Tae Joon woke up with a heavy head, still feeling the after-effects of last night's alcohol. The sharp memory of Na-ri's cold words cut through his mind like a blade. She had ended their engagement so easily. There was no argument. No fight. They were okay. But she ended their engagement he it never meant anything. Like that wasn't enough she announced her engagement with another man. Just in this same day.
That wasn't like Na-ri. Na-ri had always been kind and sweet.
When he confronted her after the gala. She had hesitated, just a little. Maybe he still had a chance to talk to her, to make her understand. Maybe he could fix things. Find out what he did wrong.
At the Jung household, Ji-a's eyes were swollen from crying. She stepped into the living room where her father was watching the morning news, her mother seated beside him sipping tea. The screen showed clips from the anniversary event. The host spoke cheerfully,
"...last night was unforgettable as Empire Group celebrated their 70th Anniversary, sealing it with the surprise engagement of CEOs Han Jin Woo and Kang Na-ri..."
Before the segment could continue, Mi-na grabbed the remote and turned off the TV sharply. Ji-a's fists clenched as she spoke through gritted teeth, tears brimming again. "I won't let them marry. I won't."
Mi-na's eyes narrowed. She placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Go get ready and head to work. Act normal."
"But–"
" Leave everything to me. I have the perfect plan."
Meanwhile, Na-ri was already awake. She freshened up and came down for breakfast. Her grandfather sat at the head of the table, watching the same news coverage. The anchor praised the engagement as a brilliant business move.
When Na-ri entered, he muted the TV. "Come my dear, sit."
He looked at her thoughtfully. "I didn't say anything last night, but this engagement... it's sudden. Have you really thought this through? I'm saying this as your grandfather and not as the chairman of Empire Group. Are you okay with this? Are you doing this for the company or for yourself?"
Na-ri took his hand gently. "I have, Grandpa. Yes, it helps the company. But I'm doing this for me. I'm really happy. You don't have to worry."
Her grandfather studied her eyes for a moment, then smiled. She hugged him tightly and asked for his blessing. He gave it with a nod and a proud smile.
Dressed like a queen, Na-ri walked out of her room. She wore a dramatic chic purple dress with a high neckline and a slit at the side with a matching blazer over her shoulders. The fitted fabric shimmered subtly under the light. Her matching heels clicked with every step. A purple sleek handbag, a diamond statement jewelry; earrings, necklace, bracelets and wristwatch. She style her hair in a side parting sleek bun. She looked powerful, like a woman in control of her world.
Her looks screamed: "I am princess who just engaged to the man of my dreams"
"The world should know I'm engaged," she said to herself as she waved her grandfather goodbye, he called out from behind his newspaper, "Empire stock rose 3% overnight. I'll stop by the office later!"
She smiled. "Good. I'll be waiting."
Outside, as the driver opened the car door. Just as he was about to drive off, someone blocked their way. Tae Joon.
He walked up to the window, desperate. "Na-ri... can we talk?"
Na-ri didn't even look at him. "Why did you stop?" she asked the driver.
"I-I thought... you knew him," the driver stuttered.
"Drive," she said coldly.
The car pulled away, leaving Tae Joon standing helpless in the driveway. Looking like a dog abandoned in the rain.
She told the driver to head to Minji's house.
When they reached Minji's house. Na-ri called her.
When Minji picked up, she said, "Is there a problem? I was just about to leave."
"No. I'm waiting outside," Na-ri replied.
Minji came down quickly. The car ride started in silence. Na-ri stared at her phone while Minji kept glancing her way, clearly confused.
"I mean... how.. when.... how? You were just engaged to Tae Joon. What happened? How are you now engaged to Han Jin Woo? I don't understand explain it to me?"
Na-ri didn't answer. Instead, she handed over her phone. Minji's eyes widened when she saw the photos.
"He... he cheated on you?" Minji gasped. "Do you know who the girl is?"
Na-ri zoomed into the girl's wrist. The bracelet was clear.
"That's Ji-a's bracelet!" Minji exclaimed.
Minji began stuttering in shock. "How could they... after everything. I can't believe this."
Na-ri nodded. "I'm okay now."
Minji shook her head. "You knew, didn't you? That's why you were so hurt on Saturday... And he had the nerve to propose!"
Na-ri stayed silent.
Minji asked again, confused, "But how is marrying Jin Woo helping you?"
Na-ri gave a half-truth. "Ji-a wanted to marry him. So now... I want to hurt them too."
It was a half-truth. The real reason… no one would believe.
Minji wiped her eyes. "Don't worry. I'll help you hurt them both. They'll regret hurting you."
She hugged Na-ri tightly. A tear slipped down Na-ri's cheek.
They reached the Empire building. As they stepped out, whispers flew like wild birds.
"Did you see the news?"
"She's engaged to Han Jin Woo now?"
"She looks like she walked out of a drama…"
"What about her ex-fiancé?"
They ignored it all and walked straight towards the elevator—until a hand grabbed Na-ri's wrist.
It was Tae Joon.
"Na-ri, we need to talk!" he said loudly. "Yesterday we were engaged. Then suddenly you break it off and announce you're engaged to someone else?! Does that make any sense? How can you be so cruel? Explain!"
Minji tried to pull him off. "Let her go."
Na-ri shook him off herself. The memory of that night came rushing back.
"Na-ri, please. Whatever I did, I'm sorry. I love you."
She glared at him. "So what? Are you the only one who knows how to love? I told you already, it's over. I have no intention of marrying you. I never loved you. I was just playing with you. You're boring now."
Gasps filled the lobby.
Tae Joon yelled, "Kang Na-ri!"
She yelled back, "Lee Tae Joon! What did you think? That I'd marry someone like you? You must be dreaming. I'm Kang Na-ri, the granddaughter of Kang Hyun Bin, CEO of Empire Group. Did you actually think I'd settle for a small-time, weak man like you? You have nothing to offer me. You're not even on my level."
Everyone was stunned.
"She really said that..."
"She's so fierce. But wow... that was harsh."
Tae Joon, now red with shame and anger, raised his hand. But before he could swing it, someone grabbed his wrist and twisted it.
He was on the floor before he realized what happened.
Han Jin Woo stood above him, calm but deadly.