Jin Woo drove Na-ri home, the night sky calm and quiet around them. The soft hum of the car was the only sound for a while, until Na-ri finally turned to him.
"Thank you… really," she said softly.
He looked at her, a little confused. "For what?"
"For today. For everything." She let out a small sigh and looked down at her hands. "You helped take my mind off things, and I didn't even realise how badly I needed that. It felt nice… just for once, not thinking about any of it."
Jin Woo smiled faintly. "I'm glad."
She gave a small nod. "But…" Her voice was gentle. "Don't help me anymore. You've already done enough. I want to handle it on my own now. I don't want to keep being in debt to you."
He glanced at her again but didn't say anything.
"I mean it," she added, giving him a short smile. "You've been too kind."
He turned the car slowly into her driveway and parked.
"Noted," he replied, his tone teasing but light. "But don't expect me to actually listen."
She chuckled softly, then leaned forward and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Goodnight, Jin Woo."
He blinked, slightly stunned, as she stepped out and waved before walking to her door. He waited, watching her until she went inside, then drove off quietly.
Inside the house, her grandfather was already making his way to the dining room. As soon as he saw her, he smiled.
"Na-ri, come have dinner."
She shook her head gently. "I already ate, grandpa. With Jin Woo."
He nodded slowly, his smile deepening. "That's good."
He turned to walk off, then paused like he remembered something.
"Oh, right. Chairman Han called today. He mentioned the family meeting. Said we'll be doing it this Saturday."
Her smile faded a little. "A family meeting… already?"
"Yes. Probably to get to know eachother better. Also to start the arrangements for your wedding."
She simply nodded.
Later that night, she stood under the warm shower, letting the water run down as she thought about the day. Everything had gone unexpectedly smoothly—thanks to Jin Woo. But the moment she realised she was getting comfortable around him, she shook her head quickly, brushing the thought away. She wasn't going to go down that road.
Once she dried off and changed into her nightgown, she lay on the bed and reached for her phone.
Na-ri: Did you get home safe?
Jin Woo: Yeah. Sleep well, Na-ri. Goodnight.
She smiled slightly and turned off the light, falling asleep more peacefully than she had in days.
The next morning came fast. Na-ri stepped out of her sleek black sports car looking as classy as ever. She wore a fitted navy mini skirt suit, paired with black pantyhose. Her accessories were all matching—subtle but expensive. Her dark hair was curled loosely and flowed softly over her shoulders. She topped the whole look with black sunglasses that made her presence even bolder.
She hadn't even gotten to the entrance when she spotted Ji-a arriving at the same time. Of course. Timing.
They walked in silence toward the elevator and got in. The air between them was still. Tense.
Na-ri casually adjusted her purse strap and glanced sideways. "Did you like the gift?"
Ji-a blinked and turned to her. "Huh-?"
Na-ri smiled slightly, like it was nothing. "I felt a little bad… you know, about you being left behind. Thought it might help."
There was a moment of silence. Ji-a had a flashback in her head—the book in the box, the title stamped in gold:
"Understanding Why You Weren't Chosen By Him."
And that note. That infuriating, fake-sweet note.
"I found this while browsing self-help books. It felt… humbling and beautiful. You might find it empowering. Don't give up—there's someone for everyone! – Na-ri"
She wanted to scream. She felt like pulling Na-ri's hair out.
But her mother's words that morning came back to her:
"Be patient, Ji-a. Tomorrow everything will be set."
So she took a breath. Swallowed the fire down. And smiled.
"I loved it," she said brightly. "Actually… I wanted to apologise. I was being really selfish. I only thought of myself and not your happiness. You have always been good to me. I can't believe I was being petty. I should've congratulated you earlier. I am really sorry!"
Na-ri raised a brow. "…Really?"
"Yeah," Ji-a replied. Her voice was warm, but her eyes had that usual spark. "Congratulations on your engagement. You two look good together. I mean it. And… I'm sorry about Tae Joon too. I still can't believe he cheated on you like that. After everything."
Na-ri didn't respond. She just stared.
"But don't worry," Ji-a went on. "Jin Woo seems to really love you. I'm sure it'll work out for you."
The elevator dinged. Na-ri stepped out.
"Oh, and about the family meeting tomorrow…" Ji-a added, still smiling. "I'll make sure to be there. I wouldn't want to miss it for the world."
Na-ri gave her one last look, unsure of what she just witnessed. Something about Ji-a's tone didn't sit right.
She walked to her office slowly, her heels clicking against the marble, her thoughts already racing.
Ji-a never gave up easily. That she knew. She also knew Ji-a didn't want her to be happy. So this sudden sweetness… it wasn't right.
The whole day felt off. Na-ri kept zoning out during work. Her thoughts always came back to Ji-a's words, her fake smile, her unexpected apology. The congratulations.
Minji had to nudge her twice during their break.
"Hey. What's wrong with you today?" Minji asked.
Na-ri blinked. "Sorry. Just distracted."
"Is it about Ji-a?" Minji narrowed her eyes. "I saw you two this morning."
"She's acting strange," Na-ri muttered. "Too nice. She said she'll come for the family meeting tomorrow."
Minji rolled her eyes. "Oh no. That means she's definitely up to something."
Na-ri nodded slowly. "Exactly. I just don't know what."