Episode 10

"What happened? Is something wrong?"

So-jin had always contacted So-jung before a visit, so this unexpected appearance was quite surprising. Moreover, her face was unusually serious.

"...Where's Harim?"

"Harim is sleeping right now. Why?"

"Really? Then... let's talk for a moment, sister."

So-jin glanced at the housekeeper who was busy tidying the living room and dragged So-jung to another room. So-jung complied in silence.

"What's going on?"

"...Listen, sister."

So-jung tensed as she observed So-jin's apparent hesitation. This was very unlike her.

"You can tell me anything. It's okay."

"..."

"Is it that difficult to say?"

"Sister, is brother-in-law truly ill?"

So-jung's eyes widened at Hyun's mention. That didn't stop So-jin from spilling her thoughts.

"A few days ago, I saw him at a bar with his secretary."

"..."

"At first, I wasn't sure because he looked so different, but it was definitely him. Except he pretended not to know me."

You saw him.

The sight of Hyun, who had lost his memory, must have stood as quite a shock for So-jin. So-jung didn't intend to conceal the truth any longer.

"Lee So-jin, listen carefully. I have something to tell you."

"Yes, sister. I already have an idea of what you're going to say. It's been boggling my mind these past few days."

Both sisters opened their mouths at the same time.

"He's lost his memory."

"You're both having affairs, right?"

Huh?

The room fell silent for a moment at the very contrasting statements. So-jin was the first to break the silence.

"What are you talking about, sister? Lost his memory? I thought you guys were both having affairs!"

"An affair? How could you even think that... How did you come to that conclusion?"

"Well, brother-in-law's entire demeanor completely reverted, and you recently asked me about clothes that young men in their twenties would wear. So I thought the accident caused problems between you two, and as a result, you both began seeing different people!"

So-jin seemed to have drawn out an immaculate affair drama in her head. After having been rejected by her assumptions, she focused on what So-jung claimed earlier.

"So, he lost his memory? Brother-in-law?"

"...To be exact, he lost all his memories from about ten years ago. He believes he's twenty."

So-jung briefly outlined the whole situation. With every word, So-jin's expression kept changing.

"So, he's alone at the villa? And you're hiding Harim's existence? And that woman is with him?"

"Yes."

"And you're just letting this happen? You're his wife!"

So-jin's anger peaked at the mention of Soo-ah.

"This is insane. That woman must have ulterior motives. She wouldn't stick so close to him otherwise."

"..."

"What if his memory never returns and he stays with her? What if he asks for a divorce?"

The mention of divorce made So-jung shudder, but that was all.

"Harim is a bit of a concern... But if he asks for it, I won't be able to strongly oppose."

So-jung's tone was surprisingly calm for someone discussing their own divorce. However, So-jin was aware that, despite their arranged marriage, the two were never the type to discuss divorce.

"Fine, I get it. He protected you during the accident, so it's natural for you to be vulnerable about that. And yes, anyone would be shocked to wake up ten years in the future and find out they're married. But that woman can't stay. If she wants to help him recover his memory, they can meet at a café, not the villa."

This was the conclusion So-jin amounted to. Her fists clenched, ready to punch Soo-ah the moment she caught sight of her. So-jung calmed her down.

"You know you can't actually do that, right?"

"Of course, or I'd end up at the police station... But you've really mellowed out, sister. If someone from the past hit on your man, you would've punched them in the nose like this..."

"Enough with the past. If you're done talking, let's go. It sounds like Harim is awake."

They could hear Harim calling for So-jung from the other side of the door. As they stood up, So-jin asked one more question

"By the way, sister. Is brother-in-law's cousin still overseas?"

"No, he said he'd be back in Korea soon."

"Really? When?"

"I'm not sure. With the anniversary coming up, he should be here soon. We don't keep in touch much because our family relations aren't great."

Now that she thought about it, it was the first time they would be reunited since the wedding.

So-jung pondered over the family gathering as she stepped out of the room.

---

Incheon Airport was bustling with people. Everyone was busy dragging heavy suitcases for various reasons like travel or work. Amidst the crowd, a certain group had just set foot on Korean soil.

"They suddenly told us to come alone. How busy must they be?"

A woman wearing sunglasses complained as she and a man exited the airport.

"We should've stayed in Guam longer and done more shopping."

Before them stood employers dressed in black suits, awaiting their arrival. The woman handed over her suitcase with familiarity. Her name was Choi Byeol.

"Is this all the welcome we get?"

Next to her, a man, oblivious to his sister's complaints, grumbled at the welcoming party. He was Choi Byeol's younger brother, Choi Woon.

"I haven't been to Korea in years, and this is all the reception I get?"

"I'm sorry, young master. We weren't informed of your arrival in advance... We shall prepare more thoroughly next time."

"That's a given. Bring the car."

Woon pulled out his phone and started taking selfies. After checking his appearance in the camera, he nodded.

"As expected, I'm still handsome today too."

Byeol, who constantly ignored those around her, and Woon, who was too busy admiring his own appearance to address others. The airport became lively at the arrival of the two.

"Still as lacking in class as ever."

Walking towards them were Choi Hoon and his sister, Choi Yeon. Unlike Byeol and Woon, who were dressed flamboyantly, these two were dressed in neat, formal attire.

"Just sharing a flight with them was exhausting. Now they’re causing a scene here too."

"Can't be helped, sister. People kept asking for autographs."

Tension filled the air between Byeol and Yeon. Meanwhile, Hoon spoke coldly.

"Yeon."

"Yes."

"Let's go. Don't waste your energy on them."

Hoon had already situated into the car. Seeing this, Woon smirked.

"Feeling confident?"

"..."

"But too bad, things won't go as you like."

Heir to the Kyungmoon Group.

Everyone knew why these four had returned to Korea. The upcoming anniversary was just an excuse; they were vying for the threatened leadership position.

"..."

But Hoon did not respond to Woon's taunts. He simply gazed at him coldly as the car started to move.

"Still the same after all this time."

Although it had been ages since they last saw each other, the conversation was far from friendly. Byeol shrugged and situated herself inside the prepared vehicle.

"I'm heading to the department store first."

"Do as you wish."

Woon, unfazed by his sister, admired the scenery and grinned.

"Isn't it exciting?"

"What is?"

"The upcoming anniversary. I'm curious to see how Hyun reacts after he sees us all."

With their father's absence, the position was up for grabs. Woon shrugged.

"Of course, this is just a stepping stone for me to become the chairman."

"So, do you have a plan? To beat him?"

"Just aiming for the chairman's seat means I'm already ahead."

Woon, confident as ever, slicked back his hair. Byeol, used to her brother's banter, pointed out.

"Hey, your hair's messed up."

"What? My perfectly styled hair? Where's the mirror?"

While Woon fussed over his hair, Byeol checked her phone.

"Didn't he recently get injured in an accident? He might not even come to the anniversary."

"Whether he comes or not, I shall stand victoire."

As Woon confidently adjusted his hair, Byeol scanned the attendee list for the anniversary. So-jung's name was noted.

"Well, even if he doesn't come... I think his wife will."

As Byeol murmured, the car drove towards Seoul.

---

Prev || Toc || Next