Impossible Romance - Chapter 16

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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16.

Han Seon-young sat in the Director’s Office of Seonjin Gallery, leisurely perusing an art catalog. Her gaze remained fixed on the paintings as she gestured to Kim Secretary standing beside her.
“Just bring me a cup of tea. Get yourself one too. Chrysanthemum tea would be nice.”
“Yes, Director.”
Shortly after, Kim Secretary returned with warm tea arranged on a tray.
“Set it there.”
Han Seon-young set down the catalog and rose from her seat, moving toward the spacious sofa in front of the desk.
Dressed in a silver-gray two-piece suit, she exuded elegance and refinement from head to toe.
Han Seon-young was the mistress of Seonjin Group, the wife of Vice Chairman Kwon O-min, and the mother of Kwon Seok-ha. Though her family wasn’t a chaebol, her grandfather and his lineage had wielded considerable influence in politics, including three terms as a National Assemblyman.
The marriage between Seonjin, which held wealth, and the Han Family, which held power, had been remarkably successful. From that union onward, Seonjin expanded its fortune exponentially, while Han Seon-young’s family established themselves as major players in the political arena.
The problem was that Kwon O-min and Han Seon-young’s marriage was purely a political arrangement. It was a marriage in name only, and Kwon O-min spent much of his time outside the home.
Han Seon-young harbored no affection for such a husband. Yet unlike him, she would never lower herself to such sordid behavior. Her pride simply would not permit it.
Instead, she invested everything in her son, Kwon Seok-ha. His every accomplishment was her source of pride.
Thus far, Kwon Seok-ha had exceeded her standards. He was not merely adequate—he was an exceptional son, surpassing all her expectations. Now, the final piece was finding him a wife worthy of his station.
“Why don’t you sit here and listen as well, Kim Secretary.”
Han Seon-young closed the catalog and issued her instruction.
“Of course.”
Kim Secretary settled onto the sofa beside her, maintaining an impeccably straight posture. Such invitations to share tea were rare, so nervousness was inevitable.
“Relax and enjoy your tea.”
“Yes.”
Han Seon-young sipped her tea, watching the dried chrysanthemum petals gradually unfurl in the white porcelain cup.
Her manner of savoring the tea reflected discipline and refinement. She was a woman who had long frequented tea appreciation societies, led gatherings, and championed tea culture.
Han Seon-young broached the main subject while pretending to inhale the tea’s fragrance.
“Have you heard anything noteworthy about Seok-ha’s work? Anything difficult or troublesome?”
“It’s been just over a month since his return to Headquarters. He’s already adapted to his duties and appears to have gained control over the executives. Furthermore, the results from the offshore wind power project he spearheaded in the United States should materialize soon. Once that happens, the Chairman’s confidence in him will be assured, and there should be no obstacles to his succession at the shareholders’ meeting.”
“Yes, I know that already. Our son does his work well.”
Han Seon-young’s expression became thoroughly satisfied as she set down her teacup.
“But that’s not what I meant. Why do you always hear news slower than I do?”
She furrowed her brow at Kim Secretary. Her distinctly slender, elongated eyebrows curved gracefully like orchids in a traditional painting—a clear sign of displeasure.
“My apologies. I only learned of Ahn Joon-hee’s appointment today.”
Kim Secretary, belatedly grasping Han Seon-young’s intent, spoke quietly with a darkened expression.
“Something so important, and you kept your mouth shut until I asked? Do you butter me up to my face and then slack off behind my back?”
“Not at all. That’s impossible. You had important schedules today, Director, so I planned to report it to you this afternoon once your appointments concluded. My judgment was lacking. Please forgive me.”
Kim Secretary immediately bowed his head, his expression so grave and solemn that he seemed ready to kneel if commanded.
“I know. Kim Secretary wouldn’t do such a thing. Don’t make such mistakes again.”
“I apologize. There will be no such oversights in the future.”
Kim Secretary bowed once more.
“Call Jun-hee. Tell her to come by after work today.”
“Yes, Director.”
“Oh, and Seok-ha doesn’t need to know about this, right? You understand without me saying it?”
Han Seon-young issued her instructions to Kim Secretary with a radiant smile, as though her irritation had never surfaced.

***

My steps felt heavy as I climbed the street after exiting the subway. I felt guilty toward the Secretary’s Office staff who were working late again today, but I’d made my excuses and left the office.
The excuse about a prior appointment wasn’t entirely false. I’d received a summons from Han Seon-young, Kwon Seok-ha’s mother—or more precisely, from her secretary—to come to Seonjin Gallery.
I could guess why Han Seon-young was calling for me. Of course I felt anxious and burdened, but perhaps I was becoming accustomed to this as well.
Since meeting Kwon Seok-ha, I’d received Han Seon-young’s summons more than once or twice. Perhaps I was sharing more secrets with her than with Kwon Seok-ha himself.
This time, she would probably scold me for coming back again, but if I could demonstrate that my heart was innocent, that should suffice. No—I had to prove it, no matter what.
Seonjin Gallery was located in downtown Seoul, yet with abundant trees and a large park nearby, it maintained an eco-friendly atmosphere. Rather than the rigid urban feel, it exuded a serene quality.
As I entered the meticulously landscaped park, a beautifully maintained gallery came into view not far ahead. Beyond that building stood several other large structures, making it a gallery where significant domestic and international exhibitions were frequently held.
My destination today was the Director’s Office located beside the main building. The Director’s Office, which also hosted small gatherings, was an intimate yet classical structure.
I quickened my pace while deliberately pushing away the reluctant thoughts in my mind. Since I could predict exactly what Han Seon-young would say, meeting her was naturally unwelcome.
I first saw Han Seon-young about ten years ago, just as I had with Kwon Seok-ha. When he spent his summer vacation at the villa, it was I who unexpectedly became busy.
The mischievous Kwon Seok-ha tormented me with pointless errands. I ignored him the first few times, but eventually my grandfather led me to him, and I became trapped into doing his bidding.
How much it hurt my feelings back then.
Still, my kind grandfather would often soothe my wounded heart with his rough, weathered hands.

“I know, Jun-hee. I know your feelings are hurt. But we mustn’t forget that we live because of that household’s support. Besides, the young master isn’t alone right now. He must be struggling greatly. So we must help him.”

My grandfather, the quiet pillar of our household, now resided in a nursing home, so I could only visit him occasionally.
That day, after running some trivial errand for Kwon Seok-ha and leaving his room, I was descending the staircase from his second-floor bedroom when a woman I’d never seen before looked me over with a disapproving gaze.

“Who are you?”

My cautious question to this stranger dissipated into the air. Han Seon-young didn’t even acknowledge my inquiry and issued a cold warning instead.

“If you’re running errands, you mustn’t develop feelings for the young master. Do you understand?”

Sensing a future threat in the young girl’s appearance, Han Seon-young felt compelled to drive the wedge in deep. Young saplings must be trampled so they don’t cause trouble later.
But her words made no sense to me, and I tilted my head in confusion. The notion of liking that ill-mannered boy was utterly absurd.
Han Seon-young opened her mouth again, looking at my bewildered expression.

“You’re someone who shouldn’t even look at him. If you were the earth, that young master is a star in the sky—someone far above you. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Yes.”

Young Jun-hee didn’t truly understand the meaning behind those words, yet she nodded as if she did. All she wanted was to escape from the intimidating woman before her.
It wasn’t until later that Jun-hee grasped what Han Seon-young had meant. Only when turbulent waves crashed against her innocent seventeen-year-old heart did she realize it had been a painful warning.

***

Knock, knock.
Upon entering the building, Jun-hee knocked on the Director’s Office door.
The door opened as if someone had been waiting, and Kim Secretary emerged.
“Hello.”
Jun-hee bowed in greeting. Kim Secretary and she had crossed paths before.
“Please come in. She’s been expecting you.”
Kim Secretary, tall and lean, guided Jun-hee inside with impeccable posture.
This was Jun-hee’s first visit to Seonjin Gallery, and the prospect of meeting Han Seon-young after so long made her slightly nervous. The Director’s Office was far more spacious than she’d anticipated—it could have passed for an art museum in its own right.
Paintings by renowned artists adorned the expansive white walls, and beyond them, a narrow corridor displayed intricate sculptures harmoniously arranged alongside other masterpieces.
Deep within that space, Han Seon-young sat like a blooming flower, sipping tea.
Jun-hee walked to stand before her and greeted her quietly.
“Hello, Director.”
“Welcome. It’s been a while.”
Han Seon-young offered a formal smile without softening her austere expression.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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