Episode 4

Hyun's recovery and discharge from the hospital were remarkably swift. Aside from his memory loss, his physical condition was robust, and the doctor even noted that his recuperation was faster than most patients.

The fact that Hyun had lost his memory was kept confidential from the public.

During Hyun's hospitalization, Kang-chan provided him with essential information. He outlined Hyun's current social status, his relationships with family and acquaintances, and emphasized how public knowledge of his amnesia could cause unnecessary confusion.

Hyun didn't respond in any type of negative manner, but Kang-chan continued to work late shifts, cautious of Hyun's unpredictable nature.

"Where are we headed now?"

Hyun inquired as he situated himself in Mi-ae's car.

"You've been discharged from the hospital, so it's only natural to head home."

"Home?"

"Remember the villa on the outskirts of town? You'll be staying there for a while. It's quiet, with lovely scenery and no people around, ideal for you to rest."

Mi-ae chose the villa instead of their primary residence. Hyun raised no objections and quietly observed the passing scenery.

"What happened to the clothes I brought? Where are the nice ones, and what is this you're wearing?"

Mi-ae scrutinized Hyun's attire. Unlike his usual formal suit, he was now clad in a t-shirt and jeans.

"I felt suffocated, how could I wear those?"

"I'm sorry, Madam. He tore all the buttons off, so I had to buy these urgently."

Mi-ae didn't respond and dropped the topic. Kang-chan sighed in relief and pondered back to what happened a few hours ago.

〈Here, take this. It's clothes.〉

〈These are...?〉

〈I figured Hyun wouldn't wear a suit in his current state. I bought some clothes that twenty-year-olds typically wear these days.〉

The clothes Hyun currently had on were from So-jung. She had stopped by to drop these off and quickly left.

Even Kang-chan, a secretary himself, never considered such an issue. As expected, a wife was truly different...

Kang-chan admired So-jung's thoughtfulness. Hyun, unaware that the clothes were from So-jung, simply rested his chin on his hand and continued gazing out the window, his hair dancing with the wind.

The driver announced their arrival as the car entered the villa grounds. The three of them exited the vehicle.

"For now, stay here. It's big enough for you alone."

Mi-ae's tone was sympathetic, despite the villa being spacious enough for dozens of people.

"Keep an eye on him and report any issues immediately. Understood?"

"Yes, Madam."

Mi-ae didn't forget to instruct Kang-chan. Meanwhile, Hyun opened the villa door and walked inside.

"..."

The villa was clean and silent. As Hyun wandered through the silent corridors, he unlatched a random door and entered the room. It, too, was empty and silent.

A ten-year gap in memory, being the head of a hotel, the people around him...

Though he did not show it, Hyun was also attempting to recall his lost memories. However, it felt as though he were navigating through a dense fog. It was unpleasant.

And this discomfort intensified whenever he thought of one person: Lee So-jung.

The person said to be his wife. He heard their marriage was political and loveless.

Furthermore, her family had gone bankrupt a few years ago, so it was pointless to hold onto her. Yet, So-jung remained his wife. Hyun was curious about the reason, but even Kang-chan, his close aide, did not know the exact details.

"..."

At that moment, Hyun's eyes caught a small piece of paper sticking out from under the bed. He kneeled and grabbed it.

A photo?

It was a photo, seemingly dropped and long forgotten in this room. Inside the picture stood So-jung smiling. Mesmerized by the unfamiliar sight, Hyun gazed absentmindedly.

"President, may I come in?"

Startled by the voice outside the door, Hyun quickly stuffed the photo into his pocket and collapsed onto the bed. Kang-chan entered.

"What are you doing? Why are you lying like that?"

"I'm going to sleep."

"In that position?"

"Yeah."

Kang-chan couldn't help but feel bewildered as Hyun sprawled in an awkward position. However, Hyun remained steadfast.

"I just wanted to check if you settled in okay... Well, sleep tight," Kang-chan replied with a forced smile and slowly closed the door behind him. He then quickly took out his phone and made a call.

"Yes, this is Secretary Kim Kang-chan. I have a question... Yes, yes. Is sleeping in strange positions a symptom of amnesia?"

Kang-chan's conversation continued for a few more minutes. Meanwhile, Hyun slowly sat up and ruffled his hair with his hands.

---

"So, what did you do?"

—Later, he was found sleeping in a normal position. I had a physical therapist on standby just in case, but it seemed unnecessary.

"But I've never heard of such a symptom when it comes to amnesia."

—Neither have I. Perhaps he has some sensory issues... Anyway, he's fine now, so don't worry too much, Madam.

"I know you'll have a hard time, but please stay close to him. He's not one to stay put just because he's at the villa."

—Absolutely. He'll definitely try. There's a one hundred percent, no, a one hundred and twenty percent chance.

So-jung and Kang-chan, having observed Hyun's fiery behavior over the past few days, were remarkably in agreement. After a few more words, So-jung hung up the phone, and her sister So-jin chimed in.

"Secretary? Were you talking about brother-in-law?"

"Yes. He seems to have settled into the villa and is now asleep."

So-jung, taking a rare break, was now on an outing to the department store with So-jin. She desired to buy So-jin a gift for looking after Harim.

"You worked harder than I did, Sister. But is brother-in-law so unwell that he needs to recuperate at the villa?"

"Yes, something like that. So, don't mention her father to Harim for now."

Harim was used to waiting for her father, who often traveled abroad for work. However, So-jung hoped this wait wouldn't be too long.

"Then it'll be harder for you, Sister, since you will have to go back and forth between home and the villa."

"..."

"Or did that woman ban you from the villa too?"

"That woman? You should call her mother-in-law."

So-jin's fiery eyes showed her dissatisfaction. She knew well that Mi-ae and So-jung's relationship was not friendly.

"Why does she act like that? You and brother-in-law are a couple. You should go confidently!"

"She's just more sensitive after the accident."

"I get that she almost lost her son, but it wasn't your fault. You're a victim of the accident too."

"..."

"I understand your guilt, but that doesn't justify her behavior. Or does brother-in-law resent you for that as well?"

"No, it's not that."

If only he hadn't lost his memory and blamed her instead. Maybe then her guilt would be lessened.

So-jung tried to appear unaffected, but her expression betrayed her. So-jin noticed and stopped talking.

"Mom!"

A cheerful voice broke the silence. Harim, sweaty from playing in the department store's play area, ran to So-jung and embraced her.

"Are you thirsty, Harim? Want some water?"

"Yes!"

Harim gulped down the bottle So-jung offered. Enjoying this rare time with her mom, Harim clung to her clothes.

"Mom, let's play!"

Harim pulled So-jung towards the play area. She stood up slowly.

"Sure, what do you want to play? Drawing? Or throwing balls?"

"Both!"

"Alright."

Seeing Harim's bright smile, So-jung's expression softened.

In the ball pit play area, other children were also participating. As Harim looked around, she suddenly stopped and stared at a specific area. Following her gaze, So-jung witnessed a father and child playing together.

"Harim, should we throw the balls? What color do you want? Yellow? You like yellow, don't you?"

"..."

"Don't want just one? How about two yellow balls?"

"Okay!"

To divert Harim's attention, So-jung quickly grabbed some balls and handed them to the child. Harim shifted her focus to the balls, and So-jung discreetly sighed in relief.

As she played ball with Harim, someone was walking towards the play area from the other side. So-jung recognized the person immediately: it was Mi-ae.

Mi-ae approached and greeted the woman in front of her. So-jung knew this woman as well.

Han Soo-ah.

So-jung watched the two exchange smiles in a daze.

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