Even after returning home, Hae Yeon’s heart remained heavy as she recalled Su Rin’s puzzling words. They were utterly incomprehensible.

I caused an accident, she said. Me.

To my husband, no less.

Moreover, it was something that should have led to divorce?

The finale to this mystery was Su Rin’s last words.

− The choice is yours. Either accept this quiet chance to exit again, or be miserably driven out.

Even upon further reflection, that part didn’t even elicit a wry laugh. However, what troubled her so much was the “accident from a year ago” that Su Rin had mentioned. On her way home, she had slowly recalled the events of last year, but still nothing special came to mind.

Thinking of Su Rin, who unlike herself had been so composed at that moment, Hae Yeon stirred. She needed to know. Unlike the other things said, there was no reason for Su Rin to tell such an implausible lie about her causing an accident.

Moreover, that inexplicable sensation when she heard the word “accident”. Hae Yeon shook her head.

“I need to look into this.”

She immediately turned on her laptop and entered “Cha Do Ha” into the search portal. He was the CEO of his own business and the second son of the CEO of “Gil Myung Group”, a large corporation. What was publicly known about him was that he was the heir to the group. Thus, if there had been any accident or incident involving Do Ha, it would have been reported in the news.

“A fender bender?”

After spending a long time on the laptop, she found one small article that seemed like gossip. There were many articles related to Do Ha, but only one piece of information that could be related to what Su Rin had said.

It was a simple fender bender that occurred while Do Ha was driving himself, so the article wasn’t long. It didn’t mention any major damage caused or sustained by either party.

‘Why don’t I know about this?’

She had never heard from Do Ha that he had been in a traffic accident last year. While it was possible that he might not have told his wife to avoid worrying her, given his personality, it was unlikely that his overzealous in-laws would have left the daughter-in-law in the dark. Hae Yeon blinked slowly, suddenly feeling as if she had fallen into an unfamiliar space.

As Hae Yeon pondered alone, she turned on her laptop and entered Su Rin’s name into the search bar. Anyone could see that she was extraordinary, with a dignity and aura quite different from ordinary people. Sure enough, Su Rin’s profile soon appeared.

“Mi Bon Foods.”

Su Rin was the planning director of “Mi Bon Foods”, a subsidiary of the large corporation “Mi Bon Group”. Hae Yeon read through the article.

Mi Bon was in the same industry as her family’s company.

“So she was in England.”

That explained why she had never seen her at events or gatherings.

Then why was she doing this to her now that she was back in Korea? Hae Yeon was puzzled. It was too strange for Su Rin, a direct descendant of a large corporation’s owner family, to say such things to her, the daughter-in-law of a rival group’s chairman. It was suspicious even from a third party’s perspective.

Gil Myung Sugar, the primary subsidiary of Gil Myung Group, and Mi Bon Foods were companies vying for the lead in the food industry. On the surface, they were competing companies, but internally, some families or individuals might be close.

“If I ask Do Ha, I’ll know for sure.”

With many other things to ask as well, Hae Yeon put this matter to rest for now. Finally changing her clothes, Hae Yeon also set aside the items in her pocket and busily moved about, waiting for Do Ha to return from his business trip to Gyeongju.

By the time she finished cooking, it was 7 PM.

Just as she was thinking about reading a book, the intercom rang. Surprised by Do Ha’s earlier-than-expected arrival, a look of astonishment flashed across Hae Yeon’s face.

Do Ha was crossing the garden towards her. The house, with its full-length glass front, allowed a clear view of the outside scenery, and even from a distance, his tall, slender physique was evident as he strode purposefully in his usual impeccable suit. Hae Yeon opened the door with a radiant smile.

“You’re home?”

“Yes. I missed you.”

Do Ha, with his exceptionally distinct features, embraced Hae Yeon with a gentle smile. As she pulled away from his warm embrace, he placed a light kiss on her lips. Although Hae Yeon wanted to ask her questions immediately, she exercised patience.

“Weren’t you lonely while I was away?”

Do Ha’s smiling face was no different from usual. Hae Yeon smiled back at him.

“No. Time flew by as I lazed around at home. More importantly, you must be hungry.”

“A little. You must not have eaten either.”

Hae Yeon nodded. Do Ha’s friendly manner of speaking was the same as always. Though he tended to be cold towards others, he often curled his sensual lips in front of his wife.

As Hae Yeon smiled back, she mentally calculated when would be the best time to ask her husband her questions.

“…Did you hear from the family?”

Do Ha asked, his deep eyes shining softly. Hae Yeon’s eyes also curved into half-moons.

“There were no calls, so don’t worry.”

Only then did Do Ha’s expression relax. His concern was palpable – he had worried that his family, who didn’t approve of his wife, might have harassed her while he was away on his business trip.

“I’m sorry.”

Do Ha uttered in a low voice. Surprised by the sudden apology, Hae Yeon looked up at him. Even after four years of marriage, Do Ha still felt guilty about his family constantly troubling his wife. With a dark expression, he caressed Hae Yeon’s cheek.

“It’s not your fault, so don’t say things like that.”

“Still, I’m sorry.”

“Tsk, enough of that. Let’s just go inside.”

As Hae Yeon smiled and gently shook her head, a warm hand touched hers. After walking a bit, they reached the front door and their hands parted. Do Ha stopped walking and looked down at Hae Yeon with a smiling face in front of the dressing room.

“Wait outside for a moment. I’ll shower quickly and come out.”

“Alright.”

Do Ha, who had separated from Hae Yeon with a natural movement that couldn’t be refused, went inside after hearing her response. For the past few months, he hadn’t dressed or undressed in front of her, but at first, Hae Yeon hadn’t noticed Do Ha’s unusual behavior.

However, as this period continued, she couldn’t help but notice. Until now, she hadn’t asked out of consideration for Do Ha, and moreover, she was determined to find out today why they weren’t even being intimate.

Standing in the quiet hallway, Hae Yeon waited for Do Ha to come out. As soon as the door opened, she immediately asked.

“Do Ha, why have you been changing clothes in the bathroom lately?”

“Just because. It’s a bit uncomfortable.”

Do Ha’s voice was low as he replied without hesitation. Although not entirely convincing, his resolute tone suggested that further questioning wouldn’t yield any answers. At that moment, Su Rin’s words surfaced in Hae Yeon’s mind.

Would she understand why Do Ha had changed if she knew the truth about the incident Su Rin mentioned? Hae Yeon pictured Su Rin’s words in her mind, though their veracity was still uncertain. In any case, all the facts could be clarified by asking Do Ha today.

Shaking off her thoughts, Hae Yeon headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

* * *

As a slender silhouette of a woman approached, the lights of a sleek black sports car flashed briefly. The woman who got into the car turned on the engine but didn’t start driving.

It was because she felt thoroughly uneasy.

What is this feeling?

Su Rin’s eyes narrowed. It was surprising enough that she had shown up at the meeting place even after being told she was Do Ha’s lover, but she had even retaliated against her provocation. Moreover, she hadn’t expected her to tell her to answer the phone when her husband called.

Was Min Hae Yeon always like this?

She felt annoyed and dumbfounded, letting out a sardonic laugh. She knew all too well about that woman’s shamelessness, but to this extent?

‘Is that why? Is this the reason for my discomfort?’

She had expected that after that incident, Hae Yeon would have been immediately divorced or kicked out. But their marriage had continued.

As anyone could have predicted, Min Hae Yeon should have been living with guilt. Su Rin had also thought that way, believing that just a little shake would make Hae Yeon fall away on her own.

However, it was absurd that the woman had not only stood her ground but even rebuked her words.

Just whose influence could it be? That Min Hae Yeon was still continuing her married life with Cha Do Ha.

“Ha. This is ridiculous.”

She couldn’t remember when she had last suffered such humiliation in her life. No, had she ever even met someone who treated her like that? And to think that Min Hae Yeon had done such an audacious thing. How pathetic.

Letting out another exasperated exclamation, Su Rin twisted her lips. Min Hae Yeon, who could act so brazenly even when reminded of what she had done.

There was a separate way to deal with such people.

“In the end, you’re making me do this.”

Su Rin let out a hollow laugh. Her smile soon hardened.

I need to change the plan. I tried to give her a chance to exit gracefully, but she dared to provoke me. Su Rin called her secretary.

“Find out that woman’s schedule.”

After ending the call with her secretary, Su Rin muttered.

“I wonder how long you’ll hold out.”

Su Rin’s car suddenly cut through the darkness as her lips curved slightly.

* * *

Hae Yeon’s house was originally a three-story building that had been converted into two floors by opening up the interior, resulting in high ceilings throughout all spaces. The kitchen also had a high ceiling, with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased the garden from all sides. Particularly romantic was the slanted ceiling window with wooden lattices, reminiscent of a chic café.

The two of them sat across from each other at the dining table in this romantic kitchen, sharing dinner.

“I’ve been craving the food you make.”

Both his affectionate words and low laughter were pleasant to hear. Hae Yeon’s lips curled up into a wide smile.

“I met the young lady a few days ago. It seems she wants to transfer to a foreign university.”

Do Hee was Do Ha’s beloved younger sister. Hae Yeon felt the same way about her. Not only was Do Hee the most affectionate towards her in the in-laws’ family, but she was also a lovely person in her own right. Do Hee was like a cute sister-in-law and a close younger sister, someone who brought a smile to Hae Yeon’s face just thinking about her.

“She said she’d like it if you could recommend a good university.”

“She’s always been a burden.”

“It’s because she loves her brother so much. She likes everything you say, doesn’t she?”

“Was that so?”

Do Ha replied indifferently. Sitting close, Hae Yeon could see that his jawline had become a bit sharper. Perhaps the business in Gyeongju hadn’t gone smoothly? Hae Yeon offered him some grilled deodeok.

It was a side dish that often appeared at his family home, and Do Ha had always enjoyed it.

“Do Ha. Did things go well in Gyeongju?”

“Hmm, average.”

As Hae Yeon furrowed her brow, Do Ha narrowed his elongated eyes.

“Don’t worry. Even if we don’t win that contract, we won’t starve to death.”

“What a joke. Of course you wouldn’t.”

Hae Yeon smiled brightly, but inwardly she sighed. In fact, Do Ha rarely talked about his business at home. He said he wanted to be fully present with his wife when at home.

The fact that he made such a joke now meant that, contrary to his words, the Gyeongju matter was a big deal, and he was disappointed that it hadn’t yielded the desired results. Seeing him sulk, wanting comfort from his wife, Hae Yeon felt uncomfortable about having to bring up such an unpleasant topic today.

“Don’t stress too much. Even things that didn’t work out might turn out well later.”

“You think so?”

“Yes.”

Seeing Do Ha’s expression soften, Hae Yeon spoke again.

“Do Ha, can I ask you something?”

Though puzzled by Hae Yeon’s serious tone, as if she was about to say something important, Do Ha playfully arched his eyebrow.

“What could our wife be curious about?”

Do Ha smiled beautifully, enough to make anyone watching feel dizzy. His black hair fell askew with the tilt of his head, his bangs naturally falling forward made him look like he had just turned twenty.

Hae Yeon maintained a calm expression, but her mouth was dry with tension.

“By any chance, did you have a car accident last year?”

“…What?”

Hae Yeon leaned slightly away from the table and looked directly at Do Ha’s face. Seemingly surprised by the sudden question, Do Ha froze for a moment before letting out a soft laugh.

“A car accident? Ah. Are you talking about that time? There was a minor collision last summer.”

“Really? But this is the first I’m hearing of it. Did you not tell me?”

“It was such a minor accident, that’s why.”

Do Ha answered lightly, his tone and manner casual and composed. His horizontally long eyes gazed softly at Hae Yeon.

“How did you find out about that?”

The moment she heard those words, Hae Yeon sensed a discordance and unconsciously realized. If she were to explain how she learned about the accident here and now, she would never be able to uncover the truth. Also, that the incident Su Rin had mentioned wasn’t simply a lie. Though he had asked her casually, Do Ha’s eyebrows moved subtly.

“…I happened to come across an article while searching online.”

“Is that so? Then has your curiosity been satisfied now?”

Do Ha’s gaze met hers as he smiled faintly. Hae Yeon lifted the corners of her lips slightly.

“Yes. But next time, if such an accident happens, please tell me right away.”

In response to her appropriately disappointed words, Do Ha raised his eyebrows and grinned mischievously.

“Next time? Are you saying there should be another accident?”

“What? Oh, no!”

Startled, Hae Yeon glared at Do Ha as she realized his intent. Do Ha lightly tapped the bridge of her nose with his index finger.

“Alright. From now on, I’ll report even the tiniest fender bender. Happy now?”

At his teasing question, Hae Yeon rolled her pretty eyes. However, her mind was working in complex ways. While she didn’t fully believe everything Su Rin had said, after seeing Do Ha’s reaction today, it seemed worth considering to some extent.

She thought that perhaps the “accident” wasn’t a physical accident at all. It could be something more along the lines of ‘harm’ or ‘trouble’.

“Hae Yeon, are you not eating anymore?”

Do Ha gazed at her intently.

“Ah. I’ll eat.”

Hae Yeon nodded, shaking off her thoughts.