Chapter 149. What Did We Just See? (7)

She wanted to escape from this awkward situation. In her haste, she clumsily dropped her handbag to the floor. As she bent to pick it up, Lee-Seob got there first. He took the heavy box, the shopping bag and added the bag on top.

“Leave them here. Why carry them around?”

With a deep breath, Minkyung turned and walked away, feeling his gaze on her back.

Lee-Seob watched her leave, then turned back to Seonae.

“Mother.”

“Yes?”

“Thank you for considering my assistant.”

“She’ll be a deputy director soon.”

“Yes. Thank you for taking care of Kang Minkyung.”

Seonae stared at Lee-Seob for a moment, then finally smiled as if she was overthinking.

“And, Mother, make sure Kang Minkyung has breakfast. She probably didn’t eat properly before coming here. She’ll be hungry all morning.”

“Of course, that’s no problem. I had some bread prepared for the car, but if rice is better, I’ll have it set on the island in the kitchen…”

Lee-Seob tapped the large table lightly with his fist.

“Have her eat here.”

“With everyone? It might be uncomfortable with the family around.”

“Father isn’t here. It’s just Soojin, her husband, you and me. It’s not that crowded.”

Seonae nodded.

“Alright, we’ll do that.”

“Thank you, Mom.”

Lee-Seob smiled warmly.

As he headed to his room, he suddenly stopped halfway. Minkyung was standing on the landing, looking lost.

“Did you lose your way?”

She glared at him, clearly annoyed.

“Go on up.”

Lee-Seob gently guided her by the shoulder. She startled and stepped away. As if understanding, he raised his hands and took a step back, then gestured toward the stairs like a noble escorting a lady, his other arm across his stomach.

“After you, m’lady.”

The politeness was worthy of a historical drama set in a Western background.

“Please stop teasing me.”

She whispered in irritation.

Lee-Seob climbed a step first, with Minkyung following closely. Each time she turned back, he found her quick turn endearing, chuckling softly. Once, he poked her pouting cheek with his finger. She swatted his hand away. He poked again, prompting her to stop and pout.

“Sorry. I’ll stop.”

Lee-Seob lightly caressed her cheek.

Hidden behind a pillar, two cautious eyes followed them. They belonged to Lee-Seob ’s sister, Soojin, and her husband, Seungchan. Adjusting his glasses, Seungchan gaped.

“Wow… Honey, what did we just see? Isn’t that Senior Manager Kang, whom my brother-in-law despised? There were rumors that they hated each other at work. When did this happen?”

“No kidding. I thought my brother would live his life perfectly single and then marry a nice girl from an arranged date.”

“Dating? No way.”

Seungchan shook his finger.

“They’re in a serious relationship, you can tell just by looking.”

Resting her hands on her pregnant belly, Soojin jabbed her chubby husband’s side with her elbow.

“Hey.”

Soojin mimed zipping her lips,

“Mom will faint.”

Seungchan grimaced, imagining the shock his mother-in-law would feel.