Wrapping Up the Incident -1-
After seeing Jae-hyun safely from the hospital back home, I threw myself fully into my role as the youngest of the Taesung Group, moving without restraint. First up, I pored over the file packed with Kang So-ra's personal details.
I couldn't care less about her tragic childhood or whatever sob story it held. What mattered was making sure this crazy bitch was quietly and cleanly removed so Jae-hyun wouldn't have to feel anxious or suffer anymore. And with the immense backing of Taesung Group? Getting rid of someone like her without a trace if I set my mind to it? Piece of cake.
Blood washes away sins, but poverty condemns—it's not an empty saying. Of course, neither I nor my family are the type to go that far off the rails, so no illegal or dangerous schemes here.
"We know she's trash from how she acts. So, how's the handling progressing?"
I tossed the file with Kang So-ra's info onto the desk like it was nothing.
If Jae-hyun saw me now, he'd probably find it pretty jarring and shocking. My icy expression, chilling charisma, the natural way I commanded people—it was the pure essence of Seo Ji-ah as a third-generation chaebol heir, something I'd never shown him.
"We've made contact with Kang So-ra through the legal team. For now, we're proposing a written pledge that she'll never approach 'Young Master' again, along with a settlement payment. If she refuses, we'll proceed straight to lawsuit. As I mentioned before, one call to the court, and even a light prison sentence should be no problem."
A few months in jail might make her see reality. If she still didn't straighten up after that, there'd be no reason to hold back with kid gloves anymore. Everyone's got dirt if you shake hard enough, but Kang So-ra? She was filthy without even trying.
Ruining some nobody? Not hard at all. Especially when her gig was churning out trashy web novels and jerking off to them.
"And the security team?"
"Even after Kang So-ra's dealt with, wouldn't it be wise to keep them assigned for safety's sake, at least for a while?"
"Obviously. Keep them on until that lunatic is completely out of the picture."
A cornered rat will bite a cat. No guarantees that deranged woman wouldn't harm Jae-hyun, so better to watch her closely until she's gone for good. Jae-hyun's suffering ends here—this once is enough.
"As I said before, handle it quietly, without Jae-hyun knowing, and clean it up perfectly."
"We'll take care of it meticulously so you won't have to worry, miss."
"Yes, thank you. Contact me anytime if there's anything to report."
Kim Manager bowed silently with perfect politeness before leaving, and only then did I let out a deep sigh, alone at last.
From the security team, I got a report text that Jae-hyun had arrived safely at his friend's place, no issues. A few hours later, as Kim Manager predicted, a brief update came from the legal team about meeting Kang So-ra.
"Ha! Yeah, figured as much."
How many people can stand firm against money and power? I knew it, but it still pissed me off.
Acting all bold to target my man, only to tuck tail and run this easily? She made that sweet, innocent guy furrow his brow, raise his voice in anger, even spit harsh words. The more I thought about it, the more outrageous it felt.
"Keep a close eye on her movements just in case. If she loses it again and tries anything with Jae-hyun, it'll be real trouble."
No second chances. My firm, frosty tone stiffened the voice on the other end even more. Nice that she knew her place as a woman and didn't butt in with unnecessary opinions.
I'll have to tell Kim Manager later to give bonuses to the hardworking staff.
"Do that."
I knew Kang So-ra would never show up near Jae-hyun again, but from his perspective, without knowing the full story, he'd probably still feel some lingering unease. To him, it'd just end with a no-contact order—no real enforcement or prevention. He'd relax once she stayed gone, but... I felt kinda, no, really bad about it.
I didn't want him finding out I'm a chaebol heiress, so I had to hide all these details. He'd be a bit anxious for a few days because of that.
-2-
The lawyer lady, more like a stern boss than a college senior, really went all out for me. The day after I started crashing at Yoon-ju's place, she came right over, warned me Kang So-ra was out of detention so watch out, took the necessary documents as my legal rep, and handled everything smoothly after that.
She even kept me updated via text on progress, so I didn't feel too anxious or stressed.
Using the second box and handwritten letter from Kang So-ra, CCTV from my usual routes and dashcams, plus the cafe outburst footage as evidence, she easily secured the no-contact order and forced eviction from her residence.
And just a few days later, the stalking case with Kang So-ra seemed wrapped up.
Of course, she could ignore the court order and stalk again, or hold a grudge and go dark side for revenge, but dwelling on that leads nowhere. For now, satisfied it's resolved.
I wanted to give the hardworking lawyer at least a small token of thanks, but she politely refused repeatedly, so I hung up regretting it a bit.
Told Yoon-ju and Auntie it was all sorted, and called the Cafe Owner too.
I wanted to come in tomorrow, but she insisted I rest through the weekend and start Monday.
"Next week and the week after, come in one day each on Sat or Sun. That way, it's just 10 days' pay—easier for calculations."
"Heh. Got it."
"Regulars were worried about you too. Rest up, shake it off, and come in Monday."
"Yes ma'am! Oh, and I'll do Sunday for weekend shifts."
"Alright. If schedule changes, let me know by Wed or Thu at latest?"
Guys really do accommodate and yield a lot. Sure, part of it was me being diligent and polite unlike most guys, and boosting the cafe's sales big time. Still, she's such a kind soul. Better pick up something small for her when buying Ji-ah noona's thank-you gift.
-3-
Back home after a few days. Room 801 where Kang So-ra lived was vacant again in the meantime. Opened windows for ventilation, ran fans and circulator. Bustled around tidying the empty place, cranked the AC, cleaned up, and finally showered off the sweat.
"Ahh~ Feels good!"
Sometimes, I caught myself holding my breath, ears perked for noises outside the door—but dead quiet. Even knowing it's over, some anxiety lingers unconsciously.
Bittersweet smile as I flopped onto the sofa.
Suddenly, Ji-ah noona popped into mind—the one who'd come over recently and made ddeokguk for me. The thought alone made my heart flutter wildly.
Hand to chest—thump thump—yeah, pounding strong.
Is this what liking someone feels like? First time ever, across past and present lives—a totally new emotion.
When, why did I start liking her?
I rolled sideways on the sofa, replaying memories with Ji-ah noona one by one.
-4-
The day we first met. No big reaction—just, Classic ice beauty customer, wow she's gorgeous—purely visual admiration.
Then she started coming to the cafe often, so we got familiar naturally. Remembered impulsively suggesting decaf latte seeing her sleep-deprived—her modest smile at my messy latte art was really pretty...
Always cafe part-timer and regular, but bumping into her on the street felt oddly exciting and novel. Bet she felt it too—asked my name first, after all.
Going through memories like this, surprisingly, she'd filled so much of my daily life.
Still fuzzy on exactly when or why I fell for her. But one thing clear from reliving our times: So glad I met her, we got this close. Grateful she's by my side. Those ordinary moments? Made better sharing with her.
A soft, helpless laugh escaped my relaxed face.
"...No wonder they call it lovesickness. What an idiot."
Took so long to realize—or admit it. Heartbeat thrummed loudly in my ears.
Maybe 'cause I never imagined feeling this. Lived my whole past life without knowing romantic love, let alone for the opposite sex. Parents' death left me obsessed with 'living properly,' blocking it more.
This life, no such hang-up? Who knows. Doesn't matter now.
What counts: Yoon Jae-hyun's first love ever, and it's Ji-ah noona.
Suddenly missed her. Even just her voice. Grabbed my phone quick.
Fiddled a bit, mustered courage, went for KakaoTalk. Voice call? Might lose control of these feelings.
Objectively, subjectively, she's amazing. Attractive. But 7-year gap. Big even in past life; here, feels like a generation.
She's plenty alluring to me, but maybe to her, just a cute kid brother.
One brain corner argues, What woman goes this far for a mere close dongsaeng? Other side counters, Rare men world, naive kid—could be adult duty, protective instinct, not romantic.
Worry and fear hit: What if my feelings ruin this? Ah, so that's why people hesitate to show it, delay confessions.
Even one KakaoTalk line felt risky. Human hearts are weird...
Nothing changed, just my view of her shifted a tad, yet the familiar everyday felt strange.
Erased and rewrote that line a bunch before sending. Read indicator vanished instantly—sharp reply as always.
Just text. Yet, why did her worried face float vividly? Why did this simple line make me all warm and fuzzy?
"Ah... I miss her."
Ask to meet? But what if it's a hassle? Hate burdening someone who's already done so much for me...
No, crazy. How did I used to casually chat and schedule meets with her so chill?