Chapter 19:

Ha-joon stirred awake to the soft light filtering through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on Scarlet's sleeping face beside him. Her auburn hair splayed across the pillow, a few strands resting over her closed eyes. Without thinking, he reached out and gently tucked the loose strands behind her ear, his fingers lingering for a moment.

A tender smile formed on his lips as he leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. Memories of their past together flooded his mind, but he quickly pushed them aside, reminding himself of their current arrangement. Her serene expression, framed by strands of hair, softened his features.

Careful not to wake her, Ha-joon slipped out of bed, as he moved to the en-suite bathroom. The cool water invigorated him as he prepared for the day ahead. After a quick shower, he dressed in a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers, his usual attire reflecting his meticulous nature. He glanced back at Scarlet one last time before leaving the room, closing the door softly behind him.

As he descended the staircase, the familiar aroma of his aunt's cooking wafted through the air, mingling with the morning sunlight that filled the hallway. Entering the dining area, he found his aunt seated at the table, her expression a mix of concern and disapproval. She looked up from her meal, her eyes narrowing as they met his.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted him. His aunt sat at the dining table, her eyes narrowing as she observed him. "어디 갔었어? 아침은 먹었어?" (Where have you been ? Have you had breakfast? ) she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Ha-joon smiled reassuringly. "아니요, 그냥 산책하고 왔어요. 아침은 나중에 먹을게요." ( No, I just came from a walk, I'll eat breakfast later.) He poured himself a cup of coffee, the warmth of the beverage contrasting with the cool morning air.

"하준아, 네 아내는 어디 있니? 설마 아직도 집에 없다는 건 아니겠지?" ("Ha-joon, where is your wife? Don't tell me she's still not home.")

Ha-joon offered a polite smile, replying in Korean, "아니요, 이모. 그녀는 위층에서 자고 있어요." ("No, Aunt. She's sleeping upstairs.")

His aunt's frown deepened, and she shook her head disapprovingly. "어떤 아내가 밤늦게까지 밖에 있다가 낮에 잠을 자는 거니? 어제도 늦게 들어오더니, 오늘도 마찬가지야. 이런 생활 습관은 결혼 생활에 좋지 않아." ("What kind of wife stays out late and then sleeps during the day? She came home late last night, and it's the same today. Such habits aren't good for a married life.")

Ha-joon suppressed a sigh, understanding his aunt's traditional views but also aware of Scarlet's demanding work schedule. "이모, 그녀는 회사 일로 바빴어요. 요즘 프로젝트 때문에 늦게까지 일해야 했어요." ("Aunt, she was busy with work. She had to work late because of a project.")

His aunt pursed her lips, clearly unconvinced. "하지만 가정도 중요해. 남편을 돌보고 집안일도 해야지. 일이 전부는 아니야." ("But family is important too. She should take care of her husband and household chores. Work isn't everything.")

Ha-joon nodded respectfully, not wanting to escalate the conversation. "알겠습니다, 이모. 제가 그녀와 이야기해볼게요." ("I understand, Aunt. I'll talk to her.")

His aunt sighed, returning to her meal. "그래, 네가 잘 알아서 하겠지." ("Alright, I trust you'll handle it well.")

Excusing himself, Ha-joon left the dining area and headed to his office. As the chairman of his fashion company, he had a busy day ahead. Upon arrival, his secretary, Thomas, greeted him with a stack of documents and a tablet in hand.

"Good morning, Mr. Wi," Thomas began, falling into step beside him. "Here's your schedule for today."

Ha-joon took the tablet, glancing over the itinerary. "Thank you, Thomas. Anything urgent I need to be aware of?"

Thomas nodded. "Yes, sir. The design team is awaiting your approval on the final sketches for the upcoming fall collection. They have a presentation prepared for 10 a.m."

"Noted," Ha-joon replied, mentally preparing himself for the meeting. "What else?"

"You have a lunch appointment with Mr. Lee from the textile company at 1 p.m. to discuss the new fabric samples," Thomas continued. "And in the afternoon, there's a board meeting at 3 p.m. to review the quarterly financial reports and discuss the expansion plans."

Ha-joon nodded, appreciating Thomas's efficiency. "Thank you, Thomas. Please ensure all necessary documents are prepared for the board meeting."

"Already done, sir," Thomas replied with a slight smile.

As Ha-joon settled into his office, he couldn't help but think about Scarlet and the conversation with his aunt. He knew balancing their personal and professional lives was challenging, but he hoped they could find a way to make it work. With a determined sigh, he turned his attention to the tasks at hand, ready to tackle the day's challenges.

***

Scarlet awoke to the soft hum of the air conditioner and the gentle rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains. She instinctively reached out, expecting to find Ha-joon beside her, but the space was empty and cool to the touch. Pushing herself up, she glanced at the bedside clock and her eyes widened in shock, it was already past 11 a.m.

"How could I have overslept?" she muttered to herself, rubbing her temples. The realization hit her like a cold splash of water, she had a meeting with Ha-neul today to discuss the hotel structure and designs. Panic set in as she scrambled out of bed, her mind racing through the tasks she needed to accomplish.

Determined to make up for lost time, Scarlet hurried to the en-suite bathroom. She turned on the shower, adjusting the temperature until steam began to fill the room. As she stepped under the warm cascade, she let out a sigh, allowing the water to wash away the remnants of sleep and the anxiety gnawing at her.

The bathroom was a sanctuary of marble and glass, exuding a minimalist elegance. Scarlet reached for her favorite lavender-scented body wash, the familiar fragrance providing momentary comfort. She lathered it onto her skin, the silky texture a soothing balm to her frazzled nerves.

As she rinsed off, her thoughts drifted to the upcoming meeting. She hadn't interacted much with Ha-neul, but she had heard about his ambitious plans for the hotel. The prospect of collaborating on such a significant project both excited and intimidated her.

Scarlet tilted her head back, letting the water cascade through her hair, the droplets catching the light like tiny prisms. She mentally rehearsed her approach for the meeting, considering the design elements she wanted to propose and how they would align with Ha-neul's vision. The challenge of merging their ideas into a cohesive plan was daunting, but she was determined to make a positive impression.

Turning off the shower, Scarlet stepped onto the plush bath mat, reaching for a towel. She wrapped it around herself, the soft fabric absorbing the moisture from her skin. Wiping the fog from the mirror, she stared at her reflection, noting the determination in her own eyes.

"You've got this," she whispered to herself, a small smile tugging at her lips. With renewed resolve, she began her post-shower routine, applying a light moisturizer and running a comb through her damp hair. She opted for a simple yet professional outfit, a tailored blouse paired with a knee-length skirt, that exuded confidence without being overly formal.

As she fastened a delicate necklace around her neck. The day had started later than planned. Taking a deep breath, she gathered her materials for the meeting, her mind now focused and clear. Exiting the bedroom, she made her way downstairs, the sound of her heels clicking softly against the polished wood floors.

Scarlet descended the grand staircase, her heels clicking softly against the polished wood floors. The mansion was bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun, casting intricate patterns through the ornate windows. As she approached the kitchen, the aroma of freshly prepared dishes filled the air, a testament to the household's bustling morning routine.

Entering the kitchen, she was greeted by the sight of the maids diligently preparing breakfast. Upon noticing her presence, they paused momentarily, offering polite bows. Scarlet acknowledged them with a nod and a warm smile, appreciating their dedication.

In her haste, she retrieved a bowl from the cupboard and poured herself some milk, adding a generous helping of cereal. She began eating quickly, mindful of the time and her impending meeting with Ha-neul. The maids exchanged curious glances, perhaps unaccustomed to seeing her in such a rushed state.

As she took another hurried bite, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the hallway, accompanied by a sharp voice speaking in Korean. Scarlet's heart skipped a beat, recognizing the distinct tone of Ha-joon's aunt, Mrs. Kang. She swallowed hard, the cereal suddenly feeling dry in her mouth.

Just as Mrs. Kang was about to enter the kitchen, one of the maids intercepted her, speaking in respectful tones. "Mrs. Kang, your son is on the line," she informed, her English tinged with a Korean accent.

Although Mrs. Kang's grasp of English was limited, she understood the mention of her son, Ha-neul. Her stern expression softened slightly, and she nodded, allowing the maid to lead her to the phone.

In the study, Mrs. Kang picked up the receiver, her face lighting up as she heard her son's voice. "어머니, 잘 지내세요?" (Mother, how are you?) Ha-neul's voice resonated warmly through the line.

"아들아, 잘 지내지. 너는?" (I'm well, my son. And you?) she responded, her tone filled with maternal affection.

"저는 잘 지내요. 오늘 스칼렛 씨를 만날 생각에 너무 설레요." (I'm doing well. I'm very excited to meet Ms. Scarlet today.)

Mrs. Kang's eyebrows arched in surprise. "스칼렛? 그녀의 이름이 스칼렛이에요?" (Scarlet? Her name is Scarlet?)

Ha-neul chuckled softly. "예, 어머니. 스칼렛 씨는 제가 호텔 프로젝트를 위해 언급한 디자이너예요." (Yes, Mother. Ms. Scarlet is the designer I mentioned for the hotel project.)

A wave of realization washed over Mrs. Kang, but she chose to remain silent about the coincidence. "아, 그렇구나. 그녀는 아주 재능 있는 디자이너라고 들었어." (Ah, I see. I've heard she's a very talented designer.)

"네, 맞아요. 오늘 회의에서 많은 것을 논의할 예정이에요." (Yes, that's right. We have a lot to discuss in today's meeting.)

"잘 되길 바란다, 아들아. 어머니는 항상 네 편이야." (I hope it goes well, my son. I'm always on your side.)

"감사합니다, 어머니. 그럼 이따가 뵐게요." (Thank you, Mother. I'll see you later.)

As Mrs. Kang hung up the phone, a contemplative expression settled on her face. The intertwining of personal and professional relationships was becoming more intricate than she had anticipated.

Meanwhile, Scarlet, having finished her breakfast, glanced at the clock and realized she was running late. She quickly gathered her belongings and made her way to the front door, her mind already focused on the upcoming meeting with Ha-neul.

As Scarlet hurriedly exited the mansion, Mrs. Kang, Ha-joon's aunt, happened to glance out the window. She caught a glimpse of a woman with long black hair stepping into a car, her back turned, making it impossible to discern her attire. Mrs. Kang's eyes narrowed, and she let out a disapproving scoff.

"저런, 저 여자가 바로 하준이의 아내인가?" (Is that woman really Ha-joon's wife?) she muttered to herself in Korean, her tone laced with disdain. "아침 인사도 없이 나가다니, 예의가 없구나." (Leaving without even a morning greeting, how disrespectful.)

Settling into her favorite armchair, Mrs. Kang picked up her knitting needles, the rhythmic click-clack providing a semblance of comfort. As she worked the yarn, her thoughts drifted to Esme, the woman she had once hoped would become part of their family. Esme had married Ha-neul's brother, Jung Seung-il, and had seamlessly embraced the traditional role of a Korean daughter-in-law.

"에스메는 참으로 이상적인 며느리였지," (Esme was truly an ideal daughter-in-law,) Mrs. Kang reflected, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "가족을 최우선으로 생각하고, 집안일도 완벽하게 해냈어." (She always put family first and managed household chores flawlessly.)

Her knitting pace quickened as she continued her internal monologue. "하지만 이 '레드'라는 여자는... 이름부터가 이상하잖아." (But this woman called 'Red'... even her name is strange.) She shook her head disapprovingly. "하준이가 무슨 생각으로 저런 여자를 아내로 맞았는지 이해할 수가 없어." (I can't understand what Ha-joon was thinking, marrying a woman like her.)

Mrs. Kang's traditional upbringing had instilled in her specific expectations for daughters-in-law. Rooted in Confucian ideals, she believed a wife should prioritize her family, manage the household, and support her husband unconditionally.

"요즘 젊은 여자들은 왜 이렇게 가정의 중요성을 모를까?" (Why do young women these days not understand the importance of family?) she pondered aloud, her frustration evident. "일하는 것도 좋지만, 가정이 우선이어야지." (It's fine to work, but family should come first.)

She thought back to the mornings when Esme would wake early, prepare breakfast for the entire family, and ensure the household ran smoothly. "에스메는 항상 새벽에 일어나 아침 식사를 준비했는데," (Esme always woke up at dawn to prepare breakfast,) she reminisced. "그런데 이 여자는 아침 인사도 없이 나가버리니..." (But this woman leaves without even a morning greeting...)

Mrs. Kang sighed deeply, her knitting slowing as her thoughts weighed heavily on her. "하준이가 이런 결혼 생활로 행복할 수 있을까?" (Can Ha-joon be happy in such a marriage?) she wondered, genuine concern for her nephew surfacing amidst her disapproval.

As she completed another row of stitches, Mrs. Kang resolved to speak with Ha-joon about her concerns. "가족의 어른으로서 조언을 해줘야겠어." (As an elder of the family, I should offer some advice.) She nodded to herself, feeling a sense of duty to uphold the family's values and ensure its harmony.

"전통과 가족의 가치를 지키는 것이 얼마나 중요한지 하준이에게 상기시켜줘야겠어." (I need to remind Ha-joon of the importance of preserving our traditions and family values.) With that thought, she continued her knitting, the repetitive motion providing solace as she contemplated the challenges facing her family.

***

As Scarlet settled into her office, she couldn't help but notice her phone's storage was nearing its limit. Discussing this with her assistant, Christine, she expressed her concern.

"Christine, my phone's almost out of space. I think it's all the photos from my trips," Scarlet remarked, a hint of frustration in her voice.

Christine nodded understandingly. "It might be a good idea to transfer those photos to your laptop. That way, you can free up space on your phone and have a backup of your memories."

Scarlet considered this and agreed. "You're right. Let's start with the Venice photographs and the ones from my previous trips."

Handing her phone to Christine, Scarlet instructed, "Please transfer all the Venice photos and the earlier trip pictures to the laptop."

Christine took the phone and connected it to the laptop using a USB cable. She navigated to the Photos app, which recognized the connected device and displayed the available photos for import. Christine selected the desired albums, including those from Venice and Paris, and initiated the transfer process.

As the files transferred, Scarlet sipped her tea, allowing herself a moment of reflection. The Venice trip held particular significance, as it included photographs with Ha-neul. She recalled the charming streets of Piazza, the evenings by the Doge's Palace, and the candid moments they had captured together.

Lost in thought, Scarlet was brought back to the present by Christine's voice. "The transfer is complete. All your selected photos are now safely stored on the laptop."

"Thank you, Christine," Scarlet replied, appreciating her assistant's efficiency. "This should help with the storage issue on my phone."

Christine smiled. "It's no problem at all. If you'd like, I can also organize these photos into folders by trip or date to make them easier to access."

"That would be wonderful," Scarlet agreed. "Please go ahead with that."

As Christine began organizing the photos, Scarlet turned her attention to her upcoming meeting with Ha-neul. Unaware of the familial connections and the complexities that lay ahead, she prepared herself for the professional engagement, setting aside personal memories for the time being.

***

Ha-neul stood amidst the bustling construction site of his upcoming hotel, the symphony of machinery and workers' chatter filling the air. Clad in a hard hat and reflective vest, he meticulously reviewed the architectural plans, ensuring every detail aligned with his vision.

Approaching the site manager, Mr. Rivera inquired, "How is the progress on the lobby's framework?"

Mr. Rivera responded, "The steel beams are in place, and we're on schedule to start the glass installations next week."

Nodding, Ha-neul emphasized, "Excellent. Let's ensure all safety protocols are strictly followed during the glass installation. It's a critical phase."

As he walked through the skeletal structure, he envisioned the luxurious spaces that would soon come to life. Stopping by a group of electricians, he asked, "Are there any challenges with the wiring plans for the guest rooms?"

One electrician replied, "We've encountered some issues with the conduit placements, but we're addressing them to prevent any delays."

"Good," Ha-neul replied. "If you need additional resources, inform Mr. Rivera. We must adhere to our timeline without compromising quality."

His phone buzzed with a reminder about his upcoming meeting with Scarlet. Glancing at the time, he thought, "I need to wrap up here to prepare for the presentation."

Before leaving, he gathered the team for a brief meeting. "Everyone, your hard work is bringing this project to fruition. Let's continue to collaborate effectively and maintain our high standards. If any issues arise, communicate them promptly."

The team responded with affirmative nods and words of agreement. Satisfied with the day's progress, Ha-neul departed the site, his mind shifting to the meeting ahead and the excitement of sharing his designs with Scarlet.

***

Scarlet stood in her office, phone in hand, addressing her assistant. "Christine, I'll go on my own for the meeting with Mr. Kang Ha-neul."

Christine protested, concern evident in her voice. "But ma'am, are you sure? It's always better to have someone accompany you."

Scarlet shook her head, offering a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine, Christine. Thank you."

As Scarlet departed, she inadvertently left her bag behind. Christine noticed but decided not to press the matter, assuming Scarlet was in a hurry.

Moments later, Ha-joon entered the office, his presence commanding attention. He observed Christine packing up some items and inquired, "Where did Scarlet go?"

Christine looked up, slightly flustered. "She went for a meeting with Mr. Kang. She asked me not to follow her."

Ha-joon nodded, his gaze drifting to Scarlet's bag left on the desk. He approached it, curiosity piqued. As he sat in her chair, he noticed a USB drive placed nearby. "What's this?" he asked.

Christine responded, "Those are Scarlet ma'am's photos from Venice. She asked me to transfer them."

A smile touched Ha-joon's lips. "Venice, huh? Let's take a look."

Christine hesitated but complied, connecting the USB drive to the projector. The room dimmed as images began to display on the screen.

The slideshow commenced with picturesque views of Venice, the Grand Canal bathed in golden sunlight, historic facades reflecting on tranquil waters, and the iconic Rialto Bridge standing majestically.

Ha-joon's smile widened at the sight of Scarlet posing gracefully in front of the Basilica di San Marco, her eyes sparkling with joy. The next image showcased her enjoying a gondola ride, the city's architecture serving as a stunning backdrop.

However, as the slideshow progressed, Ha-joon's expression shifted. A photo appeared of Ha-neul standing alone before a dazzling fireworks display over the Venetian lagoon. The vibrant colors illuminated his face, capturing a moment of awe.

The subsequent image showed Scarlet and Ha-neul together, standing close in a gondola, their smiles radiant as they shared an ice cream. The intimacy of the moment was palpable.

Another photo captured them at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, the historic venue's grandeur enhancing the elegance of their appearance. They stood side by side, their expressions reflecting a shared appreciation for the art surrounding them.

The final image was perhaps the most striking, a candid shot of Scarlet and Ha-neul at a Parisian restaurant late at night. The dim lighting cast a warm glow over them as they leaned in close, deep in conversation. Scarlet had mentioned a meeting with Mr. Cambridge, but this photo suggested otherwise.

Ha-joon's jaw tightened, a storm of emotions brewing within him. His eyes flicked to Scarlet's bag, where a few Polaroid pictures peeked out. He reached over and slid them out, revealing three images of Scarlet and Ha-neul from the previous day.

In each Polaroid, Ha-neul's gaze was fixed on Scarlet with an intensity that spoke volumes. It was a look of admiration, perhaps even affection.

Ha-joon's grip on the photos tightened, his knuckles whitening. He felt a profound sense of betrayal, yet he maintained his composure, his face a mask of controlled anger.

Internally, his thoughts raced. "Scarlet is dating Ha-neul? My cousin?" The idea churned in his mind, each repetition fueling his growing resentment.

Christine, sensing the tension, spoke softly. "Is everything alright, sir?"

Ha-joon forced a tight-lipped smile, handing the Polaroids back to her. "Yes, everything's fine. Thank you, Christine."

He rose from the chair, straightening his suit jacket. "Please ensure these are returned to Scarlet's bag."

Christine nodded, taking the photos from him. "Of course, sir."

Without another word, Ha-joon exited the office. The images he'd seen were now etched into his memory, each one a stark reminder of the unexpected connection between Scarlet and Ha-neul. As he walked down the corridor, his thoughts remained fixated on the revelation.