Yun-ji sat alone in the quiet room, savoring her dinner with deliberate ease. Each bite of the lavish feast ordered by Kim Won-shik felt like a small victory. The dumplings were impossibly tender, melting on her tongue as their delicate flavor blossomed, while the chicken, perfectly cooked, was juicy enough to make her pause and appreciate the rich taste. The silence around her only amplified the sensation of this meal, her first since her rebirth, and though it came later than she expected, it was unexpectedly comforting—delicious, satisfying, and a small reminder that this time, she would enjoy every moment, no matter how fleeting.
Meanwhile, in the adjacent room, a far more sinister scene was unfolding. Wang Da lay unconscious in the dark, completely unaware of the impending danger that lurked nearby. The room was silent, except for a door creaking open as a burly man slipped inside like a predator stalking his prey. His eyes gleamed with twisted desire when they fell upon the figure lying in the bed. Even in the dim light, the silhouette of the girl was enough to ignite his lust. The curves of her body were so irresistible that they fueled his hunger, and he could feel his pulse quicken. All the women he desired kept him at arm's length due to his ugliness but his position as an HR manager allowed him to manipulate the desperate—trading promotions and favors for his twisted whims.*
Wang Da's brother, who was eager to climb the corporate ladder had struck a deal that in exchange for securing his job, they would offer up a girl. What none of them had realized was that the unconscious figure being offered wasn't Yun-ji as intended—it was Wang Da herself. The man, unaware of this switch, approached the bed with a predator's grin, oblivious to the chaos that would soon unfold.
Choi Bora, oblivious to the fact that their earlier plan had failed, moved on to the next phase of their scheme. Under the cover of darkness, she slipped back home, her footsteps quiet as a shadow. Her father and mother were already asleep, the house silent, save for the occasional creak of the floorboards. Confident in her secrecy, she settled into her bed, letting herself drift into a rare, peaceful sleep—unaware that things were about to spiral out of her control.
Meanwhile, Yun-ji had just finished her dinner when a familiar, imposing figure appeared before her—Kim Won-shik. His presence alone sent a ripple of unease through the room, but Yun-ji kept her expression composed, masking her true emotions.
"Have you seen the contract agreement?" she asked, her voice calm but her gaze sharp, watching his every move.
"I have," Won-shik replied, his tone measured as he studied her carefully, as if trying to decipher every subtle reaction. "I realize now that your intentions are genuine. So, I believe it's time we come to an agreement, Ms. Choi."
Yun-ji's heart skipped a beat, but she remained unfazed on the surface. "What kind of agreement are you referring to, Mr. Kim?" she asked, her voice cool but the tension in the air unmistakable.
"Our marriage agreement," he said, his words slicing through the room like a blade. The suddenness of his statement left her momentarily stunned, her carefully crafted composure wavering for just a second. But she quickly recovered, her eyes narrowing as she tried to understand his true intentions.
Kim Won-Shik's gaze never left hers, his expression unreadable. "It's time we solidify our partnership, Ms. Choi."
Kim Won-Shik never realized there would come a time in his life when he would make such a hasty decision. In their short interaction, he felt a strong need to protect her. He had seen many girls in his life, all of whom had tried to get close to him by any means. But even when Yun-ji was drugged, she struggled to distance herself from him as if his presence alone was inconsequential.
She was independent and wanted to solve her problems herself. She had the intelligence and determination to stand on her own. He couldn't help but admire her strength. He was somehow confident that she was not an enemy but an ally—the strongest ally for him in the years to come.
She seemed mysterious with cold eyes, seemingly indifferent to the outer world. What had she endured to become so self-sufficient and detached at such a young age? This question pricked his heart and he felt an overwhelming urge to protect her and give her the happiness she deserved.
'Partnership doesn't require a marriage contract, Mr. Kim' she replied confident in her state. 'I was in a desperate situation where I needed some help. I asked you for medicines because I accidentally learned about your meeting in this hotel. With the information in hand, I thought of seeking your help. I never planned this to be a long-term agreement'.
'There were countless people in that hotel at the time, Ms. Choi. With your intelligence, you could have sought help from anyone. Yet, you chose me." His voice was calm, but there was a quiet intensity beneath it. "You knew I was your best option, the strongest protection you could find. You're aware of my value, Ms. Choi. I am offering you more than just my assistance—I'm giving you a cheat card, a rare opportunity. Use me, rely on me, and that offer lasts for a lifetime.'
Choi Yun-ji's thoughts drifted to her past life. Kim Won-Shik had always been an elusive figure—a man known for his ruthless intelligence, wealth, and indomitable presence in the business world. Yet, curiously, no woman had ever been linked to him. There were even rumors that he liked men. The idea that this man, of all people, would offer her such a deal was both surprising and intriguing. But Yun-ji was no longer the naive girl she had once been. She wouldn't be caught off guard so easily.
'A lifetime agreement after just one meeting seems... premature, Mr. Kim," she said, her voice calm yet edged with a hint of amusement. She met his gaze unflinchingly. "I'm not yet legally eligible for marriage, so a trial period would be more suitable, don't you think? I'll be your girlfriend for now. If we develop feelings for each other by then, we can consider a more permanent arrangement. If not, we part ways. No harm done.'
She said it with an air of confidence, knowing that in this new life, she had nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Kim Won-Shik's sharp eyes studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a slight nod, he motioned to his secretary. "As you wish, Ms. Choi," he said coolly.
The room felt heavy with the unspoken calculations running through both of their minds as the secretary made the adjustments to the contract. When the papers were presented, they both signed, their pens scratching across the pages like the sealing of fates.
"Happy cooperation, Yun-ji." His voice was low, and smooth, as he extended his hand toward her.
"Happy cooperation, Mr. Kim," she replied, shaking his hand. His grip was firm, and controlled, but she didn't miss the way his fingers lingered just a little longer than necessary.
His lips curved into a faint smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes. 'It's Won-Shik for you, dear,' he added, his tone teasing, but his gaze was intense, like a predator circling its prey.
Yun-ji's smile never faltered. She wouldn't fall for his charm, not so easily. She had been burned before. But in this new life, the game was hers to play.