Episode 8

"As per your instructions, the kindergarten enrollment process is now complete. Once the documents are verified, she will be able to attend right away."

"Good."

The secretary continued her report inside Mi-ae's office. As she informed the completion of the kindergarten enrollment, Mi-ae's gaze shifted toward the documents in her hand. They pertained to an investigation conducted on Soo-ah.

She had no idea Han Soo-ah's ex-husband was related to their family.

Choi Hoon, Hyun's cousin—a competent man who ran a business overseas. Although cousins, they were not particularly close, and since the wedding took place abroad, Mi-ae hadn't paid much attention to his wife.

She liked everything. It was preferable to raise a child with some blood relation rather than a stranger.

There might be some initial gossip, but it would eventually die down. Besides, Soo-ah and Hoon's divorce was amicable and without complications. Mi-ae had nothing to worry about.

"Have they met? How did Hyun react?"

"They did meet. However, the young master seems still confused over the fact that Han Soo-ah was once married."

"I anticipated as much. Still, ensure close monitoring just in case."

"Yes, understood."

The twenty-year-old Hyun was unpredictable, so vigilance was essential. Although Kang-chan was almost always by Hyun's side, Mi-ae wasn't fond of him much. He was more loyal to So-jung than to her, which was irksome.

"And regarding the company's 50th-anniversary celebration."

"...Who confirmed their attendance?"

"Most of whom Madam anticipated. Here is the guest list."

Mi-ae's eyes busily scanned the list, and her brows furrowed at the familiar names.

They never missed an opportunity.

The names belonged to Mi-ae's husband, Seok's siblings, and their families. They were technically her family as well, but Mi-ae didn't treat them as such. To her, they were mere opportunists eyeing the Kyungmoon Group.

She must find a solution.

Chairman Seok's sudden collapse without as much as a will destabilized the succession plans, and Hyun's amnesia further complicated the situation.

"So, the young master won't be attending...?"

"Of course not. Why would I allow that?"

If it became known that Hyun had lost his memory, his qualifications as a successor would be questioned. Thus, it was crucial to keep Hyun's condition a secret.

"Tell Han Soo-ah to remain at the villa for now. Keep her preoccupied."

Mi-ae had no intention of relinquishing her position. She required a robust family and company to support Hyun's standing.

---

Though it was quite late, the bar was bustling with people. Amidst the lively chatter and clinking of glasses, one table was unusually silent. Hyun and Kang-chan were seated there.

"..."

"..."

Despite the well-arranged snacks and drinks, Hyun remained silent. Eventually, Kang-chan, unable to bear the silence, spoke up.

"So why did you suddenly ask me out to drink?"

"..."

"I'm driving, so I'll pass. You go ahead though."

"Call another driver."

"I'm currently working. Does an employee drink on their job?"

Kang-chan flapped his suit jacket for emphasis. Hyun's brow furrowed in irritation.

"Then quit."

"I need to make a living. There are several savings accounts I must maintain."

"..."

"What, did you think I stuck around thanks to some deep friendship bond? Friendship needs a full stomach to thrive, my friend."

Kang-chan's blunt remark was met with resistance from Hyun.

"You used to drink like a fish. Now you don't drink at all?"

"That was then. Now, I'd collapse on the street. Ah, I should ask for some canned peach."

"Have you gone crazy? Why would you order canned peach?"

"Of course, you're paying. Would I order if it was on my card?"

Their familiar banter broke the silence. Hyun eventually gave in and poured himself a drink, which Kang-chan observed curiously.

"What are you looking at?"

"Nothing, I'm just intrigued."

"How so?"

"You quit drinking. It's odd to see you here after such a long time."

"...I quit drinking?"

"Yeah. After you got married."

Hyun was dumbfounded.

"Me? I quit after getting married?"

"And smoking too."

"Smoking too?"

"Yeah. You quit drinking after marriage, and smoking after giving bi..."

"After what?"

"After... after struggling for a while. Wow, these peaches are good."

Kang-chan quickly changed the topic as he savored his snack.

As for Hyun, he appeared visibly taken aback by the idea that he'd quit drinking and smoking after marriage.

"Why would I quit? How did I do it?"

"Beats me. But you did it in one go. It was impressive."

"...Did that woman really make me quit?"

"Who, the madam?"

"..."

"Not really. She was concerned, though, every time you drank or smoked."

Kang-chan smirked.

"Perhaps the power of love helped you quit? Because your wife was worried?"

"...Have you ever been slapped in the face with a peach?"

"No."

Hyun's face scrunched at the mention of love. Knowing Hyun's temper, Kang-chan shook his head.

"Anyway, it was definitely a marriage of convenience. I had no interest in that woman."

Love was irrelevant in their relationship. Kang-chan, however, thought differently.

"Perhaps at first... But recently, the look in your eyes towards the madam has changed."

"What do you mean?"

"You know, those eyes that just drip with honey. A loving gaze. It was there."

"..."

"Now that I think about it, it was definitely love."

Hyun was tempted to shut his friend's mouth. Unfortunately, the peaches were gone, and wasting the drink felt wrong. He took another swig to quell his frustration.

"So, what's bothering you?"

After some small talk, Kang-chan finally got to the point. Hyun, holding his glass, spoke.

"Do you think I'm that unreliable?"

"What?"

"Do I seem like someone who can't even take proper care of his girlfriend?"

Kang-chan understood immediately.

"Because Han Soo-ah married your cousin?"

"..."

"But she had no choice. The company was in trouble, and they needed support through marriage. Besides, you weren't even considering marriage back then."

Kang-chan's accurate observation of the situation caused Hyun to bite his lips.

"So, how did I react after the breakup?"

"At first, you were a mess. Drinking every day, getting into fights, causing all sorts of trouble... It was a nightmare."

Kang-chan shuddered at the memory.

"Then, out of nowhere, you said you would return to Korea for business training."

"Me?"

"Yeah. For management lessons."

Hyun had drastically changed in just a few months after his breakup with Soo-ah. Mi-ae was delighted that her son had finally matured, but Kang-chan was worried. Hyun hadn't genuinely smiled since then.

Would he believe me if I told him he looked happier after the wedding?

Did he notice before? In their family photo, Hyun's smile was the most relaxed and genuine. But Kang-chan couldn't tell him that now. Hyun wouldn't accept it. He wouldn't listen.

"...That's enough about that. Where is he now?"

"Who?"

"Choi Hoon."

Hyun was angry. At his cousin Hoon, who had stolen his lover. Kang-chan stammered, trying to calm him.

"You aren't thinking of finding him, right?"

"..."

"Why? It's all in the past! They're divorced now!"

Sensing another impending disaster, Kang-chan attempted to dissuade Hyun, but the immature boy was determined. His eyes blazed with intent.

"Excuse me, hello."

Just then, a group of women approached them.

"There are no free seats left. Can we join you? We'll pay for the drinks."

Unaware of the tension, they smiled at Hyun. Before Hyun could respond, Kang-chan quickly responded.

"Sorry, we're drinking alone."

The last thing he wanted was for Hyun's anger to spill over. But the women persisted.

"Why? It'll be fun. Join us."

"Like I said, we..."

"Brother-in-law?"

The tension was broken by a new voice.

"...Brother-in-law, right?"

It was So-jin, who stood before the scene in disbelief.

---

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