Chapter 109: The Broken Engagement and the Road Back

Doyoon’s sky-high mood crashed back to earth. Hyung-ju added after a pause:

<Just saying so you don’t mess up.>

“…”

<I don’t even know what’s going on… explain later. I’ve got a million questions.>

“…Yeah. Thanks.”

Call ended. The euphoria felt like a dream; Doyoon was a hollow shell.

He didn’t sleep—thoughts raced. Next day he ran until blood tasted in his throat, but never collapsed, never erased Seunghyun. Dawn the following day—still wide awake.

His over-fired brain tortured him with one question:

If I call right now and say we’re not brothers—what would hyung do?

“…”

Shock. Grief.

Disappointment in parents, guilt toward noona, dumped by Julia…

Grandfather would cut all support, exile him.

Doyoon bit his lip. Exactly what I wanted?

Reveal it—his secret wish might come true. Penniless, homeless Seunghyun hidden in his house…?

Blood rushed with thrill.

Then hyung would rely only on him, love only him.

Breath quickened. He pictured Seunghyun’s bare skin, smiling face, and indulged in filthy fantasies on the bed.

Next second—ice water.

…I’m garbage.

Just his delusion. More likely Seunghyun would hate the one who stole everything. That thought alone made him want to die.

But hyung’s kind, maybe…

Even after thousands of replays—no reason Seunghyun would adore him post-reveal.

Reason finally cooled the fever.

Can’t bear hyung hating me.

What if pushed to the edge he chose something extreme? Unthinkable.

Doyoon stood under a cold shower, water cascading like a waterfall, thinking blankly.

Pretend it never happened.

Tears flowed again. He bit his lip, vowing:

…Want no more.

The sinlessness of his heart was enough. Wish Seunghyun happiness from afar. Realistically, rushing to his side changed nothing.

Seunghyun would marry a woman; Doyoon, back in Korea, would bless it as “brother.” Never. The one selfish line he drew.

Sorry and grateful to Hong Ye-ji—saved him from hell, sorry for burying the truth. Without her he’d never dare the test. He’d live apart, as now.

But fate is cruel—it wouldn’t let his resolve stand.

[Seunghyun broke the engagement. Julia’s a lesbian.]

[What?]

Doyoon’s head spun at Seunghee’s text. He bolted from the office. No reply for ages. He texted again:

[Can I call? Busy?]

Seunghee called first, spilling the insane story: Julia used Seunghyun as a shield against family pressure, confessed today, broke it off before the elders. Doyoon felt the world flip.

“…For real?”

<Can’t believe it myself.>

“How’s… hyung?”

<Says he’s fine—I’m not. What kind of crazy b*tch—>

Doyoon gripped the phone. Shouldn’t feel this—but his heart pounded like it’d burst. He hid trembling breaths.

“Grandfather? Another matchmaking?”

<How? Seunghyun told him never mention women again. Grandfather pushed this mess—speechless. Ah! What dogshit—>

Seunghee raged.

Doyoon bit his lip—terrified laughter would escape. He should console, mourn the broken engagement. Instead—ecstatic, giddy.

Heaven’s helping me.

Every circumstance screamed: You can be by his side.

He half-listened, ended the call fast, raced home, packed.

Opportunity. Hyung alone now—for a while.

Can’t miss it.

Just watch from beside him.

Perfectly fine—officially single…

Resolve set—fear vanished.

Thankfully, Doyoon worked at Haewon E&M’s U.S. branch. Transfer to Korea HQ? Easy. Otherwise—public hiring in September, interviews in Korea, pass in December, training till February. Unbearable.

But Chairman Choi Man-sik was negative.

<No seat for you there.>

Doyoon deep-breathed to suppress anger.

Nonsense—the old man could make him president with one word. But now was time to bow.

“…Grandfather could help.”

<Seunghyun’s already in—both of you looks bad. I’ll take care of you later, no hard feelings.>

Doyoon’s face hardened. Fair—same affiliate might raise eyebrows. But he couldn’t let that ruin the plan. Now was the golden window. Then the chairman, stern:

<If you’re thinking to sneak in because of the broken engagement—stop.>

Doyoon nearly dropped the phone. Does he know? Impossible—yet blood drained. Face-to-face he’d have fainted from panic. Then:

<No matter how smart, the eldest grandson is Seunghyun.>

…Ah, company talk.

Meaning “meddle” with Seunghyun’s position. Doyoon exhaled, eyes closed, calm.

“I know the engagement left hyung’s standing shaky. Probably messed your plans too.”

<…>

“I’ll take it—give hyung something better later. Tell others it’s a transition. I’ll take the ‘nutritionally deficient’ E&M instead.”

Word by word, clear.

“I really want to help hyung.”

<No other ambitions?>

“None.”

The chairman paused at the bold reply, tsked.

<…Earliest is January. Personnel announcements in December.>

Unexpected—wanted now. But faster than February. Without grandfather’s okay, applications would be blocked at screening.

<Wrap up there well, get your mother’s permission… I’ll find a director-level spot.>

Hah. Doyoon sneered inwardly. Stalling. Seunghyun was a section chief; Shin Mi-sun would never allow Doyoon executive-level.

…Normally.

But convincing her was now the easiest part. Doyoon felt genuine joy.

“Fine. No take-backs.”

<Insolent brat.>

He could leave immediately but waited till December. Rushing might let the old man renege. He’d drag Shin Mi-sun before Chairman Choi for final approval.

Sure enough, Shin Mi-sun’s face soured the second Doyoon barged into the gallery unannounced.

“What brings you here?”