Living with an Ex-Husband - Chapter 87:

Additional Side Story (3)

“Mother…”

Eunchae was shocked when Mrs Kang suddenly burst into tears. Having only seen the stern side of her mother-in-law during her time in the family, and even after her reunion with Lee Joon, she was at a loss for words, stunned by the sight of her crying.

“Why is Grandma crying? Are you hurt? I can blow on it if you want!”

Seo-yul approached with a worried expression, asking his grandmother, which only made Mrs. Kang cry even harder.

“Grandma, are you really hurt?”

“Oh… my little boy. Seo-yul…”

Overwhelmed by her emotions, Mrs. Kang hugged Seo-yul tightly, tears streaming down her face. The feeling of holding her grandson for the first time was indescribable.

“No… h-hic… I’m not crying because I am hurt… I’m crying because I’m so happy.”

Mrs. Kang managed to respond, her voice choked with emotion as she gently looked Seo-yul’s face. It was the first time she had seen him so closely, and the moment felt both magical and moving.

“Then why are you crying?”

Eunchae stepped in to answer for her mother-in-law.

“Sometimes when you’re really happy, tears can come out, Seo-yul. When I first met you after you were born, I was so happy that I cried. Your dad cried too.”

“Really?”

“Yep.”

Even after hearing Eunchae’s explanation, Seo-yul tilted his head in confusion, still trying to understand. Meanwhile, Mrs. Kang wiped her tears and looked at Seo-yul’s face closely.

“You look a lot like your dad. I can see a bit of your grandfather in you too, and your mom’s features.”

As Mrs.  Kang gently touched and examined Seo-yul’s features, she etched each detail into her memory. She didn’t know when she would have the chance to see him again and talk face to face.

“But who is Grandma?”

Seo-yul asked curiously.

“Uh, that’s….”

Mrs. Kang stammered, unsure how to respond.

Eunchae quickly chimed in.

“She is your grandmother. She’s your dad’s mom.”

“Wow! Dad has a mom too?”

“Of course! Everyone has a mom and a dad.”

“Oh… I see. Dad had a mom too.”

“Hic…!”

Hearing the conversation between the mother and son, Mrs. Kang burst into tears once more. Despite being alive and well, her situation felt as though she were nonexistent.

“Grandma, are you crying again because you’re happy?”

“Umm… yes… I’m crying because I’m happy.”

She replied with a tearful smile, gently caressing Seo-yul’s cheek.

However, her emotions took a sharp turn as Seo-yul delivered a poignant question.

“Then why don’t you live with us? Grandpa lives with us because he’s Dad’s dad.”

“…Well… that…”

“Grandma has a lot of work to do, Seo-yul,”

 Eunchae explained, stepping in to help her mother-in-law.

“Work? Like Dad flying on a plane to faraway places?”

“Yep, exactly! She goes further than Dad on a plane.”

Eunchae had no choice but to answer with a fib.

Seo-yul seemed to accept this explanation, nodding his head and smiling brightly as he took Mrs. Kang’s hand.

“Grandma, if you fly a lot like Dad and miss me, please come to our house! Okay?”

“Yes… I’ll definitely come to see you, Seo-yul.”

Mrs. Kang promised, wiping away her tears. The tiny, delicate fingers intertwined with hers felt so precious that she didn’t want to let go.

“Seo-yul, would you like to read a book for a bit? Mom and Grandma need to talk.”

Eunchae suggested, pointing to the room that used to be Lee Joon’s study.

“Okay! I’ll read books.”

Seo-yul held Eunchae’s hand and walked into the playroom, which was decorated in a way that suited his age.

After picking out a suitable book for the child and returning, Eunchae found Mrs. Kang slowly but steadily rising to her feet.

“Is there anything you need… Oh, Mother!”

Eunchae’s voice shot up in alarm as she noticed that Mrs. Kang had suddenly knelt down.

“Mother! What are you doing? Please get up.”

Eunchae rushed to help her, but Mrs. Kang didn’t budge. Instead, she firmly grasped Eunchae’s hand, locking eyes with her.

“Eunchae, I… I did so many wrong things to you. I’m truly sorry. Please forgive me…”

“Mother…”

Caught off guard by the sudden apology and remorse, Eunchae stared at Mrs. Kang in disbelief. This wasn’t the forced apology she had received before due to Lee Joon’s insistence. It came from a place of genuine reflection and true repentance.

“I lived my life all wrong……! Not only did I burden Lee Joon with that weight, but I also made both of you suffer so much.”

Mrs. Kang clutched her chest, filled with regret for the past.

“I’m really sorry. I’m truly sorry… Eunchae……”

As Mrs. Kang crumbled to the floor, her body racked with sobs, Eunchae’s own tears began to well up.

It would be a lie to say she hadn’t felt anger or resentment towards Mrs. Kang for all the cruelty and hardships she had endured. Eunchae had supported the decision of the elders and Lee Joon to cut ties with her mother-in-law, choosing to ignore her completely. At the time, Eunchae’s honest intention had been to sever ties with Mrs. Kang permanently, never seeing her again.

Even when Eunchae knew that Mrs. Kang was secretly watching Seo-yul from a distance, she had pretended not to notice, thinking that there was no harm in it as long as it stayed that way.

Yet, oddly enough, as time passed, the unease in Eunchae’s heart grew.

Seeing her father-in-law living alone, and occasionally catching glimpses of Lee Joon lost in heavy thoughts, weighed on her as well. The more she witnessed these moments, the more conflicted her own heart became.

Even though everyone found it difficult to forgive Mrs. Kang, she remained a prickling concern, like a thorn embedded in their fingertips.

As Eunchae became a parent and raised her child, she inadvertently began to consider how Mrs. Kang must feel about longing for her bloodline.

What about Lee Joon? She thought about his perspective as well.

In reflecting on these feelings, Eunchae realized that while she couldn’t fully forgive or understand Mrs. Kang, a sense of compassion began to grow within her. It was this newfound understanding that led her to decide to let her mother-in-law meet Seo-yul.

Little did she know that such compassion would bring about Mrs. Kang’s own remorse, resulting in her heartfelt apology.

“Mother, please get up for now. Your knees must hurt, okay?”

Eunchae gently reassured Mrs. Kang, who insisted that she was fine even if her knees gave out, and finally helped her to her feet.

As expected, Mrs. Kang Kang’s legs wobbled, and she struggled to stand, nearly losing her balance. Eunchae quickly supported her and helped her sit down on the sofa.

“Here, have some water.”

“Thank you.”

Mrs. Kang took the glass with trembling hands, sniffling as she did so. Watching her struggle to drink, Eunchae felt a pang of sadness in her heart.

It seemed the emotional turmoil had taken its toll on her mother-in-law. Over the past few years, Kang Hye-young had aged considerably. The once vibrant woman, who used to adorn herself lavishly, was now hardly recognizable.

“Today, I am truly grateful. Even if I were to die now… I have no regrets.”

“Mother…”

“I should probably get going before the elders arrive.”

Fearing that Eunchae would scold her, Mrs Kang hurried to leave. Understanding her mother-in-law’s feelings, Eunchae didn’t insist on staying.

“Next time… I’ll arrange for us to have a meal somewhere quiet.”

At the front door, as Eunchae said this, Mrs. Kang offered no reply. She simply smiled faintly, her expression filled with gratitude.

“Stay healthy and take care of yourself. Until we meet again, listen to your mom and dad.”

“Okay, Grandma!”

With a bright smile, Seo-yul kissed on Mrs. Kang’s cheek. He then nestled into her arms, saying, “I love you, Grandma.”

“I love you too, Seo-yul.”

With her eyes misting, Mrs. Kang responded before getting into her car and starting the engine. As the car pulled away, Seo-yul nestled in Eunchae’s embrace, waving goodbye.

Eunchae quietly watched as Mrs. Kang’s car disappeared from view. Perhaps it was because she had received a heartfelt apology, but it felt as if some of the pent-up frustration and resentment that had lingered in her heart for so long was finally starting to lift.

*** 

Returning home later than usual, Lee Joon greeted the elders before picking up Seo-yul in his arms. After exchanging a few words with the child, he finally headed to the bedroom with Eunchae to have some time alone together. 

“What about dinner?” 

As Eunchae handed him his suit jacket and tie, Lee Joon replied by pulling her into his embrace instead of answering her question. 

“Lee Joon.” 

“Just a moment, Eunchae.” 

Holding Eunchae tightly, Lee Joon buried his face in her neck and inhaled deeply, savoring her scent. 

“Is something wrong?” 

Eunchae asked as she stroked his back, sensing that something was off. 

“It seems like something happened to you, not me.” 

His sharp response made Eunchae flinch slightly. She knew she couldn’t hide it perfectly, but she didn’t expect to be caught so quickly. 

“Did you… hear about it?” 

“My mother is someone all the employees are wary of. There are too many eyes watching.”

Lee Joon replied in a low voice, resting his chin on Eunchae’s head. 

“You knew, didn’t you? That she’s been watching you and Seo-yul for quite some time now.” 

“I did know.” 

Lee Joon answered calmly, gently pulling back from the embrace to meet Eunchae’s gaze. The cautious look in his wife’s eyes, as she gauged his reaction, stirred something deep within him. 

“Your father and grandfather know too, of course.” 

Lee Joon lightly kissed Eunchae’s lips before pulling her back into his embrace, letting out a deep sigh. 

Eunchae didn’t know what to say, her lips just moving slightly. She wanted to apologize, feeling that Lee Joon seemed dissatisfied, but he spoke first. 

“Thank you, Eunchae. Even so, she is my mother and Seo-yul’s grandmother, so I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Because of that, my heart feels a little lighter.”