Chapter Twenty-two: A Dangerous Accusation.

Ji-Eun sat quietly at the café, her fingers tapping against the rim of her coffee cup as she overheard a conversation at the next table. The words "Min Jun" and "decline" caught her attention, making her heartbeat quicken with anticipation. A sly smile crept onto her lips as she realized that Kang Min Jun was struggling, perhaps under the weight of his recent decisions or the pressure from his parents. This was the opportunity she had been waiting for.

 She leaned back in her chair, her mind racing as she contemplated her next move. If Min Jun was faltering, then this was the perfect time to strike. But it couldn't be just any accusation—it had to be something that would not only tarnish his reputation but also drive a wedge between him and Lee Soo Jeon.

 The plan began to take shape in her mind. She needed to paint Min Jun as someone untrustworthy, someone who would betray those closest to him. The accusation had to be personal, something that would cut deep and cause lasting damage.

 As she sipped her coffee, Ji-Eun concocted a story that would be impossible for Min Jun to easily refute. She would accuse him of being unfaithful, of leading her on while he was still with Soo Jeon. She could fabricate evidence—text messages, perhaps, or even staged photographs—that would make it look like Min Jun had been pursuing her behind Soo Jeon's back. It would be her word against his, and she knew how to manipulate the narrative to her advantage.

 With her plan in place, Ji-Eun set about creating the perfect trap. She reached out to a few mutual friends, subtly planting seeds of doubt about Min Jun's character. Then, she arranged a meeting with him under the pretense of needing closure. When he inevitably refused her advances, she would have someone secretly take a photo, making it appear as though Min Jun was embracing her.

 The day of the confrontation arrived. Ji-Eun made sure to look her best—innocent and heartbroken, the perfect picture of a woman wronged. As she approached Min Jun, she could see the weariness in his eyes, the weight of his troubles pulling him down. For a brief moment, she almost felt a pang of guilt. But then she remembered why she was doing this.

 "Min Jun," she began, her voice trembling slightly, "I need to talk to you."

 He looked at her, confused but willing to listen. "What's going on, Ji-Eun?"

 She took a deep breath, playing the part of the devastated ex. "I've been trying to move on, but it's been so hard... especially when I see you with her. I just... I need to know if there was ever something real between us."

 Min Jun's expression hardened. "Ji-Eun, we've been over this. I'm with Soo Jeon now, and I've made my choice."

 She forced tears into her eyes, letting them spill over as she whispered, "I just can't believe you would lead me on like this, make me think there was still hope."

 He shook his head, frustration and sadness mingling in his gaze. "I never led you on. I'm sorry if you felt that way, but I've been clear about where I stand."

 That was her cue. As she moved closer, she wrapped her arms around him, pretending to seek comfort. She could feel him stiffen, trying to gently pull away, but before he could, the camera flashed.

 The moment was captured—the perfect, damning evidence.