Living with an Ex-Husband - Chapter 85:

Additional Side Story (1)

With the morning sunlight streaming in, Lee Joon half-opened his eyes and instinctively pulled Eunchae closer, even though she was already nestled in his arms. He tightened his embrace, pressing his face into the soft curve of her neck.

“Hmmm…”

A satisfied, lazy sigh escaped his lips as he closed his eyes again, savoring the moment.

Breathing in deeply, the sweet scent of her skin filled his senses, and his hand moved on its own, gliding over her smooth skin. The warmth and softness under his touch stirred something deeper, and his caresses became more deliberate and bold.

“Lee Joon…”

Eunchae mumbled sleepily, stirring under his touch, but even as she shifted slightly, Lee Joon didn’t stop, drawn further by the intoxicating warmth of her body.

Having just returned from a business trip two days ago, Lee Joon had spent the night wrapped around Eunchae, yet his thirst for her hadn’t been quenched. The more he held her, the deeper his longing grew.

“We need to get up now.”

Lee Joon, undeterred, reached for his phone on the nightstand and checked the time.

“We still have some time.” he replied with a playful grin, showing her the clock.

“Even so…”

Eunchae trailed off, a conflicted look crossing her face. Technically, the alarm hadn’t gone off yet, and yes, there was some time left. But the very fact that she was even debating this felt ridiculous, considering the situation.

“Seo-yul will be coming in soon, too.”

“Ah…”

At the mention of their son, Seo-yul, Lee Joon let out a resigned sigh, knowing the moment was coming to an end.

Their beloved son, Tae Seo-yul, was the definition of an ideal little gentleman. Despite being just five years old, he had the remarkable habit of waking up like clockwork at 6 a.m. sharp, immediately heading to his parents’ bedroom.

And today was no different.

“Knock, knock.”

A bright and cheerful voice followed the soft knock on the door.

“Daddy! Mommy! You all woke up! Can I come in?”

The moment they heard Seo-yul’s sweet voice, both Eunchae and Lee Joon couldn’t help but laugh. His politeness and the way he followed the rules were nothing short of endearing.

Once Seo-yul had begun understanding language, Lee Joon had been firm about teaching him proper manners. He made sure to instruct Seo-yul to always knock, state his identity, and only enter after receiving permission. Since then, Seo-yul hadn’t forgotten a single lesson.

“Okay. Come in, Seo-yul.”

Lee Joon called out, reluctantly letting go of Eunchae as he gave their son permission to enter.

As soon as he got the okay, Seo-yul opened the door and walked in with a bright smile.

“Good morning, Daddy! Good morning, Mommy!” he chirped, greeting them cheerfully.

Both parents’ hearts swelled with love at their son’s perfect little manners and cheerful attitude.

Seo-yul hurried over to the bed, giving a deep, polite bow with his little belly button showing through his *Pororo* pajamas. The sight of him being so adorable made Eunchae and Lee Joon burst into wide, joyful smiles.

“Did you sleep well, my boy?”

“How did you sleep, Seo-yul?”

With warm expressions, both parents opened their arms wide, beckoning him to come closer. Seo-yul’s face lit up with excitement as he happily jumped onto the bed.

“Mommy! Daddy!”

“Oh, our precious baby boy.”

Lee Joon and Eunchae said, taking turns hugging Seo-yul, kissing his cheeks, and patting his little bottom affectionately.

Seo-yul’s laughter filled the room, his giggles infectious. In return, he showered both his parents with kisses, happily pecking their cheeks and lips in a flurry of love.

“I love you, Daddy. I love you, Mommy.”

Seo-yul said with a big smile.

“Daddy loves you too.”

“And Mommy loves you too.”

For a few precious moments, the three of them stayed in bed, exchanging declarations of love and enjoying the warmth of their little family.

Finally, the alarm went off, signaling the start of the day. Eunchae sighed as she turned it off and got out of bed.

“It feels like time always goes by too quickly at moments like this. I wish I could stay like this with you and Seo-yul a little longer.”

Lee Joon said wistfully, watching her with a soft smile.

Lee Joon got out of bed as well, still holding Seo-yul in his arms. With his recent frequent overseas trips, the time he spent with his family had significantly decreased, and the guilt weighed on him every time he saw Eunchae and Seo-yul.

“Exactly”

Eunchae agreed, her own sense of longing showing as she neatly tied up her tousled hair.

“While Mommy and Daddy take a shower, why don’t you go greet Great-Grandpa and Grandpa, Seo-yul?”

“Yes, Daddy!”

Seo-yul responded enthusiastically. After exchanging another round of kisses with both his parents, the little boy cheerfully left the room to carry out his task.

“Our son’s back is even adorable.”

Lee Joon said as he watched Seo-yul’s little figure leaving the room, his voice filled with affection.

Eunchae laughed at his comment, knowing how much of a doting father Lee Joon had become.

“That’s because he takes after you.”

Flattered by Eunchae’s sweet words, Lee Joon smiled warmly.

“I love you, Eunchae.” he whispered, pulling her into his arms.

Eunchae, feeling the warmth of his embrace, gently stroked his broad back and returned his confession.

“I love you too, very much.”

***

As usual, Honorary Chairman Tae Moo-jin was up early, carefully going through the newspapers delivered by the house staff. He diligently read through each headline, making sure to keep up with current affairs. While engrossed in reading, he heard a soft knock at the door.

“Who is it?”

Chairman Tae asked with a knowing smile, even though he already had an idea of who was at the door.

“Seo-yul’s here, Great-Grandpa!”

Hearing his grandson’s clear and bright voice, a deep smile spread across Tae Moo-jin’s usually stern face. It was a warmth that would have surprised anyone from the company, where his demeanor was always serious and composed.

“Come in.”

“Yes!”

Seo-yul responded energetically as the door opened, revealing his adorable figure walking in confidently. Tae Moo-jin’s smile widened even further as he watched his great-grandson approach.

“Did you sleep well, Great-Grandpa?”

Seo-yul asked, his polite tone melting the old man’s heart even more.

“Yes, I did, thanks to you.”

“Did my little boy sleep well too?”

Tae Moo-jin asked, his eyes softening as he looked at Seo-yul.

“Yes”

Seo-yul responded with a bright smile.

“Come here.”

Tae Moo-jin beckoned, patting his knee. Seo-yul giggled and climbed onto his great-grandfather’s lap.

“My little boy. These days, seeing you is the best part of my day.”

Tae Moo-jin laughed heartily, gently patting Seo-yul’s head.

For someone who had spent most of his life not fully understanding family affection, Tae Moo-jin found these simple moments strangely new, yet filled with gratitude. Watching his young great-grandson’s playful antics brought him a happiness he hadn’t experienced before, not even when Lee Joon was a child.

“Now go say hello to Grandpa and get ready for school.”

Tae Moo-jin said warmly, tenderly pinching Seo-yul’s soft cheeks. His tone was full of affection, a side of him rarely seen by others.

“Yes, Grandpa. See you in a little while.”

Seo-yul said as he stood up to leave.

“Alright, my little boy.”

Tae Moo-jin replied, waving fondly at the boy as he left the room. Another peaceful, happy morning had begun.

***

“Dad, you’re good at soccer, right? You’re good at everything!”

Seo-yul suddenly exclaimed during breakfast, his voice full of admiration.

“What?”

Lee Joon, who had just finished getting ready for work, tilted his head at the unexpected question. Eunchae and the elders exchanged curious glances, also taken by surprise.

“I do know how to play soccer.”

Lee Joon said laughing, “but I wouldn’t say I’m great at it.”

Despite witnessing Seo-yul’s sparkling eyes filled with faith in his dad, Lee Joon chose to speak honestly. As expected, Seo-yul’s expression quickly fell into disappointment.

“Aw… that’s not good. You should be good at it…”

“Why? Is there a reason your dad has to be good at soccer?”

Tae Sung-yeol asked, observing the interaction with a curious expression.

“Yes, Grandpa.”

“And why is that?”

“Well, there’s this kid in my class named Kwon Ki-yoon, and his dad is a soccer player. Ki-yoon brags that his dad is the best soccer player in the world.”

“A soccer player?”

Lee Joon asked, looking to Eunchae for clarification.

Eunchae calmly filled him in.

“Oh, it’s Kwon Hee-jun, the soccer player. He performed pretty well during the World Cup and even played in European leagues. He was also a model for our company’s electronics.”

“Ah… that player. Isn’t he currently coaching a professional team?”

Lee Joon recalled, nodding as memories surfaced.

“Yes, Coach Kwon’s son goes to the same kindergarten as Seo-yul,” Eunchae confirmed.

“Then it makes sense for him to brag about his dad being good at soccer.”

Tae Sung-yeol added, nodding in understanding.

Seo-yul, sensing the adults’ attention on him, continued.

“When I told Ki-yoon that my dad is good at soccer too, he said no way! He said his dad is the best. So, I told him that at the upcoming sports day, our dads are going to play soccer and that my dad will win!”

“Oh, our little Seo-yul wanted to brag about his dad too.”

Tae Moo-jin laughed, the warmth in his voice evident.

Now understanding the whole situation, the adults nodded knowingly. They could relate to Seo-yul’s feelings; at this age, every child sees their dad as the most amazing superhero in the world, and they fully appreciated the innocence and pride behind his words.

However, Lee Joon knew he couldn’t just lie and say he would definitely be good at soccer. He wanted to make a realistic promise without disappointing Seo-yul.

“Seo-yul.”

“Yes… Dad.”

Lee Joon met his son’s gaze, speaking with a serious yet warm smile.

“Your dad and Ki-yoon’s dad are good at different things. They’ve been doing those things for a long time. I run a business, while Ki-yoon’s dad plays soccer. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“Yes” Seo-yul replied, nodding.

“So I can’t say I’ll be better at soccer than Ki-yoon’s dad. That’s the truth.” Lee Joon continued.

“…”

Seo-yul remained silent, contemplating.

“But on the day of the sports competition, I’ll work hard and give it my all, okay?”

“Yes, Dad,”

Seo-yul said, his expression brightening as he responded. He felt grateful that his dad promised to try his best.

“Now that we’ve solved that little problem, let’s have breakfast. We’ll be late for school!”

Lee Joon said, ushering Seo-yul toward the kitchen.

“Yes! Dad!”

Seo-yul replied brightly, picking up his spoon to continue eating his breakfast. The adults watched with warm smiles as the cheerful little boy quickly resumed his happy demeanor.

“Kids really are like that. They can cheer up so quickly and start smiling again.”

Tae Sung-yeol said, gently patting Seo-yul’s head.

“Exactly, that’s what makes them so cute.”

Lee Joon added, his face still glowing with the remnants of laughter.

“So cute indeed. Lately, I’ve been living for the joy of watching our Seo-yul.”

“I feel the same way, Grandpa.”

Seo-yul chimed in, his cheerful little voice breaking through the warmth of the moment.

Tae Moo-jin nodded in agreement as he watched Seo-yul munching away, his tiny hands moving the spoon with determination. Every time he saw Seo-yul’s fair skin, reminiscent of his mother’s, it reminded him of soft, chewy rice cakes.

As the cheerful atmosphere continued, Tae Moo-jin glanced at Lee Joon, assessing his expression, and then casually brought up a topic.

“By the way, are you two planning not to have a second child at all? Having a beautiful daughter would be the icing on the cake.”