It had been nearly ten days since Minhee started taking care of Yeonju. Jinyook had asked her to look after Yeonju, saying she seemed weak in body and mind after losing her mother, and insisted on keeping this arrangement a secret.
Minhee accepted without question and, just like at work, was efficiently taking care of Yeonju.
According to Minhee, Yeonju had been eating well and seemed normal. From Jinyook’s perspective, it appeared the same. Yeonju seemed to have returned to a peaceful routine and even picked up hobbies like knitting.
‘Has she really gotten better?’
If Yeonju had truly returned to her old self, there would be no need to keep Minhee by her side anymore.
But Jinyook had a long business trip scheduled in two days. Until the trip was over, it felt safer to have Minhee continue watching over her.
“You’ve done well. Please keep watching over her.”
[Understood.]“And after I return from the European business trip, you should return to the office. It’s not good to leave your position for too long.”
[Understood.] After ending the call, Jinyook sat down with a relieved expression. Just knowing that Yeonju was eating properly was enough to ease his mind.
Now, he only needed to convince Hongseok and Aeran.
If he could persuade Hongseok, Aeran would naturally change her stance.
‘Your faith in Yeonju alone is too uncertain for the future.’
‘It’s best to let Yeonju go as soon as possible for your future.’
Hongseok’s firm voice echoed in Jinyook’s mind.
He knew it wouldn’t be easy to change his mind, given the high expectations he had for Jinyook.
But he had to find a way.
If there was no way, he would have to create one.
Jinyook gazed out the window, lost in deep thought.
On a cool yet sunny morning, Jinyook finished his trip preparations and exited the dressing room. His hair, slicked back without a fringe, and the navy three-piece suit seemed tailor-made for him, fitting perfectly.
Jinyook stopped at the dining room on his way to the entrance. Through the slightly open kitchen door, he saw Yeonju preparing coffee. The breeze through the window gently lifted her chestnut hair. The rich aroma of coffee filled the house.
It had been a while since he’d seen such a peaceful morning scene.
Everything seemed to have returned to normal, bringing him comfort. He felt relieved, knowing he wouldn’t have to worry about home affairs while away.
Noticing his presence, Yeonju turned around.
“Leaving now?”
She asked, and Jinyook nodded.
“I made coffee, but I guess you can’t have any.”
“Yeah, next time.”
Jinyook headed towards the entrance, and Yeonju followed him to the foyer.
As Jinyook put on his shoes, Yeonju spoke.
“Take care on your trip.”
“I will.”
Jinyook paused, looking back at Yeonju. She wore a white knit sweater, her face bare of makeup, and smiled gently. That smiling face felt dreamlike, warming his heart yet filling him with a sense of longing.
He couldn’t understand this strange feeling. It was only a week until he saw her again, but he already missed her. He had been away longer in the past, but his steps felt unusually heavy.
Jinyook looked at Yeonju and asked.
“Is there anything you want?”
“?”
“Women usually buy lots of things when they go abroad.”
He recalled the sight of young women laden with shopping bags from luxury stores overseas, their faces brimming with joy. Suddenly, he wanted to see Yeonju with the same expression.
“I’ll be in Florence for two days during the trip. If there’s anything you’ve wanted, let me know.”
Yeonju looked at him, startled. It was the first time Jinyook had offered to bring her something from a trip. Briefly bewildered, Yeonju then shook her head.
“It’s okay, you’ll be busy.”
“…”
“And I’ve never been abroad… I don’t even know what’s famous there.”
Jinyook raised an eyebrow, surprised by her unexpected response. He hadn’t realized there were people who had never traveled abroad, let alone that his wife was one of them.
After a moment of thought, Jinyook faced Yeonju and spoke.
“Right now, the company is busy, and I’m going through a hectic period, so I can’t find extra time. But once I firmly establish my position, it will be less busy than now.”
“…….”
“Let’s go together then.”
Jinyook looked at Yeonju with a solemn gaze.
“Whether it’s Europe or anywhere else…….”
“…….”
“Wherever you want to go.”
At his gentle words, Yeonju’s eyes trembled slightly.
A small ripple spread through her heart, but Yeonju pretended not to notice it.
“Alright.”
Yeonju nodded lightly, smiling faintly.
“Let’s do that.”
Jinyook looked at her face, then, as if remembering something more to say, his expression turned serious.
“And don’t worry about what others say.”
“…….”
“I’ll handle it, so just trust me and wait.”
He said this, worried that she might be swayed by Hongseok or Aeran in his absence. He had instructed Minhee to ensure that no outsiders, including family, approached Yeonju, but he still felt uneasy.
Yeonju simply nodded in response to Jinyook’s words.
Jinyook tilted his head and gently kissed her cheek.
The soft touch lingered for a moment before parting, and his quiet voice reached her ear.
“I’ll be back.”
Jinyook then turned and opened the front door. Yeonju followed him to the door, holding it open.
Jinyook’s retreating figure was visible, walking along the stone path in the garden.
His long strides quickly took him away.
Yeonju stood there, holding his image in her eyes for a long time.
It might be a scene she would never see again.
When scheming men desperately battle for her favor in the male harem
This one’s also on my reread list! The rivalry, scheming between the men in the imperial harem are just as intense and thrilling as in classic palace drama novels, where concubines fight to the death. Give it a read, girls! I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Synopsis:
“I am not worthy of her… but I still want to be by her side, even if only as a loyal dog…”
Those were the painful whispers of Yue Guanyi – the proud Crown Prince of the Great Qi, who was torn between deep love and a guilty conscience. Despite holding the supreme power of the Imperial Guard, he still could not forget the dark past when he was sold into a brothel.
Fate played a cruel twist when Qiu Shuzhi – a young female official who had just passed the imperial examinations with top honors – stepped into his life. She did not know that she was the one who had saved him from a tragic fate many years ago. And now, her heart was the target of pursuit for both Yue Guanyi and the powerful Empress Dowager Qin Qing.
While Yue Guanyi only dared to silently care for and protect the one he loved from afar, the Empress Dowager Qin Qing openly expressed his feelings and did not hesitate to take advantage of his power to approach Qiu Shuzhi. The covert struggle between the two most powerful forces in the imperial court began…
Trigger warning: All men in this novel are yandere style.
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