CHAPTER 18…………………………………
“Director, it’s time for you to leave.”
“Ah, is it that late already?”
Hyeokjin glanced at his wristwatch and hurried to his feet.
“I have an important meeting, so I’ll have to get going.”
His voice carried a faint note of reluctance.
As he turned away, he looked back at Seoyoung, who had also risen from her seat.
“Just in case— even if you’re not feeling sick, make sure you stop by the hospital. I heard some people get health checkups before getting married, so it might be a good idea to do one.”
“Yes, I will.”
Surprised by the unexpected gentleness in Hyeokjin’s tone, Seoyoung blinked, then smiled softly, clearly pleased.
Even though it was a contract marriage, it felt strangely like they were becoming a real couple.
For the first time since her parents passed away, she felt like there was someone taking care of her, and with that thought she figured… a contract marriage might not be such a bad thing after all.
A few days later.
Seoyoung visited a salon in Cheongdam-dong.
Her long hair, usually tied neatly, was let down today—she was determined to transform herself.
“Give me big waves, and please make the makeup bright and glamorous.”
There was a gathering that the third-generation chaebols—people like Hyeokjin—sometimes attended.
Now that she had joined as the newly found granddaughter of the Shinhwa Group, she too could technically be considered third-generation chaebol, but she had never attended before.
She had never been invited, and she had never wanted to show up unannounced.
Having lived an ordinary life until adulthood, she knew she wouldn’t blend in easily, and she had no time to catch up to her highly educated cousins.
But things were different now.
They had announced her marriage to the grandson of the Hanho Group. As his future wife, it was an appearance she couldn’t avoid.
She couldn’t show up as some sudden Cinderella—she needed to walk in as the main character.
Looking at the unfamiliar woman in the mirror, Seoyoung curled her fist slightly.
If I’m going anyway, I should make sure I show them who I am from the beginning.
When the director stepped back, satisfied with her work, even the assistant stylist sparkled with excitement.
“Director, you look stunning.”
“You could be a model with this look.”
The compliments piled up.
Then a staff member hurried toward her.
“Executive Director Cha Hyeokjin has arrived. He said you can come down whenever you’re ready.”
“Thank you. And thank you all for your work.”
Seoyoung smiled gracefully and stood up.
The evening dress felt unfamiliar, but she pretended to be used to it and walked slowly.
A black limousine stopped in front of a luxurious private membership club.
Hyeokjin stepped out first, opened the passenger door, and offered his hand to her.
“Feeling awkward?”
Seeing how tense she was, he let out a soft chuckle.
Her hair, once tied tightly, now cascaded down her back in big waves. The pearl-ivory dress hugged her figure, highlighting her slender frame.
With her height and the stilettos she wore, she looked like an actress stepping onto a red carpet.
Hyeokjin silently let out a short breath.
He knew she was pretty, but dressed up like this, she looked like a completely different person.
Her usual cool, guarded expression combined with this polished elegance drew every eye.
But to him, her unexpectedly shy sides made her all the more endearing.
And yet she’s clueless when it comes to romance?
Seeing how much effort she had put in today, he held back a laugh.
Contrary to his original intention when he agreed to the contract, he found himself liking her more and more.
I really am lucky, aren’t I?
Everything he touched always turned out well—so he considered Seoyoung’s arrival in his life just another form of his luck.
Seoyoung whispered with an awkward smile.
“This is my first time at something like this, so I’m a little nervous.”
Although her expression was calm, Hyeokjin finally noticed the faint tremble in her fingertips.
“If you’re uncomfortable, just tell me anytime. There are some annoying people here, so stick close to me if you can.”
He naturally took her arm and linked it with his. The intimate gesture made her eyes widen.
“We went as far as doing an interview saying we’re getting married because we love each other—this much is the least I can do, don’t you think?”
He winked with a gentle smile.
With that handsome smile softening his features, Seoyoung felt her heart flutter.
His thoughtfulness eased her tension more than a little.
Inside the lounge, the first thing she noticed was the sophisticated interior, complete with a towering high ceiling.
Soft jazz filled the air, while women in glamorous dresses showcased their figures as they sipped their drinks.
A number of recognizable third-generation chaebols mingled around.
Some were receiving drinks from a bartender at the mini-bar, others moved their bodies to the beat—clearly, the party had already begun.
When the two entered, the people inside collectively turned to look.
“Oh—so we finally get to see Cha Hyeokjin’s woman?”
“That’s the girl from the magazine? She looks totally different in person.”
The men watched with intrigued eyes; the women shot sharp or curious looks.
Quite a few of them scanned Seoyoung from head to toe.
Tall, long-legged—she looked like a model on a runway.
Her cool expression and the aura that didn’t lose to anyone else drew even more attention as people began approaching.
Seoyoung swallowed subtly and lifted the ends of her lips.
They called it a social gathering, but it was still a jungle where people tried to tear each other apart.
No need to be scared. This is just business too.
She put on the mask she always wore when dealing with clients.
Her expression eased, but her heart stayed tense.
Noticing the tightening grip on his arm, Hyeokjin released her arm only to place his hand around her shoulder instead.
His warm touch eased her tension again.
“Good to see everyone.”
He lifted his hand slightly in greeting as familiar faces approached.
His affectionate posture with Seoyoung drew more eyes their way.
The bright smile he flashed at his friends made him look exactly like a groom-to-be.
“Wow, you two look great together. How did you manage to snag that stone-hearted Cha Hyeokjin, Miss Seoyoung?”
“So many women tried throwing themselves at him, but this is the first time he’s brought someone as his partner, right?”
“People were even saying he might be gay.”
The last comment, half joked, made Seoyoung flinch.
She held her head still, resisting the urge to glance at Hyeokjin.
It was something she had once doubted too, so the remark threw her off momentarily— but she quickly put on a perfectly polite, businesslike smile.
“Of course not. I don’t know how that misunderstanding started. He’s… very passionate.”
With a subtle implication, she deliberately leaned her head against his chest, showing affection.
She couldn’t give anyone a reason to suspect their marriage was a contract.
So she acted even more affectionately than usual.
Caught off guard by her sudden boldness—especially since she usually stiffened at physical contact—Hyeokjin’s eyes widened.
But understanding her intention, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder tighter and looked at her with warm eyes.
The sweet exchange brought laughter from the people around them.
“Haha. Seeing Miss Seoyoung today finally makes it real—Hyeokjin is actually getting married. Congratulations to both of you.”
Taehun, the third-generation heir of the Yangsan Group and a close friend of Hyeokjin, smiled brightly.
Then congratulations followed from several others.
At that moment—accompanied by sharp clicks of high heels—a woman with bright red lipstick approached.
She slowly scanned Seoyoung up and down before smirking.
“For someone with that face, your body’s not bad. Did you seduce him with that?”
Her voice was low, but loud enough for Seoyoung to hear clearly.
