Living with an Ex-Husband - Chapter 86:

Additional Side Story (02)

As soon as Tae Moo-jin finished speaking, all eyes turned to Lee Joon, including Seo-yul’s bright, sparkling gaze that seemed to shine like stars.

“Why is everyone looking at me?”

Lee Joon asked, feeling awkward as he noticed the intense scrutiny. He cleared his throat, trying to divert their attention, and subtly glanced away from his family.

“Why wouldn’t we look?”

Tae Sung-yeol replied gruffly, raising an eyebrow at his son. Despite the straightforward question, Lee Joon continued to act oblivious. The truth was, the reason they didn’t have a second child yet was all because of him.

When Seo-yul was born, Lee Joon had witnessed firsthand the pain Eunchae endured during childbirth. The memory still lingered, making him hesitant about the prospect of going through that experience again.

He would have rather endured the pain himself. Every time Eunchae cried out in agony, Lee Joon felt his blood run cold. Guilt gnawed at him, making him feel like he had done something wrong to her.

He was consumed with worry, terrified that something might go wrong with Eunchae, yet he felt utterly helpless, unable to do anything to ease her suffering.

At that moment, Lee Joon made a vow: he would never have a second child in his life. He promised himself that he would never put Eunchae through such hardship again.

However, in a twist of fate, it was Eunchae, who had experienced the intense pain of childbirth, who began to desire a second child. Already someone who loved children, her maternal instincts blossomed even more while raising Seo-yul, and she frequently urged Lee Joon to have another baby.

The desire among the adults grew stronger as well. Not only that, but Seo-yul would occasionally express his wish for a sibling, further fueling the “second child project.”

Despite everything, Lee Joon chose to ignore the conversation. He didn’t want to put Eunchae, who was more precious to him than his own life, through that kind of pain again.

“Is it just me, or do I look even more handsome today?” he quipped with a playful grin.

“Ugh!”

Eunchae and the adults couldn’t help but laugh at Lee Joon’s cheeky remark, both exasperated and amused. No matter how much they poked and prodded him, he remained steadfast in his decision.

“I’ll get up first,” he said, sensing the cold looks from his family.

“Daddy, I’m done eating too! Let’s brush our teeth together!”

Seo-yul called out, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Should we? All right, my boy.”

Lee Joon responded, beaming as he scooped Seo-yul up in his arms, laughing at his son’s cheerful demeanor.

“Wow! Dad, you’re the best!”

“And our Seo-yul is the best too!”

As the father and son made their way out, Tae Moo-jin and Tae Seong-ryeol sighed and exchanged glances, turning to Eunchae.

“Is it impossible?”

Tae Sung-yeol asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

“I want a second child so badly too, but with Lee Joon being like this…”

Eunchae replied, her shoulders drooping in disappointment. At times like this, the overwhelming love from her husband felt like a burden.

***

“It feels like you’re going to strangle me soon.”

Lee Joon cast a sidelong glance at Eunchae as she adjusted his tie, sensing the atmosphere had shifted.

“Maybe so. It’s just so irritating.”

Surprised by her icy reaction, Lee Joon watched her closely. He knew that Eunchae, normally so gentle, could be quite frightening when she got angry. When she was upset, she avoided eye contact and wouldn’t let him touch her.

“Eunchae” he began cautiously.

“I want to have a daughter, Lee Joon. My mom says every mother should have a daughter. It’s different to be friends with a daughter, even if having a son is nice,” Eunchae said, pulling the tie tighter as she expressed her wish.

Upon hearing her words, Lee Joon’s lips pressed into a firm line.

“I want a daughter too… especially one that looks like you. Just thinking about it makes me so happy,” he admitted, letting his true feelings come to light.

“But there’s no guarantee that a second child will be a girl. More than anything, I can’t stand the thought of you being in pain. I don’t want to put you through that again.”

“Lee Joon, it’s just one day. If I can get through that…”

“Giving birth is just one day, but the recovery takes much longer. They say every time a woman has a child, her body suffers. I can’t bear to see you go through that.”

Lee Joon’s firm stance left Eunchae speechless this time. She understood her husband’s heart, which was full of care and concern for her well-being.

“Alright… I don’t want to have a child if it means making you uncomfortable.”

She said, swallowing a sigh of resignation as she declared her surrender. Having a child should be a mutual desire, and it felt meaningless if one side was pushing too hard.

“I’m sorry. It’s just because I love you so much.”

Lee Joon said, feeling a mix of relief and guilt as he comforted her. He couldn’t help but think that even if he was being selfish, it was for a good reason.

“Yes, I understand.”

Fortunately, Eunchae accepted the situation without further discussion, and the couple continued to prepare for work in a warm atmosphere.

As they approached the front door to greet Tae Moo-jin, they spotted Seo-yul holding Tae Sung-yeol’s hand and singing happily, ready for his school day.

Since Eunchae took on the role of deputy director at the art museum again last year, the whole family has been taking turns dropping Seo-yul off at kindergarten. Occasionally, for a change of pace, Tae Moo-jin would also take Seo-yul to school.

“Daddy! Have a good day!”

“Okay. You have a great day at school too, Seo-yul. I’ll see you at the office, Dad.”

“All right. Let’s meet up later.”

“I’ll be back, Father.”

After the family said their goodbyes, they each got into their cars. Moments later, one by one, the cars pulled away from the house.

***

That afternoon, Mrs. Kang gripped the steering wheel tightly as she watched Tae Moo-jin’s residence from a distance. A deep sigh escaped her lips as she felt a wave of sadness wash over her.

Once, she had lived in this house, and now she found herself secretly observing it, feeling a sense of despair. The more she thought about it, the more ridiculous and pitiful her situation felt.

“This is why I can’t live with guilt…” she murmured to herself.

As Mrs. Kang continued her lamenting thoughts, Eunchae’s car arrived in front of the house.

“Are they here?”

Mrs Kang’s eyes widened as she focused solely on Eunchae’s vehicle. With anticipation tingling in her eyes, she saw Seo-yul getting out of the car, holding Eunchae’s hand.

“Oh, my little one! You’ve grown even more since I last saw you,” she exclaimed with a smile, her heart warming at the sight of his grandson.

She couldn’t take her eyes off Seo-yul’s face as he chattered excitedly in Eunchae’s arms.

‘It’s great to see him growing up so fast… but at this rate, I might not even get to hold him.’ he thought wistfully.

Mrs Kang’s face was a mixture of joy and regret. After seeing her grandson from afar, she had never even held him in her arms, let alone introduced herself as his grandmother.

She wondered if Seo-yul even knew she existed. Suddenly, her emotions overwhelmed her and tears welled up in her eyes.

“You heartless man. No matter what, you should let our bloodline meet,”

She thought, momentarily blaming her husband, Tae Sung-yeol, for being so unyielding, only to quickly turn the guilt inward, realizing it was her fault.

As she watched Eunchae and Seo-yul head inside, she felt a pang of sadness, wishing she could see them a little longer.

“Seo-yul, my little one,” she murmured, her heart aching.

With a sense of longing in her eyes, she watched Seo-yul’s happy face. Without realizing it, she opened the car door and stepped out, determined to keep an eye on her grandson as he drove away.

As Eunchae walked through the front gate and mother and son disappeared from view, Mrs Kang shrugged her shoulders and got back into the car.

“Why has my life turned out this way? What a state to be in at my age.”

She lamented, mixed with a sigh. She wiped the tears that had pooled in her eyes, struggling to contain the feelings of despair. Just then, someone knocked on the car window.

“Mom!”

Mrs. Kang was startled, her eyes widening in shock. Upon recognizing the figure standing by the window, she felt a rush of emotions. It was Eunchae.

“Mother, could you please roll down the window?”

Eunchae asked, tapping on the car window again. Mrs. Kang reluctantly obliged and lowered it.

“Hello, Mother.”

Despite Eunchae greeting her respectfully, Mrs. Kang felt flustered, her face filled with worry and concern.

She was anxious about how the Tae family men were treating Eunchae, and she feared that she might inadvertently cause trouble by lingering around the house.

“Have you been well, Mother? I hope your health is okay?”

Eunchae asked, her tone warm and genuine.

“Y-yes. Have you been doing well?”

Mrs. Kang responded, trying to maintain a calm demeanor while still feeling tense. Her anxious gaze swept over Eunchae, searching for any signs of distress.

However, to her surprise, Eunchae made an unexpected suggestion.

“Since Grandpa is out today and will be home late if you’re okay with it… why don’t you have a cup of tea in the annex? You can also hold Seo-yul.”

***

Mrs Kang looked around the annex and noticed that it hadn’t changed much from before. The familiar sights brought back memories that stirred a mix of emotions in her.

Lee Joon had always hated the idea of her living with him and her daughter-in-law, and even then he rarely set foot in the annex.

After the divorce, Mrs Kang felt the weight of the restrictions Lee Joon had placed on her, making the annex feel foreign and unfamiliar.

“I’m sorry, Mother. I still can’t invite you into the main house under my authority.”

Eunchae said, pouring tea from a teapot as she sought understanding.

Mrs. Kang quickly waved her hand dismissively.

“No, that’s not necessary. I understand how much effort you’ve put into this,” she replied, but inwardly she couldn’t help but worry about Eunchae.

“But is this okay? Won’t I get in trouble with your father or father-in-law for coming here? If Lee Joon finds out, he won’t let this go either.”

“I asked the staff to keep it a secret for now. If Grandpa or my father or even Lee Joon finds out, there’s nothing I can do about it.

Mrs Kang was taken aback by Eunchae’s calm response, her lips twitching for a moment before she fell silent.

“You’re too kind.”

She murmured under her breath. Eunchae responded with a gentle smile, finding the response endearing and warm.

“Here you go. It’s the tea you used to enjoy.”

Eunchae said, handing a cup to Mrs. Kang.

“Thank you.”

Mrs. Kang replied, reaching for the teacup when suddenly…

“Mom! I’m here! Mom!”

Seo-yul shouted as he ran into the living room looking for Eunchae. The sound startled Mrs Kang and her hand froze just as her eyes met Seo-yul.

“Seo-yul, have you changed into your school uniform and washed your hands and feet?”

“Yes. I did.”

Seo-yul nodded enthusiastically as he ran over to Eunchae.

“Well done, our Seo-yul.”

She praised, ruffling his hair lovingly. She then turned to Mrs. Kang, who was watching the boy intently with a trembling expression on her face.

“Seo-yul, say hello. This is your Grandma Seo-yul”

At that moment, Mrs. Kang’s breath hitched as her emotions welled up inside her.

“Ugh…!”

Mrs. Kang finally burst into tears, unable to hold back her emotions any longer.