CHAPTER 30……………………………………………….
“…Yes.”
But inside, it didn’t disappear so easily. Every word Serin had said left a small scratch somewhere in her heart.
Serin had clearly done it on purpose. To show that she was a better fit. And to provoke Hana.
Hana’s gaze dropped casually to the floor. The only sound was the soft swish of high heels against the carpet.
When she reached the table, Geonwoo pulled out a chair and gestured toward Hana.
“Sit.”
Hana gave a small nod and sat down. Some dignitaries were already at the table—business figures with connections to the Ilju Group.
Their conversation was filled with familiar laughter and greetings, and Geonwoo naturally blended into the flow.
While simple pleasantries passed around, Hana quietly lifted her glass of water. The cold water trickled down her throat, but strangely, her thirst didn’t go away.
Hana lifted her head and looked around the banquet hall. A grand chandelier scattered light across the ceiling, and soft music floated from various corners.
It was gorgeous, yet somehow unfamiliar and cold.
Then, the lighting gradually dimmed.
The murmurs in the hall momentarily quieted. Spotlights lit up the stage, and the host’s voice echoed.
“Good evening. Welcome to the Hansung Cultural Foundation sponsorship dinner.”
Gentle applause filled the hall. Only then did Hana exhale, as if releasing some tension.
The dinner had begun.
As the dinner started, waiters moved through the hall with precision. Appetizers were placed on the tables one by one.
Thinly sliced salmon carpaccio gleamed faintly with olive oil, and foie gras terrine stimulated the palate with its rich aroma.
Next came risotto infused with truffle scent, and the hall quickly filled with the rich aroma of butter and savory mushrooms.
Everyone lowered their heads and focused on their meals. The soft clinking of forks and knives could be heard.
But Hana remained unusually quiet.
She stared at her plate for a long while, then carefully cut a small piece of salmon and took a bite.
It should have melted softly in her mouth, but no sensation came. A strange fishy taste lingered on her tongue.
She had no appetite. Her conversation with Serin kept circling in her mind, and she was distracted by the way Serin had looked at Geonwoo.
“Aren’t you eating?”
Hearing Geonwoo’s voice, Hana lifted her head. He had set down his utensils and was watching her.
His gaze was casual, but there was a subtle hint of concern within it.
“…I’m eating.”
Hana forced a smile and answered. Then she picked up her fork and took a bite of the risotto.
But even the sensation of chewing felt meaningless. The aroma in her mouth seemed distant and disconnected.
Geonwoo watched her quietly, then called a waiter without saying a word.
“Bring some more bread, please.”
“Yes, of course.”
A moment later, the waiter brought a basket of warm bread. Geonwoo took one and placed it on Hana’s plate.
“If you don’t have an appetite, at least have some bread. I know you’re not really a fan of salmon.”
Hana looked at him, surprised. She hadn’t expected him to remember that she didn’t like salmon.
He seemed completely uninterested in her preferences or moods, yet he remembered this small detail.
“…Yes.”
Hana quietly replied and broke off a small piece of bread. Its rich aroma spread, but she still had no appetite.
“Drink some water too.”
Geonwoo pushed a glass toward her. His tone wasn’t warm—it was neutral, almost habitual.
Yet somehow, it carried a subtle, unspoken care that was hard to explain.
Hana lifted the glass and took a small sip. The cold water slid down her throat, briefly cooling the tightness in her chest.
Setting the glass down, she glanced around.
Some clinked their glasses in a toast, while others exchanged business cards discreetly.
Luxurious music flowed, and the scent of wine filled the air.
Beside her, Geonwoo was already talking to others. His voice, low and calm, discussed investments with a second-generation conglomerate heir at a neighboring table.
Hana slowly swirled her wine glass and glanced at him. He looked every bit the perfect businessman. His eyes were relaxed, and the corners of his mouth curved gently.
Then a voice came from beside her.
“Hello.”
Hana turned her head, startled. A neatly middle-aged woman, hair tied back, was smiling at her.
Pearl earrings and a thin gold necklace sparkled under the lights. She carried a composed yet confident aura.
“Oh, hello.”
Hana quickly straightened her posture and greeted her.
“You’re the executive director of Seoga Food, right? So young, and truly impressive.”
“Oh, no. I’m still learning a lot.”
Hana responded politely.
“I heard the new product launch went well. You led that project yourself, right?”
“Yes, thanks to everyone’s hard work, it’s received a good response.”
Hana forced a smile. The woman’s tone held a subtle competitive edge beneath curiosity—like she was trying to gauge why someone so young was in that position.
“When did you marry President Jung?”
The woman lifted her wine glass.
“Two years ago.”
“Was it a love marriage?”
Hana froze for a moment. Her expression hardened.
A couple married for love—this was, at the very least, a story far removed from her own life. In the business world, it was openly known that Geonwoo Jung’s marriage was strategic, a matter of agreement.
There was no way this woman didn’t know.
Yet she asked anyway—either out of curiosity or as a test.
Hana forced another smile.
Just as she opened her mouth to answer, a familiar voice interjected.
“Yes. I liked her first.”
It was Geonwoo.
He naturally wrapped up the conversation at the neighboring table and leaned toward Hana with a softer expression.
At that moment, everyone around them burst into laughter.
“Oh my, really? That’s different from the rumors.”
“As expected of President Jung. Straightforward, huh?”
“You two look perfect together.”
Glasses clinked, laughter mingled. Hana smiled awkwardly and lifted her glass.
Geonwoo sipped his wine casually. His gaze was calm, and his smile flawless.
The ease of his expression was almost unfamiliar, and for a moment, Hana thought he looked genuinely sincere.
Soon after, the waiters brought the main course.
A thick steak was topped with melting butter, with lobster and colorful roasted vegetables neatly arranged beside it.
Even the aroma alone could whet anyone’s appetite, but Hana had no strength in her hands.
“Eat quickly.”
Geonwoo said casually. Hana picked up her knife and fork and began cutting the steak, but her arms lacked strength, making it difficult.
The knife stuck in the meat and wouldn’t move. Hana pressed harder, and the fork slipped with a clatter.
Geonwoo lowered his gaze briefly at her.
Without a word, he picked up his plate and placed it in front of her. The meat was already cut into bite-sized pieces.
Hana shook her head in embarrassment.
“…It’s okay.”
But Geonwoo didn’t listen.
He silently pulled her plate closer, then began cutting the meat with practiced skill. His expression remained unchanged.
“President Jung, you’re really kind.”
Someone nearby laughed.
“A rare sight these days—such a considerate couple.”
“Yeah, really envious.”
All eyes were on the two of them. Hana’s face flushed.
