Episode 34
Right after the MOU announcement, a celebration party was held at Hyeonmujae. It was a grand affair, marking the collaboration of two of Korea’s top companies. Everyone raised their glasses high and cheered the union.
At the center of the crowded banquet hall stood Yoo Chae-hee. Wearing a glamorous sapphire-blue dress that drew everyone’s attention, Chae-hee sparkled more than ever.
“Yoo Chae-hee really is something else.”
“That kind of determination doesn’t just disappear.”
“True, Chae-hee has always been laser-focused on her goals.”
As people chatted and sipped their drinks, Chae-hee smiled brightly like a blooming peach blossom.
“Of course. The bold always win. Everyone knew I had my eyes on Taeyoon oppa for ages, right?”
Her casual remark drew laughter from the group.
“Still, you had some serious competition. That Eun Seorin…”
Someone teasingly began to speak, but quickly shut their mouth. The mood instantly froze when Chae-hee, who had been laughing, glared sharply at the mention of Seorin’s name.
“…Well, anyway, it all worked out, didn’t it, Jae-hee?”
“Yeah, it did.”
Someone quickly tried to change the subject and side with Chae-hee. The others awkwardly laughed and added their own compliments to lighten the mood.
They praised her dress, her persistence, how she’d always had determination. Chae-hee only responded with a strained smile and kept sipping her champagne. Despite her seemingly pleasant expression, her eyes were full of intense anger.
Eun Seorin. Eun Seorin. Eun Seorin.
The formal engagement was in three months, and the wedding in another six. Soon, she would completely remake her life—and this meant she had won.
Even so, Chae-hee couldn’t shake off the surging annoyance. The image of Seorin and Taeyoon entering the hotel together kept playing over and over in her mind.
He’s supposed to be engaged to me, and yet he’s sneaking into hotels with her?
Grinding her teeth, Chae-hee downed her remaining champagne in one gulp.
As she placed her glass down, something caught her eye. Through the window, she spotted a small figure busily moving about the kitchen—Seorin, carrying a dish.
“Eun Seorin.”
She muttered the name without thinking, drawing the attention of some around her.
“Why bring up Seorin all of a sudden?”
They looked at her with curiosity. Everyone knew how much Chae-hee disliked Seorin. Why mention her now, of all times—especially when Seorin’s family was on the verge of financial ruin?
“She’s probably doing fine somewhere.”
“Yeah, I’m sure she’s okay. Haha.”
People avoided answering seriously. Absence leaves behind a certain void, especially when the person was once well-regarded. The guilt of having done nothing for Dongyoung Foods—once generous neighbors in Seongbuk-dong—hung silently in the air.
But Chae-hee was persistent. Her eyes gleamed as she looked around and smiled.
“Aren’t you curious? We haven’t seen her in a while. Let’s call her over.”
“But, Chae-hee, how would we even call her here…”
“She’ll come. Just wait.”
She waved at a nearby employee clearing plates.
“Excuse me.”
The man quickly approached her.
“Yes, ma’am. How can I help?”
“Could you go inside and bring out Eun Seorin for me?”
The man squinted slightly, puzzled.
“Did you say Eun Seorin…?”
“Why is it so hard to understand? Go inside and tell Eun Seorin to come out. She should at least greet everyone.”
Chae-hee snapped irritably. Though confused, the staff member turned and headed toward the main building.
“What is it now? Why does she want Seorin?”
“I don’t know. Probably another one of Yoo Chae-hee’s dramas.”
“She’s getting married, but nothing’s changed.”
People muttered quietly. Meanwhile, Chae-hee continued to sip her drink with a smug expression.
That morning, Seorin had been working non-stop. She had spent the day preparing food, washing dishes, organizing plates, and delivering dishes—all without a moment to sit.
She was so busy she didn’t even feel how exhausted she was.
While using tweezers to delicately place edible flower petals on dishes, an assistant chef nervously approached her.
“Uh… Seorin-ssi?”
“Yes? What is it?”
She looked up quickly, her face clearly showing signs of fatigue. Her hair, tied up hastily, had strands sticking out. Her white blouse had food stains from hours of kitchen work.
Seeing her, the assistant chef hesitated more. But what choice did he have? This was an order from the soon-to-be mistress of the house.
“You need to step outside for a moment.”
“Me? But I was told to help in the kitchen today…”
With a deep sigh, the assistant replied,
“Miss Yoo Chae-hee is asking for you.”
“Ah…”
Seorin’s lips parted slightly. She looked outside. Sure enough, she saw Chae-hee staring directly at her from among the laughing guests. Familiar faces surrounded her.
Seorin instantly understood the situation. Chae-hee had summoned her to humiliate her—to show everyone just how far Seorin had fallen.
Seorin stood upright and placed the tweezers on the island counter. She adjusted the apron tied around her waist and nodded to the assistant.
“Alright. I’ll go.”
As she walked past him, he asked with concern,
“Are you sure you’re okay, Seorin-ssi?”
“I’m fine. Really.”
With a smile she had to force, Seorin walked toward the open door. The assistant sighed deeply behind her.
As she walked across the stone path, Seorin tucked her stray hairs behind her ears. Her stained clothes couldn’t be helped—that was the best she could do.
She could feel the stares of people recognizing her, but she didn’t return their gazes.
It’s okay. I’m not ashamed.
She had made this choice to protect the people she loved. No regrets. Even if she could go back, she would make the same decision.
She had nothing to be ashamed of, no reason to bow her head. Straightening her posture and chin, she walked through the crowd.
Soon, Seorin arrived where Chae-hee and the others were.
“Oh, Seorin’s here.”
Chae-hee greeted her with a bright smile. People turned to look, confusion quickly washing over their faces.
A white blouse and a neat black skirt—Seorin was dressed like the rest of the house staff.
When realization struck, many gasped, some covering their mouths in shock.
“You called for me?”
Seorin asked. Chae-hee responded nonchalantly,
“Our friends were curious how you’ve been. So I called you.”
Seorin scanned the faces around her. Most of them were familiar. Childhood neighbors from the same town.
“Oh—Seorin! Long time no see. How have you been? I was just thinking about you—haha.”
Prompted by Chae-hee’s gaze, one person awkwardly greeted her. A bitter smile appeared on Seorin’s lips.
Faces filled with falsehoods and lies.
Just as she was about to respond politely, a sharp voice cut in from behind—
“If you really wanted to see her, maybe you should’ve called her sometime in the past. Acting all concerned now after ignoring her for so long…”
