Her husband had always been a difficult person for Seo Yeon.

When standing before him, Seo Yeon would feel fear and become tongue-tied.

It was partly because he was the owner of the huge Han Kyung Group corporation, and partly because of his shameless attitude of trying to maintain their marriage for so long despite having a woman he loved.

He always had confidence in the decisions he made.

He thought his infidelity was not a big deal, and was certain that Seo Yeon’s wounds could heal.

“It would be better to handle the paperwork a month later.”

A year ago, Seo Yeon was invited to dinner by her mother-in-law.

Since she had thoroughly ignored Seo Yeon as if she didn’t exist for the past few years, Seo Yeon went to the meeting place feeling a bit nervous and somewhat excited.

Though it would be difficult, she seemed to have hoped that if she made an effort, her sincerity might get through, that her mother-in-law’s heart might soften.

But contrary to Seo Yeon’s expectations, her mother-in-law was not alone at the meeting place.

There sat the second daughter of the Daewon Group, whom her mother-in-law had been meeting frequently lately.

Seo Yeon then realized that the meaning of that meeting was her mother-in-law’s final notice to step aside.

Her husband, who she thought would easily agree to divorce, refused Seo Yeon’s request.

Seo Yeon knew the reason was because he considered honor important.

He was a man who thought divorce would be a blemish on his life.

However, now he seemed certain that divorcing Seo Yeon would be advantageous for his path.

Seeing him mention the word divorce with such an indifferent face.

Could it be that Mother has finally arranged a meeting between her husband and the Daewon Group’s second daughter?

“Why a month later?”

“Because I have an important schedule that can’t be postponed.”

An excessively cool voice devoid of emotion. A man composed of reason and coolness.

A person who wouldn’t bat an eye even if she died.

She knew from the beginning that her husband was this cold and emotionless towards her, so why did a corner of her heart ache?

Though she believed she had long ago sorted out any feelings she had for him, could there still have been some lingering attachment?

Unable to find an answer, Seo Yeon quickly composed herself and nodded, saying:

“I understand. Let’s do that then.”

“For a while, it’ll be difficult to make time like today. So if there’s anything you want, tell me now.”

Although unlike her husband, Seo Yeon wasn’t someone who always had confidence in her decisions, she had no desire to gain anything as compensation for enduring their marriage.

“What I want is to divorce you as soon as possible. I don’t need anything else.”

The moment she said those words, her husband’s eyebrows rose slightly.

His lowered gaze slowly scanned Seo Yeon.

Feeling that her husband’s gaze was exactly like an abyss, Seo Yeon replied:

“When we divorce, I hope you meet a woman worthy of you, Seong Jun. Since you’re a wonderful and capable person, you’ll probably find a wise and beautiful woman soon.”

Before their marriage, Seo Yeon had occasionally received messages from a woman claiming to be her husband’s lover.

Most of the content was blaming Seo Yeon for stealing Seong Jun away from her.

She said those words with both the hope that he would be happy with that woman now, and feelings of reproach for his infidelity.

Or it seemed like a good plan for him to take the Daewon Group’s second daughter as his wife, as his mother wished.

However, she couldn’t continue her response due to her husband’s suddenly changed expression.

“Han Seo Yeon.”

Seeing the deep furrow between his brows and his sharpened gaze, she could tell at a glance that his mood had soured.

“You say you don’t need anything and just want a divorce. You hope I meet a good woman soon. It seems this divorce is quite a desperate matter for you to speak such nonsense. Or perhaps you’re under the delusion that it’s the key to solving everything.”

Seo Yeon felt her breath catch at Seong Jun’s sharp gaze and voice.

So she revealed her inner thoughts, which she would never do normally.

“Is it unacceptable that I asked for a divorce first? Is that why?”

Seong Jun laughed as if amused at Seo Yeon’s question.

“Yes. It hurts my pride.”

Taken aback by Seong Jun’s answer, Seo Yeon was at a loss for words. At that moment, Seong Jun, who had been keenly observing her, asked:

“So what if I refuse to grant the divorce again? What will you do then?”

“I’ll have to beg you again.”

And afraid to see her husband’s reproachful gaze, she hastily added:

“I’ll leave first. See you in a month.”

In a month, after that time passes, she would no longer have any relationship with this man.

It felt both refreshing and empty.

At least she wouldn’t have to face the view that she was a burden blocking her husband’s life. That was fortunate.

Time flew by quickly.

A month later. Living as usual, Seo Yeon was able to hear news of her husband through an article.

He had called together major shareholders and executives and was pushing forward with a merger and acquisition with the Daewon Group.

Seo Yeon swallowed a sigh with a dejected face.

‘It certainly was an important matter worth postponing the divorce for.’

Just as she had seen articles about his achievements within the group and his rise to even greater heights, Seo Yeon thought that perhaps in the near future, she might learn of his second marriage not from people, but through an article.

Moreover, from now on, all news about him would only be known through articles.

It was the day of their appointment.

Seo Yeon recalled the events from a month ago when she last saw Seong Jun.

Seo Yeon, who had turned to leave first, felt uneasy about parting like this after another argument, especially since it might be the last time.

She didn’t want to end on such a bad memory.

As she stood there, unable to go out or turn back, her hand on the doorknob, it was then.

“Have you made any plans for what you’ll do after the divorce?”

Unexpectedly, her husband’s voice was heard.

Seo Yeon turned her head to look at Seong Jun.

He was leaning slightly against the wall, his gaze fixed on Seo Yeon.

Surprise showed on Seo Yeon’s face, not having expected his gaze to still be on her.

“You said you wanted to quit everything. You must have wanted a divorce because you had plans. Did you make any specific plans? What about your living arrangements?”

And that bewildering emotion only grew with Seong Jun’s barrage of questions.

Because she hadn’t thought her husband would care about her life after the divorce.

In this unexpected situation, Seo Yeon found herself spilling out her plans without realizing it.

“I’m thinking of using my major. A senior from school contacted me recently asking if I could help with some work. It’s teaching children.”

“Piano?”

“That’s right.”

“It’ll be tough.”

“I suppose so. It’ll probably take time to adjust. But I have to try something.”

Once again, a suffocating silence fell between the two.

Before marriage, Seo Yeon had lived thinking it was her duty to live up to her parents’ expectations, and after marriage, she had lived killing herself to repay her feelings of guilt towards her husband and his family.

Breaking the quietness, Seo Yeon opened her mouth.

“Whatever I do, from now on I want to live for myself, not for others.”

“……”

Seong Jun looked deep into her eyes. She thought it had been a really long time since she had looked her husband straight in the eye.

“That’s good to hear.”

It was the very next moment that his tightly closed lips opened.

“Yes. After the divorce, live for yourself as you wish, without being swayed by others’ decisions this time.”

Seo Yeon’s eyes widened slightly. It didn’t sound sarcastic.

Because of his excessively solemn expression and gaze, it felt exactly like her husband’s true feelings.

Perhaps that’s why. Caught up in the thought that it might be the last time, Seo Yeon spoke her true feelings, which might be for the first and last time.

“I wanted to get along well with you.”

Seong Jun’s pitch-black eyes stared straight at her.

As if trying to confirm her expression. Staring at Seong Jun, who was looking at her without moving, as if frozen, Seo Yeon opened her mouth again.

“I don’t want to part, darling.”

“……”

“No. I didn’t want to.”

“……”

In a space quieter than ever before, the two’s gazes intertwined with each other.

Without withdrawing his gaze that had been clinging almost obsessively, Seong Jun answered a moment later.

“Yes. Me too.”

“…!”

“I didn’t want to.”

Seong Jun, who had been silent for a while with his gaze fixed on Seo Yeon, moved his lips.

“Take care.”

That was their last conversation.

Throughout their married life, her husband had been cold and heartless towards her.

But on that day alone, she could find no resentment or reproach in her husband’s gaze towards her.

Rather, it contained a light of worry and concern.

Was it because it was the last time? Did he still worry because she was his wife? Or was it because of pride?

She couldn’t understand why that conversation suddenly came to mind.

Would they be able to talk even briefly today?

No. Since they were about to divorce, it might be better for both of them not to have any conversation.

As Seo Yeon was thinking this while shouldering her bag, her phone rang. The caller was her husband’s secretary.

“Hello? Secretary Kwon?”

– Ma, Madam….. Ma…..dam….!

Her husband’s secretary, who had never shown signs of agitation, was unable to continue speaking in a voice that sounded like he was about to lose his breath.

– The CEO… The CEO….. On his way to the meeting place….. He had… He had an accident…..

He went on to say that she should come to the hospital quickly, and finally burst into tears.