Impossible Romance - Chapter 32

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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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32.

“This kind of delicate work is better handled by a woman, don’t you think? How would men understand the feelings of a woman coming to a blind date? Wouldn’t you agree?”
Han Seon-young’s voice flowed smoothly, and the corners of her mouth lifted in a smile.
“What do you say? Could you do me this favor?”
Han Seon-young’s gaze turned toward Jun-hee.
“Of course. Absolutely.”
Jun-hee’s answer was essentially predetermined. How could I refuse a request from Han Seon-young, especially one concerning Kwon Seok-ha’s marriage?
“Wonderful. I’ve already gotten his approval. Hwang Manager, that’s fine, isn’t it? I heard Ahn Joon-hee is Executive Director Kwon’s executive secretary, so there’s no reason she can’t do this, right?”
“Of course.”
Hwang Manager had a general sense of Kwon Seok-ha’s intentions regarding Ahn Joon-hee. However, he wasn’t tactless enough to object in Han Seon-young’s presence.
“This is exactly why I love Hwang Manager so much. He’s far more agreeable than my stubborn son.”
After waiting for Kwon Seok-ha to return to his office for some time without success, Han Seon-young called him and brought up the matter of the blind date.
―I’m not thinking about marriage yet, so Hwang Manager will have his hands full. I don’t think I can make it to the office right now, Mother. Shall we call it a day? Isn’t the Gallery busy?
“We’re closed today. Besides, I came here as your mother, not in any official capacity. Since you never come home, I can barely see your face. Don’t worry about rushing me out—I’m leaving anyway. Just come by this weekend. Your grandfather and father are both asking about you.”
Han Seon-young rose from her seat. Hwang Manager, who had been sitting with her, also stood, and Jun-hee stepped back slightly while remaining on her feet.
―Is Father at home?
Kwon Seok-ha asked in a listless tone.
“Really, you…”
Han Seon-young reproached Kwon Seok-ha with evident displeasure.
It was because Kwon Seok-ha’s father, Kwon O-min, used the Overseas Branch as an excuse to stay away. The fact that her husband was unfaithful could hardly bring Han Seon-young any joy.
Above all, since she placed great importance on others’ perceptions, she despised the matter enough to wound her pride. That’s why she maintained the appearance of a devoted couple in the public eye.
―What does it matter? Hwang Manager knows all about it anyway.
As Kwon Seok-ha said, both Hwang Manager and Jun-hee were well aware of the Seon-jin Family’s circumstances.
Nevertheless, Han Seon-young ignored his words this time and looked at Jun-hee immediately after hanging up the phone.
“Ahn Joon-hee, come with me.”
“Yes.”
Jun-hee felt somewhat burdened at the prospect of meeting Han Seon-young alone. However, I answered quietly once more and stood beside her.
“I’m going to borrow our secretary for a bit today. That’s alright, isn’t it?”
“Of course. Have a good time.”
Who could possibly refuse the words of the Vice Chairman’s wife? Hwang Manager bowed his head to Han Seon-young’s request—which was unmistakably a command.
“Let’s go, Secretary Ahn.”
“Yes.”
Jun-hee quickly followed Han Seon-young out of the Executive Office.

***

Han Seon-young took me to the Seonjin Hotel. I’d expected to go to a nearby cafe, but instead, the driver who had been waiting took us to a small meeting room at the Seonjin Hotel.
During the car ride with Han Seon-young, I felt as though I were sitting on pins and needles.
And now that she wanted to see me in a private room rather than an open cafe, I could roughly guess what she intended to say. The mere thought of it made my chest tighten.
“Sit.”
Once we were alone in the room, Han Seon-young dropped her formal tone.
“Yes.”
As I took my seat, the door opened and a staff member entered carrying a refreshment set, which they placed on the table. The employee bowed respectfully to Han Seon-young and left.
“This is about the young woman our Seok-ha will be meeting next Saturday.”
Han Seon-young handed me a paper file. When I opened it, I found the same photograph of the woman I’d seen in the executive office earlier, along with a brief profile.
“She’s the second daughter of SEC Technics. You know the company, right? Their stock has been rising lately. Lee Ha-eun, Executive Director.”
“Yes.”
I held the file with both hands and examined it with a composed gaze.
“Our families have known each other for a long time. Ha-eun’s grandfather and my father are members of the same golf club. I’ve known Ha-eun since kindergarten, actually. I marked her as a prospect even back then.”
Han Seon-young spoke Ha-eun’s name with familiarity, making it clear that she was essentially already decided as Kwon Seok-ha’s future bride.
“I see. What would you like me to do?”
I set down the documents and looked at Han Seon-young.
“As you know, Seok-ha has absolutely no interest in marriage. He’s still joking around with immature girls. He’s so competent at work, but I can’t understand why he wastes his time on such women.”
Han Seon-young sipped her coffee and looked at me with an unbothered expression.
Her intention was far too transparent, and as always, I laughed quietly to myself. This wasn’t the first or second time Han Seon-young had done this—it no longer hurt.
“I didn’t know the Executive Director was dating anyone. He only seems to focus on work.”
Instead, I met her gaze with a deliberately shameless expression. My comment that I didn’t know Kwon Seok-ha was dating was a way of signaling that he and I had no relationship whatsoever.
“Ah, well, that’s true. Seok-ha is so accomplished, after all. I suppose I’ve seen so many girls around him trying to get his attention that I spoke without thinking.”
Han Seon-young’s lips curved smoothly as she looked at me. It was an odd conversation—her tone was kind, but her words had thorns.
“Yes.”
“I’m reassured because you’re a girl who already knows her place well. But still, when you spend time with Seok-ha, anyone can overstep boundaries, right? As I’ve told you before, just stay in your lane. Whatever Seok-ha does is fine with me.”
“….”
At any other time, I would have gotten angry or at least voiced my disagreement. But this time, I couldn’t bring myself to speak.
“When you first entered Seok-ha’s house, I was honestly angry. But I decided to change my mind. Seok-ha is young and full of vigor. So are you. So go ahead and enjoy yourselves. Just don’t create any responsibilities. This much is really a huge concession on my part, you know?”
Han Seon-young spoke confidently, as if she knew something. In truth, her calculation was that it was better for Seok-ha to cause trouble with me than with someone else.
Since childhood, Seok-ha had gone wild over anything concerning me, so it was obvious that opposing or stopping him now would only backfire. Controlling and manipulating me was far more effective.
“Is that why you called me here?”
Finding this conversation uncomfortable, I quietly changed the subject.
“No. Anyway, you’ll be meeting Ha-eun here at the hotel on Saturday at four o’clock. I’ve already arranged everything, so all you need to do is make sure Seok-ha doesn’t stray elsewhere and bring him here on time.”
“Yes.”
“Things will work out well with Ha-eun, but just in case they don’t, I’ve already compiled a list of other young women for potential meetings. They’re all from families that would be impressive in any financial or political circle.”
Han Seon-young took another sip of coffee, her expression satisfied.
“So I need you to put in some effort this year, Jun-hee. I’ll make sure you’re not disappointed. Your sister still needs her regular check-ups, doesn’t she?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
I bowed my head quietly.
Repeating to myself that this was nothing new, that I should feel nothing about it.

***

Late in the evening, a café near Hongdae where crowds of people bustled about.
“I was disappointed we had to part so quickly last time, but this works out well.”
Si-eun spoke as she cut a piece of cake with her fork and took a bite. True to her words, they had met this evening to fill the void from their last parting, shared a meal and drinks, and now sat nursing tea to clear the alcohol before tomorrow’s work. The evening had flowed naturally from one venue to the next.
After meeting with Han Seon-young, Jun-hee had returned to the Company. She finished her remaining tasks and left early, citing some business to attend to.
Kwon Seok-ha, who had returned in the meantime, called Jun-hee to his Executive Office and suggested they leave together—whether or not he knew she had just come from dealing with Han Seon-young. But Jun-hee declined, saying she had plans with a friend, and left alone.
She didn’t want to leave work with Kwon Seok-ha or return to his home. The more often they met, the more time they spent together, the more her emotional defenses seemed to crumble.
Yet her encounter with Han Seon-young had served as a wake-up call. She decided it was for the best. Otherwise, the one whose heart would break was Jun-hee.

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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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