{KOREAN-ENGLISH}
"Who is she to you, Su Ho?" one of the guests asked, eyes narrowing as she watched the young woman beside her.
Park Su Ho smiled, eyes glowing with pride.
"Seo Jun's girlfriend."
The women around her gasped softly, their interest piqued. Su Ho hadn't spoken this way about anyone not even An Nari.
Meanwhile, a few steps away, An Nari heard every word.
Her entire body stiffened.
So this was the girl? The one who had replaced her?
Park Su Ho had never allowed her anywhere near her private guests, and now this stranger was not only beside her but being introduced like family?
An Nari's fists clenched around her designer clutch.
"How dare they?" she snapped, her voice barely hiding the rage boiling underneath.
"What happened, Nari?" one of her influencer friends asked, confused.
An Nari didn't answer. She grabbed her bag, muttering something incoherent, and stormed out of the event with her heels echoing furiously behind her.
"That spoiled brat again," one of the girls muttered as she left.
"Let her go, Che Hye. She's always been dramatic," another said, rolling her eyes.
⸻
Meanwhile, So Min was still smiling politely, being introduced by Park Su Ho to several high-profile guests.
She felt a little out of place but played the part well. The attention was overwhelming, but Su Ho stood beside her with calm confidence.
Soon, the Lee brothers approached.
"Yun Jun? You're here too?" Park Su Ho asked, surprised to see her eldest son.
"Yes, Mother. I had business nearby," he replied.
Park Su Ho's eyes twinkled. "Then you must meet our lovely So Min."
"Hello," So Min bowed respectfully.
Yun Jun smiled. "So you're the famous girlfriend we keep hearing about."
"Brother," Yun Jun smirked, "why didn't you tell us your new girlfriend was this beautiful?"
"I already knew her, but I didn't expect you to steal her before I had the chance,"Min Jun teased.
So Min let out a small, awkward laugh. These men were charming and dangerous.
"You two stop it," Seo Jun said, barely concealing a smirk. "Mother, are you coming to the after-party?"
"Not tonight. I'll head home after dinner. But the show—" Su Ho beamed, "was a success. Thanks to So Min."
At that, Seo Jun glanced at So Min and smiled.
A real smile.
So Min blinked. This man never smiled at her. Not like that.
"Let's go," he said, his voice soft.
⸻
At dinner, they gathered around an opulent table. Elegant dishes filled every space.
"Jeong couldn't make it," Su Ho explained. "She's in England with Seung."
A waiter brought a tray of raw meat and placed it near So Min.
"Don't give her that," Seo Jun said quickly.
The waiter stopped.
So Min looked at him, surprised.
He remembered.
"You remembered I don't eat raw meat?" she asked.
He nodded without looking at her. "Of course."
She blinked, her heart tightening just slightly. What was that?
"She'll be back soon, I assume," Yun Jun added, referring to their sister.
"And I heard the Dubai investors are arriving tonight?" he said to Seo Jun.
"Yes. Mr. No will meet them on my behalf."
"You're always one step ahead, little brother," Yun Jun smiled, clearly proud.
So Min ate quietly, unsure of what to say.
Min Jun leaned in. "How long have you two been dating?"
Seo Jun replied smoothly, "We met when she moved to Seoul."
"Yes, they met by fate. A very romantic story," Su Ho chimed in, winking at So Min.
"I'd love to hear it sometime," Min Jun said, smiling at her.
So Min forced a laugh. Did he not believe their story?
⸻
After dinner, Park Su Ho excused herself and left. Outside, the four remaining stood under the night sky.
"We'll head in now," Yun Jun said, pulling Min Jun away with him.
That left So Min and Seo Jun alone.
"You and my mother seem to get along," he said.
"She's very kind," So Min replied.
"I knew she would like you. She was really looking forward to the show... and you helped her pull it off. Thank you."
"It was no trouble," she said gently. "I was happy to help."
"Do you want to go inside? To the party?"
She grinned. "Of course."
Just as they turned to go, her phone rang.
Hye Sua.
"Hello?" So Min answered.
"Where are you?" her friend whined dramatically. "I'm bored!"
"I'm a bit busy."
"Busy? So rude! Where are you?"
"I'm at an after-party. Alone?"
"Home. Bored. Dying."
So Min covered the phone and looked at Seo Jun. "Can I invite my friend?"
He nodded.
So Min smiled and turned back to the call. "I'll send you the address. Dress up, it's a real party."
Hye Sua squealed on the other end. "I'M COMING!"
So Min ended the call and sent the location.
"Will you wait for her or go in now?" Seo Jun asked.
"I'll wait. She won't be long."
"Alright. I'll see you inside." He gave her a small nod and walked in.
⸻
Not long after, a taxi pulled up and Hye Sua burst out of it in glittering heels and a short silver dress.
"So this is the party?" she said, grinning.
"You looked too excited," So Min said.
"You were going to enjoy this without me? Witch."
So Min laughed, and together, they walked inside.
The party was in full swing,music pulsing, lights flashing, the crowd lively and glamorous.
"This is what I call a party," Hye Sua declared.
So Min spotted Seo Jun and his brothers by the lounge. Yun Jun and Seo Jun sipped quietly while Min Jun had already taken over the dance floor, surrounded by cheering fans.
"Let's go," So Min said.
They approached.
"Hello," Hye Sua greeted, full of energy.
"Hi, I'm—"
"I know. Lee Seo Jun," she interrupted playfully. "So Min told me all about you."
Seo Jun raised a brow.
"You ladies should sit," Yun Jun said, and both girls did,Hye Sua beside Yun Jun, So Min next to Seo Jun.
Drinks arrived. The girls relaxed.
Then Min Jun started singing loudly.
"Is that... is that K PlayBoy I hear?!" Hye Sua gasped.
"It is!" So Min laughed.
The two girls, tipsy and wild, jumped up together.
"YAAAY!" they screamed and ran toward the dance floor.
Yun Jun chuckled, watching them.
"It seems your girlfriend and her friend have been stolen by Min Jun."
Seo Jun didn't reply. He kept watching So Min laugh and dance.
Why... do I feel like this?
Was he—jealous?