Still furious, Marigold called Devan's number again. But she finally gave up when Devan still didn't answer. Marigold had just started to get up from the sofa when her phone rang. Devan was calling. The anger that had nearly subsided began burning all over again.
"What's up, Marry? I'm busy." Devan's voice came through the moment Marigold answered.
"You bastard, Devan! Where the hell did you disappear to earlier? You deliberately left me alone with that lecherous old man, Robert, didn't you?" Marigold snapped, no longer able to contain her anger.
"It's not like that, Marry. I just wanted to set you up with Robert." Devan chuckled as if he had just said something hilarious.
"What did you say?! Set me up with that old man, Robert?!" Marigold asked in disbelief.
"Yes, Marry. He may be old, but he's rich. You were the one who said you wanted to marry a rich man. Isn't that right?"
Marigold fell silent for a moment. What did Devan mean? When had she ever told her friend that she wanted to marry a rich man? Marigold thought for a moment before sighing. Then she realized Devan was referring to a statement she'd made in a celebrity media interview. The interview had taken place several years ago.
At the time, Marigold had indeed said she wanted to marry a rich man. But as far as she remembered, she'd only been answering a media question about whether she would rather marry an ordinary man or a rich one. Of course, Marigold had answered that she preferred a rich man. Wasn't that a perfectly reasonable answer?
"Hello, Marry. Why are you quiet?" Devan's voice came through again.
"I did say once that I wanted to marry a rich man, but I was only answering a question from the media." Marigold spoke irritably.
"Even so, that must be what you want, right? That's why I was helping you find a rich man to marry." Devan chuckled again.
"You're seriously a bastard, Devan!" Marigold cursed. "Even if I were going to marry a rich man, I'd find someone young and handsome. Not someone like Robert, that lecherous old director you know!"
Devan laughed mockingly. "Do you really think you can get a rich man who's still young? You're already thirty. Give it up, Marry. You're beautiful and famous, but you're old. Just accept your fate."
Devan's words made Marigold seethe. He wasn't just insulting Marigold—he was insulting all women. What Marigold hated most was when a man looked down on women. Even though her anger was boiling over, she forced herself to hold it in. She knew there was no point arguing with Devan.
"Listen to me, Devan. I can easily get a rich man who's young and handsome. Just watch me," Marigold said, trying to remain calm.
"Oh, really?" Devan's irritating voice came through again.
"Yes, of course. And one more thing—I never expected you to think that way about me. I thought you were a good work partner, but it turns out you're just like all the other men who like to look down on women," Marigold continued.
"I was just..."
Marigold hung up, unwilling to continue the conversation. All this time, Marigold had thought her friendship with Devan was fine. But it turned out she had been wrong. Devan had truly changed. And yet, throughout their five years of friendship, he had always been kind and polite. Could this have something to do with Marigold rejecting him?
A few months ago, Devan had confessed his feelings to Marigold. He wanted her to be his girlfriend. But Marigold had rejected him because she saw him as a friend and work partner. Marigold had thought everything would be fine afterward because Devan had seemed to accept her rejection at the time.
Seeing Devan's attitude toward her now, Marigold concluded that he was actually still hurt by her rejection. But Marigold was reluctant to bring it up again. One thing she knew for sure was that from now on, she had to keep her distance from Devan. She didn't want any more drama.
"Whatever!" Marigold shouted.
Marigold fell silent for a moment before speaking again. "Should I prove to Devan that I can get a rich man who's young and handsome?"
Marigold thought about which young, wealthy man she should marry. Suddenly, Marcello's face flashed through her mind. Marigold's heart began to race. As it happened, Marcello had already proposed to her. Should Marigold accept Marcello's proposal? But hadn't she already rejected him? Marigold let out a long sigh.