Chapter 17
by GideonHyewan asked Yundo as he was adjusting the navigation system.
“Yundo, could you get married to someone you don’t love?”
“Out of nowhere?”
See? He says ‘out of nowhere.’ I was just tossing the question out there.
She felt a wave of disappointment wash over her as she waited for his answer.
“It would be better if you loved them, of course. But I think trust and loyalty are more important in a marriage. Not to mention mutual respect.”
Trust and loyalty. Yes, that’s it!
Hyewan also believed that trust, loyalty, and respect were even more crucial the closer you were to someone.
“What if you married someone based on those beliefs, but then met someone you fell madly in love with?”
“Well…”
His expression turned serious.
“Even then, I don’t think there’s anything I could do. I won’t do anything that would hurt the people I’ve chosen.”
Yundo was not the kind of fool who would ruin the path he had already walked well by longing for the one he hadn’t taken. He would never betray someone he had shared his time, emotions, and memories with.
“I’m not a good person,” she said. “Um… I’m an individualist, so I might seem selfish to others. And sometimes, I am selfish… I even say really mean things sometimes.”
Even to her own ears, it sounded like a rambling mess, but Yundo listened intently.
“There’s so much I want to do, and I have to do it.”
“That’s a good thing.”
“My family situation… it doesn’t even compare to yours. Can you handle all of this?”
At her words, his brow furrowed.
Could it be…?
Her heart began to race.
“Even someone as dense as me should be able to figure this out by now. Are you proposing?”
“I am.”
Hyewan realized she didn’t dislike Yundo.
The Kim Jin-myeong incident had reminded her that love wasn’t everything in a marriage. Love wasn’t even an unchanging emotion. If it were, couples who married for love would never fight like enemies or end up in divorce.
Isn’t it better to be with someone who takes my side instead of blaming me when problems arise, even if I don’t love them madly?
“Are you serious? You really want to marry me?”
“Yes. I know I have many shortcomings, but if you’re willing, I promise to be faithful and loyal to you.”
“I’m… okay with that. No, I like it.”
“Then let’s get married.”
The moment he heard Hyewan’s firm answer, he clutched his chest.
“Ah… wait a minute.”
His heart, already racing, felt like it was about to burst. It was as if fireworks were exploding right before his eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Hyewan asked, startled.
“My heart… it’s going wild.”
“What? Seriously? You scared me!”
“I’m the one who’s scared. I’ve never felt my heart beat this fast before.”
So this is what uncontrollable joy feels like, he thought. And here I am, acting like a fool.
“But… is that all?”
“Is that all what?” Hyewan tilted her head in confusion, and Yundo clicked his tongue.
“Don’t tell me you didn’t even think about a bouquet when you proposed?”
“Excuse me?”
Hyewan glared at him, but he couldn’t stop the grin spreading across his face. Even she, initially exasperated, eventually broke into a smile. It was a magical moment, one that swept away all their worries and anxieties.
Naturally, Hyewan and Yundo’s marriage delighted Chairwoman Kang. She summoned President Kang Deok-ho to the main residence to deliver the news.
“Vice President, come in as well.”
Chairwoman Kang called Yundo into her study.
The Chairwoman was notoriously difficult to please, rarely showing favor to anyone or satisfaction with anything. Yet, President Kang Deok-ho was the sole exception. Even for a nephew, her indulgence was excessive. She supported and praised him in everything he did.
“Aunt, would you like some tea?”
“I would.”
At President Kang Deok-ho’s offer, Chairwoman Kang smiled and took a sip. Yundo’s eyes met President Kang Deok-ho’s.
“Congratulations on your marriage,” President Kang Deok-ho said, his expression benevolent.
“Thank you.”
Yundo had never liked President Kang Deok-ho.
After his father passed away, Yundo’s young age had become an issue. When it was suggested that a professional manager be appointed as the temporary CEO, Chairwoman Kang Ok-seon had insisted on appointing Kang Deok-ho instead.
Family is all we can trust, she had said.
But Yundo didn’t trust Kang Deok-ho. Despite his benevolent facade, Yundo saw him as a snake. He couldn’t stand a man who lacked talent yet clung to Chairwoman Kang’s affection like a parasite.
“But Auntie,” Yundo said, turning to Chairwoman Kang. “People are still whispering that this marriage is just a cover-up for Lawyer Kim Jin-myeong’s scandal. If that’s true, would the Vice President ever be happy?”
“Only our President Kang truly cares about the Vice President. This is why blood ties are so important.”
“Of course, Auntie. I’m naturally worried.”
Before Chairwoman Kang could say anything, Yundo cut in.
“We are dating, and I’m marrying her because I love her. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t spread rumors based on wild speculation.”
As Yundo drew a polite but firm line, President Kang Deok-ho’s expression hardened. Chairwoman Kang then stepped in.
“Vice President. Show President Kang some respect. He’s older than you, in every sense. There’s no need to take offense when someone speaks out of concern, is there?”
“There’s no need for concern. I’m not marrying her to follow your wishes, Grandmother. I’m doing this because I want to, and I’m the one who made the decision. You don’t need to worry about it.”
“Tsk, tsk. You’re just as stubborn as I am. Your father was too soft, which drove me crazy, but you’re too strong—that’s the problem. Please, just learn to be more flexible.”
Yundo remained silent.
“Vice President, when are you planning to hold the wedding? We need to inform the PR team.”
President Kang Deok-ho asked, seemingly trying to change the subject.
“While we’re on the topic, why not just do it right away? Let’s get it over with this month without dragging it out.”
At Chairwoman Kang’s words, a deep frown creased Yundo’s brow. No matter how hard he tried to suppress his resentment, her every word grated on his nerves.
Get it over with?
She belittled his marriage as if it were a chore he was grudgingly performing. But Yundo had been eagerly anticipating his wedding to Hyewan. Though they hadn’t known each other long, he genuinely liked her and enjoyed her company. Theirs wasn’t just a physical relationship; she was someone he could confide in, someone he could rely on. He cherished Hyewan and wanted to treat her with the utmost respect, which made Chairwoman Kang’s dismissive comments—as if she were some cheap bargain—all the more infuriating.
“Grandmother, let me say this again. I am choosing this marriage. Please show Hyewan the respect she deserves as my future wife.”
“Hmph! How dare you speak to your aunt like that? Of course we’ll respect her! She’s the bride of the Cha family’s eldest grandson—what else would we do? If you’re already acting like a fool in love, I can only imagine how you’ll be after the wedding.”
“President Kang. As you said, this is a Cha family matter. I’d prefer it if you didn’t interfere.”
Yundo drew a firm line, telling President Kang Deok-ho to stay out of it.
“What do you mean, ‘interfere’? Even if it’s my maternal side, we’re still second cousins. I’m perfectly eligible to sit in the groom’s father’s place if your own father can’t.”
The audacity…!
Not only had he usurped his father’s position as president, but now he wanted the seat of honor at the wedding?
Chairwoman Kang noticed the sparks flying from Yundo’s eyes and quickly stepped in to mediate.
“Alright, alright. I’ve heard you, so that’s enough. I only said it because I want you to get married and settle down as soon as possible. Don’t misunderstand.”
Her tone, so much like someone coaxing a temperamental child, made Yundo grit his teeth.
“But the company is too busy, so we can’t have a separate wedding and honeymoon. It would be better to go abroad for a combined celebration.”
Chairwoman Kang completely missed the point. Yundo felt his head might explode.
The granddaughter of a shaman, an unwed mother.
Yundo knew exactly why Chairwoman Kang needed Hyewan to ward off his misfortune, yet still wanted to keep her hidden from the public.
“No. I’m going to have a proper wedding with guests.”
Yundo declared firmly, then stood up and left the study without a word of greeting.
“That… that insolent brat!”
“Oh, dear! Auntie, your blood pressure is rising. Please, calm down.”
As Chairwoman Kang raised her voice in fury, President Kang Deok-ho tried to soothe her.
“Young people are all like that these days. They just don’t understand the hearts of their elders trying to look out for their future.”
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