DD Ch 11

“Not packing your things, were you?”

Sahee’s mouth clamped shut. His interrogation felt like she’d committed a grave offense. It seemed like the standoff wouldn’t end unless she responded.

“…I’ll be back early the day after tomorrow.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“Do I need to report my every move to you?”

“Yes.”

“…”

“If you understand, start doing so from now on. Every single thing.”

At the absurd demand, Sahee’s face crumpled in irritation. Taeon, unfazed, stepped up onto the porch.

Startled, Sahee took a step back, but he grabbed her wrist and walked into the room ahead of her. A fleeting sense of dread passed over her—that she might end up lying beneath him again tonight.

“Wait, wait a second.”

Pressed against the wall, Sahee glanced back at the open door. Taeon’s gaze followed hers before he bent his head, shrugging off his suit jacket and biting down on her lips.

Sahee gasped for air, her lips parting as her unsteady gaze darted back toward the door. The place was secluded, but closing the door didn’t mean the soundproofing would improve significantly.

Still, leaving the door open and engaging in something for all to see was unthinkable. With all her strength, Sahee pushed against Taeon’s chest.

Her ragged breathing escaped as she finally managed to speak.

“C-Close the door…”

“Going somewhere?”

“The door!”

“Is that guy coming too?”

“…”

“Did he say he’d pick you up like a prince?”

His even voice carried a mocking edge.

Even though she said no, why did he keep insinuating it? Stung by the injustice, Sahee glared at him, only for Taeon to move closer, pressing their bodies together. Her shoulders tensed under the weight of her anxiety.

“Yeon Sahee.”

“…Don’t mock me. If it were like that, I wouldn’t be here with you.”

“And what exactly are we doing?”

Huh? Taeon’s tone softened, his lips slowly pressing from her cheek to the hollow of her neck, sinking deeper with deliberate intent.

“Just… sleeping together. Ah…”

Sahee’s eyes fluttered shut as she trembled, wrapping her arms around Taeon’s neck to hold on.

He let out a brief scoff, then effortlessly lifted her off the ground. Showering her cheeks with quick kisses, he strode across the room.

He laid her on the bed and loomed over her as if to assert his dominance.

***

The faint smell of water wafted through the fog of her sleep.

Groggily, Sahee cracked open her eyelids, only to squeeze them shut again at the sound of approaching footsteps. If he realized she was awake, what kind of shameless request would he make this time?

The bed dipped heavily under his weight, sending the frame and mattress into a noisy shudder. Pretending to be asleep, Sahee tried to shift closer to the wall, but the blanket was lifted, and her ankle was caught.

The tug was insistent enough to rouse her fully. By the time she opened her eyes wide, she found herself lying flat. In the dim light, her gaze met Taeon’s.

He didn’t say much. Instead, he kept his eyes locked on hers while his large hands kneaded her leg, starting from her calf. The cool touch sent a shiver racing through her body, and she quickly hid her face behind her arms, swallowing hard.

His firm, methodical movements made the fine hairs on her skin stand up. Her toes curled, and her back arched in tense discomfort.

“Does it hurt?”

“Yes, it—it hurts…”

“Should I be gentler?”

As she nodded fervently, he chuckled softly. Just when she thought he’d stop and lower her leg, he grabbed hold of her left leg this time.

When his fingers brushed over a scar on her ankle, she flinched and instinctively bent her knee. But his voice remained calm as he asked,

“How did you get hurt?”

“…”

“An accident?”

Taeon’s lowered gaze was indifferent. Sahee bit her lip, choosing silence.

He didn’t press further. His hands resumed massaging her leg, but the movements were so gentle that it felt oddly unsettling.

“Uh.”

A sound slipped through her clenched teeth as she struggled to suppress it. Startled, Sahee glanced at Taeon to gauge his reaction. He was staring at her impassively, making her hurriedly avert her gaze. His hand slid down to grasp her ankle, and then he bent his head to place a kiss on the scar.

Flustered, she tried to sit up, but before she knew it, her leg was free. Taeon tucked the blanket around her and stood up, his expression as composed as ever.

“I’ll leave now, so get some rest.”

He turned and left. In the stillness of the long night, the sound of him departing echoed loudly in her ears.

Curled up beneath the blanket, her leg throbbed faintly.

***

The news that Taeon was going to Seoul reached Min Yeojin during breakfast that morning. The moment she heard, she scowled deeply and headed straight for him after finishing her meal.

“You’re going to Seoul?”

Min Yeojin asked, and Taeon, casually adjusting his tie, replied unhurriedly, “Yes.”

Seated at the dining table with her tea, Min Yeojin set her cup down with deliberate force. The sudden noise didn’t faze Taeon; he only glanced at her, his expression indifferent.

The decision had been made long ago. Informing her now, instead of yesterday or earlier, had its reason:

He knew this would happen, and dragging it out seemed tedious.

“How could you decide to go to Seoul without even a word? And through your secretary, no less, on the morning of your departure.”

Min Yeojin glared at him sharply.

“Did I need to inform you?”

“I told you I’d be arranging a meeting with Hanseong Group for a marriage proposal within this week, didn’t I?”

“I assumed it was postponed since I hadn’t heard anything.”

Taeon approached her with a soft smile, but Min Yeojin’s expression remained unchanged.

“You… really…”

“I meant to tell Secretary Kim to pass it along, but I’ve been so busy that I forgot. Please, let it go, Mother.”

He lightly brushed her shoulder.

Min Yeojin, unable to finish her sentence, appeared even more drawn than when she first arrived. Taeon, sensing the underlying irritation, smiled faintly.

“Fine. What’s the point in talking? Anyway, I was planning to arrange it for next week. She’s already back in the country, but there are still preparations to be made, so I told her to take her time. It works out well.”

“That’s good, then.”

“The documents I gave you—”

“Hmm?”

“You’ve read them, haven’t you? Please tell me you have.”

If the documents about his prospective bride were anywhere, they were likely shoved into a drawer, though where exactly was unclear. Taeon simply shrugged without answering.

“Jung Taeon.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Girls these days are sharp. Don’t act bored or disinterested. It’s upsetting enough for me, the one who gave birth to you, but imagine how a girl willing to marry you would feel. Honestly, you’re just… impossible…”

Min Yeojin sighed, rubbing her temples as if nursing a headache. Secretary Kim, watching from a distance, approached with a concerned look, only to be waved off.

Clearly done with the conversation, Min Yeojin rose to her feet.

“I’ll be going now. Secretary Kim, let’s talk when you’re back from Seoul.”

“Yes, Madam. I sincerely apologize for not informing you sooner.”

“How could this be Secretary Kim’s fault? I’m not the type to lash out at innocent people. Don’t do that. It really irritates me.”

“I apologize.”

As Min Yeojin and Secretary Kim spoke, Taeon’s phone began to ring. Min Yeojin glanced back at him as he turned away, her lips parting hesitantly.

“Taeon.”

Taeon glanced down at Sahee’s vibrating phone before lifting his gaze. Opposite him, Min Yeojin’s face looked slightly disheveled.

“Sometimes… you remind me of my husband in the worst way.”

“That’s unpleasant.”

With a scoff, Min Yeojin left the room, followed by Secretary Kim, who bowed obsequiously as he trailed behind her.

Taeon quietly stared at Sahee’s name on the phone screen before pressing the call button.

“Yes, Yeon Sahee.”

Walking briskly toward the dressing room, Taeon switched the call to speaker mode. As he pulled a suit jacket from the rack and slung it over his shoulder, he cast a glance at the phone.

─ Uh…

“Go on.”

─ Did the CEO take it?

Yeon Sahee’s voice cracked messily at the end of her question. Taeon smirked as he leaned against the dresser where the phone rested.

“What?”

─ …My suitcase.

Her tone all but accused him outright.

Recalling the gray suitcase Secretary Kim had loaded into the car before breakfast, Taeon nodded lightly.

“Yes.”

There was no response. It was only now that his mother’s advice about how perceptive modern women could be rang true.

He chuckled bitterly, imagining her tear-streaked face, ruined from crying over the lowly antics of a man.

─ What the hell?

Yeon Sahee sounded utterly flabbergasted. It wasn’t hard to picture her glaring in frustration, and the corner of Taeon’s mouth lifted in a crooked smile.

“Should I return it?”

─ Isn’t that obvious?

“Fine. Come get it. I’m leaving soon, so you’d better hurry, Yeon Sahee.”

─ What? Where are you going?

“None of your business. If you want your suitcase back, be there.”

─ Be where?

“I’ll text you. Check your messages.”

He deliberately ended the call curtly. For a moment, Taeon stared at Sahee’s name and the call duration displayed on the screen. Then, at the sound of footsteps, he looked up.

Min Yeojin was receiving a brief farewell, seemingly in a hysterical mood, while Secretary Kim sighed heavily.

Taeon’s mother was a refined and elegant woman. She’d been indifferent to matchmaking for years, yet after siding with Yeon Sahee just once a few days ago, she had become unusually sensitive.

If she found out he’d packed condoms but ended up spending the night with her, today’s level of fury would be nothing in comparison.

“Madam seems genuinely upset. You were a bit harsh, CEO. She’s already struggling with being here, so perhaps you could offer a small gift on your way down…”

“Secretary Kim.”

“Yes, CEO.”

“Book a hotel in my name.”

If he still couldn’t stop himself, perhaps he was already too far gone in this ridiculous mess.

Taeon clicked his tongue in frustration.

***

“CEO, we’re ready to depart.”

Seated in the backseat, Taeon turned his head. As the car started, the spring scenery of Yeonghwadae passed by outside the window.

Chairman Jung had once said that the view from the mountain must be beautiful to make people want to return to the ground. When Yeonghwadae was first built, he had paid special attention to its landscaping.

Spring was for flowers and butterflies pairing off. Summer was for the chirping greenery breaking into brilliant shards under the sunlight. Autumn was for falling leaves resembling twilight. Winter was for breathtaking snowscapes at the threshold of a snowy kingdom.

It was a directive from Chairman Jung, now passed down like legend.

The project, hailed as laying the foundation for modern Korean landscaping, was led by Baek Cheongseon, a director celebrated for his expertise. Over the course of three years, he personally oversaw the construction. With the goal of creating Korea’s own Stourhead Garden, Yeonghwadae was designed using traditional garden techniques. The result was a monumental work of art and a masterpiece from the dawn of Korean landscaping.

“Wow, all the flowers bloomed overnight. I didn’t realize Yeonghwadae was this kind of place.”

Secretary Kim marveled anew, his mouth slightly agape.

The car was crossing the path leading out of Yeonghwadae. Cherry blossoms adorned the trees lining the road, their pale pink petals cascading like rain with each gust of spring wind.

Beneath that enchanting spring, a woman stood.

Wearing a white cardigan, Yeon Sahee looked as though she were a fragment of spring itself. Like a fleeting piece of a beautiful but brief season, she turned to glance at the car he was in.

Screech. The car came to a halt.

Would it wait for a knock, as if in a dream?

But Taeon had already rolled down the window.

The delicate woman, as if she might be swept away by a soft breeze, wore an expression of unmistakable anger. Taeon let out a low chuckle. There was something about Sahee, limping toward him, her irritation palpable, that made her seem like the entirety of spring in that moment.

Ridiculous.

Taeon watched as Sahee approached.

This was the girl who once bundled herself in thick clothes, her breath visible in the cold. The girl who stared blankly at rows of stopped cars with hollow eyes. The girl who lived perpetually in a frozen winter, like a taxidermied animal.

Was it you?

It was.

Finally, after traveling through the long passage of seasons, the answer returned—clipped, from the breathless voice of Yeon Sahee, who now stood gripping the car.

“Give it back.”

“Get in. I’ll take you to Seoul.”

Taeon gestured toward the passenger seat with his eyes.

He didn’t bother adding that he also needed to go to Seoul and could drop her off along the way. That wasn’t the point. He simply wanted to take her.

He thought of Sahee’s old friend, who once said she would endure any difficult path to come down and see her. He’d found that unflinching devotion endearing and realized he was acting the same way now.

Taeon opened the car door. Sahee flinched, startled by the sudden motion, and took a cautious step back. When he reached for her wrist to pull her in, she deftly avoided his grip and shrank away. Her rejection was clear.

“…I don’t want to.”

Unbothered, Taeon took a step closer. He caught her hand as she turned to leave and pulled her firmly toward him.

***

There were excuses: he’d forgotten his wallet, there was unfinished business at Yeonghwadae.

But none of them mattered. Jung Taeon had already decided. As she was all but pushed into the car by his hand, Sahee realized his true intent in taking her suitcase.

“Hello.”

Secretary Kim greeted her cheerfully. Sahee, still catching her breath, shot him a bewildered glance through the rearview mirror, causing him to look away sheepishly. A deep sigh escaped her.

Click. The door to the seat next to her closed, and now he was sitting beside her.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes, sir.”

“…Don’t you have work to do?”

Sahee glared at him intently. Taeon, his legs crossed, raised an eyebrow and chuckled dryly.

“Apparently not.”

“….”

“Seems I’m a bit free these days.”

He brushed his chin with his hand and chuckled again.

Of course, Sahee knew that couldn’t be true. She was more curious about why he’d made the effort to drag her along.

Biting her lower lip, Sahee dropped her gaze.

At that moment, her phone vibrated in her pocket. It was Madam Chun. She hadn’t been reachable all morning; it seemed she’d finally returned to her room.

Sahee glanced at him, gauging his expression. Taeon tilted his chin slightly, as if urging her to answer. If she backed down now, it would be tantamount to a full surrender—an unspoken agreement to go to Seoul with him.

“……”

But there wasn’t another option. Jung Taeon’s gaze made it clear that even if Sahee didn’t give up, he would find a way to make her do so.

Closing her eyes tightly, Sahee pressed the call button.

“…Yes.”

The car began to move.

─ Sahee, have you already left? I just saw your message too late. I came by as soon as I could, but you weren’t there.

“…That’s how it turned out. Are things okay on your end?”

─ Of course not! Didn’t you hear from Cheoljun? Honestly, what were you thinking borrowing such a massive sum? It’s loan shark money—loan shark money! Do you even understand how dangerous that is? I’ve never seen Madam Chun so angry in my life.

“That’s true.”

─ My heart’s been racing, I couldn’t even sleep. Twenty-five billion won! Twenty-five billion! I’ve never even held one billion in my lifetime, and we’re talking twenty-five billion. Chae Hyunji was bawling like the world was ending, and Madam Chun just sighed endlessly watching her. Now I finally understand why the three of you were always on the verge of tears whenever the topic of calling off the engagement came up. Who on earth is going to pay back that amount?

Sahee turned her head toward the window.

She hadn’t realized it earlier, when anger had carried her here, but the flowers had bloomed fully. Spring was overflowing with beauty.

─ I’m so tired of this chaos, I feel like I’m going to die. At least today, since Jung Taeon CEO is heading to Seoul, I can breathe a little easier…

Lost in the scenery, Sahee barely registered the change in Madam Chun’s tone. It had turned probing, as if testing something. Sahee could guess what she was suspecting. Denying it would be futile—she was already sitting next to him.

“…I see.”

Startled, Sahee feigned ignorance, though she realized how absurd her tone sounded even to herself. Madam Chun stayed silent for a moment.

─ …Let’s keep the fact that you’re going to Seoul a secret for now. Just in case. I told Cheoljun to keep quiet too. He seemed suspicious, but he didn’t press further. It’s better than causing unnecessary speculation, so just pretend you don’t know anything in front of him, okay?

“……”

─ Hmm?

“Yes.”

─ Good, good. By the way, the flowers must be in full bloom by now, right? We should plan a picnic, too.

Madam Chun smoothly changed the subject.

Sahee bit her lower lip. She couldn’t focus on the scenery anymore; a heavy weight settled in her chest.

“…Let’s go when I get back.”

─ Hopefully it doesn’t rain and ruin everything like last year. I’ll check the weather for today.

“I’ll look into it. Get some rest now.”

─ Ah, yes, I need to. I’m so exhausted. Have fun, alright?

“I’ll bring back something delicious.”

Just as Madam Chun cheerfully replied, Sahee felt a foreign warmth on her hand resting atop the seat. Startled, she turned to Taeon. His pinky finger, intertwined with hers, tightened slightly.

Sahee’s fingertips trembled as she cautiously tried to pull her hand away. When she clenched her fist to free herself, his hand covered hers. His fingers slipped between hers and clasped her hand firmly.

Madam Chun’s voice grew faint, distant. Facing him, her heart raced. By now, the car had left Yeonghwadae’s gate behind.

***

Jung Taeon held her hand firmly as he continued working on his tablet PC or fielding business calls. Whenever irritation crept into his voice during a call, his grip on her hand tightened.

Sometimes, he would idly trace his fingers along hers, as though playing a subtle game. His furrowed brow revealed his preoccupation, yet the contrast made the gesture unsettling.

When Sahee shuddered and grimaced, his lips curled into a brief smile, even as his sharp words lashed out at the person on the other end of the call.

Gauguin once said some lines were noble and others deceitful.

Sahee thought Taeon was like that—sitting in the best seat in the theater, watching her wavering emotions with amusement. She told herself she wouldn’t fall for it, wouldn’t let herself become the tragic heroine of his play.

Her heart steadied as she tried to regain composure, but a queasy unease churned within her, like seasickness without a destination. Yet, her heart pounded relentlessly.

***

After hours of driving, the Seoul skyline finally came into view.

Only then did Sahee feel a sense of relief. As the tension in her clasped hand subsided, it seemed as if Taeon was smiling, but there were more pressing matters to address.

“Excuse me, Secretary Kim.”

Straightening her back, Sahee leaned slightly toward the driver’s seat.

“Yes!”

“Please take me to the S Hotel between Gangnam Station and Yangjae Station. I’ve arranged accommodations there. Or, you can just drop me off at Gangnam or Yangjae Station instead.”

She tilted her head, seeking confirmation through the rearview mirror.

“Ah…”

A hint of discomfort flickered across Secretary Kim’s face as he stole quick glances at Taeon. Sahee turned to Taeon, who met her gaze impassively. Her unease bubbled up again.

“If it’s difficult, you could just drop me off near the terminal instead.”

At that moment, Taeon interlocked his fingers tightly with hers, pulling her arm toward him. Pulled helplessly, Sahee shot him a glare.

“Stay at the hotel I’ve booked tonight.”

“Why would I?”

“You’re not coming back tonight, are you?”

“What does that have to do with you, CEO?”

“Should I come to your hotel, then?”

Once again, he made it clear—tonight would be no exception. For a moment, Sahee bit her lip and glanced at Secretary Kim, choosing to stay silent.

Taeon, fully aware of her hesitation, remained unbothered. He simply raised an eyebrow, urging her to decide.

A man obsessed with sex.

So, this was why he had brought her to Seoul.

She wasn’t surprised, yet her stomach twisted in knots.

“Do I even have a choice?”

You’ll do whatever you want anyway.

Sahee’s voice dripped with irritation as she asked. For a brief moment, a flicker of amusement passed through Taeon’s eyes before vanishing. He let out a low chuckle and gave his answer without hesitation.

“No, you don’t.”

Even though she already knew, her face contorted with anger. Taeon leisurely reclined in his seat, shifting his gaze to Secretary Kim.

“Let’s go.”

Sahee turned her head sharply to the window.

His grip on her hand loosened briefly, but she knew it was only an illusion. He had no intention of letting her go.

***

The hotel was in a building she had visited during college for art exhibitions. She had once grimaced at the price of a single night’s stay while searching for accommodations there.

Now, with Taeon holding her hand, Sahee limped across the hotel lobby. Several staff members bowed respectfully toward him, clearly anticipating his arrival. Watching how casually he walked past their greetings, Sahee was struck anew by the realization of who he was.

More than anything, she became keenly aware of how conspicuous it was to hold hands with a man like him. Even without turning around, she could feel the stares directed at them. Her neck burned with embarrassment.

As she awkwardly dragged her feet, overly conscious of her surroundings, Taeon glanced at her.

“……”

His gaze lingered briefly on her ankle. Feeling as though her insecurity had been exposed, Sahee averted her eyes. In response, he adjusted his grip on her hand.

“Too fast for you?”

“……”

“Should we slow down?”

“…No. Go ahead.”

“If it’s hard for you, just say so. You’re good at snapping at me, after all.”

With a playful smirk, he noticeably slowed his pace.

Somewhere deep in her chest, an itch began to spread. Like a mirage shimmering to life, her fluttering heart filled her with dread that it might somehow reach him. In those moments, curt words spilled out.

“…You’re annoyingly good at this.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Taeon let out a soft chuckle and guided Sahee into the elevator. She hesitated but stood next to him. As the doors closed, leaving them alone, she felt a strange sense of relief.

Holding hands and drawing attention from strangers felt worse than being confined in this small space. Even after leaving the Yeonghwa-dang, nothing had really changed. In fact, it might be even more dangerous now. As her thoughts spiraled, she felt his gaze on her.

The heavy feeling pressing down on her wasn’t hard to identify. Sahee pretended to look elsewhere, fixing her eyes on the numbers climbing upward.

12th floor, 13th floor, 14th floor…

15th floor.

The cheerful ding was followed by the doors opening. This time, Sahee stepped out first. Despite Taeon calmly following her, her cheeks twitched with tension.

“What time are you leaving tomorrow, Yeon Sahee?”

“…Early.”

“Oh, I see.”

She could feel his smile.

Even as they walked down the quiet hallway, still holding hands, her fingertips turned white. While the solitude had been a relief, strange thoughts kept creeping in, unsettling her.

Room 1501.

It was the first time a number had felt so intimidating.

Taeon smoothly unlocked the door and guided her inside first. The way he handled her hesitant steps made it feel as though she was being ushered in against her will.

The sound of the door clicking shut behind them was sharp and clear. Though they had entered together, she felt like she was being chased.

The quality of the room didn’t even register. No matter how nice the room was, it would serve only one purpose. Staring leisurely at the décor would’ve been absurd.

Then, Sahee found her excuse. The suitcase Secretary Kim had said he’d bring up was neatly placed beside the dining table.

“I’ll unpack first.”

“I’ll do it. I’ll move it for you.”

Surprisingly, CEO Jung Taeon complied without resistance. Sahee clenched her freed hand into a fist and released it as she followed him, carrying the suitcase, into the room.

“Want me to help you unpack?”

“No. I’ll do it myself and come out after.”

“Alright, then. Take your time and come out when you’re ready.”

Taeon set the suitcase down near the bedroom. Sahee quickly grabbed the handle and pulled it toward her. Taeon looked at her briefly but left the room without a word.

After watching him disappear, Sahee leaned against the suitcase handle and let her head hang low.

Maybe she was worrying too much by herself. Though she had said she would unpack, there wasn’t much to organize in a bag meant for just one night. She hung her clothes in the closet and listened for sounds outside.

When she stepped out of the room, CEO Jung Taeon was seated on the sofa. He was tapping on his phone screen but extended a hand when he noticed her.

“…”

Sahee froze her expression and ignored his outstretched hand, choosing to sit far away. Taeon chuckled softly.

Without hesitation, he shifted to sit next to her, the weight of his presence sinking heavily into the seat beside her. Keeping a small distance between them, Taeon reached out and lightly tapped her cheek with his fingertips.

“What are you doing?”

“Do you have a lot of male colleagues in your cohort?”

“…”

The question’s intent was suspicious. Sahee opened her lips hesitantly, her eyes filled with unease.

“…Not many.”

“How many?”

“About six.”

“Are all of them coming today?”

“Why do you keep asking about this?”

“How many of those six have confessed to you?”