Kang-joon opened his eyes, as if enchanted by the sweet scent of flowers wafting from somewhere, and let out a chuckle. It was the scent of his wife in his arms. His woman’s body scent, now familiar yet always intoxicatingly fragrant. He turned his head, and the light filtering through a slightly parted blind was bluish. Carefully, he laid his wife on the bed and half-raised his upper body. Though it was dawn, the weather, nearing the end of spring, was quite warm. But Kang-joon pulled the blanket up to his wife’s shoulders and covered her. My wife gets cold easily. His gentle gaze rested on his sleeping wife’s face. She was usually impeccably neat, but at night she acted boldly, surprising Kang-joon. And yet, her sleeping face looked so pure that it made him feel guilty. This is why I’m going crazy.

“Such a bewitching woman.”

Kang-joon muttered softly, changed into his jogging clothes, and went out of the villa. He ran three laps around the lake at a speed that left him breathless, then plopped down on a bench. The lake, covered in mist, was calm and peaceful. He didn’t know if it was beautiful, but his wife seemed to be very fond of it.

‘I want to come here again.’

Remembering his wife’s sweet whisper as she lay in his arms, Kang-joon chuckled.

“It’s not like I can’t grant that.”

He owned many properties both domestically and internationally, but all were buildings located in bustling areas. So, buying one here wouldn’t be a bad idea. Solely for his wife. He’d even buy the land around the lake and develop it into a resort. After renovating the old parts of the villa, he’d put it under his wife’s name...

“...Oh dear.”

A faint annoyance clouded his furrowed brows. It was because his plan to give his wife a surprise gift had hit a snag. Yoo Tae-ryeong wasn’t his wife’s real name. His wife held a secret that made her afraid to reclaim the name Joo Se-hee. Even knowing her husband was perfectly capable of solving it, she hadn’t confided in him. Just one word, and I would do anything for you. But given the situation, Kang-joon could no longer turn a blind eye. Only by reclaiming the name Joo Se-hee would she truly become his woman. I’ll do anything for you. Kang-joon set his business trip to the US, scheduled for tomorrow, as his last waiting period. He planned to have a serious conversation with his wife upon his return. If she still didn’t confide her secret then, he would have no choice but to push forward with his plan. It wasn’t he, but his wife, who broke Kang-joon’s relaxed waiting.

‘Give me a baby.’

His wife’s single remark last night had a tremendous ripple effect. The anxiety he had felt until now, the unnecessary worries, evaporated cleanly, like volatile spirits. Even his intention to wait patiently. The name Joo Se-hee was no longer a fairy’s winged dress to Kang-joon. His wife, who was even thinking about having a second generation, wouldn’t leave him. His wife’s expression, “give me a baby” instead of “give us a baby,” slightly bothered him. But this too must be unnecessary worry and suspicion. Kang-joon slowly got up and murmured.

“Joo Se-hee, if you can’t do it, I will.”

If you can’t find that name yourself, I’ll have to find it for you. Even after he arrived back at the villa, showered, and came out, his wife was still deeply asleep. Kang-joon lay beside her, supporting his head with his arm, and lay on his side.

“I want to wake her up.”

The energy within his body, still like that of a beast, was far from satisfied with three laps around the lake. As if it would rampage the moment it was unleashed. So he couldn’t wake her. If he were to pounce on his wife, who was sleeping as if she’d passed out, he would be no different from his grandfather or father. But a gentle touch would be fine, right? He caressed her long eyelashes and carefully brushed his hand over her smooth cheek. Then, as if mesmerized, his gaze drifted further down. Lying straight, her slender figure was fully revealed beneath the thin sheet. Watching this flat belly swell. Admiring how her delicate body would fill out nicely. What would that feel like? He might go crazy with joy. Kang-joon chuckled, lost in all sorts of fantasies.

“I’m getting ahead of myself.”

Pregnancy wasn’t easy. Even knowing that, Kang-joon’s foolish smile didn’t stop for a long time. His cunning wife’s single remark was a small pebble tossed into Kang-joon’s heart. The ripples of that pebble seemed likely to last for quite a while. Until his vain imagination became reality. *** Tae-ryeong woke up past noon and had a light breakfast and lunch with fruit. To be honest, knowing today was the last day, she had no appetite.

“Is there anything you want to do?”

When Kang-joon asked with a smile, Tae-ryeong fell into serious contemplation. What should she do with the remaining time so she wouldn’t have regrets, no lingering feelings? Just then, Kang-joon’s work phone on the table rang. Tae-ryeong, unable to watch him ignore it, said,

“Answer it.”

“I have a feeling I’ll regret it if I do.”

“I think you’ll regret it even if you don’t.”

At Tae-ryeong’s calm reply, Kang-joon chuckled and eventually answered the phone. He listened quietly, answered a few times, then hung up and stared intently at Tae-ryeong. She understood the meaning of his apologetic gaze. Tae-ryeong slowly stood up and said softly,

“We should leave now, shouldn’t we?”

Kang-joon slightly furrowed his brows at her overly cool reaction.

“I’m the one who should be apologizing, but oddly, I’m starting to feel a bit sad.”

“Actually, I’m in the same situation.”

“...”

“I left my work phone behind, but I couldn’t resist and quickly checked my email as soon as I woke up.”

“...”

“You, who brought your work phone despite everything, and me, who couldn’t resist checking emails. We’re quite alike, aren’t we?”

“...”

“Let’s just go to work. So we can lessen the bomb that’ll hit us tomorrow, even just a little.”

At Tae-ryeong’s bright smile and words, Kang-joon finally laughed, as if he couldn’t stop her.

“I’ll go pack the bags.”

The moment her husband’s broad back, slowly turning away, filled her sight, the smile on Tae-ryeong’s face faded. What I just said was a lie. I didn’t check my emails. For our last trip, I cleared my schedule completely for three nights and four days. But you don’t know that. Since they didn’t have much to pack, the two immediately got into the car. Tae-ryeong’s eyes were filled with regret as she watched the villa recede from the car. She knew she wouldn’t be able to come here again, especially not with her husband. *** Thanks to driving without stopping at a rest area, they arrived at their Seoul home before evening. Although Kang-joon came inside the house with her, he had to leave immediately. So Tae-ryeong, still wearing her shoes in the entrance lobby, said to Kang-joon,

“Have a safe trip.”

Normally, he would turn around and leave without a second thought. But today, instead of turning, he stared at Tae-ryeong intently.

“I know this sounds clingy and not good, but...”

Kang-joon let out a self-deprecating laugh and continued to murmur,

“I really don’t want to leave. Is this how men feel when they leave their wives to go to war?”

Tae-ryeong lowered her long, trembling eyelashes and pressed her lips tightly together. I was about to say I didn’t want to let you go either. I have to endure this moment. I just have to. Tae-ryeong composed herself and slowly raised her eyes, a calm smile on her face.

“I’ll wait for you at home, without sleeping, until you return, Kang-joon.”

“...”

“So go without worry.”

Kang-joon let out a sigh-like laugh, then approached and pulled Tae-ryeong into his arms. He rained small kisses all over Tae-ryeong’s face, avoiding her lips. Even with those playful kisses, a lukewarm warmth spread through her body. Oh, how I love you. Tae-ryeong clenched her fists, enduring. To keep herself from rising on her tiptoes, wrapping her arms around his firm neck, and kissing him. After kissing her trembling eyelids once more, Kang-joon straightened up. And finally, he met her eyes deeply. His eyes were soft and tender.

“If I kiss you, I won’t have the confidence to leave.”

Tae-ryeong gently pushed his firm chest with her hand instead of answering.

“You really should go now.”

“You’re cold. I was considering just throwing caution to the wind.”

At his lingering murmur of disappointment, Tae-ryeong smiled and said,

“At least one of us needs to keep their head straight.”

Only after shrugging his broad shoulders did Kang-joon reluctantly turn and walk out the front door. Through the increasingly narrowing doorway, Kang-joon stood tall. She had wished he would turn away first. His gaze, like an invisible spiderweb, entangled Tae-ryeong. Watching Kang-joon slowly disappear through the small opening, Tae-ryeong closed the door. It was a long time before she heard his receding footsteps. Only then did Tae-ryeong lean her back against the door and slowly slide down. *** Kang-joon returned past 2 AM. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw Tae-ryeong waiting awake in the living room. Yet, he didn’t say, “Why didn’t you go to bed first?” He greeted her upon his return and gently kissed her. But that was all. Kang-joon simply held Tae-ryeong gently in his arms and slept. Tae-ryeong woke up with Kang-joon after about 3 hours of sleep. Even though he kept saying it was fine, Kang-joon held Tae-ryeong’s hand as they went down to the parking garage. He was calm when he slept, but while sitting in the backseat, the naughty Mr. Uh-heung’s hands couldn’t stay still. Sometimes he moved his hands too much, and Tae-ryeong hit his hand a few times. Tae-ryeong glared, conscious of the driver and Secretary Yoon in the front seats. At such times, he’d flash an enchanting eye-smile, making it impossible for her to be angry. They arrived at the airport like that. As they walked hand in hand into the airport, Kang-joon said to Tae-ryeong,

“You don’t have to see me off, you know.”

Contrary to his words, Kang-joon was smiling. As if he was overjoyed that Tae-ryeong had come to the airport with him. The vast airport felt so small today; they quickly arrived at the private gate. The time for parting had finally come. It was an escort as president and businesswoman. She knew the political weight pressing on Kang-joon’s shoulders was by no means light. Yet, this man would do well. Because he was a man who could do anything. Loving her, and forgetting her too. Their gazes were filled with affection, but their farewell was simple.

“I’ll be back safely, wife.”

“I hope you return with good results.”

Tae-ryeong didn’t take her eyes off Kang-joon as he slowly turned away. Kang-joon had already disappeared into the gate, but she couldn’t bring herself to leave. Because she knew this was her last time with him. Then. Kang-joon, who had disappeared at the gate entrance, reappeared. He strode over with his long legs and stood in front of Tae-ryeong.

“Let’s just have one hug.”

He embraced Tae-ryeong tightly, buried his face in her neck, and mumbled,

“It’s really strange. Why do I hate leaving so much?”

“...”

“My feet won’t move.”

This time, she couldn’t tell Kang-joon anything. That she would wait for him patiently. So he should go safely. All she could do was embrace his broad back, which her arms couldn’t fully encircle, in place of an answer.

“Sir, you need to go.”

Secretary Yoon, subtly urging him from behind, was fidgeting nervously. Only then did Kang-joon let out a long sigh and reluctantly release Tae-ryeong from his embrace. Instead of his lips, his long fingers approached and caressed Tae-ryeong’s plump lips. His deep black eyes, looking intently into hers, were tender and full of affection. Tae-ryeong imprinted his final gaze, one she would never forget until she died.

“Secretary Yoon is going to hate me. You should really go now, okay?”

“This time, you turn around first. I’ll watch your back.”

“...”

“My feet just won’t move when my wife is behind me.”

Hot water surged within her chest. That water eventually rose and reached her eyes. She felt the corners of her eyes grow hot, but she bit her lip until it hurt, enduring fiercely. I won’t cry until you leave. I’ll smile until the very end. Beautifully, and memorably. Tae-ryeong smiled widely at Kang-joon and slowly opened her mouth.

“Then I’ll go first.”

As she slowly turned, she whispered within her heart. It’s okay, you did well. Even at this moment, Tae-ryeong was fiercely keeping the promise she had made to herself. *** As soon as he boarded the private jet, Kang-joon ran a hand over his face. It hadn’t even been ten minutes since they parted, and he already missed his wife. It was the moment he realized a person could be this crazy. Should I declare that I’ll quit everything and be jobless after this business trip? But then he shook his head slightly and chuckled. Money wasn’t the issue. He clearly saw how a jobless husband would look to his workaholic and capable wife. Just then, Secretary Yoon carefully handed him a sealed envelope.

“They say they found the name Joo Se-hee.”

He knew what was inside the envelope, which had no sender or recipient. Kim Jin-woo’s past. More precisely, everything about Joo Se-hee. But he had an obligation to give his wife one last chance. As a husband, as a loving man. Kang-joon handed the envelope back to Secretary Yoon.

“Keep it safe.”

“You’re not going to check?”

Kang-joon fixed his gaze out the window and replied indifferently,

“Not yet, I don’t want to see it.”

Secretly, he hoped. That he would never have to open this envelope himself.