A Madman in Love

"Don’t go far, Suin."

The grip on her hand was firm.

Woo Ilhwa’s eyes, which had lifted to meet hers, were tangled with countless emotions.

Pity and gratitude.

Regret and guilt.

"Chairwoman…"

Suin remained silent.

The warmth of Woo Ilhwa’s hands, wrapped tightly around hers, seeped into her skin. Her gaze, shimmering with unshed tears, was gentle.

And yet…

It was confusing.

She had always drawn a clear line between work and personal matters. So surely, don’t go far must have meant that she wanted Suin to remain as her secretary.

That’s why she answered humbly.

"I only did my job…"

But then—

"I’m sorry, Suin."

Woo Ilhwa apologized.

As if cradling something precious, she stroked Suin’s hand with care. Her voice carried a bitter self-reproach.

"I was foolish, lost in my own selfish desires. I let myself be swayed by society’s prejudices. Without you, I make such pathetic mistakes…"

"Chairwoman…"

"I was wrong. I’m so sorry."

She tightened her grip, now holding Suin’s hands with both of hers. Then, with a deep, steady gaze, she asked,

"You were hurt, weren’t you?"

"You’ve never done anything wrong to me."

Suin’s words were sincere.

As Hyesung Group’s chairwoman, it was only natural for Woo Ilhwa to approach Suin’s relationship with Jaehee with a rational mind. Suin had never resented her for it.

"No, I have."

But Woo Ilhwa’s gaze, tinged with guilt, said otherwise.

"I cared about you more than anyone. I trusted you more than anyone. Every day, every moment, I thought of you as mine. And yet, I let my selfishness hurt you."

As if all her tangled thoughts had finally unraveled, Woo Ilhwa looked noticeably lighter.