Chapter 29:

Scarlet scoffed as she set the table, placing down the last plate with a little more force than necessary. The house had been unusually tense lately, but she wasn't going to let that stop her. She had already made lasagna, but as she stepped back and looked at the dishes, something inside her pushed her to do more.

Maybe it was the lingering emotions from her call with Esme, or maybe it was just a stubborn part of her that refused to let Ha-Joon's family see her as incapable. She sighed, running a hand through her hair. If she was going to prove a point, she might as well do it properly.

A classic Korean dish would do the trick.

Scarlet headed back to the kitchen, rolling up her sleeves as she decided on kimchi stew, something hearty and rich in flavor, something that felt like home, even if this house didn't always feel like one to her.

She quickly gathered the ingredients, fermented kimchi, chicken breast, tofu, green onions, garlic, and gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes). As she reached for the pot, she heard soft giggles coming from the dining room.

Aaira was sitting beside Aimir, her son, who was still in his high chair, now dozing off with his little head tilted to the side. The sight was almost too adorable. Aaira caught Scarlet's gaze and chuckled softly.

"He fought sleep for as long as he could," Aaira whispered, carefully pulling the tray away from Aimir. "But he finally gave in."

Scarlet smirked. "Good. That means we can actually cook in peace now."

Aaira grinned as she stood up, stretching. "Mind if I help? I could use the distraction."

Scarlet handed her a cutting board and a knife. "You can slice the tofu. Think you can handle that?"

Aaira laughed. "I've got this."

As Scarlet set the pot on the stove, she drizzled a bit of sesame oil in and added the chopped garlic, letting the aroma fill the kitchen. Aaira leaned on the counter beside her, watching as Scarlet tossed in the Chicken breast, searing it until the edges browned.

"Aimir really doesn't like Cerelac," Aaira murmured, shaking her head. "Every time I try to feed him, he acts like I'm poisoning him."

Scarlet chuckled. "I noticed. He gagged the moment I walked in earlier."

Aaira groaned. "Right? I don't know what it is. He just doesn't like the texture, I think."

"Maybe he's just picky," Scarlet suggested, stirring the pot. "Or maybe he just likes homemade food better. You should try blending some rice and veggies together, make it into a porridge. It might work better."

Aaira sighed. "You might be right. I'll try that tomorrow."

Scarlet reached for the container of fermented kimchi, scooping a generous amount into the pot. The moment it hit the heat, the sharp, tangy scent filled the air. She added a spoonful of gochugaru, then poured in water, letting everything simmer together. The rich red broth slowly took shape, the Chicken becoming more tender as it absorbed the flavors.

As they worked, the kitchen became filled with warmth, not just from the stove, but from the quiet companionship between them. Just as Scarlet was about to adjust the heat, a familiar voice broke through the moment.

"Smells good in here."

Scarlet turned slightly to see Ha-Joon standing at the entrance of the kitchen, his eyes crinkled with amusement. She wasn't sure how long he had been watching, but the look on his face told her it was long enough.

Aaira smiled. "We're making kimchi stew. Scarlet's doing most of the work, though."

Ha-Joon's gaze flickered to Scarlet, and he smirked. "As expected."

Before Scarlet could respond, Aimir stirred in his sleep, making soft noises. Aaira sighed. "I'll go check on him before he wakes up completely. You two behave while I'm gone." Scarlet rolled her eyes, but Aaira just winked and disappeared down the hall.

As soon as she was gone, Ha-Joon stepped further into the kitchen, making his way toward the counter. Scarlet was too busy chopping green onions to notice him getting closer, until she felt his arms wrap around her waist from behind. She stiffened immediately. "Ha-Joon..."

"I'm just hugging my wife," he murmured, his chin resting on her shoulder.

Scarlet huffed, trying to shove him off. "You're in the way."

"I'm helping."

"You're not helping, you're just being annoying," she muttered, trying to step forward, but he only held her tighter.

"I'm keeping you warm."

"I don't need to be kept warm. I'm cooking."

Ha-Joon chuckled against her neck, the warmth of his breath sending an unexpected shiver down her spine. "You're cute when you're flustered."

Scarlet's face burned. "I'm not flustered."

He leaned in closer, his voice teasing. "You sure?"

Before she could respond, she heard footsteps near the kitchen entrance. She gasped, trying to push Ha-Joon away. "Someone's coming..."

But before she could escape, Aaira peeked in, only to pause with a knowing smile.

"Oh," she said, amusement laced in her tone. "I see you two are... busy."

Scarlet nearly jumped out of her skin, but Ha-Joon didn't even budge. Instead, he tightened his hold and grinned.

"I'm just hugging my wife," he said again, completely unfazed.

Aaira laughed. "Right. Well, don't let me interrupt."

Scarlet shot her a desperate look, but Aaira just gave a small wave and backed out of the kitchen, leaving them alone once again. Scarlet groaned. "You're impossible."

Ha-Joon hummed. "And yet, you married me."

"Fake married," she corrected, finally managing to pry his arms off her. She turned around, intending to follow after Aaira, but before she could take a single step, Ha-Joon grabbed her wrist, pulling her back.

She stumbled slightly, her hands pressing against his chest as she looked up at him in surprise. His smirk softened into something almost affectionate. "Where are you going?"

Scarlet narrowed her eyes. "To check on Aaira."

"She'll be fine," Ha-Joon murmured, his hand sliding up to rest on her waist again. "Stay with me a little longer."

Scarlet swallowed hard, her heart betraying her as it pounded against her ribs. "Ha-Joon, someone might see..."

"So?" He tilted his head. "Is it so bad to be close to your husband?"

Scarlet hesitated, feeling her resolve weaken under his gaze. She hated how easily he got under her skin, how effortlessly he made her flustered. But before she could say anything, the stew behind them bubbled loudly, snapping her back to reality.

She quickly turned back to the stove. "The stew..."

Ha-Joon sighed dramatically but let her go, stepping beside her instead. "Fine. I'll actually help this time."

Scarlet eyed him warily. "No more back-hugging?"

"No promises," he said, reaching for a ladle.

Scarlet sighed, but despite her exasperation, she found herself smiling just a little. Maybe, just maybe, this dinner wouldn't be so bad after all.

Ha-Joon, for once, was actually helping. Scarlet watched in mild surprise as he stirred the stew with steady hands, carefully ladling the broth over the chicken breast to ensure it absorbed all the flavors. He wasn't just pretending, he was genuinely focused, serious even, as if he'd done this a hundred times before.

"You know," she muttered, side-eyeing him. "You could've been this helpful from the start."

Ha-Joon smirked but didn't take his eyes off the pot. "Where's the fun in that?"

Scarlet rolled her eyes but let it go, busying herself with plating the side dishes, steamed rice, kimchi, stir-fried anchovies, and seasoned spinach. The table was set within minutes, the warm aroma of their meal filling the house.

Just as they placed the last dish on the table, the front door creaked open. Both Scarlet and Ha-Joon paused mid-motion. The sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the hallway before Ha-Neul stepped inside. Scarlet's breath caught the moment she saw him.

His face looked worn, his usually sharp features dulled by exhaustion. His eyes were red-rimmed, his lips slightly parted as if he'd been struggling to hold himself together. He looked like he had been crying for hours.

Scarlet instinctively took a step forward, her chest tightening at the sight of him. But before she could reach him, Ha-Joon caught her wrist. She turned to glare at him, but he ignored her. Instead, he stepped in front of her, blocking her path completely.

"Do join us for dinner," Ha-Joon said, his voice calm, controlled. "Go take a shower and come downstairs soon. The food's getting colder."

Ha-Neul didn't acknowledge him. He simply stared for a long second before walking past them, heading straight upstairs. Scarlet turned back to Ha-Joon, trying to pull her wrist free. "Let go."

"No," he said smoothly. "He's fine. If he wants to talk, he'll talk."

Scarlet clenched her jaw, knowing that arguing with Ha-Joon would be useless right now. He wasn't going to budge, not when he had already decided something. Instead, she exhaled sharply and turned back to the dining table, focusing on the food.

Ten minutes passed before the sound of footsteps echoed from the staircase. Ha-Joon's entire family had arrived, his parents, Mrs. Wi and Mr. Wi, along with his brother Sung-Hoon and his wife Aaira. Trailing behind them was Mrs. Kang, Ha-Neul's mother, with Ha-Neul himself walking beside her.

The air in the room shifted the moment Ha-Neul stepped in. Scarlet felt it, felt him, before she even looked up. His presence was heavy, tense, like he was forcing himself to be here. His hair was damp from the shower, a few strands falling over his forehead.

He wore a fresh set of clothes, but his face still held the weight of whatever had been troubling him. She wanted to say something, but before she could, Ha-Joon's hand rested on the small of her back. She stiffened.

"Let's eat," Ha-Joon said smoothly, guiding her toward her seat, right beside him.

The family settled down at the table, the only sounds being the clinking of utensils and the faint hum of conversation. Scarlet felt Ha-Neul's eyes on her, but the moment she looked up, he turned away, pretending to focus on his food.

She frowned slightly. Ha-Joon, of course, noticed. He leaned in, his voice low as he whispered near her ear, "Relax, Red."

Scarlet stiffened again. He knew what he was doing. And he wasn't being subtle about it. Ha-Joon was playing a game. And Ha-Neul was the only one who seemed to notice.

Throughout the dinner, Ha-Joon was extra touchy. He kept reaching for Scarlet's hand, brushing his fingers along her wrist as if it was the most natural thing in the world. He complimented the food, his voice deliberately loud.

"This is amazing," he said, placing another piece of chicken into his bowl. "Red, you should cook for me every day."

Scarlet shot him a glare, but he ignored it. Mrs. Wi took a bite of the stew, her expression neutral. If she liked the food, she didn't show it. She simply nodded, her usual composed demeanor unwavering. Sung-Hoon, on the other hand, said nothing.

He ate quietly, not bothering to comment. Ha-Neul, however, was struggling. Scarlet could see it, the way he tried to keep his head down, the way his fingers clenched around his chopsticks a little too tightly. And Ha-Joon? He was enjoying every second of it. At one point, he took Scarlet's hand in his, lifting it slightly.

"I should kiss the chef's hands," he said playfully before pressing a light kiss to the back of her hand. Scarlet froze. Aaira stifled a laugh. Sung-Hoon merely sighed, as if he was used to Ha-Joon's antics.

Ha-Neul, however, gripped his chopsticks so hard they nearly snapped. Scarlet felt heat rise to her face as she quickly pulled her hand back. "Stop being ridiculous," she muttered under her breath.

Ha-Joon smirked. "What? I'm just appreciating my wife."

Scarlet wanted to throw her spoon at him. She glanced at Ha-Neul again, and this time, he didn't turn away fast enough. Their eyes met. For a brief moment, everything around them faded. She could see the storm in his gaze, the emotions he was trying so hard to suppress.

But before she could say anything, before she could even react, he looked away, forcing himself to focus on his food. Scarlet's chest tightened. She didn't know what had happened before he came home tonight, but whatever it was, it had shaken him. And Ha-Joon was making sure he felt every second of it.

The rest of the dinner passed in a blur of forced conversation, with Ha-Joon keeping his hand on Scarlet's every chance he got. He poured her water before she could do it herself. He leaned in close whenever he spoke. He even adjusted her napkin for her, all while throwing occasional smirks in Ha-Neul's direction.

By the time the meal ended, Ha-Neul was the first to push his chair back. Without a word, he stood up and walked away. Scarlet wanted to follow. She almost did. But then Ha-Joon's hand slid over hers once again, and she knew, he wasn't going to let her go that easily. Not tonight. And certainly not when Ha-Neul was watching.

As the dinner plates lay scattered across the long dining table, Mrs. Wi finally set down her spoon and dabbed her mouth with a napkin. Her sharp gaze flickered toward Scarlet, who had been trying to avoid her eyes the entire evening.

"Scarlet will handle the dishes," Mrs. Wi announced, her voice firm.

Scarlet's fingers, which had been resting on the rim of her plate, twitched slightly. She wasn't entirely surprised. This was exactly the kind of thing Ha-Joon's mother would do, testing her like some ordinary daughter-in-law. But before Scarlet could even react, Ha-Joon leaned back in his chair, his hand casually resting on hers.

"I have maids to handle that stuff," he said smoothly, flashing his mother one of his practiced smiles.

Mrs. Wi, however, was unimpressed. She merely arched an eyebrow at her son, her gaze unwavering.

"You're literally that wife's pet, Ha-Joon," she scoffed. "You can't even let her wash dishes? I know you have maids in your house, but isn't this supposed to be her test?"

Scarlet clenched her jaw, her nails pressing lightly against the porcelain plate beneath her fingers. She wasn't one to be bossed around, least of all by Ha-Joon's mother. But at the same time, she knew better than to make a scene. Ha-Joon, on the other hand, looked downright annoyed. His grip on Scarlet's hand tightened slightly, but she exhaled, gently pulling away.

"It's fine," she muttered, standing up before he could argue further. "I'll do it."

Mrs. Wi smiled, satisfied, before rising from her seat. Meanwhile, Ha-Joon's father clapped him on the shoulder.

"Come," Mr. Wi said gruffly. "Let's have a drink outside."

Ha-Joon hesitated, his eyes lingering on Scarlet for a second longer before he let out a quiet sigh. With one last glance in her direction, he followed his father out into the garden. Scarlet, meanwhile, turned toward the mountain of dishes. And there were so many.

Stacked plates, greasy bowls, silverware scattered across the table, it was as if the entire family had decided to feast like royals. Scarlet rolled up the sleeves of her dress, tying her hair into a loose bun. As she dipped her hands into the warm, soapy water, she let out an exasperated sigh.

"Look at how marriage is treating me," she mumbled to herself, scrubbing a plate aggressively. "There I am, the biggest tycoon in the fashion world, and here I am washing dishes like some maid."

She dunked a bowl into the water, scowling.

"Who would look at me and say I'm the CEO of Silken Crimson Threads?"

The water sloshed as she scrubbed faster, her irritation only growing. She had spent years building her empire, creating a brand that dominated the fashion world. People in high society feared and respected her. And now? Now she was standing in a dimly lit kitchen, elbow-deep in dirty dishes, all because her mother-in-law wanted to "test" her. Scarlet groaned.

"This is ridiculous."

She glanced over her shoulder, half expecting Ha-Joon to come storming back in and drag her away from the sink. But the doorway remained empty. With a sigh, she turned back to her task. Just as she was rinsing off a plate, a quiet voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Ha-Neul, bring me a glass of water," Mrs. Kang's voice called from the dining room.

Scarlet froze slightly at the name. Her fingers tightened around the wet dish as she heard slow, measured footsteps approaching the kitchen. She didn't turn around immediately. She just focused on scrubbing, pretending not to notice.

But she felt him before she saw him. Ha-Neul stepped into the kitchen, his presence unmistakable. He didn't say a word as he walked toward the cabinets, retrieving a glass from the shelf. Scarlet finally glanced at him through the corner of her eye.

His expression was unreadable, his posture stiff. His damp hair clung to his forehead, and his sleeves were rolled up, revealing his forearms. Even under the soft kitchen light, there was something heavy about his presence. Scarlet hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Ha-Neul," she called, her voice barely above a whisper.

He stopped. But he didn't turn around..Instead, he simply lifted a hand, palm facing her, a clear signal for her to stop talking, before continuing his task. Scarlet's grip on the dish tightened. For some reason, that simple motion, his refusal to even acknowledge her properly, made her chest tighten.

She wanted to say something, anything, but before she could, Ha-Neul picked up the glass of water and walked out without another word. Scarlet exhaled, her hands still submerged in soapy water. She should have expected that. And yet, somehow, it still stung. The dishes blurred before her eyes as she returned to scrubbing, but her mind remained elsewhere, stuck on the weight of Ha-Neul's silence.

***

After what felt like an eternity of washing dishes, Scarlet finally stepped outside, wiping her damp hands on a kitchen towel. The cool night air brushed against her skin, offering a much-needed contrast to the warmth of the house. The garden was softly lit by lanterns, casting a golden glow over the space where Ha-Joon and his father sat, drinking. Scarlet sighed the moment she saw them.

They weren't just drinking casually. It was a full-on drinking competition. Ha-Joon, already looking a little too relaxed, was laughing loudly, his eyes slightly unfocused as he clinked his glass against his father's. The sight sent an immediate wave of worry through Scarlet. She knew Ha-Joon too well.

When he drank, he didn't just get drunk, he turned into the most childish, unfiltered version of himself. And right now, that was the last thing she needed. She walked up to them, crossing her arms. "Enough of drinking," she said firmly, her voice cutting through their laughter.

Ha-Joon barely glanced at her, waving a hand in the air. "Come on, Red," he slurred playfully. "We're bonding!"

Scarlet narrowed her eyes. Before she could argue, Mr. Wi let out a scoff, his sharp gaze landing on her. "Can't you even tolerate him spending time with his father?" His tone was laced with irritation, making it clear that her interference wasn't welcome.

Scarlet clenched her jaw. She wanted to snap back, but she knew it would only escalate things. Instead, she exhaled through her nose and stepped back. "Fine. Ten more minutes."

Mr. Wi smirked, raising his glass in victory, while Ha-Joon grinned at her like a mischievous child. Scarlet shook her head, already regretting her decision. She stood off to the side, watching as Ha-Joon continued drinking, his laughter growing louder by the minute. Just as she was debating whether to force him inside anyway, the front door opened.

Ha-Neul.

He stepped outside, his gaze scanning the scene before landing on the two men drinking. He didn't look particularly interested, but that changed when Mr. Wi smirked.

"Ah, perfect timing!" Mr. Wi said, setting down his empty glass. "Let's see who can drink better, Ha-joon or Ha-neul."

Scarlet tensed. She glanced at Ha-Joon, who was already looking far too tipsy for this to be a good idea. Meanwhile, Ha-Neul's expression remained unreadable. He didn't drink much around the family, and she doubted he was the competitive type when it came to this.

Still, after a long pause, Ha-Neul sat down across from Ha-Joon. Sung-Hoon, the eldest brother, merely chuckled as he leaned back. "Don't look at me. I've got a child to look after and a wife who'll kill me if I come home drunk."

Scarlet sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. This was going to be a disaster. And she was right. At first, Ha-Joon was confident, too confident. He took large gulps of soju, flashing his usual cocky grin after each shot.

Ha-Neul, on the other hand, was calm, controlled. He didn't rush. He simply took each drink without hesitation, his expression never wavering. As the rounds continued, it became painfully clear who had the upper hand.

Ha-Joon's smirk faded as his speech started slurring. His grip on the glass loosened slightly. He leaned forward, blinking as if trying to steady himself. Meanwhile, Ha-Neul looked almost unaffected.

His eyes were sharp, his posture relaxed. He was winning without even trying. By the time the last glass was emptied, it was obvious, Ha-Joon had lost. He let out a loud groan, slumping back in his chair. "Ugh, this isn't fair," he muttered, rubbing his temples.

Mr. Wi chuckled, clapping Ha-Neul on the back. "Looks like you win, boy."

Ha-Neul didn't react much. He simply set his glass down and stood up, as if this had been nothing more than a minor inconvenience. Scarlet, however, was less focused on Ha-Neul and more concerned with Ha-joon, who was now swaying slightly, a dopey grin spreading across his face.

And then, the gibberish started. "I'm so happy with my family," Ha-Joon slurred, waving his hands dramatically. "I love my family. My father... greatest man ever! My brother... so cool! My wife..." He turned to Scarlet, smiling like a fool. "Red, I love you!"

Scarlet stiffened. She knew that if she didn't stop him now, he was going to say something incredibly stupid, possibly something that could ruin everything. She grabbed his arm, yanking him up. "Okay, that's enough."

Ha-Joon stumbled, laughing as he leaned against her. "Whoa, Red, when did you get two heads?"

Scarlet rolled her eyes and started dragging him inside. "You're done for tonight."

As she pulled him toward the house, Ha-Joon continued rambling nonsense.

"I should sing!" he suddenly announced. "Everyone should know how happy I am!"

Scarlet groaned. "Absolutely not."

By the time she got him upstairs, he was barely walking straight. She pushed the bedroom door open and sat him on the bed. Ha-Joon blinked up at her, his lips curving into a lazy smile. "You're so pretty, Red," he mumbled.

Scarlet sighed, crouching down in front of him. "You're a mess."

He chuckled, leaning forward until his forehead pressed against hers. "But I'm your mess."

Scarlet hesitated. For a brief second, she saw something in his gaze, something unguarded, something real. But before she could say anything, he suddenly flopped backward onto the bed.

"I love my family," he mumbled sleepily. "And I love you, Red."

Scarlet stared at him for a long moment before sighing. She pulled the blankets over him, shaking her head.

"Idiot."

With that, she turned off the lights, letting the night swallow the remnants of his drunken confession.