Chapter 23: Cracks in the Plan

Ji-Ah kept telling herself this was just temporary. A deal. A business transaction forced upon them.

But then why did she find herself not completely hating Evelyn's company?

It started with small things.

Like the fact that Evelyn always ordered black coffee in the morning but somehow remembered Ji-Ah liked hers with extra milk.

Or how Evelyn always had a sharp comeback whenever Ji-Ah snapped at her—never cruel, just teasing, pushing Ji-Ah's buttons in a way that both annoyed and intrigued her.

Or how Evelyn, despite all her arrogance, never truly invaded Ji-Ah's space. She kept a respectful distance when needed.

It made Ji-Ah wonder… how much of Evelyn's cold persona was real, and how much was a shield?

An Unplanned Moment

One evening, they attended yet another business event, standing side by side like the perfect engaged couple. Ji-Ah was used to this act now—smiling when needed, pretending to be completely in sync with Evelyn.

But something was off with Evelyn tonight.

She was quieter than usual, her usual sharp edge dulled.

Ji-Ah would have ignored it, but then Evelyn did something unexpected—she missed a comment directed at her.

Evelyn. The woman who never lost focus in a room full of powerful people.

That's when Ji-Ah realized—Evelyn hadn't been sleeping well.

There were faint shadows under her eyes, her posture a little too stiff, her usual grace just a little strained.

Before she could think, Ji-Ah leaned in and whispered, "You okay?"

Evelyn blinked, as if startled that Ji-Ah had noticed. Then, she smirked. "Why? Worried about me?"

Ji-Ah scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Forget I asked."

But when she turned to walk away, Evelyn grabbed her wrist—just for a second.

"I'm fine." Evelyn's voice was quieter this time. Almost… sincere.

Ji-Ah hesitated.

For the first time, she didn't have a sarcastic reply.

And for some reason, that scared her more than anything else.

Evelyn's Private Struggle

Later that night, Evelyn sat in her office, rubbing her temples.

She hated showing weakness.

But the truth was, her father's expectations, the media pressure, and this whole engagement had been wearing her down.

She wasn't used to playing a role this exhausting.

And now… Ji-Ah was starting to notice.

Evelyn wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a dangerous one.

All she knew was that Ji-Ah's voice, that simple "You okay?", had made her feel something unfamiliar.

Something she wasn't ready to face yet.