After Se-ra reported to Taeyeon about Tiffany's safety, he immediately instructed Sooyoung to watch over her. If Lee Se-won dared to lift a finger, he could not blame Taeyeon for responding ruthlessly.
...
That night, Gu Heng tried multiple times to visit Lee Se-won at his room. But, everytime she knocked on the door, there was no one there. Worst of all, he didn't pick up his phone and even his assistant was nowhere to be found.
As a result, she was pretty certain that Lee Se-won would use the car scene to force Tiffany out.
Gu Heng did not dare to think of the consequences. So she spent the rest of the night in fear.
The next morning.
Tiffany headed out for her shoot, but ran into Gu Heng at the front of the hotel.
"Gu unnie?"
"I'll come with you on set. Didn't I promise to show you a demonstration?" Gu Heng reminded.
Tiffany smiled, "How could I bother you like that?"
"It's OK. I'm doing it for the sake of achieving a better result for the film in front of the audience," Gu Heng replied.
"OK then..."
The three women headed on set together. As they arrived, they found that the crew had already contacted the police to block off a stretch of road and everything was ready to go.
Gu Heng placed her gaze on Lee Se-won and tried to get his attention, but he completely ignored her. Obviously, he felt she was being too merciful.
This was Tiffany's first time filming a car scene. Even though all the cars followed a planned sequence, the director still ran through all the fine details with Tiffany.
Lee Se-won stood beside Tiffany. As Tiffany looked at him, she wondered what thoughts were running through his mind.
Did he not consider, if things got too serious, there was a possibility she may lose her life?
As expected, Tiffany's car was tampered with. 3am that very morning, although the cameras did not capture him, he did not escape the eyes of Sooyoung.
Meanwhile, Gu Heng was standing opposite Tiffany. As she looked at the way Tiffany looked at Lee Se-won, she had a feeling her gaze contained a sense of disdain and ridicule.
"Tiffany, when the cameras start rolling, you simply need to focus on that camera and remember which route to take. Let's do a practice run," Wei An suggested.
Tiffany glanced at Lee Se-won and nodded her head, "Director, can I test out the car first? I've never filmed such an intense scene, so I'm feeling a little nervous."
"Of course..." Wei An nodded.
"Why don't I test it out for you," Gu Heng nudged the assistant director aside and offered, "I have more experience in this. If I demonstrate, Tiffany will be able to learn faster."
Wei An analyzed Gu Heng and nodded his head, "Fine. Gu Heng demonstrate. Tiffany watch carefully."
Lee Se-won looked at Gu Heng with a stunned and angry expression. His gaze also contained an obvious panic.
Because he never expected that Gu Heng would directly block him from hurting Tiffany to the extent where she would be willing to risk her own life.
This was because she was trying to protect him...
So, she did not regret her decision.
"Tiffany is a professional, she doesn't need your demonstration," Lee Se-won grumbled in front of everyone. "Director, I'll show Tiffany to the car. I'm sure she'll get used to it after a quick drive."
"This does sound like a better use of our time..." Wei An nodded, agreeing to Lee Se-won's suggestion.
Tiffany looked at Lee Se-won as her lips slowly curved upwards, "Director Wei, I think if Se-won takes me for a drive, the result would be even better."
Hearing Tiffany's suggestion, Gu Heng's face turned pale...
Because this was proof that Tiffany knew what her and Lee Se-won had planned. Including Lee Se-won's plan today to injure her.
"Tiffany's right. Se-won, we will need to trouble you for a bit to go give Tiffany a demonstration," Wei An said as he pointed to the car parked not too far away.
Although Lee Se-won was given a difficult task, he remained calm. Because instead of walking over to Tiffany's car, he simply walked over to his own one instead.
However...his car happened to be out of fuel.
Seeing this, the props assistant immediately apologized, "Sorry, I forgot to check it. I'll go add some fuel now."
"In that case, drive Tiffany's car for now," Wei An said to Lee Se-won.
Lee Se-won furrowed his brows and looked at Tiffany. However, Tiffany looked back at him with a sense of interest and slight mockery...
Lee Se-won was surprised, but he still stepped out of his car and headed for Tiffany's car. At this time, Gu Heng suddenly blocked his way, "I still think it's best if I do it..."
This time, Wei An sensed something was a bit unusual, so he asked, "Why are you guys fighting over something like this?"
Gu Heng turned and looked at Tiffany, hoping she could show some mercy.
However, Tiffany laughed and said, "That's right. Gu unnie, you were supposed to have a day off today. You really don't need to worry about my safety, everyone is here. Although it's my first time doing a scene like this, I'm not afraid."
Gu Heng looked at Tiffany, at the way she wasn't willing to back down, and suddenly felt helpless.
"Se-won?" Wei An queried.
Lee Se-won pushed Gu Heng aside and boarded the car, locking the door firmly behind him...
He of course couldn't tell anyone that there was something wrong with the car brakes.
So he looked at Tiffany through the rear view mirror with a dangerous gaze.
He had never imagined that he'd fall into Tiffany's hands; a woman's hands...
How did she find out what was happening? Or did she actually not know and all this was just a coincidence?
Gu Heng watched as Lee Se-won sat in the car. She was still unsure whether she should take on all the blame to save him. If she was to do that, her future would be destroyed...
But, she knew that Lee Se-won did all this because of her. She couldn't let Lee Se-won take such a huge risk.
So, she had no choice but to beg Tiffany...
She even dragged Tiffany to one side, "Tiffany, I don't want to see either you or Se-won get hurt today. Could you please convince the Director not to use the car?"
"So, Gu unnie also knows that there's something wrong with the car?" Tiffany tested.
"I simply don't want..." Gu Heng looked extra uncomfortable. "Everything he did was for my sake. I hope you can show some mercy."
"Have you considered what might have happened if I started driving that car?" Tiffany asked straightforwardly.
"That's why I came. Whether it's you or him, I wasn't going to let either of you drive that car..."
"Even if you can prevent this incident, what about the next?" Tiffany asked.
Gu Heng was speechless...
She was right. What would she do next time?
"Since he has the courage to gamble with my life, he should give me a life in return. I have always been one to give an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Even if you kneel down and beg me today, I will still make him drive that car. I need to let him know that not everyone can do as they please."
For the sake of her husband, she had to ensure that she lived better than others.
Gu Heng looked at Lee Se-won sitting in the car and felt all her strength had been sucked out of her body; all she had left, was fear.
"Se-won, let's get started," Wei An reminded, oblivious to what was happening. Lee Se-won did not resist as he started the car and started demonstrating his skills...
The entire production crew cheered. Meanwhile, only Tiffany, Se-ra, Gu Heng and Lee Se-won knew that there was something wrong with the brakes...
It's not that Lee Se-won wasn't afraid. He simply didn't expect Tiffany to be so ruthless. However, he could never admit to the production crew that he had tampered with the car, unless he was willing to give up his identity as an actor.
So, he decided to take a gamble...
_"Director Wei, something doesn't seem right. It looks like Se-won can't stop the car. His been continuously driving around in circles for quite some time," a staff member noticed, so he immediately pointed it out to Wei An.
Wei An's expression changed as he ordered, "Hurry and investigate what's happening..."
Lee Se-won was sitting in the car. But, all he could do was drive around in circles. Although the speed of the car had already decreased, there was still a terrified look on his face.
_"Se-won, jump! Jump out of the car..."
Lee Se-won felt his head spinning as he swerved the car into a safety barrier. The car was immediately shrouded by a blanket of smoke. As it faded, everyone ran anxiously towards him. Luckily, apart from a bit of shock, Lee Se-won did not receive any major injuries.
It turned out - this car was also low on fuel...
Gu Heng immediately ran to Lee Se-won's side without caring what others would think and tried to help him out, "Are you OK?"
"I'm fine," Lee Se-won replied after a short delay.
However, he did not notice that his back had subconsciously become soaked in sweat...
He had created this danger himself, but Tiffany used it to ruthlessly teach him a lesson.
Because only now did he realize that the car had been tampered with for the second time. Even though it had fuel, it was destined to stop on its own.
"What's wrong with the car?" Wei An hurried over and asked. "Is Lee Se-won hurt?"
Lee Se-won shook his head, "I'm fine. The brakes just suddenly stopped working..."
"Who's in charge? I want you to immediately do a thorough investigation!" Wei An yelled angrily at the crew. "Luckily Se-won is a good driver. If it was Tiffany, what would have happened?"
Wei An's words hammered down onto Gu Heng and Lee Se-won's hearts. One of them witnessed the incident, while the other experienced it first-hand. No one would understand the fear of death better than them.
"Everything's fine, as long as he's fine," Gu Heng said guiltily.
"No, this won't do. He needs to get examined at the hospital. We should postpone today's shoot." Although Wei An was strict, he cared about his actors. In order not to effect their performance, he took extra notice of their physical and mental status.
"Thank you, Director Wei." After thanking the director, Lee Se-won left the set with the support of Gu Heng. As they passed by Tiffany, Gu Heng whispered, "I give up against you, Tiffany. After this incident, I hope our grudges can be forgotten."
Tiffany remained calm as she slightly lifted her chin, "I've said it before: I won't attack those that don't attack me first."
Lee Se-won had a good look at Tiffany before he left with Gu Heng. After they left, Wei An ran over to Tiffany to offer comfort, "Did the incident frighten you?"
Tiffany shook her head, "I'm fine."
"That's good. Tiffany, you were very fortunate," Wei An said briefly before heturned and left...
His words seemed to contain a deeper meaning.
After he left, Tiffany pulled out her phone and gave Taeyeon a phone call, "Everything went smoothly."
"Turn around..." Taeyeon's voice was gentle.
Tiffany held onto her phone as sehe turned around and spotted Taeyeon's car parked on the side of the road. She immediately ran over. As soon as she boarded the car, Taeyeon wrapped her in his arms, "It's all over now. I'm here."
Tiffany held tightly to Taeyeon's waist. Today's incident had been rough on her. If she had not discovered something was wrong early on, today she may have ended up on the news headlines...
"You don't think I was too ruthless?" Tiffany questioned.
"If you hadn't requested to resolve it yourself, I would have been more ruthless than you..." Taeyeon's eyes darkened as it emanated with coldness.
...
En route back to the hotel, Wei An sat in his car with Elder Kim. The two men looked at each other like two cunning foxes.
"Your family's Tiffany is not a simple woman," Wei An said to Elder Kim. "Initially, I simply had my suspicions. But seeing how Gu Heng ran anxiously to Lee Se-won's side, I finally discovered what was happening."
"Those two were obviously scheming against Tiffany..."
"But she firmly forced Lee Se-won onto the tampered car. He was certainly taught a difficult lesson."
"I was wondering why she wanted to film this scene in advance. It turns out...I can't underestimate her."
"Her method barely passed," Elder Kim scoffed. Of course, since he was Taeyeon's grandfather, he naturally thought in the same way.
This world was fair and just, so some people deserved to be punished.
The lesson Tiffany taught Lee Se-won wasn't bad, but if it was up to him, he would be like Taeyeon and do something even more ruthless.
However, Tiffany still passed in his eyes. At least she wasn't like Gu Heng, who only knew how to panic and cry when something went wrong. Although Elder Kim didn't want to admit it, Tiffany had won a lot of brownie points from him.
"She still has a long road ahead. Just wait and see old man. Your granddaughter-in-law is just like you. Simply looking at the way she dealt with Lee Se-won in such a slick manner has made me convinced by her," Wei An smiled. It was common to see underhanded schemes and unwritten rules pop up on set. But he never imagined Tiffany would be able to neutralize the evilness.
She was indeed Taeyeon's wife. The couple both knew how to defeat ruthlessness with ruthlessness.
"We'll talk again once she gets past me," Elder Kim scoffed again. If she wanted to be Taeyeon's wife, there was more she needed to show.
Elder Kim did not expect his granddaughter-in-law to be highly educated nor have a strong family background. He simply wanted her to be on the same page as the rest of the Kim Family.
If the way she thought and her morals were not in line with theirs, he'd feel like he had given away his grandson for nothing.
So he still needed to analyze Tiffany carefully.
"You should stop being so strict. After what happened today, I hope Lee Se-won will learn some self-control. I'm assuming he was pretty badly frightened; his face was pale when he stepped out of the car," Wei An was quite satisfied at the thought.
Tiffany obviously didn't want to take away his life, so she made sufficient preparations. But, in the end, her method was certainly ruthless.
Was she always this ruthless? Or did she learn from Taeyeon?
"Se-won, from now on, don't challenge Tiffany again. She's not as easy to go up against as we thought," Gu Heng persuaded as she sat at the foot of Lee Se-won's hospital bed.
"I've already looked into it. From the time she announced her comeback as a model to becoming an actress, her every move has been flawless. She has received endless praise and did not merely rely on Taeyeon."
Lee Se-won remained silent. Perhaps it was because he had not withdrawn from the thrills of earlier.
Only now did he understand how it felt to be scared...
"Let's just focus on filming and leave her alone, OK?"
Lee Se-won hesitated for a moment, but ended up nodding his head.
After Lee Se-won agreed, Gu Heng finally let out a sigh of relief. She was seriously afraid of Tiffany's meticulous nature. In fact, she had no idea how Tiffany found out about their plan and if she knew anything else. Tiffany was certainly terrifying.
...
The next morning. As soon as Lee Se-won and Gu Heng arrived on set, Wei An immediately approached them, "Is everything OK?"
"I'm fine. It was only a little bit of shock," Lee Se-won replied calmly.
Tiffany also approached, but she did not say anything to expose or humiliate them. She simply pretended like nothing had happened.
So, as soon as filming ended that day, Gu Heng looked for Tiffany and asked, "Why didn't you just destroy us? You obviously had the chance to get us replaced..."
Tiffany looked at Gu Heng and smiled, "I expressed my intent from the start: I will not initiate an attack on anyone. Since the incident yesterday is already in the past, then in my heart it has passed. There's no need to bring it up again."
"The two of you may have had bad intentions, but I did not respond kindly either, so I have no right to send you away."
"Above all, Wei An selected the cast for this film. So, he definitely had his reasons. For the sake of the film, I won't do anything else."
"I'm sure you both know why I was so ruthless yesterday. But, there won't be a next time."
"Our job is to complete this film to the best of our abilities..."
"Plus, a couple's relationship should not be influenced by outside forces. It should simply depend on your heart."
"Don't try to provoke me again. For the sake of my own safety, I could do anything."
After speaking, Tiffany left with Se-ra, leaving Gu Heng all alone trembling in fear. Only now did she finally realize the huge difference between herself and Tiffany.
She had never imagined there was a woman like Tiffany in the entertainment industry: a woman that drew a fine line between love and hate.
At this point, she could only approve of Tiffany's methods, stance and pretty much everything about her...
...
When Tiffany said she wasn't going to mention the past, it was like she completely wiped it from her memory. She would never refer to it, humiliate them about it, nor remind them of it.
This made Gu Heng's admiration for her increase once again. How many people stood on the moral high ground while bullying others? Yet, Tiffany did not care about doing this.
The dangerous car scene ended up being filmed 2 days later. However, this time, Lee Se-won gave a serious demonstration and Tiffany studied it seriously. Although a few mistakes were made, the dangerous scene was eventually completed successfully after everyone's hard work.
During filming, Tiffany's head was hit quite a few times and she emptied her stomach quite a few times from nausea. But after 5 minutes of rest, her energy would be restored and she'd start again.
From that day onwards, Lee Se-won's attitude towards Tiffany also changed.
Some people were born with more talent than others. So if they also put in more effort, it would be no surprise that they'd secure the best resources.
A little while later, Gu Heng decided to look at Tiffany's audition video. In the end, she turned to Lee Se-won and told him she was happy to accept her role as a supporting character for Tiffany.
"Fany Unnie, it's almost President Kim's birthday. What do you plan on getting him? Do you want me to go buy it for you?" Se-ra asked during one of Tiffany's breaks. She assumed Tiffany was too occupied with filming to find time.
Tiffany thought for a moment and shook her head, "I'll prepare it myself..."
"But, you don't have time..."
"What he wants, can't be bought," Tiffany smiled as she looked at Se-ra. "The next scene is about to start. I'm going to go get ready."
Se-ra watched as Tiffany walked off and nodded her head in agreement. Taeyeon already had everything, so nothing would make him feel pleasantly surprised...
However, 2 days before Taeyeon's birthday, Wei An notified Tiffany that a VIP would be joining the cast. Although he was only making a guest appearance, everyone was requested to 'cooperate' with him.
At first, Tiffany did not understand what Wei An meant by 'cooperating'. But she soon found out when the VIP appeared on set.
His character in the film was a sloppy ex-police officer. Because he had injured someone when he was young, he ended up being dismissed from the police force. But, he was known for being an expert investigator, so Tiffany's character decided to ask him for help.
However, not only was he sloppy in the film, he was also sloppy in real life. It was almost like he didn't want to get out of character. As a result, no one on set knew his real identity. A few people tried to ask Wei An, but he simply laughed and told them they were in for a surprise.
The VIP had no problems talking and joking with almost everyone on set. The only exception was Tiffany, who he looked at with suspicion and mistrust.
This made Tiffany wonder if she had offended him in some way. But, from memory, she had not met this man before.
However, she couldn't deny that this man was a great actor. Although he was old, he was able to become whatever character he portrayed.
On his first day on set, he was already able to impersonate everyone on set. His acting ability was definitely something that had been developed over a good few decades.
As the old man's first few scenes were with Lee Se-won, Tiffany had not had a chance to come in contact with him. It was not until the day before Taeyeon's birthday that Wei An notified Tiffany of her scene with him and warned her to be careful because the old man was very strict.
Afterwards, Tiffany requested for a day off from Wei An, but word somehow traveled to the old man's ears. So, after being told that he'd have a scene with Tiffany, he angrily stormed out, "I hate acting with people that take days off. I don't want to act with her. Replace her with someone else."
"Everyone is waiting on set. Why does she get treated differently?"
"She can't even be considered an actor, yet she's already acting arrogant."
The old man's words were very straightforward as he expressed his thoughts in front of everyone, making them feel extremely awkward.
But, Tiffany did not get upset. She simply bowed to the old man and explained,
"Sorry, I normally wouldn't take a day off even if the sky was falling, but today, I must leave."
"Would you believe that I can get you replaced?"
"Tiffany, why don't you..."
"Director Wei, I definitely need to take a day off. I am willing to exchange it for anything," Tiffany said sincerely.
Wei An nodded his head and waved his hand, "Go ahead."
"Thank you," Tiffany nodded thankfully.
"Why is she taking a day off?" Wei An asked his staff curiously. Didn't she know this was an opportunity for her to perform?
"I heard from Assistant Bong that it's President Kim's birthday."
"Oh, no wonder," Wei An immediately understood as he held back a smile and looked at Elder Kim. Tiffany always made Taeyeon her first priority. Was the old man satisfied to see this?
By the time Tiffany arrived home at Hyatt Regency, it was already 11:30pm.
In order not to wake up Taeyeon, she gently pushed open the bedroom door and walked barefoot to the bedside.
Under the moonlight, Tiffany spotted some documents in Taeyeon's hands as he slept.
Her heart ached as she pulled the papers from his hands and placed a bunch of red roses on the bedside table.
Taeyeon did not wake at all. He had promised to pick up Tiffany early the next day, so he tried his best to quickly finish all his work in order to have a free day with his wife. However, he never expected, in the last hour, she would return home to his side.
Perhaps it was because he could sense someone was looking at him, Taeyeon cautiously opened his eyes. As Tiffany came into view, he was shocked. He then sat up and asked, "Why are you back?"
"I was hurrying back to be the first to say happy birthday to you," Tiffany placed her gaze on the bunch of roses she brought home and Taeyeon curiously followed her gaze. As soon as he saw the flowers, he chuckled.
"Mrs. Kim, I've never heard of a woman giving a man flowers."
"Then I'll have to be the first," Tiffany smiled. However, she couldn't hide the tiredness in her eyes. She had done over 20 hours of consecutive filming just so she could take a day off and accompany Taeyeon in peace.
Taeyeon's heart ached as he gently brushed her cheek and pulled her into his embrace. He knew, in this world, there would not be another person who'd work so hard and tirelessly just so they could rush home by 12am to spend his birthday with him.
He also knew that there would not be another person who'd treat him wholeheartedly and make him their priority. Because in this world, there was only one Tiffany...
"I haven't eaten or bathed yet," Tiffany groaned.
"You must be tired."
"Uh huh. On the way home I was getting motion sickness and it made my stomach really uncomfortable," Tiffany whined.
"Go have a bath and I'll prepare some food for you." After speaking, Taeyeon wanted to get out of bed, but Tiffany pressed him back down and shook her head.
"Seeing you already makes me feel better."
No words could be sweeter...
Taeyeon felt, with all that Tiffany sacrificed, his first 32 birthdays had been a waste. If he had been together with Tiffany earlier in his life, how good would that have been?
"In that case, I'll take you to have a bath and then eat with you."
"OK," Tiffany nodded before burying her head into Taeyeon's embrace. However, it didn't take long before she fell asleep in the bathtub.
Taeyeon looked helplessly at the bruises on her body as his heart ached. He had warned her not to come home with so many injuries. Yet, she still ended up doing it.
In order to let Tiffany sleep more comfortably, Taeyeon got into the bathtub to be her human mattress. He initially expected that she wouldn't be able to wake up at 12am. But, as soon as the grandfather clock in the house started chiming, Tiffany forced open her eyes and clumsily hooked her arms around Taeyeon's neck, "Happy birthday, hubby."
Taeyeon placed a kiss on her forehead.
"Let me take you somewhere tomorrow..."
"I want to give you a present." After speaking, Tiffany rubbed her head against Taeyeon's chest and, once again, fell asleep.
Taeyeon hugged his wife tightly and couldn't help but kiss her on the ear, "God knows you are my best present..."
As a man, especially such a manly man, there was no way Taeyeon would like something like roses. But, the bunch that Tiffany brought home, were the most beautiful flowers in the world.
The next morning, Taeyeon expected to wake up before Tiffany. But as he sat up, he realized there was no one next to him and all there was was a glass of warm water and a note on the bedside table.
"Hubby, I really don't want you to turn 33. Or should I say...I hate that I am only 27. I don't want these 6 years of difference. It makes me worry that when we get old, you will leave this world first and leave me all alone."
"So, today you are turning 1. As it is the first year of our marriage, you will be turning 1 today..."
"Hurry out of bed and come to the address written below. I'll be waiting for you."
"I thought I'd see my wife as soon as I opened my eyes..." Taeyeon smiled helplessly before he pulled back the blankets and got up to get ready.
One hour later, Taeyeon arrived at the address that Tiffany had given him...It was a photography studio.
Taeyeon walked in curiously. Upon seeing him, the staff smiled and said, "President Kim, please go to the third floor."
Taeyeon walked into the lift. He had no idea what Tiffany's present was.
Until he reached the third floor...
Under the large crystal chandelier, there was a room full of wedding dresses. At this time, Tiffany was standing behind a curtain...
Taeyeon reached out his hand and gently brushed aside the curtain to find Tiffany standing in front of a mirror wearing a pure white wedding dress...
Taeyeon was speechless. He had never seen Tiffany like this. Today, she wasn't a celebrity or an actress, she was a woman waiting to get married.
"I've worn multiple wedding dresses, but...after being married for so long, I have not taken official wedding photos with you. Previously, everything we did was for the sake of commercials or announcing our marriage. So, all I want to give you now, is a simple wedding ceremony that belongs to just the two of us..."
"I've already organized the church..."
"Mr. Kim, are you willing?"
Taeyeon felt moved as he reached out his arms and pulled Tiffany tightly into his embrace, "Even if I was to repeat something like this with you a hundred times, I would not get sick of it."
It was meant to be something quite normal...
But, when Tiffany was involved, he would immediately feel that it was extra special.
Plenty of women felt that being doted on by a man was the most fortunate feeling. But, when it came to Tiffany, she not only wanted to be doted on, she also wanted to enjoy the process of doting on her lover.
Not long after, Taeyeon appeared behind Tiffany wearing a white suit.
This was Tiffany's first time seeing Taeyeon wear white. His noble presence wasn't shaken up at all; instead, he looked even more imposing.
Tiffany started up her white car. Dressed in a wedding dress, she drove Taeyeon to the church she had booked. Although no one recognized them along the way, many people were still amazed, because this was the first time they had laid eyes on such a flashy wedding car.
The church was situated atop a hill. The couple walked into the quaint church hand-in-hand, presenting themselves in front of the solemn God. Tiffany lowered her head and said to Taeyeon, "I originally wanted to give you something even better, but...I foolishly thought for a long time, only to discover that you don't need anything..."
Taeyeon faced Tiffany and said in an extremely serious tone, "It's not that I don't need anything."
"It's just, everything added up, does not compare to one of you! Although I am turning 33 today, I am making a promise to you that I will protect you for an entire lifetime and won't leave your side - even when we're old!"