Se Ah also returned to a businesslike attitude.
“Just a moment.”
Kang Woo picked up a cup of beverage he had placed on the desk. After lightly shaking the cup, he handed it to Se Ah.
“Half of the coffee has flown away. Because of the excitement.”
“……”
“My thinking time has also reduced.”
At his unexpected words, Se Ah looked bewildered. Kang Woo held the back of Se Ah’s hand holding the cup.

“I called you to give you coffee. Of course, I planned to ask for the story too.”
On the lid of the cup he gave her was an A for Americano. The other one had an M for Mocha Latte.
“I think that’s mine?”
“This one is yours.”
Kang Woo let go of Se Ah’s hand with a firm word. His mouth was slightly upturned with mischief.
“Think of me while you drink this.”
“……”
“I will be thinking of you.”
“……”
“You like sweet things, so I put syrup in it. I was worried you would complain about me doing as I please.”
“Ugh.”
She put on a gruff act, wary of blushing right in front of him. His jawline was softly highlighted. The scent of wood wafted from between his starched shirt collar.
“I plan to do everything you ask of me. I’m even responding to your covert relationship request, even though I don’t want to.”
“……”
“Just don’t turn a blind eye. I will continue to behave obediently from now on.”
His relaxed voice sounded lazy, like a spring day. His previously cold gaze gradually softened.
“Let’s see each other at home.”
She didn’t have time to respond to his last words. She hurried out of the office to hide the heat flushing from her cheeks.

((()))((()))((()))

Saturday. Se Ah had made plans to meet Hyeon Suk. They were going to have brunch together and take a cooking class.

In the second contract she signed with Nam Tae, unlike the first, there was no clause stating she had to attend classes. Even if there was, she wouldn’t have considered it.

Still, the reason she decided to take cooking classes again was purely because of Hyeon Suk.

Like me, Hyeon Suk didn’t fit in well with socialites.

Se Ah didn’t know the details, but she had heard rumors that Hyeon Suk had married into a lesser family, lowering her status. She could only guess that was why.

In addition, due to Nam Tae’s surveillance, Hyeon Suk was not free to go out. Se Ah planned to learn together in the cooking class and also share a meal, a sort of consolation for Hyeon Suk, even if it was just an act of filial piety before leaving.

In Cheongdam, the glass doors of Amore were wide open. When Se Ah told the staff at the entrance Hyeon Suk’s name, she was guided to her seat.

A highquality marble table was laid with a white tablecloth. Hyeon Suk’s favorite flowers were everywhere, making it feel like they had stepped into a greenhouse.
“Mother!”
“Our Se Ah is here. Was there a traffic jam on the way?”
Hyeon Suk greeted Se Ah with a smile as bright as a flower. They greeted each other with a light Westernstyle hug.

At first, Se Ah was not used to Hyeon Suk’s warm nature, but now it came naturally whenever they met.
“Let’s sit down.”
“Yes.”
Immediately, a staff member filled Se Ah’s crystal glass with water. They ordered two cups of coffee and a menu recommended by the staff.
“Hey, Se Ah. The atmosphere in this cafe is so nice. Have you been here before?”
“No, this is my first time. You’re right. It feels like we’ve come to a botanical garden.”
“Doesn’t Kang Woo take you to places like this?”
“……Kang Woo is busy with his business. And I’ve been a bit out of it lately too.”
Hyeon Suk touched the back of Se Ah’s evasively moving hand.

“He’s a bit more introverted than he appears. He doesn’t understand women well. So you should be the one suggesting where to go first. Of course, a woman might feel bad about having to initiate, but he’s just clueless.”
“I’m fine, really.”
Se Ah could almost hear Hyun Sook’s sigh. Pretending not to notice, she fiddled with her water glass first.

Shortly after, the brunch set they had ordered arrived. A pumpkin egg slut topped with plenty of mozzarella cheese, two pieces of French toast, and two cups of coffee.
“Eat a lot. You’ve gained a little weight, haven’t you? You look even prettier.”
“Really? I’ve gained weight?”
“Just a little. Don’t bother dieting again. You’re pretty.”
“Okay.”
During the meal, Hyun Sook subtly asked about various things. Kang Woo’s usual return time, her complexion seemed to have improved at the mention of his early return. She even subtly asked if he was treating her well.

Se Ah realized that Hyun Sook wanted to meet under the guise of their son’s matters.
“Se Ah! How about we skip the cooking class today and go shopping instead? Don’t you want anything? I’ll buy it for you.”
“What? Mother… But it’s our first day.”
“What’s the big deal? We can attend next week. It’s not like we’re studying for the college entrance exam.”
“Um… Mother, do you want to go shopping?”
“You’ve never been shopping with me. Besides, you’re always busy learning this and that. I thought you’d prefer to be with your husband on weekends rather than shopping with your motherinlaw.”
“I don’t mind. You can call me.”
“I was so happy yesterday when you suggested we take the cooking class. Kang Woo said it would be hard to see you when he was discharged.”
She knew that Kang Woo had come when she was discharged from her conversation with Hyun Sook.

But why would Kang Woo tell her mother such a thing? Then she remembered the excuse he made about it being inconvenient to take care of his inlaws as a pretext for divorce. She felt even more sorry for Hyun Sook.
“Ah… I guess I’ve been learning something separately lately. Mother! Let’s go shopping. If you need anything, I’ll buy it for you.”
It was still before payday, but she wanted to give Hyun Sook a present in advance.

Looking back, she had never given her a substantial gift while expressing her gratitude. Kang Woo had always replaced her with money for anniversaries like birthdays or Parents’ Day.
“Then let’s get up quickly.”
Hyun Sook got up with a bright smile like a child. She also finished saying to come to the main gate on the phone.

And as they walked out like a friendly mother and daughter.
“Oh my! Miss Se Ah!”
Min Young acted like she knew her, her bob swinging.
“Oh. Hello? How come we meet again.”
“This is a cooking class, isn’t it? Are you going to attend it again, Miss Se Ah? You said you were too busy to attend last time.”
Hyun Sook looked at Se Ah with a puzzled look and smiled. She seemed not to know who she was.
“Oh mother. This is Vice President Lee Min Young, Kang Woo’s business partner.”
“Oh… I see.”
“Ah, you’re Chairman Cha’s mother? No wonder. I thought you looked very similar to Chairman Cha rather than Se Ah. You’re very beautiful, ma’am.”
Min Young, who started with a compliment, soon bowed politely.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Lee Min Young, the Vice President of Gcoms. I’m collaborating with Chairman Cha.”
“I’ve met the eldest daughter of Gcoms. But it seems to be the first time I’ve met the second daughter.”
“Yes. My sister attended Chairman Cha’s wedding as a family representative. I was in the U.S. then. My father was very grateful for the excellent treatment at the luncheon. I would like to express my thanks again.”
“I see. Then see you next time.”
Hyun Sook finished with a formal smile. Min Young answered ‘Yes, ma’am’ in a friendly manner and walked to the white sedan parked at the main gate.
“Mother. Is it your first time seeing that woman?”
“Yes. It’s my first time. Gcoms is not a place that’s been around for decades, so I don’t know it well. I haven’t attended any social gatherings in a while.”
“I see.”
“Your father should know more about that kind of thing.”
Hyun Sook stopped speaking as if she was seeing through something and watched Min Young get into the car.
“Hey. Se Ah.”
“Yes.”
“Be careful with that girl.”

lu lu lo la ▪️ net (lululola.net)