Episode 19
In the darkness, Jaehyun lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling.
“When did this start…”
It had been one hour—no, two. The ticking of the clock was the only sound breaking the silence. Sleepless nights were nothing new lately.
Whenever he closed his eyes, she appeared. Especially the events from a few days ago—they replayed like a historical drama on repeat.
Sigh…
Eventually giving up on sleep, Jaehyun got up from bed and poured himself a glass of wine. Normally, he would never drink before work, but tonight was different. He needed even the artificial strength to break this chain of insomnia.
His gaze fell on the report left on the desk—submitted by Jang Taesu. Jaehyun took a sip of wine and opened it again.
> “Han Seo-eun was previously engaged to the heir of K Hotel Group. Two weeks after the engagement was broken off, she married the chairman’s son per his wishes. At the time, Hanseong Bio was on the brink of bankruptcy due to a failed drug development project. After marriage, the company was revived thanks to full support from the Siwon Group…”
Jaehyun emptied the glass in one go, his expression turning cold.
“She married me right after the engagement was broken off?”
According to the report, they hadn’t acted like a married couple even after marriage. Though they lived under the same roof, they were indifferent to each other. She had always kept her distance, carefully and respectfully.
So why was she suddenly approaching him now that his memory was gone?
At first, he simply suspected her. But even that doubt was beginning to waver.
Her gaze, her trembling voice, and the honest side she’d shown when drunk the night before—it all felt too sincere to be an act.
Jaehyun let out a frustrated breath and unbuttoned his silk pajamas. But it wasn’t the clothes that were suffocating him.
“If this keeps up…”
He had hoped it was just physical desire. He thought it would pass if he embraced her, again and again.
But instead, the thirst only deepened. That false belief was now crumbling completely.
“Why… why does it have to be you?”
Especially at this timing—right after he had lost all memory of their shared life.
She was kind and affectionate to him, even when he acted cold. Her actions seemed too perfect, almost suspiciously so. If she had married him to save Hanseong Bio from ruin, maybe she still had an ulterior motive now.
There were even rumors that Hanseong Bio’s business was declining again. Maybe that’s why she was getting close.
But those suspicions melted away whenever she stood before him. Every time he saw her, reason abandoned him.
Jaehyun abruptly rose from the bed, feeling there was no point in thinking further. Since he couldn’t sleep, he figured he might as well work.
He picked up the documents on his desk—but again, her face floated before his eyes.
“Damn it…”
He went into the bathroom and turned on the faucet, splashing cold water on his face. But even as he wiped away the water, his thirst for her didn’t fade.
“This is dangerous.”
Jaehyun raked his hand through his hair. His emotions for her were growing deeper.
There were still too many unknowns between them—the missing three years, the secrets she might be hiding. Until he uncovered the truth, he needed to approach her rationally.
“I need to keep my distance.”
His quiet murmur carried a firm resolve. This wasn’t running away—it was the best choice.
—
Early Morning
Sion stood at the dining table, staring at the empty seat.
For days now, Jaehyun had been leaving for work early—clearly avoiding her.
“Did I do something wrong…?”
But she quickly let out a bitter laugh.
Since when did I start worrying about things like this? It’s just going back to how things used to be.
I don’t even have the right to be sad.
It was laughable—feeling hurt while keeping secrets from him. She hated herself. So much that she couldn’t even cry anymore. Only emptiness remained.
After all, she was the one who seduced him with ulterior motives. She had chosen to bear his child—for Jaewoo’s sake. And now, she was heartbroken that he was avoiding her?
“Ma’am, you need to eat something.”
At Suwon Taek’s worried voice, Seo-eun forced herself to pick up her chopsticks. But no matter how good the food was, she couldn’t taste anything.
Ring ring—
Her phone rang.
She flinched slightly when she saw who it was—Jaewoo’s doctor.
“Yes, Doctor.”
> “I’m calling to schedule the next round of treatment.”
“Thank you for reaching out. How is Jaewoo doing?”
> “So far, the results have been positive. It looks like the new drug suits his condition well.”
A sigh of relief escaped her lips in the silence of the night. She felt like crying from the gratitude.
> “You must’ve gone through a lot.”
“No… thank you, Doctor.”
The hope that her brother could survive—was enough to bring her to tears. But that hope came at the cost of deceiving Jaehyun, and it weighed on her more heavily than ever.
“Truly… thank you.”
Her voice trembled.
> “However, continued treatment is essential. As you know, cancer treatment is unpredictable—some days show progress, and others don’t.”
Which meant: she would have to keep following Han Kang-sik’s orders.
Outside, in the cold wind, a bare tree branch swayed. Seo-eun watched it quietly.
“…Yes. I understand.”
Her eyes dimmed. Maybe it was just the darkening sky beyond the window.
—
That Evening
Jaehyun stepped into the cold garden.
After deciding to keep distance from Seo-eun, he had started working late on purpose. The sleepless nights continued, but he convinced himself this was the best course of action.
“Oh, CEO! You’re leaving work now?”
As he passed Suwon Taek on his way home, Jaehyun gave a curt nod. He tried to keep walking, but Suwon Taek stopped him.
“Um… Madam didn’t eat today. She’s been staying in her room all day.”
Jaehyun paused. Underneath his calm expression, a flicker of conflict crossed his face.
Is it because I’ve been cold?
The thought surfaced, and he clenched his jaw. He was about to waver again—over something he promised not to care about.
Swallowing his irritation, he entered the house. That familiar, faint scent welcomed him—it was hers.
A moment later, Seo-eun stepped out of her room, hearing him arrive.
“You’re home?”
Her bright smile looked nothing like Suwon Taek’s concerned words.
But now he understood—she smiled more brightly the more pain she was hiding.
Jaehyun’s gaze lingered on her. Seo-eun touched her face, puzzled.
“Is something on my face?”
He shook his head and walked past her toward the living room. He had promised not to care, so why did her pale complexion still bother him?
She’s really troublesome…
“Did you eat?”
He asked coolly, as if it was just small talk. Seo-eun hesitated. The delay in her answer made Jaehyun’s brow twitch.
“I…”
“Let’s eat together.”
The words slipped out before he could stop them.
Seo-eun’s eyes widened in surprise.
“You haven’t eaten yet? It’s so late…”
Instead of replying, Jaehyun sat on the sofa. In truth, he had already eaten at the company—but the thought of her skipping dinner because of him made him uncomfortable.
If she fainted, it’d just be a hassle.
His mind made excuses while his heart struggled to justify itself.
Oblivious to his inner conflict, Seo-eun rushed to the kitchen. He must’ve been busy with work—maybe he wasn’t avoiding her on purpose.
She quickly took out the side dishes Suwon Taek had prepared and set the table.
Jaehyun’s gaze settled on her thin wrists.
Were they always that slender?
“Jaehyun… the food’s ready.”
He sat at the table without expression. As she placed the last bowl, Seo-eun started to step away.
“I’ll—”
“Sit down.”
The cold command made her sit instinctively.
Jaehyun silently picked up his spoon. The air was heavier than usual. Only the sound of utensils echoed through the room.
Pretending to focus on eating, Jaehyun kept glancing at her. She hesitated for a while before finally taking a bite.
Only after confirming that she ate did a faint smile flicker on his lips.
There were no conversations exchanged. Yet the silence between them wasn’t entirely uncomfortable.
“Jaehyun… This is your favorite. The housekeeper made it just for you.”
Seo-eun gently slid the dish toward him.
“I’m fine. You eat it.”
“I already—”
“I already ate earlier.”
“You did?”
He almost pressed her about the lie without thinking.
He’d promised not to care—but here he was again. When he stopped speaking, Seo-eun looked at him curiously.
“Jaehyun?”
“Eat. Don’t talk.”
“…Okay.”
Even as he realized how contradictory he was acting, Jaehyun couldn’t stop himself. He had sworn to keep his distance, yet he still worried about her health.
His voice stayed cold, but his eyes never left her.
Like two magnets, trying to push apart—yet always being pulled back together.
Only the sound of spoons filled the quiet room, as time flowed slowly between just the two of them.
