She didn’t know exactly how he would take it, but she had asked for his sake.
“So… I think we should set a time limit before any divorce.”
“A time limit?”
“Yes. You know, sometimes no matter how hard you try, things just don’t work out. Even if we can’t have a child, I’ll take responsibility and talk to the chairman about your succession. Don’t worry about that.”
“…So that’s…”
Do you want to divorce me?
Ju‑hyuk, who had always been decisive, couldn’t say the words out loud.
Because he remembered exactly what she’d said back then—
‘Every time I see your face, it’s too painful for me.’
Her desperate voice was still clear in his memory even after six years, as if it had been yesterday.
Even though she’d just agreed to try having a child, they were back in the same place again.
Even after trying to stir up her sense of duty, it ended up in talk of divorce.
The heat in his eyes faded into emptiness.
Ju‑hyuk slowly lowered the hand he had been holding on the table.
“…?”
“Let’s… talk about this another time. I’m tired.”
“Oh… okay. You can go rest first.”
“Don’t clear the table.”
He stood up to leave, but then turned his head.
“Where are you sleeping?”
“Me? Oh… I’ll just use a guest room, anywhere’s fine. I’m not sleepy yet anyway because of the time difference.”
“Alright then.”
The sudden change in mood left Chaerang blinking, confused.
She watched him walk up the stairs, looking truly exhausted, then got up to clear the dishes despite what he’d said.
I can’t just leave them sitting here where I can see them…
…Is work that hard right now?
As she loaded the dishwasher, she thought of his tired face when he went upstairs.
When she’d seen him at the office, she thought it was just maturity in his aura, but now… his expression seemed sharper, heavier somehow.
Did something happen while I was gone?
Neither the chairman nor Ju‑hyuk ever complained, so even if something was wrong, she’d never know.
Her chest ached.
Thinking about how hard things must have been for him all this time, about the scheming relatives trying to steal his position…
“Sigh… I don’t know anymore.”
Dragging her feet, Chaerang dropped onto the living room sofa.
“Ugh…”
She was exhausted. Her whole body ached, and her head throbbed.
Maybe it was the long flight and the unfamiliar environment wearing her out.
Lying there, she remembered her talk with Secretary Kim earlier.
‘Does Ju‑hyuk sleep well these days?’
‘Why do you ask?’
‘I heard from the chairman once that he has insomnia. Is that true?’
The chairman had said it casually, like it wasn’t a big deal.
She’d only found out because she’d asked.
‘He’s been much better with regular medication.’
‘I see… Oh, please don’t tell Ju‑hyuk I asked. I don’t think he’d like that. Please?’
‘Understood.’
Tossing and turning on the sofa, she suddenly sat up.
She couldn’t stop worrying about him. Even if he was better, that didn’t mean he was cured.
I won’t feel at ease unless I see for myself that he’s sleeping well…
But… wouldn’t it be weird to sneak a look while he’s sleeping?
No… wait, I’m not just “someone else.” We’re married.
Then… maybe just a peek?
Before she knew it, she was standing by his bedroom door.
After a quick mental debate, she slowly turned the handle.
The room was pitch dark—he must have drawn the blackout curtains.
How am I supposed to tell if he’s asleep in here?
Click—
The door closed behind her, the sound loud in the silence, and her heart jumped.
Nervously, she stretched out her hands as she stepped forward carefully, feeling her way.
In the darkness, she heard a soft, steady sound—breathing.
She lowered her hand, felt something soft, and realized it was the mattress.
“Ju‑hyuk? Are you asleep?”
She whispered, but there was no answer.
Did he take his sleeping pills tonight, too?
If he hadn’t, there’s no way he would have reacted.
The thought that he’d needed medicine again made her heart heavy.
They said he was getting better… why does he still need them…
Slowly, she climbed onto the bed.
Her hand brushed against something firm—his arm.
At first, she had only meant to check on him.
But getting back out in the dark is going to be a challenge…
And more than that, the warmth from his body melted her anxiety.
His scent surrounded her.
She liked his cologne, but this was his natural scent, warm and familiar.
She instinctively buried her face against his neck, breathing in deeply.
Usually, she’d never dare to be so bold, but right now… she felt safe, lulled by his presence and the certainty that he wouldn’t wake.
It feels so nice…
It was a scent she’d missed for so long.
Her only home now… was him.
“So warm…” she murmured sleepily, and then, unable to resist the drowsiness washing over her, she closed her eyes in his arms.
The next morning.
Rrrrrrr—Rrrrrrr—
The alarm rang.
“Mmh…” Ju‑hyuk reached out, grabbed his phone from the nightstand.
He sighed and moved to sit up…
“…?”
But there was a weight on his arm. He turned his head.
In the dim light, he fumbled to see what it was—then froze.
No way…
“…Chaerang?”
It could only be her.
His heart began to pound. Then a rush of regret hit him—for not noticing her sooner because of the medicine he’d taken.
But without the pills, sleep never came.
He picked up the remote and pressed a button.
The blinds opened slowly, sunlight spilling in.
“Mmh…”
The light made Chaerang stir, and he quickly lifted a hand to shield her eyes.
Then, lying on his side, he simply looked at her.
Her face, a little puffy from sleep, was adorable.
A smile tugged at his lips.
He wished he could lie there with her all day.
He even checked his schedule, hoping to cancel, but his face darkened.
Too many important meetings.
Nothing was more important than her—but these meetings were for her sake too.
Six years ago, he had promised himself that when she came back, he’d be in a place where no one could ever hurt her.
So he had worked nonstop.
I never thought she’d come back on her own…
He still couldn’t quite believe she was here.
Gently, he brushed her hair from her forehead and, unable to resist, pressed a soft kiss there.
She smiled faintly in her sleep.
He lowered the blinds again and got out of bed, heading to the bathroom, reluctant to leave.
When he was ready and stepped out of the dressing room, Chaerang was awake, sitting on the bed.
Seeing her there stirred something deep in him.
If she hadn’t spoken first, he might have just stood there, dazed.
“Are you leaving already?”
“Yeah. I have to go.”
“Will you be back like last night?”
“I will.”
No, I think so.
I will.
Chaerang felt a strange warmth at that, though she quickly got distracted by how good he looked.
A morning view like this…
The perfectly tailored suit, the dark gray color that looked lethal on him, his tall frame, his slicked-back hair—he looked like he’d stepped off a magazine cover.
And above all, that face… flawless even in the morning light.
“You said you wanted to go out today?”
His sudden question broke her trance.
“Oh—yes. I’m planning to head out soon, too.”
“Good. Make sure you eat on time.”
“Yes. You too, Ju‑hyuk.”
“Mm.”
“…?”
He didn’t leave right away, though.
“Is there something else?”
“…I’m heading out now.”
He sounded almost reluctant.
“Okay. Take care.”
She smiled calmly until the door closed behind him—then flopped onto the bed, squealing into a pillow.
“Oh my god!”
She hit the pillow with her fists, then kicked at the blanket.
“Oh my god, oh my god!”
How could you just fall asleep there like that?!
It was a miracle he hadn’t said anything… or maybe he just thought it wasn’t worth mentioning.
Either way, she knew this would haunt her with endless pillow‑kicking moments.
She had completely forgotten her bold promise from the night before about having his child, and just lay there, red‑faced, groaning into the covers.
