Chapter 35
by Gideon“Thanks to Son-in-law Cha, we got to see Hawaii to our hearts’ content. I still think back on it and feel like I’m dreaming. Gyeong-ae, don’t you agree?”
“Oh, please. You don’t even have to say it,” Gyeong-ae chimed in.
“Watching Hyewan, I realized why one needs children. It’s sad not having any of my own,” Min-suk sighed.
“Oh, Auntie. What are you saying? If you ever need care, I’ll be right there with you. Do you think I’d just ignore you?”
Gyeong-ae had always been by Min-suk’s side through her hardest and most trying years.
“Oh, just hearing you say that makes me so grateful.”
“You’re going to Dubai, right? Want me to pack some side dishes for you?”
At Min-suk’s offer, Gyeong-ae scoffed.
“Come on,” Yundo said, his tone playful. “She’s going on vacation. There’ll be plenty of delicious food there. Why pack a bunch of side dishes? Besides, the smell will get into the car before she even gets to the airport. That’s not a cheap car, you know.”
“Oh, you’re right,” Min-suk chuckled. “Just because I’m a side dish shop owner doesn’t mean I have to offer them to everyone I’m happy to see. I guess I just can’t escape my profession.”
Yundo chimed in with a grin. “Actually, we’re here to ‘steal’ some of your side dishes.”
“Really?” Gyeong-ae, who had been teasing Min-suk, looked even more delighted.
“Of course. You know how much you miss Korean food when you’re abroad. We’re hoping you can specially prepare some seasoned dried squid and spicy cucumber salad.”
“Just a moment. I’ll vacuum-seal them for you right away. Everyone’s been buying them like that lately.”
Min-suk and Gyeong-ae bustled about, moving quickly.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Hyewan slipped two envelopes with Min-suk and Gyeong-ae’s names on them beneath the ledger on the counter. It was pocket money, but she knew they’d stubbornly refuse if she gave it to them openly, so she planned to leave it secretly and make a quick getaway.
After buying gifts for their families at the duty-free shop and resting in the VIP lounge, they headed to the boarding gate as their flight time approached.
“Hyewan, over here.”
Escorted by Yundo, she took her seat by the window, looking as excited as a child.
“This is only my second time on a plane. I’m so excited!”
Though her first impression was cold and aloof, creating a sense of distance, Hyewan always let her guard down in front of him, becoming this adorable.
“You’ll be taking them as often as the bus soon.”
She shook her head, placing a cushion on her lap.
“You’ve never even ridden a bus, have you?”
“Why are you so convinced of that?”
“Have you?”
“Yeah.”
“Liar. You answered too fast.”
Hyewan shook her head, her gaze fixed on him.
“Caught me?”
“Yep. You’re not like this at work, are you? I’m the only one who can read you.”
“Yeah.”
It was true. He was famous for his poker face, yet Hyewan was the only one who could see right through him.
“Back in school, I used to be a little jealous of the girls who rode the bus with their boyfriends. Sharing earphones and listening to music together seemed so romantic. And I was jealous of them holding hands on their dates after getting off at their stop.”
“We can do that.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Let’s do it after this business trip.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.”
Hyewan’s eyes sparkled like stars.
“Oh, by the way, your mother gave me some pocket money. So did Young Master Yun-woo. I must be a real gold-digger, accepting money from a younger man. But he’s richer than I am, right?”
“No, you’re richer.”
“Oh, come on. That’s not true. He inherited his father’s estate.”
Yun-woo had not only inherited his father’s estate but had also been gifted tens of billions of won in stock at birth. He had even received the shares of his deceased twin, Yun-seok. Although Chairwoman Kang Ok-seon had opposed it, Madam Park and Yundo, the legal heirs, had transferred all the shares to him.
Even so, Hyewan was still richer.
“Still, you gave me a huge amount of money for my living expenses and tuition, so I’m plenty rich myself.”
“That’s not what I mean. I’m telling you, you’re actually richer.”
“How so?”
Hyewan looked at him, completely bewildered.
“Because if I die, you’ll inherit all my wealth.”
“What are you even talking about?” she retorted, disgusted. “I don’t need any of that. And why on earth would you say something like that right before takeoff?”
“Of course you’re already richer than Yun-woo, even while I’m still alive. After all, I belong to you.”
“…Well, I do like that part.”
Though their conversations never touched on anything serious, she always found talking with him entertaining. In the meantime, the plane took off. Her heart tightened with a thrilling jolt, as if she were on a Viking ride soaring into the sky.
Once the seatbelt sign turned off, a flight attendant approached.
“Want a glass of wine?” Yundo asked.
“I’m not really in the mood.”
“I wouldn’t recommend it either. We’ll be arriving late at night, so you should try to get some sleep.”
Yundo’s voice was laced with concern, knowing all too well about her insomnia. Hyewan nodded in agreement.
“I’m much better these days. But still, how about just one glass?”
“Alright.”
At his request, the flight attendant brought a small bottle, two glasses, and some snacks. While Hyewan nibbled on the snacks, Yundo poured the wine and handed her a glass.
“I know what you’re like, but just in case, only drink when I’m here. You can’t let falling asleep drunk become a habit.”
“Of course. That’s why I take medication when I’m so tired I feel like I’m going to die from lack of sleep, not alcohol.”
Hyewan refused to let a bad habit ruin her life.
“Aren’t you drinking?”
“One of us has to stay sober.”
“I told you I’m not going to get drunk.”
He popped a macadamia nut into the mouth of the frowning Hyewan. She puffed out her cheeks like a squirrel, and Yundo couldn’t help but laugh.
Fortunately, Hyewan fell asleep just as Yundo had hoped after two glasses of wine. He kept his position unchanged, not wanting to wake her as she leaned against his shoulder, and focused on his work tablet. The faint, sweet scent of her skin wafted over him, chasing away the boredom of the long flight.
They didn’t arrive in Dubai until dawn.
Hyewan followed Yundo to the hotel, her face still a bit puffy from sleep. Their suite was a duplex equipped with every amenity, featuring a private outdoor pool that offered a breathtaking view of the ocean.
“I thought Hawaii was the most beautiful place in the world, but I was wrong. This place is stunning too,” Hyewan murmured, her voice filled with awe.
Yundo wrapped an arm around her shoulders. You’re the most beautiful one, you fool.
The next morning dawned. While most travelers arriving at dawn are exhausted, Hyewan was the opposite. Having slept soundly until the plane touched down, she felt more refreshed and energetic than usual.
When she emerged wearing a bright, floral-print dress, Yundo, who had been looking at his tablet, let out an exclamation of admiration.
“Ta-da! How do I look?”
“I didn’t know a goddess lived in my house.”
Hyewan had grown used to his cheesy lines, which he delivered without a hint of embarrassment.
“Let’s eat breakfast before we head out.”
The dining table was a feast: toast, waffles, croissants, fried eggs, a basket overflowing with fresh fruit, juice, milk, and coffee.
There was so much food she didn’t know where to start. Hyewan picked up the most approachable option—a piece of toast—and took a small bite. The crunch told her it was perfectly toasted, but it immediately stuck to her throat, refusing to go down. She had to set the toast back down and take a sip of water.
Watching her struggle, Yundo sliced an orange and placed it on a plate for her.
“Try this.”
“Thank you.”
She wanted to eat heartily so Yundo wouldn’t worry, but she couldn’t help it. Fortunately, the fruit was soft and juicy, making it easy to eat.
After finishing breakfast, they left the resort wearing matching couple hats.
“Where should we start?”
“Let’s conquer every spot on the tourist map.”
“Don’t sound so determined. You’ll collapse.”
Chatting softly, they stepped outside.
Hyewan was captivated by the exotic streetscape. She walked, taking in the bustling surroundings, when she was suddenly pulled backward.
“Ko Hyewan.”
His voice struck her ears alongside the blare of a car horn that nearly grazed her. She had no time to recover from the shock.
“Are you okay? You have to be more careful!”
If it hadn’t been for him, she would have been in an accident. A cold shiver ran down her spine as she apologized.
“I’ll be more careful.”
Yundo felt his blood run cold as he pulled Hyewan away from the car that had nearly hit her. If she were to get hurt on a trip meant for enjoyment, he didn’t think he could keep his sanity.
“Stay behind me.”
“Okay.”
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