Living with an Ex-Husband - Chapter 82:

Side Story (08)

As autumn settled in, the mornings and evenings grew noticeably chilly. With time passing, Eunchae’s body had become heavier with her pregnancy.

“Do you really need to keep working?”

Lee Joon asked, furrowing his brow as he watched Eunchae get ready for work. His expression was full of concern, his eyebrows drawn together.

“Of course I do.”

Eunchae replied firmly, turning from the vanity mirror where she had been brushing her hair. She looked over at Lee Joon, who stood with his arms crossed, looking as though he was on the verge of protesting.

“Are you going to keep frowning like that all morning?”

“You already found a successor for the director position.”

Lee Joon pointed out, his brows still furrowed.

“It’s not about being the director anymore; we’re in the middle of preparing for the Henri Sarr exhibition. I need to finish that up before stepping down.”

“I know, but…”

Lee Joon trailed off, a slight hint of regret in his voice. It was as if he felt trapped by the very terms of the contract he had helped arrange.

“Honestly, this whole exhibition process has been so fulfilling. It’s good for me and great for Hope’s prenatal development too.”

“I’m just worried it might be too much for you.”

Eunchae gave him a bright smile. She met his gaze with warmth.

She stood by the window, the light from outside casting a soft glow around her. For a moment, Lee Joon couldn’t help but be mesmerized, letting out a quiet sigh as he took in her glowing figure like she was absorbing the very sunlight that enveloped her.

“I’m not tired at all. They say keeping active is good for the birth, too. So, Tae Lee Joon, Hope’s dad, stop worrying and bring me my tie.”

“After I deal with your hair first.”

Lee Joon laughed, taking the brush from her hand. He gently turned her around to face the mirror.

As he buried his face in her ebony-black hair, he inhaled deeply, the soft floral scent filling his lungs. The sweet smell of her skin stirred something deep inside him, and he felt a familiar ache spread through his lower abdomen.

Since the beginning of her pregnancy, Lee Joon had found himself drawn to Eunchae’s body more and more, longing for those intimate moments. Her careful, deliberate touches were nothing like their usual intense and convoluted sessions. Something was exciting about the tenderness, a hidden pleasure in the softness, a gentle intensity that left him breathless.

“I just want to hold you all day and sleep. Do nothing else.”

Lee Joon’s voice was low and soothing, a quiet confession that made Eunchae’s lips curl into a smile.

“Just sleep?”

“Mm-hmm. Purely sleep.”

“Can you really do that?”

She asked, full of doubt. Lee Joon laughed. Fair enough—there was nothing pure or innocent about Tae Lee Joon. His nature was one of intense desire, possessiveness, and obsession.

“Mom said after having a baby, my hair tends to fall out a lot, so I should cut it short in advance. Do you think that’s true?”

“Really?”

Lee Joon asked back, not sounding too enthusiastic, as he brushed Eunchae’s hair.

“Yeah. If I’m holding the baby, long hair might be a bit of a hassle.”

“Let’s think about it some more. If we hire two nannies, you won’t have to handle all the childcare by yourself.”

“You really don’t want me to cut my hair, do you?”

“Yeah, I guess I don’t.”

Lee Joon admitted, finishing brushing her hair as he admired Eunchae’s reflection in the mirror.

“I don’t think I can give up your beautiful hair. Call me selfish, but I can’t help it.”

“Alright, I’ll think about it slowly.”

“Good.”

With the hair decision postponed, Eunchae followed Lee Joon into the dressing room and tied his tie with her usual graceful touch. When the knot was perfectly tied, she gently pulled it up and kissed him on the lips.

“Your lipstick’s smudged.”

Lee Joon said, his mood lifting as he smiled and brushed her lips with his thumb.

“Since it’s already smudged—”

“No, we’re late.”

Eunchae cut him off, pressing her hand against his chest when he leaned in for a deeper kiss.

“You’re just going to end it like this?”

“Yes. If we don’t, you’ll definitely be late. You have a meeting this morning, we should go.”

Eunchae replied firmly, giving him a decisive nod.

“You’re being a little too strict.”

Lee Joon teased, laughing helplessly as he looked at her crossed arms and firm stance.

“Goodbye.”

“Take care.”

After bidding farewell to Mrs. Hwang and Yoon Jung-ik, Lee Joon and Eunchae got into the waiting car.

“You’re meeting Yoo-rim and Seong-ah for dinner, right?”

“Yes, I haven’t seen them much lately. I wanted to catch up with them before Hope is born.”

“okay, have fun.”

“I will.”

Eunchae replied with a bright smile, resting her head on Lee Joon’s shoulder.

“This is nice.”

She murmured with her eyes closed, her voice soft and drowsy. Lee Joon wrapped his arm around her, letting her fully lean into him. It was a refreshing and peaceful start to the day together.

***

After finishing her work at the gallery, Eunchae took the car Lee Joon had sent to Seong-ah’s shop.

“This woman’s gutsy as ever. Closing her store early just for our meet-up.”

Eunchae laughed quietly as she looked at the ‘CLOSED’ sign hanging on the café door, feeling admiration for her friend’s boldness. She dialed Seong-ah’s number.

After a few rings, a cheerful voice came through the phone.

“Hey, Eunchae! You here already?”

“Yes, I’m right outside. Could you open the door?”

“Got it.”

A few seconds after the call ended, the café door swung open, and Seong-ah appeared.

“Eunchae! Look at you! Your belly has really grown.”

Seong-ah greeted her with an excited smile, obviously happy to see her.

“Have you been well, Seong-ah?”

Eunchae replied. Her face lit up as they exchanged greetings.

“Come on in. Yoo-rim got here just a little while ago.”

“Okay.”

As they walked inside, Eunchae saw Yoo-rim setting the table, and arranging utensils carefully.

“Welcome, madam.”

Yoo-rim teased with a playful wave.

“How have you been?”

Eunchae waved back, returning the friendly energy.

“The second generation of Tae Lee Joon and Yoon Eunchae is growing so well!”

Yoo-rim joked before asking permission to touch Eunchae’s now noticeably rounded belly.

“Wow, is that a kick?”

Perhaps thrilled by the attention from her excited aunts, little Hope gave a strong kick.

“Yes! These days, the baby moves around a lot. Even Lee Joon is amazed and spends long moments with his hand on my belly.”

“It’s really incredible.”

Yoo-rim marveled, still fascinated by the experience.

Yoo-rim was still amazed at the new experience of feeling a baby’s movements. She found it difficult to close her mouth in awe.

“By the way, you really went all out! The smell is incredible.”

Eunchae said. Her eyes widened as she admired the delicious food.

“I made something special for our madam and Hope. Enjoy it,” Seong-ah replied with a smile.

“I’m touched, Seong-ah.”

Eunchae said, giving her a thumbs up before sitting down and immediately grabbing a piece of shrimp tempura.

“Mmm…!” she hummed in delight.

“Is it good?”

Seong-ah and Yoo-rim both sat down and eagerly awaited her answer.

“Yes, it’s so delicious! Perfect!”

Eunchae exclaimed enthusiastically, nodding vigorously as she kept chewing.

“Glad to hear it. Eat as much as you want. Yoo-rim, you too.” Seong-ah encouraged.

“Okay!” both Eunchae and Yoo-rim chimed in unison, eagerly digging in.

As they chatted and ate, Yoo-rim’s eyes suddenly lit up when she noticed something. It was Eunchae’s hand-crocheted mobile phone case.

“Did you make this yourself?” Yoo-rim asked, her interest piqued.

“Huh? Oh, yeah.”

Eunchae replied, showing the small phone pouch, just a bit larger than her palm, to the curious Yoo-rim.

“It’s really well-made. Did you crochet this?”

Eunchae casually replied.

“No, Lee Joon made it.”

“What?”

Yoo-rim’s jaw dropped, and Seong-ah nearly choked on her juice, sputtering as she tried to compose herself.

“Are you serious?” Yoo-rim asked again, incredulous.

“Wow, I’m so shocked, my heart is racing.”

Seong-ah muttered, wiping her mouth and clutching her chest in disbelief.

“Yeah, he made more than just this. A few days ago, he finished knitting a pair of baby walking shoes.”

Eunchae said calmly as if this was a common occurrence. Seong-ah and Yoo-rim exchanged a confused look.

“How did that even happen…?”

Seong-ah asked trailing off, obviously unable to comprehend the situation. Eunchae burst out laughing at her stunned expression. Honestly, it was understandable. Sometimes she even had to rub her eyes to make sure she wasn’t imagining things.

“My mother and I used to knit for my baby, usually in the evenings while watching TV. One night, Lee Joon said he wanted to try it. He thought it looked fun.

“And then?”

Yoo-rim leaned forward. Her eyes were wide and she urged Eunchae to continue.

“At first, my mom and I couldn’t believe it either. We were so shocked that we just handed him the needles and yarn, and ended up teaching him how to knit.”

Eunchae recalled, her eyes curving into crescents with amusement. Lee Joon had taken the learning process seriously, and as usual, he had mastered it quickly.

“Now he’s even better than my mom. His progress has been incredible.”

“Wow…! I knew Tae Lee Joon was special ever since he started making bread, but this? Bravo!”

“If your company ever goes down, you two will be fine. Making night bread, rolling kimbap, crocheting bags – you’ll thrive in a home industry,” Seong-ah joked.

“Exactly.”

Eunchae laughed, and they all shook their heads in disbelief at Lee Joon’s surprising talents.

“But seriously, Tae Lee Joon is something else. The more I see him, the more I realize that he’s a real gem and so caring.

Yoo-rim admitted that her opinion of Lee Joon had completely changed. She once cursed him and wished that he would be struck by lightning on a rainy day, but now she sings his praises.

“I know. I’m so thankful that I got a second chance to be with him.” Eunchae said softly, her heart full.

“Now, you and Lee Joon can truly walk the path of happiness together, especially with Hope on the way.” Seong-ah added warmly.

“Thank you, Seong-ah. Thank you, Yoo-rim.”

Eunchae replied, her bright smile lighting up her face. The sight of her happiness brought a warm glow to Seong-ah and Yoo-rim as well.

They chatted and enjoyed their food and desserts until late in the evening. In the middle of their laughing conversation, Eunchae’s phone rang. It was Lee Joon.

“Yes, Lee Joon?”

“I’m here to pick you up. Are you staying longer?”

“No, I’m ready to go. Come in and say hello.

“Alright, I’ll be right in.”

After ending the call, it wasn’t long before Lee Joon entered the café.

“Hello, everyone,” he greeted with his usual polite smile.

“It’s been a while.”

Yoo-rim and Seong-ah responded, exchanging pleasantries. Lee Joon then sat down next to Eunchae.

“Would you like something to drink?” Seong-ah offered.

“No, thank you. I’m fine.”

Lee Joon politely declined, his attention quickly shifting to Eunchae.

“How are you feeling?” he asked, his voice filled with care.

“I’m good. I ate well and I’m in a great mood.”

Eunchae replied with a bright smile.

“That’s all I need to hear.”

Lee Joon said with a small nod, a faint smile flickering across his lips. His gaze, completely focused on Eunchae, made Seong-ah and Yoo-rim feel as if they were witnessing a perfect love story come to life.

“We’ll be heading out now. Let’s have a meal together next time.”

Lee Joon gently helped Eunchae to her feet, holding her hand as he suggested a future meal with Seong-ah and Yoo-rim. Both eagerly agreed, saying that any time would be great.

“Our Eunchae is finally stepping into her springtime.”

Yoo-rim mused as she watched Eunchae and Lee Joon get into the car, feeling a sense of pride as if it were her victory.

“It wasn’t easy. Loving a man, being patient, and enduring so much – that’s what brought her here.”

Seong-ah added with a warm smile as she watched Lee Joon’s car pull away from the front of the café.

“That’s true. Both of them are incredible.”

Yoo-rim agreed, her heart full of admiration.

“Exactly.”

Suddenly, Yoo-rim sighed dramatically.

“Ugh, I feel so lonely. I want to fall in love too!” she exclaimed, overacting her longing for love.

Seong-ah laughed at her friend’s playful behavior, quietly wishing that Yoo-rim’s destined love would someday come into her life as well.