TBOE C6

Chapter 6

No—he wasn’t listening to her at all.

“And you and that kid will be living in a house I provide.”

“W-wait a moment. What do you mean—?!”

“And occasionally, you can share my bed as well.”

Had she misheard?

It was something her mind simply couldn’t process. To say such things without even the slightest change in expression…

“W-what did you say?”

“Honestly, that option appeals to me more.”

Shinwoo smiled languidly as he looked down at Yuri standing below him.

He had no intention of hiding the curiosity rising within him.

“Mr. Taeshinwoo!”

“Why? You can’t do it?”

His attitude, as if he were testing her, made anger surge up inside her.

But Yuri instinctively knew as well—

there was no such thing as further negotiation.

How could someone be this powerless?

It was miserable, but this was the reality she and Hope Orphanage were facing.

No matter how much she pleaded, begged, or even knelt, the moment she refused his terms, everything would be over.

Even if those terms were utterly unreasonable.

If she chose to protect her fragile pride and empty dignity and refused here, everything would unfold exactly as he had planned.

She would fail to protect the orphanage, fail to protect Yuhan, and could only watch helplessly.

The endless conflict and worry tormented her, making her head throb.

Honestly, she wanted to storm out immediately—but her feet wouldn’t move. Her desperate rationality restrained her impulsive instincts.

She didn’t want to admit it, but running away would only lead to a dead end.

Right now, Song Yuri had only one choice.

To accept his demand.

“Are you feeling wronged now that you have to sacrifice yourself alone?”

“….”

“Well, I wouldn’t mind if you just sent the kid instead.”

Not sent—taken.

Swallowing the words rising to her throat, Yuri glared at him.

“Your answer?”

“…You speak as if I actually have a choice.”

She knew.

Taking the hand he extended before her—even if it meant destroying herself—and silently enduring it.

That was the only thing she could do right now.

“…I’ll do it.”

Perhaps, in a way, it was fortunate. It was something she could resolve if she set her mind to it.

“I’ll do it.”

With determined eyes and voice, Yuri looked up at Shinwoo.

Her body would rot away once she died anyway. It wasn’t as if she had lived a life so precious to begin with.

If she could protect the orphanage and Yuhan, then breaking herself was a small price to pay.

Even so, unable to stop her trembling hands, Yuri clenched them tightly into fists.

“I’ll do whatever you say. So please… promise me that both the orphanage and Yuhan will be safe. No—put it clearly in the contract.”

“Hah.”

Though she didn’t want to admit it, Taeshinwoo was being rather lenient with her. Now that she understood why, she felt she could at least ask for this much.

“…I know you’re already being generous. If you wanted, taking Yuhan from me would be easier than taking candy from a child.”

So she could only appeal for that small, shallow mercy—no more, no less.

“Please… let me send Yuhan off properly until the very end.”

Seeing Yuri grant even his desires with such overwhelming selflessness, Shinwoo couldn’t stop the smile from slipping out.

That was exactly why he wanted to keep cornering her like a hunted rabbit.

He was curious—just how far could she endure?

“I’ll send a car soon. Get in and come.”

Despite her bold answer, Yuri’s face gradually turned pale.

“We should make sure your body fits first.”

Party B shall receive protection from Party A within the mutually agreed scope for their own benefit.
Party B shall comply with Party A’s requests at any time and place. However, Party A shall respect Party B as much as possible.
Party B shall take full responsibility for the daily care and emotional support of ‘Song Yuhan,’ and, following Party A’s instructions, actively handle all procedures and preparations necessary for overseas travel.
At Party B’s request, Party A shall postpone the closure of ‘Hope Orphanage’ for one year. If Party B faithfully fulfills this contract, Party A promises to provide or lease a new site for ‘Hope Orphanage.’

—Omitted—

The contract period shall be one year.
Even after the contract ends, Party B shall not disclose any contents of this contract or related matters to external parties. In case of violation, Party B shall bear the responsibility determined by Party A.

Seated at her desk, Yuri slowly reviewed the contract sent by Taeshinwoo’s side.

In other words, if she simply obeyed him, not only would she gain time to keep the orphanage open, but he would even provide a new home for it.

A lawyer was truly a lawyer.

The clauses were clear yet legally ambiguous in places, and despite his blatant declaration of wanting to take her, the terms themselves were surprisingly restrained.

[Party A: Taeshinwoo]
[Party B: Song Yuri]

A contract he had already signed and sent.

At first glance, there was nothing wrong with it. As long as she followed his orders, she could protect both Yuhan and the orphanage.

“…Ha.”

But both he and she knew that wasn’t all.

Which was why she couldn’t bring herself to sign.

“And occasionally, you can share my bed as well.”

Could she really endure what would happen after signing this contract?

A vague fear and anxiety shook her.

From the moment they first met, he had revealed his desires without the slightest hesitation.

That overwhelming, undeniable desire—

Even just meeting his gaze had made her feel her strength drain away.

Thinking back to how his eyes had openly scanned her body, her heart still pounded.

Though she had pretended to remain composed in front of him and accepted the contract, the truth was she had never even been in a relationship with a man—let alone kissed one.

Without even experiencing basic physical affection, she would have to share a bed with a man she had only met twice…

Well, it wasn’t as if she knew nothing about him.

“Lawyer Taeshinwoo…”

She knew his name and that he was a lawyer.

“Yuhan’s brother…”

And that he was Yuhan’s real blood relative, abandoned since birth.

“…Ha.”

Song Yuri, being held by such a man—it was hard to even imagine.

She placed the pen she had been holding onto the contract and let out a deep sigh.

Knock, knock.

At that moment, someone knocked on the door.

Startled by the sudden sound, Yuri hurriedly shoved the contract into a drawer.

“Y-yes!”

When she opened the door, Hee-young was standing there.

“What is it? Did something happen?”

Glancing at her wristwatch, Yuri asked anxiously.

At this late hour, whenever Hee-young came looking for her, it usually meant one of two things—either one of the children was sick, or some unexpected problem had occurred.

“What do you mean, ‘what happened’? Do I have to have a problem to come see you?”

Smiling, Hee-young lifted the bag in her hand.

“The kids are all asleep, so let’s have a drink. It’s been a while.”

“Oh my—how many did you buy?”

Contrary to her casual “just a drink,” the largest plastic bag was filled with cans of beer.

“When else would I get to drink with you? It’s fine, the kids are all asleep.”

With a playful grin, Hee-young set up a small table in the corner of Yuri’s room. Watching her bold friend, Yuri chuckled softly and took a can.

Perhaps thanks to Hee-young, who always lightened the mood, the anxiety filling her chest slowly began to ease.

As they chatted with faint smiles forming on their lips—

“Are you okay?”

Hee-young asked gently while sipping her beer.

“…What do you mean?”