episode_0052

When I regained consciousness, the morning sun was already shining, and for a moment, the chaos in my mind came to a halt.

The last thing I remember is collapsing after committing a grave offense against this man without any mercy.

I had hoped to open my eyes again by evening, but it wasn’t until this time that I regained my senses… It seems like both I and this person had a surprisingly good time.

Although I felt a bit regretful about wasting a day, as this person fell asleep, he still held onto me tightly, making me realize how precious I was being treated.

…No, it’s wrong to delude myself like this.

I am bound to this person by a contract to pretend to be a fake couple.

In other words, the time I can spend with this person is until the contract is terminated.

And the termination depends on this person’s decision.

Since we have shared our lives to some extent, I shouldn’t be so careless as to think that I won’t be abandoned.

“Eunhye…”

“Yes, I’m here.”

As I embraced him, who was still half asleep, he buried his face in my chest with a relieved expression.

Truly, this person seems to have a fondness for chests. I understand that sentiment, but to be so eager even while sleeping… It’s fortunate that Eunhye’s chest is slightly larger.

“Yes, it’s fortunate… that I’m living with this person.”

Even as Eunhye, and even before becoming her, I, who was just a troublesome presence in the house, was able to live comfortably all thanks to this person.

Of course, behind that, there were Grandfather and the current stepmother, but if it had been an unwanted marriage, they would have ignored me to avoid caring sincerely, or worse, they would have abused me like Eunhye’s grandparents did…

This kind-hearted man, even though he claims not to care, sincerely worries about me, sometimes points out my mistakes, and treats me like his own sibling.

And I, too, now know how much I rely on this person, more than ever.

…But is it truly right to just keep receiving?

Even if I am this person’s wife in name only, just a superficial decoration bound by a contract…

Is it reasonable for me, who does nothing but prepare meals and clean, to fit in with this man who is practically at the top of society in this country?

When I first signed the contract, I thought I could leave this person at any time without regret.

But what about now?

I realized, living with this person, that I was starving for affection more than anyone, having been busy suspecting others and keeping my distance.

Even when I forgot who I was and was lost in confusion, I could feel safe because this person was by my side.

This person. My current self is all thanks to Kang Sunwoo.

So, I want to stay by this person’s side just like this.

I want to become someone who fits well with this person.

Not just a decorative wife, but a real one.

“…But it’s an unreasonable wish, isn’t it?”

I’m not even good at studying, I didn’t even go to college, and wanting to stay by this person’s side is an excessive desire.

At least if Eunhye had gone to college, things might have been slightly better, but those old folks won’t let Eunhye have a good life, and Eunhye couldn’t focus on her studies due to the harassment at school, so it’s all futile.

Different environments, yet inevitably similar.

“Eunhye…”

By the way, why do you keep calling people’s names so eagerly, it’s annoyingly chilly… And why are you holding on so tightly, what are you so worried about?

“Don’t worry too much. I’ll be here. I’ll stay by your side as long as you want.”

I don’t know what dream he’s having, but as I whispered while stroking his head, he felt the tension release from his restrained arms and finally regained his freedom.

Standing a little away from him, I noticed the presence of used condoms scattered on the bed sheet.

Embarrassed to the point where my face felt hot, but at the same time feeling happy, I smiled and tidied them up.

“…Should I try red next time?”

While changing my underwear, I casually had that thought. It was true that he had a different reaction when I showed him provocative underwear like the one I was wearing now.

And the man I was involved with was more manly than anyone else… And didn’t our man look amazing when he undressed? I can vouch for that, having experienced it twice myself.

“Huh?”

Suddenly, as my gaze shifted to his lower half, I noticed that the man, who had seemed invincible until now, was not in a great state.

No, even though it was bigger than most people even in its diminished state, this sight was a bit disappointing… What should I do to make it healthy again in this situation?

Right, in comics, saying something like this usually made it come back to life.

“Did it work?”

Hmm, judging by the lack of effect, maybe that wasn’t the right line?

“…What are you doing right now?”

As I muttered that, the man spoke as if he couldn’t understand English.

“Are you up? I just thought it might come back to life if I said this because I’m disappointed that it’s still shrinking.”

“Where did you hear such strange things this time…”

“It’s often in the comics you read, right?”

Sighing, the man ran his hand through my hair vigorously. Thanks to that, my hair got quite messy, but he smiled broadly in response, seeming satisfied.

This man, he was someone who knew how to smile like this… Really, he was handsome only at times like this.

“Well, he was handsome to begin with.”

“Why are you suddenly saying that?”

“It’s nothing. I just thought you were handsome… Oops!”

I slipped up. And in front of the person himself… I just blurted out the truth, but how could I say such an embarrassing thing so openly? Unless I was really bewitched by something, how could I!

“…Then, Eunhye, you’re pretty.”

“Eek?”

What, what’s this? Why are you suddenly saying such embarrassing things so casually! Is this the Kang Sunwoo I know? That fickle Kang Sunwoo!

“…Again, again! Foul play! Foul play!! At least turn on a light before saying such things! Lately, you’ve been acting strange, mister! And you’re much more handsome than me, even more than being pretty?!”

“No, Eunhye, you’re much prettier and cuter. I’ve thought you were cute since we first met, and as time goes by, you’re getting prettier–”

“Eek! Stop, stop! Stop! Okay, that’s enough! Why are you being so embarrassing from the morning!”

The temperature of my face, which had been rising sharply, continued to rise and reached the point of bursting.

Unable to endure it any longer, I hugged him tightly to cover his mouth, burying his face in my chest.

Apparently, my chest was very effective, as the man accepted it without resistance and quietly closed his mouth. Well, I blocked him so tightly that he couldn’t even speak, even if he wanted to.

Anyway, I managed to calm down and changed into fresh underwear before leaving the room.

For the past two days, I hadn’t gone grocery shopping, so there wasn’t much to eat in the fridge. However, thanks to the servant that the old man had sent to buy some simple meal items, I was able to have breakfast without any problems.

Of course, both Nana and the old man were only in their underwear because they had commanded through their smartphones.

As expected, being rich is the best.

“Um… Right, there’s something I want to ask the old man. Is it okay?”

“Ask? Yeah, go ahead and tell me anything. I’ll listen to everything.”

The old man’s reaction to the word “ask” seemed more exaggerated than usual, but instead of hesitating like before, he appeared confident, which looked quite impressive.

“You see, I’m 20 years old now, and I feel a bit regretful that I’m only a high school graduate… It might be a bit late, but I want to study hard from now on and go to college… Is that okay?”

It felt impolite to ask for a favor in my current position, but I gathered my courage and spoke up.

The old man looked surprised for a moment, but soon his face turned calm and gentle as he whispered to me.

“You don’t need my permission for that. Whether you go to college or graduate school, I won’t stop you from doing what you want. Just do whatever you want.”

I just needed his permission, not such awkward words… Even though I don’t think I’ll go to graduate school.

As I quietly nodded my head, the old man started to stroke my head. When his hand stopped, he asked me curiously.

“So, when and how are you planning to start studying?”

“Oh, I haven’t decided yet. I looked into it a bit, and it seems like there are reeducation academies and you can also get tutoring from students attending prestigious universities.”

I showed the old man the results of my smartphone search. Honestly, thanks to the hefty allowance that was deposited steadily every month, money wasn’t an issue.

Moreover, the academies I found were quite renowned, and the tutors were exceptional enough to help many students enter prestigious universities.

Most importantly, the academies were mostly filled with men, and the tutors were all male, so I could focus on studying without being distracted by pretty girls.

“All men…? No way.”

“What?”

“Studying to go to college is good, but the academies and tutors you showed me, they’re all no good.”

“Why, why all of a sudden they’re not good? If academies and tutoring aren’t an option, how am I supposed to study then?”

“Anyway, they’re not good. Just know that it’s not going to work out!”