The next morning, Eun Young woke up early to get ready for work. She could just imagine the amount of workload waiting for her right now. Nevertheless, she didn't regret accompanying Jung Hyun yesterday. She had a blast too! Afterall, they won almost all the games in the program.
Eun Young quickly bathed and dressed for work. Before leaving, she dropped by the children's room to check on them. Little Jung Hyun was still comfortably asleep on his bed. Quietly, Eun Young approached her son and softly kissed his head.
Of course, she wouldn't forget about little Hye Soo too. So when Eun Young turned to give her daughter a goodbye kiss, she was shocked to see that she wasn't in her bed! Eun Young panicked as she looked around the room and beneath the covers. She was the one who tucked Hye Soo to sleep last night. Why was she nowhere to be found now?!
Eun Young immediately informed Mrs. Bong and the other servants to help her look. Their house was big. Little Hye Soo could be anywhere but hopefully, she's just around the perimeter. As the search party dispersed, Eun Young took charge of looking for the little one upstairs.
They checked the bathrooms and the guest rooms. They also checked the library and the study room yet they still haven't found her! The last room at the end of the hallway was the children's playroom. Realizing that they haven't been through that area yet, Eun Young hurriedly investigated herself.
On the small couch near the huge window, she found little Hye Soo sleeping soundly. She was wrapped around the arms of her father, Min Jae. On the other hand, Min Jae was peacefully resting too as he held the young child. They looked really adorable together! Even the servants who witnessed them couldn't help but feel moved!
Both of them seem to have fallen asleep after reading the first few pages of the storybook sprawled on the rugged floor. Without making much noise, she picked up the book and placed it on the table. Eun Young kindly asked one of the servants to fetch a soft blanket. Afterwards, she herself lightly covered her husband and daughter with the blanket to keep them warm and cozy.
Min Jae shifted under the blanket. Upon feeling the sudden warmth of the cloth, he slowly opened his eyes. He was surprised to see Eun Young as she was carefully placing the blanket over them. But before he could react, Eun Young signaled him to keep quiet.
Min Jae gave him a puzzled expression but he followed accordingly. His wife pointed at the little toddler asleep on his lap and upon seeing little Hye Soo he instantly understood.
He still felt tired even after the few hours of sleep. Min Jae was sitting upright and that left him in an uncomfortable position as he slept on the couch. He couldn't risk waking little Hye Soo up so he remained in place. Noticing this, Eun Young immediately grabbed more pillows and helped him position himself comfortably.
"Rest first, okay dear? I'll handle informing Secretary Yoo of your leave from work today." Eun Young whispered.
Min Jae almost didn't hear what she was saying as he already had his heavy eyes closed. Faintly, he nodded. His body would curse him anyway if he even dared to disobey.
---
Dal Rae played with the grape ball on the desk as she listened to Eun Young. The grape ball was quite a good stress reliever. Everytime the ball was squished, the rubber expands through a net and displays a multitude of colors. It was very satisfying to watch.
When Eun Young finished, Dal Rae sighed. Things between her and Min Jae were much more complicated than she thought. She couldn't even begin figure out what the hell is that guy's deal!
"Eun Young." Dal Rae said with utmost concern. "I know I'm not in the place to say this to you but... haven't you even considered officially ending your relationship with him? Sure he's a nice father to your kids but, what the hell? He's not the best man for you!"
Eun Young frowned at her words. Dal Rae was right. Min Jae still cares for his children given the scenario earlier. No doubt he was also a good and responsible leader with his company at the peak right now. He was everything but a good husband to her.
From the beginning, Eun Young knew that this marriage was a huge risk. Afterall, their betrothal was arranged. She understood that even if they were married, Min Jae may still never learn to reciprocate her feelings.
Eun Young remembered that night when she went home. The day was terribly exhausting because it was the last day of their final exams. Upon entering the threshold, she found her parents waiting for her in the living room. They didn't welcome her right away when they saw her. Instead, they were unusually quiet with serious expressions on their faces.
Her brother was there too. However, his face was the only one emotionless. He sat silently on one of the armchairs. And from where Eun Young stood, he looked tensed and angry. He didn't even acknowledge her when she entered.
"W-what's going on?" Eun Young stuttered as she finally broke the ice and asked her parents.
Kim Cho Ah and Kim Dong Yun stood from the sofa and approached Eun Young. Eun Young felt nervous seeing her parents act this way so she unconsciously stepped back. When Mr. and Mrs. Kim saw this, they abruptly stopped.
"Eun Young." Kim Cho Ah, gently said. She didn't want to scare her daughter further but she couldn't think of any other way of breaking it to her.
"Mother? Father? W-what's going on?" Eun Young asked again.
Kim Dong Yun sighed.
"We've decided someone for you to marry."