Chaerang knew very well that when the chairman told Ju‑hyuk to “end it,” he didn’t mean it.
No one wanted this marriage more than the chairman himself, and no one felt more responsible for it than he did.
But whether it was ending things or starting over, neither was going to be easy.
Ju‑hyuk hated indecision more than anything—yet when it came to Chaerang, it wasn’t that simple.
Bzz—
His phone buzzed.
It was a text from Chaerang.
[When are you coming? Did you eat? I know you probably did… but if not, please come home soon.]
Buzz, buzz—
[No, forget that. Cancel what I just said.]
[I mean, I’m not trying to rush you. Keep working. Sorry for bothering you.]
Seeing her nervous, hurried messages, Ju‑hyuk let out a small laugh.
His chest, which had felt so tight earlier, suddenly loosened.
He couldn’t stop smiling, imagining her tiny hands typing frantically.
Am I crazy…?
Ever since she came back, his emotions had been all over the place.
It felt strange, but also… familiar.
The same rush of feelings from six years ago swept over him again.
But then another message arrived, and his smile froze.
[It’s nothing else, but… we still have things to talk about. Don’t be too late.]
“Things to talk about.”
She probably meant the divorce.
His grip tightened on his phone until it almost cracked.
Then he stood up slowly, his shoes striking the floor hard with every step.
Divorce? Who says so?
The thought of her making that decision alone made his blood boil.
Who permitted you to end this marriage?
The anger he’d been holding back earlier exploded.
Bang!
The office door slammed so hard it made the waiting secretary flinch.
It was the first time Kim, his secretary, had ever seen Ju‑hyuk show his emotions so openly.
‘…It must be because of Madam.’
Kim quickly followed after him.
“I’ll drive you home, sir.”
Ju‑hyuk’s long stride stopped.
“…?”
“If I were to get divorced,” he said suddenly, his voice low,
“how big would the losses be? Count everything—stocks, reputation, whatever.”
Even Kim, experienced as he was, froze for a second at the word divorce.
“Uh… public opinion might drop for a while, but—”
Even that wasn’t certain.
A chaebol family like theirs wouldn’t be hurt much by personal matters.
Divorces happened in big business families all the time.
“Mr. Kim?”
“Ah, yes. Honestly, sir… I’m not sure. There hasn’t been anything like that in the group before.”
“Not sure?” Ju‑hyuk’s voice was sharp. “That’s irresponsible.”
“S‑sorry—”
“Make me a report. Worst‑case scenarios. I don’t care if it’s unrealistic. Irresponsible means you don’t have to take responsibility anyway.”
Kim understood immediately and nodded.
“Yes, sir.”
“I’ll drive. You focus on that report.”
Without another word, Ju‑hyuk strode out of the building.
Meanwhile, at the house…
“Eight o’clock…”
Chaerang stared at the clock and fiddled with her phone.
Will he be very late…?
She hadn’t expected a reply, but she still felt a little hurt.
If you’re going to be late, at least say so…
The house was far too big.
Being alone in such a big place felt even lonelier.
She imagined Ju‑hyuk living like this for years, and her guilt grew heavier.
That’s why I have to divorce him quickly.
No pointless hope, no regrets.
She wanted to give him what he wanted.
And after thinking it over and over, she knew that was a divorce.
It was the only thing she could offer him—just like he had quietly let her go six years ago.
This time, she wanted to send him off with a smile.
Beep—
The sound of the door unlocking snapped her out of her thoughts.
Chaerang shot up like a startled meerkat and ran to the entrance.
The door opened, and there he was—his face still striking even in the dim light.
Her resolve crumbled the moment she saw him.
Maybe she was weak to that face.
But it wasn’t just his face—it was the weight of a first love that still made her heart race even now.
Ju‑hyuk stepped in, silent, and the door closed behind him with a click.
“You’re… here?” she asked softly.
“…”
“You’re earlier than I thought. Did you eat? Were you busy?”
He walked down the hall without answering.
Chaerang followed, chattering nervously behind him.
“Whoa—wait, you stopped so suddenly!”
She almost bumped into his broad back and blurted out a complaint.
Even at a glance, he looked solid as a rock; hitting him would have hurt.
Then he turned and looked at her—looked at her—and she felt her breath catch.
Now it was just the two of them in this big, quiet house.
Her heart pounded wildly.
Get it together, Chaerang… pull yourself together.
“Why…”
“Did you eat?”
Her eyes widened. “Ah… no.”
“Not until now?” His brows drew together in disapproval.
Was eating that serious?
“I wanted to eat with you…” she murmured.
Ju‑hyuk let out a long sigh.
She says that… and then asks for a divorce?
The thought made him angry all over again.
But Chaerang didn’t know. She only watched his face anxiously.
“Was that too much? I just thought—”
“Eat. Together.”
“Now? You didn’t eat yet?”
“You told me to come quickly, didn’t you? I’ll wash up. Start eating if you want.”
“N‑no, I’ll wait. Let’s eat together.”
“Suit yourself.”
He headed upstairs without another word.
Chaerang hurried back to the kitchen to warm up the dishes she’d prepared.
It almost feels like… like we’re newlyweds.
Six years later… a late honeymoon?
She gave a small, silly laugh and began plating the food carefully, humming without realizing it.
Upstairs, in the shower…
Ju‑hyuk stood still under the hot water.
His body was lean and strong, his pale skin wet under the spray.
He didn’t care how he looked, but he knew his looks helped him in business.
Not that it mattered—he’d never been interested in anyone else. Only Chaerang.
And now she wanted to leave him.
The thought tightened in his chest.
He shut off the water and stepped out, grabbing a towel.
But he paused when he saw the towel neatly folded—a towel she must have touched.
He stared at it like it was a priceless piece of art.
Then he crushed it in his hand, his eyes darkening.
“You think you can just run away now…?”
A dangerous kind of possessiveness burned in his gaze, a feeling locked away for six years, finally breaking free.
Downstairs, Chaerang carefully set the dishes on the table—soup, rice, side dishes—all arranged beautifully.
“Even if it doesn’t taste perfect… at least it looks good,” she said to herself with a nervous laugh.
Then she heard footsteps and turned her head—
“…!”
“What is it?”
“N‑nothing!” she stammered, flustered.
Her eyes darted away, her cheeks red.
He almost teased her, but stopped himself.
Ju‑hyuk walked to the table and sat down.
Chaerang watched him secretly, her heart racing.
This man’s face should be illegal…
The wet hair falling over his eyes, the damp shine of his skin, the soft curve of his lips…
“What are you doing?”
“W‑what?”
“Why are you shaking your head? Are you sick?”
She’d been trying to clear her thoughts, and he caught her.
“N‑no! Let’s just eat!”
For a moment, she regretted coming here at all.
Being near him was dangerous for her heart.
But she steadied herself. She hadn’t brought up divorce on a whim.
She had to say it.
Chaerang took a deep breath and looked at him.
