A Newlywed… after 6 Years
A trial version of “Let’s Get Married.”
That was when it all began—the start of our tragedy.
“Joo‑hyuk, let’s get divorced.”
To me, saying that meant ending a one‑sided love.
To him, I thought it would mean giving him freedom.
But…
“Stop… ahh…”
It had started as light teasing.
I was in the kitchen, preparing a quick snack for him—the workaholic who even brought his files home.
Suddenly, he came up behind me and, playfully, his hand brushed around my waist.
When I didn’t react—too focused on the food—his fingers slid up, grazing the curve of my neck that was exposed by my tied‑up hair.
“Th‑that tickles.”
“Just tickles, and nothing else?”
His calm, knowing voice made my face burn red hot.
When I hesitated to answer, his touch grew bolder.
Soft lips brushed against the sensitive line of my neck, and just like that, warmth bloomed wherever his lips touched.
The spark spread through my whole body.
“Joo‑hyuk…!”
The kitchen light was bright, but somehow it felt like we were doing something forbidden.
He gently bit down, careful not to hurt.
“A‑ah!”
A sound I never thought I’d make escaped me.
I was never this sensitive before.
If it hadn’t been him, I’d never have known I could feel like this, that I could lose myself like this.
And then his large hand—knowing exactly where I was weakest—started to slide higher, moving somewhere even more dangerous.
“N‑no, wait… if you do that, I’ll—”
I reached back to stop him, but he caught my wrist and spun me around easily.
Our eyes met.
“And then what? Hm?”
“….”
I swallowed hard instead of answering.
But he already knew.
Of course, he knew.
He braced both arms on the table, caging me in.
His face was so close I could barely think.
How could I not be shaken?
This was the man I had fallen for at first sight, the man I had agreed to marry on the day we met.
“Joo‑hyuk… are you…?”
No… no way. Surely not…
But when I thought back on how he’d been acting since I asked for a divorce, the suspicion only grew stronger.
“Are you… trying to seduce me?”
At that, his dark eyebrows lifted.
Maybe I shouldn’t have said that. Maybe he’d be angry.
But then—
“You’re only figuring that out now?”
“…What?”
“I thought maybe Lee Chaerang at least liked my body.
So I figured I’d try it my way.”
“….”
And with that, he moved closer.
His warm scent clouded my head.
“Go on, try it your way too.”
“….”
“If you want to push me away… then push me.”
But his eyes said something else: I dare you to.
I couldn’t push him away.
JFK Airport, New York.
Surrounded by excited travelers, I stood there with a heavy heart.
“Sigh…”
Staring at my phone, I remembered the call from a few days ago.
Come home now.
“Grandpa, I…”
I can’t watch my grandson live alone for six years because his wife ran off.
I gave up on great‑grandkids already. Just come back.
“….”
Don’t you feel sorry for Joo‑hyuk?
“Sorry? …More like guilty. That’s why I can’t face him.”
Enough talk. Your studies are over.
I’ve already got a position for you at the company—just bring yourself.
“Grandpa…”
I’ll be waiting. Both I Joo-hyuk and I will be.
I hadn’t expected to return this quickly.
‘Then again… Grandpa always gets things done.”
With that same unstoppable drive, I’d married Joo‑hyuk as soon as I became an adult.
A marriage without love, but we’d done everything—the wedding, the home…
If I hadn’t run away after only a few months, maybe we could have been a real couple.
I knew it.
Grandpa… and even Joo‑hyuk, had been patient with me.
Six whole years.
I’d left before the ink on the marriage certificate was even dry.
I’d fled to America, never having known a normal married life, let alone a honeymoon.
Nothing about our marriage was normal from the start.
Maybe that’s why everything after was so twisted, too.
Now, about to see him again, my heart churned with feelings I couldn’t name.
Attention passengers traveling on flight AB7788 to Korea at 2:20 p.m…
My heart pounded harder.
At the gate, the staff smiled as they handed back my passport and boarding pass.
“Enjoy your flight.”
That word—enjoy—made me hesitate.
But I forced myself forward.
My heart refused to calm down.
15 hours later…
I stood in front of a high-rise building in Yeoksam-dong.
Pressing a hand over my chest, I wondered if I had a heart condition.
The closer I got to him, the faster my heart raced.
“Haah…”
I tried to act calm, but my sweaty palms betrayed me.
‘How do I even get to the CEO’s office?’
As I hesitated, I turned on my phone—dozens of missed calls from Grandpa.
None from Joo‑hyuk.
A pang of disappointment hit me, but I shook my head.
We’re only married on paper.
I called Grandpa.
You’ve arrived in Korea?
“Yes, Grandpa. I’m at his company now.”
Tell the desk your name. I’ve already arranged it.
“Thank you. But wow, the company’s huge.”
That boy takes after me in business.
Grandpa laughed. Even while scolding his grandson, he sounded proud.
Ah, I didn’t tell him you’re coming.
“What?! Why not?”
How else would you see him? You’re husband and wife—no need for formalities.
“Grandpa, we’re—”
Enough. Stop saying you’re different.
You both overthink too much.
Didn’t you want to see him? Follow your heart.
You’re married; there’s nothing to be ashamed of.
“…”
You’re still young. Don’t think I’ve forgotten about great‑grandkids.
“You’d never forget anyway…”
Grandpa laughed loudly.
Visit the house sometime. I’d like to see you too. I’m busy now, so goodbye.
“Grandpa…”
What?
“I… I missed you.”
This is why I like having a granddaughter. Bye now.
The call ended.
I clutched my phone and stood there, debating—
Should I call Joo‑hyuk first?
Or just go up and face him?
“Sigh…”
Forget it.
Like Grandpa said—follow your heart.
Because… I did miss him.
At the desk, I gave my name.
“Of course, ma’am,” the staff said, guiding me to the executive elevator.
“The CEO’s office is on the 14th floor.”
“Thank you.”
Alone in the elevator, the rising numbers felt terrifying.
Ding—
The doors opened.
It felt like walking into hell.
But I couldn’t run anymore.
Inside the office…
“Who did you say is here?”
Mrs. Lee Chaerang, sir.
“….”
Sir?
“Understood.”
Ending the call, Joo‑hyuk’s calm face flickered with unease.
Lee Chaerang? Here?
He didn’t call to confirm.
If it was her, he’d know soon enough.
Knock knock—
The door opened slowly.
He didn’t take his eyes off her as she stepped in.
Neither did she.
Sharp eyes, a straight nose, and those lips—dark red, far too tempting.
Stop it, Chaerang. Focus.
But she couldn’t help but admire him, just like the day they met.
She almost blushed again.
“Have you been well?”
Her voice came out calmer than she expected.
She even managed a small smile.
“You’re composed. It doesn’t look like a wife who hasn’t been seen in six years.”
“….”
His voice was cold.
Not that it was ever warm before.
She lowered her head.
The distance between them felt wider than ever.
Tsk.
She heard him click his tongue and rise from his chair.
“I’m not angry. Don’t make that face.”
“….”
“You look well. Been doing fine?”
“You too.”
Silence settled between them.
Had it always been this awkward?
“Sit.”
She obeyed, sitting on the sofa while sneaking glances at him.
Her fingers fidgeted nervously in her lap.
Didn’t you want to see him?
Grandpa’s words echoed in her ears.
She looked up, taking him in.
Broader shoulders, the white shirt stretched over firm muscles.
When their eyes met, she flinched and looked away.
“Why can’t you look at me? Feel guilty?”
“I just…”
“You barged into my office just fine.”
“Aren’t you… even a little surprised? It’s been six years.”
“A bit.”
“I’m sorry. I thought Grandpa would’ve told you. Downstairs—”
“No need to explain. Just act like you always did. Don’t start acting strange now.”
“What do you mean?”
“You left without a word back then. You don’t have to give me explanations now.”
She didn’t look away this time.
His dark eyes, his flat voice—it finally felt real.
She laughed softly.
“You are the same, Joo‑hyuk.”
“Wouldn’t it be strange if I’d changed?”
“You’re right. But… I’ve changed a lot.”
Changed? he thought.
Not really.
His eyes roamed over her.
The same fair skin, those big eyes, the little smile.
Nothing had changed.
And that somehow irritated him.
She showed up out of nowhere, stirring up his mind, while acting so calm.
“I’m sorry for showing up without warning. But… I came back to finally do what I should’ve done back then.”
“What’s that?”
He barely finished the question when a knock interrupted.
Probably his secretary.
He turned his head to say, “Come in,” but she spoke first—
her words sharp, clear, and unwavering:
“Let’s get divorced, Joo‑hyuk.”
(To be continued in Volume 1…)
