Chapter 68
About thirty minutes later, the sound of the door unlocking made me look up. Sera stepped inside, holding two plastic grocery bags in her hands.
"Sera… are you going to cook?" I asked in disbelief. "No, really, there's no need for that. I can just order—"
She gave me a look that instantly shut me up. "Just rest," she said calmly. "I'll handle it."
Without waiting for my response, she walked toward the small kitchen, set the grocery bags on the counter, and started unpacking them one by one.
I could only sit there, helplessly watching her move around my kitchen as if she'd been there before.
She took off her coat, hung it neatly on the chair, then tied an apron around her waist. Within minutes, she had the stove on, vegetables washed, and a pan heating up.
I stood up slightly. "Sera, let me help you at least—"
"No," she interrupted, not even turning around. "Just stay there."
Her tone was calm but firm leaving no room for argument. I sat back down quietly.
I hadn't used this kitchen in months, but since I paid the landlord extra to have someone clean it weekly, everything was still tidy and organized. It felt strange seeing someone actually cooking in it again.
The sound of the knife tapping against the cutting board and the gentle sizzling from the pan filled the quiet apartment. The air slowly filled with a warm, savory smell that made my empty stomach grumble.
After a while, Sera turned off the stove, plated the food neatly, and brought it to the dining table.
"The food's ready," she said softly.
I stood up and walked over, sitting across from her.
"Thanks, Sera," I said, smiling faintly.
She didn't reply, just gave me a gentle smile as she gestured for me to eat first.
I picked up my chopsticks, took the first bite, and… froze. My eyes widened.
"Wow… this is so so good."
The flavor was rich and balanced, comforting in a way I hadn't tasted in a long time.
Sera smiled softly as she watched me eat.
I took another bite eagerly. "I didn't know you could cook this well," I said, still surprised.
She chuckled quietly, the tension on her face easing a little. "Why? You think a chaebol like me doesn't know how to cook?"
"N–No, I didn't mean that," I said quickly, waving my hands awkwardly.
Her laugh came out soft. "It's fine. My family insisted I learn to cook when I was a teenager. Well, no matter how wealthy we are, a woman should still know how to take care of herself."
I nodded, listening quietly as she spoke.
"You really know how to do everything, don't you?" I said with a small smile.
Sera chuckled again, looking down at her bowl. "Not really," she murmured.
As we continued eating, my eyes drifted briefly to her shoulder. I had noticed it earlier when she took off her coat. The faint, flowing pattern that curved along her skin like a line of mist, just beneath her shirt sleeve. It was the first time I had ever seen it, since Sera always wore long sleeves. I hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"By the way… I didn't know you had a tattoo," I said quietly. "It looks… beautiful. What kind of design is it?"
Sera glanced at her shoulder. "Ah, you mean this irezumi?"
She lifted her sleeve slightly higher, revealing the beautifully detailed tattoo pattern winding over her shoulder and extending further under her shirt.
"It's a camellia flower." She said softly. "I got it a few years ago."
"Camellia?"
She nodded, her voice calm and thoughtful. "It means faithfulness. And quiet strength. In some places, it also means 'love that endures through pain.' I liked that meaning."
Her eyes softened slightly as she spoke.
"It suits you," I said. "Strong and quiet."
Sera smiled gently, her eyes lingering on mine with quiet warmth. "It goes higher, you know. Past my shoulder and up here," she said, pointing toward her upper chest, her voice soft but teasing. "Do you want to see it?"
My eyes widened instantly. "W–What? N–No! No, that's alright!" I stammered, feeling my face heat up.
Sera let out a small laugh, clearly amused by my reaction.
"I don't really mind if it's you," she said softly, her eyes still on me.
I swallowed hard, embarrassed, and quickly shoveled another bite of rice into my mouth to hide it.
But before I could even swallow, Sera leaned forward slightly. "Hold still," she said.
"Huh?"
She reached out casually and brushed her thumb near the corner of my mouth. Then, without hesitation, she flicked the small grain of rice she picked up and popped it into her mouth.
"There," she said simply.
I froze, staring at her.
She smiled faintly. "It's okay if you want to hide your embarrassment. But eat slowly, alright?"
My face grew even hotter.
⸻
Sera was standing by the sink now, calmly washing the dishes one by one. I had tried to help, but she wouldn't even let me stand up. She just turned her head slightly and firmly told me to rest.
So, I stayed where I was, sitting helplessly on the sofa, watching her move around the kitchen.
The quiet sound of running water filled the air. She didn't seem awkward at all doing any of it. In fact, she looked so natural, handling everything with such ease.
For a moment, she almost looked… motherly. Or maybe it was that quiet confidence in how she did simple things without hesitation.
But watching her do all this just made me feel guilty. It didn't feel right to let someone like her be the one doing it.
After a while, she finished drying the last dish, wiped the counter, and finally turned off the tap. She untied the apron, hung it neatly by the wall, then walked back to the living room and sat down on the sofa across from me.
I straightened up quickly, feeling awkward. "Thank you… for everything, Sera. The food, treatment, and… for today too. I think I've troubled you enough already."
Sera leaned back slightly, crossing one leg over the other. "You don't have to thank me," she said with a faint smile.
"How could I not? What you did for my family… it's something I can't even put into words. You basically gave their life back. So… if you ever need anything, please, just let me know."
Maybe I chose the wrong words, because her smile disappeared, and her voice suddenly turned serious.
"Anything?" she asked, her eyes fixed on me.
I blinked, caught off guard by the change in her voice. "I—I mean, within my ability," I stammered quickly. "I'm not as wealthy as you. As you can see, I'm just an ordinary person. Honestly, I'm not even sure what I could do for you."
Sera stayed silent, her gaze never leaving me.
After a few moments, her smile slowly returned. "I'll remember that," she said quietly.
I lowered my gaze, my fingers fidgeting nervously. Then, after a few seconds of silence, I finally asked, "Um… by the way, how did you even know I was here?"
She let out a faint sigh at my question. "Did you already forget?" she asked. "I told you before, didn't I? I ran a background check on you."
My eyes widened a little. "Ah… right." I nodded slowly, realizing how obvious it was. "That's true."
"But…" I frowned slightly, trying to piece it together. "Even if you knew this place, how did you know I'd come here today? I haven't been back in so long."
Sera rested her elbow on the armrest. "Because I already told the landlord to inform me if you ever came back," she said. "Let's just say I… persuaded him to keep me updated."
"Persuaded?" I blinked. "You mean…"
She gave a faint, knowing smile. "I paid him. That's all."
Ah, of course. Chaebols and their endless money. I could only smile awkwardly. But, was it even legal for a landlord to give out their tenant's information? I wondered helplessly.
Sera continue. "To be honest, I just had a feeling. When I told you about Yuna this afternoon, I already knew you wouldn't take it well. If I knew things would turn out like this, I would've stopped you from confronting her."
I let out a weak laugh and rubbed the back of my head, trying to ease the tension.
After seeing my casual attitude, Sera's expression turned cold again.
"Does it look funny to you?" she asked sharply.
I shut my mouth immediately. "I'm sorry."
Her tone stayed firm. "Can't you be serious about your health for once? Look at yourself, Haemin. You're injured, exhausted, and still pretending you're fine. You think brushing it off makes you stronger?"
I lowered my gaze. There wasn't anything I could say to that.
Sera sighed quietly, her tone softening just slightly. "Now tell me," she said after a moment, "what really happened inside her office. What made her do this to you?
Her question caught me completely off guard. My head lifted in surprise, eyes widening. "W–What?"
Sera tilted her head. "Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about."
I hesitated, unable to answer.
Sera's eyes stayed on me, as if waiting for an honest answer.
"It's nothing," I said after a long pause. "It's nothing serious. We just had a small argument, that's all."
Her expression didn't change. "A small argument? You expect me to believe that?"
"It's true," I said quickly. "It's already over now. You don't have to worry."
She shook her head, unconvinced. "No. I don't buy it. You don't get bruises like that from a small argument."
I stayed silent, avoiding her eyes. I didn't want to talk about it. I just wanted it to fade.
Sera exhaled softly, then stood up from the sofa. "Fine. If you won't tell me," she said, "I'll just find Yuna myself and ask her."
My heart dropped. "Sera, wait—"
She turned and began walking toward the door.
I panicked and rushed up, grabbing her hand before she could leave. "Please don't," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "I'll tell you. Just… please, don't go to her."
Sera looked at me for a long moment.
"Please…" I begged her.
She let out a quiet sigh. "Be honest with me, alright?"
I could only nod helplessly.
She turned slowly toward the living room, and I gently guided her back to the sofa. I took my seat again across from her and let out a deep breath.
"Promise me you won't do anything after hearing this," I said quietly.
Sera leaned back, crossing her legs loosely. "Fine," she said lazily.
I sighed and began the story.
I started by telling her that after I found out from her earlier today that Yuna was involved in the acquisition, I went straight to Yuna's office and confronted her, asking if it was true. I told her how she didn't even deny it, how she looked completely unbothered, as if my feelings meant nothing to her.
I explained to Sera how upset I was when she kept acting like nothing mattered, and how, in that moment, I told her the information came from Sera. That was when she snapped, got furious, and hit me.
Sera didn't say a word while listening. Her expression stayed calm, but I could see her right hand clenching tightly around the sofa armrest.
I left out the part about her choking me. There was no point in saying that. It wouldn't help anything.
After that, I hesitated for a moment. But knowing Sera would probably find out sooner or later, I told her that I'd already decided to end it with Yuna. I said that tomorrow, I would meet Yuna again to sign the divorce settlement and close that chapter of my life.
As soon as I said it, I caught a small change in Sera's expression. For a second, I thought she looked… relieved. Maybe even pleased.
But maybe it was just my imagination.
Sera remained silent for a moment before leaning forward slightly, her eyes look at me with quiet concern.
"Are you really okay to go by yourself tomorrow?" she asked softly. "Do you want me to come with you?"
I straightened my back quickly and shook my head. "N–No, it's fine. I'll be fine," I said, forcing a small laugh.
Her gaze lingered on me for a few seconds longer. "Are you sure?" she asked again, her tone gentle but persistent.
"Yes, I'll be fine. Don't worry," I replied, laughing a little under my breath. I could feel the tension rising in my chest, afraid that Sera would keep pressing or scold me again for being stubborn.
But instead, she just sighed quietly and leaned back against the sofa, her face calm and unreadable. "Okay," she said softly. "If you say so."
Her sudden willingness to step back caught me off guard. For a moment, I didn't know how to react. I felt relieved, but also unsettled. Sera never gave up this easily. Still, maybe this was better. I would've only felt guiltier if she kept trying to get involved.
Sera looked at me quietly for a moment before a soft smile touched her lips. "You've done well, Haemin," she said gently. "Enduring this far… there's no need to feel guilty toward Yuna."
Her words made my chest tighten. I smiled faintly, a little embarrassed but deeply touched by her kindness.
She continued, her tone calm yet sincere. "I don't know how things will turn out tomorrow," she said. "But… hang in there, alright?"
I met her gaze and nodded slowly. "Yeah," I murmured. "I will."
Before I could say more, her phone buzzed on the table. She picked it up, glanced at the screen, and clicked her tongue softly. "Tch…" Her expression shifted instantly. Her warmth turned to ice once again.
"I'll answer this call for a bit," she said, her voice lower now.
"Ah… okay," I replied, a little confused but not wanting to ask.
Sera stood up and walked toward the door. The moment she disappeared outside, silence filled the room again.
I leaned back against the sofa, letting out a quiet sigh. My body felt heavy and tired. Still, I was thankful Yuna hadn't shown up here. Maybe she was busy… or just too angry to bother. Either way, it was a relief.
I sighed once more and closed my eyes for a moment, deciding not to think about anything anymore. For now, I just waited for Sera to come back.
_____
Sera's POV
"—I understand, Ms. Hwang," came the rushed voice of my father's assistant, Mr. Cho. "But Chairman is very upset about the current terms of the collaboration with Nara Group. He believes the deal heavily favors them—"
I cut in before he could finish. "I'm aware of that. You don't need to repeat his concerns." My tone was calm but sharp enough to make him pause. "Tell my father I know exactly what I'm doing. Every clause in that agreement was intentional."
There was a brief silence on the other end before he spoke again, more cautiously this time. "Still, Chairman insists on meeting you this week to discuss it in person. He… wants to make sure Daehan's interests are protected."
I sighed quietly, tilting my head back as I looked at the city lights below. "Fine, tell him I'll make time."
"Yes, Ms. Hwang. I'll inform the Chairman—"
"And Mr. Cho," I interrupted again, my voice turning colder. "Don't call me over something like this again. If Father has a problem with my judgment, he can tell me directly."
There was another pause, then a hesitant, "Understood, Ms. Hwang."
I ended the call without another word.
For a moment, I just stood there, staring out over the dark skyline. My jaw tightened as I exhaled slowly. Irritation buzzed beneath my skin.
I reached into my pocket, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it. The small flame flickered across my face before fading. I didn't smoke often, only when I needed to let off some steam.
As I took the first drag, the smoke curled upward into the cold night air. My thoughts drifted almost immediately. To think that my father dared to question my judgment. I let out a faint sigh and took another drag, letting the frustration burn away.
When I finally finished, I exhaled one last time, forcing my expression to calm. Haemin didn't need to see me like this. I cleared the trace of irritation from my face before stepping back inside.
The apartment was quiet. As I walked toward the living room, I saw Haemin already asleep on the sofa.
A faint smile formed on my lips. He looked peaceful. I stopped in front of him and watched his calm sleeping face for a while. But the moment my gaze fell on the bruise and the small plaster on his temple, the calm inside me cracked. A slow wave of anger rose again, tightening my chest.
That woman.
I clenched my hand, trying to steady myself, and forced the rage back down. After a moment, I crouched beside him, my eyes softening. Poor thing. This week had been hell for him.
Quietly, I stood and went to his room, pulling out a light blanket. I returned and draped it gently over his body, tucking it around his shoulders.
It was already late. I slipped my coat back on, then leaned forward to look at him one last time. My fingers brushed through his hair, sweeping his bangs aside, before I gently caressed his cheek. His skin felt warm and soft under my touch.
He looked so calm… and beautiful.
I hesitated for a second, the thought flickering in my mind. This should be fine, right? After all, they'd be divorced tomorrow.
Leaning in slowly, I pressed a soft kiss against his forehead.
My hand lingered on his cheek for a brief moment, tracing the outline of his face before I finally pulled away.
Then, without another word, I turned and quietly walked out of the apartment.
As I closed the door behind me, the quiet click echoed down the dim hallway. I took out my phone again and scrolled through my contacts before pressing the call button.
"Mina," I said, my voice low but firm.
"Yes, Vice Chairwoman?"
I stepped further into the corridor. "I want you to contact every major hotel in Seoul. Tell them to inform you immediately if anyone makes a reservation under the name Seo Yuna or Nara Group for tomorrow. Make sure you contact every single branch. Don't miss a single one."
There was a short pause on the other end before Mina replied, "Understood, Vice Chairwoman. I'll start right away and update you as soon as there's a lead."
"Good," I said quietly. "Make sure no one traces the inquiry back to us."
"Yes, ma'am."
I ended the call and lowered my phone slowly, exhaling into the cold night air.
My gaze lingered on the door of Haemin's apartment for a moment.
I apologize to Haemin in my heart. I know he wouldn't want me to interfere. But I can't just stand by. I have to make sure his divorce process goes smoothly and…perfectly.
A small smile tugged at the corner of my lips. "Just a little more," I whispered. "Before you become mine."
Turning away, I walked down the hallway, my heels echoing faintly against the floor until I reached the parking level.
After a few moments, I arrived beside my car. As I reached for the door handle, I heard faint footsteps approaching from behind.
I paused, my lips curling slightly into a knowing smirk. I didn't even need to turn to guess who it was.
"I thought you'd already left," I said, my voice calm.
The footsteps stopped a few feet behind me.
It was Harin.