After work, Se Ah visited a restaurant near the company.

She had gone to Kang Woo’s office to get coffee when Secretary Choi invited her for dinner, saying she was free due to the absence of the director. Secretary Choi, who was older than Se Ah by about a decade, was the cousin of Hyun-sook, Kang Woo’s mother. In other words, she held a position in the family equivalent to Kang Woo’s mother-in-law.

Moreover, she was also Kang Woo’s secretary at the company, making their relationship complex and difficult. It was their first time meeting privately, though they had seen each other at family gatherings now and then.

Feeling slightly nervous, Se Ah took a sip of water. As she looked around restlessly, Secretary Choi entered with a bright smile. Se Ah straightened her clothes and stood up.

“Madam, I’m sorry for being late. My apologies.”

Se Ah was at a loss for how to react to Secretary Choi’s formal bow, and bowed her head in return.

“You can be more relaxed with me.”

“I’ll remember that for next time.”

Impressed by Secretary Choi’s kind but firm demeanor, Se Ah thought it was no wonder she could handle Kang Woo. They sat down together with smiles.

“I wanted to treat you to something nice since I invited you for dinner. Are you really okay with this place?”

Secretary Choi looked around the restaurant. It was a seolleongtang (ox bone soup) restaurant, known for its good taste and cleanliness.

“I craved soup because it’s winter. I chose this place because you said anything would be fine. Do you not like seolleongtang?”

Se Ah chose this unassuming place considering Secretary Choi might feel burdened otherwise.

“I find any food prepared by others delicious.”

Se Ah chuckled at Secretary Choi’s married-life wisdom.

Soon, the food arrived. The steaming earthenware bowls contained richly brewed meat broth.

“Be careful, it’s hot.”

“You too, Secretary Choi.”

They took a few spoonfuls in somewhat awkward silence. Just as Se Ah wondered whether to break the silence, Secretary Choi spoke first.

“Isn’t it inconvenient without a chauffeur?”

“Not for me. But I don’t understand why he doesn’t hire one. He must be the one who finds it inconvenient.”

Se Ah carefully referred to Kang Woo as ‘he’. Secretary Choi, thoughtful and careful like her husband, smiled lightly.

“It’s probably because of you, Madam. Having a chauffeur might be convenient, but it can also be uncomfortable. He probably wants to be outrageously affectionate without other eyes around.”

Embarrassed, Se Ah clammed up and glanced discreetly at Secretary Choi.

She had seen Secretary Choi dealing with Kang Woo at the company a few times, always appearing very formal and respectful. No one would guess they were relatives.

“I thought you were uncomfortable around him.”

“It’s a bit difficult, yes. He’s my nephew, after all.”

“Ah… I see.”

“But back then…”

Secretary Choi smiled it off.

“Back then what?”

“Never mind. The director would scold me if he knew.”

“I won’t tell.”

“No, I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

“…I was hoping to hear more about him, as you know him best in the family…”

Regretting her eagerness, Se Ah watched as Secretary Choi finished her meal cleanly and set down her spoon.

“Shouldn’t we have a drink to talk about these things?”

Secretary Choi’s suggestion made Se Ah beam.

They went to a pub.

Despite the holiday season being over, Christmas decorations were still up.

Relaxed by a drink and Secretary Choi’s comforting presence, Se Ah’s shoulders loosened.

“This place is nice for a casual drink, isn’t it? The ambiance isn’t bad.”

“Yes, Secretary Choi. It’s really nice.”

“You seem to like cute and quaint things.”

“Right. That’s why I have lots of character merchandise in my bag.”

Se Ah took out a cute pen and notebook from her shoulder bag to show her.

“What’s the director doing these days?”

Secretary Choi murmured softly. She wished he could approach things more softly and naturally.

“Madam, you seem to be a cheerful person.”

“Me? I haven’t heard that much.”

“I didn’t realize it before, but when I’m with you, I find myself smiling too.”

“Thank you.”

Se Ah smiled awkwardly at the compliment.
Upon reflection, Se Ah realized that her life wasn’t only filled with bad people like Nam Tae or Secretary Lee. Perhaps her luck was changing, as good things and people were starting to emerge in her life.

She hoped this streak of good fortune would last.

While a hint of a lonely smile touched her lips, Secretary Choi rummaged through her handbag.

Then, she pulled out a photograph. The familiar face of a young boy automatically made Se Ah’s lips curl into a smile.

“I found this while organizing my photo album during the end-of-year holidays. He’s cute, isn’t he, the director?”

“Yes. Looks like it was taken just before he started elementary school?”

“Was he 6 years old then?”