Chereads / Ashes of Indulgence / Chapter 52 - The Family We Choose

Chapter 52 - The Family We Choose

Fifteen years had passed since the moment Jaemin's life was irrevocably changed. Time had done little to dull the pain of losing Sooah, but it had brought clarity and healing, as well as an unshakable determination to build a future for the children she had left behind. Now, Jaemin stood as the chairman of Mirae Group and Han Group, a conglomerate that he never imagined he would one day control. The Han family had no successor—no heir—after Sooah's death, so they had entrusted their legacy to him.

But it was no longer just business for Jaemin. He had transformed the conglomerates, growing them beyond their previous limits, but in his heart, family had become his true focus.

Despite the pressure of his dual roles, Jaemin always found time for his children. The twins, now fifteen years old, were everything to him—his legacy, his love, his future. Every free moment was dedicated to them, whether it was dinner around the family table, playing games, or attending their extracurricular activities. Jaemin's life had come full circle, from the dark grief of losing Sooah to the joy and fulfillment of raising their children.

Yet, even with all his success, Jaemin's life was far from easy. The weight of running two massive companies—Mirae Group and Han Group—was ever-present. His schedule was packed with meetings, international deals, and corporate strategies. Despite his stoic façade, the burden never lifted. His sleek black suit, always impeccably tailored, carried the invisible stress of someone who had spent years managing what others could only dream of.

But there was one thing Jaemin had learned over the years: balance was crucial. And that balance came in the form of his twins, Jiyoung and Jiwon.

The twins were a whirlwind of energy and love, constantly vying for Jaemin's attention, whether he was in the office or at home. Jiyoung was the more reserved one—an excellent student with a natural flair for business—but she was just as mischievous as her brother when it came to getting Jaemin's attention. Jiwon, on the other hand, was a lively and outgoing teenager, with a sharp wit and the kind of charisma that could charm anyone.

Together, they formed a dynamic duo that could not be ignored. They weren't just Jaemin's children; they were his joy, his pride, and his reason for everything.

When Jaemin would be lost in his work, focused on endless spreadsheets and meetings, the twins would find ways to draw him out. Whether it was interrupting his calls or barging into his office with silly jokes or questions about their school life, they always had a way of making him smile—even if it was just for a brief moment.

Jaemin would often scold them, telling them to let him work, but there was no real anger in his voice. How could there be? They were his world, and no matter how busy he was, he cherished these small moments with them.

"You two should focus on school," Jaemin would say, glancing up from his papers as Jiyoung and Jiwon wiggled their way into his office.

Jiwon would shoot him a grin, one that mirrored his own when he was younger. "We're doing great, Dad. But what about your social life? Don't you need a mom for us?"

Jaemin's brow would furrow. "You two really need to stop worrying about that," he'd reply, though there was a hint of amusement in his tone.

Jiyoung, ever the more serious of the pair, would add, "We just want to make sure you're not lonely, Dad."

Jaemin would sigh, shaking his head. "I'm not lonely. I'm doing just fine without a 'mother' for you two."

"Maybe we can help you find one!" Jiwon would tease, nudging his sister, who would blush in embarrassment.

At this, Jaemin would scold them, though his tone was playful. "I told you both already. I'm not getting married again."

"That's what you say now," Jiho, Jaemin's younger brother, would say, bursting into the room with his usual boisterous energy. "But you never know, Jaemin. One day, you might change your mind."

Jaemin shot him a look, his lips curling into a half-smile. "Not going to happen, Jiho. I'm fine just the way things are."

Jiho, the self-proclaimed "immature uncle," would burst into laughter at the twins' antics. "Oh, you guys are doing just fine," he would say, leaning against the doorframe. "You're too young to understand how much work it takes to keep Dad's heart from wandering. Trust me, he's already set in his ways. You've got to get used to that."

Jiyoung and Jiwon exchanged looks, then shrugged.

In the years that followed, Jaemin had managed to create a life that many would envy. His business empire was thriving, his family was close-knit, and his relationship with Sooah's parents—whom he had come to see as his own—remained strong. They adored their grandchildren, always eager to spend time with them and offer help whenever it was needed. They treated Jaemin like their own son, and their support never wavered, even when the challenges of raising two teenagers while running two global corporations became overwhelming.

Jaemin's own parents, too, had softened with age. They had once been cold and indifferent, but over the years, their bond with Jaemin had deepened. They took great pride in their grandchildren, and they often helped out with the twins when Jaemin had to be away for business. The once-absent grandparents had become a constant presence in Jaemin's life, offering their wisdom and their love.

And through it all, Jaemin remained youthful, almost ageless. His appearance had barely changed from the days when Sooah was still alive. His sculpted physique, the result of his intense workouts and discipline, remained as flawless as ever. His deep-set eyes, still filled with the same intensity and strength, held a warmth that he hadn't had before.

He had stopped aging in a way. Or at least, that's what it felt like.

But in truth, it was the love of his children, his family, and his dedication to his work that had kept him feeling as strong and vibrant as ever. The loss of Sooah, though tragic, had led him to this place of peace. He had been given the chance to raise his children and live a full life, even without the woman he loved by his side.

And despite his success and wealth, Jaemin never took any of it for granted. He didn't need another wife or partner to complete his life. The twins were his world, and he would continue to raise them with all the love and care Sooah would have given them if she were still here.

As the years went by, the legacy of Mirae Group, Han Group, and the family Jaemin had built remained strong. His siblings—Ji-Na and Ji-Ho—had their own roles, too. Ji-Na, after stepping away from the power struggle for succession, had found a new sense of purpose. She had devoted herself to being an amazing aunt, pouring all her love into the twins. She still held her position as the director, but she was less focused on the corporate wars and more on her role as a guiding figure in her niece and nephew's lives.

Ji-Ho, now a celebrity gamer with a massive following, was still just as funny and immature as ever. He made Jaemin laugh even when things were tough, bringing light into their lives with his infectious energy. He had become the cool, laid-back uncle the twins adored. He never took life too seriously, but he was fiercely loyal to his family, and his bond with Jaemin had never been stronger.

The twins, despite their occasional teasing of Jaemin about finding a new partner, grew up surrounded by love, humor, and unbreakable familial bonds. They learned early on the importance of family, resilience, and the value of true connections. They loved their father dearly and were determined to help him, even if it meant annoying him once in a while to get his attention.

Together, they were a family—unconventional but perfect in their own way. And as they all laughed around the dinner table, Jaemin couldn't help but feel that Sooah was still with them, her love woven into every moment, every smile, and every laugh.

This was the life they had built together. And Jaemin knew that, no matter what the future held, they would face it as a family—strong, united, and full of love.