When Min Jae arrived home, Jung Hyun and Hye Soo came running to welcome him. The siblings were very excited to see their dad. They seldom see their parents because both of them are always working extra hard. Thus, the siblings always miss them during their absence.
"Daddy! You're back!" Jung Hyun said. Since he was a little baby, people always told him that he looked so much like his dad. Their features were very similar. Min Jae would always be proud whenever people praise his son for being so handsome!
"Hey, there buddy!" Min Jae smiled as he picked up his son and ruffled his hair. The young boy always liked it when he does that. It's because their mother wouldn't. She couldn't even stand seeing a strand of his hair out of place!
Little Hye Soo raised her chubby arms to reach for her dad. Apparently, it was her turn to be carried now. Jung Hyun oppa is such a big baby! He keeps stealing her opportunities of being carried!
Min Jae noticed Hye Soo's face became sour. Indeed the little missy was upset! Before the little one could further throw a tantrum, he put down Jung Hyun only to carry little Hye Soo next. He kissed his daughter's hair which smelt of milk and watermelon.
"There, there. Daddy's here now little one." Min Jae softly said as he coaxed his youngest child. Sweet little Hye Soo giggled in the arms of her father, happy that she managed to get him all to herself. While Jung Hyun looked unhappy to see his sister take his place, the little girl looked as innocent as a marshmallow to the eyes of their parents.
Little traitor! Huff! If you want daddy, fine! Mommy will be mine then! The young boy thought to himself.
Eun Young approached the trio. She couldn't be even more happier than this: they were a complete family. Not perfect, but complete. This was a scenario she had always dreamed of since she was a young girl. The image of her children welcoming their father home indeed lifted her spirits.
She lovingly smiled at the man before her. But since he was busy paying attention to their youngest child, he didn't seem to notice her. "Welcome back, dear." As Eun Young was about to kiss her husband, Min Jae awkwardly retreated.
He put down Hye Soo and gently patted her head. Surprised by the sudden rejection, Eun Young didn't know what to say so she embarrassedly looked away. Unpleasant thoughts started accumulating in her brain. Was he disgusted by her suddenly? Did she smell funny?
However, this wasn't the first time her husband ignored her affections. Seeing Min Jae's wrinkled clothes, she simply assumed that he was just tired so Eun Young quickly dismissed the negative thoughts away.
Suddenly, Min Jae rummaged through his satchel as if he was looking for something. Assuming it was a gift for her, Eun Young waited patiently. She then felt a tiny flash of hope flourish in her heart. It didn't matter what it was. As long it was from him, she would definitely love it!
"Here." Min Jae handed her a legal white envelope. When his wife made no urgent move to accept it, he carelessly tossed it on the coffee table beside them. "Go buy anything that you want." He coldly said, before he finally went upstairs to the bedroom.
At that moment, Eun Young felt her heart break a little more as she watched him head up the stairs. Min Jae wasn't always like this. Although she did love him more than he did, Eun Young held on to their happy memories that were proof that they somehow shared something special together. But for the past year she doesn't know anymore.
He often went home late, sometimes even drunk. He became cold and distant towards her. And worse, she noticed that he isn't wearing his ring anymore.
As the kids ran off to play, Eun Young sank down the armchair. This was all her fault. If only she became more present. If only she became more attentive towards him. If only she gave him more time instead of working do damn hard like a cow then maybe... maybe they wouldn't be like this.
Eun Young fought off the tears that were threatening to fall and breathed.
It isn't the end yet. Hopefully, this isn't.