A Marriage So Lethal (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 44

Snow had fallen all night, but Christmas Eve morning dawned bright and clear.

Because they’d hurried, they arrived early at Hanbit Orphanage, located roughly two hours from Seoul. Upon hearing the news, the Director and Deputy Director came out to greet them in the parking lot.

“It’s truly an honor to see you again, Cha Gang Woo. No—should I now call you CEO Cha?”

Smiling warmly at Kang Woo, the Director evoked old memories. She was the type whose eyes and lips automatically curved into a smile whenever meeting a benefactor.

Though gratitude for the sponsorship was surely due, Se Ah couldn’t help but wonder why such warm eyes and smiles were so rarely shown to the children—and she gave a faint, strained smile.

“Se Ah, long time no see! I’m so proud seeing you marry into such a reputable family, live well, and grow up so beautifully. But why is it so hard to see you? You don’t even answer my calls.”

“I’ve been a bit busy.”

Se Ah subtly pulled her hand away from the Director’s overly familiar grasp. The Director’s countless harsh words—delivered under the guise of discipline—still weighed heavily in Se Ah’s heart.

Staying up a little late after chatting with older girls before bed, leaving food uneaten, occasionally arguing with a friend, or insisting on having one more snack received from a sponsor—none of these minor infractions were ever forgiven by the Director.

‘I’m a mother to over a hundred children. Those who break promises cannot stay here. For the sake of all, I must cast out even one child.’

She unflinchingly spoke these words—the very ones the homeless children feared most—and punished crying, repentant children by locking them overnight in the cold room.

Se Ah, too, had been sent directly to that cold room multiple times for trivial reasons—or even for others’ misdeeds, which the Director never cared to distinguish.

Brandishing fairness as justification, she’d lock them in the cold room without hesitation and then forcibly push them to reconcile.

Shivering all night on the freezing, bare floor—without even a blanket—Se Ah had grasped one truth clearly: the Director’s words must always be obeyed.

Discomforted by the Director’s seemingly benevolent smile, Se Ah’s lips stiffened awkwardly. The Deputy Director, who had stood a cautious step behind, gently took Se Ah’s hand.

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