Chapter 9
“Are you really planning to give everything away? You have too much, brother-in-law.”
A long silence followed Yuri’s statement about giving everything to Lee Seo because he loved her, until Dayeong, shaken out of his thoughts, finally spoke.
Yuri gently ran his hand down Lee Seo’s shoulder as he responded,
“Fortunately, that’s a good thing. It’s much better than a boring man who gives away a few things and calls it a day.”
“…Wow.”
Dayeong was momentarily at a loss for words, letting out a small exclamation before standing up abruptly. His expression showed deep thought, as if he had much to consider.
Despite her doubts, Lee Seo found herself reassured that Yuri was not the real Kang Yuri, but she couldn’t quite grasp his intentions for speaking so openly. If he truly wanted to claim his identity as Kang Yuri, it might have been wiser for him to adopt a more indifferent demeanor.
Would Dayeong ever believe him?
Even someone as quick-tempered and transactional as Dayeong likely had a plan…
“Actually, this works out perfectly.”
Huh?
“You love Lee Seo so much, we might as well create a great image for you. A husband miraculously returning from the dead, and a wife who patiently waited for his return—where else can you find such a story getting so much attention?”
“Hong Dayeong, are you really saying this?”
“Of course. If you love my sister that much, then as her brother, I’m happy for that.”
His eyes gleamed with determination. It seemed he was set on securing his position no matter what after his conversation with Chairman Jeongan.
It was embarrassing.
Seeing Yuri involved in a family like this made Lee Seo feel vulnerable, like her one Achilles’ heel was being exposed.
“Get out, now.”
Yuri stood up, reaching for Dayeong.
Dayeong tried to shake him off but glanced cautiously at Yuri before speaking again.
“You accepted me as your brother-in-law. This is my brother-in-law’s house, and you don’t have the right to tell me to leave.”
“Brother-in-law, you clearly didn’t inherit your sister’s intelligence.”
“Huh?”
“I thought you’d be sharp, but now I realize you’re slow.”
“What do you mean—”
“As I said earlier, I’m planning to give everything I have to Hong Lee Seo.”
Including this place, Byeolujae.
Which means whoever stays here is up to Lee Seo.
Dayeong’s face twisted at Yuri’s words. No one had ever compared him to Yuri before, let alone called him inferior.
“Brother-in-law, as happy as you are that you returned alive, please choose your words carefully. They say that when facing death, people become humble.”
“I only said I needed a position. But wouldn’t it be better to meet Chairman with a solid title? I’ll make that happen.”
Yuri rose from his seat, signaling for Dayeong to leave.
Since Dayeong was always yearning for such opportunities, his lips twitched, but he didn’t continue speaking.
Lee Seo felt a flicker of unease.
Would Dayeong really keep Yuri’s identity a secret?
While Yuri proposed giving up his position, could Dayeong simply accept it at face value and believe him?
Unable to leave it at that, Lee Seo finally spoke up.
“Until we reveal everything ourselves, keep quiet. Like you said, it will take time to present the perfect image of a couple.”
“The perfect couple? I look forward to it.”
Dayeong said briefly and then headed for the door.
With his sudden departure, the tension that had been building throughout the evening suddenly dissipated, leaving Lee Seo weak in the knees.
Leaning against the wall, Lee Seo reached out for Yuri’s hand.
“It’s okay, I just need to rest for a moment.”
“The perfect couple wouldn’t leave each other like this.”
“That was just a way to keep Dayeong from leaking anything.”
Wait!
Lee Seo called out desperately, but before she could stop him, Yuri swiftly lifted her off the ground.
How is someone supposed to lift someone like this without any concern for them?
“If you squirm, it’ll only make it harder.”
“Yes.”
Lee Seo froze, held securely in Yuri’s arms as he gently placed her on the couch. He returned with a cup of freshly brewed tea instead of the cold one.
“Do you feel like revising the prenuptial agreement now?”
Even in this situation, you maintain your composure. I have to commend your mental strength.
“You saw my family. And yet, you still want to continue this marriage with me? If it’s about what that person has, or if there’s something you can’t openly discuss, it would be better to approach the people from Seonjin.”
“I want to be Hong Lee Seo’s husband.”
“….”
“Both Kang Yuri and Hong Lee Seo wanted to break free from their families. You have no reason not to use me.”
Yuri spoke firmly.
Lee Seo couldn’t deny that.
She knew that Yuri’s desire to marry her stemmed from wanting to escape the strategic marriage pushed by the family. And she couldn’t deny that Yuri, having seen Dayeong, still recognized the family as the biggest obstacle for her.
“I’ll free you from this unbearable family.”
“….”
“Of course, I’ll need your help, Hong Lee Seo.”
Yuri showed her a prenuptial agreement with a revised clause—marriage will continue as long as everything he owns is passed to Hong Lee Seo.
Lee Seo requested one more addition:
“If Kang Yuri truly returns, the contract will be immediately terminated. …even if that means his death.”
When she uttered the word ‘death,’ Lee Seo tried to sound firm, but her voice shook slightly despite her best effort to maintain control.
Yuri listened quietly and then nodded slowly.
“What is going on here?”
That day at Byeolujae, a second visitor arrived.
Yuri had initially said it was fine to meet them outside, but Lee Seo insisted they come here.
‘But I’m the owner, right? I decide who comes and who doesn’t.’
Reluctantly, Yuri smiled faintly and shook his head.
It wasn’t easy to avoid attention, even days after the accident.
Though the intensity of interest had waned, false reports continued to surface, making it impossible for him to move freely.
“Really, is Kang Yuri the real pianist? Is he truly your brother?”
Yuri introduced his manager, Jeong Soo, as the only person who could help in this situation—not involved with Seonjin but someone well-informed about his circumstances.
Lee Seo agreed with that.
The problem was that she hadn’t realized how close Jeong Soo and Yuri were.
“Talk separately.”
“How could this happen? Did you perhaps have amnesia? I’ve been feeling guilty about sending you that day, thinking something awful might have happened because of me…”
“You’re not thinking straight right now.”
Their connection was one-sided.
It was only natural.
Because that man wasn’t truly Kang Yuri.
Seeing Jeong Soo break down, calling Yuri “brother” as if filled with emotion, there was no reason for Lee Seo to share that sentiment.
“I’ve decided to accept the position as the head of Seonjin Foundation.”
“Huh?”
Lee Seo was genuinely startled at this point.
Yuri had made every effort to avoid entangling with Seonjin.
Choosing piano over family business and struggles was his way of distancing himself.
Of course, Lee Seo knew he wouldn’t have willingly accepted a marriage arranged by the family.
The reason for choosing her was clear: it was not about love, but avoidance.
“So, you’re really not after anything?”
Lee Seo couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
He had to be eyeing something.
Was he planning to embezzle money once he becomes head? Or was there someone else secretly supporting him?
“To avoid being controlled by Seonjin, this is the only way.”
“But still, you never wanted that position.”
“It’s due to the forces behind the incident.”
The forces behind the incident?
It made sense that Yuri had mentioned something similar before—someone deliberately targeting him must have had either something to gain or a vendetta against him.
And Seonjin could very well be involved.
“I can’t die again, leaving my beloved wife.”
Yuri said, his gaze locking with Lee Seo’s, the unspoken emotions in his eyes turbulent.
