CHAPTER 4

Jumi, stood in front of her apartment building, stared intently at the black villa entrance. The hair at her nape stood up. Goosebumps spread all over her skin.

Fear, that's what she felt.

For a moment, she laughed out loud, wondering if she was worrying for no reason. She went to an engagement party of the man who had made up his mind a long time ago to be with another woman, and the day was so cold that her hands were frozen, and she was stupidly imagining something that was uncertain, inflating it, and even doubting her illusions.

I guess I am just tired. I should just go in now and soak myself in hot water.

As she was thinking about it, she heard a familiar voice from behind her.

"Jumi."

Her heart jumped in surprise and she looked behind her.

"Mom!"

Gyeong-ah gets out of the backseat of a silver car that was parked in the dark alley.

"Goodness, did I scare you?"

"M-mom?"

"What on earth have you been doing up to this hour without even answering your phone? Why are you just coming home now? What were you doing out so late?"

Her mother, who was adjusting the white fur coat that covered her entire body, quickly walked over to Jumi, assessed her ears, which were red and cold.

"When did you arrive, mom? I mean, how long have you been here? Why did you come here so late?"

"I needed to talk to you, have you been drinking?"

"Yeah... Just a little."

"Come on. Let's go inside. It's freezing cold out here."

"Huh? Oh, okay..."

It was Gyeong-ah who opened the front door of the house, which even the house owner, Jumi, was hesitant to enter. Jumi brewed two cups of warm tea and offered a cup to her mom, who was looking around the simple decoration of her house. A house without much to see.

"This was why I didn't want to let you go..."

Gyeong-ah was muttering as if she was upset, and after she drank the tea, she put the tea cup down on the saucer again.

It seemed like she had been waiting for a long time in front of her apartment building for her.

"So, what happened?"

"What do you mean?", Jumi asked, startled by the question.

"I'm talking about your blind date. Did it go well?"

"I must have said to you the same thing like a hundred of times. Nothing happened, and that was the end of it. We have no plans to meet each other anymore."

Gyeong-ah, who was holding back her words, put the cup of tea aside and sat down close to her daughter. It was from then on that Jumi, who had been drinking tea in silence, began to look at Gyeong-ah with suspicious eyes.

"That's good to hear then, because I've set you up on another date this weekend. You can go and meet him."

"Who is it?"

"He is the eldest son of the director of Haeseong Hospital. If I'd known your father was planning to do this, I would've just told him off when he said something about you going on a blind date with his boss. And I would've said yes immediately the moment the hospital director brought up the date. Anyway, I think your father will approve of the hospital director's son once he'll meet him."

"Mom, please—"

"I am choosing my son-in-law. I have the right to do so, too. I don't want a son-in-law like your father."

"Why are you doing this?"

"One mobster husband is enough. I don't need a mobster son-in-law, too! A gangster! Let me take a breather and give me a break. How dare your father make you a political scapegoat by involving you in the affairs of his company? Even so, you're my only precious daughter... how dare he use you for his advancement in the company!"

"You don't want father to hear about the hospital director's son, do you? And you already made up your mind about being in-laws with the hospital director, right?"

Gyeong-ah put down the teacup she was holding. The teacup that was halfway on the saucer eventually fell over. Gyeong-ah, startled by the spilled tea, took out a handkerchief and wiped the hem of her skirt that was splashed.

"Oh my!"

"What are you going to do if father ever finds out?"

"That's why I'm going to keep this from your father for now. Then, you shouldn't talk to your father for a while. If your father finds out, there will be trouble again. Who knows? I think things might get well between you and the hospital director's son. You might get along well. What could your father really do to stop you two from running off together if you were to fall in love? No, he can't stop you. Anyway, just take a look at the man first. I've put in a good word for you. So meet with him, get to know him. Is that alright with you?"

"Why on earth are you doing something you can't win?"

"No matter what, this is a matter of your marriage. As your mom I can't give up. If possible, the hospital director's son is a better choice. So don't say anything to your father yet. Okay?"

Jumi just nodded.

"It's late now mom. I'm tired. I want to rest."

"Huh? Oh dear! Look at the time. It's past midnight."

"I will see you out."

"Yes, you should get some rest. Sleep well. I will contact you in time about your date. I need to schedule it first. Anyway, is there security here?"

Like the ebb of the tide, only the sound of a clock ticking remained in the space where Gyeong-ah had left.

Jumi took off the coat she hadn't even taken off yet and unwrapped the scarf she was wearing.

Today is such a so long day. The wind is already strong.

It didn't look like Jumi was going to fall asleep easily, so she went straight to the kitchen and opened another bottle of wine. Just in case, she made sure to close her front door again.

As she approached the window, the snow that had stopped was falling again.

I had a strange intuition, a bad feeling that this winter was going to be a particularly cold, long and harsh season.

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Why had it has to be this hotel? Of all the places in the world, why here?

Things were starting off at the wrong foot from the start. Originally, one could guess which button would be sewn just by looking at the first button. However, this doesn't look good. This was doomed to failure from the beginning.

I can't believe I have another blind date at the same place. It already feels like something's wrong.

From that perspective, it was definitely not good from the start, but it didn't matter whether it was put together poorly or well.

Anyway, all she had to do was eat one dinner with the guy and I can leave then go back home. In any case, the man who came to meet her today also had his purpose.

Her mother Gyeong-ah, wanted to have the hospital director as her in-laws, and the hospital director, wanted to gain Wooseong's strength.

Actually, it was Jumi's father political standing in the city that lured the interest of the hospital director. Everyone in the city knew how much money was being run by her father's company building in the middle of Gangnam. It was a famous place for wealthy people.

In fact, for Jumi, there was no difference between where she was a week ago and now. Executive Director Choi and her mother only have different goals stemming from their respective positions.

Just like the last time, I also knew that I was the only one who didn't like this meeting one way or another, which had been carefully planned from the beginning at my mom's expense.

When she arrived at the restaurant entrance, the man she was about to meet, saw her first and he stood up. Looking at the man who greeted her politely, it was not difficult for Jumi to recognized that he was the man her mother had mentioned. He made a pretty neat first impression.

"My name is Lee Tae-ju. Are you Choi Jumi? I heard a lot about you from your mother."

The man held out his business card first and smiled at her genuinely.

Remembering the man she met at the same place a week ago, this was an extremely natural and common sense method.

The difference was, this man who sat in front of her now didn't make her wait alone for a long time like the other one did.

"Yes, I'm Choi Jumi. Nice to meet you."

"I hope you didn't have any trouble getting here. Did you have a hard time commuting on your way here? I wanted to fetch you from your house but I think that would be untoward for our first meeting. However, I'm glad you came. Then, shall we order our meal so we can begin our dinner?"

Tae-ju guided the conversation more skillfully than expected and responded well to Jumi's answers. He looked like a person with good manners. He was upright enough that it made her feel a bit bad that she couldn't stop herself from comparing him with the other man. However, it felt so good to see that this one doesn't smoke a cigarette while ignoring the dish he was supposed to have had eaten.

Jumi was listening to the man who was talking to her eloquently while cutting the juicy steak. She didn't think that he was a man of many words, but he did have a lot to say. So she also felt a strong urge not to create an awkward silence.

While eating, she was careful with her chewing and swallowing. She felt as if anytime it might go down her throat or out of her nostrils.

"Actually, I'm a bit surprised. I heard you were beautiful, but I didn't expect you to be this gorgeous."

Tae-ju seems like a smooth talker unlike the other one. He's buttering me up just the right amount. At least he's not new to blind dates then. Guess meeting him tonight wasn't bad after all.

Jumi smiled a little at his words. Then, perhaps because he thought he was ridiculing her, Tae-ju apologised, telling her not to misunderstand because he was telling the truth. Jumi laughed a little and thanked him for his compliment.

"Ah, don't misunderstand. Don't take it the wrong way. I wasn't just saying it for the sake of it. I actually meant it and was being completely honest."

"No, that's not the reason why I laughed."

Compared to the man I met at this exact spot a week ago, Tae-ju was quite normal, natural and sensible. Unlike someone, he didn't let me wait for a long time, neither did he ignore the food as if it was an unwanted offering in an altar. He's definitely not using the food as an ashtray, either.

Compared to that day when there was only great silence...

No! Stop it! Why do I keep thinking about that day? The reason I remember that man is because I was in the same place and the same restaurant as back then. That's it!

Because it was her first time being confronted by an intimidating man other than her father, that it was shocking to her. However, it was not necessarily the first time that it remained in Jumi's mind.

"Ahh, actually it's nothing."

I'm sure that man only keeps coming to mind because I'm sitting in the same place... at the same restaurant where we first met. Just the two of us.

No matter how many confrontations she'd seen, one has to know that it would be quite a shock to meet a man like that. She was foolish enough to stand up against him.

"Well, I'm glad you're not offended. Now, why don't we start eating?"

Jumi felt her throat getting dry and she got thirsty for no reason, so she grabbed the water cup and gulped it down. The man before her stopped cutting the steak and seriously took out a handkerchief and held it out to her. Jumi waved her hand saying it was okay since she had a napkin. Tae-ju cleared his throat and withdrew his hand.

After finishing their meal, Jumi ordered a cup of coffee. She really liked to taste of the famous black coffee from a strong coffee bean aroma in this restaurant.

A week ago, she left after having dinner with the other guy before even trying this coffee, so it was her first time having a cup.

After that, Tae-ju continued to pour out very unconsoling stories, such as what he did at work, how much time he spent at the hospital, and that he has an older sister who just got married but she wasn't that interested in her younger brother's future, so they didn't have to worry about getting married soon. It wasn't that funny on his part, but to her it was. Easy conversations between them continued on without interruption.

Maybe I should go after I finish this coffee.

"What about you Jumi?"

When it got a little boring, the man put down his cup of coffee that was left half empty.

"Sorry?"

"I heard you run a coffee shop in Hannam-dong."

"Oh, yes. I—"

Jumi, who had been quietly drinking coffee, raised her head to answer his question but she got petrified and wasn't able to get a hold of the topic of their conversation. The quiet restaurant became a little noisy and chaotic.

Wait... that's—

Five men in black suits were coming inside, causing a commotion as they were guided by the female hotel manager. She recognized the woman who directly showed the way into the VIP room to the group. Jumi knew her because she was the person in charge of the table when she came here a week ago to meet him.

It's him. He's here.

Jeong Yoongyo.

"Right this way, Director Jeong. I'll escort you to the VIP room."

And father, too...

Jumi immediately bowed her head, trying so hard to hide her face from the man...

What came to mind was her previous conversation with her mother's voice repeatedly urging her to do something.

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"That's why I'm going to keep this from your father for now. Then, you shouldn't talk to your father for a while. If your father finds out, there will be trouble again."

"No matter what, this is a matter of your marriage. As your mom I can't give up."

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But why are they here now of all times?

"Are you all right, Jumi?"

"Uh... umm.."

However, just like the other women in that restaurant, her eyes were glued to the black suit walking towards her direction from not too far away. The younger man's attractive face looked so familiar, and one of the men standing on either side of him looked even more familiar.

Executive Director Choi Wooseok, an employee who worked with Chairman Wooseong for a long time. Then the distinguished man who walked side by side with her dad was his boss, Director Jeong Yoongyo.

That familiar footsteps were getting closer.

The graceful steps that seemed to prove his legitimacy, the small gestures that made such a tall, handsome man stood out, were naturally attracting the attention of the others especially the ladies in that restaurant. The suit, which seems as if it was made just for him, clung to the man's strong and abled body to show off his musculinity.

Even gangsters have class, it's funny and scary at the same time.

That thought immediately hit her.

Jumi was blankly looking at the face of the gorgeous man approaching their table.

"Yes, I'm—"

Why does it has to be now?!

It was only a moment when her eyes met that sharp, scrutinizing gaze abruptly. She suddenly turned her head without realizing it, averting his perusing eyes. Her palms were covered in cold sweat while that gorgeous man stared at her in scrutiny.

"Ahem!", her dad cleared his throat as he passed by her table. Jumi grabbed her chest in fear.

"Miss Jumi?"

"I'm fine."

"Are you okay? Do you feel sick?"

"Y-yes, it's okay... I'm okay."

Jumi never imagined that this could feel like a button that was sewn incorrectly. It felt as if the weight of the footsteps passing by her was pressing down on her. She hasn't committed any sin. Even if there was, her only fault was for deceiving her father, and that man had nothing to do with it.

Father might scold me, and I'm not cheating on that man or anything. So I don't have to feel guilty.

After meeting him that fateful day, she has no plan to have another date night with him at all. It was also an implicit intention not to meet again and obviously that was what he wanted, too.

But why is my heart pounding so much and racing so hard? And why are my hands shaking? Why do I feel so guilty being caught having dinner with another man?

The distinguished gentleman passing by had the same scent as that unfortunate day. His sharp, hazel eyes not leaving hers as he walked on by their table. The smell of his man's perfume permeating in that confined space. That manly scent that made her feel hot and bothered at the same time.

Lee Tae-ju, who had his back turned to him, glanced at him as he and his group walked away.

"I need to go to the ladies' room for a moment."

What's my father doing here anyway? This isn't good. What if I get caught up in the fight between him and mom?

Her legs were shaking from the unexpected encounter.

Jumi walked as far away as possible from the direction they had walked by and headed toward the ladies' room. She place her hand under the cold running water. She wished she could place her entire face under it.

Did my father see Tae-ju? Of course, he must have seen him. This is a problem. I don't want to deal with the brunt of my parents' issues.

It looked like the shrimp's back will explode in the whale fight. In the first place, does the shrimp have a choice? As she was just looking at the still flowing water, the inside of her pocket vibrated. Jumi roughly wiped her hands and took out her cell phone. There was a text message from her dad.

TM: [Just wrap things up, come over here and meet me.]

"Speaking of the devil. My father is not a noble man either." Jumi whispered to herself.

It wasn't entirely unexpected. Her mom said she was one step too late, but Jumi thought that even if she was one step ahead, there was no way she could beat her father. So even if she met that man Tae-ju first, it would be meaningless. That was why she was anxious. That was the reason why something bothered her even after leaving this place a week ago and returning here tonight.

She left the ladies' room and sat down across from Tae-ju, who was sitting patiently awaiting her return.

"Well, umm... Tae-ju. I think it's time to call it a night and we have to end our dinner now."

"Did something came up? Is something's the matter? If it's urgent then—"

"Yes. It's a very important family matter."

"Then I'll contact you later."

"Oh, sure."

"Take care."

It was difficult to tell him that there was no need for it or that she wouldn't wait. She covered up the unutterable answer with a quiet laugh and stood up. She pretended to answer the phone and turned around to wait for Tae-ju to leave.

What am I doing?

As she was looking at the toes of her high-heeled shoes and counting meaningless numbers, wondering what on earth she was doing bidding her time, she felt someone standing next to her.

A man in a jumper approached her, stood so close behind her, then moved away.

Huh! That guy from before!

Jumi unconsciously let go of her phone due to the familiar smell of the man's musty breath. The smell that came from the man she saw at the bar on the day of Jeonghyeon's engagement ceremony. She quickly picked up her dropped cell phone and walked towards the way her father and his boss went to with trembling steps. She walked briskly without stopping.

Jumi found herself standing infront of the VIP room. The man who opened the door he was guarding was a bodyguard, who protected the big bosses of Wooseong.

Jumi discovered herself once again in a place where the formidable man Jeong Yoongyo was.

Such a bad luck she was having.