✈️ Bustling JFK Airport in New York
Surrounded by excited travelers, Chaerang stood alone with a gloomy face.
“Haah…”
She stared hard at her phone screen, thinking back to that unexpected call a few days ago.
Grandfather: Come back home now.
Chaerang: Grandfather, I…
Grandfather: I’m done watching my grandson live alone because his wife ran away. It’s been six years. Don’t even talk to me about great‑grandkids. Just come back.
Chaerang: …
Grandfather: Don’t you feel sorry for Ju‑hyuk?
Chaerang: Not just sorry… I feel guilty. I don’t even have the face to see him.
Grandfather: Enough excuses. Stop studying. I even prepared a position for you in the company. Just bring yourself back.
Chaerang: Grandfather…
Grandfather: I’ll expect you back. Both Ju‑hyuk and I.
And now, here she was—headed back to Korea much sooner than she ever imagined.
‘Well… Grandfather is always quick to act.’
It was that same quickness that had her married to Ju‑hyuk as soon as she became an adult.
Even though there was no love, they went through the motions—wedding, house, everything.
But then she ran away. If she hadn’t, maybe… maybe they could have become something like a real couple.
She knew one thing for sure: Ju‑hyuk and Grandfather had been patient with her for far too long.
It had been six whole years since she left.
She hadn’t even waited for the ink to dry on the marriage certificate before fleeing to the U.S.
No honeymoon. No normal married life.
Then again, nothing about their marriage had been normal from the start.
Now, with a reunion looming, Chaerang’s heart was all over the place.
Attention passengers traveling on flight AB7788 to Korea at 2:20 p.m…
Her heart pounded harder.
The airline staff handed her passport and ticket back with a bright smile.
“Enjoy your flight.”
That word—enjoy—made her hesitate. But she forced herself to move.
Her heart refused to calm down.
✈️ 15 Hours Later – Back in Korea
Chaerang stood in front of a tall building in Yeoksam-dong.
She pressed a hand to her chest. Is this what a heart condition feels like?
Her heart, which had finally settled down a little on the plane, started racing again the moment she touched Korean soil.
Why? Why am I like this? What even happened between us…?
“Haah…”
Her palms were damp with sweat. After a deep breath, she walked into the building.
But… how do I even get to the CEO’s office?
After a moment of thinking, she pulled out her phone.
Missed calls filled the screen—all from Grandfather.
Not a single one from Ju‑hyuk.
That thought stung, but she shook it off.
We’re just married on paper. That’s all.
She hit call.
Grandfather: You’re in Korea?
Chaerang: “Yes, Grandfather. I’m… I’m at Ju‑hyuk’s company now.”
Grandfather: Tell the desk your name, and they’ll send you up. I told them in advance.
Chaerang: “Okay… The company’s bigger than I expected.”
Grandfather: The boy takes after me. Smart, isn’t he?
(He laughed warmly.)
Grandfather: Oh, but I didn’t tell him you’re coming.
Chaerang: “What?!”
Her loud reaction made him grumble.
Grandfather: Don’t yell in my ear!
Chaerang: “Sorry, but… why didn’t you tell him? How am I supposed to face him?”
Grandfather: Face him like a normal couple would. When did married people start acting like strangers?
Chaerang: “Grandfather, we’re—”
Grandfather: Enough. You two always complicate things. Deep down, you wanted to see him, didn’t you? Follow your heart. You’re married—what’s there to be embarrassed about?
Chaerang: “….”
Grandfather: You’re both young. Please don’t make me keep dreaming about great-grandkids forever.
Chaerang: “…You never planned on backing down, did you?”
(Grandfather burst out laughing.)
Grandfather: Anyway, come by the house when you can. I want to see you too. I’m busy now. Goodbye.
Chaerang: “…I… I missed you, too, Grandfather.”
Grandfather: Ah, daughters are the best. Bye.
The call ended.
Chaerang stood there, phone in hand, torn.
Should she call Ju‑hyuk first? Tell him she’s back? Or just… go straight up?
“Haah… Whatever. I’ll just do what Grandfather said. Follow my heart.”
When she gave her name at the front desk, an employee immediately led her to the executive elevator.
“Thank you. I can go up alone.”
“The CEO’s office is on the 14th floor.”
“Thank you.”
She stepped inside. The numbers climbing on the panel felt terrifying.
When the doors finally opened with a soft ding, it felt like stepping through the gates of hell.
But there was no running away now.
🏢 In the CEO’s Office
“Who did you say?”
Secretary: Ms. Lee Chaerang.
“….”
Secretary: Sir?
“…Got it.”
Ju‑hyuk ended the call. A rare flicker of unease crossed his face.
Why would Chaerang be here…?
He considered calling again but stopped. He’d know soon enough.
Knock, knock.
The door opened, and there she was.
Ju‑hyuk’s eyes didn’t leave her as she stepped in.
Her eyes met his, studying him in return.
Those deep eyes, sharp nose, and dark lips—he still had that quiet, dangerous look that made her heart skip.
Chaerang, get a grip. Don’t start daydreaming now…
But she couldn’t help it. He was striking.
“Have you been well?”
Her voice was steady—thankfully not trembling like she feared. She even managed a small smile.
“You sound calm. You don’t look like someone who left her husband for six years.”
“….”
His voice was low, but cold.
He’d never been warm with her, not really.
She lowered her head. Six years apart had left a huge, bitter distance.
Tsk. He clicked his tongue and stood up.
“I’m not angry. Don’t make that face.”
“….”
“You look healthy. You’ve been well?”
“…You too.”
Silence fell between them.
Was it always this awkward? She couldn’t keep her eyes on him for long.
“Sit down.”
She sat on the soft couch. Her fingers fidgeted in her lap.
Didn’t you want to see him? Grandfather’s words echoed in her mind.
She forced herself to look at him again. He was even broader than before—his white shirt stretched slightly over solid muscle.
She glanced away quickly when their eyes met.
“Why can’t you look at me? Acting like you’ve done something wrong.”
“I just…”
“You had no problem barging into my office.”
“…Doesn’t this bother you? It’s been six years.”
“It’s… sudden.”
“I’m sorry. I thought Grandfather told you. At the lobby, I—”
“You don’t need to explain. Just act normal. Don’t do anything out of character.”
“What do you mean?”
“You left without a word. Same here—no need for long explanations.”
She realized they were looking straight at each other now.
His eyes were calm, his voice flat.
Somehow, that coldness made her feel like she was back.
She gave a short, dry laugh.
“You haven’t changed, Ju‑hyuk.”
“People don’t just change overnight.”
“You’re right… But I have changed a lot.”
Changed? he thought to himself with a scoff.
But his eyes scanned her—her soft skin, her bright eyes, her familiar smile. She looked the same.
And that annoyed him. She could just show up and stir up his mind while looking so unaffected.
“I’m sorry for showing up without notice. But I came back to finally say something I should have said long ago.”
“What?”
He barely got the word out when a knock came at the door.
He turned toward it, ready to tell his secretary to wait—
—but Chaerang spoke first.
“Let’s get a divorce, Ju‑hyuk.”
