TBOE C6

No—he wasn’t listening to her at all.

“And you and that kid will have to live in a house I provide.”

“W-wait a second. What do you mean—?!”

“And it wouldn’t be bad if you occasionally became my bed partner.”

Did she hear that wrong?

It was something she simply couldn’t process. How could he say something like that without changing his expression at all?

“W-what did you just say?”

“To be honest, that’s the part I find more appealing.”

Shinwoo gave a languid smile as he looked down at Yuri standing below him.

Right now, he had no intention of hiding the curiosity rising within him toward her.

“Mr. Tae Shinwoo!”

“Why, can’t you do it?”

The way he acted as if he were testing her made anger surge up inside her.

But Yuri also knew instinctively—

There would be no more negotiations.

How could she be this powerless?

It was miserable, but this was the reality she—and Hope Orphanage—were facing.

No matter how much she begged, pleaded, or even knelt before him… the moment she refused his terms, everything would be over.

Even if those terms were utterly unreasonable.

If she chose to protect her flimsy pride and shallow dignity here and refused, everything would fall exactly as he planned.

She wouldn’t be able to protect the orphanage or Yuhan—she’d only be left to watch helplessly.

Perhaps it was the endless 고민 and inner conflict tormenting her, but her head began to throb.

Honestly, she wanted to storm out right then and there, but her feet wouldn’t move. Her desperate reason held her back, overpowering her impulsive instincts.

She didn’t want to admit it, but running away would only lead to a dead end.

For Song Yuri, there was only one choice.

To accept his demand.

“Now that it’s come to this, do you feel wronged having to sacrifice yourself alone?”

“……”

“Well, I wouldn’t mind if you just sent the kid instead.”

Not sending—taking.

Swallowing the words rising to her throat, Yuri glared at him.

“Your answer?”

“You’re speaking as if I have a choice.”

She knew.

Taking the hand he was offering—
Even if it meant destroying herself, enduring it silently—

That was the only thing she could do right now.

“…I’ll do it.”

Maybe it was fortunate. It was something she could resolve if she just made up her mind.

“I’ll do it.”

With determined eyes and voice, Yuri looked up at Shinwoo.

This body would rot away when she died anyway. It wasn’t like she had lived some precious life.

If she could protect the orphanage and Yuhan, then breaking herself didn’t matter.

Even so, unable to control the trembling in her hands, Yuri clenched her fists tightly.

“I’ll do whatever you say. So please promise me that both the orphanage and Yuhan will be safe. No—put it clearly in the contract.”

“Hah.”

Though she didn’t want to admit it, Tae Shinwoo had been somewhat merciful to her. Now that she understood why, she thought she could at least ask this much.

“…I know you’re already going easy on me. If you really wanted, taking Yuhan away from me would be easier than anything.”

So she could only appeal for that small, fragile bit of leniency—no more, no less.

“Please… let me see Yuhan off properly until the end.”

Shinwoo couldn’t stop the smile from slipping out at Yuri’s extraordinary selflessness—even to the point of permitting his desires.

That was exactly why he felt the urge to keep cornering her, like driving prey into a trap.

He was curious—just how long could she endure?

“I’ll send a car soon. Get in and come.”

Unlike her bold words, Yuri’s face was gradually turning pale.

“We should see if you’re… compatible first.”

1. Party B shall, for her own benefit, receive protection from Party A within the mutually agreed scope.

2. Party B shall comply with Party A’s demands anytime and anywhere. However, Party A shall respect Party B as much as possible.

3. Party B shall be responsible for the overall daily care and emotional support of “Song Yuhan,” and shall actively handle all procedures and preparations necessary for overseas travel as instructed by Party A.

4. At Party B’s request, Party A shall postpone the closure of “Hope Orphanage” for one year. If Party B faithfully fulfills this contract, Party A promises to provide a new site or lease support for the orphanage.

—(omitted)—

15. The contract period shall be one year.

16. Even after the contract ends, Party B shall not disclose the contents of this contract or any related facts to external parties. In case of violation, Party B shall bear the responsibility determined by Party A.

Sitting at the desk, Yuri slowly reviewed the contract sent by Tae Shinwoo’s side.

In short, if she simply obeyed him, she would be given time away from the orphanage—and even a new home for it.

A lawyer really was a lawyer.

The clauses were clear, yet some were legally ambiguous. And despite his blatant claim over her, the terms themselves were surprisingly restrained.

[“Party A” Tae Shinwoo]
[“Party B” Song Yuri]

A single contract he had already signed and sent.

At first glance, it looked flawless. As long as she followed his orders, she could protect both Yuhan and the orphanage.

“…Sigh.”

But both he and she knew that wasn’t all.

That was why she hesitated to sign.

“And it wouldn’t be bad if you occasionally became my bed partner.”

Could she really handle what would happen after signing this?

A vague fear and anxiety shook her.

From the moment they first met, he had shown his desire without the slightest hesitation.

A desire so intense she couldn’t pretend not to notice.

Even just enduring his gaze back then had made all the strength drain from her body.

Thinking of the way his eyes had openly roamed over her body still made her heart race.

She had acted composed in front of him and agreed to the contract, but truthfully, she had never even dated a man—let alone kissed one.

She had never even experienced the simplest touch, and now she had to share a bed with a man she had only met twice…

Well, it wasn’t like she only knew his face.

“Attorney Tae Shinwoo…”

She knew his name was Tae Shinwoo, and that he was a lawyer.

“Yuhan’s older brother.”

And that he was Yuhan’s real blood relative, who had been abandoned at birth.

“…Sigh.”

Song Yuri, being held by a man like him—it was hard to imagine.

She set the pen down on the contract and let out a deep sigh.

Knock, knock.

At that moment, someone knocked on the door.

Startled, Yuri quickly shoved the contract into the drawer.

“Y-yes!”

When she opened the door, Hee-young was standing there.

“What is it? Did something happen?”

Glancing at her wristwatch, Yuri asked anxiously.

At this late hour, whenever Hee-young came looking for her, it usually meant one of two things: a child was sick, or some sudden problem had occurred.

“What do you mean, ‘what happened’? Do I need a problem to come see you?”

Smiling, Hee-young lifted the bag in her hand.

“The kids are all asleep, so let’s have a drink. It’s been a while.”

“Whoa, how many did you buy?”

Contrary to her casual “just one drink,” the biggest plastic bag was stuffed with cans of beer.

“When else would I get to drink with you? It’s fine—the kids are all asleep.”

With a playful grin, Hee-young set up a small spread in the corner of the room. Yuri chuckled softly at her bold friend and took a can.

Maybe it was thanks to Hee-young, who always lightened the mood, but the anxiety weighing on Yuri’s chest gradually eased.

And as they began chatting with faint smiles on their lips—

“Are you okay?”

Hee-young asked casually, sipping her beer.

“…What do you mean?”

“No, you. Your expression’s been off all day.”

“Oh.”

“You said everything was resolved… there’s no problem, right?”