Chapter 58

The mere presence of Kanghwa Group’s elusive CEO and his wife was enough to capture the attention of everyone inside the art center.

“How did this happen? I heard you left early because of work today.”

“I’m busy, sure. But what could be more important than you?”

A short silence settled among the crowd, overwhelmed by Taeseok’s perfect looks and untouchable aura.

Amidst the flustered onlookers, Hyejeong and Hyemi’s cold gazes locked onto the backs of the couple being escorted out with practiced poise.

“He always pops up out of nowhere. That CEO really has a knack for catching people off guard,” Hyejeong muttered.

Next to her, Hyemi stood frozen, her body trembling slightly. As she recalled the admiring eyes directed toward Iseo, who had spoken so eloquently about the artwork, rage quietly bubbled up again.

“Mother, is something wrong?”

Jitae, who had briefly stepped away, sensed the shift in atmosphere and quickly asked Hyejeong.

“While you were in the restroom, CEO Han dropped by.”

“But isn’t he supposed to have a meeting with a foreign company today? He came here at this time?”

“He left with your wife.”

As she glanced at the stiffened Hyemi, Hyejeong urgently gestured at Jitae with her eyes.

“Well, we should get going too. We’re stopping by the exhibition and then heading to a wedding dress fitting.”

“Oh, I see! You should hurry then. I can’t wait to see how beautiful Hyemi looks in her dress. Just thinking about it is exciting.”

Hyemi, unresponsive to the conversation, clenched her teeth as her mind was filled with thoughts of Taeseok.

“What if a random article pops up because of this?”

Iseo wasn’t the only one startled by Taeseok’s sudden appearance. Her mind raced with worries—had they upset Hyejeong and Hyemi? Would people start talking about Taeseok?

“I came knowing this would get out eventually.”

“Still… I’m just worried it might cause problems for you.”

“I didn’t cheat on anyone. I simply showed up to see my wife at an exhibition. What’s the problem?”

At the parking lot, Taeseok extended his hand toward Iseo.

“Shall we go?”

“Go where?”

“Since it’s hard to find time these days, this worked out well. Let’s go on a date—been a while.”

The word “date” made Iseo’s heart flutter. Everything she did with him made her heart race.

“Let’s take a proper break. It’s the weekend, after all.”

“Then I should let someone know, at least.”

Just as she finished speaking, Taeseok took her phone and turned it off.

“I told your mother we’re going for a drive. That’s enough. I don’t want to be disturbed by anyone.”

A faint smile crossed Taeseok’s face—softer than the stern expression he’d worn inside the gallery.

The coldhearted man once known for being ruthless had softened significantly since meeting Iseo. His warmth and tenderness were reserved for her alone.

“How do you like the outfit? Do you like it?”

“When did you prepare all this? The clothes, the accessories—everything’s so beautiful.”

“I’m glad.”

A gentle breeze came through the slightly open window, tousling his hair and carrying his sweet scent through the air.

As she looked at his profile, Iseo’s chest stirred with emotion.

The changing colors of the trees along the street signaled that autumn had quietly arrived.

While Hyemi was in the fitting room trying on dresses, Jitae sat in a chair at the wedding boutique, waiting.

As time passed, he grew bored and flipped through a magazine, then idly played with his phone.

Soon after…

Hyemi emerged wearing a wedding dress.

True to her bold style, she had chosen a sheath dress that clearly outlined her voluptuous figure.

“I told you it wasn’t necessary to come.”

“Still, I should at least do my part. Wouldn’t want to hear complaints later.”

“How does it look, sir? The bride has such a beautiful figure that the dress fits her like a glove. Not everyone can pull off this design.”

As the manager gushed praise, a different image flickered through Jitae’s mind: Iseo in her wedding dress.

A completely different aura—elegant and graceful.

Hyemi had none of that. Still, the way her chest nearly spilled out and her hips flowed so smoothly made Jitae smirk.

“Not bad. Though it might be a bit much for the older guests.”

“I decide what I wear to my wedding.”

“Miss Kang, you seem to have forgotten—it’s my wedding too.”

Hyemi frowned deeply, while Jitae looked at her with a curious expression.

For an engaged couple, there was no trace of excitement, joy, or affection between them.

“Shall we finalize this dress then?”

“Yes. As I said yesterday, please make it as extravagant as possible, with real gemstones.”

“Of course.”

More glamorous and beautiful than anyone else in the world.

Even if the wedding was just for appearances, she wanted it to be a day everyone would envy.

As Hyemi returned in her regular clothes, Jitae walked up to her.

“We’re done here. Want to grab a meal together?”

“Did you just drop the formalities? All of a sudden?”

“Well, we’re getting married. Might as well practice.”

“Suit yourself. But I haven’t had much of an appetite lately. Let’s just get some tea—I have something to say.”

They moved to a nearby café.

Even with steaming cups before them, the atmosphere between them remained icy.

“So? What is it you wanted to say?”

“Let’s be clear. We both know this isn’t a love match.”

“I know, but hearing it out loud kinda stings.”

“You’re marrying me for the CEO seat at Kanghwa, and I expect something in return. A mutual-benefit relationship—that’s what I want.”

“What do you want? Surely not Han Taeseok—he’s already married.”

A twisted smile curved Jitae’s lips. He knew full well that Hyemi’s feelings for Taeseok weren’t love or longing, but obsession, anger, and hatred.

“Was what your grandmother said true? That whoever has a child first inherits the CEO position?”

“You know she’s not one to joke around. So? Planning to get pregnant as soon as we’re married?”

“No reason not to. If a child helps us meet our goals, then why not?”

“Then we’ll have to get a bit closer, won’t we? How about we start today?”

His gaze roamed over Hyemi’s body, making her brow twitch.

“Forget that. All I want from this marriage is one thing—Han Taeseok and Choi Iseo’s divorce.”

“I get Han Taeseok. But didn’t you once say Choi Iseo was a talented asset at NY Entertainment?”

“She is. And that’s the problem—his talented wife is her.”

What enraged Hyemi most was that the man she could never have had eyes only for Iseo.

She wanted to see that pure, graceful face crumble because of Han Taeseok.

“If we get both the CEO seat and their divorce, that’s a pretty good deal. But getting them to split up won’t be that easy.”

“Are you sure about that?”

As Hyemi sneered, Jitae’s gaze lingered on her with an odd glint.

Taeseok’s car came to a stop in front of a pension overlooking the river.

Early autumn had arrived after the monsoon season and heatwaves. Families and couples were scattered around, enjoying the weather.

Taeseok’s gaze fixed on a particular sight.

“Cute.”

“Sorry?”

“Over there.”

In the direction he indicated, a toddler who had just learned to walk was waddling and stumbling on the grass.

“You mean the little boy?”

“I never noticed before, but… he’s cute.”

“It’s kind of weird hearing you say that.”

Iseo laughed lightly, and Taeseok’s gaze lingered on her face.

“A daughter who looks like you might be even cuter.”

It was hard to take it as a joke—his tone was far too serious. Iseo’s face turned red.

“Don’t say things like that. You know our contract doesn’t include kids.”

“It doesn’t. But you never know.”

Then he took her hand in his.

“Shall we go inside? I came straight from work. I need to rest a bit.”

But his words about resting vanished the moment the pension door shut. His lips instantly covered hers in a deep kiss.

The suddenness left Iseo frozen in place.

Taeseok’s long fingers slid between hers, gripping her hand tightly.

As their hands locked, the gentle kisses grew deeper and more passionate.

“I thought you said you wanted to rest.”

Breathless, Iseo gently pushed him away, her hand on his firm chest feeling the quickened rhythm of his heartbeat.

“Didn’t you know? You are my rest.”

Cradling her head tenderly, Taeseok leaned in again, placing another soft kiss on her lips as her eyes slowly fluttered shut.