Chapter 13
The event officially began, and the venue filled with all sorts of facilities, equipment, and people.
In particular, children from different organizations were scattered here and there, and their clear laughter seemed to cleanse the heavy hearts of the adults.
And since it was a large-scale event, of course there was a grand opening, with several famous celebrities performing on stage.
As if to bless the moment, sunlight streamed down between the balloons and banners hanging everywhere, over a crowd fully ready to enjoy themselves.
“Did you see?”
Of course, gossip never stopped even in such an atmosphere.
“I heard she was at the food truck earlier.”
“Some say Executive Director Kwon Jisang’s wife sent her on an errand.”
“Really? Honestly, what’s the point of going out of her way to do that, without any class.”
“My thoughts exactly. Better not get mixed up with her. But more importantly—”
The woman, who had already taken a turn around the venue and spread the word about the incident, angled her gaze sideways. Then she lifted her hand to her lips and whispered softly:
“Doesn’t it seem so different from what we heard?”
Though spoken without a subject, her companion easily picked up the meaning.
Nod.
“So it’s not just me. Something feels…”
Before they knew it, both were staring in the same direction.
“She looks too at ease in a place like this.”
“Right? Not the least bit flustered.”
“What do you even call that?”
Their eyes landed on a straight back, long hair cascading over the shoulders, poised and upright.
The one who had drawn nearly everyone’s attention at this event, today’s hottest topic.
“She looks… refined, I guess?”
The newlywed bride of Executive Director Ha Yun-jae.
Though she had suddenly collapsed and the wedding ceremony itself never took place, the fact of marriage had not changed.
There were countless rumors about the bride. No matter how hard some tried to conceal them, nearly everyone knew her name and background.
A woman so plain and unremarkable, she barely left an impression.
“An empty woman.”
“A nobody.”
That was the common judgment of those who knew her. Many others came today hoping to size her up for themselves.
People were curious—what kind of ridiculous drama would unfold in the midst of all this attention?
But what they saw was the opposite of all expectations.
She wasn’t flashy, but neither did she look timid.
With her back straight and a faint air of elegance, her presence was no less than that of the executive sitting beside her.
Whispers.
Murmurs.
Thanks to the aura of “don’t come near me” surrounding the newlyweds, no one dared approach them, and the couple shared their own private conversation.
“Are you sure we don’t have to stay until the end?”
“Probably.”
“Don’t answer so vaguely. Be clear. My cheeks are cramping from holding this smile.”
Her lips, forcefully curved upward, trembled faintly, proving it wasn’t just talk.
Yun-jae lightly tapped his knee with his hand, resting on his crossed leg.
“Where did you learn that kind of act?”
“What do you mean?”
She was massaging her stiff cheeks when she turned her head slightly.
Startled.
Her rounded cheek puffed up like baby fat under his fingertip. His eyes lingered a moment before he murmured:
“You’re holding up better than I thought.”
“……”
“Not like Ju Ae-jung at all.”
For someone usually so timid, her composure amidst all the stares was unexpected—maybe even praiseworthy.
But she didn’t take it that way. Removing her hand from her cheek, she tilted her head slightly.
“Come closer.”
At the beckon of her slender fingers, he unconsciously leaned in. Her lips neared his ear.
Suddenly.
Her boldness startled him, but she whispered, only for him to hear:
“Ha Yun-jae, do you even know me?”
The words were as sharp as ice, no matter the content.
“…What?”
“Don’t pretend to know me when you don’t. And stop asking questions like that.”
“……”
“Because every day will be new.”
Firing off her words, she immediately sat back and adjusted her slightly disheveled clothes.
She didn’t seem to realize—it wasn’t just every day, but every single moment that felt new. Yun-jae let out a baffled laugh just as the opening ceremony came to an end.
Many were dying to approach them, but the couple slipped away as soon as the program finished.
The excuse of her injured hand was more than enough reason.
“We’ll take a walk around before going back. Keep up.”
Trailing behind Yun-jae, who was openly surveying the lively venue, she muttered rebelliously:
“Do you really need me to follow too?”
He stopped and turned, his tired eyes making her uneasy.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Do your work, then claim your rights.”
“……”
“A contract is a contract. Unless you want to pay the penalty.”
With just a few words, he silenced her, and she had no choice but to follow.
Muttering silent complaints, her mind grew heavy.
“Contract.”
Reality crept in again, harsher than expected.
[I’ll send the remaining half after the wedding.]
She bit her dry lip, recalling his words from long ago. She had no idea what that “half” was, or where it had gone.
And that wasn’t the only thing she didn’t know.
The basic things she’d need to live as Ju Ae-jung.
“There’s so much to sort out.”
Her thoughts quickened her pace until she nearly overtook Yun-jae.
Tap.
“…!”
Startled, she stopped. His shirt brushed against her, carrying a subtle trace of cologne—so faint it could only be noticed up close.
Thud!
A ball rolled to the spot where she had been standing.
Instead of glancing back, she raised her gaze from his shirt to his eyes.
“….”
They were close—closer than felt comfortable.
“…Dark brown.”
For the first time, she could see the true color of eyes she had always assumed to be simply black.
Like the ball that hadn’t bounced away but spun in place, her mind wobbled.
Blinking, she finally pulled herself away.
“Thank you.”
She pressed down her queasy stomach as she stepped back.
Looking toward the ball’s direction, she saw children on the grass.
“Sorry!”
“We’re sorry!”
Their loud apologies made it clear the kids had kicked the ball.
“Hold this a second.”
She handed her bag to Yun-jae and picked up the ball.
He blinked, taking the bag awkwardly.
“What are you doing?”
“If someone challenges you, it’s only polite to answer.”
Leaving him confused, she set the ball down again and kicked, sending her restless thoughts flying with it.
Thwack!
The ball soared with a satisfying sound, tracing a perfect arc toward the goal.
“Whoa! She actually blocked it!”
She frowned as the goalkeeper caught her shot, unaware of Yun-jae’s astonished exhale.
“Wait, did that kid just provoke me?”
The child who’d blocked the goal lowered his thumb dramatically.
“Oh, you cheeky—! I’ll be right back.”
She wasn’t the type to fall for such clumsy provocation, but she gladly played along, running toward the field.
Her smile in that moment outshone the sunlight. Her hair fluttered, scattering like shimmering rays, as she ran farther away.
When she turned back once, flashing a bright, pure smile, Yun-jae’s thoughts blanked.
He silently watched her blend in with the children, high-fiving them like old friends.
“Executive Director?”
It was his secretary, Manager Hong.
Seeing where Yun-jae was looking, Hong blinked in surprise.
“Did something good happen, sir?”
“…What?”
“You were smiling—oh, my apologies. It’s time for your next appointment.”
“…Smiling?”
Him?
Startled by the unexpected words, Yun-jae reflexively touched his lips, brushing away the hint of a smile.
His deep brown eyes, now mixed with confusion, drifted back to his wife.
She was laughing with the children, her bandaged hand visible as she high-fived them.
[If you can’t act like a husband, at least pretend.]
[I’ve already been comforted enough.]
Her voice echoed in his ear.
Looking at the bandage on her hand, Yun-jae finally spoke to his secretary:
“Bring me the roster of the food truck staff today.”
“…Pardon?”
Ignoring Hong’s surprise, Yun-jae stayed where he was and added quietly:
“If I’m going to pretend… I’ll do it properly.”
For those who had comforted his wife—willingly.
