Kiss the Scumbag-Chapter 129

Charlotte was pacing anxiously in the living room. Even on the way back, her unease nearly caused two accidents.

“Charlotte, what’s wrong?”

Georgina asked in surprise, but Charlotte could only say it was nothing. Yet her hands gripping the steering wheel kept trembling, and by the time she barely made it home, she almost fainted like Lady Katherine. Rushing inside, she drank two cups of cold water but still felt parched. Yujin’s words kept echoing in her mind.

What should I do?

No matter how much she thought, no clever solution came to her. Eventually, covering her face, she let out a stifled scream. Suddenly, the door slammed open and a man entered. Startled, Charlotte shrank back in fear, and Gordon frowned as he said,

“What are you doing now?”

His harsh tone made Charlotte shrink even more. Seeing her curled up, Gordon clicked his tongue and strode up the stairs. Listening silently to his rough footsteps, Charlotte fidgeted helplessly before following him upstairs.

As usual, Gordon was drinking at the bar. Just as he finished his glass, he frowned at her. Charlotte jumped back in fright.

“What is it? If you have something to say, say it quickly. Don’t be so frustrating!”

Suddenly Gordon shouted, and Charlotte shook her head in fear.

“N-no, it’s nothing at all.”

Stammering, she ran away quickly. Behind her, Gordon shouted loudly.

“You useless woman, you mess up everything you do.”

Charlotte forced herself to stop tears by biting her lips and went into her room. Panting heavily, she slumped her shoulders and soon entered the bathroom. Opening the cabinet, she took out headache medicine. Swallowing several pills at once and drinking ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ water from the sink, she could finally think somewhat clearly.

Yujin knows about that.

Her reflection in the mirror was pale as she faced herself. Why did he say that? Does he really know everything? If so, why tell me? Is it a threat?

Just imagining it made her stomach churn. The anxiety was driving her crazy. Only one thought came to mind. She couldn’t leave things as they were. She had to do something about Yujin.

How?

Charlotte asked herself in the mirror. What should I do to that man?

Kill him.

There was only one answer. Her mind, crazed with fear and anxiety, couldn’t make a rational decision. Biting her nails with trembling hands, Charlotte paced inside the bathroom. The long night continued.

I did something useless.

Yujin frowned, drinking coffee as he thought. He thought he somewhat knew what kind of man Gordon was, but he knew nothing about Charlotte. Above all, Charlotte was an adult. If she thought her treatment was unfair, she had to manage on her own. If she had that will, he would help as much as possible, but if not, he would just be a rude person meddling in others’ private matters.

Someone who can’t even manage their own life.

All that returned was self-loathing. Yujin sighed and refocused on the screen. Most of the edits the editor wanted were done, but one scene wasn’t flowing. Once he finished that, it would all be over. He furrowed his brows in thought.

He had started sneaking into Winston’s study to use the computer the day after returning to the mansion. Since his work hours were fixed, secretly using the study wasn’t difficult. Though delayed contact made him anxious, luckily the publishing company president accommodated him.

“I thought you’d been snatched by another publisher, so I’m glad you contacted us!”

That comment made Yujin laugh despite himself after replying “No way!” The first thing he did after retrieving his phone was contact the president, then he edited whenever he could. He still had time but wanted to show the completed manuscript soon.

“You’re my first fan.”

The president’s words gave Yujin more strength than anything. After enduring only contempt and mockery so far, to be respected for his work like this made him inexplicably happy.

I have to finish soon.

Yujin threw himself into work excitedly. The end was almost in sight. Only one scene left.

That scene was the hardest to write...

Honestly, he hadn’t resolved it well and had skimmed it, but the editor caught it — pros were different.

<It’s not bad as it is, but I think you can bring more out.>

Recalling the editor’s comment, Yujin stared seriously at the screen. He crossed his arms, thinking and thinking, but only time passed. Eventually, groaning, he turned off the computer and went out to Angela.

“Angie, what are you doing?”

“Daddy!”

Angela, who was reading alone, ran happily to Yujin as soon as she saw him. Yujin picked her up without hesitation, listening to what she said but also thinking elsewhere.

He already decided where to go after leaving the mansion. He could endure getting in a car somehow. The problem was something else.

He had to submit the manuscript to get even a partial payment.

Winston had only given him a card. Using that would expose him immediately wherever he went. Though it could be solved another way...

Getting out of the mansion was easy. Winston thought Yujin was crazy about money, so if he said he was going shopping or something, that would be enough. Cash advances could provide urgent funds, but the biggest problem now was how to lose the driver and bodyguards. He couldn’t think of any method. Recalling the last shopping trip, they literally followed him to the bathroom. Alone would be one thing, but running away with Angela was impossible.

He had to manage somehow before the party...

“Daddy, daddy.”

“Huh? Huh?”

Lost in thought, he missed Angela’s words. Surprised, he looked at her, and Angela asked curiously.

“What’s wrong? What are you thinking about?”

“N-nothing, Angie. Nothing.”

Yujin shook his head hastily and smiled awkwardly. Trying to recall what Angela said, suddenly a knock came. Turning, a butler entered.

“The second lady wants to invite you to tea time tomorrow. What will you do?”

“An invitation?”

Suddenly?

Yujin blinked in confusion. After what happened the day before, being told to come to his own house was unexpected. Thinking it over, maybe she just couldn’t let it go?

Either way, it didn’t seem like a good thing, so he hesitated but knew he had sown the seeds. He had to reap them himself. With displeasure, Yujin spoke.

“I can’t go... Tell her it’s okay to come to Delight and have tea here.”

“Understood.”

The butler said no more and left the room. Soon after, he returned and said Charlotte would come at 2.

“Only Charlotte? Is Georgina not coming?”

Angela, in his arms, asked, and Yujin smiled in response.

“Well, only Charlotte is coming tomorrow. Do you want to see Georgina?”

Angela nodded and her eyes sparkled.

“Georgina said there’s going to be a party soon, so I have to get a new outfit. She asked if I’d like to go shopping with her! Can I, Daddy?”

“Shopping? With Georgina?”

Just as Yujin asked in surprise, something flashed through his mind.

Right, that’s a way.

It felt like bells ringing in his head. Overjoyed, Yujin hugged the child tightly.

“Of course, Angie! Shall we all go together?”

“Really? Waaah!”

The confused child cheered and hugged Yujin back. Sorry, Georgina, but it couldn’t be helped. Internally apologizing to her, Yujin steeled his resolve.

This time, I’ll definitely make it work.