WAF 26

Chapter 26

Do-hoon looked at Chansook coldly and said,

“The only reason I’ve treated you politely and promised to provide living expenses is because you’re Eunha’s mother. Please remember that I have no reason to call or treat someone who doesn’t act like a mother as one.”

To prove his words, Do-hoon wiped the polite smile off his face — the one he had just worn out of courtesy.

Chansook trembled in shock. It was so humiliating that she couldn’t help cursing Eunha in her head.
She couldn’t believe how Do-hoon could be talking to her like this — he must’ve heard something from Eunha.

No matter what, she was still his mother-in-law. To speak to her this rudely could only mean that Eunha had filled his ears with lies.

“Did Eunha say I bullied her? What exactly did she tell you? This is why they say you should never take in a black-haired beast — instead of being grateful to the person who raised her since she was little, she stabs me in the back like this. No wonder I could never really like her.”

Chansook poured out her anger, feeling wronged.
But Do-hoon didn’t even blink. Instead, he replied with an even colder smile.

“If that were true, we wouldn’t even be sitting here having this conversation. I’m not stupid enough to give living expenses to someone that shameless.”

With each word he spoke, chills ran down Chansook’s spine.
She could tell that from now on, if she so much as mistreated Eunha, she wouldn’t just lose her allowance — she’d lose her title as “mother” altogether.

“Still, I’m her mother. You expect me to treat my own daughter formally? Does that make any sense to you?”

“She’s my woman now too. And I really don’t like anyone laying a hand on what’s mine.”

Chansook was angry and humiliated, but she had no choice.
The document Do-hoon handed her stated that she would receive a monthly living allowance of 5 million won.

Five million won a month — a huge sum.
But it also stated that the payments would continue only while he remained married to Eunha, and that if Chansook mistreated her or if Eunha requested it, all support would be terminated immediately.

Biting her lip in frustration, Chansook thought to herself:

Let’s see how long you can live like this, Yeo Eunha.

Once Eunpyo died, she’d be nothing but an orphan, abandoned by the Jeil family without hesitation.
Sure, Do-hoon seemed sincere now, but if Se-hoon became the next heir, that would be the end of their connection.

So, Chansook decided she might as well play nice — act the part of a kind mother while she could.
And when Eunha eventually fell into ruin, she’d get the last laugh.

Feeling much better with that thought, Chansook finally signed the paper Do-hoon had given her.

“Fine. I’ll do it.”

“Then I’ll look forward to your proper treatment of my wife, Mother.”

Do-hoon’s final words drove the nail in.

Wedding preparations moved along smoothly. Since they had skipped the dowry, Eunha hadn’t even thought about jewelry or gifts.

Then one day, Do-hoon called her out — to a jewelry boutique.
It was a luxurious, high-end brand that clearly didn’t deal in ordinary wedding sets.

“Why are we here…?”

“Even if we skip everything else, we still need proper wedding jewelry.”

Eunha felt embarrassed to receive gifts from him when she couldn’t offer anything in return.

“I’m fine, really.”

But Do-hoon was adamant this time.

“You’re not seriously thinking of getting married without even a ring, are you? Especially as the future daughter-in-law of Jeil Group.”

“Ah…”

Of course, she could’ve picked out something simple, just for form’s sake —
but all the pieces the staff brought out were dazzlingly expensive, full jewelry sets with rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

“Pick whatever you like. Don’t think about the price.”

“I’d rather… have something simple.”

She truly meant it. A plain band ring would’ve been enough for her.

“That won’t do. We’ll take this one.”

In the end, Do-hoon chose for her — the most expensive and extravagant set they’d shown.
Eunha’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Do-hoon, that’s far too expensive.”

“This is nothing. If you can’t even handle this much, how do you expect to act as my wife — even if it’s a contract marriage?”

He meant she should carry herself like the wife of a conglomerate heir.

“…Alright. I’ll be more careful from now on.”

Eunha reluctantly accepted the jewelry. She told herself she’d keep it safe and return it after three years — that way, she could live with it.

“Things will get busier soon, so we’ll skip everything except the main ceremony.”

“Ah… okay.”

“But skipping even this would make it feel like we’re not getting married at all.”

Was he being considerate, thinking she might feel disappointed?
Even though this wasn’t a marriage born of love…

She hadn’t expected or wanted anything sentimental — yet he seemed to care.

“Thank you for being so thoughtful.”

Those were the only words she could manage, though many emotions passed through her heart.

After that, everything except the ceremony was truly omitted.
The honeymoon was adjusted to coincide with Do-hoon’s overseas business trip — to Las Vegas.

Even so, as the wedding day drew near, Eunha saw less and less of Do-hoon.
His work was already demanding, and taking time off for the wedding and honeymoon wasn’t easy.

As she spent more nights alone in the large house, his absence felt heavier.
She missed him — she was happy when he came home, and restless when he didn’t.

Then she caught herself and shook her head.

“Stop it. You and Do-hoon… are in a contract marriage. You shouldn’t be feeling like this.”

Finally, the wedding day arrived.

From early morning, they both got their hair and makeup done, dressed in wedding attire, and headed to the venue.

The news that the Jeil Group’s eldest grandson was marrying the daughter of a bankrupt food company had stirred quite the buzz.
Even though the ceremony was private, it drew immense public attention.

Eunha, usually composed, found herself trembling with nerves. She silently prayed for the day to pass peacefully.

“You don’t need to be so nervous. It’s a private event, and I’ve asked them to keep it short.”

“Yes.”

Part of her nervousness came from Do-hoon himself —
it was her first time seeing him in a tuxedo.

Since he’d been too busy to go with her for fittings, he had his done separately.
He looked incredible — no matter what he wore, his broad shoulders and handsome face drew every eye, but today he was breathtaking.

Eunha had never cared much about a man’s looks before, and she’d never been attracted to older men.
But somehow, since meeting Do-hoon, her standards had shifted.

She found herself preferring someone mature — someone like him.
Her peers didn’t even compare.

Of course, Do-hoon knew nothing of her feelings.
Eunha took deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart.

“You look beautiful today.”

Her heart started pounding again at his sudden compliment.
Come to think of it, this was the first time he’d seen her in a wedding dress.

“Thank you,” she replied, her voice trembling slightly.

“I heard you prepared everything with your mother-in-law?”

“Yes.”

Eunha had expected a lot of stress during the preparations —
after all, she and Chansook always clashed over the smallest things.

But strangely, this time Chansook agreed to everything she wanted without complaint.
The woman who used to nitpick every detail was suddenly cooperative — almost suspiciously so.

Thanks to that, the preparations went smoothly, and Eunha was grateful.

“Still, I should’ve been more involved. I couldn’t even go with you to pick the dress, or take you on the honeymoon you wanted. You must be disappointed.”