Then, Mi-young's eyes shifted toward the direction of the kitchen, and she turned to A-ri with a warm smile.
"A-ri, do you mind if I join you in the kitchen? I'd love to help you prepare dinner."
"Of course not, Mrs. Park. I'd be grateful for the help," A-ri's surprise must have been evident, but she quickly composed herself and nodded.
As they worked together in the kitchen, the clinking of utensils and the sizzling of food filled the air. Mi-young's presence and assistance provided a comforting distraction for A-ri, who was still feeling flustered by the unexpected visit. A-ri tried her best to focus on the task at hand and keep her nerves in check.
"A-ri dear, I hope you don't mind me asking, but have you and Eun-tae argued?" Amidst the cooking, Mi-young's gentle voice broke the silence.
"Oh, no, not at all. We haven't argued," A-ri's hands momentarily paused as she processed the question. She turned to Mi-young with surprise, her eyes widening slightly.
"I see. It's just that Eun-tae came to the family mansion last night. He mentioned that his private room had a problem, something about a pipe burst. I couldn't help but wonder if he wanted some space for himself, considering he chose to sleep there instead," Mi-young continued to chop vegetables with practised ease, her tone thoughtful.
A-ri felt a mixture of surprise and understanding. So that was the reason behind Eun-tae's unexpected visit last night. However, a tinge of disappointment brushed against her thoughts as she realized that the mansion wasn't Eun-tae's first choice for his place of rest. She had imagined, for a fleeting moment, that he might have come here directly to seek solace or perhaps a chance to spend more time together. But it seemed her assumptions had missed the mark.
As A-ri chopped the vegetables alongside Mi-young, she contemplated the complexity of their situation. Eun-tae's decision to sleep at the mansion last night was driven by practicality, not necessarily an eagerness to share more moments with her. It made sense, of course—he needed a place to stay, and the mansion was a logical choice. But the idea that he might have chosen it for a different reason, one related to their contract marriage, had sparked a tiny glimmer of hope within her.
Pushing aside her internal musings, A-ri focused on the task at hand. Mi-young's gentle presence and conversation had a way of grounding her. Still, even as they worked together, A-ri couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that there was more to Eun-tae's actions than met the eye. Perhaps there was a realm of emotions he was wrestling with, just as she was.
"You know, A-ri, Eun-tae and you are still young. It's natural to feel shy or unsure sometimes, but it's important not to let those feelings create distance between you two. If you have any misunderstandings or hesitations, it's better to communicate and resolve them," Mi-young continued, her tone soft but concerned.
"You're right, Mrs. Park. I understand," A-ri nodded, absorbing Mi-young's words. She appreciated the older woman's wisdom and the genuine care she had for Eun-tae's well-being.
"Good. Remember, even a small argument can grow if left unattended. And if it's a matter of shyness, there are ways to bridge that gap. Perhaps starting with something simple, like sleeping closer to each other with a pillow in between," Mi-young smiled warmly, her eyes filled with understanding. "Also, you can just call me mother."
"I'll keep that in mind," A-ri felt a slight heat rise to her cheeks at the suggestion, her embarrassment evident.
As they resumed their cooking, A-ri found herself both grateful for Mi-young's advice and more at ease with her presence. The conversation had shifted her perspective and reminded her of the importance of open communication in any relationship. As they worked side by side, A-ri realized that despite her initial worries, Mi-young's visit was a chance for her to connect with Eun-tae's family in a more personal way.
Eun-tae's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as he stood before the mansion's door. The tension of his workday was still fresh in his mind, the challenges and demands of his role at InnoArtTech weighing heavily on him. It seemed that the intricacies of his office life had followed him home, mingling with the uncertainty of his parents' unexpected visit.
He cast a last glance at the car parked in his spot, his brows furrowing as he tried to deduce the purpose of their sudden appearance. Mi-young and Seok-ho's decision to visit weighed on his mind—was it an attempt to check on his progress with the contract marriage, or perhaps a spontaneous family matter that had brought them here? Eun-tae's parents were complex figures, their motives often hidden beneath layers of formality and expectation.
Taking a deep breath, he reached for the doorknob, feeling a surge of gratitude as it swung open to reveal A-ri's face, framed by a welcoming smile. Her presence offered a semblance of normalcy amid his racing thoughts.
Just as Eun-tae reached for the doorknob, the door swung open to reveal A-ri's face, a warm smile gracing her lips as if she had been waiting for him. The surprise of her presence, coupled with the hint of something hidden in her expression, caught him off guard for a moment. It was almost as if she was aware of his parents' presence beyond the threshold.
Eun-tae quickly pushed those thoughts aside, replacing them with the practised ease of his public persona. He returned her smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners in a show of genuine warmth.
"Hey, A-ri. I just finished work."
A-ri's eyes flickered subtly, and for an instant, Eun-tae caught a glimpse of someone behind her—a telltale sign that his parents were indeed here. The realization made his heart race, but he maintained his composed facade. He stepped forward and reached out to touch her arm lightly.
"I'm later than expected, huh?"
A-ri's gaze held a glimmer of understanding, and Eun-tae couldn't help but feel a sense of connection at that moment. It was as if they were partners in this act, each aware of the other's role in their intricate dance of appearances.
"Welcome home," A-ri said, her voice holding a touch of warmth and familiarity, despite the unspoken tension between them.
"Is everything alright?" Eun-tae nodded appreciatively, then cast a glance down the corridor.
A-ri's response was a barely perceptible nod, and Eun-tae's heart swelled with gratitude for her intuition. He knew they were in this together, whether facing the challenges of their contract marriage or navigating the unexpected arrival of his parents.
With a shared understanding, Eun-tae stepped inside the mansion, ready to play his part in the carefully orchestrated charade.
Still, as they stepped into the mansion, Eun-tae couldn't shake off the thoughts of his day at the office. The challenging discussions, the weight of responsibility, and the persistent technical issues in his private room—his sanctuary in InnoArtTech—had consumed his energy. He recalled how he had engaged with the technicians again, trying to understand the cause of the pipe burst that had forced him out of his private room.
The conversation had been frustrating, with vague explanations that left Eun-tae with more questions than answers. It was a microcosm of the challenges he faced in his professional life—an intricate puzzle of details that needed to be navigated with finesse.
Now, standing within the mansion, the visit from his parents and the sight of A-ri offered a different set of puzzles to solve. He knew he needed to play his role well, to maintain the appearance of a stable marriage. But the complexity of human emotions was an unpredictable terrain, and Eun-tae found himself navigating between his parents' expectations and his feelings.
With each step, he walked further into the realm of uncertainties, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, both at work and in his personal life.
The evening progressed with familial interactions and the awkward dance of formalities. As they settled in the dining area, A-ri and Mi-young seemed to share a natural camaraderie, their conversations flowing with a comfort that put Eun-tae at ease. He watched as A-ri moved around the kitchen, preparing a meal that showcased her culinary skills—a talent that had surprised him, given her initial reluctance towards domestic tasks.
The aroma of food filled the air, a comforting backdrop to the conversations that swirled around the table. Mi-young's questions about A-ri's interests and experiences were met with genuine responses, the careful facade of their contract marriage slowly giving way to glimpses of authenticity.
Eun-tae found himself appreciating his mother's ability to bridge the gap between their worlds and navigate their situation's intricacies with grace. It was as if Mi-young had sensed the more profound layers beneath their contract and was determined to uncover the truth.
Throughout the meal, Seok-ho's presence was more subdued, his gaze often distant as if lost in thought. Eun-tae knew that his father's silence held volumes, his motivations shrouded in mystery. Was he testing Eun-tae, seeking to understand his son's choices and intentions? Or was there an ulterior motive that eluded even Eun-tae's astute observation?
As dinner came to a close, A-ri excused herself to the kitchen, leaving Eun-tae alone with his parents. The room seemed to buzz with unspoken questions, a tension that hung in the air like an unbreakable thread.
"Eun-tae, I hope you understand the importance of your decisions," Seok-ho's gaze finally settled on Eun-tae, his eyes piercing with an intensity that sent a shiver down Eun-tae's spine.
Eun-tae nodded, his expression resolute. He had always known the weight of his family's expectations and the legacy he carried as a part of the prestigious Hwang family. But his heart was torn between duty and desire, between his role in the company and the complexities of his relationship with A-ri.
"You have your reasons, I'm sure. Just remember that sometimes, the choices we make not only affect us but those around us as well," Mi-young's voice broke the silence, softer yet equally probing.
Her words hung in the air like a gentle reminder, a call to mindfulness in a world that often demanded swift decisions. Eun-tae felt a surge of gratitude for his parents, for their willingness to navigate the uncharted territory of his contract marriage, even if they didn't fully understand the depths of his emotions.