Ha Joon, having calmed himself, started checking the black box memory from the most recent dates.

The first content he heard was about Valentine’s Day 6 years ago.

[Dash] “The housekeeper said that you didn’t receive any chocolates that day.”

Seo Ah suddenly brought up this story, probably informed by Yeon Sook.

Ha Joon didn’t expect Yeon Sook to remember the incident so precisely from 6 years ago.

He worried Seo Ah might have been disappointed. To have his incompetence exposed like this.

Seeing Young Ju’s reaction, it seemed someone had conveyed the message. Maybe it was for the best? If only he could confirm who Young Ju was, things might get easier.

But then, the subsequent voice recording made Ha Joon serious.

Young Ju’s statement that nothing would change even if things were different.

If Young Ju was misunderstanding him and worried about Seo Ah, that was one thing. But there was also the possibility of someone manipulating her against him.

He quickly moved to the next recording.

It was from the day after they returned from Jeju Island.

[Dash] “We got a bit closer. It’s business! Business! It seemed easier to figure out his true nature that way.”

Business…

Ha Joon had felt Seo Ah’s sincerity then, but had her acting skills improved in his absence?

He thought she still liked him despite his actions, but was he mistaken?

However, hope surfaced as he listened further.

Old recordings from Seok Hoon had Seo Ah’s voice strong and emotionless, but recent ones had her stammering, with a weak voice, seemingly hiding something from Young Ju.

She must have secretly shopped for insomnia tea and a diffuser without Young Ju’s knowledge.

Ha Joon smiled at the last recording, where she rambled about her drunken behavior.

Seo Ah seemed to be changing her mind about him.

The next recording was a few days after their wedding and was quite shocking.

[Dash] “You can’t be a perfect wife if you avoid the bedroom. There are two ways: keep rejecting until he seeks other women, or get conquered… to make him lose interest.”

Ha Joon’s eyes shook uncontrollably.

Had Seo Ah been allowing herself to be ‘conquered’ for the sake of being a perfect wife? To get more alimony by not being faulted?

Regret flooded him.

He should have recognized her initiative as something more than innocence.

Seok Hoon’s words suggested that Seo Ah too might have received photos, possibly edited ones of him with other women.

How else could she have such a bad impression of him?

He had thought her revenge was for his cruel childhood behavior, but what exactly had happened to her in the past 6 years?

[Star Icon]

Waking up groggily, Seo Ah went to the bathroom and flinched at her reflection in the mirror.

Her makeup was removed, and she felt freshly bathed, likely Ha Joon’s doing again.
Seeing all this makes it seem like you’re experienced, is this really your first time? Like Miyeon said, is it instinct? Natural talent?

If you’re perfect even in this, what am I supposed to do?

But did he only bathe me? Considering my body’s condition, it seems so. How can he not do anything while bathing the woman he likes? Doesn’t he like me?

Wait. Ha Joon never did anything when I was drunk.

Seo Ah smiled widely and headed to the bedroom.

But Ha Joon was gone.

Where did he go? Was he not there since before I went to the bathroom? It was dark and I was half-asleep, so I assumed he was there.

Picking up my phone to check the time, it was just past 3 AM.

It seemed too early for him to go for a workout, and it’s the weekend, so was he working late? Or perhaps he couldn’t sleep again?

Suddenly, Miyeon’s words came to mind.

[Dash] “I’ve always felt sorry for Ha Joon. Born as the third generation of the number one conglomerate, trying hard not to tarnish its reputation.”

[Dash] “That’s why Ha Joon has no friends. The world we live in is a lonely place. Even those who seem to be entirely on your side can betray you at any time.”

With newfound courage, Seo Ah headed to the study.

She wanted to be his strength and comfort. If he was working late, she’d cheer him on, and if he couldn’t sleep, she’d offer tea for insomnia.

More than anything, she wanted to know the real him, what burdens he carried alone, and if she could share them.

[Star Icon]

Meanwhile, Ha Joon was focused on checking where Young Ju went, who she met, and if she made any phone calls.

His eyes were red with concentration.

One thing seemed suspicious.

[Dash] “Huh? Where’s that vibration coming from?”

[Dash] “It’s okay, I have a separate phone for work, I don’t need to answer it now.”

[Dash] “What if it’s urgent? Is it in your sister’s bag?”

[Dash] “No! Really, it’s fine. Even if it’s urgent, my priority right now is taking care of the young lady.”

So far, Young Ju’s phone always rang with work-related calls or conversations with Seo Ah. Did she have a separate work phone?

Then shouldn’t she be answering it during work hours?

Subsequent minor vibrations were heard, but Young Ju didn’t answer them.