Chapter 28: Entering the Inner Chambers

Rachel Liu was completely stunned by this sudden confession. Although she had mentally prepared herself, Kim Won’s action was entirely beyond her expectation.

She was still holding a glass of juice in her hand, awkwardly clutching it, her movements growing stiff. At that moment, all she could do was stare blankly into the man’s smiling eyes, unable and unwilling to utter a word.

Standing beside her, Bo-na Lee was gripping her boyfriend’s arm so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Her expression was half excitement, half envy.

In comparison, Kim Tan was simply outmatched—a complete defeat. Even Bo-na, who had once leaned slightly toward Kim Tan, found herself completely won over by Kim Won’s dashing confession.

Rachel Liu was unsure whether to reach out and accept the ring he held. But Kim Won was the first to take one out and slide it onto his own finger, not handing her the box.

He simply said, “I know you can’t accept me right now, but I’ll wait for you—wait until the day you do.”

In that instant, Rachel understood why Kim Won had done this. She was nearly moved to tears, but reason told her to restrain her emotions.

Esther could not have been more satisfied—he was the perfect son-in-law! To spare Rachel from gossip, Kim Won had taken this bold step. The smile on Esther’s lips grew broader; she had long worried how much her daughter would be talked about if she and Kim Won were together. Even though she always supported her daughter, she hated the idea of others pointing fingers at her. Now, with Kim Won’s gesture, all the responsibility would fall on him.

Without waiting for Rachel to say anything more, Kim Won greeted the assembled guests and left the banquet with quiet composure.

As soon as he was gone, the commotion around them was overwhelming, but no one dared approach Rachel. Known for being difficult to engage with, she was now the object of everyone’s envy and jealousy. Even those who had once whispered that Kim Tan would abandon her had to admit—some people’s luck was unparalleled. There was no comparison between Kim Tan and Kim Won.

Bo-na herself was at a loss for words, equally moved.

Rachel Liu was feeling restless and couldn’t quite describe her emotions. She set down her glass and went looking for Esther, who understood her perfectly and said simply, “Go.”

Under the gaze of everyone in the hall, Rachel left the banquet. Her expression was cold, almost angry, so no one thought she was happy. But in fact, this was her usual look—with a touch of performance. Since Kim Won had done this for her sake, she played along well.

Out the door, she received a message.

Kim Won: Walk five hundred meters forward. There’s a bus stop. I’m waiting for you there.

Unconsciously, Rachel smiled. The icy expression from before seemed like an illusion. Her steps quickened. When she saw Kim Won, he was sitting at the bus stop. Though the stop had been built with a sign, for over two years no bus had ever come; it was just for show, now nothing more than a fixture.

Yet with Kim Won sitting there, it was as if he was part of a tranquil, beautiful painting.

He stood up and came toward her, draping his coat over her shoulders. She’d worn a dress for the banquet, but now, stepping outside, it felt like late autumn.

Rachel shivered in the cold wind. Kim Won hurriedly opened the car door for her—it was far too cold, and besides, it wasn’t good to be seen like this.

“Won,” Rachel said softly, a hint of coquettishness in her voice, “why did you say all that on purpose?”

Even though she knew the answer, she still wanted to ask. “Actually, I don’t really mind, and besides… hmm?”

She didn’t finish her sentence—a sudden warmth touched her lips.

Her eyes widened in shock, her whole body freezing. This kiss was more passionate than the one before. It was Rachel’s first kiss, and in the cramped car, the whole affair was awkward and clumsy. She had no idea how to respond. Kim Won, a bit helpless, finally drew away and gently patted her head. “Don’t be nervous—take it slowly.”

Rachel was still blushing when Kim Won started the car. Only then did she realize what “take it slowly” meant. How could something like this be taken slowly? And how was he so skilled at it?

But her indignation was fleeting. All her previous distress melted away with Kim Won’s confession. Girls are easily comforted, after all—she could overlook his past as long as he gave her enough security in the present.

Kim Tan’s birthday banquet had been utterly derailed by Kim Won, but Ji-sook Jung was secretly relieved. Kim Won hadn’t exposed Kim Tan’s identity at such a critical moment, which meant he was still giving his younger brother a way out.

Rachel soon asked him the same question.

By then, they had arrived at the hotel. Rachel needed to change clothes; it was too cold outside, and there was nowhere else to go.

As Kim Won opened the door, she asked. He replied casually, “It’s fine. This gives us time to observe. All the shareholders and executives who support Kim Tan will come to the surface. We can act later—it’s not too late.”

She didn’t quite understand, but it sounded impressive.

“Actually, Won, you care about Tan, don’t you?” Rachel had noticed—Kim Won could have been much harsher, but he hadn’t.

Kim Won’s expression changed subtly, but he neither answered nor denied it.

He had always been solitary. That silly little brother, the child of a shameless woman, always followed after him. Even if one stern look sent Tan scurrying, he’d always come back. He always kept his brother in his heart—how could Kim Won not know?

He sighed, ruffling Rachel’s hair. “Go change. Do you want to catch a cold?”

As it turned out, his words were prophetic. The next morning, Rachel couldn’t get out of bed, her head heavy and feverish. Esther had left early for work—the new winter collection was launching, and she was swamped—so she knew nothing about Rachel’s illness.

Rachel didn’t go to class. When she finally woke, it was past nine. The housekeeper usually came home at noon to prepare Esther’s lunch, so no one knew she was sick. Still, seeing Bo-na’s message on her phone warmed her heart.

Soon she received a call from Kim Won.

“You didn’t go to class?” he asked, puzzled.

Rachel immediately realized—Bo-na, you have a big mouth.

In fact, Bo-na was just worried. She wondered if something had gone wrong the night before. Rachel hadn’t answered her calls that morning, making Bo-na’s imagination run wild.

When Kim Won heard she had caught a cold and that no one was home, he hung up and drove over right away. He wasn’t working now, so he had no pressure.

Rachel’s whole body ached like she’d been stabbed with needles. After hanging up, she slowly got out of bed and checked her reflection—she looked terrible, her hair a mess.

She managed to take a shower, but before her hair had dried, Kim Won arrived.

Seeing her damp hair, he frowned in disapproval. Wrapped in a thick robe, Rachel let him blow her hair dry. She was still sleepy, and soon leaned against his chest.

This made drying her hair difficult. Kim Won gently woke her, wanting her to hold out until her hair was dry, but Rachel had no energy. When her hair was finally done, she curled up in his arms without even brushing it.

Perhaps everyone is vulnerable when sick. Holding Rachel, Kim Won felt she was different from usual. Normally she wasn’t very forward, but today she clung to him as if lacking a sense of security. Well, he thought, that wasn’t so bad.

She slept for a long time. When she woke again, the room was quiet except for the ticking clock.

“Oppa?” she murmured, groggy and unsure of the time, just aware of his presence nearby.

Kim Won lay on his side, watching her. “Feeling better?”

“Mmm.” Wait—a sudden realization struck her.

They were in the same bed.

Rachel snapped awake. They were so close that their breaths seemed to tangle together. She closed her eyes and pretended nothing had happened.

Looking at her, Kim Won’s heart softened. He’d never felt this way before—he wanted to shield her from anything that might hurt her.

He gathered her into his arms, the room filled with her delicate scent.

Rachel nestled closer.

Feeling her warmth still a bit high, Kim Won kissed the top of her head. “Let’s get up. I’ll take you to the doctor.”

She dawdled for a long time before getting up. Kim Won half-carried, half-pulled her out of bed. In the past, he would have thought this childish, but now even the most mundane moments felt blissful.

Author’s note: So sweet! Tomorrow let’s add a twist and write about U! So many comments yesterday—are you all really such angels? Love you! And thank you, Rella, for your devoted support!