CHAPTER 05…………………………………….
“…Why?”
“I have an appointment.”
With that short answer, Geonwoo immediately opened the door and left. Hana’s lips, which had been about to ask what the appointment was, naturally pressed together. Not wanting to think unnecessarily, she shook her head and sat down at her vanity.
Click—
Geonwoo returned to the room almost immediately, holding his coat and looking at Hana.
“And since I’ll be late today, go to sleep first.”
“Where are you going?”
“Huh.”
“Where… exactly are you going?”
Hana stood up and approached him. Geonwoo, adjusting the watch on his wrist, slightly furrowed his brow.
“I asked where you’re going.”
When no answer came, Hana opened her mouth again, urging him.
“Why are you curious?”
“…I’m allowed to be curious.”
He chuckled softly.
“Yeah. You can be.”
Geonwoo laughed and began to walk away. The space between them suddenly shrank as he bent slightly to meet her gaze.
“Don’t worry. I’m not going off to fool around with some woman.”
He ruffled her hair lightly, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Before Hana could even react, he passed her and left the room. Once again, she was left without a clear answer.
“Ha…”
Yes, that was enough. As long as her father didn’t hear anything unnecessary, that was all that mattered.
Hana exhaled deeply and returned to her vanity.
Tap—
As always, Hana climbed into her car for work, her tired expression softened as she fastened her seatbelt. Her gaze lingered briefly on the dashboard, which indicated she was already several minutes behind schedule.
Her imagination had run wild after Geonwoo’s comment about going to sleep first, thinking all sorts of things.
Just as she hurried to start the car,
Rrrrr—
A loud ringtone broke the silence inside the car. Hana rummaged through her bag and pulled out her phone.
[Mother]
Her expression stiffened noticeably at the bright display. She quickly straightened her posture and answered, worried the call might drop.
“Yes, Mother.”
—At the office?
“Oh, no. I was just about to head to work.”
—Good. Come home for a bit.
“…Now?”
She hesitated. Meetings were scheduled, and there were things she needed to do. She bit her lip nervously.
—Why, can’t you come?
“Ah… well… Mother, I’m really sorry, but I have an important meeting this morning. Can I come after it’s done…?”
She had finally spoken after a moment of steeling herself, her face full of tension as she awaited the reply.
—Just let your secretary cover for you today.
“…?”
—What’s the point of having subordinates if not for times like this.
“……”
—Come home immediately. Bring a coffee on your way.
Arriving at the mansion, Hana took a moment to catch her breath before getting out. One hand carefully held the latte Misook always drank, fearing she might drop it. She approached the door and pressed the bell.
The massive door slowly opened, revealing a lavish and grand garden.
She walked heavily across the front path and finally entered the living room. Her mother-in-law, Misook, sitting on a luxurious chair, immediately caught her eye. Hana quickly approached.
“You called for me, Mother?”
Bowing deeply, Hana spoke while carefully placing the coffee in front of her, watching Misook’s reaction.
“You’re only coming now? When did I call you?”
“…I’m sorry. The nearby café was closed, so I had to go a bit further…”
Misook, still displeased, took a sip of the coffee Hana had set down. The moment her lips touched the cup, her expression shifted noticeably. Hana immediately noticed the subtle change. Misook’s face finally twisted completely.
“Why is this coffee so cold?”
“Pardon? That’s impossible…”
It had been warm in Hana’s hands just moments ago, and she twitched her fingertips nervously. She wanted to take the cup away from Misook immediately.
“Impossible? Are you saying I’m lying?”
Misook set the cup down sharply, her gaze piercing Hana.
“No… no, that’s not it… I’m sorry.”
Hana opened her mouth to explain but quickly bowed her head. She knew this was a matter of admitting her mistake. Finally, Misook’s stern expression softened slightly.
“Anyway…”
Misook clicked her tongue and stood up, clearly still displeased. Hana retreated slightly, watching her movements.
“You brought the car, right?”
“Yes? Yes…”
“Good. Let’s go. It’s been a while since we shopped.”
Before Hana could ask anything further, Misook tossed her handbag into Hana’s arms. Hana quickly caught it and followed closely behind, as always keeping pace with her mother-in-law.
Misook’s demands were endless. Hana trailed behind her through every department store, doing everything just to keep her happy. Yet Misook’s complaints never ceased: “I don’t like this.” “Go back and get that one.” Repeated over and over, Hana was completely exhausted.
Finally finishing the grueling shopping trip, Hana entered the office, worn out.
“Executive Director, you’re back? I rescheduled the meeting for tomorrow morning.”
“Thank you.”
Hana nodded with a small smile. Ah, soon it would be lunch. She checked her wristwatch again.
“Miju, let’s go eat.”
“No, I’ll go after you leave, Executive Director.”
“I’ll be leaving soon, so go eat quickly.”
“Still…”
Faced with Hana’s firm gaze, Miju reluctantly nodded.
“Yes. I’ll go ahead then. Executive Director, enjoy your meal!”
“You too, Miju.”
After taking a brief moment in the office, Hana grabbed her bag again and headed toward her appointment.
“Hard to see each other, huh?”
“Yeah. Life was easier when we were both free.”
Hana arrived at the Japanese restaurant she often went to with Nayeon. They had placed their orders and now sat across from each other. It had become rare to see Nayeon since she became a department head.
“How’s work? Manageable?”
Hana asked, and Nayeon immediately shook her head, frowning deeply.
“No. I’m seriously dying here.”
“Then why push yourself so hard? Take it easy. You’ll collapse if you keep this up.”
“Hey, I’m not just anyone. Being a parachute hire, I can’t take it easy. You have no idea how much the staff gossip behind my back. I can’t stand that, even if it kills me. And the chairman will be mad, too.”
Nayeon gestured broadly, sighing in exhaustion.
Hana understood and gave her a sympathetic look.
“And you?”
“Huh? Me? I’m managing as usual.”
“Not at work. I mean Jung Geonwoo.”
Hana didn’t answer, sipping her water quietly.
“You know there’s a lot of talk about you two divorcing lately? That Geonwoo goes in and out of hotels like it’s nothing.”
“……”
“Are you really not going to divorce him?”
“…We didn’t marry without knowing, did we?”
Hana forced a small smile. Nayeon’s face immediately contorted in disapproval.
