Chapter 15
Bora quietly waited, feeling Kangyun’s hand twitch slightly beneath her palm.
She sensed that Kangyun’s face—always so composed, even a little sly—had shifted into a strange expression she had never seen before.
“I don’t really understand my own feelings either. But…”
Kangyun’s voice, as he spoke slowly as if pressing his emotions down, trembled faintly.
“Blood ties are frightening things. The reason I had to live my entire life bowing my head to Han Kangmun, who’s no better than me in any way. The reason I grew up without knowing a mother’s affection, struggling and scrambling just to gain my aunt’s attention, only to never be loved in the end….”
It was as if the weak, childlike soul hidden beneath Kangyun’s seemingly perfect exterior was slowly revealing itself.
“When everyone naturally focused only on Han Kangmun, the ‘complete’ bloodline of this family, why did Grandfather go out of his way to dote on and cherish me instead? What kind of blood-bound fate lies behind all of that? If there’s some secret—something I was never meant to know—I want to uncover it. It would have to be a huge secret, one capable of shaking this family to its core. And maybe… just maybe, it could be something that allows me to surpass Han Kangmun.”
“Kangyun.”
Bora gently met Kangyun’s trembling gaze.
The one weakness of this man—this man who seemed so impressive, so effortlessly calm in every situation.
If the kind of “secret of birth” that so often appears in morning dramas truly existed, whether big or small, she was determined to uncover it without fail.
Because this man, who had lived for thirty-six years harboring doubts, fear, resentment, and silent anguish over his own origins, was simply too pitiful.
“I told you, didn’t I? That I’d help you achieve whatever it is you want—no matter what.”
“That’s reassuring. Truly.”
“Yes. You probably studied better than me, have better credentials, and you’re an incredible businessman. But there’s a reason you chose me, right?”
“…Because you’re pretty?”
“Oh, come on.”
Even in such a serious moment, Bora slapped the back of Kangyun’s hand with a sharp smack at his teasing remark.
“Winning over elders—opening the hearts and mouths of stubborn old men who seem like they’ll never budge—that’s really not easy. I built my business and succeeded because I’m better at that than most people.”
At Bora’s words, Kangyun nodded solemnly.
“I promise. I’ll find out. No matter what, I will.”
As Bora poked a finger into Kangyun’s chest as he leaned closer, she whispered softly.
Kangyun gazed steadily at Bora, sitting under the soft café lights, looking beautiful.
It was a relief they were sitting face to face—if Bora had been beside him, he might not have been able to stop himself from showering her with kisses.
A strange current flowed between them as they stared at one another.
Just as Bora tried to pull her hand away, Kangyun interlaced his fingers with hers again.
“We should go to Dubai for our honeymoon. I’ll be busy with business there for a while, so I won’t have much time. Is that okay?”
“I’ve never been to Dubai before. Sounds great!”
“It’s much more impressive and glamorous than you think. Great for shopping, too.”
“Oh—shopping is obviously on the husband’s card, right?”
“As much as you want.”
The seriousness that had clouded Kangyun’s face melted into a gentle smile.
In Kangyun’s eyes, Bora’s smiling lips filled his vision.
Without realizing it, he swallowed hard.
After the formal family meeting, the two families coordinated the wedding date.
With the preparation schedule tightened as much as possible, the wedding was set for early August.
Kangyun became endlessly busy with work, and Bora focused on keeping the silver town running smoothly. Time passed, and before they knew it, early summer arrived.
After finally finishing their wedding photoshoot over a shared weekend, Kangyun and Bora decided to have a meal together for the first time in a while.
“How have you been? It’s been so hard to see your face.”
“Same here. I’ve been busy, and every time I contacted you, you said you had work too.”
“If it weren’t for today’s shoot, I might’ve forgotten what you look like.”
The shoot, which started early in the morning, took over ten hours as Bora changed into twelve dresses and posed for five different concepts.
“It was exhausting, but when I saw the photos, I felt all the fatigue disappear—they were really beautiful.”
“You were so pretty that it looked like the photographer was shooting with personal feelings involved.”
“Hey—don’t say things like that so casually.”
Though tired, the two sat across from each other in a private room of a luxurious restaurant, bickering lightly as they cut into their steaks, their expressions bright.
“Would you like a glass of wine? They have some great American wines here. This one’s from a winery that’s been really popular lately—it should pair well with steak.”
“Oh, sure. I’d love to try it.”
As Bora nodded, Kangyun called the server and ordered the wine.
Soon, elegant wine glasses and a bottle nestled in an ice-filled bucket were set on the table.
“It’s Realm Cellars ‘The Bard,’ 2021 vintage. It’s still a bit young, but it should be fine.”
“The color’s nice. Shall we toast?”
As Bora raised her glass, Kangyun gently clinked his against hers.
“Mmm. This is good.”
“The fruit aromas will come out more as it opens up.”
“The tannins aren’t overpowering—just right. It really pairs well with the steak.”
Clearly pleased with Kangyun’s recommendation, Bora nodded repeatedly.
“Then shall we wrap up something important while we drink?”
“Something important?”
As Kangyun pulled out a file, Bora let out a small laugh while sipping her wine.
“Wow, right. I really forgot. This is the most important thing.”
It was the “marriage contract,” something they had nearly forgotten during their months of fluttering, almost-romantic meetings.
“There’s less than three months left until the wedding. We should start properly, don’t you think?”
“Yes. That’s right.”
Knowing exactly what needed to be settled inside that contract, Bora’s cheeks flushed.
Whether it was the wine or the contract, she wasn’t sure—but heat rose through her body.
“First, as you requested, I clearly specified Clause 2, Article 1. The current debt of Bitchan Co., plus the liabilities under ‘The Bit.’ A total of 3.44 billion won. Please check it. And read what follows.”
Bora carefully examined the text in the contract.
Article 2 (Contract Details)
A. During the contract period, Han Kangyun shall assume full responsibility, under his own name, for Yoon Bora’s debt (3,440,000,000 won as of the contract date), ensuring there are no issues with the continuation of her business.
“3.44 billion… how many zeros is that, exactly….”
Sniffling slightly at the enormous sum, Bora took another sip of wine.
As her eyes skimmed further down, they stopped at a single sentence.
E. Han Kangyun and Yoon Bora shall faithfully fulfill their duties as a married couple and engage in marital relations at least once per week. Depending on the other party’s condition, health, or schedule, the frequency may be postponed to a later time. However, neither party may refuse without a justifiable reason.
“At least once a week?”
“Why? Is that too little?”
“No? Isn’t that too much?”
Bora muttered, scrunching her large eyes.
“No, I mean—even married couples—every week is a bit….”
“Yoon Bora.”
“Yes?”
“I wanted to write once a day, but I showed you great consideration. You should appreciate that.”
“Once a day…?”
“We’re newlyweds. They say even making eye contact or eating together can set things on fire.”
“No, but we’re not like that—we’re not getting married because we’re madly in love, we’re doing this out of mutual necessity—”
“Necessity?”
As Bora spoke while darting her eyes around, she met Kangyun’s intense, burning gaze fixed squarely on her.
“Why are you… looking at me like that?”
Bora’s flushed cheeks looked as though they’d spill sweet honey if bitten.
Under the table, Kangyun casually brushed his leg against hers.
Startled by the unexpected touch, Bora’s eyes widened as Kangyun leaned closer and whispered.
“Physical compatibility is very important in married life. Don’t you think we should check whether we’ll get along?”
“W-what did you say?”
“We’re both busy. Let’s get it over with today. Shall we get up?”
“Hey—wait—hey?”
Bora stood up and, seeing the unmistakably hardened proof of Kangyun’s arousal approaching her, squeezed her eyes shut.
What is that?! Why—why is there something so big, b-big, between his legs?!
