Chapter 45

Aesook’s gaze was fixed on Iseo’s nimble fingers as she expertly prepared the food with practiced ease.

Without any special recipes, she swiftly made side dishes, fried jeon, and boiled stew.

“Young Madam, when did you learn to cook like this?”

“I’m just mimicking really. I still have a long way to go.”

“The seasoning is just right, and everything’s full of flavor. You’ve got some real skill.”

“I think I picked it up naturally. My mom worked a lot when I was young, so I often had to cook for myself. But I still only know how to make simple dishes, so please teach me more from now on.”

Iseo’s bright smile bore a faint resemblance to Taeseok’s birth mother.

For a brief moment, as Aesook looked at her, the gentle and delicate image of the late Madam flashed over Iseo’s beautiful face, making her nose sting with emotion.

“Chairman will realize soon that you’re a good person, so don’t let it upset you too much.”

“Thank you… for saying I’m a good person.”

“There’s no doubt both you and the President are warm and kind people. People who don’t know him might think he’s cold and stern, but that’s only on the surface. He has a truly warm heart. He resembles his late mother a lot, both in looks and personality.”

If only Taeseok’s mother were still alive—would things have been different?

A faint, wistful smile appeared on Iseo’s lips as that thought crossed her mind.

“I’ve been rambling, haven’t I? I guess that happens when you get older.”

“Not at all. To be honest, I’ve always been curious about what his mother was like.”

With Iseo’s touch combined with Aesook’s skill, the table was soon filled with beautifully prepared dishes.

“Since you’re moving into the third floor today, I tried to tidy it up a bit, though I’m not sure it’s to your liking. The meal is ready, so why don’t you go rest for a while?”

“I should be the one doing all this… Thank you so much for everything.”

When Iseo climbed the stairs and opened the door, she was met with a spacious room where the remodeling had been completed. The bed and furniture were neatly arranged.

A faint smile formed on Iseo’s face as she looked at the vibrant sunflowers in the vase on the console.

She quietly approached and touched the petals. Her heart swelled with emotions she couldn’t name.

The sunlight streaming through the glass wall and the subtle, sweet fragrance in the room seemed to soothe her tense nerves.

As she stepped closer to the window, she saw the expansive garden filled with blooming flowers and lush green trees in full summer glory.

The breathtaking view was entirely different from the one seen from the annex—so stunning that a soft gasp escaped her lips.

She imagined living here every day, surrounded by such beauty.

That thought reminded her again of the vast distance between her and Taeseok, who had lived such a different life from her own.

The water jetting from the fountain along the garden path sparkled under the sunlight, resembling the shimmering sea she had once seen with Soonyoung as a child.

Iseo stood by the window, unable to take her eyes off it.

Her gaze slowly shifted to the wedding photo hanging on the wall.

A perfect man. Even in a tuxedo, he was strikingly handsome. Standing beside him in a wedding dress was herself, yet that version of her felt like a stranger.

Unlike the beaming smile in the photo, a strange loneliness welled up in her chest.

Just as she was about to turn away from the photo—

“Do you like it?”

Startled by the sudden voice, Iseo turned around. Taeseok was leaning casually and gazing at her, his eyes as radiant and dazzling as the blooming sunflowers.

“Why are you here so early?”

“Did you forget? We’re newlyweds.”

His casual words made Iseo’s cheeks flush red.

“Then what about you? Why’d you come home early?”

“Well, I was out late last night for the team dinner…”

Before she could finish, Taeseok took her hand. The warmth of his grasp spread through her.

It was a clear, cloudless day. The breeze coming through the half-open window made the white curtains dance like waves.

“What if someone sees?”

“So what if they do?”

Sometimes, Taeseok acted like he forgot their relationship was just a contract. His overzealous “husband act” often left Iseo flustered.

“I had them downsize the bed a little. What do you think?”

When Iseo swallowed hard, a chuckle escaped Taeseok’s lips.

“Since I’m early, maybe I’ll just lie down on the bed for a bit.”

“Are you tired? It’s not mealtime yet, so if you are, go wash up and rest for a bit.”

“I meant, let’s rest together.”

Taeseok leaned in close enough that their faces almost touched. Startled, Iseo’s hand landed right on his firm chest.

With only a thin shirt between them, she could feel the sculpted muscles underneath.

Their hearts beat wildly, indistinguishable from each other.

“Did you forget? This isn’t the private annex anymore.”

“So?”

“So we need to be more careful now.”

“What are you imagining?”

His teasing expression made Iseo blush furiously.

“From the look on your face, I’d say we’re thinking the same thing.”

Flustered, Iseo tried to push him away, but Taeseok pulled her into his arms even tighter.

Her delicate waist fit perfectly into his large hands.

“Am I the only one feeling this? I’ve been thinking about you all day.”

His eyes never left hers, his voice like melting honey, making her chest burn.

He gently lifted her chin and drew her gaze back to him.

“Do you know…”

Iseo’s fingers clutched his shirt unknowingly.

“…when you look at me like that, I want to kiss you.”

And then—he did.

Their lips met suddenly, and the heat of their breath filled the space between them.

Before she could react, he deepened the kiss. His warmth enveloped her, making her knees weak. As she nearly collapsed, Taeseok wrapped his arms tightly around her.

What started as a gentle kiss quickly turned passionate. Holding her head firmly, Taeseok’s lips explored hers with fierce hunger.

Despite his aggressive movement, his lips were devastatingly soft and hot.

Just as Iseo was beginning to feel dizzy from the intensity, a tingling sensation ran through her lower belly, and she quickly stepped back.

Even after they parted, the sweet, familiar scent of him lingered on her lips.

Taeseok stepped forward again and lightly ran a finger over her moist lips.

Even the light touch made her tremble slightly. She tried to hide it, but her body had already responded to him.

But it wasn’t just Iseo who was startled by the heat between them.

Desire, hunger—Taeseok was consumed with wanting all of her. The line between contract and reality had started to blur. The more time passed, the deeper his feelings grew.

“I told you… we’re not alone here.”

“Yeah, and now I’m regretting it. Maybe I shouldn’t have come in.”

Taeseok smiled, his eyes deeper and more tender than ever.

* * *

Hyejeong arrived a little earlier than usual and headed to the dining room.

As she stepped inside, her eyes fell on the neatly arranged array of dishes on the table.

“What is all this? Namul, jeon… Looks like things are different with Madam Go back. You could smell the delicious food all the way outside.”

“Young Madam prepared all of tonight’s dinner. She came early, finished everything, and then went up to the third floor to rest.”

“She can cook, huh?”

“She’s so good with her hands, it might even taste better than what I make.”

Hyejeong smirked as she surveyed the food Iseo had made.

“She’s from a different kind of family. If she didn’t cook for herself, she probably went hungry. I’m sure she grew up learning how to manage like that. She’s good at it—maybe we should tell her to quit the company and just be a homemaker.”

“Well, cooking talent can be inherited. I wouldn’t be surprised if her mother was a great cook too. Anyway, it’s nearly dinner time. You should go wash up, Madam.”

As Aesook turned away after finishing her words, Hyejeong’s cold gaze followed her.

It wasn’t enough that she had doted on Taeseok’s birth mother—now she was fussing over Iseo too.

Grinding her teeth, Hyejeong walked toward the second floor. Just as she reached for the doorknob—

Taeseok and Iseo’s voices rang clearly in her ears.

“Give it to me.”

“Take it if you can.”

“Are you going to keep doing this?”

“It’s a gift. Shouldn’t you at least try it on?”

“H-How can I wear that? It’s called pajamas, but it’s practically lingerie.”

“Exactly. That’s why I want you to take it.”

Their voices echoed loudly through the room. From the crack in the half-open door, Hyejeong could hear every word—and her brow began to twitch.