SYAIS C8

SYAIS

Chapter 8

In the evening, when Congressman Park called, Hanna lifted her gaze from her laptop screen and glanced at her phone. After several rings, she cautiously answered the call.

“Yes?”

You called at a busy time.

“No, it’s nothing. I had my phone on silent, so I didn’t notice right away.”

I see. You haven’t changed your mind about coming to the election office, right?

“No, I haven’t.”

That’s a relief. I was worried you might have changed your mind. Chairman Kang asked to meet me after a long time, so I set up an appointment.

Hanna squeezed her eyes shut. She realized that even though he had called her, it must have been to speak directly with Congressman Park.

“I’m sorry.”

Why should you be sorry? This actually works out well.

Hanna wasn’t sure she had heard him correctly.

Has it been three years since you married Sungtae?

Hanna guessed what Congressman Park was leading up to. She held her phone a little tighter, bracing herself for words similar to what Chairman Kang might have said.

“Yes, it will be soon.”

Oh, it’s nothing serious. Your in-laws were worried, so I reassured them that everything is fine.

Hanna bit her lip, already anticipating what would come next.

I explained it well, so don’t worry too much.

Hearing this unexpected remark, Hanna briefly lifted her phone away from her ear.

No matter what your in-laws say, just answer that everything is fine. I handled it appropriately. Both of us know it’s not intentional on your part. I’ve also warned your mother-in-law, though her temperament… is fiery. You must have a tough time.

Hanna almost choked up at his words of consolation. She had assumed he would be indifferent, but realizing he could be unexpectedly considerate gave her some comfort.

I’ll be in touch again.

“Yes…”

After hanging up, Hanna leaned back and felt the headache that had been nagging her since morning gradually ease. A faint smile appeared on her lips for the first time in a while.

The next morning, Congressman Park sent his driver to pick up Hanna. As she got into the car, she silently hoped Junhoo wouldn’t be at the office today.

Fortunately, Junhoo wasn’t there. Hanna waited outside as the secretary explained that Congressman Park was busy. After a few tens of minutes, she was allowed inside.

Congressman Park sat on the sofa, a pile of tablets and documents stacked on the table in front of him. Hanna’s eyes narrowed when she glimpsed one of them.

It was a medical record—clearly labeled with the name: Park Sungtae. Urology records. Why on earth would Congressman Park have this?

As soon as Hanna was escorted in, the secretary quickly hid the documents. Hanna, pretending not to notice, sat across from him.

“Sorry to keep calling you when you’re busy.”

“It’s nothing. Please, speak freely if you have something to say.”

“It’s not the best time for me to go home,” Congressman Park said, glancing at his wristwatch.

“Is your schedule tight?”

“There are more tasks this year than I expected. Also, a lot of complaints have been coming in recently, so I’ve been busy addressing them.”

Although not particularly attentive to his family, Hanna thought he was competent when it came to work. Having been born into a wealthy family, he never obsessed over money. His strained relationship with his wife and his wayward son aside, Congressman Park was a decent person.

“This is because I feel sorry about the other day. Hospital expenses must have been tough for you.”

Hanna was startled when Congressman Park suddenly handed her an envelope.

“This is…”

“Consider it consolation money. You won’t have to worry about it for a while.”

The envelope was quite thick, suggesting a substantial amount. Hanna wanted to grab it immediately, but her hands wouldn’t move easily.

“I thought you might refuse it, but consider it my gesture. I am partly to blame. That guy… won’t be able to come near you for now.”

“What?”

Hanna stared at him, confused.

“That’s the way it is. Now you may go.”

As Congressman Park rose from the sofa, Hanna followed suit.

“Take the envelope.”

Hanna shoved it into her bag almost roughly at his firm command.

“Go now. I’ll be in touch again.”

“Yes.”

After bidding farewell, Hanna stepped outside. Lost in thought before the elevator, she quickly entered when the doors opened.

Descending to the underground parking lot, she suddenly realized she had arrived in the driver’s car. Remembering her own car was parked at home made her chuckle.

‘What a mess. Should I just take a taxi outside?’

As she moved toward the elevator to go to the first floor, someone called her name from behind.

“Ms. Kang Hanna.”

It was a familiar voice. Hanna turned her head to see Choi Junhoo standing there.

He approached in a few steps from a black sedan. Meeting him in this unexpected place flustered Hanna, especially since the underground parking lot seemed empty. She looked up at him, fear in her eyes.

“Starting today, I will be in charge of your security, Ms. Kang Hanna.”

“Wh-what did you say?”

Hanna repeated his words, struggling to believe them.

“Do you think that’s reasonable? Mr. Choi, no matter what, you are the company’s CEO. Someone like you should….”

“Hey, Hanna. What are you doing?”

Hanna froze at the familiar voice. Seeing her pale expression, Junhoo glanced past her shoulder at a man approaching.

A man of about 175 cm with a medium build was strolling toward them. It was the same person who had driven in a sports car earlier and parked in the underground lot.

From his swaggering walk to his designer shirt, tailored top, and handcrafted shoes, the man exuded luxury. He glanced at Hanna, noticed Junhoo’s gaze, and lifted his chin.

Normally, people would feel intimidated by Sungtae’s gaze. The luxury car, designer clothing, and multi-million-won wristwatch naturally commanded respect. But the man in front of Hanna did not react that way. Instead, he looked at Sungtae as if he were a bug, which irritated him.

“Hey, I asked what you’re doing. Didn’t you hear me? This….”

Sungtae nearly swore but stopped himself, realizing this wasn’t his home but Congressman Park’s office parking lot. Any outburst could provoke Park’s anger.

Hanna lowered her gaze and slowly turned to look at her husband. Park Sungtae looked like a top host at a popular Gangnam club.

Though she had never been to such a place, Hanna recalled someone once making that comparison, and it fit perfectly now.

He might think he looked stylish, but to Hanna, he appeared cheap—an odd feeling considering the designer clothing he wore.

“Did you come to see your father-in-law’s office?”

“That’s obvious. But I asked why you’re here. Why aren’t you answering? And this guy… no, who is this person?”

Sungtae hesitated mid-sentence, then corrected himself.

“He’s a bodyguard. From now on, he’ll be in charge of your security, Ms. Kang Hanna.”

Junhoo bowed politely and handed his business card to Sungtae, who frowned upon receiving it.

“Why would I need a bodyguard? Are you rich or something? This is absurd…”

Sungtae began to argue, but Junhoo intervened.

“This is under Congressman Park’s orders. You will have a bodyguard from now on. May I ask who you are?”

“You don’t know who I am?”