The voice, she later recalled, sounded like Janice’s, although it might have been because the ring was hers, it was not English but Korean, but it was her cheerful and confident voice.

“It’s the most precious and special thing in the world; now it’s yours.”

“…Again?”

Startled, she looked down at her hand, and there was another ring!

In addition to the shackles she was already wearing—Dash—the pink diamond was not enough; a blue diamond twice as big shone brightly, proudly displaying its existence.

Surprised Eunjo tried to take it off her finger, but strangely, she couldn’t move at all.
Groaning in pain, she woke up from her sleep, and in the darkness, she saw the lingering traces of blue stars exploding like fireworks in her eyes.

Lately, she had been more stressed because of the ring.

She needed to remove it quickly, but it still fit too snugly, and for the past few days, she felt that her hands were a bit swollen.

What a comical situation. Who would know? It’s embarrassing.

Min-ah, who had been saying it was fake until now, but upon hearing that it was a real diamond and the owner was Jaeha’s grandmother, Janice Alexis, she felt a surge of emotion.

Since it’s a gift, just accept it.

“Does that make sense? It’s not even a cubic zirconia.”

When she sighed at that moment, the hotel, the promised meeting place, came into view.

They had decided to have dinner with Sunwoo’s parents.

Returning home, Jaeha took a quick shower and put on a crisp new shirt and pants.

She still felt breathless and had a piercing pain in her chest that made it hard to breathe and her heart tighten, but she decided to pull herself together.

Honestly, she was embarrassed about her appearance and felt a bit awkward in front of Eddie.

Above all, she thought she needed to find another way.

Yoon Eun-jo had turned away completely. But Jaeha had no intention of backing down.

A step back for a step forward.

Even if she had to do something crazy to bring her back—Dash—although she hadn’t decided on anything yet due to a lack of sleep, she was determined.

“…Yoon Eun-jo.”

[I was worried about you! I! Stupidly, I was worried about you! What if you really died…]

To make the fact that he came to her house seem as positive as possible, she decided to think about it in her own way.

[Welcome.]

Jaeha, who extended her hand to Brandon entering the house, was smiling beautifully.

[Nice to meet you, you’re not as bad as I thought.]

Brandon, who casually poked her side, gave strength to the handshake.

To outsiders, it seemed like a joke that might be excessive, and Jaeha and Brandon shared a light hug.

Brandon patted Jaeha’s broad back a couple of times.

[What brings you to Seoul?] [I’m going to Hong Kong by the early morning flight, just stopped by for a moment.] [Are you here to see me?] [Of course.] [I knew you liked me, but it’s a bit sudden.] [I thought a few hours of friendship would be enough.] [You did well to spare those few hours. No, well, we’ll have a dinner so delicious that you’ll want to sell your soul.] [Is Eddie not here yet?] [She’ll be here soon. Want to shower? Should I give you clothes to change into?] [Okay, I’ll take a hot shower and put on your new clothes.]

Jaeha and Brandon, who had almost the same build, used to enjoy meaningless competition in fashion.

[This way, come.]

Following Brandon, who had put down his bag, Jaeha led the way.

Brandon, wearing Jaeha’s shirt and pants, looked natural as if he were wearing his own clothes.

When he put down a glass of water, the front door opened, and Eddie Kang appeared.

Seeing Brandon, Secretary Kang, who had set down the paper box she was holding on the floor, spread her arms wide.
[Hey, brother!] [Eddie, long time no see!]

Instead of a hug, Brandon grabbed Eddie’s hand with a grin. As soon as he chuckled, Secretary Kang shouted, “Ah!” and struggled to free her tightly held hand.

“Hold it lightly. I’m not in the mood for laughing and chatting.”

Looking perplexed, Brandon shrugged his shoulders.

“I was trying for the atmosphere, so be nice. When you go to Hong Kong, you’ll have to do something completely different from this soft stuff.”

“Tell me what it is, Brandon! Stop pretending to be fancy.”

Grumbling, Secretary Kang placed the bag with food on the table.

“Smells good. Unfortunately, it’s not a story that suits a fine dinner. It’s also a national secret.”

Opening the well-packed food, Secretary Kang pouted her lips.

“Kyle, I bought abalone porridge, you said it was delicious before…”

“Eddie, tone it down. Can’t you see I’m fine? And speak in English.”

[Yes, yes. Well, gentlemen, please take a seat.]

The meal without alcohol didn’t last long. The three of them mostly talked about food.

Perhaps, there were various heavy reasons in their hearts.

[I mean… um, this soy sauce? It’s delicious.] [Brandon, enough time has passed. Now, get to the point. What is it?]

Damn, here it comes. Secretary Kang emptied the sikhye in the wine glass in one gulp.

[Oh? Eddie already knows.]

Tsk, Jaeha’s eyes, smiling, were sharp.

[…….]

With a composed face, Brandon opened the bag next to the sofa and took out a folded envelope.

[Eddie and I will stay here. It’s better if you look at this alone.]

Jaeha reached out to grab the envelope placed on the table with an expressionless face.

[Oh, Kyle, Mr. Yoon Eun-jo is the owner of the contents.] […What?] [Look at it alone.]

Jaeha’s eyes, silent all along, trembled. Without saying a word, he stood up and headed to the study, holding the envelope in his hand.