Hee-wook, too, was particularly sensitive about eating habits since the beginning of their relationship. There were many days when So-eun wanted to eat greasy food or drink enough to get drunk, but there was never such indulgence on dates with Hee-wook.

Come to think of it, on the day she had hoped for an exciting first night, he had said:

“I want to save your first time. Until we get married.”

Disappointed as much as she had anticipated, she felt more loved and cherished, and was grateful for that. So-eun also respected Hee-wook’s determination to maintain purity. After all, we’re going to get married. Because we love each other.

But now… Was that too a lie?

The concern for my food, the worry for my health – was that all for the sake of getting a healthy liver from me?

Was the delay in our relationship because he was worried I might get pregnant?

Twisting my heart and looking back, everything seemed suspicious.

“Team Leader?”

Lost in thought, Bo-bae asked again.

“Ah, sorry. Yes, that would be great.”

So-eun smiled awkwardly and handed over the money to Bo-bae.

Bo-bae stood up, her face excited.

“I’m going to the company cafeteria. They say the new director is there.”

Ah… So-eun nodded at Bo-bae’s words.

The new director, also the head of the department, had quietly joined the company, skipping the inauguration ceremony, and was already popular from the first day of work. He was said to be very handsome.

Normally, So-eun would have been curious too, but today, she just quietly smiled.

“They say he’s from the Royal Family and is having lunch at the cafeteria. He seems down-to-earth too.”

Bo-bae tilted her head, looking excited to check out the new director’s charm.

“I heard the ricotta cheese salad is good there. I’ll bring that for you, okay?”

“Yeah, that’s fine. Thank you, Bo-bae.”

So-eun wanted something greasier and heartier, but she couldn’t impose such a bothersome request. She was someone who found it hard to express her needs and wants.

The smile she wore as her colleague left disappeared as soon as she was alone again.

Picking up her phone again, she considered whether an unsent text message might cause her more distress.

So-eun took a deep breath and typed a reply to Hee-wook: ‘I was a bit busy.’

[Text] “If you’re busy, just say so. Mom waited a long time.”

The quick response came again.

For some reason, So-eun felt relieved by the prompt reply.

That’s right. They won’t abandon me.

Nor will I abandon them.

I can’t. I’ve given them a part of me.

She was in too deep. Another life was now unthinkable.

[Text] “Sorry. I’ll come on the weekend.”

So-eun pressed the keys firmly and sent the reply.

Then, two more messages arrived.

[Text] “Alright. This weekend both Dad and I have work, can you stay at the hospital for us?”

[Text] “And, could you make a few side dishes? Mom seems to be getting tired of hospital food. I’ll send you the recipes, just make them as they are.”

So-eun’s expression hardened again at the two consecutive messages. As she hesitated whether to reply, Lim Ji-hyung, a senior manager in the same team, called out to her.
“Team Leader Han, aren’t you going to have lunch?”

“I’m a bit behind on work. What about you, Manager?”

“I’m about to go eat. You should have lunch too, Team Leader Han.”

“Bo-bae is getting me a salad. Enjoy your meal.”

Manager Lim’s expression slightly hardened upon hearing about substituting lunch with a salad.

“Team Leader Han, I know you’re good at your job, but the company doesn’t recognize everything. Not at all.”

“…….”

“Work diligently, but save your strength. Unconditional dedication is not a virtue.”

Manager Lim quietly advised So-eun and left.

So-eun felt Manager Lim’s advice sting, almost like a reprimand.

Dedication is not a virtue, dedication is not a virtue……

Muttering Manager Lim’s last words to herself, So-eun picked up her phone again.

[Text] “How about you try cooking, Brother? Wouldn’t Mom be touched?”

A response came quickly, as usual, in two messages.

[Text] “Of course, I’ve tried. But you know, everything I cook, Mom says it tastes bad. But she always enjoys your cooking.”

[Text] “If preparing several side dishes is too much, just make some porridge. Let’s give Mom the porridge and go eat something delicious in the evening. You like Namsan eel over rice, right? Let’s go for that. If we have time, we could even go for a drive.”

So-eun hesitated for a moment after reading the messages. She felt she couldn’t refuse such an earnest request. It would be a shame if her integrity was marred by failing in ‘after-sales service’ after making such a significant sacrifice of donating her liver.

So-eun sighed deeply and sent a reply.

[Text] “Okay.”

[Text] “Thanks, So-eun. You’re the only one for me. I love you.”

The quick reply came back again.

Even hearing words of love, So-eun couldn’t feel happy.

Tap tap.

Lost in thought over the few words sent by Hee-wook, she was startled by the tapping sound on her desk.

Startled, So-eun turned her head and froze, a man had leaned in too close.