Bound by a Ruthless Contract - Chapter 14
“If we’re talking about rudeness, aren’t you worse?”
He was mocking her by imitating Yang Si-mon’s way of addressing her.
“You treated me like an object, not a person.”
“When did I treat you like an object?”
“Leaving money after using me, and even now, deliberately calling me ‘you’ despite knowing my name.”
Biting her lip, Ga-eun sighed weakly.
“I don’t understand why you’re doing this. Wasn’t it an unspoken rule that such nights end there?”
“You seem quite experienced.”
Si-heon’s smile vanished.
“At driving someone crazy and then coldly abandoning them.”
Ga-eun changed her mind about protesting.
“You’re right, I am experienced. At… meaningless one-night stands.”
Just thinking about it made her face flush and her body burn with the memory.
That night, he had been so intense and persistent.
As if he’d never let her go.
“Your espresso, sir.”
Startled by the server’s voice, Ga-eun nervously brushed back her hair.
“Now you’re lost in thought right in front of me.”
Si-heon tilted his head.
“Good at treating people like objects, good at abandoning them, good at lying too, aren’t you, our Ga-eun?”
“…Stop calling me that.”
“Why? It’s much more human and polite than your constant ‘you.'”
This man certainly had a knack for silencing her.
Suddenly, her gaze fell on the small black cup in front of him.
“What? Want some?”
“No.”
Ga-eun shook her head.
“I don’t like espresso.”
“Why?”
“It’s too bitter.”
When was it?
Tired of her usual milk tea, she was looking for something different.
Espresso caught her eye.
Knowing nothing about coffee, she ordered it simply because the name sounded pretty.
It came in such a dainty cup that she took a photo, brought it to her lips, and immediately spat it out.
She’d never tasted coffee so bitter.
She was already living bitter days because of her biological father, stepmother, and stepsister who saw her as a thorn in their side.
The espresso seemed like a concentrate of her harsh reality.
From that moment, Ga-eun decided.
To eat only sweet things whenever possible.
Otherwise, her life would be filled with nothing but bitter and acrid tastes.
Her mother in heaven would be so sad to see her daughter emanating the smell of a sour, bitter life.
“I hate espresso.”
Si-heon responded sarcastically.
“Sounds like you’re talking about me, not the espresso.”
Suddenly realizing she was naturally answering his questions, Ga-eun quickly closed her mouth.
“Why not deny it? I’m hurt.”
Her resolve not to be swayed by him wavered.
Ga-eun let out an incredulous breath.
How could that possibly be the face of someone who’s hurt?
If anything, he looked ready to wound others.
“I don’t know what you want from me, but you…”
“Kwon Si-heon.”
Si-heon cut her off.
“I’m not someone who repeats himself.”
Though he rarely showed emotion, undeniable irritation flickered in his eyes.
“I rarely volunteer my name, and I’ve never given it three times like today.”
“…”
“And it’s the first time someone hasn’t used my name even after hearing it three times.”
Hoo. He exhaled slowly.
“Why are you giving me so many firsts, our dear Ga-eun?”
Si-heon loosened his tie slightly.
His thick Adam’s apple moved prominently.
Ah. Ga-eun’s pupils trembled.
The memory of kissing that spot that night flashed vividly in her mind.
As if noticing her reaction, Si-heon’s eyes blazed.
“You clearly remember everything.”
“…I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“No. You do.”
Si-heon whispered.
“Your face is red.”
