The Season I Loved You Without You - Chapter 91

CHAPTER 91

The sky was preparing to deliver the last summer rain, signaling the end of the season. It was a day three months after returning to Korea. The humid air heightened discomfort, and Go-yeo stared expressionlessly out of the boutique office window. The gray concrete jungle felt particularly dreary compared to the colorful low buildings and distinct coastline.

Recently, Go-yeo has been working with the newly launched Wushin Cultural Welfare Foundation from Wushin Group. Yeong-ran had taken the position of foundation chairperson, and Go-yeo had resigned from Wushin Securities’ board to become the foundation’s executive director. Sang-moon was surprised, having lightly suggested the role, assuming Go-yeo would refuse.

The foundation’s main tasks included managing a museum to promote and develop Korean culture and art globally and discovering new talent. They also renovated a concert hall to create diverse opportunities for musicians.

Having something to focus on was beneficial. As Go-yeo headed to the meeting place, she reviewed the detailed terms for the H. Collection brand entering all Future Department Stores in Seoul. With more designers and staff added recently, there was a lot to manage.

“Boss, you seem very busy these days.”

Jin-young said. Go-yeo nodded.

“You live long enough, you see everything.”

Who would have thought there would be a time when Han Go-yeo was so busy with work?

“And today’s meeting doesn’t seem like a regular dinner, are you okay with that?”

“Of course. I’m considering remarriage.”

Go-yeo’s tone was as casual as if she were suggesting having a meal.

“What?”

Jin-young was so startled by the unexpected response that she glanced at Go-yeo through the rearview mirror.

“Why are you surprised? Did you think I’d be single forever?”

Go-yeo replied indifferently, not looking up from her tablet.

“No, but it’s so sudden.”

“What’s the big deal about remarriage? If it doesn’t work out, I can divorce again.”

“Really?”

Go-yeo chuckled.

“Just kidding.”

Jin-young was puzzled by the joke that felt almost real. Having observed her closely while they were in France, she knew she hadn’t moved on from her past relationship. While clinging to the past wasn’t ideal, she couldn’t grasp her sudden change of heart.

Arriving at the hotel, Go-yeo rechecked the meeting place and time. It was a meeting orchestrated by Sang-moon. If the person seemed decent, she was willing to meet them.

‘A talent recruited from the Hong Kong branch of the global hedge fund Quantum, now serving as an executive director at Wushin Asset Management.’

Sang-moon had praised him effusively, highlighting his talent, good looks, and excellent family background. However, these attributes felt insignificant to Go-yeo. Everyone seemed the same unless they stood out exceptionally. Therefore, if she met him a few times and he seemed okay, she didn’t mind marrying him. At least they might develop affection.

Walking toward the elevator, Go-yeo tried to recall the man’s name and age.

“What was it…?”

It was a common name.

“Yoon… Yoon…”

Ga-eul? Yoon Ga-eul. Go-yeo halted, recognizing his profile instantly—pale skin and a faint dimple. He had shed the boyish look, now a complete adult, comfortably dressed in a suit and engaging in friendly conversation with a woman. His hand in his pocket exuded confidence.

As the elevator opened, he briefly looked back, and Go-yeo quickly turned her head, not wanting to be caught staring.

She felt an emptiness as she got on another elevator, momentarily forgetting why she was there. She stopped by the restroom to check her appearance, scoffing at her slightly dazed reflection.

“Get a grip, Han Go-yeo.”

Considering Sang-moon and the person waiting, she refrained from storming out of the hotel impulsively. The image of Yoon Ga-eul clung to her eyelids like an afterimage, making her laugh at the absurdity as she washed her hands in cold water until they turned red. She took off her jacket, adjusted her embroidered blouse and skirt, fixed her dry hair, and darkened her already red lips.

When she reached the private room, she stood straight. The man inside smiled and stood up. He was quite handsome—tall, with a fresh face, and the Tom Ford gray suit and glasses suited him well.

After exchanging brief introductions, Go-yeo found the conversation enjoyable. The man led the conversation well and had a good sense of humor. They shared experiences from studying in the U.S. and living in New York, finding many common interests.

He chose a wine recommended by the sommelier, and as they enjoyed it, Go-yeo momentarily forgot the growing unease in her heart.

“Do you like the food?”

Go-yeo answered gladly.

“Yes. It’s my first time here, but it’s good.”

“Glad to hear that.”

In truth, she wasn’t paying attention to the taste, mechanically moving her cutlery, but she couldn’t explain her current state to a stranger.

“I feel awkward saying this, but you’re very beautiful.”

Go-yeo smiled at the shy confession.

“I hear that a lot.”

Their light-hearted banter relaxed him, and he laughed more freely. While she couldn’t discern his exact motives for attending the meeting, he seemed interested, though Go-yeo remained indifferent, having seen many deceived by her appearance.

He likely knew about her divorce but didn’t seem bothered, nor did he mind her scandalous past, it seemed.

The French course dinner lasted about two hours, passing quicker than expected. She couldn’t judge if he was a good match due to her distracted state, but she drank a lot of wine unconsciously, possibly leaving a bad first impression as someone who liked to drink. She had to maintain her posture to avoid looking disheveled from the warmth she felt.

After dinner, they went down to the lobby, approaching the car where Jin-young waited.

“If I hadn’t been drinking, I would have driven you home.”

Go-yeo smiled at his words.

“Would you like to see a movie with me next time?”

He asked hesitantly.

Go-yeo readily agreed.

“Sure. Give me a call.”

She got into the car, leaving his brightened expression behind. Leaning her head back, she closed her eyes. The expensive meal felt stuck in her chest, causing discomfort as she rubbed her forehead.

Go-yeo thought of her father, Sang-moon. Despite still holding onto Eun Ji-ho in his heart, he had married her mother, and they were living well together, relying on each other. They would continue to live well.

She imagined herself in their place, building a family with the man she had just met, having children, and living comfortably like friends… but it was hard to picture. Despite having said she would marry if he seemed okay, her stubbornness made her laugh in disbelief.

Her time in France felt pointless. Seeing Yoon Ga-eul again evoked such feelings, making her question why she had gone so far away in the first place. The tightening in her chest and the choking sensation were not just due to longing but also intense jealousy towards the woman with him.

‘Just like how he treated me…’

The thought was so absurd that it made her feel nauseous. She knew it didn’t matter whom Yoon Ga-eul met or what he did, yet she found herself still thinking about it.

“Pathetic and miserable.”

She muttered, feeling Jin-young’s glance but continuing to laugh bitterly.

She asked Jin-young to drop her off at the park. It was a children’s park she hadn’t visited in a long time, first coming here with Ga-eul and later briefly stopping by once.

The park remained the same. It was quiet with no people around, given the late hour. Sending Jin-young away, she sat on the bench as she did that day.

Finally, knowing the name of the cigarette, she lit it despite the no-smoking sign, enjoying the sharp scent as she exhaled. She stared at the dark Han River, feeling a sense of déjà vu. Watching the black water and the bridge, feeling melancholy, was eerily similar.

Not smoking much, she neatly discarded the cigarette and walked back home, feeling the heavy steps. She entered the villa, remembering how Ga-eul might have seen the exterior. It looked difficult with its black iron bars and white facade.

‘Thank him for coming to Han Go-yeo despite seeing this.’

Her quiet footsteps disappeared into the silence. Even if she looked back, there was no one watching Han Go-yeo.