Living with an Ex-Husband - Chapter 65: Now I Can See It All
Chapter 65: Now I Can See It All
Eunchae’s face lit up with excitement as she visited the art museum after a long time. She felt much more stable and her condition had improved, but it was the important guest she was about to meet that added to her anticipation.
“Welcome, Executive Director.”
As Eunchae stepped into the conference room, Secretary Moon greeted her warmly.
“How have you been, Secretary Moon?”
“I’m Fine, Executive Director.”
With a composed smile, Secretary Moon reported to Eunchae, “
I just received word that Margarita Sarr has arrived at the museum parking lot. She’ll be here shortly.”
“Oh, really?”
Eunchae’s face brightened even more at the confirmation. She felt a rush of excitement at the thought of seeing Margarita after two long years.
Given that her divorce had caused the exhibition to drift for so long, Eunchae felt a deep sense of gratitude toward Margarita. Despite everything, Margarita had reached out, expressing her desire to meet Eunchae.
When Eunchae had heard about the meeting through Lee Joon, she felt a mix of joy and gratitude, but also a sense of guilt. She was determined to ensure the success of this exhibition, both to repay Margarita’s generosity and to honor their shared passion for art.
“Did you know, Executive Director.”
Secretary Moon began, lowering her voice as she noticed Eunchae’s excitement.
“What is it? Do you have something to say, Secretary Moon?”
Eunchae also dropped her voice, and Secretary Moon glanced around the empty conference room before continuing.
“Something seems off with our director these days.”
“Really? With Mrs. Kang?”
“Yes. Her hysteria has gotten worse, but it feels different from before.”
“What do you mean?”
Although she knew of Mrs Kang’s situation, Eunchae feigned ignorance. She was curious to know the details.
“It’s like… instead of the ferocious roar of a lioness, it’s become the lament of a toothless tiger. She’s screaming and hurling insults, but there’s a sense of helplessness behind it.
“Ah…”
Eunchae was inwardly impressed by Secretary Moon’s insightful analogy.
‘Even Secretary Moon, who isn’t directly under her, has picked up on this. Just how sharp is her intuition?’
Eunchae sensed that Mrs.Kang’s situation was worse than she had anticipated.
“This morning, she spent the whole time just shouting before leaving. She canceled all her afternoon appointments. I think she’s upset that Margarita has decided to meet only with you.”
“Surely not.”
“No, really. It’s not just my speculation; most of the staff feels the same way.”
Secretary Moon’s firm words rang true, but Eunchae maintained a blank expression, offering only a professional smile. She had so much unresolved between herself and Mrs. Kang that she didn’t want to focus on her situation for a while.
If Michael were still alive, she would have happily grabbed him by the collar and thrown him around a dozen times for everything that had happened.
As the two continued their conversation, Margarita arrived at the conference room. Eunchae greeted her with a bright smile.
“Welcome back! It’s so good to see you again.”
“It’s been so long, Rachel. It’s so good to see you again!”
With beaming smiles, the two women exchanged greetings and sat across from each other at the conference table.
“I wanted to sign the final contract in person.”
Margarita said with a playful wink. She was still as cheerful and straightforward as ever.
“I see.”
Eunchae nodded, her eyes reflecting admiration for Margarita.
“Oh, by the way, I remember hearing that your friends were unwell. Are they fully recovered now?”
Suddenly remembering their last conversation, Eunchae asked cautiously.
“Oh, how is your friend now?”
“No, she didn’t last long… she left us.”
“Oh no… I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up.”
“It’s OK. It’s OK. It’s all in the past.”
Margarita reassured her with a gentle smile and a dismissive wave of her hand.
“As for your conditions this time, I must admit I was a bit surprised when I heard it.”
Margarita skilfully changed the subject, and Eunchae felt a little lighter as a result.
“How did you come up with that? The way you both take care of each other is very touching and remarkable”.
Margarita smiled as she started to sign the contract and added.
“Unfortunately, the exhibition was delayed for two years because of Joon’s great love for his wife, but in the end, thanks to the condition he proposed, you can take charge of the exhibition.”
“What? What do you mean…?”
Eunchae was taken aback and struggled to find her words. It felt as if Margarita was talking about something only she was aware of, and yet it seemed strangely understandable at that moment.
“And when you say ‘Joon’… do you mean Tae Lee Joon?”
“That’s right, Tae Lee Joon, the CEO of Geumyoung Electronics.”
Margarita’s answer, as if there was no other ‘Joon’, left Eunchae’s eyes wide with shock. Her mind whirled in confusion as if hit by an earthquake.
‘What in the world…? How is this possible?’
Unable to find the words, Eunchae’s lips moved silently. She wanted to ask if they had known each other for a long time, but Margarita spoke first.
“I have known Joon for a long time. To be precise, we met through his cousin Jae-han. Jae-han’s maternal family had a close relationship with my late father”.
As Margarita closed the pen after signing, she revealed more details that Eunchae had been unaware of.
“I have known who you are for a long time, and Joon always hoped that you would accept his proposal. Of course, he wouldn’t say it openly because of his personality.
Margarita smiled warmly as she made eye contact with Eunchae.
“Then after I read the last email you sent, I was moved. I already told Joon about it.”
“So… the condition that I have to take charge of the exhibition was suggested by Lee Joon?”
“Yes. He was worried that his mother might try to take all the credit for your work, so he insisted that this condition be included.”
“Oh my…”
As Eunchae processed everything, her mind went blank. Her hands trembled as she covered her mouth and her eyes trembled with disbelief.
“I heard about your situation.” Margarita continued. “Seeing how much Joon loves you and watching it unfold, my heart ached for both of you. I was moved to tears by the pain and struggles you both face.”
With a sincere expression, Margarita placed her hand over her heart.
“I can’t tell you how relieved I am that misunderstandings have been cleared up and the truth has come out. It’s been a difficult time, but I truly believe that your love has become stronger because of it.
As she blessed their love, Margarita handed Eunchae a gift box.
“This is a gift for your baby – a hat. I hope you like it.”
“Thank you. Really… thank you so much.”
Eunchae wiped away her tears and thanked Margarita from the bottom of her heart.
“I am the one who should be grateful. Thank you for accepting it with such joy.”
With a warm smile, Margarita suggested that they have dinner together soon. Eunchae eagerly agreed.
“I will take my leave now. I have to meet an important guest who is arriving at the airport.”
“Yes, I’ll set a time and place with Lee Joon and get back to you soon. Take care on your way back and enjoy your visit.”
“Absolutely. Take care too, Rachel.”
After exchanging cheerful goodbyes, Margarita left the conference room. Eunchae watched her leave with admiration, noting the confidence and poise she exuded.
***
As soon as Margarita left the room, Eunchae packed her things and followed her. On her way to the entrance of the museum, she called Lee Joon’s number, eager to hear his voice.
After a few rings, he picked up the phone.
“It’s me. Did the meeting go well?”
“Yes, it went well. Lee Joon, are you in the office?”
As Eunchae walked through the entrance of the museum, she tried to locate Lee Joon.
“No, I’m on my way to an outside meeting.”
“Oh… really?”
Eunchae, who had been rushing to the office like a sprinter, suddenly stopped. A wave of disappointment washed over her.
“What’s wrong? Is something wrong?”
“Yes, there is.”
Eunchae’s voice was as droopy as her slumped shoulders.
“What’s going on?”
Lee Joon’s concerned question made her laugh lightly.
“I miss you. I want to see you so much, but we can’t meet. So it’s a big deal.”
“Why is it a big deal? We can just meet.”
“But you said you were going somewhere. I want to see you now!”
With a sullen response, Lee Joon calmly redirected the conversation.
“That’s right. Since I’m moving, we can meet right now.”
“Huh? What do you mean…?”
As Eunchae tilted her head in confusion, her eyes suddenly widened as she spotted something. Lee Joon was standing at the bottom of the museum stairs, holding his phone to his ear.
“Now you can see my face as much as you want.”
Lee Joon hung up the phone and opened his arms wide for her. Standing at the top of the stairs, Eunchae felt tears well up in her eyes as she looked down at him.
Lee Joon leisurely admired her beautiful body. Now he didn’t have to hide his love for her or the longing in his eyes.
Eunchae slowly descended the stairs, her heart swelling with warmth as she focused on Lee Joon. With every step she took, she could feel the anticipation building within her.
Just one step away from the bottom, Eunchae jumped into Lee Joon’s arms. He hugged her tightly and kissed her forehead.
They held each other in silence, knowing that sometimes unspoken feelings resonate more deeply.When Eunchae opened her eyes, she saw a towering tree nearby. Just like that tree, she wanted to be a strong and unwavering presence, deeply rooted in the ground of Tae Lee Joon’s love.
She finally realized that Tae Lee Joon had already embraced the tree that was Yoon Eunchae deep in his heart with a love so deep and genuine that it was beyond measure.