Chapter 86
After that came Si-heon’s unilateral announcements. He announced the wedding date and venue, and announced that the honeymoon would be postponed due to scheduling conflicts.
“I trust you’ll be considerate, as she’ll be busy adjusting to her new environment.”
Despite his polite tone, this too was a pronouncement. There should be no summoning his busy wife here and there, no favors disguised as requests, and no other unnecessary contact.
“Of… course. How could there be?”
“Still, darling, if you need your mother’s help, just tell me anytime, okay?”
All Gye Young-cheol , Woo Ji-hyang, and Gye So-yeon could do was nod.
* * *
After the formal meeting.
Kwon Soon-yeol returned to Jungshimwon in his waiting car.
After seeing off Chairman Kwon with deep bows that nearly touched the ground, Gye Young-cheol and Woo Ji-hyang subtly hinted at Ga-eun.
“It’ll be hard to spend time as a family once Ga-eun is married.”
“That’s right. Why don’t we stop by home for just a cup of tea…”
“I apologize, but.”
Si-heon, standing beside her, coldly cut off their words.
“I have much to discuss with Ga-eun. About the gallery management.”
At the mention of gallery management, the Gye couple and Gye So-yeon rolled their eyes.
Not only was this illegitimate child suddenly becoming part of the Hwanhee Group family, but she would also manage a gallery under the Cultural Foundation.
And they had to just watch helplessly…
“I trust you’ll be considerate. This time as well.”
Why aren’t you leaving?
Si-heon’s steady gaze seemed to say exactly that.
The three had no choice but to leave the hotel, practically driven out.
“You’ve lived a tiring life.”
Ga-eun smiled weakly at his words.
It was truly puzzling. Why did some part of his heart ache at this sight?
Disliking his own reaction, Si-heon furrowed his brow.
Just then, they heard the buzz of his phone vibrating.
“I’ll take this call and be back.”
“Yes. I’ll wait here.”
Si-heon turned away after giving Ga-eun’s smiling face a meaningful look.
‘I’m glad it ended without incident.’
As she stood quietly holding her bag with both hands waiting for Si-heon, she saw Kwon Hee-sung and Han Yu-ae walking out.
A bag with the logo of “Gayeon,” the traditional restaurant where they just had their meeting, was in Kwon Hee-sung’s hand.
They seemed to have gotten some food packed to go. That explained why the couple had come out of the hall later than others.
Ga-eun couldn’t take her eyes off the couple as they stood side by side, sharing quiet conversation and laughter – it was a lovely sight.
‘Would Kwon Si-heon be like that too? Would he look at a woman he truly loves with such… tender eyes?’
It was hard to imagine right now.
The only time his eyes showed any emotion was when their bodies intertwined.
While lost in these thoughts, Kwon Hee-sung and Han Yu-ae noticed Ga-eun. They hesitated before slowly walking toward her.
Flustered, Ga-eun quickly approached them.
“Father, Mother.”
Even calling someone ‘Grandfather’ felt overwhelming, let alone ‘Father’ and ‘Mother.’
Ga-eun tried to ignore the heavy weight settling at the corners of her mouth.
“Si-heon went to take a phone call. He’ll be back soon.”
Han Yu-ae shook her head.
“We’ll just go. That’s what Si-heon would want too.”
“Ah…”
Ga-eun could also sense the awkward atmosphere between Si-heon and his parents.
Chairman Kwon Soon-yeol had mentioned they’d left early for academia – perhaps that was the reason.
And maybe that was also why the Chairman was so protective of his eldest grandson.
“Thank you. For being by our Si-heon’s side.”
Ga-eun waved her hands in panic.
“Oh, no. I haven’t done anything…”
“Contact us anytime if you need help.”
Han Yu-ae took out business cards for herself and her husband, pressing them into Ga-eun’s hand.
“Don’t tell Si-heon. He wouldn’t like it.”
Han Yu-ae hesitated before painfully adding.
“Of course… you won’t be having children.”
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