Chapter 34
by GideonThe Queen Bee and her Worker Bees fell silent. Min Sena only fanned the flames.
“What’s wrong? Are you all jealous because Cha Yundo’s wife is so pretty?”
Worker Bee 1 snapped, “Jealous? What are you talking about? Who’s ever seen a woman that plain?”
Min Sena countered instantly. “Oh, please. Ko Hyewan is a natural beauty, anyone can see that. She doesn’t even look like she’s had any work done. How is her skin so flawless? I guess it’s because she’s so young. She’s on a whole different level from us, now that we’re in our thirties.”
“……We’re leaving. Sena, you finish up.”
The sound of chairs scraping back echoed in quick succession.
“Oh! I have to make one thing clear,” Min Sena called out. “Ko Hyewan and Cha Yundo just broke up after dating. But Cha Yundo? He got his engagement called off. I’ll leave it to you to figure out who’s the real loser here.”
Min Sena’s smile vanished as she finished speaking. The Queen Bee and her lackeys came out and ran straight into Hyewan. The women, whose mouths had committed many sins, flinched.
Hyewan glared at them with cold eyes before speaking.
“Article 307 of the Criminal Act: A person who defames another by publicly alleging facts shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than two years or by a fine not exceeding five million won.”
The Queen Bee and her followers all scowled.
“What?”
“Also, under Article 311 of the Criminal Act, a person who publicly insults another may be punished by imprisonment for not more than one year or by a fine not exceeding two million won.”
As Hyewan took a step forward, the women stumbled back.
“I’m warning you. The wife of Sewon Group’s vice president could sue you right now if she felt like it.”
Min Sena emerged from the powder room with a graceful stride and came to a stop in front of Hyewan.
“Wow, this is why education is so important.”
“Why did you help me?”
We’re not on that kind of level.
“I was just stating facts, not helping you.”
“Then why did you do it?”
“Just because she’s a loose woman doesn’t mean she’s completely devoid of emotion. She’s so full of emotion that she cheated.”
Hearing the scathing words, Hyewan looked at Min Sena with a new sense of wonder.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Thank you.”
“What?”
“Thank you for taking my side.”
At that, Min Sena let out a hollow laugh.
“Isn’t that a strange thing to say to your husband’s ex-fiancée?”
“Hearing that makes me even more grateful. Thanks to you, Cha Yundo became my husband.”
Min Sena stared at her, completely dumbfounded.
The feeling was mutual, Hyewan thought. But while Sena might have had her reasons, Hyewan had common sense. Regardless of the nature of their relationship, it was only natural to be grateful when someone helped you.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure. Go ahead.”
“Does Chairwoman Kang treat you well?”
Well…
“She does.”
“I know I’m the last person who should be saying this, but… actually, no. I’m the exact person who should be saying this. Don’t trust people who are kind for no reason. The more they overdo it, the dirtier their motives are. I’m being sincere, so I hope you remember this, Ko Hyewan.”
Sincere…
“Why are you telling me this?”
“I know it’s contradictory, but I want Cha Yundo to be happy. And Chairwoman Kang is someone who hides her true nature.”
Min Sena’s words were heavy with implication.
“You don’t have to believe me, but I’m not the type to drag everyone down with me. Someone has to survive. And to do that, don’t we need information?”
She then stepped aside to let Hyewan pass.
“You should go. Cha Yundo might be looking for you.”
Time was already running out. Hyewan realized Yundo really might be searching for her.
“Then, excuse me.”
Min Sena’s warning had not been an exaggeration. The moment Hyewan stepped out of the restroom, she ran straight into Yundo.
“Yundo?”
“Why did you take so long?”
Yundo peeked around the restroom door, his expression grim. “Did something happen in there?”
Hyewan forced a bright smile. “You worry too much. Let’s just go.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Don’t you trust me?”
As she slipped her arm through his, Yundo let out a long sigh. The tension finally drained from his rigid posture.
We should never do a couples’ gathering again, Hyewan thought. The day had been exhausting for her, too.
Later, in the quiet of their bathroom, the sound of running water echoed against the walls. Yundo sat opposite Hyewan in the steamy tub, gently massaging her feet.
“Ah! Gently… Ouch, that hurts!”
He looked down at her raw, blistered toes with a pained expression.
“What are we going to do? Does it hurt a lot?”
“Shoes are just like this. My feet are too used to sneakers, that’s why.”
Though the raw, red skin was a pitiful sight, her white feet were as soft as bath bomb foam. Hyewan couldn’t bear to let go of them.
“How are your feet so pretty?”
“How can you say things like that so casually?”
Hyewan’s eyes gleamed as she sipped her wine and savored its flavor.
“What’s with that look?”
“Did you say that to Min Sena too?”
Yundo made a gesture as if he were about to throw her foot away.
“You did the exact same thing last time. You asked me if I bought a tie for Kim Jin-myeong.”
“They say you can’t even drink water in front of your children. That’s exactly how it is.”
“Sure thing, Old Man,” Hyewan countered, casually throwing his age back in his face.
Yundo clenched his jaw, his comeback having completely backfired.
“Actually, back in the restroom…”
“What happened? Did four women swarm you?”
“How long have you been waiting for me?”
“Ugh…! If you’re going to be that helpless, just take me to the family restroom next time!” Yundo fumed, his frustration boiling over.
“What are you talking about? Did you just let them walk all over you? I told you to leave the backup to me and cause all the trouble you wanted.”
“Yundo, calm down,” Hyewan said.
He looked ready to storm off and demand an explanation right then and there.
“Min Sena helped me out.”
“What?” Yundo’s face contorted even more fiercely. “What kind of combination is that?”
“Min Sena said that while she might not have chastity, she definitely has affection. She claimed she cheated because she had too much affection to give… I couldn’t bring myself to disagree, so I just stayed quiet.”
“Hah!”
Yundo was speechless.
“I guess she doesn’t have any ill will toward me.”
“Honey, I’m disappointed. You’re taking her side after I finally took yours once.”
“All women know. A bathroom brawl is a real catfight, and the person who takes your side there is someone who’ll have your back anywhere in society.”
“Could that really be true?”
“Trust me. When it comes to bathroom brawls, I’m no pushover either.”
“What kind of life have you lived?”
“A fighter’s life, perhaps?”
He stared at Hyewan as she replied so lightly, then burst into a hearty laugh.
“I understand what you’re saying, but for my own peace of mind, stay away from Min Sena. The same goes for those other women.”
“I understand.”
“Let’s get out of here. You look tired.”
Hyewan took his hand and stepped out of the bathtub. As she rinsed the bubbles away under the shower, she kept Min Sena’s final words to herself.
Don’t trust people who are kind to you for no reason. The more they overdo it, the shadier their motives are.
What was Min Sena trying to imply?
Sewon Group had built its empire on construction before dominating shipbuilding and retail. Now, it was a rising force in semiconductors and future energy. In fact, after Yundo became vice president, the group had secured undersea cable projects with multiple countries.
Their construction arm—the foundation of the group—was equally thriving. Yundo had recently spearheaded the successful bid for Dubai’s largest residential development project.
As he prepared to depart for the groundbreaking ceremony, Yundo decided to bring Hyewan with him to Dubai.
Despite his busy schedule, Yundo cleared one full day. It was only a single day, but since they hadn’t even gone on their honeymoon alone, he wanted to give her at least one day of a perfect vacation.
On their way to the airport, they stopped by Min-suk’s shop.
“Mom, Auntie. We’re here.”
“Oh, you’re here!”
“You both look great.”
Min-suk and Gyeong-ae, who were finally catching their breath after the evening rush, greeted them warmly.
“What brings you here? I thought you were leaving for your trip today.”
“We stopped by on our way.”
“I’m sorry we’re the only ones going. We’ll take you both with us next time.”
“What are you talking about?” Min-suk waved her hand dismissively as Yundo apologized.
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