When did the nightmares begin? I can’t quite remember, but by the time I came to my senses, they had already settled into my daily life. I never once tried to trace the source of those habitual nightmares, nor did I assume they had any direct correlation with reality.

But Kwon Yido kept appearing in my dreams. The scenes were far too vivid to dismiss as just dreams. Inevitably, the aftereffects carried into reality.

The moment I opened my eyes, I sat blankly on the bed for a long while. The images from the dream lingered in my head as clearly as if they had happened only yesterday. The moment when I was crushed beneath the power of a dominant alpha and torn apart miserably was more despairing than anything I had ever imagined.

I didn’t want to see Kwon Yido. That was the thought that came to me. If I were to see him right now, I felt I would freeze on the spot, unable to move. The creeping fear blurred the boundary between dream and reality.

“...He already left for work?”

Should I call that a relief? When I went down to the kitchen, Kwon Yido was not home. The staff told me he had gone to work early and would return before dinner. Working on weekends was nothing new for him, but it had been a while since he skipped meals to go out.

I ate alone and then took a novel with me to the greenhouse. Ever since I started work, I had spent my weekends studying perfumery, but until I began preparing for the next certification, I intended to enjoy my free time. Despite it being the weekend, Lee Taeseong, who had gone into the office, silently followed me to the greenhouse.

On the table in the greenhouse was hydrangea flower tea that the staff had prepared. Considering the season, it was served chilled; the blue petals suited the sweltering summer well. Despite the appearance, the bitter taste must have been unpleasant, because Taeseong’s face stiffened the moment he took a sip.

“Don’t you meet with Ms. Lee Heena on weekends?”

Ah, so it wasn’t the tea, but me.

“...Is that really something the Director should be asking me?”

Taeseong set down his cup with a disgruntled reply. His deeply furrowed brows suggested he found my question absurd. And perhaps it was shameless of me to ask when I was the very one who monopolized his weekends.

“Well... you could always see her after work.”

I took a sip of tea and set my cup back down on the table. The fragrance wasn’t as strong as I expected, and the petals hadn’t steeped much color into the water. His quiet presence struck me as funny, and before I knew it, a chuckle escaped me.

“And now you don’t even bother pretending otherwise.”

So the relationship had become official. It felt like just yesterday he would feign ignorance whenever her name came up.

“...Why are you so interested in other people’s relationships?”

“So you admit it really is a relationship.”

“...”

I shouldn’t keep teasing him like this. But his bluntness made his reactions amusing, so I couldn’t resist provoking him. When I laughed softly again, he let out a small sigh.

“Director, every time you do that, you’re being ridiculous.”

“What can I say? I’m still the Director.”

He looked at me with an expression of exasperation, unable to come up with a retort. I pressed further, asking how things were going, and he reluctantly admitted that they shared similar tastes in books. Then, after a long pause, he added quietly:

“...I am grateful to you, Director.”

Grateful? For what? I couldn’t think of any reason. “For what?” I asked back. His face turned awkward as he continued.

“The books. If you hadn’t recommended them, I probably never would have read any in my life...”

The hesitant tone was unlike him. It must have embarrassed him to say it. So now he was essentially telling me he got together with Lee Heena because of me?

“Mr. Lee Taeseong, you really do have a cute side.”

His face froze. The expression was meant to be intimidating, but of course it had no effect on me. I fiddled with the handle of my teacup and smiled faintly.

“Even if it wasn’t books, you still would have worked out. You don’t need to thank me.”

People who are meant to be together always ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) find their way. The books might have been the trigger, but the root cause lay elsewhere. Even without reading the same things, they would have crossed paths eventually.

“If you’re really grateful, you could always tell me more about it. I never realized other people’s romances could be so entertaining.”

I said it playfully, but his brows furrowed again, the gratitude vanishing from his face. He deflected, saying he’d rather treat me to a meal instead, and I didn’t press him further.

Once our conversation ended and I began reading, time passed quickly. Before I knew it, it was lunchtime, and Taeseong gave me subtle hints to get up. With no choice, I left the greenhouse, carrying my novel with only three pages left.

By late afternoon, Kwon Yido called. He said his work would take longer than expected and suggested meeting at the restaurant instead. At least he hadn’t forgotten our appointment. I gave him the time and place. Since we were dining out anyway, there was no need to leave the house together.

I idled away the hours and then changed clothes for our meeting. Just like when I was preparing for the launch event, it took me a long time to choose what to wear. In the end, I picked a modest gray-brown suit.

And for the first time in a while, I put on the ring. Our engagement rings: silver bands with a white stone set in the center. The indent on my finger was long gone, so the ring felt strangely foreign on my hand. As I fiddled with it, a belated question came to me.

“...”

How did he even know my ring size? I never told him, and yet it fit perfectly. Clothing could be guessed at with an eye, but even I didn’t know my own ring size.

“...That’s something I should ask him.”

To my surprise, my mind was calm. All the questions I had for him were neatly arranged in my head. I had prepared for this for so long that I was certain I could speak without stuttering or trembling.

Finally, I sprayed the perfume on my wrist—the one he had given me. I pressed it lightly to the back of my neck before letting go. Still feeling a little lacking, I layered it with another perfume I had made in imitation of his pheromones.

The blend of floral and woody notes wasn’t bad. The lingering trace was faint, but it loosened my tension just like his pheromones had when our bodies were together. Of course, it was far weaker, but the subtle brush of scent at my nose was pleasant.

“Phew...”

After tonight, what would change between Kwon Yido and me? Would he answer my questions honestly? And if he didn’t, what should I do then?

I cut off my thoughts halfway. If I kept spinning them, everything I’d prepared could crumble into nothing.

All I could hope was that my unease wouldn’t come true. That was the only wish I had.

***

The restaurant I booked was a Western-style place on the top floor of a high-rise. Business leaders and politicians frequented it, and I had been there a few times myself for important meetings. True to its three Michelin stars, the food and service were impeccable.

At first, I considered reserving a traditional Korean restaurant, but then I remembered that I often went to Uiseondang. And Uiseondang was part of Seonho Group, where Kwon Yido’s father was Chairman. I couldn’t host him at a restaurant tied to his own family.

“The traffic’s heavy.”

As Lee Taeseong drove, dusk began to fall. Fortunately, we had left early enough to arrive in good time. The darkening sky meant the night view during dinner would be beautiful—a perfect setting for the important talk ahead.

When I arrived at the restaurant, there were still about twenty minutes left until our reservation. I dismissed Taeseong and went up alone. A waiter greeted me and guided me to the table, saying he would prepare the meal once my companion arrived.

I had reserved the entire dining area for this time slot, so apart from me and the staff, no one else was present. I checked the time and gazed out the window. The view from the skyscraper wasn’t as stunning as I remembered.

“Let’s take a lap around the Han River.”

Back then, the nightscape had seemed so beautiful.

“...”

Was it the difference between being two and being alone? The twinkling city lights failed to move me. Each passing minute without him dragged unbearably.

I waited fifteen minutes. He arrived exactly five minutes before the reservation. At the sound of footsteps at the entrance, I lifted my head and saw Kwon Yido following the waiter inside.

“...”

I should have stood, but my body froze. Not for any grand reason—just that his figure, seen after only a day apart, etched itself too deeply in my mind.

As always, he wore a crisp suit, his hair neatly swept back. The jacket fit perfectly across his shoulders, and the buttoned vest showed his solid build. It was much like his work attire, but the neatly folded pocket square gave him an oddly polished look.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. You must be hungry.”

He sat across from me with a gentle apology. Even the simple act of sitting down appeared elegant when he did it.

“Traffic was bad... Why are you looking at me like that?”

“...Nothing.”

I stammered, blinking slowly. I knew it was rude, but I found myself looking him over carefully—his straight neck, his squared shoulders, and finally that striking face.

“You really... put in effort tonight.”

“...”

A soft, deflating sound escaped him. The upward curl of his lips was as delicate as if drawn by hand. With lowered eyes, he spoke in a pleasant tone.

“Thank you for noticing.”

So he didn’t deny it. He simply raised his eyes again with a satisfied expression.

“It’s an important night, so I dressed up a bit. Besides, I have something to talk about.”

“Important night...?”

What could be so important about dinner with me? For me, this evening was chosen carefully, but for him it was probably just another day. His words about having something to discuss irked me, but I asked for his understanding first.

“I already picked the menu, and I asked them to serve everything at once so we could talk comfortably. I hope that’s okay?”

Even if he said no, I would have insisted anyway, so I asked on purpose with feigned boldness. Luckily, he nodded without complaint. Soon after, the waiter appeared with a bottle of wine.

“Allow me to start with the wine.”

The white wine had a hint of acidity. The waiter recited the name, vintage, and notes, but I barely heard. Kwon Yido also seemed unmoved, staring at the glass without interest.

Once both our glasses were filled, the head chef brought out the food. I had asked him to keep explanations brief, so he only gave the names and key ingredients, though even that ran long given his pride.

“This amuse-bouche is made with Osetra caviar, black truffle, and foie gras—three of the world’s delicacies. Here is our house-made butter, and...”

Since all the courses came at once, the table was crowded with dishes. After checking them all, I signaled discreetly to the chef. Perceptive, he wrapped up quickly and withdrew.

“I hope it suits your taste.”

I raised my glass to him. With a faint smile, he clinked his glass lightly against mine.

“It would be hard not to enjoy the food here.”

The crisp sound of glass meeting glass signaled the start of a fine meal. “I’ll eat well.” His voice was so sweet I almost believed this evening would end perfectly.

As expected of such a renowned restaurant, the food was superb. We chatted idly as we ate, finishing about two glasses of wine each. Kwon Yido congratulated me on the launch of Sejin and asked briefly about upcoming plans.

“I’m scheduled to meet with the ad model soon. We’ll film another version of the commercial too. As for the car diffusers, if the response is good, we may move forward with sales.”

“Have you checked the displays at the department stores?”

“I’ve only seen photos for now, but I plan to visit soon. Since it’s our first launch, I think I should see them in person.”

Perhaps because he was an investor, he seemed very invested in Sejin. I also tried to share as much as I could about constructive plans. Even though he had told me not to worry about the break-even point, it lingered in my mind.

But gradually, his expression shifted.

“So, the planning team...”

“...”

“...Is there something you want to say?”

I cut in gently. Was he displeased? Probably not, but it didn’t hurt to be cautious.

“No, just...”

He shook his head easily, then gave a wry smile.

“I got greedy, that’s all.”

I didn’t ask what kind of greed he meant. He set down his utensils and changed the subject.

“Let’s talk about something else. Did you sleep well last night?”

“Oh, last night...”

I looked away awkwardly, glossing over my answer. The memory I had nearly forgotten came rushing back: the dream where I was forced down and subjected to violence.

“...It’s always about the same.”

“So you didn’t sleep well.”

He understood immediately. He nodded knowingly, then spoke softly.

“It looked like you were having nightmares.”

“...”

How did he know? But then again, it would have been strange if he didn’t. He was the one who stayed closest to me as I slept, the one who helped me fall asleep at all.

“What kind of dreams are they?”

“...Hmm.”

I hadn’t intended to answer. Yet at his question, my mouth tingled. Words crowded in my throat, desperate to be released. Before I asked him everything I needed to, maybe I should be honest first. With that thought, I spoke.

“I dream of being raped by strangers.”

Saying it aloud, I felt oddly calm. I remembered once thinking the Seonho side would brand me insane. But now I was certain he wouldn’t see me that way.

“I don’t know when it started... it just happens sometimes, without reason.”

But as soon as I said that, his expression changed. His lips slowly fell, hardening as he stared at me. Out of caution, I added another remark.

“It’s not some trauma. You’re the only person I’ve ever slept with, Kwon Yido.”

“...”

For a moment, his eyes wavered. Dazed, he asked a beat later:

“...I’m the only one?”

“Have I ever mentioned anyone else?”

At twenty-nine, the only person I had ever been with was Kwon Yido. I had never dated, never kissed, let alone slept with anyone else.

“Only you, from the very beginning.”

I tacked it on lightly, but he fell silent. His trembling gaze was filled with some unreadable emotion. Embarrassed that I had said so much, I turned my eyes away and added quietly:

“Maybe that’s why... Last night, you were the one in the dream.”