Chapter 42:

The golden rays of the early Tuscan sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the estate. It was a peaceful morning, or at least, it should have been. Sung-Hoon sighed, rubbing a hand over his face as he tried to calm down a very fussy Aimir. His one-year-old son was restless, whining softly as he refused to stay still in his arms.

"Aimir-ah, what is it?" Sung-Hoon muttered under his breath, gently bouncing the child. He was usually a quiet baby, but this trip, for some reason, he seemed particularly irritated. Realizing that staying inside wasn't helping, Sung-Hoon stepped out onto the balcony of their room, hoping the fresh morning air would soothe Aimir.

The scent of morning dew and blooming lavender filled the air, and from his spot, he could see the sprawling vineyards in the distance. Tuscany really was something else. Just as Aimir started to settle against his shoulder, a sudden movement caught Sung-Hoon's eye.

His gaze shifted downward to the courtyard, where two figures stood near one of the guesthouse doors. It took him only a second to recognize them, Christine and Thomas. But something about them was... off. Sung-Hoon's brows furrowed.

At first, he thought they were simply talking, but the longer he watched, the clearer it became, they were arguing. Christine crossed her arms tightly over her chest, her posture rigid. Thomas, on the other hand, was gesturing wildly, his movements sharp and frustrated. It wasn't a lighthearted exchange.

Sung-Hoon couldn't hear their voices from this distance, but their actions spoke volumes. And then, they started pushing each other. Christine shoved Thomas's shoulder with both hands. Not playful. Not teasing. It was forceful. Thomas barely stumbled before shoving her back, not in a violent way, but in a way that clearly showed his frustration.

Sung-Hoon's grip on Aimir tightened. "Why are they fighting so aggressively?" And then he noticed something even stranger. Christine pointed toward the bed inside the room, her hands moving in sharp, exaggerated motions. Thomas shook his head vehemently, pointing at the floor instead.

Back and forth, the argument continued. Christine threw her hands up in exasperation, while Thomas looked just as stubborn. Sung-Hoon narrowed his eyes. "Are they... fighting over who gets to sleep on the floor?"

That didn't make any sense. They were married, weren't they? Why would a husband and wife be arguing about who should sleep on the floor and who should take the bed? If anything, Christine seemed angry that Thomas refused to take the floor. And Thomas? He looked just as frustrated, insisting on something she refused to accept.

Sung-Hoon had always thought of them as a happy couple, but this... this didn't seem like the kind of argument a loving husband and wife should have. There was something off about them. And Sung-Hoon wasn't the type to ignore his instincts.

***

The soft golden light of the early Tuscan morning filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow over the bedroom. The crisp sheets rustled as Scarlet stirred, her body still nestled against Ha-Joon's warmth. Before she could even fully wake up, she felt a gentle touch a warm, lingering kiss pressed to her forehead.

"I love you," Ha-Joon murmured, his voice deep and husky from sleep. A small smile graced Scarlet's lips before she even opened her eyes. When she did, she found herself looking into Ha-Joon's dark, affectionate gaze.

"I love you too," she whispered back, her fingers tracing the faint outlines of his features. Ha-Joon grinned and leaned in, brushing another soft kiss against her cheek before stretching lazily.

Scarlet let out a small sigh and pushed herself up. "I'm going to take a bath and get ready," she announced, slipping out of bed.

Ha-Joon hummed, watching her with a lazy smirk as she padded toward the bathroom. "Don't take too long," he teased.

Scarlet turned to give him a pointed look. "We both know who takes longer getting ready, Ha-Joon." He only chuckled in response, not denying it.

***

By the time Scarlet came downstairs, dressed in a soft, elegant dress, her hair loosely tied back, she was met with an all-too-familiar sight, Esme sitting at the dining table, grinning like a fox. Scarlet barely had a chance to sit beside her before Esme leaned in close, her voice a hushed whisper in her ear. "So, how was last night?"

Scarlet froze, her grip on her fork tightening. She knew that tone, Eerah was up to no good. Scarlet turned slightly to glance at her, only to find Esme smirking mischievously, her eyes glinting with amusement.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Scarlet whispered back, her tone flat.

"Oh, don't play dumb." Esme leaned even closer, her grin widening. "Seung-Il and I heard everything. Our room is right next to yours, remember?"

Scarlet's eyes widened slightly before she rolled them, huffing. "As if you got pregnant in the air, Esme," Scarlet shot back in a low voice.

Esme's smirk faltered for a second before she scoffed, flicking Scarlet's arm playfully. "That's different," Esme grumbled. "Seung-Il and I weren't the ones making the entire villa reconsider their life choices."

Scarlet choked on a piece of fruit she had just popped into her mouth. Across the table, Ha-Neul sat in silence, barely eating. His gaze was on his plate, but his ears were definitely tuned in. He wasn't stupid, he could pick up parts of their conversation.

And he hated it. He hated that his father had completely accepted Scarlet as Ha-Joon's wife. He hated that Scarlet and Ha-Joon looked so perfect together. He hated that he was sitting here, listening to Scarlet be teased about the man she loved, when for so long, he had wished for that love to be his. His grip on his spoon tightened slightly, but he didn't say a word.

***

Just as Scarlet was about to throw a piece of bread at Esme, Ha-Joon finally walked into the dining hall. Freshly showered, his dark hair still slightly damp, he looked as effortlessly put-together as ever in a simple yet stylish outfit. Scarlet was about to greet him when.

"Ah, our honored guest has arrived!" Seung-Il announced dramatically, clapping his hands together. Half the table turned to look at him, some already bracing themselves for whatever was about to come out of his mouth.

Ha-Joon arched a brow. "What are you on about this early in the morning?"

Seung-Il smirked, leaning forward on his elbows. "Just wondering if you managed to sleep well."

Scarlet immediately looked away, pretending to be very interested in her plate. Ha-Joon's eyes narrowed. He wasn't stupid, he could sense a trap. And Seung-Il looked way too pleased with himself. "Why wouldn't I have slept well?" Ha-Joon asked slowly.

Seung-Il grinned. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe because... you didn't let the rest of us sleep in peace?"

Scarlet almost dropped her fork. Ha-Joon blinked, then his expression twisted into pure disgust. "Shut up and eat your damn food," Ha-Joon muttered, shaking his head.

But Seung-Il wasn't done. "Oh? Now you care for my peace?" Seung-Il gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his chest. "Didn't seem like you cared about peace last night..."

"I swear to God, Seung-Il..." Before Ha-Joon could even finish his sentence, Sung-Hoon, who had been relatively quiet until now, suddenly burst into laughter. A loud, genuine laugh. Everyone turned to him in confusion. Sung-Hoon wiped away a tear, shaking his head. "Do you even realize what you just said?" he asked Seung-Il, his voice still shaking with amusement.

Seung-Il frowned. "What?"

Sung-Hoon smirked. "You just said, 'you didn't let us sleep in peace,' in the worst possible way imaginable."

It took a second, just a second, before Seung-Il's face twisted in horror. A few people at the table snorted in amusement, while others looked away, trying not to laugh. Even Esme was shaking with silent laughter beside Scarlet.

Ha-Joon, on the other hand, just looked done. With a sigh, he grabbed his coffee and muttered, "I hate every single one of you."

Scarlet, still pink in the face, just patted his arm sympathetically. "Welcome to our family, love."

***

The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of fresh grass and wildflowers as the group stood outside the villa, waiting for the horses to be saddled. The Tuscan countryside stretched endlessly before them, rolling hills bathed in golden sunlight, dotted with vineyards and tall cypress trees swaying in the gentle breeze. It was the perfect day for a horseback ride.

Mr. Kang had been the one to suggest it. His voice, ever calm and authoritative, had resonated through the breakfast hall as he said, "The Val d'Orcia is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Riding through it is an experience like no other. What do you say?"

It wasn't a question so much as a declaration. And of course, no one had objected. Now, as the horses were brought forward, Scarlet ran her fingers along the velvety nose of a chestnut mare, smiling as the horse nuzzled her palm. "She's beautiful," she murmured.

"Not as beautiful as you," Ha-Joon's voice came from behind her, low and teasing.

Scarlet rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the faint smile tugging at her lips. "Are you going to spend the whole ride flirting, or are you actually here to enjoy Tuscany?"

Ha-Joon stepped closer, his body almost brushing against hers as he reached out, placing his hand over hers on the horse's mane. "Can't I do both?" His voice was warm, melting into her skin like the golden sunlight.

Before Scarlet could respond, Ha-Neul's voice cut through the moment. "If you two are done, we'd like to actually get moving before the sun sets."

Scarlet turned, raising a brow. "Jealous much?"

Ha-Neul's expression didn't change. "Not in the slightest." But the way his grip tightened on the reins of his horse told a different story.

The group soon mounted their horses, Mr. and Mrs. Wi, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. Kang, Esme and Seung-Il, Aaira and Sung-Hoon, Ha-neul, Christine and Thomas, and finally, Scarlet and Ha-Joon.

The ride started off peaceful, the horses moving in a steady rhythm as they followed a narrow dirt path that wound through the golden fields. The Val d'Orcia was breathtaking, vineyards stretching as far as the eye could see, old stone farmhouses nestled in the hills, the occasional ruin of a medieval tower standing proudly against the sky.

Scarlet sighed, letting the beauty of it all settle in. "It's like stepping into a painting."

"It is," Ha-Joon agreed, though his eyes weren't on the landscape. They were on her.

As the group rode further into the countryside, the trail became narrower and slightly steeper. The horses moved carefully, their hooves kicking up soft clouds of dust. Scarlet was handling her mare well enough, but as they reached a slight incline, her saddle suddenly slipped slightly to one side.

Her breath hitched as she lost her balance. The mare shifted beneath her, sensing her uncertainty. For a split second, she was weightless, tilting too far to the left. Panic surged through her. And then, strong hands caught her. Ha-Neul.

Before she could hit the ground, he had already dismounted in one swift motion, his arms locking around her waist as he steadied her. "I've got you," he murmured, his grip firm.

For a moment, Scarlet just stared at him, her heart still racing from the near fall. The others had stopped, their voices ringing through the air, Mrs. Rogers gasping, Mrs. Kang muttering something about how dangerous horseback riding could be, Esme looking amused but also mildly concerned.

And then there was Ha-Joon. He had been right behind Scarlet when it happened, and now, he was already dismounting, his expression dark. He was at Scarlet's side in an instant, pulling her away from Ha-Neul's grasp as he inspected her.

"Are you hurt?" His voice was tight, controlled, but there was an edge to it, like he was holding something back.

Scarlet shook her head. "I'm fine. It was just... sudden."

Ha-Neul took a step back, his face unreadable. "Her saddle wasn't tightened properly. Someone should check all the others before we continue." His tone was neutral, but there was something in the way he said it.

Mrs. Wi nodded, calling over the guide to ensure everything was properly secured. Meanwhile, Ha-Joon still hadn't let go of Scarlet. His hands were on her arms, his grip lingering longer than necessary. She looked up at him, feeling the tension in his body. "Hey, I'm okay."

His jaw clenched, his thumb brushing lightly against her wrist as if to reassure himself. "I should've been the one to catch you."

Scarlet blinked. "Does it matter?"

His eyes met hers, dark and unwavering. "To me? Yes."

Her breath hitched slightly. And just like that, the world around them seemed to fade, no more vineyards, no more rolling hills, no more voices of their family in the background. Just the two of them, standing close, the scent of wildflowers and warm sunlight wrapping around them.

Scarlet exhaled, pressing her hand against his chest. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"

His lips quirked up, but his eyes remained serious. "Maybe. But I don't care."

Before she could say anything else, he leaned in, pressing a kiss to her forehead. It was brief, but the warmth of it settled deep in her bones. The others were still waiting, and after a moment, Ha-Joon sighed, running a hand through his hair before turning back to his horse. "Let's keep going."

Scarlet followed him, but as she mounted her horse again, she couldn't help but glance back at Ha-Neul. His expression was unreadable. But his hands were clenched into fists at his sides.

***

After riding through the breathtaking Val d'Orcia, the group made their way to Montepulciano, a picturesque medieval village perched on a hilltop. The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the terracotta rooftops and narrow cobblestone streets. As they rode into the village, the scent of fresh bread and aged wine filled the air, carried by the gentle Tuscan breeze.

Mr. Kang was the first to dismount, stretching as he turned to the group. "We'll stop here for lunch. Montepulciano has some of the best wine and food in all of Tuscany."

Scarlet, still slightly shaken from her earlier near-fall, nodded eagerly. She was hungry, and the thought of a leisurely lunch in one of Italy's most charming villages was exactly what she needed.

They secured their horses and wandered through the town's winding streets, admiring the medieval architecture, the quaint little shops selling handmade goods, and the occasional street musician filling the air with soft Italian melodies.

The restaurant they chose was a small, family-run trattoria with an open terrace overlooking the rolling Tuscan hills. The tables were adorned with fresh flowers, and the scent of garlic, rosemary, and olive oil filled the air.

Scarlet and Ha-Joon were seated next to each other, with Ha-Neul across from them. The rest of the group spread out, laughing and chatting as they ordered plates of pici pasta, ribollita soup, grilled meats, and freshly baked focaccia.

Scarlet had just taken a sip of her wine when Ha-Joon leaned in, whispering into her ear. "I still think I should've caught you back there."

She rolled her eyes, setting down her glass. "Are you going to keep bringing that up?"

He smirked, resting his chin on his hand as he watched her. "Maybe. Unless you give me something else to think about."

Scarlet scoffed, but before she could respond, Seung-Il interrupted. "Alright, what is with you two? Do you even hear yourselves?"

Scarlet shot him a glare, but Esme just laughed. "Let them be, honey. It's entertaining."

The lunch was filled with laughter, teasing, and incredible food. But Ha-Neul remained relatively quiet, only speaking when necessary. His gaze flickered to Scarlet now and then, especially when Ha-Joon leaned in a little too close or when he wiped something off her lips with his thumb.

After lunch, the group decided to explore the village. While some wandered through the local markets, Scarlet's attention was caught by a small pottery studio. The front of the shop displayed beautiful ceramic pieces, from vases to intricately painted plates.

"Let's try this," she said excitedly, tugging Ha-Joon's sleeve.

Ha-Joon raised a brow. "Pottery? Do you even know how to do it?"

Scarlet huffed. "No, but I can learn."

Ha-Joon chuckled but followed her inside, along with Ha-Neul, who, despite himself, was intrigued. The elderly woman running the shop welcomed them warmly, guiding them to the pottery wheels set up in the back. "It's all about patience and steady hands," she explained as she demonstrated how to shape the clay.

Scarlet and Ha-Joon took a station together, while Ha-Neul sat at the one directly in front of them. As Scarlet worked the clay between her fingers, Ha-Joon leaned over her shoulder, his hands sliding over hers. "Like this," he murmured, guiding her fingers gently.

Scarlet shivered slightly at the warmth of his touch, but before she could get too caught up in the moment, Ha-Joon smirked and smeared a bit of wet clay onto her cheek. "Ha-Joon!" she gasped, reaching up to wipe it off.

He grinned, dodging her hand. "What? You look cute."

Scarlet narrowed her eyes and, without hesitation, grabbed a handful of clay and pressed it against his face. Ha-Neul, watching this, clenched his jaw. His grip on his clay tightened, and in a moment of distraction, his delicate vase collapsed beneath his fingers.

The instructor sighed. "You have to stay focused, young man."

Ha-Neul exhaled slowly, trying to compose himself. He glanced up, seeing Scarlet laughing as Ha-Joon wiped the clay off his face with the back of his hand. He hated it. He hated that Ha-Joon could be so playful with her. He hated that Scarlet let him. And he hated that, even now, despite everything, he still wished he were the one standing behind her, guiding her hands.

The pottery area was filled with quiet concentration, interrupted occasionally by bursts of laughter as the group struggled with their clay creations. Seung-Il, sitting a few wheels away, was determined to make a heart-shaped ornament for Esme. However, his attempt was far from romantic.

"Seung-Il, what is that?" Esme asked, her voice caught between amusement and horror as she leaned in for a closer look.

Seung-Il held up his so-called heart, which was lopsided and full of awkward dents. "It's obviously a heart," he said, offended by her skepticism.

Esme snorted. "It looks like a deflated balloon."

The whole table erupted into laughter. Even Scarlet, who had been focused on her and Ha-Joon's project, turned to see the disaster in Seung-Il's hands. Ha-Joon smirked. "I think it's kind of beautiful... in an abstract, tragic kind of way."

Seung-Il groaned. "I don't see any of you making anything better!"

Scarlet grinned, holding up the plate she and Ha-Joon had been working on. It was simple but elegant, with a smooth, even surface and gently curved edges. "I think we did pretty well."

Ha-Joon nudged her. "That's because you followed my lead."

Scarlet scoffed. "Excuse me? I did most of the shaping."

Meanwhile, Ha-Neul quietly placed his finished piece in front of him, a beautifully crafted ceramic cup, with precise curves and a smooth, polished finish. Unlike Seung-Il's disaster, Ha-Neul's work looked like something out of a professional studio.

Esme's eyes widened. "Okay, wow. That's actually really nice."

Scarlet glanced at it, genuinely impressed. "You're really good at this, Ha-Neul."

Ha-Neul merely shrugged, his fingers still dusted with clay. "It's just patience."

But Scarlet could see it wasn't just patience. His work held a quiet kind of artistry, a depth that told a story he wouldn't voice out loud. It made her chest tighten for a second.

Seung-Il, still sulking, huffed. "Fine, I get it. Some of us have talent, and some of us..." he gestured at his mess of a heart, "...are just here for the experience."

Scarlet laughed, shaking her head. "Well, at least you tried."

As they finished their pieces, the elderly instructor smiled warmly at them. "Would you all like to keep your creations? We can fire them in the kiln, and you can take them home as a memory of today."

Scarlet and Ha-Joon exchanged a look before nodding. "Definitely."

Ha-Neul hesitated, his fingers lightly brushing the rim of his cup before nodding as well. Seung-Il sighed, dramatically holding up his heart. "Yes, please fire this too. It deserves to live."

Esme rolled her eyes but took it from him anyway. "I'll keep it, disaster or not."

As the instructor gathered their pieces to be fired, the group washed their hands and stepped back into the golden Tuscan sunlight. It had been an afternoon of laughter, lighthearted teasing, and hidden emotions that none of them were ready to acknowledge just yet.

***

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting the sky in hues of deep orange and soft pink, the group prepared for their final ride of the day, a sunset ride through the vineyards. The guides led them through a secluded path, where the vines were bathed in golden light, and the air smelled of ripening grapes.

It was stunning, the kind of beauty that settled deep into one's soul. Scarlet rode beside Ha-Joon, the evening breeze playing with her hair. She sighed, looking up at the sky. "I think this is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." Ha-Joon, however, wasn't looking at the sky. He was looking at her.

"I know something more beautiful," he murmured. She turned to him, her lips parting slightly. Before she could respond, he reached out, taking her hand. His fingers laced through hers, warm and steady.

"Scarlet," he said softly.

Her heart pounded. "Yes?"

He didn't say anything at first, just brought her hand up to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss against her knuckles.

"I love you."

Scarlet's breath caught. Even after all this time, hearing those words from him still sent a shiver down her spine. She smiled, squeezing his hand. "I love you too."

And as they rode together beneath the Tuscan sunset, with the sky painted in colors that felt like a dream, Scarlet knew, this was exactly where she was meant to be.