Chapter 50
Live Your Own Life
“This is Secretary Yoo Lee Yeon.”
The moment Lee Yeon’s name was mentioned, Do Hyun’s expression hardened.
Who in their right mind had turned on the air conditioning in this autumn weather?
Employees seated around the conference room glanced about uneasily.
By now, there wasn’t a single person in the company who didn’t know Lee Yeon carried the title Vice President Ahn Do-hyun’s wife.
The whole country was abuzz with the story of the chaebol heir and his secretary’s romance.
Those employees who had once dismissed her as the “ugly secretary” now kept their heads down, desperately gauging her mood.
If they happened to pass by her side, they held their breath and stared at the floor.
Terrified she might recognise the very people who used to sneer at her.
And of course, everyone knew that Heera had been chasing after Do Hyun.
Now that very Heera had singled out Do Hyun’s wife to represent the company as a guide…
The employees seated around the table exchanged uneasy looks with each other.
“Still, isn’t it strange to have the secretary explain things?
Although, Yoo Secretary is so famous these days that if she appeared on Company Welfare, Wuseong Card would definitely stir up even more attention, but still…”
Manager Kim finally broke the awkward silence, trying to lighten the mood when Do Hyun didn’t answer.
But even he couldn’t say it with conviction.
The truth was, if Lee Yeon appeared, it would be a jackpot.
She was already famous, even without the fact that she was Do Hyun’s wife.
With her celebrity-like looks, just one appearance in the media could boost Wuseong Card’s image.
“Honestly, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a secretary or a department staff member.
All they have to do is eat in the cafeteria and talk about which company benefit they like most.”
Because Company Welfare was popular among young audiences, the competition for companies to appear was fierce.
For lesser-known small and mid-sized firms, appearing on the show meant attracting more talent, and they fought tooth and nail for it.
“Let’s leave the decision up to Secretary Yoo.”
Do Hyun wrapped up the meeting neatly.
After returning to his office, Do Hyun couldn’t shake the heaviness in his chest.
He shifted restlessly in his chair, stood by the window, and paced like a man unsettled.
He knew what gnawed at him.
It was Heera.
He worried she might do something reckless to Lee Yeon.
With Heera’s rollercoaster emotions, she should have already stormed in after the marriage article and caused a scene.
But she’d been quiet.
Too quiet.
If she’d acted as usual, at least he wouldn’t feel so uneasy.
But when someone changes their behaviour, that’s when the danger comes.
If jealousy blinds her, who knows what she might do.
Do Hyun couldn’t bear the thought of a single hair on Lee Yeon being harmed.
He should have been firmer with Heera.
Should have drawn the line again, clearly.
Regret tugged at him.
He picked up his phone and dialled.
[Hello?]
“Let’s meet tonight if you have time.”
“So what are you going to do?”
As they walked toward the café, Sujin linked arms with Lee Yeon and asked.
“I don’t know.”
Should I at least go get a camera massage beforehand?
She’d never been filmed before.
Would she really be able to speak and act naturally under the gaze of so many eyes?
“What if you stutter? Or say something stupid?”
Nothing was decided yet, but just imagining all those cameras trained on her made her heart pound like it would leap out of her chest.
“You haven’t even said yes yet, why are you worrying already?”
Still, the thought gnawed at her.
What if I embarrass Do Hyun? What if I mess up and everyone mocks me?
What if the whole country sees me looking like a fool on TV?
She could already see herself with her awkward words, stiff gestures, and clumsy movements.
The thought was unbearable.
And yet…
She didn’t want to stumble in front of Jeong Heera.
She knew now wasn’t the time for jealousy, but she couldn’t help it.
Maybe I can do well.
If the video aired, more people would know who she truly was.
It made her realise all over again how impressive real celebrities were.
Even eating one meal in public, they can’t be comfortable under everyone’s gaze.
Just like her.
She remembered the day she’d taken off her disguise and gone to work, only to feel like a monkey on display.
Still, refusing now—when Heera had singled her out—didn’t sit right.
She had no reason to avoid Heera.
“All I have to do is introduce the company, right?”
“Exactly! Just say yes.
What if you become so famous that you quit Wuseong?
Actually, I guess you could quit even now.”
“What are you talking about?
If I quit now, what would I live on?”
“You should’ve ditched that awful disguise long ago.
Can you imagine filming with that ugly look?
Though honestly, it would’ve been hilarious.”
Sujin laughed loudly at her own joke, and today, that noisy laugh grated on Lee Yeon’s nerves.
If she hadn’t revealed her marriage to Do Hyun, she wouldn’t have had to shed the disguise, nor would she have been singled out like this.
“Jeong Heera is delicate and beautiful.
Of course, to me, you’re prettier.
But if you don’t go, you’ll miss your chance to crush her with your own face.
That would be a waste.
Sometimes the staff gossip about who’s better for the Vice President, you or Heera…”
Lee Yeon hadn’t planned to feel insecure, but the words delicate and beautiful stung.
So then, what should I wear on filming day… No, why am I already picking out clothes?
“Maybe… I should try it?”
Sujin clapped like a seal and cheered.
“Yes!
If not now, when will you prove yourself?
Heera obviously picked you to humiliate you.
You have to flatten her nose!
This is honey jam already!”
Her excitement only made Lee Yeon waver again.
Why am I suddenly agreeing? Is it really just Heera’s provocation? Or all this pent-up jealousy?
“No, maybe I shouldn’t do it.”
She wasn’t the type for this.
Better to avoid trouble.
“A woman should stand by her word. Don’t back out now.”
Filming was always unpredictable.
Even with generous schedules, delays were inevitable.
When Heera arrived at the restaurant, she pushed her sunglasses higher up her nose.
“Reservation under Ahn Do hyun.”
She followed the staff’s lead into a private room, closed off from the main dining area.
This was something she liked about Do Hyun.
That subtle consideration.
That effortless kindness wrapped in aloofness.
It only made her long for him more.
Inside, Do Hyun was twirling a wine glass, savouring it.
“Sorry I’m late, filming ran long.”
Heera apologised as she pulled out a chair and sat.
Do Hyun simply nodded, indifferent.
“You must be hungry. Order first.”
He kept his eyes on the glass as he took another sip.
His casual detachment drove her mad.
That familiar wave of unease rose in her chest.
Maybe I’m afraid he doesn’t love me.
“Being chosen as Wuseong Card’s model… You helped, right?”
Heera asked, already convinced the opportunity had been his doing.
“That’s exactly why I say you don’t know me.”
“How could I not know you? Don’t say that.”
She pouted, lips pushed out, though her eyes stayed curved with delight.
When he’d called her unexpectedly that afternoon, asking to meet, she had been elated.
After the marriage article had left her crushed, she had wanted to run to the office and scream at Lee Yeon.
So you enjoyed deceiving us with your disguise? Was it fun luring him in like that? Did you have to go that far just to snag a rich man?
She had nearly burst.
Every time she’d told Lee Yeon, It’s so reassuring that you’re his secretary, she now imagined the woman had laughed behind her back.
It made her stomach churn.
Only Jisoo’s coaxing had held her back.
“Don’t cause trouble now. You got the commercial deal. Just ask the Vice President what’s going on.”
“What’s with that marriage article?”
Her voice trembled, pressing against the table like it carried weight.
“Why did you drag Lee Yeon into filming?”
At her words, Do Hyun didn’t answer.
Instead, his voice cut in like ice.
“Drag her in? Isn’t it good for the company if Wuseong’s daughter-in-law introduces it on TV?”
“…”
“Don’t worry. I won’t do anything stupid during filming.”
At that, his brow twitched.
“If you do, I won’t let it slide—no matter who you are.”
He set down the wine glass with finality.
“Heera.”
It had been a long time since he called her so gently.
She lifted her eyes to him.
“Live your own life now. Stop contacting me so often.”
She stared, dazed, unable to believe he had just cut her off so cleanly.
This must be a lie. A dream.
“Why are you saying this? You’re scaring me, oppa…”
“What scares me is the thought of even a single hair on Lee Yeon being harmed.”
He spoke of nothing else, no matter what she said, only of Lee Yeon.
“So it’s true. You really married her?
That disguised secretary?
After all these years I’ve waited for you… And you married without a word?”
Tears welled in Heera’s eyes.
“I told you.
You don’t love me.
You’re just afraid of losing me. If you keep clinging to that, then whatever we had can’t continue.”
“You don’t know my heart!”
Her tears finally spilt, shoulders trembling.
He only placed a tissue on the table and sat back down.
“Lee Yeon is the only one I love. I won’t do anything to cause her doubt or pain. I think I’ve waited long enough.”
Do Hyun rose from his seat without a trace of hesitation.
“Heera, find someone who will love you.”
After he left, Heera sat frozen, unable to move.
Worried about even a single hair on her?
This was all because of that secretary.
That woman who had deliberately disguised herself just to seduce him.
“I won’t let her get away with this.”
Her tear-filled eyes burned with resolve.
