A slow smile spread across Soo-min’s lips as she walked toward them.
“Sister Hana…
what a coincidence.”
Her gaze swept over Kim Hana before turning to Old Madam Kim.
“Grandma,” she said sweetly, “don’t tell me Sister Hana couldn’t afford her own dress.
Is that why she came over after seeing us?”
The corner of her lips lifted into a smug smile.
Seo-ma leaned closer to Hana and whispered,
“Thank goodness we bought popcorn.”
She shook the bucket lightly.
“We’ve got front-row seats to today’s drama.”
Hana bit her lower lip, trying her best not to laugh.
Old Madam Kim’s expression darkened instantly.
“What are you talking about, Soo-min?”
“But Grandma,” Soo-min replied innocently, “I’m only trying to understand Sister Hana’s situation.”
“If Hana wants ten dresses, that’s none of your business.”
Old Madam Kim’s voice was calm, but every word carried authority.
“There’s no need for your concern.”
Soo-min lowered her head, pretending to look hurt.
“Grandma…
you’re making me feel like the bad person.”
Old Madam Kim didn’t even blink.
“If you feel bad…”
“…then go home.”
Soo-min froze.
Her fingernails dug deeply into her palms.
Go home?
Then Kim Hana would get to spend the afternoon with Grandma…
Absolutely not.
Taking a deep breath, she forced another smile.
“I’m sorry, Grandma.”
“I’ll mind my words.”
“Good.”
Old Madam Kim reached out and gently held Hana’s hand.
“Come.”
“Let’s continue shopping.”
The simple gesture made Soo-min’s jealousy burn even brighter.
Seo-ma noticed immediately.
Tilting her head innocently, she asked,
“Hm?”
“Why is your face so red?”
She blinked dramatically.
“Don’t tell me you’re jealous.”
“N-No.”
Soo-min forced another smile.
“I’m perfectly fine.”
“Good.”
Seo-ma happily popped another caramel popcorn into her mouth.
“I’d hate for your makeup to melt before tonight.”
Li-won quickly covered her mouth to hide her laughter.
Even Hana had to look away to hide the smile threatening to appear.
Sometimes…
Seo-ma really loved adding fuel to the fire.
The group soon entered Maison Élégance, one of Seoul’s most luxurious fashion boutiques.
Elegant evening gowns were displayed beneath sparkling crystal chandeliers while soft classical music played throughout the boutique.
A sales consultant immediately recognized Old Madam Kim.
“Welcome, Old Madam Kim.”
She bowed respectfully.
“Our newest seasonal collection arrived this morning.”
“Please allow me to show you.”
She carefully wheeled over several beautifully displayed gowns before lifting one from the rack.
It was a breathtaking lavender satin evening gown.
The elegant off-the-shoulder neckline beautifully framed the collarbone, while delicate silver embroidery flowed from the fitted bodice to the hem like falling starlight.
The silky fabric hugged the waist before cascading into a graceful floor-length skirt that shimmered with every movement.
Soo-min’s eyes lit up immediately.
“Grandma!”
“I love this one.”
“I want to try it.”
Old Madam Kim nodded.
“Go ahead.”
A few minutes later…
The fitting room curtain slowly opened.
Soo-min stepped out wearing the gown.
Even Hana had to admit…
Apart from her terrible personality…
Soo-min was undeniably beautiful.
Her smooth fair skin, delicate features, and long chestnut-brown hair matched the elegant gown perfectly.
The sales consultant smiled brightly.
“It looks absolutely stunning on you, Miss Kim.”
“I know.”
Soo-min admired herself in the mirror before turning toward Old Madam Kim.
“Grandma?”
“I want this one.”
Old Madam Kim gave it a brief glance.
“It’s beautiful.”
“Wrap it up.”
“Right away, Madam.”
The consultant carefully handed the gown to another staff member before smiling at Hana.
“Miss Hana.”
“Is there anything you’d like to try?”
Hana smiled gently and shook her head.
“Let’s choose something for Li-won first.”
“My dress can wait.”
Old Madam Kim smiled warmly.
“My thoughtful granddaughter.”
She looked back at the consultant.
“Please bring more dresses.”
“Yes, Madam.”
Within minutes, several new dresses were brought out.
Li-won’s eyes immediately sparkled.
“Grandma!”
She pointed excitedly toward a blush-pink A-line dress with delicate puff sleeves, a satin ribbon tied neatly around the waist, and a soft layered tulle skirt that reached just above her knees.
“I want that one!”
Old Madam Kim chuckled.
“Go try it on.”
Li-won happily disappeared into the fitting room.
When she stepped out…
Everyone smiled.
The dress suited her perfectly.
Youthful.
Elegant.
Cute.
She looked every bit like the cheerful sixteen-year-old she was.
Old Madam Kim nodded proudly.
“We’ll take it.”
Li-won beamed with happiness before giving Hana a little twirl.
“Do I look pretty, Sister Hana?”
Hana smiled warmly.
“You always do.”
Watching Li-won’s innocent smile, Hana couldn’t help thinking,
Sometimes I wonder how Li-won and Soo-min are sisters.
Li-won is as sweet as sunshine…
While Soo-min…
…is the complete opposite.
Soon…
It was Hana’s turn.
She quietly walked toward another display and picked up a simple ivory chiffon dress.
It had long sheer sleeves, a modest square neckline, tiny pearl buttons decorating the cuffs, and a flowing skirt that fell just below the knees.
Simple.
Elegant.
Timeless.
It suited Hana perfectly.
Old Madam Kim frowned.
“Hana…”
“You always choose the simplest things.”
“You don’t have to be so humble.”
Before Hana could answer—
Soo-min smiled.
“Grandma’s right.”
“This might be the most expensive dress Sister Hana ever gets to wear.”
“It might even brighten that outdated wardrobe of hers.”
“Enough!”
Old Madam Kim’s voice echoed throughout the boutique.
“Hana doesn’t need your opinion.”
Li-won immediately walked over and wrapped her arms around Hana’s.
“I think Sister Hana looks beautiful in everything.”
“She’s like a fairy.”
Seo-ma raised both thumbs proudly.
“I agree!”
Hana laughed softly.
Sometimes I wonder if Li-won likes me so much because I’ve always been kind to her…
Or because she simply sees me as the sister she wishes she had.
Old Madam Kim gently held Hana’s hand once more.
“My dear…”
“It’s my seventy-ninth birthday.”
“I want my granddaughter to shine.”
“Please…”
“Choose something a little more luxurious for Grandma.”
Hana looked at the old lady’s hopeful eyes…
…and finally smiled.
“Alright, Grandma.”
“I promise.”
A satisfied smile spread across Old Madam Kim’s face.
Just then—
A loud commotion suddenly erupted outside the boutique.
People began shouting excitedly.
The joyful atmosphere inside the store instantly changed.
Curious, everyone turned toward the entrance.
The commotion outside the boutique grew louder with every passing second.
“What happened?”
“Why is everyone running?”
Curious, Seo-ma walked toward the glass entrance and peeked outside.
Her eyes widened.
“Whoa…”
Even the sales consultants paused their work.
Customers abandoned the dresses they were holding and hurried toward the mall entrance.
Outside…
A sleek obsidian-black Rolls-Royce Boat Tail slowly glided to a stop beneath Lumière Galleria’s grand entrance.
Its handcrafted body gleamed beneath the afternoon sun, reflecting the towering glass walls of the shopping mall.
Behind it, two black Mercedes-Maybach S680 Guard vehicles pulled in one after the other.
Before anyone could react—
The doors of the security vehicles opened.
Four tall, well-built bodyguards stepped out in perfect synchronization.
Dressed in tailored black suits with discreet earpieces, they scanned the surroundings before taking their positions.
The atmosphere instantly changed.
One of the bodyguards respectfully opened the rear door of the Rolls-Royce.
A pair of polished black Oxford shoes touched the ground.
Then came long legs.
A perfectly tailored black suit.
Broad shoulders.
Finally…
He stepped out.
Kang Tae-jin.
He adjusted the cuff of his suit with effortless elegance before lifting his gaze.
His face looked as though it had been sculpted by the heavens.
A sharp jawline.
Flawless fair skin.
Neatly styled black hair.
Deep, unreadable eyes.
His expression remained calm.
Cold.
Untouchable.
He didn’t need to demand attention.
His presence alone commanded it.
He walked forward with steady, unhurried steps.
Like a king entering his own kingdom.
The crowd immediately erupted into whispers.
“Oh my God…”
“Who is he?”
“Is he an actor?”
A young man nearby chuckled.
“Actor?”
“That’s Kang Tae-jin.”
“The CEO of Golden Horizon Energy.”
“And the heir of the Kang family.”
“One of the Five Great Families.”
The woman beside him gasped.
“So that’s Kang Tae-jin…”
“No wonder everyone talks about him.”
Another girl sighed dramatically.
“If I got to see that face every day…”
“I’d never complain about Mondays again.”
Her friend laughed.
“I’d even start watching business interviews.”
The girls burst into laughter.
Completely ignoring the attention surrounding him, Kang Tae-jin continued walking.
His assistant, Daniel Park, followed half a step behind.
“President Kang.”
“Director Choi’s meeting has been moved to three-thirty.”
“I know.”
His deep voice was calm and emotionless.
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
The bodyguards escorted him toward the private elevator reserved exclusively for VIP guests.
As the elevator doors opened…
Kang Tae-jin stepped inside.
At that exact moment…
His eyes shifted.
For a brief second…
They met Kim Hana’s.
She blinked.
So…
that’s Kang Tae-jin.
Before she could think any further…
He looked away.
The elevator doors slowly closed.
And he was gone.
Only then did the crowd burst into excited chatter once more.
“I can’t believe I just saw Kang Tae-jin!”
“He’s even more handsome in person!”
“I thought the pictures were edited.”
“They actually don’t do him justice!”
Inside the boutique, Seo-ma let out a low whistle.
“So…”
Kim Hana finally spoke.
“Who exactly is he?”
Seo-ma turned toward her.
“You really don’t know?”
Hana shook her head.
“That’s Kang Tae-jin.”
“My brother Jung-seok’s childhood friend.”
Hana looked surprised.
“Your brother’s friend?”
Seo-ma nodded.
“Yeah.”
For the first time that day, the playful smile on her face faded.
“Kang Tae-jin isn’t someone people casually approach.”
“He keeps to himself.”
“And once he makes up his mind…”
“…he rarely changes it.”
Kim Hana glanced toward the now-closed elevator doors.
For some reason…
She couldn’t shake the strange feeling that this wouldn’t be the last time she saw him.