Prey (Lee Seohan) - Chapter 141
After their meal, Suhyeon rode in the car Jeonghan was driving to the newly completed Cheonkyung Resort.
The resort was bustling, busy with preparations for its launch following the completion ceremony. Staff members who were working recognized Jeonghan and greeted him.
The general manager, who had been briefed, hurriedly came out to meet them.
“Director, we can guide you……”
Jeonghan interrupted him mid-sentence.
“We’re just here for a walk to look around the beach. You don’t need to mind us, so please continue with your work.”
“Ah, yes.”
The general manager bowed his head and stepped back, signaling that he wouldn’t interfere.
Jeonghan then led Suhyeon to the beach directly connected to the resort.
The open beach featured white sand and a row of palm trees, exuding an exotic charm.
The area was designed to emphasize its natural beauty, with minimal artificial elements, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the pristine, unspoiled allure of the beach.
“…….”
Under the wide brim of her hat, Suhyeon gazed at the sea with a slightly subdued look in her eyes.
It was a scene reminiscent of paradise, but Suhyeon didn’t like the waves of the ocean.
She also didn’t enjoy walking along the beach.
It was because of a certain memory from her childhood.
But she didn’t want to reveal that to Jeonghan.
‘Mom! Mom!’
Suhyeon squeezed her eyes shut.
When she slowly opened them again, what lay before her wasn’t the dark and terrifying ocean of that night but a brilliantly radiant, beautiful beach.
…It’s okay. This is reality.
Suhyeon let out a small breath.
Swallowing a fragment of her past down her throat, she fiddled with the brim of her large hat and asked Jeonghan casually, as if nothing were wrong.
“Are we the only ones on this beach?”
Jeonghan looked down at Suhyeon.
“This is the resort’s private beach, and since the resort hasn’t launched yet.”
“Oh, I see.”
Suhyeon somehow felt reassured. The thought of being alone with him on the beach made her lips curve upward, but she suddenly froze.
‘Do I really want to be alone with this man that much?’
Even if this is just a temporary lover’s game, is it okay to let herself be this consumed?
The unease that had crept over her at the hotel earlier started to weigh on her chest again.
At that moment, Jeonghan called out to her.
“Seol Suhyeon.”
Lost in thought, Suhyeon hesitated and looked up.
Under the sunlight, Jeonghan was gazing at her.
His dark brown hair, the same color as his eyes, appeared brighter than usual in the sunlight that scattered around them.
Jeonghan, with his gaze fixed on her, tilted his head slightly.
“Did I bring you out for no reason?”
“…Pardon?”
Suhyeon blinked. His earnest gaze shone captivatingly.
“I didn’t bring you out to have you think about other things while I’m here.”
Seeing his slightly furrowed eyebrows, Suhyeon couldn’t help but smile for a moment.
“No, it’s not like that. I’m happy we came out. This place is so beautiful.”
“.….”
Suhyeon smiled again and deliberately glanced around the area.
As her smile returned to her face, Jeonghan’s previously firm expression softened.
“This place is the heart of this resort. Today, after the construction was completed, is the first day it’s accessible. For security reasons, even the staff is not allowed in yet.”
“So, we’re the first ones here?”
“Yeah.”
Jeonghan answered while looking into Suhyeon’s eyes.
“…….”
At that moment, Suhyeon realized that Jeonghan wasn’t looking at the newly completed resort’s private beach, but at her. Just like he had during the completion ceremony a few days ago.
Suddenly, Suhyeon grew curious again.
“When we were married, did you look at me like this too…?’’
She remembered how she used to look away whenever their eyes met. Back then, even meeting his eyes made her uncomfortable, so why is it now that I find myself helplessly falling into his gaze?
As their eyes remained locked, Suhyeon unconsciously reached out.
When her hand touched his cheek, Jeonghan paused.
“It’s okay here.’’
That phrase echoed in her mind like a spell.
“Here, I can do whatever I want. …Just here.’’
Here, she didn’t have to think about the past, Seol Hee-nam, family, or all the complicated ties.
She could only think about Do Jeonghan and herself. There was no need to hold back the feelings pulling her toward him. So…
Suhyeon gently cupped Jeonghan’s face with both hands.
