Chapter 29
At Taeseok’s words, Sunyoung wiped away her tears.
Though it had always weighed on her heart that her daughter lived alone in Seoul, trying to make a living, she was now relieved that someone would be by her side for life. Just that thought alone filled her with emotion.
Though she hadn’t done much as a parent, her daughter was more precious to her than life itself. She could only hope that she would forget the painful memories and live a life filled with love.
“Just so you’re aware in advance… the Chairwoman—my grandmother—can be a little sharp. She might say something unintentionally hurtful during the conversation, so I hope you’ll understand in advance.”
Becoming part of one of Korea’s top chaebol families was never going to be a smooth road.
“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”
“And once we’re married, Iseo will be living with me. I’d like you to use this officetel, Mother.”
“What? What are you talking about?”
“I wanted you to move to a new place, but you kept refusing. This is the only way I could think of to make sure you’re comfortable. Iseo will also feel more at ease knowing you’re close by rather than far away. So please, just this once, don’t say no.”
Sunyoung’s face was clearly filled with confusion at the unexpected proposal.
“I’ll handle the moving myself, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.”
“Still, how can I live here? I’m really fine.”
“I’m not fine, that’s why I’m asking. Please, make yourself at home here.”
Even Iseo hadn’t thought of this, and the consideration Taeseok showed toward her mother made her nose sting with emotion.
“You two must have a lot to talk about tonight, so I’ll be heading out now.”
After Taeseok left, Sunyoung and Iseo sat down together.
To Sunyoung, Taeseok’s sudden appearance still felt like a dream.
“To be honest, I did have some preconceptions about chaebol families… but the more I get to know him, the more I realize he’s a decent, well-raised man.”
“You like him that much? You’re acting like you always wanted me to get married quickly. Aren’t you even a little sad that your only daughter is suddenly getting married? You used to say we should live together and that I should wait to get married.”
“Sad? How could I be? Now our family’s gained a wonderful and reliable son-in-law.”
A gentle smile appeared on Sunyoung’s lips.
“Mom, like Taeseok said… no matter what the Chairwoman says tomorrow, try not to let it upset you too much.”
“Don’t worry. She gave you two her blessing, didn’t she?”
Knowing her mother would worry, Iseo hadn’t told her that the Chairwoman had only agreed to the marriage on the condition that they live together for a year.
“You can handle this, right?”
Sunyoung pulled Iseo into a hug.
“You do really love him, don’t you?”
“Why are you asking something so obvious?”
Iseo’s voice trembled slightly as she replied.
“Mother, why are you still like this? Isn’t today the meeting with the in-laws?”
“What meeting? I never agreed to that.”
“But President Han won’t take it lightly if you don’t go.”
“And what if he doesn’t? Why should I meet that family?”
Pilsun’s brow furrowed deeply as she spoke.
“Didn’t you agree to the marriage?”
Just then, her phone chimed with a message.
“The marriage was agreed on the condition of living together for one year. Please show at least basic respect to Ms. Choi Iseo’s mother. If you’re not at the meeting location by 2 PM, I won’t let it slide.”
Pilsun’s hand trembled slightly as she read the message.
After a brief pause, a crooked smile tugged at the corner of her lips. She then stood up from her seat.
At the scheduled time, Sunyoung and Iseo arrived at a traditional Korean restaurant in Cheongdam, stepping out of the car Taeseok had sent.
“You’re here.”
Taeseok stood in front of them, waiting.
The season was heading toward midsummer, and the air was thick with heat.
“Let’s go.”
As he looked at the empty room, a twitch flickered in Taeseok’s brow.
“Maybe we arrived too early.”
Contrary to Sunyoung’s words, there were less than ten minutes left until the appointment time.
Just as Taeseok was about to step out, the reservation room door opened, and in walked Pilsun, Hyejeong, and Jitae.
Sunyoung and Iseo rose from their seats. Pilsun’s gaze pierced right through them.
“Sorry we’re a bit late. Apologies for the first impression.”
“N-not at all.”
Hyejeong smiled politely, but there was something strange about it.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Choi Sunyoung, Iseo’s mother.”
With tightly sealed lips and arms crossed, Pilsun arched one eyebrow, her gaze sharp and cold.
“This is Chairwoman Jang Pilsun of Ganghwa Group, and I’m Han’s mother, Min Hyejeong.”
At Hyejeong’s overly casual mention of being Taeseok’s mother, Taeseok pressed his lips together tightly.
“I’m his younger brother, Han Jitae.”
Jitae, too, had a crooked smile on his face.
Each of the three wore different expressions as they looked at Iseo and Sunyoung.
Despite the beautiful array of dishes laid out on the table, no one made a move.
“To be honest, Han’s sudden announcement of the marriage caught us off guard, so we don’t know much about Miss Iseo’s background…”
Taeseok’s brow furrowed deeply as he listened to Hyejeong’s trailing voice.
“If you don’t mind me asking… is Miss Iseo’s father…?”
“It’s basic etiquette not to ask questions you already know will be uncomfortable.”
Though she knew the truth, Hyejeong asked deliberately. A faint smile curved her lips.
“Oh dear, maybe I shouldn’t have said that.”
“Life doesn’t always go the way we want. Due to circumstances, I got divorced when Iseo was young.”
Pilsun’s face hardened even further.
“Oh my, I didn’t mean to make things uncomfortable.”
“It’s fine. It’s been many years. I may not have been able to provide much financially as a single parent, but I raised her with more love and care than anyone else.”
“Of course, I can tell just by looking. She’s clearly been raised well. And she and Han are such a good match.”
Looking for the right moment, Jitae smiled and asked Iseo:
“I heard you’ve been dating for over a year. How did you two meet?”
Before Iseo could respond, Taeseok answered in her place.
“We met at a friend’s wedding. The moment I saw her, I knew she was the one. And honestly, she’s the kind of person you can’t help but fall for at first sight.”
“Our Han is quite the romantic, isn’t he?”
At Hyejeong’s words, Pilsun gulped down her water in one go and slammed the cup down.
“So, the plan to live together for a year—that’s been discussed, right?”
“Pardon?”
“What, you haven’t told them yet?”
“Mom, I forgot…”
“Oh, I see. We hadn’t heard about that.”
Sunyoung’s face showed signs of surprise.
“It’s only one year of living together after marriage. No need to be so shocked. There’s a lot to teach.”
“Mother, the food is getting cold. Please, let’s eat.”
As Taeseok served food onto Sunyoung’s plate, Pilsun’s gaze darkened.
“Even if you skip the wedding gifts, you should at least exchange the basics.”
“There’s no need for that. We agreed to just exchange rings.”
“What? I can’t believe this…”
“We’re also keeping the wedding small—just family and a few close friends.”
“Well, aren’t you just full of good ideas.”
“If wedding gifts are absolutely necessary, we’ll prepare something specifically for you, Chairwoman.”
Tension hung in the air. Trying to lighten the mood, Sunyoung asked Jitae a question.
“Are you still single?”
“I’m seeing someone. I think we’ll be getting married later this year.”
Smiling, Jitae served food onto Pilsun’s plate.
“Grandmother, please try to eat something.”
“I don’t have much of an appetite today.”
“You don’t look fully recovered from your cold. We should head out.”
Clearly displeased, Pilsun stood up without another word and abruptly turned away.
“Then we’ll be seeing you.”
Sunyoung watched as Hyejeong and Jitae followed behind her.
“Looks like the Chairwoman still isn’t feeling well. We should’ve delayed the meeting if we had known.”
“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it. I’ll take you back.”
The three of them sat in silence in the car.
After facing Pilsun’s cold and icy demeanor, a heavy sigh escaped from deep within Iseo’s chest.
“Thanks for everything today.”
“Not at all, Mother. I’m the one who should apologize for so many things.”
“What are you talking about, Han? Why?”
“Secretary Min, to the officetel…”
“No, I’ll just go to the terminal. Drop me off up ahead.”
“Mom, why all of a sudden?”
“I need to organize a few things. The wedding is still coming up, and I’ve got a few personal errands. I’ll come back after I’ve settled everything.”
“Still… stay with me tonight and go tomorrow.”
“Yes, please do that.”
“No, I rushed here and still have things to take care of.”
After Sunyoung left, Iseo returned to the officetel, her thoughts full of her mother.
Her mother had said she was fine, that all she wanted was her daughter’s happiness, and to take care of her health until the wedding day. That image of her turning away lingered in Iseo’s mind.
She hadn’t wanted to hurt her mother—not even a little—not even unintentionally.
Her lips tightened, and her face darkened with emotion.
“If this is something we have to face anyway, it’s better to get it over with quickly.”
Taeseok stepped closer and cupped her cheek in his large hand, gently lifting her face to meet his eyes.
“This is the last time. I promise I won’t let anything hurt you again.”
