You could say he knew how to handle people. Or maybe he just knew how to solve things with money. Either way, the result was the same—Kwon Yido was impressive. That was likely why even Lee Taeseong couldn’t refute him and only lowered his head.

“...Even without a special bonus, it’s part of my duties. You don’t need to call it hard work.”

“Now you’re saying sweet nothings too?”

“...”

I smiled quietly at Lee Taeseong’s incredulous expression. That baffled look—that was more like the Lee Taeseong I knew. I covered my mouth to stifle a laugh, and he asked bluntly,

“Is this funny to you?”

“Well, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t...”

I’d met all kinds of people, but Lee Taeseong was a new type altogether. The fact that he didn’t suck up to me made him feel more comfortable to be around. Maybe Kwon Yido had good instincts for people. He sure picked someone I didn’t mind having around.

“Are we leaving in the afternoon?”

“Yes, I’ll come get you right after lunch.” 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

I nodded softly as I absentmindedly toyed with the transparent teacup. My gaze dropped, and I noticed the ring on my fourth finger. I’d have to take it off before we left today. For some reason, that felt a little disappointing.

Lee Taeseong briefly disappeared around lunchtime, and returned the moment I finished eating—carrying clothes. His timing was so uncanny, it felt like he’d been watching me. I was caught off guard when he handed me a suit case and a pair of shoes. Saying he’d wait outside, he stepped out to the entryway. I took the clothes and returned to my room.

“...Isn’t this a bit too light in color?”

The outfit Kwon Yido had picked was a warm-toned gray suit. As expected, it fit me perfectly. The trousers were cut clean, like they’d been measured to the millimeter. The tie was a slightly darker shade, plain but elegant enough to serve as an accent.

I dressed neatly and stepped into the dressing room to choose accessories. Since Kwon Yido had gone out of his way to provide the outfit, I figured I should at least match the rest myself. I picked a pocket square in a similar shade to the tie, and chose a tie clip and watch with understated designs that wouldn’t stand out too much.

“Didn’t think I’d ever use this.”

I never imagined I’d end up actually wearing the neatly arranged items in that drawer. In the past, I didn’t even think of them as mine. But at least now, I didn’t hesitate to put them on. I’d already received far more extravagant things from him.

After finishing with cologne, I took off the engagement ring and placed it on the nightstand. Since I’d never taken it off before, a faint mark remained on my finger. Judging by the look of it, the mark probably wouldn’t fade until long after the ceremony ended.

Descending to the first floor and stepping outside, I was struck by a sense of nostalgia. How long had it been since I’d dressed up this formally? I wore suits to see my father, sure—but this felt different. It reminded me of that morning when I rushed to prepare for the engagement ceremony with Kwon Yido.

Lee Taeseong was waiting just outside the inner door. He stood in front of the elevator leading down to the garage, talking on his phone. As he casually turned his head and met my eyes, his expression twisted, and he blinked.

“...”

“...”

There was chatter coming from the other end of the phone. Whoever it was must have found Lee Taeseong’s sudden silence frustrating. I adjusted my tie and gave a small nod.

“Not finishing the call?”

“...Ah, yes. I understand. I’ll proceed that way.”

He hung up and pressed the elevator button. As the doors opened and we stepped inside, he followed in silently, standing near the door. Then, glancing at me, he asked,

“That suit... is it custom-made?”

“Probably. Kwon Yido picked it out.”

There was no way someone as picky as Kwon Yido would’ve bought ready-to-wear. From the fit and tailoring, it had clearly been made to measure. I should’ve known just from the clothes in the dressing room—that he’d [N O V E L I G H T] already taken my measurements.

“...I was surprised. It suits you better than I expected.”

He wasn’t the type to offer empty flattery. It seemed he was doing his best today as an escort. Of course, I knew I didn’t look bad dressed like this.

“No man looks bad in a suit.”

I replied casually just as the elevator doors opened. Lee Taeseong looked like he was about to say something, but shook his head and walked ahead. Parked closest to the exit was a black sedan—similar to the one Kwon Yido usually used.

“Are you driving, too?”

“Yes. I’ve been assigned as your driver today.”

He answered and smoothly opened the rear door. Apparently, he was handling both escort and chauffeur duties on his own today. At least Mr. Kim never had to drive—hopefully Lee Taeseong was being paid well for this.

As Kwon Yido once said, Lee Taeseong drove quite well. Or rather, he drove very steadily. He looked like the rough-driving type on the outside, but was actually cautious. I stared out the window as scenery flickered by and muttered to myself.

“Time flies...”

Everything that had happened recently felt oddly unreal. The days I’d spent at Kwon Yido’s house since the engagement—they had passed in a blink, and now it was already the heart of spring.

“I don’t even want to see your face, so just get lost.”

“...”

I rubbed my left hand, where the ring used to be. The absence of it on my finger left me strangely empty. Habits form quickly, but why does it take so long for your body to forget something?

“You won’t be seeing me again for a while.”

Thinking of Father made my chest feel heavy. The stream of thoughts broke off, and my ears felt faintly numb. My eardrum had healed, and eating was no longer a problem, but still—

What would he say when he saw me? Had he ever thought of me since we parted? Did the USB I gave him really end up in the trash?

There were no answers to those endlessly looping questions. And truthfully, none of the answers would bring me comfort. What’s done is done—and Father’s thoughts would never change.

“I’ll be waiting outside.”

The first stop Lee Taeseong brought me to was a boutique that occupied the entire third floor of a building. Since I was already dressed, I assumed they’d just touch up my hair. As I approached, the staff at the door greeted me with a bow and guided me inside.

“This way, Mr. Jung Sejin.”

The interior was similar to the place that had helped me dress on the day of the engagement. Fitting outfits hung on racks, and jewelry cases were displayed under glass. After passing a row of cosmetic counters, I sat in front of a mirror. One of the staff began styling my hair with practiced hands.

Had Kwon Yido arranged all this himself? There was no hesitation as the stylist worked, as if everything had been discussed in advance. Back during the engagement, the staff had argued over what to do with me.

“You’re due for a trim.”

The stylist, who had a gentle demeanor, carefully arranged my long bangs. She parted my hair and set it to one side, added a bit of spray, and used a dryer to add volume.

“My goodness, you’ve got such a lovely head shape. It’s a pleasure to work on. Do you do anything special to care for your hair?”

“Haha...”

No matter how many times I heard it, I never got used to salon small talk. Especially not from this stylist, who was just as chatty as the ones at my usual salon.

It didn’t take long to finish the styling. In that time, I heard I had nice hair four times, a beautiful head shape three times, and was invited to return for a trim twice more. She even gave me a business card with her personal number on it. I had to admire that level of professional zeal.

“...What’s this?”

Lee Taeseong, who had been waiting outside, looked confused when I handed him the card. When he glanced at my hair, I shrugged and added lightly,

“You should get your hair cut here sometime. The staff’s very kind.”

He quietly accepted the card. I thought he’d reject it, but he actually tucked it into his inner pocket. I suppose that was a half-success for the stylist’s sales pitch.

“We’re heading to the hotel now, right?”

“Yes, no other stops.”

The Seonho Group anniversary ceremony was being held at the Libra Hall in Myeongseong Hotel—a grand banquet hall, the second-largest in the hotel. It could accommodate around 400 guests depending on the table arrangement. According to Lee Taeseong, the event would be a relaxed, party-like gathering for Seonho Group executives and partners.

“You used to be Kwon Yido’s bodyguard. Won’t people find it odd if you’re attached to me?”

I asked while he was driving. Lee Taeseong glanced at me through the rearview mirror. Now that I looked closer, his hair was more neatly styled than usual too. He furrowed his thick brows and turned back to the road.

“Other than the security team, no one really knew I was assigned to him. And most people wouldn’t bother remembering someone like me. Even you, sir—do you remember all your past security staff?”

“Hmm...”

I let out a low hum. As soon as he asked, a string of faces from past escorts came to mind. Was it really so rare to remember the people you kept by your side?

“Not to brag, but I tend to remember everyone.”

“...”

Lee Taeseong didn’t say anything, but glanced at me again through the mirror. It didn’t seem like he thought I was lying—just that he was having a complicated reaction.

“...Do you treat all your security like me?”

“What do you mean, ‘like you’?”

“That is... never mind.”

He dropped it just like that, and I didn’t press further. I just thought—Kwon Yido really was thorough, making sure no one would recognize the face beside me.

When we finally arrived at the hotel, I happened to spot a group getting out of the car ahead of us. Two men I recognized stepped out of one vehicle, and two women from the car behind them.

“...”

My family.

The people I hadn’t seen in a long time. Walking in together like that, they looked just like any warm, happy family.

Seeing them brought back a rush of questions. Why hadn’t they contacted me? Had they just decided not to include me?

It felt like I really was an outsider. Or rather, I was. So it wasn’t just a metaphor. If I’d been walking with them, it would’ve looked out of place. There’s a deep divide between people born into a family and those who can’t become family, no matter how hard they try.

“What’s wrong?”

“...Nothing.”

I forced down the swirl of emotions and stepped out of the car through the rear door Lee Taeseong held open. He hadn’t seen the family walk in, so he looked at me curiously—probably noticing how my face had soured in an instant.

“If you’re not feeling well...”

“No, I’m just a little nervous. I’m fine.”

I even smiled as I said it, and Lee Taeseong frowned slightly. Like he couldn’t believe someone like me could even get nervous.

“Let’s hand the car to valet and go in together.”

“...”

He handed the keys to a hotel staff member and silently followed behind me. Having a large bodyguard at my side gave me a strange sense of reassurance. Not that anyone here would try to hurt me—but still, it was a feeling.

The Myeongseong Hotel lobby was dazzling as always. Especially the massive, gaudy chandelier hanging from the center of the hall. The way light broke through the dangling crystals was one of the hotel’s signature spectacles.

It was certainly a beautiful sight—but for some reason, it felt noisy. The lobby itself was quiet, with soft classical music playing in the background, but even before stepping into the crowd, I already felt drained.

“I need to stop by the restroom.”

I needed a moment to breathe. Once I stepped into the banquet hall, I wouldn’t be able to slip away again. Before I had to face Father, I needed time to steady myself.

Lee Taeseong seemed to have decided not to argue with anything I said today. Even when I changed direction without warning, he showed no sign of protest. We had plenty of time, so there was no reason for him to stop me.

I left him outside and entered the restroom alone. It wasn’t like I needed to use it—I just planned to wash my hands and check my appearance in the mirror. Luckily, no one else was inside. I stood in front of the mirror, finally able to relax.

“...”

My neatly styled hair looked unfamiliar. Aside from symmetrical brows and clean-cut eyes, there wasn’t much remarkable about my face. Father used to say my looks were the only redeeming thing I had—but I wasn’t even sure they were redeeming.

I understood now why Lee Taeseong had looked at me with doubt. My face had gone pale, like I might faint any second. I’d always thought I was good at hiding my emotions—but when had I started wearing them so plainly?

I took a deep breath and tried to straighten my expression. I didn’t even know why I felt so unsettled. Maybe it was instinct—some primal warning that today was going to be difficult.

Of course, I was worrying over nothing. I wasn’t Kwon Yido’s fiancé, after all—just wearing the mask of Haesin Group’s eldest son. Whoever spoke to me today, I just had to do what I always did: play the obedient son.

“Phew.”

I exhaled slowly and dried my hands carefully. I wanted to splash water on my face, but I couldn’t walk out dripping. At least after composing myself, I looked a bit better.

I wiped my hands with a paper towel and was just about to leave the restroom when it happened. As I turned the corner by the door, someone was walking in from the other side—and we ran into each other.

“...”

“...”

I felt it. Pheromones. Faint, but unmistakable. Not Kwon Yido’s—and far from pleasant.

My gaze had been lowered, but I slowly lifted my eyes to see who it was. A luxurious suit, a striking brooch, a vividly colored tie. And the face just a little higher than mine—one I could never mistake.

“...Ah.”

Kwon Ijeong.

Seonho Group’s second son. Kwon Yido’s older brother. The man who ran the Myeongseong Hotel. We had never spoken, and he hadn’t even attended the engagement, citing other commitments.

Kwon Ikyung, Kwon Ijeong, Kwon Yido—the three siblings of Seonho. People often said Kwon Ijeong looked different from the other two. While Ikyung and Yido took after their mother, the vice president, Ijeong was the only one who resembled their father. His face lacked the sharp coldness of the other two—when he smiled, he could seem warm.

But the moment our eyes met, a shiver ran down my spine. My back stiffened, the fine hairs on my neck rising. Revulsion—or maybe something else entirely. A sudden, inexplicable wave of discomfort hit me like a tide.

“...Excuse me.”

I barely managed to get the words out, but the chill in my skin didn’t go away. I didn’t even have the presence of mind to question why. My mind blanked out, and I simply stepped aside.

Then I heard a low voice in my ear.

“Hey.”

...Hey?