Living with an Ex-Husband - Chapter 15: Birthday and Alice

Chapter 15: Birthday and Alice

Finally achieving the result she had longed for, Eunchae was both elated and stunned. She could hardly believe it.

“Really… you’re going to proceed with the exhibition at Geumyoung?”

“Yes, we really will. Would you believe it completely if we draft the contract right away?”

Seeing Eunchae’s stunned expression, Margarita winked. It was only after hearing her suggestion that Eunchae snapped out of her daze. She had been foolishly spacing out at such a critical moment.

“Let’s bring in the lawyers.”

“Yes.”

Eunchae responded with a calm smile and gave a subtle nod to Secretary Moon, who was standing by. Following her cue, Secretary Moon quickly called in the lawyers who were waiting in the reception room.

Meanwhile, Margarita’s secretary also summoned their legal team, and the contract process began in earnest.

“Oh, there’s one condition we added. I hope you can accommodate it.”

“Pardon? What is it?”

Eunchae and her lawyer exchanged startled glances at the unexpected request. Before the meeting, they had already settled the basic terms on the assumption that the contract would be finalized.

But now, just before signing, the Sarr Foundation had added a new condition.

“It’s nothing major. When the exhibition takes place, Rachel must be the chief curator. If anyone else is assigned, the contract will be automatically voided.”

“Oh… that’s perfectly fine. I’ll take charge.”

Eunchae readily accepted the additional condition, and the lawyer agreed that it posed no significant issues. The contract process then flowed smoothly.

As she signed and completed the final step, Eunchae felt an indescribable sense of accomplishment that sent a shiver through her.

“I happened to hear that your birthday is coming up soon. Congratulations. I hope this contract serves as a gift for you.”

“Absolutely. It’s a wonderful gift. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.”

After exchanging the signed contracts, the two women engaged in light conversation. Seizing the moment, Eunchae invited Margarita to join her for lunch.

“I’m sorry, as much as I’d love to, I can’t. A close friend is very ill, and I need to visit them. That’s actually why I came to Korea.”

“Oh, I see. I hope your friend recovers quickly.”

Eunchae expressed her sincere sympathy and well wishes.

“Thank you. I’ll be sure to pass that on to my friend.”

Margarita responded with a graceful smile.

After completing the contract, the two women expressed mutual respect and exchanged a handshake.

Promising to have a meal together another time, Eunchae left Margarita’s suite. Once outside, she couldn’t contain her excitement any longer and broke into a bright smile.

“Woohoo!”

“Way to go, boss.”

As Eunchae stepped into the elevator, cheering with excitement, Secretary Moon playfully joined in. They looked at each other and laughed heartily.

“Congratulations, Deputy Director!”

“Thank you, Secretary Moon. I’m so happy I can’t stop smiling.”

“Shouldn’t we toast today? Why not have dinner at a nice place with the Vice President?”

Secretary Moon’s suggestion was met with a polite smile from Eunchae. She hadn’t had a celebratory dinner with Lee Joon in so long that she couldn’t remember the last time.

Maybe I should give him a call. He said he would benefit from this contract too… perhaps he’d be pleased.

Feeling awkward but determined, Eunchae got into the car and called Lee Joon, trying to think of a good reason for the call. As she listened to the phone ring, she gripped her phone tightly.

But despite her nervousness and the thoughts she had prepared, Lee Joon didn’t answer the call.

“Ugh…”

She sighed in frustration and considered calling Lee Joon again but decided against it. He was always busy, and it wasn’t uncommon for him not to answer.

‘I’ll just talk to him at home. Maybe today’s just not the day. We could have a nice dinner and celebrate quietly in Yangpyeong.’

Eunchae tried to comfort herself as she looked out the car window. The early summer scenery was dazzlingly fresh and vibrant.

When Eunchae arrived at the art museum, she headed straight to the director’s office to report the results to Mrs. Kang. Just as she was about to enter the corridor leading to the office, she noticed someone walking towards her.

Seeing who it was, Eunchae’s expression tensed. It was Seo Hyun.

“Hello, Eunchae.”

Seo Hyun greeted her first.

“Hello, Eunchae. Are you on your way to see my mother?”

“Yes. She got a nice car and invited me for a drink.”

As usual, Seo Hyun confidently referred to Mrs. Kang as “my mother. Eunchae tilted her head slightly and looked at Seo Hyun. The confident smile on her face radiated confidence.

“Is that so? Well, take care then.”

As Eunchae nodded and walked past Seo Hyun, a cryptic remark brushed against her ear.

“When you have more than you deserve, trouble is bound to follow.”

“Sorry?”

Eunchae turned around and narrowed her eyes as Seo Hyun looked at her with a casual smile.

“If you can’t handle it, it’s wise to let it go. Otherwise, you’ll end up either being discarded or destroyed. Very, very miserably.”

“What on earth are you talking about…?”

“I have an appointment, so I’ll be going now. Take care, Eunchae.”

Seo Hyun cut off Eunchae’s attempt to question her, striding away with an air of arrogance.

The click-clack of high heels echoed sharply in the glossy hallway, piercing Eunchae’s eardrums.

The unpleasant encounter was enough to shatter the excitement Eunchae felt from successfully closing the deal.

***

On the morning of her 28th birthday, things were pretty much the same as usual. Eunchae woke up early, even on her birthday, and went to greet Tae Moo-jin.

“Happy birthday. Have a good trip,” Tae moo-jin said and gave her a generous amount of pocket money for her travels.

“Thank you, Grandpa.”

Eunchae received the money with a warm smile, took care of the morning routine for the staff and Tae Moo-jin, and then hurried towards her place when a call from her father came in. She answered the phone with a bright smile.

“Dad!”

[Happy birthday, my daughter. Did you have the seaweed soup?]

“Thank you, Dad. I’m about to have it now.”

Eunchae replied with a cheerful smile.

[Ask Eunchae if they’re leaving for Yangpyeong after breakfast!]

Hearing her mother’s voice through the phone made Eunchae smile.

“Please tell Mom we’re leaving after breakfast.”

[Eunchae said that they’re leaving after breakfast!]

[Tell Eunchae to drive safely and to have a good trip!]

[If you want to give all these instructions, you should just answer the phone yourself!]

[Oh, am I playing around? I’m busy making breakfast right now! And I’ll talk to her later!]

The sound of her parents playfully arguing was so heartwarming that Eunchae smiled gently.

A couple should live like this, but the environment at her in-laws’ house was so different. Her in-laws were distant, and her relationship with her husband was the same. It was a perfect example of a loveless arranged marriage.

“I need to go make breakfast now. Thanks for the call, Dad.”

[Sure! Go ahead. Congratulations again. I’m so grateful you were born as my daughter.]

“Yes… And thank you so much for raising me beautifully.”

Suddenly, Eunchae’s voice trembled as she answered, her throat tightening with emotion.

[“Eunchae, they say that every moment happens for a reason. This too shall pass. So… try to find peace in your heart. It’s not a bad thing to stay calm and composed.”]

Understanding his daughter’s feelings, her Dad comforted Eunchae with warmth.

“Yes, Dad. I’ll keep that in mind. Please take care.”

After finishing the call, Eunchae took a moment to calm her stirred emotions.

“Sigh…”

She quickly wiped away her tears with the back of her hand, took a deep breath to calm herself, and walked back into the main house. She hoped that everything would go smoothly, just for today.

***

After having breakfast, Eunchae and Lee Joon set off for Yangpyeong and arrived just before lunchtime.

“The scenery here is really beautiful. Every time I see it, I’m amazed.”

Eunchae smiled brightly, feeling satisfied. The Yangpyeong villa was surrounded by stunning scenery. Especially in early summer, the view of the villa, with its lush green surroundings, gave a refreshing feeling that cleared the mind.

“Do you like it?”

Lee Joon came up to Eunchae who was standing by the living room window of the mansion.

“Yes, I like it very much.”

Eunchae’s voice was bright and cheerful as she replied. A faint smile briefly appeared on Lee Joon’s lips before fading away.

“Let’s quickly unpack and go for a walk.”

“Okay.”

With a pleasant smile, Eunchae nodded and went to the bedroom to unpack. Since it was only a two-day trip, there wasn’t much luggage, so she finished quickly.

Afterward, the two of them took a walk around the villa, occasionally making small talk. To be honest, it was hardly a conversation – Eunchae would speak and Lee Joon would give brief replies.

Still, Eunchae was happy. For today and until tomorrow afternoon, they would spend time together, just the two of them, in the same room.

Chairman Tae had instructed Lee Joon to leave his work for two days, so he only brought the minimum amount of work with him.

For lunch, they ate at a Korean restaurant that Eunchae found online, which was said to be very good. Afterward, they enjoyed coffee and dessert at a cozy cafe with a nice ambiance.

Eunchae was overjoyed with the rare opportunity to have such a happy time. She couldn’t stop smiling and chatting excitedly. Lee Joon quietly observed her, occasionally giving her an unreadable look.

After returning to the villa much later, the two spent time on their own. Lee Joon worked in the study, while Eunchae prepared ingredients for dinner. As she was busy chopping the ingredients, Lee Joon came out of the study and walked into the kitchen.

“We could just go out for dinner,” he said, crossing his arms and looking less than pleased.

“I prefer cooking and eating at home,” Eunchae replied.

“Even on your birthday, you want to work?”

“Yes, I do,” she answered.

Eunchae smiled and asked Lee Joon for a favor.

“Instead of just standing there glaring, could you please grab a bottle of wine from the cellar? Pick one you like.”

“Alright,” he replied curtly and left the kitchen.

“Why did he finish work early today just to come out and start nagging?” she wondered.

Eunchae smiled as she playfully rolled her eyes. Even this much was enough to make her feel content. The moments they spent together today would give her the strength to endure their otherwise dry marriage for a while longer.

As Eunchae busily resumed her work, she suddenly heard a buzzing sound—her phone vibrating.

“Lee Joon must have left his phone behind.”

Thinking it might be something important from work or a call from his parents, Eunchae quickly wiped her hands on her apron and picked up the phone.

“Hmm?”

Eunchae’s eyes widened in shock as she checked the caller ID. It was “Alice.”

Her face turned pale at the sight of yet another unfamiliar woman’s name. She stared intently at the vibrating phone screen, losing her composure.

As if possessed by something, she pressed the screen and answered the call.