#49.

Kim Eun-ju laid alone in the darkness, staring at the ceiling. Lee Hyun-woo’s even breathing from the next room weighed heavily on her heart.

,Why is he avoiding me so much… He’s definitely hiding something from me.’

A seed of doubt began to grow in Kim Eun-ju’s chest.

For the past few months, Lee Hyun-woo’s behavior had been nothing but suspicious. Late returns home, frequent overtime, and even his attempts to hide his cell phone usage. Each and every trivial thing left a scratch on Kim Eun-ju’s heart.

Kim Eun-ju got out of bed and headed to the room where Lee Hyun-woo was sleeping with heavy steps. She knocked softly on the door and whispered, ,Honey, let’s talk…’

After a moment, Lee Hyun-woo’s cold voice came from beyond the door.

,I just want to rest right now. Let’s talk later.’

Kim Eun-ju lingered in front of the door for a while, but soon gave up and turned away. Her eyes reddened in the darkness. This distance, where she couldn’t even have a conversation with her husband, made her feel so empty. Leaving the tightly closed bedroom door behind, Kim Eun-ju headed to the living room, feeling lonely.

Lee Hyun-woo buried his head in the pillow with a deep sigh. He felt heavy-hearted, thinking about how coldly he had responded to his wife Kim Eun-ju. But his mind, exhausted from the endless work at the company, was filled with all sorts of worries. He was extremely concerned about an important project coming up. And on top of that, his wife’s sharp attitude.

,Why the hell has she become so edgy… I’m having a hard time too.’

Resentment welled up in Lee Hyun-woo’s heart.

,Eun-ju is probably stressed and having a hard time raising our son Jin-woo too…’

A corner of Lee Hyun-woo’s heart ached, but he was too exhausted to offer proper words of comfort. He was completely worn out by her constant nagging every night.

Lee Hyun-woo, closing his eyes at the bright light seeping in, was confused. The desire to reassure his wife and the accumulated fatigue were intertwined, making his head spin. In the end, he decided to soothe his tired body and mind with what little sleep he could get. With a deep sigh, Lee Hyun-woo closed his heavy eyelids.

–

Kim Eun-ju was deeply lonely and disappointed due to the conflict and suspicion with her husband, Lee Hyun-woo. Kim Eun-ju began to meet Lee Han frequently, drinking coffee and confiding in him.

,Lee Han-ssi, I’m really having a hard time these days. I can’t even talk to Hyun-woo anymore, and it seems like he’s hiding something.’

Kim Eun-ju’s voice was trembling. Lee Han gently took her hand and nodded.

,Eun-ju-ssi, from what I see, Hyun-woo-ssi is a good person. He must be going through something difficult, but his love for you will never change.’

Kim Eun-ju’s eyes reddened at Lee Han’s kind words. Lee Han comforted Kim Eun-ju in a calm tone. Kim Eun-ju gradually opened her heart to his considerate attitude and understanding of Hyun-woo. Lee Han’s presence, supporting her during a difficult time, was a great comfort to her.

Even after talking with Lee Han, Kim Eun-ju sat in the management office for a while. She looked out the window, reflecting on her relationship with her husband, Hyun-woo.

,Hyun-woo probably loves me too. I mustn’t lose faith in our relationship.’

Even as she resolved to do so, doubt still stirred in Kim Eun-ju’s heart.

Lee Han watched over Kim Eun-ju from the side, empathizing with her pain. Whenever Kim Eun-ju was having a hard time, he comforted her with warm words. At the same time, he spoke highly of Lee Hyun-woo and cheered on their relationship.

,Hyun-woo-ssi must be having a hard time too. He has a lot of work at the company, and he has a lot to worry about at home too.’

He encouraged Kim Eun-ju to try to understand Lee Hyun-woo’s position and constantly reminded her of Lee Hyun-woo’s positive aspects.

,Hyun-woo-ssi is a person who does his best in his role. It’s admirable to see him working late into the night for his family. Eun-ju-ssi, try to understand his heart too.’

Despite Lee Han’s warm comfort, a shadow of doubt still lingered in Kim Eun-ju’s heart. She wanted to trust Lee Hyun-woo, but on the other hand, every single one of his actions felt suspicious.

,Okay, I’ll trust Hyun-woo like Lee Han-ssi said. But can I really do that…’

Kim Eun-ju repeated the words countless times in her head. The suspicion about her husband was tangled in her heart like a sticky thread.

Kim Eun-ju replayed Hyun-woo’s late returns home and cautious actions, doubting his sincerity. His cell phone usage history, the times he went out, even the way he spoke-everything seemed like a suspicious clue to her.

,Am I suspecting too much? No, there’s definitely something going on. There’s no way Hyun-woo would be like this otherwise.’

Kim Eun-ju sighed, trying to calm her confused mind. The seed of doubt showed no signs of disappearing. Rather, as time passed, Kim Eun-ju’s paranoia only deepened. She was lost in thought, unable to figure out how to resolve this situation.

–

The next day, Kim Eun-ju sat on the sofa in the management office, lost in thought. Her gaze followed Lee Han, who was playing with her son, Jin-woo. Lee Han had Jin-woo sitting on his lap and was having a good time playing with toys together.

Kim Eun-ju’s heart was moved by Lee Han’s affectionate smile and warm gaze towards Jin-woo.

,Lee Han-ssi is really kind and takes good care of children… What if Lee Han-ssi were my husband…’

Kim Eun-ju felt this thought flash through her mind. She was embarrassed by her own feelings, but she couldn’t take her eyes off Lee Han.

,Jin-woo-ya, do you like this? Shall we build a tower with this block this time?’

Lee Han hands Jin-woo a toy block with a bright smile. Jin-woo bursts into a bright laugh and grabs the block. A smile naturally spread across Kim Eun-ju’s face as she watched the scene. Lee Han’s appearance made her heart flutter.

After a while, Lee Han approached Kim Eun-ju, holding Jin-woo.

,Eun-ju-ssi, Jin-woo is a really cute and well-behaved child. I enjoy taking care of him too.’

Kim Eun-ju nodded at Lee Han’s words.

,Lee Han-ssi, you really take good care of children. Hyun-woo is too busy these days to have time to play with our son.’

Kim Eun-ju’s voice was tinged with resentment towards her husband. Lee Han placed his hand on Kim Eun-ju’s shoulder and comforted her.

,It’s a relief that Jin-woo is such a good kid, so I can play with him well..’

His words seemed to caress Kim Eun-ju’s heart.

Kim Eun-ju nodded and gave a faint smile. But deep down, she was confused to find herself comparing Lee Hyun-woo and Lee Han. Resentment towards her husband and affection towards Lee Han were mixed together, tormenting her.

Jin-woo’s laughter echoed through the management office. Kim Eun-ju tried to calm her complicated feelings as she looked at her son’s bright smile. It was clear that Lee Han’s kind words and actions had shaken her heart. But her desire to protect her family was also desperate. Kim Eun-ju sighed deeply and once again watched Lee Han and Jin-woo playing.

–

Late at night, Kim Eun-ju put her son Jin-woo to bed and sat on the living room sofa, waiting for Lee Hyun-woo. Only the sound of the wall clock’s ticking hands filled the silent space. Kim Eun-ju’s heart was heavy. As her husband’s late returns home continued, her suspicion only deepened.

Kim Eun-ju raised her head at the sound of the front door opening. Lee Hyun-woo entered the house with heavy steps. He silently took off his coat and hung it on the coat rack. At that moment, a familiar, unfamiliar perfume scent brushed past Kim Eun-ju’s nose. Her heart began to pound.

,This scent… The scent of that woman is still there. Hyun-woo really…’

Kim Eun-ju’s mind was tangled with all sorts of suspicions.

Lee Hyun-woo sat on the sofa with a tired expression and sighed deeply. Kim Eun-ju cautiously approached him, but she hesitated about what to say. The silence flowing between them grew heavier and heavier.

,You look very tired again today…’

Kim Eun-ju spoke in a small voice. Instead of answering, Lee Hyun-woo nodded and picked up the television remote. Kim Eun-ju’s heart became even more complicated by his indifferent attitude.

,Why can’t he say anything… Our relationship might really end like this…’

Kim Eun-ju’s heart ached with frustration and sadness. But she couldn’t say anything, fearing that she would wake the child or that the relationship would worsen. She sat next to Lee Hyun-woo and looked at the television screen, but she couldn’t see anything.

An unfamiliar scent and a heavy silence lingered between the couple sitting on the sofa. Kim Eun-ju was tormented by growing suspicion and anxiety. The desperate desire to protect her relationship with Lee Hyun-woo and the suspicion towards him clashed, making it difficult for her. As the night deepened, Kim Eun-ju’s heart was filled with dark clouds.

–

Kim Eun-ju sat on the sofa in the management office, watching Lee Han play with Jin-woo. Lee Han held Jin-woo in his arms and gently rocked the stroller, whispering affectionately.

,Jin-woo-ya, shall we have fun playing with uncle? Let’s give Mom a break for a while too.’

Jin-woo smiled happily at his soft voice, and even Kim Eun-ju’s heart felt at ease.

Grateful for Lee Han’s thoughtful consideration, Kim Eun-ju leaned back on the sofa and closed her eyes for a moment. She fell into a deep sleep before she knew it, and she finally opened her eyes after a long time. When she woke up, Jin-woo was sleeping comfortably in the stroller, and she was asleep, leaning on Lee Han’s shoulder.

Kim Eun-ju, flustered, got up and muttered.

,Oh, Lee Han-ssi… Um… I’m sorry. I think I fell asleep for a moment.’

She lowered her head, trying to hide her flushed cheeks. Lee Han looked at Kim Eun-ju with a bright smile.

,It’s okay, Eun-ju-ssi. You must have been very tired.’

Kim Eun-ju’s heart warmed at his kind tone.

The two were silent for a moment, avoiding each other’s eyes. Kim Eun-ju’s heart wavered at Lee Han’s sincere gaze. An indescribable emotion was stirring in her heart. It was as if an inner voice was leading her to Lee Han.

,Lee Han-ssi, thank you so much. For always helping me like this…’

Kim Eun-ju whispered in a trembling voice, leaning her body towards Lee Han little by little. Her eyes were filled with confusion and affection.

Lee Han looked at Kim Eun-ju like that and smiled softly. His warm gaze seemed to envelop Kim Eun-ju. Without realizing it, Kim Eun-ju reached out to Lee Han and gently grabbed his shirt collar.

The two people’s faces grew closer and closer. Kim Eun-ju felt her heart racing. She was confused between hesitation and desire, but soon she was drawn to Lee Han’s warm breath and kissed him.

The two people’s lips, gently overlapping, gradually deepened. Kim Eun-ju felt Lee Han’s body temperature as she was held in his arms. In that moment, it was as if all worries and concerns had disappeared, and only thrilling emotions dominated her.

While they were kissing madly, Jin-woo’s crying was heard, and Kim Eun-ju was startled and fell out of Lee Han’s arms. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of embarrassment, shyness, and guilt.

,I… Um… Lee Han-ssi, I’m sorry. I made a mistake…’

Kim Eun-ju stammered and lowered her head. Lee Han quickly stepped away from Kim Eun-ju and apologized.

,No, Eun-ju-ssi. I’m sorry. This was my mistake.’

Kim Eun-ju shook her head, covering her flushed cheeks with her hands.

,No, Lee Han-ssi. It’s my fault.’

Her tone was filled with embarrassment and regret. Lee Han gently placed his hand on Kim Eun-ju’s shoulder and comforted her.

,Eun-ju-ssi, it’s okay. This was my mistake. It’s definitely not Eun-ju-ssi’s fault, so don’t blame yourself. Let’s pretend today never happened’

Kim Eun-ju nodded at his kind words.

,Thank you, Lee Han-ssi.’

The two avoided each other’s eyes in awkward silence. Kim Eun-ju approached her son and picked him up. In her heart, guilt, regret, and excitement were mixed together, creating complex emotions.

The kiss with Lee Han aroused fresh and exciting feelings that Kim Eun-ju had not felt in a long time. At the same time, guilt towards her husband, Lee Hyun-woo, was also weighing her down.

,Why do I feel this way….’

Kim Eun-ju struggled to hide her bitter heart.

Lee Han, noticing Kim Eun-ju’s complicated feelings, reassured her once again.

,Eun-ju-ssi, don’t worry too much. We’re both going through a difficult time. It would be better to forget about this.’

Kim Eun-ju thanked Lee Han once again and left the management office, pushing the stroller. But the complex emotions in her heart were still not subsiding. Excitement, embarrassment, and guilt were mixed together, tormenting her. Kim Eun-ju sighed and headed home. Her heart had become even more confused because of the kiss with Lee Han, but she didn’t know how to interpret these feelings.