“…I’m sorry. There’s not much time left.”
Grandfather was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer, with less than a 5% survival rate.
That day, it felt like her world was collapsing.
“How can I close my eyes and leave my Chaerang behind?”
Even in that situation, Grandfather was only worried about her. Though she was an adult, he was still worried about leaving his granddaughter, who didn’t know much about life, alone in this world without him.
For her grandfather, Chaerang made a decision.
She decided to get married and show her grandfather that she was doing well so he wouldn’t have to worry anymore.
So, she asked the Chairman for help.
She had heard many times how much her grandfather had helped the Chairman in the past when no one believed in his business plan, and how her grandfather’s investment had allowed the company to grow.
She thought that the Chairman, who had taken such good care of her grandfather, would help her too.
Of course, the Chairman didn’t plan to marry her off to Ju-hyuk so quickly. She didn’t expect it either. At the time, she had just become an adult and marriage felt like a distant future. She was dreaming of becoming a painter, following in the footsteps of her mother, who had been an artist.
But with her grandfather’s health deteriorating, focusing on her studies felt like a luxury.
She explained the situation to the Chairman, hoping that if she married his grandson, her grandfather would feel more at ease.
And so, the meeting with Ju-hyuk was set up.
However, the more Chaerang got to know Ju-hyuk, the more her thoughts about marrying for her grandfather’s sake slowly turned into personal desire.
She had probably fallen in love with him at first sight.
When they first met, she couldn’t help but be amazed at how handsome he was. His sculpted features, his refined manners, and his deep voice that made everyone pay attention.
And as time went on, she discovered the warmth hidden behind his cold exterior.
The day she heard about her grandfather’s chemotherapy results, Ju-hyuk stayed with her silently, without asking anything. There was no comforting, but just being by his side made her feel comforted.
It was because she liked him so much.
She thought that if the person she loved didn’t love her back, just being with him would make her feel so fulfilled. That was when she became certain that she could marry him.
With the Chairman’s support, the marriage procedure moved forward step by step.
But in the end, she couldn’t show her grandfather a happy life. It was all her fault.
If she had answered the phone that day, or pretended to be doing well, even if it was just a lie…
“I’m sorry, Grandpa.”
She felt nothing but regret toward her grandfather.
Six years ago, after her grandfather passed away, she wanted to die too. It was because of her guilt for ruining his last moments. Every day felt like living with a burden.
That’s when the Chairman suggested she go abroad for her studies.
He told her to go to Korea, study what she wanted, and clear her mind. So, she left for the U.S. to survive. If she hadn’t gone then, she might have withered away.
Even now, she couldn’t fully free herself from the guilt, but she was much better than before.
“Don’t worry about me anymore, both of you. I’ll be okay. So, please watch over me.”
She could smile now, in front of both of them.
She was now on her way back after saying goodbye to her grandfather and mother.
Her phone buzzed in her bag. It was Ju-hyuk calling.
“Yes, Ju-hyuk.”
- I heard from the Chairman. Did you go to Suwon?
“Ah, yes…”
Chaerang felt a little guilty. She hadn’t lied to him, but if things had been different six years ago, maybe she would have told him she was going to meet her grandfather.
- Are you on your way back now?
“I’m just about to head back after greeting them.”
- I would’ve gone with you if I’d known.
Chaerang smiled faintly at his words.
She could tell he was taking time out of his busy day to call her. His saying he would’ve gone with her was also sincere.
“That’s okay. You’re busy. And since it’s my first visit back after returning, I thought it’d be better to go alone.”
There was a pause, and then he asked, more cautiously than usual.
- Are you okay?
She didn’t expect to talk about this with him. Both of them had avoided talking about it until now.
Though she wasn’t completely at ease yet, she was better.
“Yes, I’m fine.”
- You went alone, right? I’ll send a driver.
“No, the Chairman already arranged a driver for me. I’m planning to go straight to his house.”
- Got it. Be careful on your way back.
It sounded like he was being called away for work. She could hear voices in the background.
“Yes, you too, take care.”
- Chaerang.
The call, which she thought would end, was interrupted by his voice.
“Yes?”
- Next time, let’s go together.
Chaerang froze at his words.
- Are you listening?
“Ah, yes. Next time… sure.”
- Alright. Then, I’ll hang up.
“Okay, I’ll see you at home.”
Chaerang stood still, looking at her phone, thinking about Ju-hyuk’s words. He had shaken her heart with such simple words.
At the Chairman’s family home.
Chaerang walked through the yard, feeling nostalgic as nothing had changed since her last visit.
She didn’t remember much from the first time she came with her grandfather, as she was too young. But later, her grandfather had told her how she had caused quite a bit of trouble by running around everywhere.
Her grandfather had been so proud of her for being the good granddaughter who always listened to the Chairman, but she had been more like a mischievous boy, causing chaos around. But the Chairman actually liked it, or so her grandfather had said.
Chaerang guessed it was probably because the Chairman, who had lost his son and daughter-in-law, found some comfort in her energy.
The Chairman’s secretary approached her as she was reminiscing.
“The Chairman is waiting for you. Please follow me.”
Chaerang followed the secretary into the mansion.
The housekeeper was still the same, and Chaerang exchanged a brief greeting with her before heading to the living room. There, she saw the familiar figure of the Chairman sitting on the sofa.
“Chairman, your granddaughter has arrived…”
“Chairman!”
Before the secretary could finish speaking, Chaerang ran up to the Chairman and hugged him.
“Grandfather, I missed you.”
The Chairman, holding a newspaper, half-smiled but his words were sharp.
“You missed me, but you show up this late?”
“I came because of you. If you talk like that, I might go back.”
“You cheeky one, don’t talk like that.”
“Then you must have missed me too, right? Admit it.”
Finally, the Chairman gave in and smiled affectionately at Chaerang.
“Well, I did call you because I missed you. Why else would I call?”
Chaerang, in a playful mood, handed him a gift.
“I brought you some sweet red bean bread from that bakery you love.”
The Chairman looked at her for a moment before gesturing for her to sit beside him.
Chaerang sat down on the sofa, and the Chairman gently took her hand.
“Well, did you greet Grandpa and Mom well?”
“Yes, I should’ve come earlier, but it felt good seeing them again after so long. It reminded me of when we first came to the Chairman’s house together.”
The Chairman smiled at the memory.
“Back then, you were so mischievous that Grandpa was in trouble because of you.”
“Yes, Grandpa always said I caused him trouble with my antics.”
“Well, that’s because Grandpa was so proud of you. He loved to boast about his granddaughter, even though he was a man who only cared about his work. He must’ve really loved you.”
Chaerang smiled softly, feeling the warmth of her grandfather’s love.
“I really miss Grandpa, Chairman.”
