Contract Marriage with a Male Friend - Chapter 52

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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#52

Overcome by his bombshell declaration, An Soo Yi forgot all pretense of propriety before Dok Go Hyung Jun and opened her mouth.
“Dok Go, what on earth are you saying?”
“I can’t just let it slide when I see you being treated like that.”
‘Treated like that’—what is he even talking about?
Over the past two months, An Soo Yi had come to understand what sort of man Dok Go Hyung Jun was, at least in some measure.
All operations in the New Business Division were reported directly to him, and his sharp evaluations came back to the division just as swiftly.
His language was rough and blunt, but Dok Go Hyung Jun was a thoroughly merit-driven leader who recognized genuine competence.
His words just now—”not bad”—were an enormous affirmation and encouragement to her.
From what she’d heard, Beom Jin also worked on the chairman’s direct briefing line.
Which meant he, more than anyone, should understand exactly what Dok Go Hyung Jun meant just now.
So what was this reaction all about?
“I find this utterly absurd.”
Dok Go Hyung Jun clicked his tongue, meeting the eldest grandson’s glare with something like exasperation.
“You’d quit the company over mere words like that?”
“Mere words, sir?”
Beom Jin’s eyes darkened with deeper intensity.
Dok Go Hyung Jun’s own displeasure was unmistakable.
“I hired poorly, and now we have this commotion.”
“How dare you speak of my wife in such—”
“Dok Go!”
An Soo Yi, who had frozen beneath an oppressive weight, suddenly came back to herself and seized Beom Jin’s arm desperately.
“What on earth are you doing?”
“Because you shouldn’t have to hear things like that.”
An Soo Yi went rigid for an instant, her eyes widening.
In Beom Jin’s gaze fixed on her, she saw an emotion she’d never witnessed before.
Remorse, and something close to sorrow.
‘Why does he look like that?’
She’d already expected the household to regard her with reservations.
Instead, contrary to her deep-seated anxiety, the days had unfolded peacefully, and for that she was grateful.
Especially Beom Jin’s mother, Jin Sook Young, who had been extraordinarily kind to her, saying she was grateful to have her by his side.
They’d arranged to have lunch together next week.

“I wanted to treat my daughter-in-law to something delicious. It just so happens I have business nearby. Shall we have a fun girls’ day out?”

The memory brought her heart to her throat—of her own mother, who had once been warm and gentle before the company collapsed. Her heart swelled with gratitude.
“That’s not it.”
“Don’t force yourself.”
“The chairman genuinely listens to my opinions.”
Seeing An Soo Yi defend him, Dok Go Hyung Jun opened his eyes wider.
“See those ornamental trees in a line along that walking path? It’s a bit wider than the original plan. When you mentioned in passing that it was too narrow and bleak for a wheelchair to navigate, the chairman took that feedback and reflected it in the design.”
Dok Go Hyung Jun drew a long breath.
He’d assumed the change was subtle enough that An Soo Yi would never have noticed.
Moreover, she’d only been on this project for nearly two months.
Yet this girl had grasped every detail.
There was only one reason.
‘She cares.’
She was able to perceive it because she concentrated fully on the work and the conversations they’d shared, investing her whole heart.
Of course, all of this could have been a masterful act.
But Dok Go Hyung Jun, having encountered countless people and circumstances across his years, recognized it instantly.
An Soo Yi wasn’t acting.
This was precisely why Beom Jin had been so smitten with her.
She would have found even the smallest shadows and sorrows within Beom Jin’s heart and soothed them gently.
Without calculation or self-interest, focusing only on the other person’s pain.
Perhaps in that season of his life, such a thing was exactly what Beom Jin had desperately needed.
To simply be believed in, regardless of truth.
‘Which is why the boy is so foolish.’
Dok Go Hyung Jun continued watching An Soo Yi defend him, then opened his mouth.
“That’s enough. That fool wouldn’t understand even if you explained it a hundred times over.”
“Sir, I—”
“There’s no need to waste time convincing an outsider about the new division.”
At the word “outsider,” An Soo Yi blinked.
‘So that means… Beom Jin is the outsider? And I’ve been lumped in with the chairman as an “associate”?’
The fear that had set her heart racing gave way to a flutter of excitement.
“Ahem—sorry, but would you mind waiting outside? Only associates are permitted in here.”
“What…?”
“We still have matters to discuss. Isn’t that right, Chairman?”
“Indeed. We should tie up the loose ends.”
An Soo Yi, suddenly in high spirits, and Dok Go Hyung Jun, inwardly pleased, moved as one to eject Beom Jin from the room.
“Chairman, I was thinking we might brighten up that walking path a bit more.”
“Go on.”
“Based on my experience—”
Beom Jin, watching the two of them suddenly unite against him, exhaled softly.
It seemed he’d become the villain of the story.
Yet he found he didn’t mind.
In fact, he smiled.
‘That’s so like An Soo Yi.’
Her attentive nature, the way she cared for every detail, was even melting the iron heart of his grandfather.
How could anyone witness such a lovely person and not soften?
All Beom Jin could do was one thing.
Wait patiently outside, as his queen had commanded.
‘She mentioned having lunch with Mother next week.’
An ominous premonition suddenly struck him.
He feared his family was going to steal his wife away from him.

***

“Why did you take my side?”
At Dok Go Hyung Jun’s sudden question, An Soo Yi’s eyes widened.
“Me? I…?”
“You could have reported my criticism and turned this against me.”
“But I knew you were offering praise. And… we’re associates, aren’t we?”
An Soo Yi, who had subtly grouped herself with the chairman as “we,” smiled shyly.
“Well, I’m amazed.”
Dok Go Hyung Jun let out a dry laugh.
“You’re bolder than you appear.”
Knowing this too was not reproach, An Soo Yi grinned.
“Thank you for accepting my input.”
“I did it because it seemed beneficial. Not because you’re pretty.”
“Then I’m all the more pleased—that means you recognized my ability.”
Caught off guard, Dok Go Hyung Jun cleared his throat with a small cough.
“Off you go now. If I keep you too late, that fool will glare daggers at me and try to eat me alive.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.”
What a thought—that slip of a girl would protect anyone. It was absurd.
“Stop talking nonsense and go. Don’t forget to submit that report tomorrow.”
“Yes, Chairman.”
An Soo Yi bowed her head deeply.
Seeing this, Dok Go Hyung Jun started to say something, then closed his mouth and turned away.
‘I should probably adjust the way she addresses me.’
For appearances’ sake as well.
Rather than the stiff title of “Chairman,” it would seem more natural for her to call him “Grandfather.”
Above all, today had sealed Dok Go Hyung Jun’s absolute certainty.
An Soo Yi was essential if he was to keep the willful Beom Jin working for the company.

***

From that day forward.
Beom Jin found it increasingly difficult to see An Soo Yi’s face.
Everyone around him kept finding her, keeping her occupied.
Especially his family.
“I’m sorry, tonight I promised Mother I’d go shopping with her.”
For the next three days, she’d be accompanying his grandfather on site inspections.
When she returned, the staff had pressed so strongly that she’d agreed to join the company dinner.
Which meant not a single proper meal with his wife all week.
“At this point, I’m not sure who married whom.”
Watching Beom Jin grumble softly, An Soo Yi smiled and rose on her tiptoes, pressing a quick kiss to his lips.
“Is Dok Go upset?”
“No. Your husband’s just sad right now.”
Beom Jin drew her into his embrace, his hand slipping beneath her knit shirt.
“So let me cry.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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