PR 26🔐

Chapter 26 ….

“Is there anything special I need to do today?”

Sehee continued in as calm a tone as she could muster.

“I know I’m not what you’d call a typical wife. I also understand there’s a role I’m supposed to play in front of others.”

She was asking whether she needed to become an example to show the fate of a betrayer in a pitiful state, or if she simply had to maintain her dignity.

There had to be a reason Chaido had brought her out here deliberately.

“Just stay as my wife.”

Chaido took a small box from his jacket and placed a ring on Sehee’s fourth finger.

It was an act so dry and matter-of-fact it almost felt emotionless.

Sehee, staring silently at Chaido as she took in the gleaming metal, felt slightly closer to him than usual since she was wearing high heels.

Perhaps that’s why, no matter how hard she tried not to look, her eyes kept catching the scar etched beneath his brow.

“…What…”

Her slightly curled fingers brushed against her lower lip. She swallowed sharply at the light contact. Her lips, freshly coated with bright red lipstick, trembled from tension.

The confined space intensified his scent, stronger than usual. Her heart seemed to fall faster than the elevator descended.

His steady gaze carried an inexplicable force—detached yet intensely sensual. Just holding that gaze made her feel as if they had already shared an intimate connection.

“Much better now.”

Chaido slowly wiped Sehee’s lips with his own, removing a layer of lipstick. A faint, amused smile brushed across his mouth as he watched her flustered reaction.

Sehee staggered slightly, pressing her high heels against the floor.

Her attempt to appear composed failed; her legs weakened. A tremor—whether real or feigned—pounded at her heart and dissipated.

As if nothing had happened, Chaido stepped back, and at the same moment, the elevator doors opened.

Sehee closed and opened her eyelids slowly.

She could barely make out the figure of Director Lee waiting outside. Exhaling the breath that had filled her chest, she realized she was fully prepared to become Chaido’s perfect wife.

The long congratulatory speech and awards ceremony concluded, and Chairman Cha Jae-seok took the stage looking perfectly composed, raising a toast.

She couldn’t remember a single word he had said. Lost in thought, she clapped along when others did, pretending to join in.

A famous announcer she had seen on the screen was hosting the event, and cameras were set up everywhere.

She wanted to grab someone and shout, “My family is still alive! Just keep looking a little longer!”—but she knew this wasn’t the opportunity Chaido had given her for that.

Suppressing the sudden impulses made her pulse race anxiously. She had to use the situation wisely.

Finally catching her breath, Sehee slipped off her uncomfortable shoes and put them back on, scanning her surroundings.

Among the sea of Chaido’s people, she couldn’t find anyone who would lend her support.

Song Nayeon, tucked into a corner, seemed only to be waiting for a chance to speak with Chaido. Fortunately, the prosecutor Kang and the red-haired woman she had met before were nowhere to be seen.

She wasn’t used to events like this in Korea. Her father, a strict adherent of mystique, never displayed family at any public event. Such occasions were ripe for criticism. Sehee’s mother had handled the rare unavoidable exposure the same way. They had lived severed from neighbors, acquaintances, and even relatives.

Suppressing her discomfort, Sehee turned her gaze in the opposite direction.

Chaido was conversing easily with others. His naturally polite and solid demeanor effortlessly garnered goodwill, as always.

His handsome face and deep, resonant voice inspired trust with little effort.

“This is my first proper introduction. I’m Lee Woo-seok. Nice to meet you, madam.”

Director Lee approached, carrying a few pieces of dessert and non-alcoholic champagne. Sehee nodded slightly, quietly accepting the plate he offered.

She had never expected help from him, so she had paid little attention. He clearly wasn’t the type to betray anyone.

In his late twenties, with a steady gaze, he looked like a true follower of Chaido.

“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you.”

Sehee replied with a calm smile, turning her eyes elsewhere. Noticing her talking with Director Lee, Chaido gave a subtle glance.

At his slight signal, the people gathered around all looked toward her. Startled, she instinctively straightened and rose from her seat.

“Sorry for the late introduction.”

As he slowly approached, Chaido reached for her hand.

“So, this is the famous Yoo Se-hee. It’s a pleasure. Your reputation precedes you.”

A cheerful middle-aged woman’s voice added.

“Hel…lo…”

But Sehee’s gaze froze, not on the woman, but on a man standing beside Chaido in a green tie.

Their eyes met, and her heart dropped, almost making her gasp.

“I heard about Prosecutor Yoo. You must have been devastated.”

The woman’s comforting words didn’t register at all. Sehee’s eyes, unsteady and scattered, betrayed her composure.

“If anything happens, find this man.”

Though she had lost the business card her father had given her, she remembered his face clearly.

Choi Kyung-soo.

A lawyer who frequented her house, growing close with her father. She had exchanged greetings with him once or twice in the garden.

She couldn’t understand why he was here.

Had he been on Chaido’s side all along, or had he infiltrated deliberately to help her?

Sehee briefly lost control of her expression, then turned her gaze elsewhere. Her heart pounded, but she forced herself not to show it.

“You’ve got such a beautiful wife, and Chairman Cha looks much healthier. That’s reassuring.”

The woman’s flattering remarks about how Cha Jae-seok’s small office business grew into a 40th anniversary event carried on, shifting the attention of those nearby.

No one mocked Sehee or spoke carelessly of Prosecutor Yoo, perhaps aware of what had happened at Chaido’s mansion previously.

“It’s unfortunate about the solar energy project, but Haegang has plenty of other opportunities anyway.”

Sehee’s gaze holding the champagne met Choi Kyung-soo again. He seemed about to speak but appeared constrained by the circumstances.

“Attorney Choi will also be very helpful here.”

Through his hand rubbing his brow, he sent a firm signal that left no doubt—he was here for her.

A sudden tension gripped her fingers, a burning thirst rising. What did he want to say? Could following him lead her to her father?

“Just stay as my wife.”

No. Chaido never said anything without purpose. This was a clear hint, an instruction.

Sehee’s task at this event was simple: she only needed to exist as Chaido’s wife. She should not seek help unnecessarily or speak with others separately.

Memories of the vast amount of information in Chaido’s study came to mind. There was no way Chaido had summoned this man without knowing his identity. Perhaps he was testing her.

“I see it as a blessing in disguise. Don’t you, Attorney?”

Sehee, adorned in her elegant outfit, stood closer to Chaido and subtly shook her head at the man—signaling that now was not the time.

Winning Chaido’s heart would take time. She could not yet be certain of her own value.

“Tired?”

Chaido’s quiet voice reminded her of the long-forgotten, persistent ache in her ankle.

“…My feet… a bit…”

Whether feigned or not, his gaze softened toward her.

She didn’t want to think too hard just yet. She simply wanted to enjoy the comfort Chaido provided—food, sleep, and the pleasures he offered.

“Pity. I wanted to eat together and go for a walk too.”

After hours of events and facing people, Chaido showed no sign of fatigue.

“Let’s go home. I want to rest.”

Sehee placed her hand on Chaido’s arm.

Once they got through the present situation well, Chaido would give her more suitable opportunities. The cage would grow larger, and the bars loosen. Until then, she would wait patiently.