Chapter 11
“Do you really think you still have a choice?”
His quiet question carried a weight that made Hae-in’s brow tighten.
“Of course I do. My family wouldn’t force me if I didn’t want to.”
“They may mean that… but someone will have to pay the price.”
“You mean to say…”
“Think carefully. Why do you think Ha-woo remained untouched even after you disappeared?”
The benefits of being tied to Jinseong—did she think her family hadn’t received any? Even now, there was talk of new investments flowing into the entertainment sector.
The explanation came in a low, almost kind tone, but beneath it lingered a warning—sharp and unmistakable.
Her gaze hardened as she shot it straight at Jung-ho.
“Are you threatening me right now?”
“Of course not. I’m simply reminding you of reality.”
“…Then I’ll wait. Until the families finish sorting things out.”
“So you’re saying you’d rather minimize the damage.”
Hae-in’s small nod confirmed it. She understood now: running headlong into a breakup wasn’t the answer.
“All right. Then let’s talk properly.”
He leaned forward, lips curling faintly.
“After all, the one who suffered most these past four years… was me.”
“…What?”
She froze. His look said it all: You didn’t even realize, did you?
“My reputation’s been shredded. People say my fiancée ran off with another man. The gossip snowballed—rumors upon rumors. It even got to the point where some called me gay.”
He recited the words with a bitter laugh, though it was clear the sting still lingered.
“I didn’t know the rumors had spread that far.”
“So now, don’t you think you owe me something in return?”
“What do you want?”
“There we go. You understand quickly.”
“I’ll listen. If it’s something I can do, I’ll do it. After all, you really did take the biggest blow because of me.”
She had resolved to pay him back somehow. But she hadn’t expected his answer to come like this.
“Move into my place for now. Until my reputation recovers.”
“…Excuse me?”
Her head snapped up, eyes wide.
“Live with you? That’s absurd.”
The office door closed with a heavy click. Silence swept the room.
Jung-ho slumped into his chair, head tilted back against the leather.
“Haa…”
Even as she left, Hae-in’s face had been painted with shock. He had cornered her into delaying a breakup, tied her to him with the excuse of investments, and then had the audacity to demand she move into his home.
“If Hae-kyung hears this, he’ll laugh himself sick. If her brothers find out I pressured their little sister like that, they’ll tear into me without hesitation.”
He dragged a hand down his face, going over their conversation again and again.
She had stared at him, stunned, as if to ask: Are you serious?
And he had only nodded, calm as ever.
‘Didn’t you say you’d wait until I sorted it out myself?’
‘I did. But this demand is too sudden, don’t you think?’
‘And how am I supposed to trust you won’t just vanish abroad again?’
Maybe he had been too impulsive. His tone sharper, colder than he intended.
‘You really have that little trust in me?’
‘I did trust you—until you were the one who shattered it, Hae-in.’
There was truth there. He was angry, yes, at her sudden distance, her sudden change. But beneath it all was unease—fear, even. Fear that she’d disappear again.
Keeping her under his roof was the simplest way to hold her in place. To stop her from slipping away once more.
‘At the very least, that much time would be enough.’
‘…Enough for what?’
‘Enough to minimize the damage.’
Jinseong Group had already funneled enormous capital into Ha-woo. Untangling that investment, let alone pulling it back, would take time. Time he could use to hold onto her, and maybe—just maybe—turn her heart again.
He remembered his father’s words from only months ago:
“Find her. I don’t care how—beg her, coax her, just bring Hae-in back. My patience is running thin.”
For four years, no one had blamed her. The scandal that ruined her birthday back then—Jung-ho’s own scandal with an actress—had been enough to explain her leaving.
Still, despite the whispers and the proposals to break off the engagement, he hadn’t let go. The two families’ bond was too deep, and his own grip on her… stronger than even he’d realized.
‘Moving in should happen sooner rather than later.’
‘You talk as if it’s already decided.’
‘I told you. I need compensation.’
‘What kind of “compensation” is that? We’re just going to break up anyway.’
That was the official excuse—repayment for the damage he suffered.
But the real reason?
Jung-ho had refused every attempt at breaking the engagement for four years. The bond he once never cared about, he now clung to with both hands. And he still couldn’t explain to himself why.
