The signature at the bottom of the contract was unmistakably mine.

But the contents of the contract were different from what I had read and signed last time.

One clause had been subtly added right above the signature. It was cleverly done so that one wouldn’t notice it if they skimmed.

[The two contracts were agreed to be voluntarily made by Ji Se Ah for benefits.]

Underneath that, Se Ah’s signature stood out boldly.

“Please send the contract later.”
That day, I had snapped coldly at Nam Tae, left my seat and stormed out.

There was no such issue when the first contract was signed, and above all, the idea of manipulating the contract was unthinkable for someone like me, who had always lived lawfully.

“I was too careless.”
Overwhelmed with guilt, Se Ah murmured to herself. She had been too distracted by Kang Woo to realize the depth of Nam Tae’s malice.

Ding Dong. A new message notification popped up. It was from Director Lee.

[Madam. Did you receive the contract? After the expiration of the second contract, you were to receive one billion, but I have deposited a hundred million in advance. I will also inform you of the events to be held at tomorrow’s luncheon party via message. Since you would probably be curious. Have a peaceful weekend.] The intent behind sending 100 million without agreement was apparent, and it was amusing, but Se Ah clenched her lips at the mention of the luncheon party.

In other words, the sight of Kang Woo and Min Young together, the pleasant old times laughing and chatting with the new daughterinlaw.

It was a ridiculous show they intended to put on.

((()))((()))((()))

As promised, Kang Woo came home early.

Se Ah, who had been sitting on the living room sofa, stood up at the sound of the front door. Kang Woo’s lips relaxed when he saw that Se Ah was out instead of being in her room. He noticed that Se Ah’s gaze was stuck on his hand for a while.

Pretending not to notice, Kang Woo changed into slippers and moved swiftly towards Se Ah.

“Were you waiting for me?”
Even though he knew it wasn’t true, he threw the question out. However.

“Yes.”
Taken aback by her unexpected answer, Kang Woo’s eyebrows slowly raised, and then he burst into laughter.

Se Ah’s eyes widened in surprise at his reaction, which made her even cuter.

“It’s nice to hear even if it’s a lie.”
To match Se Ah’s height, Kang Woo had to bend his waist slightly. The familiar scent wafted from his strong neck. That distinct heavy yet chic scent.

“Give me your hand.”
“Why?”
“Because I can’t touch your hand without reason. I’m asking you to give it to me.”
“Just say it. Why are you doing this?”
Despite her vigilance, Se Ah clenched her fist. As if that would prevent him from grabbing her hand.

Kang Woo laid a bouquet on the back of her small clenched hand.

“Take it.”
Kang Woo watched as Se Ah swiftly turned her head to the side.

“I told you not to give me gifts. I won’t accept it.”
“Secretary Choi prepared it, not me. It’s something I did.”
Kang Woo grabbed the sleeve of Se Ah’s clothes and forced the flowers into her arms.

“It’s not in direct contact with your body, so it’s not a violation.”
“Don’t keep crossing the line and letting it slide like this.”
“If I’m already crossing the line, it’s better to be bold.”
At his nonsense, Se Ah’s eyes narrowed. Before she could decipher his words, Kang Woo lightly lifted her wrist.

Kang Woo took out a small case from the inside of his jacket. It was a pair of rings. He slipped the smaller one onto her slender little finger.

“People these days don’t even wear wedding rings.”
Se Ah, who was in front of him, looked like a frozen person. Before she realized that he was holding her hand, Kang Woo let it go.

He was walking a precarious line. He knew that he was slowly breaking the contract terms, and also that Se Ah, given her personality, wouldn’t confront him about it.

At his own wickedness, a hint of amusement passed over Kang Woo’s lips.

“That’s because I don’t have to anymore.”
Whether she had regained her senses or not, only then did Se Ah give a cold reply.

“I bought a new one to celebrate us becoming a contract couple.”
“….”
“Just like I said this afternoon, let’s be clear about this. Always wear it when you go out to public places.”
“I’m not sure if that’s necessary. Whether I attend or not is up to me.”
“You never know what can happen.”
The same words he had said earlier flowed from him. He was so confident that it was unbelievable.

Before she could get more entangled with him, she decided to say what she had intended to. Se Ah pointed to the sofa.

“Sit down. I have something to say.”
Without a word, he obediently sat down. Se Ah, sitting a little distance away, just stared straight ahead.

“How do I get a job at your company, Mr. Kang Woo? I don’t want to get in just because of connections. Maybe if I meet the necessary conditions.”
“Do you think I would hire someone who is not competent just because of a personal connection? I would rather give you money.”
“I suppose.”