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A few days passed, and Sena felt relieved that she had told Joo-Hyuk the truth. Fortunately, he had taken it well, and there seemed to be a chance for reconciliation with Chairman Choi, whose relationship with Joo-Hyuk had been strained for so long.
It wasn’t just because Chairman Choi had dementia—she began to hope that Joo-Hyuk might genuinely come to recognize and love him as his father, from the heart.
As the complicated and troubling issues resolved one by one, work seemed to go more smoothly, and her mood improved significantly.
“Did something good happen?”
On their way to lunch, Seol-Young asked curiously.
“No, not really. I think I just feel more at ease now that the complicated things are gone.”
“How’s Chairman Choi’s condition?”
“It’s still early, and he’s receiving treatment, so it shouldn’t worsen suddenly.”
“That’s good to hear.”
If only Chairman Choi had been in better health, there truly would have been no lingering issues.
Though it was bittersweet, there was nothing to be done about it.
“The center director even apologized for eating fancy buffet food at an academic seminar and gave us gift cards. Let’s treat ourselves to something nice.”
“What do you want to eat?”
“Hmm, something expensive?”
The two of them entered a nearby Thai restaurant.
It was a place they occasionally visited with clients to celebrate good news.
Excited to order their favorite dishes, they stepped inside—but then:
“Mmm, this smells delicious.”
“Ah, wait a moment…”
Without realizing it, Sena took a step backward.
“What’s wrong?”
“The smell… it’s too strong.”
The sharp scent of spices hit her nose like a punch.
Why? She usually loved strong spices and even enjoyed cilantro.
Confused by her own reaction, she felt her stomach churn uncomfortably.
“I don’t think I can handle this. Let’s try somewhere else.”
“Is it that bad?”
“Yeah, my stomach feels awful.”
But after leaving, every restaurant they tried next ended with Sena retreating back out the door.
Finally, she sat down on a bench near the bus stop, wiping the sweat from her forehead and patting her chest to calm herself.
Had she eaten something that didn’t agree with her?
“Why is this happening? Why am I suddenly so sensitive to smells…?”
Seol-Young trailed off mid-sentence, then stared at Sena with wide eyes.
“Could it be… are you pregnant?”
“What?”
“I’m asking if you’re pregnant. You’re acting like someone with morning sickness right now.”
Pregnant?
Sena instinctively placed her hand over her stomach.
Since their trip a while back, she and Joo-Hyuk had been intimate several times—and they hadn’t used protection either. It was entirely possible.
“Could it be…? Is that what’s going on?”
“Uh, maybe…”
“This is great! This is wonderful!”
But then a wave of anxiety hit her. What if she lost another baby?
The thought made her feel as though all the blood was draining from her body, leaving her cold from head to toe.
Sensing her panic, Seol-Young grabbed Sena’s hand tightly.
“Don’t worry.”
“Huh?”
“Everything will be fine. Don’t worry.”
Her face must have betrayed her thoughts, because Seol-Young was clearly trying to reassure her.
“Should we call Joo-Hyuk and go to the hospital together?”
“Now? Right now?”
“The sooner we know, the better.”
Sena nodded.
She pulled out her phone, found Joo-Hyuk’s number, and called him. It felt like an eternity passed before he finally answered.
[Yes.]
“Are you busy?”
[A little. Did you eat lunch yet?]
“Not yet.”
As casual small talk continued, Seol-Young poked Sena’s side urgently, signaling her to get to the point.
[Is something wrong?]
“Well… I need you to come to the hospital with me.”
[Hospital? Why? Are you sick?]
The sound of a chair scraping across the floor echoed as Joo-Hyuk fired off rapid questions.
“It’s not exactly that I’m sick…”
[Then why? What’s going on?]
“I think I might be experiencing morning sickness.”
[…Morning… sickness?]
For a moment, Joo-Hyuk went silent, as if processing the unfamiliar term.
“Hello? Joo-Hyuk?”
[I’m listening. You’re having morning sickness?]
“Yes. If you’re too busy, I can go to the hospital alone…”
[No. Just stay where you are. I’ll be there soon.]
The sound of hurried movements came through the receiver. Park Secretary’s voice could be heard faintly in the background, helping Joo-Hyuk gather his things.
[Are you listening? I’m leaving now, so wait for me.]
“Take your time and be careful. I’ll wait for you at the center.”
Sena smiled softly as she spoke.
Joo-Hyuk responded in a rushed but determined voice before hanging up. Though he sounded frantic, she was grateful for how eagerly he reacted.
It was fortunate that she could share this long-awaited news with him without too much delay.
“What? He’s coming?”
“Yes, right now.”
“That’s wonderful. Truly wonderful.”
Seol-Young pulled Sena into a tight embrace.
Even the scorching summer sun felt warm and loving at that moment.
---
Thump, thump, thump, thump.
Joo-Hyuk couldn’t take his eyes off the ultrasound video, which sounded like a train passing by.
Though it was barely a centimeter long—more like a bean than a baby—the image on the screen was undeniably their child growing inside Sena’s womb.
“Are you still watching that?”
Sena, who had just finished freshening up and changing clothes, asked as she sat down next to Joo-Hyuk in the living room. He hadn’t taken his eyes off the 10-second ultrasound clip.
“You’ve been watching it for almost an hour. Aren’t you tired of it yet?”
“Tired? It’s fascinating and so exciting!”
“How many times are you going to replay that 10-second video?”
Even as she teased him, Sena smiled and moved closer to watch the video with him.
Joo-Hyuk wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer, and she rested her head against his chest.
“Is this the head?”
“Probably.”
“It’s very cute, just like its mother.”
“No, it’s handsome, just like its father.”
Though others might laugh, the two of them were completely serious. They studied the image from every angle, laughing and discussing which parent the baby resembled.
They even marveled at the sound of the baby’s heartbeat, likening it to an orchestral concerto, and joked half-seriously that their child might have a talent for music.
“It’s too early to name the baby, but what should we call it for now? A nickname?”
“Hmm… Since it came to us without causing any trouble and is such a precious gift, how about ‘Treasure’?”
After a brief pause, Joo-Hyuk suggested.
Treasure. Treasure.
The nickname resonated deeply with Sena, and she smiled. It felt perfect—there couldn’t be a better name.
“Do you like it?”
“Yes, I love it. Our Treasure needs to grow big and strong in Mommy’s belly.”
Sena took Joo-Hyuk’s hand and placed it on her stomach, covering it with her own. She hoped their heartfelt wishes would reach their baby, praying for its healthy growth.
“Don’t overexert yourself. Rest well, okay?”
“Come on, didn’t you hear what the doctor said? It’s not always best for pregnant women to stay in bed all the time.”
“But still…”
“The doctor said it’s fine to keep doing normal activities as long as I’m careful. I promise I’ll be cautious.”
Though he didn’t say it outright, Sena knew exactly what Joo-Hyuk was worried about: that they might lose the baby again and she’d fall apart.
“Don’t worry. I’ll protect our Treasure.”
“I’m not trying to pressure you.”
“I know. You’re not pressuring me.”
I know that very well.
Sena tilted her head up and kissed Joo-Hyuk’s lips. He leaned down and gently nibbled on her upper lip.
Their kisses—touching, parting, teasing, and retreating—melted her heart.
---
“What brings you here so early? Didn’t you go to work?”
Auntie looked at Sena with a puzzled expression when she appeared at the shop.
“Starting today, I’ll only be working in the afternoons.”
“Afternoons only? Why? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?”
Stopping mid-chop, Auntie turned her head toward Sena.
“No, I’m fine. Nothing hurts.”
“Then why?”
“I’m pregnant.”
“Pregnant? Really?”
Auntie jumped up, stuck the knife into the wooden cutting board, and rushed over to Sena.
Customers stared in bewilderment as Auntie hopped around excitedly and hugged Sena tightly.
Though nausea made it hard for Sena to breathe, she smiled for her beloved aunt.
“My daughter is pregnant! She’s pregnant!”
“Oh my, congratulations!”
Introducing Sena as her “daughter” to the customers, Auntie was genuinely overjoyed.
“What’s all the commotion about? Oh, Sena’s here?”
“Honey, our Sena is pregnant!”
“What? Really?”
Uncle emerged from the freezer with a cart of squid for sale, heard the news, and leapt with joy.
“Good job, good job!”
“Let’s sell quickly today and go eat something delicious.”
In no time, they sold out to the customers and closed the shop.
“But why do you look so pale?”
Back home, Auntie asked Sena worriedly.
“Well… lately, morning sickness has made it hard to eat properly.”
“Morning sickness? But you seemed fine at the market earlier.”
“I took some medicine the doctor gave me before coming here.”
“Silly girl, why didn’t you say anything?”
Auntie’s eyes widened with concern.
“It’s okay. The center director said eating homemade food from one’s mom helps with morning sickness.”
“Of course. Comfort food from Mom always helps. So that’s why you came—to eat home-cooked meals?”
“And to share the news, of course.”
Sena smiled bashfully.
“Just wait a bit. I’ll make your favorite kimchi stew.”
“Kimchi stew?”
Lately, even the smell of kimchi made her nauseous, so Sena wrinkled her nose slightly.
“Is the smell bothering you? That’s even more reason to eat it. I’ll add lots of pork and make it extra delicious. Go outside and wait, okay?”
“Yes, Auntie.”
As Sena watched Auntie tie an apron around her waist, she paused before leaving the kitchen. Then, she suddenly embraced her aunt from behind.
“Huh? What’s gotten into you?”
“Thank you, Auntie. For being there for me like a mother.”
“You’re saying such sweet things. You’ve always been my daughter.”
Auntie covered Sena’s hands with her own as she spoke.
“Now go outside and wait. If you smell the kimchi now, you won’t be able to eat later.”
Her voice cracked slightly, as if tears were welling up. Gently turning Sena around, she nudged her toward the door.
Sena nodded and stepped outside, wiping away the tears that had gathered in her eyes with her fingertips.
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