Confused

Woo Hyun stood in his living area, staring out the wide glass windows, lost in concentration. The television in the background softly broadcast the news of his recent engagement to Yura, with an image of them smiling at the camera flashing across the screen. The engagement had gone exactly as planned—public, formal, and flawlessly conducted for the corporate alliance it was intended to secure. However, Woo Hyun remained unconcerned about the entire situation.

His thoughts strayed to Si Yoon, who was unaware of the engagement until now. He could envision her reaction, the guilty look on her innocent face. It was something she shouldn't have to bear, but he knew it would just reinforce the barrier she had been attempting to maintain between them. Despite their physical intimacy, Si Yoon was emotionally distant, which attracted and angered him.

On the other hand, Yura's attempts to rekindle their previous relationship were failing horribly. She had visited his house, and Woo Hyun's behavior made her suspect, as if he was hiding something.

Woo Hyun despised her presence in his home, especially with Si Yoon present. He did not want Yura to meet Si Yoon for fear that reports would travel to his grandfather. Woo Hyun's grandfather had always been a cunning man, and he would have noticed Si Yoon's lengthy presence in his life. Woo Hyun was well known for having brief flings, but here Si Yoon was, still a part of his life after over ten months.

The notion of Yura meeting Si Yoon made his blood run cold. His grandfather could easily misread the circumstances, viewing Si Yoon as a danger to the well planned engagement. Woo Hyun couldn't afford that type of attention, especially when he was so close to establishing his place within the family business.

Despite the challenges, he was unable to get himself to let go of Si Yoon. Their relationship, while essentially physical, had become something he couldn't readily abandon. It was as if simply owning her was a defiance of his life's rigid framework, a rebellion against the demands set on him.

As the evening progressed, Woo Hyun realized that his priorities were obvious. The relationship with Yura was nothing more than a commercial connection, a means to a goal. But Si Yoon... she was something unique, something he couldn't identify, and that was what drew him back to her time and again.

He turned away from the window, making a mental note to keep Yura at distance for now. He didn't want his grandfather to find out about his continuous arrangement with Si Yoon. His family believed that he was only following the road that had been laid out for him. But, deep down, Woo Hyun understood that this route was not as simple as it appeared.

As he returned to his room, he made a quiet promise to keep Si Yoon in his life no matter what it took.

In a dimly illuminated office, a man sat back in his leather chair, staring at the television screen that showed Woo Hyun and Yura's engagement. Min Jae-hyun. The man's lips twisted into a narrow, cruel smile as he watched the news. The situation was almost perfect: two prominent families coming together to form a partnership that would increase their influence in the corporate world. But he was not impressed.

He took his glass of liquor from the desk, swirling the amber liquid before sipping. The sound of the door opening made him look up. Kang Dong Ho, one of his subordinates, entered the room carrying a file.

"Sir," he began, courteous but with a sense of urgency, "we've gathered some interesting information."

The man lifted an eyebrow, motioning for him to continue. Kang Dong approached the desk and pushed the file toward him.

"It's about Si Yoon," he added. "She's been with Woo Hyun for about ten months. We've confirmed that she's presently staying at his own villa, and it appears he's been keeping her out of the spotlight."

The man's eyes grew darker when he heard the name. Si Yoon. So Woo Hyun has someone stashed away who was not supposed to be part of the public image. Intriguing.

"Woo Hyun's playing a dangerous game," the man mumbled to himself, his mind swimming with ideas. He had always loathed Woo Hyun, envious of his money, connections, and seemingly unwavering place in the corporate world. But this was information he could utilize.

He opened the file and looked through the documents and photos inside. There were photos of Si Yoon entering and exiting the villa with Woo Hyun, her face captured in private moments that displayed both her beauty and vulnerability. There were records on her family, her father's debts, and her current predicament.

He repeated her name, "Si Yoon," with a smile on his lips. "So this is the woman Woo Hyun has been keeping so carefully away from public eyes.

The man leaned back again, his thoughts calculating. If he played his cards correctly, Si Yoon could be the ticket to getting under Woo Hyun's skin and finally making him weak. Woo Hyun may have the upper hand now, but everybody had a weakness. And by the looks of it, this woman could be his.

"Keep an eye on her," he told his subordinate. "I want to know everything about her: where she goes, who she talks to, and what she does. Make sure Woo Hyun doesn't find out."

"Yes, sir," he replied, bowing slightly and leaving the room.

The man returned his gaze to the television, where the image of Woo Hyun and Yura had been replaced with another news report. But his thoughts stayed on Si Yoon, the lady who may unwittingly hold the key to his goals.

"Let's see how well you can keep your secrets, Woo Hyun," he said, taking a final swig from his glass. The game had only just begun, and he was determined to win this time.

He had to settle some scores with Woo Hyun and his family, and the time was coming when he would succeed.