NLFSD Chapter 94

Chapter 94

Do you see that man glowing on the stage? That’s my husband. Yes, mine. That Alpha loves me. If anyone here has a problem with it, kindly process those emotions as you like — but don’t you dare unload them onto me.

That was all Jiwoon could think, glaring right back at those glaring at him. None of them had invested even ten won into his and Seo Taecheon’s marriage, their time in “divorce reflection” and reconciliation. What right had they to sneer?

Forget their eyes. Never mind. Sehwa Hotel’s buffet is still the best thing ever.

Jiwoon dug in happily, appetite racing, cleaning plate after plate.

“Hard work this year, Marketing Team 1. Thank you all.”

“Assistant Lee, you worked hard too.”

Warm words passed between teammates when the emcee climbed up and took the microphone.

“Director Seo Taecheon will give us a few words.”

Thunderous applause. Seo Taecheon ascended the platform. Jiwoon clapped harder than anyone.

So handsome. Look at that suit fit. He glows…

Even setting down his plate, Jiwoon’s eyes glittered, locked on his Alpha. As staff whispered, “The Director is incredibly good‑looking,” Jiwoon’s chest swelled with pride.

“Good evening. I’m Seo Taecheon, Marketing Director. First, thank you all for your efforts this year. The brilliant growth of Sehwa Hotel Group was all thanks to your dedication. I offer my gratitude — and congratulations to you all.”

Applause burst again.

“And, dear colleagues, today I’d like to make a personal announcement.”

Murmurs. Shocked glances. The Director never raised personal matters. What was this?

Even Jiwoon blinked, worried. He had no hint what Taecheon meant to say. He perked up his ears and waited.

“I’ve been told there are rumors circulating about my private life.”

The hall froze. Rumor‑mongers flushed with guilt, eyes darting.

“No way…” Jiwoon stiffened. Tension crawled like a chill up his neck. Taecheon had never once spoken about these rumors with him.

“I know various words have been said. Some not kind. So let me clarify here and now. Assistant Lee Jiwoon is indeed my spouse‑to‑be.”

Silence. Then ripples of shock. For many, the rumor was already common knowledge, traded through backchannels and office messages; but an official declaration had a far heavier weight.

Clang.

Jiwoon dropped his fork. He’s announcing? Like this? Already?

He sat frozen, face blank. Then Taecheon’s gaze found his.

“Assistant Lee.”

“…Yes?”

“Would you join me up here?”

“M‑me?”

Deputy Min nudged his shoulder. “Go on! Quickly!”

Stumbling, Jiwoon forced his legs to obey, making his way to the front. Taecheon extended his hand.

“…Ah.”

Instinctively Jiwoon clasped it, stepping onto stage. The crowd gasped.

Taecheon took the microphone again.

“We plan to hold our wedding this coming spring, and everyone here will of course be invited. I make this announcement not for fanfare, but because I cannot abide senseless speculation being aimed at my beloved partner. I apologize if the announcement startled you — but I trust you’ll all offer us your blessings.”

His final words rumbled with such force it was impossible to miss the undertone: do not gossip further, or there will be consequences.

Silence. Then — clapping. Jiwoon turned, astonished. Deputy Min and Secretary Kim Minji had leapt to their feet, clapping furiously.

“Congratulations!”

“Congratulations!”

Gradually, others followed — four, ten, dozens — until the banquet hall thundered with applause.

“Perfect match!”

“Congratulations!”

“Invite us, too!”

Jiwoon’s cheeks blushed hot, his nose stinging, his heart swelling. Not everyone condemned me. Some truly bless us.

“Thank you. Truly, thank you.”

Bowing low, then raising his head — his smile was radiant as spring blossoms.

“No wonder the Director fell for him.”

“He couldn’t help but love him.”

Hand in hand, the couple turned to each other, no words needed. Their clasp was unshakable.

Back at his table, Min was still clapping, tears shining.

“See? It’s official now. No one can talk nonsense again.”

“Thank you,” whispered Jiwoon.

Around them, glasses lifted.

“Cheers!”

“Congratulations on your wedding!”

Jiwoon bowed from the waist repeatedly, until —

Seo Taecheon descended the stage. All of Marketing Team 1 scrambled up.

“Director, good evening.”

“No need to stand. Eat comfortably.”

Then, to everyone’s surprise, he sat right beside Jiwoon.

“Sir, why here?” The staff looked utterly rattled. Jiwoon too.

“We’ve announced it publicly. Why pretend now? I want to eat with my spouse.”

Eyes wide, the team watched their stern Director smile so gently at Jiwoon that the mood became sugar‑sweet.

The Director… can smile? First time I’ve seen it.

Exchanging glances, they silently screamed. Meanwhile, Taecheon pampered Jiwoon, serving food onto his plate.

“People are watching—” Jiwoon whispered.

“Exactly. Let them watch.”

Taecheon popped a cherry tomato into his mouth. Blushing, Jiwoon ate it like a baby bird, then laughed.

“…So good. Another?”

“Always lovely to see you eat.”

Not the stiff Director, but an Alpha in love. Not the unsure junior, but an Omega cherished. Staff could only shake their heads, grinning; they had to admit, they matched disgustingly well.

Later, with Taecheon tipsy from champagne, they took a chauffeur home. Jiwoon leaned against his shoulder, clutching his hand.

“That really shocked me.”

“…Perhaps I should’ve warned you.”

“No. I was surprised, but… to see you declare us openly, I was glad.”

Taecheon stroked his hand tenderly. “Then it was worth it.”

“From now on, no more double‑agent routines!”

“Yes. We can commute openly now.”

Those clandestine parking‑lot maneuvers were over. Jiwoon felt both wistful and happy.

And sure enough, the next morning, the two walked into work side by side at the entrance. This time, no one whispered. They greeted proudly, then split paths — one to the Director’s office, one to his desk.

Before opening his door, Taecheon shot him a grin. Jiwoon returned it.

“Overflowing, huh? Like roasted sesame everywhere³,” Min quipped at the copier.

Though she teased, Jiwoon could tell she was the happiest for them, and his smile spread wide.

Footnotes:

1. Divorce reflection (이혼 숙려제): A parody of Korea’s actual 3‑month divorce reflection system; in the novel’s satire, it became corporate gossip fuel. 
2. “Roasted sesame scent” (깨가 쏟아진다): Korean idiom used to describe newlywed couples being overly lovey‑dovey — like the fragrance of roasted sesame filling the air. Equivalent to saying, “You two are disgustingly sweet.”