Bound by a Ruthless Contract - Chapter 143

Han Yu-ae’s hurried footsteps echoed through the resort corridor. As she descended to the first floor, her face brightened at the sight of a woman sitting in the lobby café.

“Ga-eun!”

Ga-eun, who had been gazing out the window, rose from her seat as Yu-ae approached.

“Mother.”

“What brings you all the way to Danyang?”

“I had some business nearby, and when I heard you were here…”

Yu-ae clasped Ga-eun’s hands in hers, unable to contain her joy. “Your father-in-law will be here soon. About ten minutes?”

Suddenly, Yu-ae’s eyes welled with tears.

“Mother…?”

“I’ve longed to say these words – ‘father-in-law.’ Calling him ‘Si-heon’s father’ would be too… too thoughtless.”

At the mention of Si-heon, Yu-ae’s voice trembled. Sensing she too might break down if she spoke, Ga-eun gently guided Yu-ae to her seat.

Sniff “Thank you. I always get like this when Si-heon comes up.”

“It’s alright. Would you like some water?”

“Yes, please.”

Ga-eun called a server to request water.

“I’ll have the same as my daughter-in-law,” Yu-ae added.

“Certainly. I’ll bring water right away, followed by lavender tea.”

After taking a sip of the water, Yu-ae wiped her damp eyes and smiled. “I’ve wanted to say that too – calling you my daughter-in-law.”

Ga-eun forced a smile, though her heart ached.

I don’t deserve this.

I don’t deserve these warm words, this pure smile, or the right to call this gracious woman ‘mother.’

“Am I… making you uncomfortable?”

Ga-eun quickly shook her head. “No, Mother. I’m just… so happy.”

But Ga-eun couldn’t bring herself to tell Yu-ae about her divorce from Si-heon.

She had made an agreement with Chairman Kwon Soon-yeol. In exchange for allowing her to see Si-heon’s parents, she was not to say a word. She would simply be permitted to see them, nothing more.

“Your parents-in-law are attending a workshop for English literature scholars at a resort in Danyang. You can visit them on your way there.”

And so, Ga-eun chose to meet Si-heon’s parents instead of Si-heon himself, leading her to Danyang. Her aunt was currently asleep in the car, having taken prescription sleeping pills—Chairman Kwon’s directive—to prevent any anxiety-driven disturbances during the journey from Seoul. A female security guard assigned by Chairman Kwon watched over her sleeping aunt in the car, while a male guard monitored Ga-eun from nearby.

She had fifteen minutes.

“But what business brings you to this area?” Yu-ae asked.

“I’m here on behalf of the art gallery to arrange some artwork loans,” Ga-eun recited in her prepared response.

Yu-ae accepted this without suspicion, her face showing only concern. “Oh dear. That should have been my responsibility, and here you are handling it alone…”

“It’s fine. I’m enjoying the work.”

Yu-ae gazed at Ga-eun’s smiling face with sympathetic eyes. “You look so thin, so tired. It must be difficult, isn’t it? No, don’t tell me you’re fine. Here I am asking when I know full well, you’re in a position where you can’t admit if things are hard.”

As Yu-ae sighed, she caught sight of a man approaching quickly from behind Ga-eun and raised her hand. “Darling, we’re over here.”

Kwon Hee-sung sat beside Yu-ae, briefly embracing her shoulders before turning to Ga-eun.

“Father, it’s been a while.”

“Ga-eun, you’re here.”

A pause. Ga-eun drew in a breath.

His deep, voice was so similar to Si-heon’s. The way he said “Ga-eun” made her heart ache.

Only after a shallow breath could she manage a smile.

“I’m sorry. I feel like I’m interrupting your workshop.”

“No, Ga-eun. Don’t say that. We were so happy to hear from you.”

“That’s right. Your calls are always welcome, Ga-eun.”

Yu-ae and Hee-sung’s words filled her heart with emotion.

When they learn who I really am, what kind of person I am, this warm welcome will surely end forever.

It’s alright. I just need to cherish this moment forever. These memories alone will be enough to sustain me.

She had wanted to see them one last time while she was still Si-heon’s wife.

“Ga-eun?”

I’m sorry I won’t be able to keep my promise to update you about him from time to time. I sincerely hope you’ll find a worthy, wise daughter-in-law to replace someone as undeserving as me. Thank you for treating me with such warmth. I’m truly… truly sorry.