CHAPTER 25……………………………

Hana couldn’t say anything.

Silence filled the room.

Gihun didn’t even wait for her answer. As if he had merely confirmed something obvious, he slowly gathered the documents.

“…Yes.”

In the end, Hana lowered her head and gave a short reply. It was the best she could do, and that single word was the thinnest thread keeping this relationship intact.

Gihun’s attention had already shifted back to the papers, and only then did Hana slowly rise from her chair.

“Then… I’ll be going now.”

She left a cautious farewell and headed toward the door. Her fingertips tightened around the handle, but she didn’t have the courage to look back.

With her head bowed, Hana quietly opened the door.

Click—

The sound of the door closing cut through the air in the room. Gihun remained bent over his documents, flipping through them without the slightest hesitation.

Out in the hallway, Hana let out a long breath.

Her footsteps echoed in a steady rhythm, but the sound felt strangely hollow.

“If you have even a shred of conscience, shouldn’t you repay the debt of gratitude for being raised?”

The sentence kept circling in her mind.

Submission wrapped in the name of gratitude. A relationship carried like a debt.

Hana stopped walking. Her fingertips were still trembling faintly. As if to hide it, she clenched her hand tightly.

After taking a few steadying breaths, she gathered herself.

Then, slowly, she began walking again, composing her expression.

A luxury sedan came to a stop in front of a famous dermatology clinic in Cheongdam-dong.

The door opened, and Misuk stepped out first in a sleek suit. Following behind her, Serin emerged, carrying a soft scent of perfume.

“Serin, this is the clinic I told you about.”

Misuk pointed proudly at the sign.

“The director here is one of the best in Cheongdam-dong. Even celebrities line up to get treated.”

Serin lifted her gaze toward the glass-fronted building. The simple sign engraved with the word Clinic, the polite staff bowing at the entrance, and the white-toned lighting and luxurious interior visible inside.

“Wow… it really looks expensive. It’s like a hotel lobby.”

Serin marveled, and Misuk gave a small shrug.

“Normally it’s hard to even get an appointment, but today I made a special VIP reservation.”

“As expected of you, Mother.”

Serin smiled gently. Misuk’s lips curved with satisfaction.

The two passed through the automatic doors. A faint aroma filled the air, and soft lighting reflected off the white marble floors, creating an elegant atmosphere.

“Madam, you’re here.”

The director himself came out in a white coat to greet them.

“And you’ve brought a guest today.”

“Yes, she’s an acquaintance. She’s the daughter of Chairman Son of Jet Group.”

Misuk said proudly.

“Hello. It’s an honor to meet you.”

The director greeted politely, and Serin bowed modestly.

“This way, please.”

They were led into a VIP room. The spacious, quiet room held two treatment beds side by side. On the table were scented candles, and gentle piano music played in the background.

“What kind of treatment would you like today?”

The director asked.

“As usual, lifting and whitening care for me. And for you, Serin?”

“I’ll have the same, please.”

“Very well. Please lie down comfortably, and we’ll begin.”

The director and staff left to prepare, and the room was left with just the two of them.

Serin leaned back on the bed and spoke softly.

“I really like spending time with you like this, Mother.”

Misuk smiled with her eyes.

“I’ve always felt a bit lonely because I never had a daughter… but being with you makes it feel like I do. It’s so nice.”

Serin turned slightly to look at her.

“Please think of me as your real daughter. And speak comfortably, too.”

“Oh my… is that really okay?”

“Of course. And you’re not just anyone—you’re Gunwoo’s mother.”

Serin laughed playfully. A bright smile spread across Misuk’s face.

Soon, staff entered, applied cool facial packs, and began gentle massages. The air grew drowsy with the blend of aroma and cream.

Then, with her eyes closed, Misuk spoke quietly.

“Have you been seeing Gunwoo often these days?”

Serin blinked, slightly surprised.

“Yes… I stopped by his office briefly yesterday.”

“Really? Good. You have to show your face often so affection can grow.”

Serin hesitated, choosing her words carefully.

“But… honestly, he didn’t seem very happy to see me.”

“Hm? Why? Did something happen?”

“No, nothing like that… I just showed up without warning, so maybe… he was a little cold.”

“Gunwoo has always been like that. He’s shy around people and not good at expressing emotions.”

Misuk laughed it off.

“He may seem blunt on the outside, but he’s warm-hearted. He’s just embarrassed, that’s all.”

But Serin slowly shook her head.

“I don’t think that was it.”

Her voice grew quieter.

“It felt like… he didn’t really like me. Or maybe… he wasn’t even interested at all.”

The aroma in the air suddenly felt heavy.

Misuk opened her eyes slightly. Serin’s expression held suppressed disappointment and anxiety.

“That can’t be. You’re just still awkward with each other.”

Misuk gently pressed Serin’s hand.

“Things will change with time. I’ll talk to him.”

Serin forced a smile.

“Thank you, Mother. I really want my relationship with Gunwoo to grow into something good.”

Hearing the desperation in her voice, Misuk felt a faint ache in her heart.

“Of course it will. How could Gunwoo possibly reject such a beautiful Serin?”

The two looked at each other and smiled softly.

Warm air filled the space between them for a moment.

The treatment finished, and the two walked side by side into the hallway.

“Your skin looks so much clearer. Your face is brighter, too.”

Serin smiled shyly at her reflection.

“You too, Mother. Your skin is so firm.”

“Oh my, you’re so sweet with your words.”

Misuk smiled and lightly held Serin’s arm.

“Shall we go eat lunch now? I’ll treat you to something delicious.”

“Really? I’d be honored.”

The two headed happily toward the parking lot.

The luxury sedan glided out of the alley and stopped in front of a restaurant.

Soft lighting spilled through the glass windows, and despite lunchtime, the interior was calm.

When the server opened the door, the scent of olives and herbs drifted out.

“Wow, the atmosphere here is so nice.”

Serin’s eyes sparkled as she stepped inside. Misuk smiled with satisfaction at her reaction.

“This way, please.”

The server led them to a seat by the window, where sunlight poured in gently.

“What do you like, Mother? I’ll match whatever you want.”

Misuk laughed, widening her eyes slightly.

“I eat anything well.”

“Then I’ll have truffle risotto. And how about pasta for you? They say the shrimp cream pasta here is amazing.”

“Sounds good.”

“Shall we have a glass of wine, too?”

Serin nodded brightly.

After ordering, a brief quiet settled over the table. Sunlight spread across the glass, casting a soft glow over their wine glasses.

“It’s really nice, having a meal together like this.”

Misuk lifted her wine glass slightly.

“I haven’t had much leisure like this lately. Gunwoo only works… we can’t even find time to share a meal.”