Ju‑hyuk didn’t say anything.
He just kept staring at her with those intense eyes, as if asking silently, “Did I hear that right?”
His face looked like he was trying to hold back anger, or maybe he was so shocked that words wouldn’t come out.
‘Of course he’s angry. And confused. How could he not be?’
Chaerang knew it was far too late.
Even if Grandpa had been the one pushing, she should have said something sooner—certainly not after six long years.
But now, at least, she could give him something: freedom.
If she couldn’t change the past, she could at least let him go now.
“That… I’ll explain things to Grandpa myself. I’ll make sure you’re not affected.”
Ju‑hyuk still didn’t speak.
He just ran a hand slowly along his tight lips.
Chaerang didn’t rush him.
Compared to the six years he had been waiting, this silence was nothing.
But the longer it lasted, the heavier her guilt felt in her chest.
Finally, Ju‑hyuk spoke quietly.
“That old man forced us to marry. Do you think he’ll agree to a divorce that easily?”
His expression was still dazed—like a man whose pet dog had just bitten him unexpectedly.
Chaerang couldn’t understand that strange look in his eyes.
“I’m ready for that,” she answered firmly.
Ju‑hyuk kept staring at her.
The calm way she spoke, as if she had already thought through everything, made something tighten in his chest.
Tighten? Afraid?
He didn’t even remember when he last felt this way. It had been so long.
Knock, knock—
There was a knock at the door.
Chaerang glanced toward it.
“That sounds urgent… I should go. I’ve taken up enough of your time.”
She got up, ready to leave, and looked back at him.
“Ju‑hyuk?”
“…”
Of course, he knew big appointments were waiting for him, important ones he couldn’t miss.
He couldn’t stop her from leaving right now, and normally that wouldn’t have bothered him at all.
But today, it made him irritated for no reason.
“Ju‑hyuk, are you—”
“Where are you going to stay?”
“Ah… honestly, I don’t have a plan. I guess I’ll go to a hotel first.”
At that, Ju‑hyuk’s sharp gaze cut straight through her.
His expression was even darker than when she had mentioned divorce.
“A hotel?”
His voice was sharp, more like a scolding than a question.
Chaerang froze, not understanding what she’d said wrong.
“Go to the house. I’ll have someone take you.”
“The house?”
“…”
“…Okay. Sure.”
Feeling the tense air around him, Chaerang quickly agreed.
There was no reason to make him any angrier.
“Then… I’ll go now.”
“…So, when I get home tonight… you’ll be there?”
“Huh?”
She turned back, surprised at his quiet words, but he only motioned with his chin for her to go.
A while later, a car carrying Chaerang entered a secure, upscale housing area not far from his company.
The security was strict, but they let her through—Ju‑hyuk had already given notice.
The car drove deeper and deeper into the complex.
It was so calm and quiet that Chaerang almost forgot she was still in the city.
She thought of Ju‑hyuk living alone in such a quiet place and felt another pang of guilt.
Back in New York, her life had been busy and lively, and it helped her not think about Korea.
But what about him? Had he been lonely in all this silence?
The thought made her even more determined: she had to end things properly, soon.
“Excuse me… what time does Ju‑hyuk usually come home?”
The driver, Mr. Kim, replied, “It depends on his schedule. But today, he’s busy until late evening.”
“I see.”
“Ah—he also said you shouldn’t wait. Please have dinner first.”
“Okay… And, um… should I call you Mr. Kim? Or…?”
He smiled gently. “Call me whatever’s comfortable. Mr. Kim is fine.”
“Alright… Mr. Kim.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“He must eat out often, then, right? Business dinners, meetings…”
“Yes, quite often. Even on weekends sometimes.”
“I see…”
After that, she fell silent and turned to look out the window.
Mr. Kim noticed the mood had dropped, but didn’t ask.
When they arrived, he opened the car door for her.
“Thank you.”
Chaerang was surprised at herself—she accepted the polite service naturally now.
Once, things like this had made her embarrassed.
But back then, her life had been simple and ordinary… and happy.
The memory made her face stiffen suddenly.
“Madam?”
“Ah… yes.”
“Shall we go in?”
“Yes.”
She followed him inside.
Ju‑hyuk’s house was a three‑story home with a basement and a lush green garden.
The greenery gave her a little comfort.
Mr. Kim guided her in, then politely left after saying to call if she needed anything.
“Wow…”
Chaerang looked around for a while, but then remembered what he’d said.
He told me not to wait… to eat first.
But she didn’t want to.
Just once, she wanted to cook him a warm meal.
If he always had to eat with cold, calculating businesspeople, then at least today she could give him something different.
Maybe this would be her last chance.
Come on, Chaerang. Don’t get sad now. You knew this would happen.
With renewed determination, she headed to the kitchen.
Meanwhile, at the office…
‘Then I’ll cancel tonight’s dinner meeting.’
“…”
‘Sir?’
“…Do it.”
Half his evening schedule was suddenly canceled.
The excuse given to others: for the representative’s health.
Outside, the sky was already dark, even though it was only just past seven.
Ju‑hyuk stared out the large window, deep in thought.
‘Madam has arrived safely.’
“Alright.”
‘Anything else you’d like me to do?’
“…Did she say anything else? Even something small?”
‘She asked about your meals—if you often eat out.’
“…I see. That’s all. You can go.”
After that, Ju‑hyuk stood motionless by the window for a long time.
Finally, he picked up his phone.
He wanted to call her, but instead, a different name flashed on the screen.
He answered.
“Yes, Chairman.”
- What took you so long?
“Chairman… am I your grandson?”
- …You’ve met Chaerang, haven’t you?
“Why can’t you answer right away? Do you feel guilty?”
- Enough with the attitude. Just tell me—how was it? Seeing her again after six years?
“…She’s the same.”
The same.
Because his feelings for her hadn’t changed at all.
- Don’t tell me you said that in front of her, you brat.
“Why did you call her back?”
- It was time. How long were you two going to live like strangers?
“….”
- Yes, I know. I’m the one who forced you two together in the first place. But still—fight, argue, do something. Don’t just live like strangers. Either end it or start again. I can’t stand watching anymore. Figure it out.
Then the call abruptly ended.
Ju‑hyuk lowered the phone and let out a long sigh.
