Chapter 10
“My heart just skipped a beat.”
“Pardon?”
“If this were real, I’d be thinking: does a man like this really exist in the world? But… Mr. Joo?”
Gaeun furrowed her brow and asked.
“Go ahead,” Seokjin replied.
“Wouldn’t your family oppose me? Usually, in those circles, they—well, you know—people marry within their own kind. Things must be chaotic at your place right now.”
“Thanks to your situation, things have become somewhat easier,” Seokjin said.
“My situation?”
Gaeun didn’t understand how her own circumstances could be helpful. Seokjin began explaining for her benefit, seeing her still furrowed brow.
“Your being unemployed actually works in my favor. People always appreciate certain things, no matter the era—genuine love.”
“Huh?”
“I’ve created an image of loving one woman, without caring for her background or status. And according to the Joo Shin Economic Research Institute, that image could boost Joo Shin Retail’s stock… even increase sales.”
An economic research institute studying a scandal? How absurd. Clearly, this was a strange world. Gaeun resolved to accumulate small amounts of money quickly and get out of this as soon as possible. If just dating her warranted research, her every action in a marriage would become a case study.
“Should I consider that fortunate? I half expected your parents to visit me, hand me a money envelope, and ask me to break it off.”
“My parents aren’t the type to spend money like that.”
“That’s disappointing news. I would have pretended to resist while secretly taking it.”
“Is money that appealing to you?”
“Who doesn’t like money?”
Rich Seokjin could never understand. He would never grasp that happiness could be bought with money. Gaeun’s parents had worked tirelessly, yet her family never seemed affluent. She had to contribute from part-time jobs just to cover tuition, and even when dining out, the first thing she checked was the price on the menu.
“I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like money.”
“Mr. Joo, do you know what I’ve always wanted most?”
“What is it?”
“To walk into a department store and pick out something I like without checking the price—and pay in full without a second thought.”
Every night after work, walking past the darkened department store, Gaeun imagined that day when she could pick out what she wanted and pay without hesitation. That dream gave her strength.
“So, when you proposed, I almost wavered. I thought: if I’m with this man, I won’t have to worry about money.”
“That’s the only thing I can promise you,” Seokjin said.
“That’s enough. For us, money is the only certainty we need. But you’re not thinking we can’t get divorced afterward, right?”
“For the time being.”
“I’d like it done as soon as possible.”
Seokjin’s eyebrows arched slightly. Was he displeased that she spoke of divorce immediately after agreeing to marriage? It didn’t matter. This was a transaction, and transactions are best conducted with clarity.
“How soon are we talking?”
“When my energy is at its peak.”
“…You’re not aiming for a lifelong arrangement, I take it?”
“Lifelong arrangement? How dreadful… Mr. Joo, I want to earn enough money to pamper my mother, lounge on a Maldives beach, and flirt with handsome men.”
Gaeun winked at him. From now on, she planned to perform the perfect wife role so flawlessly that even Seokjin would be impressed—entirely for that dream.
Even in a contractual arrangement, Gaeun’s casual talk of flirting with another man on a beach after divorce was bold. But she needed such a goal to survive extreme circumstances.
‘I raised you without sharing a drop of blood, and this is how you turn out…’
‘Enough. If the third child outperforms his older brothers, it’ll look ridiculous.’
‘Sir, you must have a spouse who matches your status—that’s how we stay comfortable.’
From her mother, to his brothers and sisters-in-law, everyone lived like predators disguised in polite words. Outwardly, they were a harmonious family; in private, they sharpened knives against each other. Seokjin’s primary reason for vowing never to marry for love was precisely his family.
“I hope I can be of considerable help with that plan.”
“So, let’s start by setting the base salary. Other allowances I’ll experience firsthand and then decide… How does that sound?”
“Sounds good. But are you sensitive to words like ‘salary’ and ‘allowance’? You seem to mention money a lot.”
Money was hers to give. Yet why did he hesitate to give it to her easily? The thought of her laughing with another man using his money felt strangely unsettling.
“What else is there between us besides money? This isn’t about love, nor about fitting conditions.”
“Of course, but…”
“I only need to receive money reliably, and you can achieve what you want with my support.”
She was even more business-minded than Seokjin himself.
“Then I look forward to working with you.”
“Yes, sir. Just give me orders.”
“Anything?”
“Of course. But first, let’s settle the money.”
Gaeun held out her hands. She was meticulous about accounts. Seokjin felt a rare, pleasant certainty: this woman might just be his perfect match.
At the airport, Gaeun pulled out sunglasses and put them on. Seokjin tilted his head in curiosity.
“Why the sunglasses?”
“People will stare when we go out. I need to hide my face.”
Her face was known only to a few, but now it circulated online. She wanted to keep a low profile.
“No need to worry.”
“How can I not worry with so many people here?”
“We’re landing at the Business Aviation Center.”
Business Aviation Center? Isn’t that part of the airport? Gaeun tilted her head.
“It’s a private terminal; you won’t bump into anyone.”
Relieved, she removed her sunglasses. Finally, she wouldn’t have to fear curious stares.
“And few people remember your face accurately. You appear differently in real life than in photos.”
“What? Different? But I’m prettier in person.”
“In any case, no need to hide yourself.”
Despite the relief, she felt oddly unsettled.
They left the airport quickly and got into the car where Secretary Tak was waiting.
“I could take a taxi.”
“You mean separately?”
“Yes. Our destinations differ.”
She didn’t want to tire Secretary Tak with extra stops after his frequent trips between Seoul and Bangkok.
“Different destinations?”
“Yes. You go home; Mr. Joo goes to his.”
“We’re going to your house first,” Seokjin said.
“My house? Why?”
She paused. Could it be…
“We should get your mother’s approval first.”
“Now? Immediately upon arrival?”
“She must have been surprised too. We should explain and ask her consent together.”
“…That makes sense.”
Better to go together than to have her explain alone. But was it really appropriate to show up unannounced?
“Sir, as instructed, I’ve already informed her in advance,” Secretary Tak said.
“Thank you, Secretary Tak,” Gaeun said with a smile. Seokjin muttered under his breath, gruffly.
“The one thanking seems mistaken…”
“Yes, yes, sir. I’m eternally grateful, I could even shout hurrah for you.”
“Then do it.”
“Eh?”
Joking with someone who takes it seriously was a mistake. Gaeun looked at Seokjin, wondering if she really had to.
From the driver’s seat came a chuckle. Seokjin frowned slightly.
“Ah, sorry. Something amusing happened earlier today; I was just thinking about it.”
“Laughing is fine. Secretary Tak, does Mr. Joo scold you when you laugh?”
“Gaeun…”
“Sir, this is an extremely important question.”
“Why is it important?”
“Because an employer who loses their temper at any moment is problematic.”
“Our boss isn’t like that.”
Secretary Tak quickly tried to smooth the situation. But Gaeun, determined to assert herself, folded her arms and stared at Seokjin. His gaze was just as firm.
“Gaeun.”
“Yes, Mr. Joo?”
“I hold the superior position in this contract, as the one providing the allowance.”
“And?”
“I’ve told you several times I don’t like jokes.”
“That’s true. But Mr. Joo?”
Gaeun smiled faintly, calling him by name. His eyes narrowed.
“Why do you think I’m in the superior position? What if I decide to cancel this marriage?”
“An oral agreement is still a contract.”
“I know. I just want clarity—who holds the authority.”
The next chapter awaited.
