Back at the office, the day was already winding down. Na-ri sat at her desk, her eyes moving over the final details for the next day. Everything was set. All her plans were in place. The anniversary event was going to be big—but not just for the company. For her, it would be the beginning of something else entirely.
She picked up her phone and called Min-ji.
"Come to my office," she said calmly.
A few minutes later, Min-ji arrived. They both left together. As the elevator doors closed, someone slid in just before they shut—Ji-a.
Ji-a's smile was sharp and fake. Her voice was sweet but her tone was full of hidden meaning.
"I forgot to congratulate you," she said, looking directly at Na-ri. "Congrats on your engagement. I also wanted to tell you… I have a gift for you. You've always given me gifts since we were little. So I want to return the favor. And trust me—this one will blow your mind."
Na-ri didn't flinch. She gave a small smile back, cool and unreadable.
"Thank you," she replied softly.
The elevator doors opened, and their smiles faded as quickly as they had come. Ji-a walked away.
Na-ri's heart beat a little faster, but not out of fear. Out of rage.
That crazy bitch is plotting something. But Na-ri didn't care. Whatever Ji-a had planned—it wouldn't be bigger than what she already had in store.
She got into her car with Min-ji. The silence didn't last long.
"Is everything okay?" Min-ji asked, glancing at her. "I've been feeling weird energy between you and Ji-a all day."
Na-ri didn't answer right away.
Min-ji reached out and held her hand. "You can tell me anything. You know that, right?"
Na-ri looked at her. Her eyes were soft but tired. "If I told you now… you wouldn't believe me. But I promise—I'll explain everything soon. Just give me a little more time."
She pulled Min-ji into a hug. Min-ji hugged her back tightly, though her heart felt uneasy. She could sense that something was very wrong—but she trusted Na-ri, even if she didn't understand her.
Later that evening, Na-ri stood in front of her mirror. She had just taken a bath. Her skin was still damp as she slipped into a black, long-sleeved dress that hugged her body perfectly. Her hair was brushed and sleek, and she wore light makeup. Just enough to look graceful, not flashy. She picked out a few simple pieces of jewelry, then headed out.
The restaurant Jin Woo had picked was quiet and expensive. He was standing outside when she arrived, his eyes watching the road. He didn't recognize her immediately.
"Were you waiting for me?" she asked, her tone casual.
He turned and shook his head. "Not really."
They walked into the restaurant together. He looked at her and raised an eyebrow.
"You look different," he said with a slight smirk.
"Is it the dress?" she asked, a bit awkwardly.
"No," he said. "It's your vibe. You seem more… confident. Happier. Like someone who's made peace with something. The dress is just a bonus."
She smiled, but didn't answer.
After they ordered, he leaned in and spoke calmly.
"Are you really sure about this marriage? I want to make something clear. I don't care about you, your revenge, or your little drama. I'm doing this because you offered me land I want. That's all."
Na-ri looked at him and nodded slowly. "I know. I don't expect anything from you either."
The rest of the dinner went smoothly, both of them keeping it simple. No romance. Just two people using each other for something they both wanted.
---
Meanwhile at Tae Joon's place…
The doorbell rang. He opened the door to find Ji-a standing there in a tight black dress. Without a word, she walked in and threw her arms around him, pulling him into a kiss.
At first, he kissed her back.
She slowly unbuttoned his shirt, trailing kisses down his chest and neck. He let out a soft groan as her lips moved lower. Her hands moved fast. She unzipped her dress and let it fall, revealing a black bra and matching panties.
He grabbed her waist and kissed her neck. But then—he paused.
"Stop," he said breathlessly. "Leave."
She stared at him.
"I mean it," he added. "Stop coming here. We're over. I want to be serious with Na-ri."
Ji-a stepped back—and laughed. Loud and cruel.
"You? Serious? With her? Don't make me laugh."
She crossed her arms, eyes dark. "You think you're a good guy now?"
"I told you. Leave," he snapped, grabbing her arm.
She pulled away. "Don't touch me," she said coldly. "Don't forget who you are. A nobody who cheated on his girlfriend. And now you want to break up with me?"
She leaned in. "If you do that, Na-ri will find out everything. Every. Single. Thing."
She smiled wickedly. "Your boss is her great-aunt. You'll lose your job. And her grandfather? He'll bury you alive. So be smart. Keep your mouth shut. Keep Na-ri. And keep me happy."
She walked closer, lips brushing his ear. "It's a win-win."
Tae Joon's face twisted in anger and desire. He pushed her against the wall and kissed her rough. His hands moved fast—unhooking her bra, kissing her breasts, dragging her panties down. She moaned his name again and again as he thrust into her, hard and deep.
He didn't do it out of love. It was lust. Hate. Anger. And guilt all mixed together.
---
Back at the restaurant…
Rain started to fall as they stepped out.
Jin Woo handed her an umbrella. "Wait here. I'll go get the car and drive you home."
Na-ri watched him run off. She stood under the rain, smiling softly to herself as raindrops landed on her hands.
Tomorrow, she thought. Everything begins tomorrow. The lies, the secrets… it all ends. They should enjoy their peace while it lasts—because by the time I'm done, no one will come out clean.