Chapter 35. An Insurmountable Issue (1)

Translator: Lili

For Cha Jaeheon, this was an unexpected windfall. But for Sera, it wasn’t a bad deal either.

At first, she had considered forcing the engagement to collapse through sheer recklessness. But the more she thought about it, the more she realized how foolish and dangerous that would be.

If she broke off the engagement without a solid justification, her already precarious position within Sungwon would become even more unstable. That was a risk she couldn’t afford to take.

In the original story, Shin Sera faced a series of misfortunes for providing the pretext for the breakup. The fallout with Cha Jaeheon led to her being expelled from Sungwon, leaving her defenseless and ultimately falling into Seo Jungwon’s grasp, where she was mercilessly exploited.

Thus, what she needed was a breakup that guaranteed her complete safety.

If she could negotiate a breakup in exchange for supporting Lumitech, she could curb Lee Rowoon’s influence while simultaneously expanding her own power within Sungwon. Not only that, but she could also establish an alliance with Geumgang Group, making it a rather advantageous choice in multiple ways.

“For you, it’s a win-win—you get what you want while also avoiding a miserable marriage with a woman you despise. Shouldn’t that be a relief?”

Cha Jaeheon’s expression, which had been carefully neutral, now held unmistakable interest. For the first time, he picked up his wine glass—something he never did when dining with her before.

“It’s a fine wine… but your proposal is nothing more than an unrealistic fantasy.”

After taking a slow sip, he placed the glass down with a soft clink. His lips curled into a sharp, mocking smile.

“Since you were so blunt, should I return the favor?”

“…”

“You’re the unwanted child of Sungwon, with virtually no influence. Compared to Lee Rowoon, who is firmly established as the heir, your authority is nonexistent. You’re barely surviving.”

“…”

“And in a few years, you’ll lose even that. Then you’ll be sold off in the marriage market like an object. Isn’t that the reality of your situation?”

‘What a bastard.’

Sera clenched her teeth, biting down on the inside of her cheek to keep her expression steady.

If this had been the original Sera, she would have exploded in a fit of rage. Every word he spoke cut right into her deepest insecurities. Cha Jaeheon wielded his words like a knife—smiling all the while, like a true sociopath.

“Just as I don’t expect anything grand from this marriage, I also don’t believe you can offer me anything outside of it. Especially in logistics—that sector is completely under Lee Rowoon’s control.”

“That was the case.”

Sera knew she couldn’t afford to lose this battle of wits.

But she had to admit—Cha Jaeheon had analyzed her position far more accurately than she had expected.

“Sungwon Group’s audit team is currently conducting a fair trade assessment. Since the audit team reports directly to the chairman, not even Lee Rowoon can interfere.”

“…”

“Once the audit is complete, a large-scale bidding process will open. Depending on your response, the trading and textile subsidiaries could issue bid announcements favorable to Lumitech.”

“…”

“Even if I’m barely clinging to my position, I am still the chairman’s only blood relative. That much, at least, is within my power.”

Unlike before, Cha Jaeheon remained silent for a long time. Sera stared at him with a tense expression, and after a moment, he lifted his gaze from its downward tilt.

Rather than inquiring about specific contract terms as she had expected, he asked something much more personal.

“Why did you change your mind? You once begged just to stay by my side.”

The man who had been relentlessly indifferent to Shin Sera now, at this moment, seemed genuinely curious about her change of heart. For someone who had disregarded her to an unbearable extent, his oblivious expression was utterly shameless.

Anyone would naturally be affected when the people around them changed, yet Cha Jaeheon had shown no interest in Sera—not even the bare minimum of respect. He had dismissed her love as nothing more than a nuisance.

For the first time, Sera felt pity for Shin Sera.

“I already told you the reason. I got tired of this.”

For a smooth and safe breakup, the blame had to be entirely on Cha Jaeheon. Fortunately, he had played his role well thus far. He had been neglectful, indifferent, and blatantly rude.

The best reason for ending a one-sidedly persistent relationship would, naturally, be love itself.

“How could I love a man who treats his fiancée like an insect? I thought I had no pride, but it turns out I do. Do you know what went through my mind when I saw you ignoring me at the party?”

“…”

“I wanted to kill the version of myself that had once chased after you.”

A faint ripple appeared in Cha Jaeheon’s gaze. Whatever emotion he was feeling, it didn’t matter. Cheap guilt and regret were as worthless as trash on the street.

It was far better for their relationship to be purely transactional, grounded only in practicality and contracts.

“That’s how much I despise you. So much so that I won’t be able to stand it unless I remove you from my life by any means necessary.”

Even as she thought this, Sera acted as though she were truly heartbroken by Cha Jaeheon. It was a performance, a necessary step to secure the legitimacy of their breakup.

“Is that reason enough for you?”

Cha Jaeheon’s gaze remained unreadable as he looked at her.

***