Episode 7

"My apologies, eavesdropping was not my intention."

Soo-ah held the villa key in her hand, a clear indication that Mi-ae had given it to her. While it came as no surprise to So-jung, Kan-chan, unaware of Soo-ah's impending visit, was visibly startled.

"…How much did you overhear?"

"From the part about the child. But rest assured, I have no intention of mentioning it to anyone."

Soo-ah's reassuring smile accompanied her words. Her eyes had already shifted to the clothes So-jung was wearing.

"Did you spend the night here?"

"…"

"Oh, I didn't mean anything by it. It's just that you're wearing the same outfit as yesterday. I was merely curious."

Soo-ah deftly steered the conversation away from the previous topic by commenting on So-jung's attire. So-jung nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Meanwhile, Soo-ah had turned to greet Kang-chan.

"It's been a while. How have you been?"

"…Hello."

"Why so formal? You can speak casually with me."

"No, I cannot do that while on duty."

Kang-chan's polite response to Soo-ah's greeting was marked by the same formality. Their conversation was loud enough to prompt another person to open the villa door.

"Why are you still here—"

"Hyun!"

Hyun, who had stepped out with an irritated expression, directed his gaze at Soo-ah. At the same time, Soo-ah ran towards him, a bright smile plastered on her face.

"It's been a while, how have you been?"

Despite Soo-ah's cheerful greeting, Hyun remained bewildered. He gazed at Soo-ah, trying to discern whether this was a dream or reality, before finally speaking.

"…Han Soo-ah?"

"Yes, it's me."

"Really… is it you?"

"Of course, who else would it be? I didn't think I'd changed that much, even though some time has passed."

So-jung and Kang-chan seemed to fade into the background as Hyun and Soo-ah focused solely on each other. As So-jung turned to leave, Kang-chan hastily stopped her.

"Are you leaving, Madam?"

"Yes. There's no reason for me to stay here any longer."

"But…"

"I should have informed you that Han Soo-ah was coming to the villa, but I fell asleep immediately, so I couldn’t. Since she has agreed to help him regain my memories, it would be best to hear the rest from those two."

"…Understood. Please take care."

Unable to hold back So-jung any longer, Kang-chan watched her depart to her car. Hyun glanced toward So-jung, but Soo-ah grabbed his arm.

"Shall we go inside and talk? It looks like you just finished exercising; you should eat."

"Oh, okay."

Hyun obediently followed her suggestion and went inside. As Soo-ah led him into the villa, she glanced around and observed the scenery.

"This is where you’re staying now? A villa, right?"

"…"

"It's secluded, the air is clear, and it’s perfect for a retreat. Do you remember? We said we’d grow a garden if we lived together."

Every gesture, every laugh—Soo-ah was just as Hyun recalled. Though she looked a bit different, it was only for a moment. Despite the joy of reuniting, there was something they had to discuss.

"…Why did you do it?"

"…What?"

"You got married. After breaking up with me."

When Hyun first heard that Soo-ah married another man, it was hard to accept reality. Although she was divorced now, Hyun wanted to hear about the breakup from Soo-ah herself.

"That's... I’m really sorry, Hyun."

Tears welled up in Soo-ah's eyes as she answered Hyun's question.

"The company was in a very tough situation back then. I was put into a marriage of convenience."

"…"

"I’m sorry. But it was the only thing I could do for my family at the time. So, I had to break up with you suddenly."

The living room fell silent. Hyun still didn't say anything, and Soo-ah wiped her tears.

"After the company stabilized, I divorced him right away. It was a loveless marriage from the start, and now he’s just a stranger, someone I’ll never see again."

"…So, who is this person you married?"

Hyun barely held back his anger, only for Soo-ah's sake. Once he found out who Soo-ah married, he would go confront him. Soo-ah noticed Hyun's tension and spoke up.

"You know him too, Hyun."

With Soo-ah's following words, the living room plunged into complete silence.

---

After returning home, So-jung changed her clothes and drove to a café. She barely made it in time for her appointment.

"This way."

As So-jung entered the café, a few women waved at her. She approached them.

"Sorry, there was some traffic. You’re all here already."

"Oh, no worries~ We came early. Have a seat."

So-jung was attending a regular meeting of the kindergarten moms. Although it was meant for socializing, it was essentially a small networking event for corporate families whose children attended the prestigious kindergarten.

"I heard the news. Are you alright now?"

"Yes, I’m fine. I received the flowers you sent. I should have thanked you sooner, but I’ve been busy."

"Oh my, for what? It’s nothing. This is what we do."

The women smiled at So-jung's gratitude. Then someone spoke cautiously.

"How’s your husband? I heard he’s recovering at the villa."

"Yes. He’s physically recovered, but we’re taking some time off to ensure there are no aftereffects from the accident."

"I see. I hope he gets better soon."

Although they pretended not to care, it was clear they were curious about the young CEO's condition. So-jung smiled and downplayed the situation.

Don’t show any weakness.

Although they appeared to be concerned, So-jung was aware they would gossip behind her back. She had to keep Hyun's condition strictly hidden.

"By the way, the desserts here are really good. Who recommended this café?"

"Oh my, I did. I found out about this place when I bought this building recently. Isn’t the coffee great too?"

As So-jung swiftly changed the subject, the conversation flowed naturally. She occasionally responded while sipping her coffee.

"By the way, did you hear? A new child is joining the kindergarten."

"Really?"

Since the kindergarten was prestigious, new students were always a hot topic among the parents.

"Yes, I heard about it yesterday. I don’t know the details yet, just that they’re joining soon."

"It’s surprising to transfer mid-term. How did they manage that?"

"Exactly. It must have taken some effort… We’ll find out soon enough."

Entering this kindergarten was rather challenging, so the new student's family must be of great influence. The mothers were intrigued.

However, their curiosity was short-lived, as the conversation soon shifted.

"I recently bought a wonderful tea set. I had to ship it from Japan."

"I’ve been eyeing a necklace…"

As the chatter continued, a still-tired So-jung kept a polite smile, occasionally refilling her coffee.

"It’s almost time to pick up the kids from kindergarten."

The hours-long conversation finally concluded with one mother's remark.

"Yes, it’s about time."

"This café is so convenient, being right next to the kindergarten. We should come here more often."

"I’d love that."

Relieved the conversation was over, So-jung smiled outwardly. Outside, cars lined up as the classes ended.

"Mom!"

Among the dozens of kids, Harim's voice stood out. Harim spotted So-jung and rushed toward her, followed by the other kids heading toward their moms.

"My lovely Harim, did you have fun today?"

"Yup! I made a big airplane and went down the slide."

Harim animatedly waved her stubby short alarms and described her day.

"And I met a new friend."

"...A new friend?"

"Yes, over there!"

Harim pointed towards a young girl who was not dressed in school attire, which caused her to stand out. So-jung immediately recognized her.

Choi Ji-hye.

Soo-ah's daughter.

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