earlier when she had gone under Taeheon’s umbrella, she felt like her world around had been blocked out.

All she could see was Woo Taeheon. In the dim light, she couldn’t make out anything apart from the shadows he cast.

His handsome face seemed slightly angry at first glance. But, she could easily tell, thanks to his serene dawn-like pupils, that warmth was starting to bloom within them.

“Finally lying down, huh”

“You’ve touch me in the car before.”

“You didn’t make a move then.”

“Why do you keep saying things like that?”

“You’re not innocent, are you?”

“I’m not that innocent.”

Yeonseo replied with force. Taeheon’s chest seemed to swell with a hollow laugh, then settled down. Yeonseo gradually lowered her gaze and looked him over.

His necktie was slightly disheveled between the tight vest. His usual ascetic neatness was gone, yet even in this moment, he looked like a cultured nobleman.

Yeonseo’s gaze came to a halt at one spot.

What is that…?

She blinked, and only after a few seconds did she realize what was threatening to pierce her pants. Startled by his hard-on, Yeonseo quickly turned her head to the side.

“Looking away won’t make a difference. Go ahead, touch it.”

Taeheon said with a playful smile. He was so nonchalant that Yeonseo wondered if she was seeing things.

“You’ve been treating me like a bastard lately.”

Taeheon engulfed her defenseless lips. His hot tongue delved deeply.

Like waves crashing beneath a fierce wind, they collided continuously. Amidst their labored breathing, the thin fabric of Yeonseo’s loungewear top became damp.

Fingers that had moved past her slim waist tapped against her upper abdomen as if playing a piano, then they gently caressed the flesh that had plumped just enough for Taeheon’s large hand to cup softly. This new pressure caused a new sigh to escape her lips. The touch against her underwear felt dull yet heated, as though it were touching her bare skin.

The sensation at the core tightened, coalescing in his palm. His lips parted as he drank in Yeonseo’s ragged moan.

“Man, f*ck.”

Taeheon’s lips, which had uttered a curse, trailed down her throat and soon found her collarbone.

“Aaah!”

He squeezed the fullness of her flesh and pushing it upwards, then lowered his lips to the upper surface of her fleshy br*ast. A lustful pain made her squirm. One after another, he tormented the tender flesh, greedily leaving dark marks.

Stinging, hot, and wet, it felt like her entire body was being sucked into Taeheon’s mouth. Blinking her dewy eyes in a daze, Yeonseo trembled at her waist.

“If I’ve restrained myself around this point, shouldn’t you accept it somewhat in return?”

“Hmph…….”

“I don’t like being the one who only takes advantage without gaining anything.”

She thought it sounded like something a businessman would say. Taeheon distanced himself. Sitting upright on his knees, his chest seemed to swell with anger.

Staring at Yeonseo, he seemed to give her a chance. Running a hand through his hair, he slid off the bed, leaving Yeonseo speechless.

“Reach out first if you want, but this is the last time I’ll be helping you, so use your head.”

In the end, all Taeheon wanted wasn’t a fleeting, disposable relationship born out of loneliness, but a genuine connection. But Yeonseo was too much of a coward who had lost too many precious things to want Taeheon, who she’ll eventually lose too.

As she pulled the sheet over her n*ked body, the door slammed shut where Taeheon had exited.

*

How long had I been asleep?

Yeonseo woke up at the sound of a doorbell ringing somewhere.

Who could it be? It’s an officetel.

The ringing continued while Yeonseo stared at the unfamiliar wallpaper as she took a moment to gather her thoughts. The intervals between the bell presses were consistent.

If it was Taeheon, he would have entered by pressing the password like he did yesterday. After leaving the bedroom yesterday, Taeheon had left the officetel straight away, and there had been no contact since.

Could it be someone else? If so, who could it be?

As Yeonseo hurriedly approached the intercom, a blurry image of an unfamiliar woman appeared on the screen. She had her hair tied up high and was dressed in a black suit.

A bodyguard?

Trying to read her vibe, Yeonseo pressed the call button.

“Who is it?”

– I was sent by Director Taeheon. It’s an order to bring you to the Yongin residence, Ms. Han Yeonseo.

“Director Taeheon?”

– Yes. May I come in for a moment?

“Yes.”

Yeonseo quickly opened the door. The mention of Yongin immediately eased her guard. Seeing the woman’s face directly, she gave off a calm and trustworthy impression. Yeonseo greeted her politely and stepped aside.

“Hello.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Kim Hyunyoung.”

With a crisp bow, Hyunyoung stood in the doorway, hands clasped together.

“Why don’t you come in and wait a moment? I’ll check if there’s any tea.”

As Yeonseo hurried to offer hospitality, Hyunyoung declined and waved her off.

“It’s fine. I’ll wait here.”

“But…”

“Thank you but no. Please take your time.”

Hyunyoung, who stood facing forward as if to say she wasn’t going to move, seemed determined, so Yeonseo stepped back.

She washed up quickly and picked out some clothes that looked presentable. She put on slacks, a cream-colored blouse and low-heeled shoes, then left the officetel with Hyunyoung.

The interior of the officetel looked much more luxurious than when she briefly glimpsed it yesterday. The car that was waiting for them was an expensive foreign car that Yeonseo was afraid to get in. Everything seemed to revolve around Yeonseo.

Everything Taeheon provided would likely be like this. Lavish things that couldn’t mix with Yeonseo like water and oil.

“What’s wrong?”

As Hyunyoung, who had been waiting while opening the passenger seat door, asked. When Yeonseo remained stiff and unmoving, she tried again.

“You can get in.”

Yeonseo had to go to Yongin anyway. She could find her way there on her own, but perhaps if she took the car Taeheon had sent, she could at least face Mrs. Kang with a bit more confidence.

Yeonseo decided to willingly accept the discomfort of this consideration.

“Thank you. I’ll close the door.”

“Sure.”

After giving a stiff reply, Hyunyoung watched Yeonseo climb into the car, then headed for the driver’s seat. She seemed like someone escorting a superior.

Hyunyoung probably doesn’t realize she doesn’t have to be this formal around her, and if she doesn’t, she should let her know.

Yeonseo wasn’t in a position to be treated like this. She scanned the interior of the car, tossing and turning her thoughts.

Taeheon’s car yesterday, the car driven by the chauffeur before, and this car were all different models. She never understood the world of chaebols who changed cars like clothes.

As they headed towards Yongin, Yeonseo remained tense as if sitting on thorns. As they neared the Yongin residence, her chest grew heavy with concerns for Mrs. Kang.

She had often seen cases where illnesses progressed suddenly, but now that it had happened to Mrs. Kang, the world seemed so indifferent.

Why did something like this have to happen to her?

Surgery was not an option. Moreover, Mrs. Kang’s immunity was not good enough to undergo major surgery. Yeonseo’s head grew heavy as she wondered if she should be thankful that Mrs. Kang ended up in the hospital due to an allergic shock.

Sending Moon-sik off and immediately hearing such distressing news was truly burdensome. That’s why she had tried to accept Taeheon’s temptation last night, closing her eyes to it.

What a fool she was.

She clenched her fist, applying pressure to her knee.

“Um… what should I call you?”

“Feel free to address me casually. I’m the secretary of the Sewon Group bodyguard team.”

“Then, can I call you Secretary Kim?”

“Yes.”

“Secretary Kim, will there be a lot of family members at the Yongin residence?”

“They do come and go, but they don’t seem to stay for long.”

“I see. Thank you.”

Mrs Kang would be with Yoonhae right now.

From what she heard at the hospital, Yoonhae’s son will be moving out on his own soon. That meant Yoonhae would be coming to Yongin as well.

Yeonseo’s care may no longer be necessary. Especially when Mrs. Kang’s children and grandchildren were present, there was no place for her.

Maybe I can meet her…….

She tried to focus on the scenery outside the window, but the rain was making it hard to see.

Finally, the Yongin residence, towering over the hill, finally came into view. Anxious to the point of haste, Yeonseo left Hyunyoung, who had accompanied her to the front gate, and ascended the steps.

Though the Yongin residence remained unchanged from a few days ago, Yeonseo felt a warmth in her chest as if she had returned home after a long absence.

A warm, nostalgic feeling, like she’d found her home.

This is probably where Mrs. Kang would likely spend the rest of her life. Yeonseo hoped that day remain distant. She closed her eyes briefly and made a wish.

Beyond the umbrella that Hyunyoung had provided, she could see the bottom of the man’s suit. A navy suit and deep brown Oxfords.

As she slowly lifted the umbrella, the burgundy tie caught her eye. Yeonseo’s hazel eyes widened slightly before returning to their usual size.

“Yeonseo, if you turn off your phone and disappear, how am I supposed to find you? Do you have any idea how worried I’ve been?”