Impossible Romance - Chapter 47

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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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47.

“Father, you want me to bring my girlfriend?”
A faint twitch seemed to cross Han Seon-young’s delicate features as she smiled, caught off guard.
“Isn’t it fitting to bring family to our own celebration?”
Chairman Kwon asked, his wrinkled eyes crinkling slightly. His benevolent expression remained unchanged, yet his gaze settled firmly on Han Seon-young, who had dared to oppose him.
Han Seon-young was well aware of her father-in-law’s stubbornness. But when it came to matters involving her own son, she could not remain silent, no matter what.
“As you know, these young people are different from our generation. It’s already rare for them to marry their girlfriends so quickly, and if they attend the Founding Anniversary Celebration together like that, the media will swarm them with cameras and cause a commotion. Father, you hate all that noise. You need to take care of your health too—it wouldn’t be good for you.”
Han Seon-young spoke as though concerned for her father-in-law’s sake, then studied his expression carefully.
“That’s true. I despise all the chatter from those around us.”
“And Seok-jun might not have anyone, but Seok-ha certainly doesn’t either.”
Han Seon-young erected a preemptive barrier, fearing Seok-ha might announce his intention to bring Jun-hee. Seok-ha, fully aware of her intentions, simply remained silent.
The stage hadn’t been properly set yet, and he had no intention of bringing Jun-hee as his girlfriend. Besides, Jun-hee might be so startled that she’d flee—he would never attempt something so reckless.
“Your mother has a point. Still, I’ll make sure the media doesn’t publish unnecessary articles. Seok-jun, if you have a girlfriend, bring her along. Building a family is a very important matter.”
“Yes, Grandfather.”
Seok-jun answered, his gaze drifting toward Seok-ha. A surge of pride washed over him, feeling as though he’d suddenly surpassed his cousin.
“Since the Founding Anniversary Celebration is also related to the company’s vision, I will participate ensuring there are no shortcomings.”
Seok-ha spoke in an unhurried tone.
“That’s important too. Both of you, remember that this old man is watching. Don’t forget that the future of Seonjin rests on you two.”
Chairman Kwon subtly incited competition between his two grandsons—a petty move that contradicted his earlier words about them treating each other like brothers.
“Of course. Grandfather, I will now do my very best to live up to your expectations.”
Seok-jun answered with unbridled confidence, puffing out his chest.
“Understood. I’ll see you that day.”
Seok-ha replied, his expression remarkably composed as he regarded Chairman Kwon.
“Seok-ha, stay behind for a moment.”
Chairman Kwon issued a brief directive to Seok-ha.

***

When Jun-hee returned home, she sat quietly on the Sofa, taking in the empty apartment. Perhaps it was because they’d confirmed their feelings for each other—without Seok-ha here, the space felt cold and desolate.
She wandered aimlessly through the apartment, trying to sleep, when Seok-ha arrived home.
“Going to bed without even greeting me?”
He approached with his usual mischievous smile and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. Held firmly in his strong embrace, Jun-hee couldn’t move an inch.
“I’m done with that now. You’re an Executive Director, so you have responsibilities too.”
I spoke without thinking, irritated by how shamelessly he demanded greetings every time. But immediately I regretted it. I didn’t want to bind him with the word “responsibility.”
“That’s nice to hear. I want to take full responsibility for you. Should I create more things to be responsible for?”
Seok-ha lifted the corners of his mouth and pulled me deeper into his embrace. He held me so tightly I could barely breathe, then lowered his head to find my lips. Hot breath passed between our locked mouths.
His warmth was tender and affectionate as always, but my heart raced with an inexplicable anxiety.
I must have heard something at the Family Home.
He held me even deeper with his usual expression, which only made me more uneasy and suspicious.
“Did something happen?”
Seok-ha asked gently, sensing my unease.
I shook my head at him. And instead, I smiled as if to tell him not to worry.
“Did you eat?”
“Yes.”
I nodded.
“Want some ice cream?”
“Sure.”
“It’s in the Sofa. I’ll get it.”
Seok-ha went to the Kitchen to find the ice cream.
“What should we watch?”
I sat on the Sofa and turned on the TV, asking him.
“Anything. Something funny.”
His silhouette as he retrieved the ice cream from the freezer was as tender as always. Even this moment of finding a program to watch together filled me with anticipation.
When I turned on the show we usually watched together, he sat beside me with ice cream and beer in hand. He placed a small spoon directly into my hand and began eating from his own as usual.
Watching him, I smiled and scooped a spoonful of ice cream into my mouth. The sweet coldness melted on my tongue instantly, and it felt wonderful.
Everything I felt right now seemed destined to become precious memories someday. Yet even with Seok-ha right here beside me, I couldn’t understand why loneliness kept creeping in like a painting.
He opened his mouth, his spoon laden with ice cream.
“You know there’s the Founding Anniversary Celebration next week, right?”
“Yes.”
It was the Seonjin Group’s 50th anniversary event, and Headquarters was preparing extensively. I knew they were giving employees small gifts and holding a separate executive party.
“Let’s go together.”
“Why would I?”
“Because you’re my secretary. Attend with Hwang Manager.”
“Ah, yes.”
I nodded slowly.
It was an order from my superior, and if I was going with Hwang Manager, it made sense to attend. There might be some important matter I wasn’t aware of.
Still, strangely, my energy drained away. That foreboding I’d anticipated, yet with no concrete form—that baseless anxiety kept pulling me down, down, down.
“Want some beer?”
He popped the caps off two cans of beer and handed one to me.
I hesitated for a moment, thinking about having to go to work tomorrow, but right now I wanted to lose myself in intoxication. Maybe if I got drunk, this inexplicable anxiety would fade away.
I took the beer from him and we clinked cans. The crisp, tangy taste sliding down my throat felt wonderful, and I found myself smiling with a flush creeping across my cheeks. The alcohol was already taking effect.
Seok-ha, watching me, lowered his head and slowly licked his lips before sucking gently, savoring the moment.
“You had beer foam on your lips.”
He offered a brief explanation, but I had no desire to protest. I simply stood there as he lowered his head again, this time deeper and longer, his lips pressing against mine with greater intensity.

***

A week had slipped away since Seok-ha returned from the Family Home. While I had been tense and anxious, he seemed unchanged—as affectionate as always, yet still possessing that mischievous, boyish charm.
At the Company, he remained diligent, and at home, equally devoted. Because today was his day off, last night left me so thoroughly exhausted I could barely move.
After a late breakfast, I dozed off on my bed. Given what had happened last night, it was hardly surprising. When I showered, I was mortified to see my entire body marked with bruises—my own body, yet it embarrassed me.
After showering, I intended to do something else, but somehow I found myself asleep on the bed. Since I hadn’t planned to nap, I jolted awake in alarm.
Fortunately, the window still showed bright daylight outside. Relief washed over me knowing the day wasn’t over yet. Feeling parched, I got up and headed out to the Living Room.
I wanted water, but I was also curious about what Seok-ha was doing.
But the moment I saw who was sitting on the Sofa in the Living Room, my heart dropped silently into my stomach. I was so startled I couldn’t utter a word, frozen in place.
“Why are you so shocked? I’m the one who should be surprised.”
Han Seon-young, looking even paler than usual today, sat with her spine rigidly straight, her gaze fixed on me.
“Hello.”
I gathered my composure and greeted her first. My mouth felt bone-dry.
“As you can see, ‘hello’ is hardly appropriate. Sit.”
Her cold tone made me feel as though I’d been thrust back into harsh reality, a chill running down my spine. Where had Seok-ha gone? He was nowhere to be seen.
I walked to the seat across from Han Seon-young and sat down quietly.
“I’m the one who said it was fine for you two to roll around in bed together, so I have no intention of criticizing that. My son is in his prime, full of vigor—if anything, I should be grateful.”
“….”
Her words made me feel as though she saw me as nothing more than a bedmate, and the humiliation was suffocating. My face burned with shame, yet I knew I had to endure this moment.

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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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