Bound by a Ruthless Contract - Chapter 87
Han Yu-ae’s words weren’t really a question.
She already knew the answer; this was merely a procedure to confirm what she knew.
What is this? Could she possibly know about this being a contract marriage?
‘She said she hadn’t told the chief secretary…’
However, Yu-ae didn’t seem to know about the contract.
What was all this talk about a child?
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be the one saying these things, I…”
As Yu-ae’s voice trembled with emotion, Ga-eun decided to focus on comforting her first.
After all, she couldn’t carelessly mention the contract.
“Darling.”
Kwon Hee-sung wrapped his arm around his wife’s shoulders in a comforting gesture.
“Please take good care of our Si-heon. It’s such a relief. He seems somewhat at peace when he’s with you, Ga-eun.”
“Please speak comfortably, Mother.”
At the word “Mother,” tears welled up in Han Yu-ae’s eyes.
“To hear you call me that… thank you.”
Kwon Hee-sung tried to wipe his wife’s tears but struggled to retrieve the handkerchief from his jacket’s inner pocket while holding the wrapped package.
Ga-eun instead pulled out her own handkerchief and respectfully offered it to Han Yu-ae.
“Please use this, Mother, if you don’t mind.”
When Han Yu-ae hesitated to take it, Ga-eun looked up at Kwon Hee-sung. Somehow, she felt she needed his permission.
Staring at Ga-eun holding the handkerchief, Kwon Hee-sung nodded with a faint smile.
Momentarily lost in thought at how much he resembled Si-heon, Ga-eun collected herself and carefully wiped Han Yu-ae’s tears while speaking.
“Would it be alright if I contact you occasionally? I’ll keep you updated about Si-heon.”
“How… I wonder if… if that would be acceptable…”
Should I say this?
As Ga-eun contemplated, she watched Han Yu-ae’s overwhelming gratitude at the simple offer to share news about Si-heon—as if she had promised her the moon and stars—and finally spoke.
“I’ve always wondered what Si-heon’s parents were like. He’s such a strong and solid person, both physically and emotionally.”
Ga-eun’s gentle, measured voice seeped deeply into Kwon Hee-sung and Han Yu-ae’s hearts.
“Some people might say he’s too cold and strict, but with so many responsibilities, he can’t afford to take anything lightly.”
Up close like this, she could see that Si-heon resembled his mother too.
For instance, in those deep eyes that were like the ocean.
“He may not speak warmly, and he can be a bit sharp. But because of that, others never misunderstand his intentions. He only speaks what’s essential, which saves time. Once you get used to it, there’s no communication style more comfortable than his.”
Yu-ae tightened her grip on Ga-eun’s handkerchief.
She knew these words were meant to ease her mind. Still, she wanted to believe them.
That Si-heon was alright.
That he had buried his wounds deep in his heart and was enduring well.
She knew it wasn’t true. She knew he still suffered from insomnia, rejected all arranged marriages, and kept everyone at arm’s length.
Then suddenly, news of his marriage came.
So despite her shame, she rushed here when she heard about meeting the family.
Though she thought Si-heon would hate it, she was glad she came.
She wanted to see his future wife in person, hoped she would be a good person, and felt relieved that she was even better than expected.
“Thank you. For saying all that. For calling me Mother, and offering to stay in touch.”
“It’s only natural. And please speak comfortably.”
“I’m not sure if I should…”
After hesitating, Ga-eun took Yu-ae’s hands in both of hers.
“Actually, I don’t know what happened between Si-heon and you both. But I’m certain that your feelings for him will reach him someday.”
Yu-ae bit her lower lip. Yet she couldn’t stop her tears from falling.
Ga-eun’s eyes welled up too.
If her mother were alive… she would be about this age.
Still worrying and caring about her, desperately entrusting her child to the person they would marry.
There are as many different parent-child relationships as there are people in the world.
She had no intention of asking Si-heon why he didn’t contact his parents, or why he couldn’t understand their feelings.
“I don’t deserve this.”
Throughout the family meeting, Si-heon would occasionally turn to exchange glances and converse with his grandfather, Chairman Kwon Soon-yeol, while completely ignoring Han Yu-ae and Kwon Hee-sung. He acted as if they didn’t exist at all. However, she couldn’t bring herself to act the same way he did.
She wanted to show them the utmost respect without causing him any trouble. If she could make them happy by occasionally sharing news about Si-heon, she was more than willing to do so.
“Thank you… no, thank you. Really, thank you, Ga-eun.”
Ga-eun took a deep breath.
A strange feeling washed over her.
Being called “Ga-eun” made her feel like she had truly become part of their family.
Both Kwon Si-heon and his parents.
Just the simple act of calling her name could stir such emotions within her.
“The handkerchief…”
“Return it to me later.”
Ga-eun smiled, her eyes forming crescents.
“It would be even better if you treat me to something delicious when you return it.”
At those words, Han Yu-ae, with tears welling up in her eyes, gently cupped Ga-eun’s cheek.
“You’re so beautiful. Not just on the outside, but your heart is beautiful too. Isn’t that right, dear?”
