Impossible Romance - Chapter 80

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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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80.

The soft kiss continued for a long while, Kwon Seok-ha holding me tightly with both arms, his head tilted deep into the embrace.
In the hospital room that had reeked of disinfectant, Jun-hee’s sweet, longed-for scent flooded my senses. My hands tightened around her, warmth flowing between our parted lips.
As heat spread through our pressed bodies, Jun-hee suddenly felt something hard and foreign against her abdomen and came to her senses. She had a pretty good idea what it was.
I gently pulled away from Kwon Seok-ha’s tight embrace and slowly stepped back.
“I think I’m all better now. Let’s do this again.”
As Jun-hee retreated, Kwon Seok-ha reluctantly parted his lips and whispered.
“Ah, that’s… later.”
Though I wasn’t entirely sure, the thought that a patient needed rest made Jun-hee’s face flush crimson.
“Later?”
Kwon Seok-ha caressed Jun-hee’s soft earlobe with his warm fingertips.
“I mean, after you’re discharged. Yes. I think that would be best.”
Jun-hee, who had lowered her gaze to avoid Kwon Seok-ha’s eyes, let her sight drift toward his waist before quickly looking away—it was so obvious that even she felt embarrassed watching herself.
But the moment she lifted her head, she found herself meeting his burning gaze fixed directly on her. Seeing that intensity, Jun-hee swallowed hard.
Still, stability was most important for Kwon Seok-ha as a patient. Even the bed he lay in had a sign reading “absolute rest” hanging above it.
“Then I should be discharged right now, shouldn’t I?”
Kwon Seok-ha joked with characteristic boldness, caressing Jun-hee’s cheek.
“No. You should complete all your health checkups while you’re here.”
Jun-hee spoke to him with firm resolve.
“Oh, so you’re going to manage my health too?”
“Of course!”
“Understood. So when do we get married?”
Though Kwon Seok-ha stood right before me, he still couldn’t bring himself to release his hands from Jun-hee’s body, reluctant to let go.
“We’ll decide that once you’re fully recovered.”
“Call me oppa.”
“Alright. Oppa.”
Jun-hee smiled shyly at Kwon Seok-ha.
Click.
“Seok-ha!”
The door opened and Han Seon-young entered. Having heard the news, she’d rushed here by plane from Seoul and looked equally flustered. Normally she would have knocked first, but this time she simply opened the door.
“Mother, you’ve arrived?”
“Director, hello.”
Jun-hee quickly distanced herself from Kwon Seok-ha and bowed respectfully to Han Seon-young. She had resolved that from now on, while she would maintain proper courtesy, she would not back down.
“The doctor said you’re fine, but are you really alright?”
Han Seon-young approached Kwon Seok-ha and examined him carefully. Her face was filled with concern and worry.
“I’m fine. It was just a graze, and I apologize for making everyone so anxious.”
Kwon Seok-ha bowed his head to both of them.
“Well, thank goodness then.”
Han Seon-young turned her head and looked at Jun-hee.
“Could we talk for a moment?”
“Of course.”
Jun-hee nodded, thinking that this moment was inevitable.

***

Thanks to the clear weather, the garden cultivated by the hospital bloomed with radiant trees and flowers. Patients and their companions scattered throughout the garden savored the leisurely atmosphere of their walks.
Han Seon-young personally bought coffee and handed it to Jun-hee, insisting on paying despite Jun-hee’s protests. The two of them sat on a bench with a clear view of the garden’s trees, holding their cups.
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
Jun-hee accepted the coffee quietly, lowering her head.
“Jun-hee, you must resent me quite a bit, don’t you?”
As always, Han Seon-young got straight to the point.
Would she ask me to leave again this time? Or would this be about a new matchmaking prospect?
Jun-hee gathered her courage and opened her mouth.
“It would be a lie to say I don’t resent you. But I can understand your heart.”
I’m simply not enough for Kwon Seok-ha.
“I’m so grateful you understand. And from now on, don’t call me Director. You’re going to be my daughter-in-law, so call me Mother or Mother-in-law.”
“I’m sorry?”
Startled by the unexpected words, Jun-hee’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Why are you so shocked? You’re going to marry Seok-ha, aren’t you? I can’t let my son suffer like this and have you run away pretending you know nothing.”
“What do you mean?”
“Without you, Seok-ha isn’t himself. Because of that, I’ve regretted so much. If you two are happy, that’s all that matters—I was too narrow-minded.”
Han Seon-young took Jun-hee’s hand and patted it gently. Just as Kwon Seok-ha had suffered and struggled after Jun-hee left, Han Seon-young had also endured watching his pain from beside him.
Chairman Kwon had said she needed to treat her daughter-in-law well to earn even a single warm meal, but witnessing her son’s anguish was far more difficult than that.
“…Thank you.”
Listening to her words, Jun-hee’s eyes also glistened with tears.
Because I understood well that love wasn’t merely sweet, I could sense Han Seon-young’s heart. Just as I loved Kwon Seok-ha, she must have loved her son with her very life.
Perhaps that’s why both Han Seon-young and I endlessly became the lesser one for those we loved.
“Don’t thank me. I’ll do better from now on. Please take care of our son.”
Han Seon-young’s eyes had grown misty as well, and she embraced Jun-hee, looking at her tenderly.

***

The sky stretched infinitely high, and the sea spread endlessly before us. A grand wedding ceremony was held at the Island Village Community Hall. It was the most magnificent celebration since the village’s founding, drawing crowds of guests.
The wedding was packed with islanders and guests from Seoul alike. With Seonjin Group executives and journalists from the Broadcasting Station present, even the children seeing such vehicles for the first time beamed with excitement.
The outdoor ceremony was arranged where the sea was visible. Multiple large canopies were erected, and every visible pathway was decorated with flowers.
The Community Hall was rented to set up a catering buffet for anyone who wished to eat. On one side, a small orchestra had been invited to provide live music.
The guests’ faces were filled with anticipation, as if they’d come on an outing. From important figures in politics and business to the young children of the Bookstore Reading Club, everyone was having a joyful day.
“The bride and groom, please make your entrance! Come this way—don’t go any other direction!”
Hwang Manager, microphone in hand, called out with characteristic wit and a booming voice. As the orchestra’s music swelled and the bride and groom appeared, the guests erupted in cheers and applause.
Kwon Seok-ha, flawless from head to toe, took the hand of the radiantly beautiful bride Jun-hee and walked down the red carpet. Chairman Kwon waited ahead, ready to officiate the ceremony himself.
Kwon Seok-ha’s parents, Jun-hee’s Father, and her brother attended as the groom’s and bride’s families. His mother and Jun-hee’s brother Ahn Jun-young had restraining orders issued against them by Kwon Seok-ha. Moreover, Ahn Jun-young, who had been sentenced by law for orchestrating the kidnapping, was now imprisoned.
Jun-hee faced her family circumstances—which had been as shameful as her own wounds—with confidence. She had also told Kwon Seok-ha that from now on, they would be more honest with each other.
Jun-hee, dressed in a wedding gown with abundant lace, was even more beautiful today. As she walked, the sea breeze swept in, causing her veil to flutter gently with each step.
Jun-hee walked with elegant grace, her cheeks flushed with shy emotion. Following her steps, Kwon Seok-ha escorted her to stand before Chairman Kwon, who would officiate.
“Will you two love each other and live together for the rest of your lives?”
Chairman Kwon, dressed in a tuxedo, asked in a loud voice. Having watched the two since childhood, he felt only pride and affection for them.
“Yes!”
Kwon Seok-ha answered so loudly that the island seemed to shake, and the guests burst into laughter and applause.
“And Jun-hee?”
“Yes.”
Jun-hee nodded quietly, and Chairman Kwon watched her with a pleased expression. Ever since Jun-hee was small, he had secretly wished to match her with Seok-ha, and it seemed their bond was indeed meant to be.
“Good. Don’t fight and live well together! You must never separate. Even on days you argue, you must sleep together! Separate rooms are forbidden. Understood?”
As Chairman Kwon issued his orders like a grandfather speaking to his grandchildren, the hall erupted once more with laughter from the guests.
“Yes!”
“Yes.”
“Today, as you make this vow before all these guests, bow to everyone!”
At Chairman Kwon’s direction, Kwon Seok-ha and Jun-hee slowly turned to face the guests and bowed. The island seemed to shake with the roar of cheers and applause that erupted. Everyone was united in celebrating this unprecedented grand event on the small island.
“My ice cream, I love you.”
Kwon Seok-ha whispered to Jun-hee and kissed her. As their lips met deeply, fanfare and fireworks burst overhead, scattering flower petals.
It was the official first day of a happy couple. Jun-hee’s heart was so full of excitement and happiness it felt ready to burst. Kwon Seok-ha felt exactly the same.

【The End】

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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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