Chapter 124
“A member of the family…” Ga-eun’s words trailed off, her mind wrestling with the complexity of her position. Technically, it wasn’t a lie. She was indeed the daughter-in-law of Chairman Kwon Soon-yeol, the owner of Jungshimwon Manor. Yet something about the phrase felt both intimate and distancing, like a silk thread that could bind or slice with equal precision.
Hwang Tae-ju’s smile dissolved, replaced by an expression of stern composure. “The order here emerges from everyone strictly following Jungshimwon Manor’s rules. The superiors have their rules, and the subordinates have theirs.”
His gaze flickered—sharp as a blade, yet controlled. “If there is one principle everyone must observe, it is that the chairman’s dignity must never, not even in the slightest, be compromised.”
Silence hung between them, thick with unspoken tensions.
“Everyone will face significant disruption if you do not adhere to the rules,” he continued. His voice never rose, never accelerated, carried no explicit accusation. Yet each word landed with the precision of a master strategist, creating an invisible pressure that seemed to compress the very air around them.
“I will remember,” Ga-eun responded quietly, her voice a whisper of submission and defiance.
As Hwang Tae-ju bowed his head, the men behind him followed in perfect synchronization, their movements a choreographed dance of hierarchy and respect.
“I will guide you inside,” he said, leading her towards a grand pavilion near a meticulously maintained pond. “This pavilion was raised high to provide the most beautiful view.”
“It’s breathtaking,” Ga-eun murmured, taking in the exquisite landscape. “The landscaping is remarkable.”
“The chairman himself invested special care in this space,” Tae-ju explained, “ensuring that honored guests would never experience a moment of tedium.”
Honored guest. The words resonated with a double meaning—welcome, yet distinctly separate.
“Beyond that interior-exterior wall,” he continued, “lies the living space of the family.”
The family’s living space. The implications were crystal clear to Ga-eun. Though they referred to her as part of the master’s family, her permitted territory was limited to the guest quarters—a gilded cage of politeness and protocol.
She saw no need to challenge each nuanced slight. This treatment was not unexpected.
Casually turning her head, she noticed the pavilion where she would stay was connected to a traditional Korean hanok building by a long corridor.
“What is that?” she asked, her curiosity a quiet rebellion against the invisible boundaries being drawn around her.
“If you walk straight ahead, you’ll encounter another pond. It’s slightly larger than this one. You’re welcome to take a leisurely walk if you feel restless.”
The multiple ponds, the walkways between buildings—suddenly, the vast expanse of Jungshimwon Manor became palpable. Kwon Si-heon, born and raised here, seemed more distant than ever.
Shortly after, a woman in her forties wearing a traditional hanbok appeared, arranged a light refreshment, and then disappeared with Hwang Tae-ju.
Ga-eun sat quietly in the pavilion, gazing down at the pond, and took a small sip of tea.
‘Has Si-heon ever sat here, looking at this pond?’
Would he have bothered to visit this space reserved for outsiders?
As she pondered, a familiar discomfort stirred in her stomach, causing her to furrow her brow.
‘Perhaps I’ll take a walk.’
They had said she could walk, so she might as well.
Ga-eun began slowly traversing the long corridor with its deep wooden flooring. When she reached a point where a large distant pond and meticulously planted garden trees came into view, she heard voices.
“How was the meeting?”
“Yes, Chairman.”
Her eyes widened. It was Chairman Kwon Soon-yeol and Si-heon’s voices.
‘…He’s back.’
Her heart trembled at Si-heon’s deep, rich baritone—a voice she hadn’t heard in two weeks. He hadn’t called, hadn’t sent a message, and hadn’t contacted her since returning to Korea. And yet…
She missed him desperately.
Longing to hear just a moment more of his voice, Ga-eun quietly leaned against a wooden pillar, standing still.
“The results?”
“We should be able to commence construction next year.”
“I knew it. Our eldest grandson would succeed. Haha!”
Chairman Kwon Soon-yeol’s hearty laughter made Ga-eun tighten her lips. Though she didn’t fully understand, it seemed Si-heon’s work had gone smoothly.
“Rung Chairman is exceptionally demanding. So, you managed to navigate all of that—isn’t that right? Apart from me, only our Executive Kwon could handle such a temperament.”
Ga-eun thought, ‘How fortunate,’ and was about to turn away when she heard.
“How are you sleeping? Your complexion doesn’t look bad.”
“I’ve endured as much as I always have.”
The chairman’s voice suddenly dropped lower.
“You went to the hospital together. Something about a slightly sprained wrist. I hear in gatherings everyone talks about how carefully you’ve been nursing it.”
Ga-eun drew in a sharp breath. The chairman was talking about her.
“How affectionate you seem.”
“I’m fortunate it appears that way.”
Si-heon’s response made something within Ga-eun’s chest collapse.
‘I should turn away.’
She felt she shouldn’t listen further.
“Hold yourself firmly. Men who are captivated by women and crumble instantly end up tripped and stumped.”
Just as she was turning, her husband’s flat voice came from behind.
“You know. It’s just a sleeping medication.”
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