Chương 20: Guilt
Woo Hyun softly left the villa after assuring that Si Yoon was safely nestled into her bed, her body tired from the intensity of their meeting. The night was still young, yet a businessman's duties never really finished. His destination was his family home, a large estate that reflected the Woo family's past through generations.
Woo Hyun drove down the long, winding road to his family estate with a cigar in his hand, the magnificent home coming into view as the gates opened automatically upon his approach. The magnificence of the area had never struck him; it was simply where he had grown up, a place full of chilly memories and lofty goals.
As he entered the foyer, his father, Woo Sung, and grandfather, Chairman Woo, were already sitting in the study, discussing business. The butler notified Woo Hyun's arrival, and he entered with his customary cool manner, greeting them both with a small bow.
"Ah, Woo Hyun, come in," his grandfather exclaimed, a rare grin touching his severe face. Chairman Woo was a tough man recognized for his economic acumen, and he saw an incarnation of himself in Woo Hyun. "We were just discussing the upcoming engagement."
Woo Hyun took a seat with an emotionless gaze. "I assume everything is on schedule?"
His father nodded. "Yes, the engagement will strengthen the relationship between our company and Yura's father's company. The media will cover it extensively, and both companies will benefit significantly in the market."
Chairman Woo leaned back in his chair and studied Woo Hyun. "Do you understand how important this collaboration is? It's more than just business; it's about preserving our family's legacy."
Woo Hyun nodded, but his thoughts were elsewhere. He recognized that the marriage was a strategic decision that would benefit both families and their enterprises. But he knew his heart was not in it. His thoughts turned to Si Yoon, who was probably napping back at his villa. The feeling of her soft body against his; her bashful emotions, and how she had unintentionally become a part of his life.
"Of course, grandfather. "The engagement will go ahead as planned," Woo Hyun replied, his voice firm.
His grandfather grinned, pleased with the answer. "Good. I knew you would not disappoint. You're exactly like me when I was your age: cutthroat, determined, and always looking ahead."
Woo Hyun accepted the accolade, but the words seemed empty. He had long learnt to hide his genuine emotions, and right now, he found no delight in the route laid out for him. But he also realized he couldn't let Si Yoon go just yet.
The interaction with Yura was merely a formality, a business transaction. Si Yoon, on the other hand, represented something altogether different—a longing he couldn't shake and was unwilling to give up.
As the conversation progressed, Woo Hyun decided to keep Si Yoon with him no matter whatsoever his destiny held. The marriage was solely for the partnership, but Si Yoon... she was his, at least for the time being.
Woo Hyun recalls the next few months as a blur. The engagement to Yura was methodically planned, with both families scrutinizing every detail to ensure it was a magnificent celebration. The media was buzzing with anticipation, and when the big day arrived, the engagement ceremony had been broadcast live on every major channel in Korea.
Si Yoon, unknowing of the situation, was going through her day at Woo Hyun's villa. She'd spent the morning in the library, attempting to divert herself from the thoughts that kept bothering her since she moved in. Despite the agreement, she couldn't help but develop an unhealthy attachment to Woo Hyun, which she knew was risky.
Everything collapsed down as she walked into the living room and noticed Mrs. Han watching television. The television showed a large ballroom, lavishly furnished with flowers and chandeliers. The camera zoomed across the attendees, who were all dressed to the nines, before focusing on the couple at the center of attention—Woo Hyun and Yura.
Si Yoon's heart sunk as she absorbed the scene. Woo Hyun appeared as serene and charismatic as ever, but seeing him standing by Yura, holding her hand as they exchanged rings, brought a flood of remorse over her. She remained silent as the engagement unfolded, the rings exchanged, the smiles shared, and the camera captured every intimate detail of the occasion.
Yura looked lovely, dressed in a couture gown that highlighted her grace and attractiveness. Si Yoon's chest tightened as he saw her stare at Woo Hyun with fondness and familiarity. This was the woman he was supposed to be with, the one he was now engaged to, but here she was, entangled in his life in a way that seemed wrong on all levels.
When the ceremony concluded and the television went to interviews with the attendees, Si Yoon turned away, her mind racing. She felt like an invader in another person's story, a pawn in a game she didn't want to play. The reality was clear: Woo Hyun was another person's fiancé, and she had no role in his life other than the agreement that they had signed.
That evening, she sat in her room, repeating the events in her thoughts. The shame tore at her, causing her to feel small and irrelevant. She had known from the beginning that this wasn't real and that she was only there for the contract, but witnessing Woo Hyun with Yura had brought that point home in the most painful way.
She made the decision immediately to detach herself, to quit seeking Woo Hyun's transient regard or attention. She would fulfill the contract, perform what was expected of her, and then disappear when it was finished. It was the only way she could keep herself safe and avoid becoming entangled in something that wasn't meant to be hers.
As the days went, she hardened her heart, resolved to maintain her distance. She knew it would be challenging, yet it was the only way to go through this trauma without losing herself entirely. Woo Hyun was engaged, and she was nothing more than a passing fancy in his life, just like the other ladies he'd dated. The sooner she accepted that, the better.
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