Days turned into weeks, and the memory of Eun Woo’s intense gaze haunted Hanuel’s thoughts. The financial struggles of “Kim’s Sweets” had grown more dire, the threat of bankruptcy looming like a storm cloud. Each batch of pastries she baked carried the weight of her family’s legacy, a legacy she was determined to protect.
As she shuffled through a pile of papers, a gentle chime from the wind chime hanger echoed through the room, marking the entrance of a familiar presence. Yoojin, bearing her trademark delicate smile, swept in as if carried by the breeze itself. The fact that she had extended her hand to offer financial aid, despite her own unemployment, weighed heavily on Hanuel’s heart. Protecting Yoojin’s secret from her well-off parents was a promise Hanuel had sworn to uphold.
taking bites of the brownies hanuel made, Yoojin’s voice emerged, laden with curiosity
” what you are doing ”
” am struggling between some property papers of shop i’m going to meet some investors.I will try to communicate with them telling them my future plans so Could you help me organize these documents? ”
yoojin stopped and think for a while to ask” why didn’t you ask him for help”
Yoojin hesitated, a moment of contemplation preceding her inquiry. “Why not seek assistance from him”
” who?”
” him , EUNWOO”
A sudden collision of papers, fingers frozen in their task, as if time itself had momentarily halted. “How could I possibly bring myself to ask him?”
her phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number.
“Meet me at Eclat Cafe tomorrow at noon. – Kang Eun Woo”
Her heart raced, a mixture of excitement and apprehension gripping her.
yoojin suddenly noticed the text ” what is this”
With the softness of an evening breeze, Hanuel recounted the events of that unforgettable night.
yoojin hitted knowing thud against Hanuel’s back. “Why didn’t you just agree with him? And now? Are you going to meet him?”
A helpless smile played upon Hanuel’s lips. “How could I possibly refuse him?
**
What could Eun Woo possibly want from me? The possibilities swirled in her mind as she lay in bed that night, the gentle rustling of her family’s bakery sign outside her window a comforting presence.
The following next day, Hanuel didn’t get a wink of sleep . her thoughts swirling like a tempestuous sea. her mind full of thoughts while getting up, brushing her teeth, while pouring milk to glass , she even spilled that .
she rustled through wardrobe to wear something decent . she took yellow top with a blue jean.
she took a cab and walked into Eclat Cafe, her steps cautious and her heart pounding. Eun Woo was already seated by the window, his gaze focused on the bustling city outside. His presence was magnetic, drawing her in like a moth to a flame.
“Kim Hanuel,” he greeted, his voice a low, velvety timbre that sent shivers down her spine.
“Eun Woo,” she replied, her voice a mixture of curiosity and caution.
They exchanged pleasantries, Eun Woo’s charm as palpable as ever. He spoke of his family’s business empire and his own struggles with familial expectations. Hanuel listened, her eyes searching his face for any signs of deception.
“Kim Hanuel,” he began, his gaze locking onto hers.
actually”I’ve been thinking about your situation and your family’s bakery.”
Her heart raced, her anticipation growing. Was he offering his help?
“I’ve come up with a proposition,” he continued, his voice measured. “I could invest in your family’s bakery, ensuring its success and securing your family’s legacy.”
Hanuel’s eyes widened in disbelief. Could this be the lifeline she had been praying for?
“But, of course, every proposition comes with terms,” Eun Woo added, his gaze piercing.
Hanuel’s excitement faltered, a sense of caution washing over her. “What kind of terms?”
Eun Woo leaned forward, his eyes intense. “A contract marriage. You become my wife in name only, and I provide the funds to save your family’s bakery.”
Her heart wavered, torn between the weight of her family’s legacy and the unease of the path he was proposing.
hanuel left by a exclamation ” what ?
“Think about it, Hanuel,” he said gently. “I understand this is a lot to process. Take your time.”
“i get it but why me , there are many much better looking with well off family” she was so confused.
he crossed his leg” “I seek not a lasting companion, and allure is often chained to my fortune and face. everyone attract to me because of money and my face. i don’t like that . i have no Time and you, you will beholden to me,someone who will owe me so you are getting what i mean . you will not seek something like other women ”
A phone’s siren call interrupted their discourse. Eun Woo answered ‘ i will be there shortly, then turned to her, “Think, Hanuel i will contact you soon”
As he left the cafe, the weight of the contract weighed settled over her like a heavy blanket. The bakery’s future hung in the balance, and the choice she was about to make would forever alter the course of her life.
she couldn’t think of clearly right now.
she exited the cafe while looking up to sky and murmuring to herself” what else i was expecting from this meeting” she walked by road way to her home
at short distance from cafe on the other side of road rolling down window of black luxurious car Eunwoo was noticing her .
” what was you are saying on phone” assistant min jung setting his glasses glancing over eunwoo through rear mirror . seeing him looking at a girl ” so you talked like that to avoid her”
eunwoo frowned ” nothing i will tell you later , now drive to company”
.
