Chapter 36:

Arrival in Tuscany. The plane finally touched down on the runway, its wheels skidding slightly as it slowed to a stop. The long flight had left most of them exhausted, and Aimir's earlier cries had drained nearly everyone's energy. As the aircraft taxied to the gate, passengers stirred awake, stretching and preparing for landing.

Scarlet blinked sleepily, rubbing her temples as she felt the stiffness in her body. Ha-Joon, beside her, was far more relaxed, having managed to doze off for a while. He looked over at her with a lazy smile. "We made it," he murmured, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

She hummed in response, sitting up straighter as the announcement came over the speakers, signaling their arrival.

Across the aisle, Ha-Neul had barely said a word throughout the flight. His gaze, sharp yet tired, flickered toward Scarlet and Ha-Joon as they whispered to each other. He clenched his jaw and looked away, pretending to adjust his wristwatch.

Once they disembarked and stepped into the arrivals terminal, they were greeted by a warm breeze carrying the faint scent of olive trees and vineyards. The atmosphere was completely different from the suffocating tension they had left behind.

Standing near the exit was a tall, older man dressed in a well-fitted linen suit. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly combed back, and his sharp eyes immediately locked onto their group. A wide, welcoming smile spread across his face.

"Ha-Neul!" the man called out, striding toward them.

Ha-Neul's posture stiffened slightly before he gave a small nod. "Father."

The man, Mr. Kang, then turned his attention toward the rest of the group. His gaze landed on Ha-Joon, and then on Scarlet. Ha-Joon smiled brightly, stepping forward. "Uncle Kang, it's been a while."

"It has indeed," Mr. Kang replied, shaking his hand firmly before his gaze drifted to Scarlet. "And who is this beautiful young lady?"

Ha-Joon grinned, slipping an arm around Scarlet's waist and pulling her close. "This is my wife, Scarlet."

Mr. Kang's face lit up. "Ah, so this is Scarlet! My dear, I've heard so much about you," he said warmly, taking her hand in his and giving it a gentle shake.

Scarlet smiled, feeling slightly overwhelmed by his enthusiasm. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Kang."

"None of that formality," he chuckled. "Call me Uncle."

Meanwhile, Ha-Neul stood a few steps behind, watching the interaction with a clenched jaw. He could see how easily Scarlet fit into the conversation, how effortlessly she made his father smile. And yet, that warmth, the way she leaned into Ha-Joon, the way Ha-Joon held her so protectively, made something burn inside him.

"Alright, let's get moving," Mr. Kang announced. "We've got cabs waiting outside. The farmhouse is about forty minutes from here."

The Drive to the Farmhouse. After collecting their luggage, they all stepped outside, where several sleek black cabs were waiting for them. The journey through the Tuscan countryside was breathtaking. Rolling hills stretched endlessly, dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and old stone houses. The golden sunlight bathed everything in a warm glow, making it look like something out of a painting.

Scarlet leaned against the window, mesmerized by the view. "It's beautiful," she whispered.

Ha-Joon, sitting beside her, laced his fingers with hers. "It is. But not as beautiful as you," he murmured playfully.

She scoffed, nudging him with her elbow. "Save the lines for later."

Ha-Neul, sitting in the cab behind theirs, could see them through the windshield. His fingers curled into a fist on his lap as he turned his gaze toward the passing scenery, trying to distract himself.

The Arrival at the Farmhouse. The cabs pulled up to an enormous estate, a sprawling, rustic farmhouse that looked straight out of an Italian dream. The main house was massive, built from warm-colored stone with wooden shutters and a grand arched doorway. Ivy climbed up the walls, giving it an old-world charm.

Surrounding the house were smaller cottages, likely for guests or staff, and beyond that stretched acres of vineyards and olive groves. The air was rich with the scent of lavender and fresh earth. Seung-Il, stepping out of the cab, frowned deeply. "My pregnant wife will stay here?" he grumbled. "In this... village-like area?"

Esme rolled her eyes. "It's a luxury farmhouse, Seung-Il. Not an actual village."

Mr. Kang chuckled. "Don't worry. This place has everything you need. And since it belongs to Ha-Neul, you'll be well taken care of."

Ha-Joon raised an eyebrow. "Wait, this is Ha-Neul's place?"

Ha-Neul, who had been quiet, simply nodded. "Yes. One of our family's farmhouses."

Mr. Kang stepped forward, holding a set of keys. "Let's go inside. I'll distribute the rooms."

Inside the Farmhouse. The interior of the farmhouse was stunning, high wooden beams, antique furniture, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The floor was made of polished stone, cool against their feet after the long journey.

Mr. Kang began handing out keys. "Ha-Joon and Scarlet, your room is the honeymoon suite, perfect for newlyweds."

Ha-Joon grinned, squeezing Scarlet's waist. "Hear that, darling? Perfect for us."

Scarlet rolled her eyes but smiled. As they walked inside their room, Scarlet's breath hitched. It was massive, with a king-sized bed draped in white linens, a sitting area with plush sofas, and floor-to-ceiling windows that opened to a grand balcony overlooking the vineyard.

Ha-Joon wasted no time. The moment the door closed, he pulled Scarlet into his arms. "I can't believe we're actually here," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple.

She chuckled, wrapping her arms around his neck. "It does feel unreal."

"Unreal or not, I plan to make the most of our alone time," he whispered, tilting her chin up before capturing her lips in a deep kiss.

***

Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the hallway, Ha-Neul entered his own room. He didn't bother turning on the lights. Instead, he walked straight to the balcony, drawn by an inexplicable force. As he stepped outside, his heart clenched. Directly across from him, through the open balcony doors, he could see Scarlet and Ha-Joon.

He watched as Ha-Joon cupped Scarlet's face, kissing her deeply. Her hands clutched at his shirt, pulling him closer. Ha-Neul exhaled sharply, gripping the iron railing. His chest tightened painfully as a lump formed in his throat. He had always known. Known that Ha-Joon would win her heart. Known that Scarlet was never his to have.

Yet, standing there, watching her wrapped in another man's embrace, it felt like his heart was being torn apart all over again. A bitter smile ghosted his lips. "Guess I was too late," he whispered to himself. And as he stood there, the golden hues of Tuscany fading into the evening, he felt a single tear prick his eye.

Ha-Neul remained standing on the balcony, his hands gripping the cool metal railing as he watched the scene unfolding across from him. Scarlet was still in Ha-Joon's arms, her laughter muffled by the distance, but he could see the way she leaned into him, the way Ha-Joon pressed a kiss to her forehead. It was effortless between them-so natural, so unbreakable.

A sharp ache settled in Ha-Neul's chest. If he allowed himself, he might have let the emotions take over. Might have let himself cry. But just as the prickle of tears threatened his eyes, there was a soft knock on his door.

He exhaled, pushing the emotions back down before turning away from the balcony. Crossing the dimly lit room, he pulled the door open.

A maid stood outside, her posture respectful as she bowed slightly. "Mr. Kang, the family is gathering downstairs. Your father has requested your presence."

Ha-Neul nodded silently. As the maid left, he instinctively turned back to the balcony one last time. His gaze flickered toward Scarlet's room.

The moment he looked, he noticed that they had been interrupted too. Another maid stood at their doorway, speaking to them, and Scarlet had stepped slightly away from Ha-Joon, her expression shifting from soft amusement to mild curiosity.

Ha-Joon sighed dramatically, raking a hand through his hair. He glanced at Scarlet with a small smirk before leaning in to whisper something in her ear. Whatever it was, it made her smile as she shook her head.

The two of them soon exited their room, their hands brushing against each other before Ha-Joon casually reached down to intertwine their fingers.

The farmhouse had two grand staircases, each curving down from opposite ends of the hallway. As Ha-Neul stepped onto one, Ha-Joon and Scarlet descended from the other, their movements synchronized without meaning to be.

Ha-Neul kept his gaze forward, pretending he wasn't aware of them. But he could still see Scarlet from the corner of his eye-her red dress flowing softly around her, her hair catching the dim light, making it look like strands of silk.

She didn't look at him, though. Her attention was solely on Ha-Joon, who was whispering something in her ear with a playful smirk.

They reached the main hall at the same time, their footsteps echoing faintly. The rest of the family was already gathered, lounging in the expansive living area, sipping on refreshments and chatting.

Mr. Kang looked up first. "Ah, good, you're all here." He gestured for them to sit.

Scarlet and Ha-Joon settled on one of the antique sofas, while Ha-Neul took a seat near the windows, slightly apart from the group.

Esme, ever the one to find something exciting, leaned forward. "So, we were thinking-since we're in Tuscany, we should take advantage of the scenery."

Seung-Il, still looking slightly unimpressed with the "village" setting, scoffed. "What exactly do you have in mind?"

"Sunset drive through Val d'Orcia," Mr. Kang announced with a smile. "We'll rent vintage convertibles and drive through the winding Tuscan roads. We can stop at small villages like Pienza, which is known for its romantic atmosphere. And to end the day, we'll have a sunset dinner at a hilltop restaurant."

Scarlet's eyes lit up. "That sounds beautiful."

Ha-Joon grinned. "It sounds romantic." He nudged her playfully.

"Not everything has to be about romance, Ha-Joon," Esme rolled her eyes.

"Why not?" Ha-Joon shot back, pulling Scarlet closer. "I think Tuscany is the perfect place for romance."

Scarlet chuckled. "You're impossible."

Ha-Neul remained silent. The plan itself sounded nice. The problem wasn't the idea-it was the fact that he'd have to witness Ha-Joon and Scarlet together the entire time.

But there was no way out of it now.

***

The drive through Val d'Orcia was nothing short of breathtaking. The vintage convertibles added a timeless charm to the experience, their sleek designs blending perfectly with the rolling Tuscan hills. The sun hung low in the sky, bathing everything in warm, golden hues.

Scarlet sat in the passenger seat of their rented convertible, the wind playing with her hair as she closed her eyes for a moment, inhaling the fresh countryside air. Ha-Joon, with one hand on the wheel, glanced at her and smirked. "If you enjoy the view so much, just marry me again and live here forever."

She laughed. "That's not how it works, Ha-Joon."

"Sure it does. We'll have our own vineyard, drink wine all day, and watch sunsets every evening."

"You don't even drink wine."

"For you, I'd start," he said smoothly.

She rolled her eyes but smiled. Behind them, Ha-Neul drove his own car in silence, barely listening to the conversation between his father and the others. His gaze kept drifting toward the convertible ahead, where Scarlet's laughter occasionally floated back to him. He forced himself to focus on the road.

***

By the time they arrived at the hilltop restaurant, the sun was dipping below the horizon, casting shades of orange, pink, and purple across the sky. The restaurant itself was a beautiful, rustic place with an outdoor terrace overlooking the valley.

Candles flickered on every table, and soft Italian music played in the background.

Ha-Joon pulled out Scarlet's chair for her. "M'lady," he teased, bowing slightly.

Scarlet shook her head, amused, but sat down.

The rest of the family settled in as well, admiring the breathtaking view. Plates of Tuscan delicacies were brought out-fresh pasta, truffle-infused dishes, and the finest cheeses and cured meats.

Ha-Joon leaned closer to Scarlet, pouring her a glass of white wine. "To us," he murmured, clinking his glass with hers.

She arched an eyebrow. "To us?"

"To a beautiful night in Tuscany," he corrected, giving her a wink.

Scarlet chuckled but took a sip.

Meanwhile, Ha-Neul barely touched his food. His father noticed. "Ha-Neul, you're not eating much."

"I'm fine," he replied, pushing the pasta around his plate.

His gaze, however, kept returning to the couple across the table, Scarlet's soft smiles, Ha-Joon's lingering touches. Ha-Joon took her hand again, tracing circles on her palm as he whispered something in her ear.

Scarlet's cheeks tinged slightly pink, and she laughed, shaking her head at whatever nonsense he was spewing. Ha-Neul exhaled slowly. Another beautiful evening, another reminder. She was happy. But not with him.

Ha-Neul's fingers tightened around his fork, his appetite completely gone. The food in front of him looked exquisite, but the knot in his chest made it impossible to eat. His gaze flickered once again to Scarlet and Ha-Joon, who were immersed in their own little world, laughing, whispering, sharing stolen touches.

He should be used to it by now. He should be immune to this. But the ache never dulled. Just then, he felt a soft touch on his arm. His mother, Mrs. Kang, had shifted closer to him, her voice a gentle whisper in his ear. "다 잘 될 거야, 하늘아." (Everything will be fine, Ha-Neul.)

Her words carried warmth, but also something deeper, an understanding. Ha-Neul nodded, swallowing down the emotions rising in his throat. He didn't trust himself to speak, so he just gave her a slight, grateful glance.

Mrs. Kang patted his arm lightly before returning to her seat, leaving Ha-Neul to his thoughts. While the younger generation enjoyed the romantic ambiance of the restaurant, the elders at the table carried a different kind of tension.

Mr. and Mrs. Wi, Ha-Joon's parents, sat on one side, their expressions carefully schooled into politeness. Opposite them sat Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, Scarlet's parents, who were equally composed but clearly unenthusiastic about their company.

The history between these two families was well-known. They didn't like each other. They never had. But they tolerated each other for the sake of their children. Mr. Wi cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Tuscany is quite the place for a gathering. I suppose we have Kang to thank for this?"

Mr. Rogers smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yes, Ha-Neul's father has exquisite taste. Unlike some people."

Mrs. Wi, never one to let a slight go unanswered, tilted her head. "Oh? And what exactly do you mean by that, Mr. Rogers?"

Mr. Rogers set his wine glass down with deliberate slowness. "I mean that some people have a tendency to flaunt their wealth rather than cultivate actual taste."

Mrs. Wi's lips curled into a tight smile. "That's rich coming from a man who built his fortune on mass-market fashion."

Mrs. Rogers scoffed. "And what did you build yours on? Corporate greed?"

A tense silence fell over the table, the candlelight flickering between them. Ha-Joon and Scarlet, who had been lost in their own world, finally noticed the tension. Scarlet shot her mother a warning glance, while Ha-Joon leaned back with a smirk. "Oh, here we go again," he murmured under his breath.

Mr. Wi let out a low chuckle. "You know, Rogers, for all your criticisms, you didn't seem to mind when your daughter married into our family."

Mr. Rogers's jaw tightened. "That was her decision."

"And you resent it," Mrs. Wi said smoothly. "Admit it, Rogers. You can't stand the fact that your daughter chose a Wi over whatever boring businessman you had in mind for her."

Mrs. Rogers interjected sharply. "If we had any objections, they were because of Ha-Joon's reckless nature. We wanted stability for our daughter, not a whirlwind romance with a man who barely takes life seriously."

Ha-Joon chuckled, unfazed. "Ouch. Tell us how you really feel, Mrs. Rogers."

Mrs. Rogers exhaled, looking at Scarlet. "We just wanted the best for you."

Scarlet, caught between her parents and her husband, sighed. "I know, Mother. But I made my choice. And I have no regrets."

Mr. Wi looked victorious, while Mr. Rogers looked unimpressed. "Time will tell," he muttered.

While the elders exchanged barbed words, Sung-Hoon remained focused on his plate, eating in silence. He had no interest in their never-ending battle of pride and power. Meanwhile, Aaira sat at the edge of the table, completely detached from the tension.

She cradled little Aimir in her arms, gently rocking him as she prepared his feeder. The baby fussed slightly, but Aaira hummed softly, soothing him as she carefully tested the milk's temperature. Ha-Neul, who had been distracted by his own emotions, found his eyes drifting toward her.

Amidst the cold tension of the table, there was something warm about Aaira's quiet care for Aimir. She was completely absorbed in her task, oblivious to the bitterness surrounding them. Aimir finally latched onto the feeder, his tiny hands gripping the bottle as he drank contentedly.

Aaira smiled down at him, brushing a gentle hand over his soft curls. For a moment, Ha-Neul felt a strange sense of peace just watching them. Aaira glanced up and caught him looking. She blinked before offering a small, knowing smile, one that seemed to say, Ignore them. It's not worth it.

Ha-Neul nodded slightly, shifting his gaze back to his untouched plate. Maybe she was right. Maybe none of it was worth it. But as he glanced once more at Scarlet and Ha-Joon, he knew one thing for certain, no matter how much time passed, some wounds never truly healed.

***

The drive back to the estate was quiet, the tension from dinner fading into the cool Tuscan night. The soft hum of the car engine was the only sound as everyone seemed lost in their own thoughts. Ha-Neul sat by the window, gazing out at the vast countryside stretching under the moonlight.

He could still hear the heated exchange between Ha-Joon's parents and Scarlet's, their endless bickering laced with veiled insults. Breaking the silence, Ha-Neul's father let out a chuckle, glancing at Ha-Joon and Scarlet through the rearview mirror. "Let me give you two a piece of advice," he said, his voice calm yet firm. "No matter how much your parents argue, never let it be the reason you both end up arguing."

Scarlet looked up, startled, while Ha-Joon smirked but nodded. "Understood, Uncle Kang," he said, glancing at Scarlet.

Scarlet, thoughtful, nodded as well. "We won't."

"Good," Ha-Neul's father said with satisfaction.

As they arrived at the estate, the maids were already waiting for them in the grand foyer. Ha-Joon stretched his arms and yawned dramatically. "I need a cup of coffee in my room."

Ha-Neul, who had just stepped out of the car, sighed. "Me too."

Scarlet, who had barely spoken since the drive, rubbed her temples. "Same here."

Seung-Il, tired and irritated, added, "Get one for me too."

The maids nodded, quickly dispersing to prepare their orders. As they climbed the staircase leading to their rooms, Ha-Neul's father spoke once more. "Tomorrow morning, meet me in the backyard."

Ha-Joon raised an eyebrow. "Why? Are we having a family boot camp?"

His uncle simply smiled. "Just be there."

***

As Scarlet and Ha-Joon stepped into their room, they were greeted by an unexpected sight. The entire space was transformed into something ethereal. Soft golden lights cast a warm glow over the polished wooden floors.

The bed, covered in luxurious silk sheets, was adorned with scattered petals of roses and lilies. A delicate fragrance filled the air, making the atmosphere feel both intimate and surreal. Scarlet's breath hitched.

Ha-Joon, however, let out a whistle. "Wow... Looks like someone thinks we need a honeymoon."

On the bedside table sat a neatly folded note. Scarlet picked it up, unfolding the crisp paper.

"

After an exhausting week of people pointing fingers, you deserve this.

"

It was signed by Ha-Neul's father. Scarlet bit her lip, her fingers tightening around the note. Ha-Joon, peeking over her shoulder, grinned. "Well, this is unexpected." He took the note from her hands and placed it on the bedside table. "Guess Uncle Kang approves of us more than our parents do."

Scarlet said nothing, her gaze sweeping over the beautifully decorated room. It was easy, too easy, to forget that their marriage was just a facade. Ha-Joon noticed the flicker of emotion in her eyes. For a moment, he, too, forgot. They were just playing a role. Pretending. Acting.

Yet, every day, the lines blurred a little more. Ha-Joon walked up to Scarlet and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Are you thinking about our 'fake marriage' again?" he teased lightly.

Scarlet let out a small laugh. "It's getting harder to remember that it's fake."

Ha-Joon's eyes softened. "Then don't."

She looked up at him, confused. "What?"

"Don't remind yourself," he said, his voice quieter. "Just... let it be. At least for now."

Scarlet's lips parted slightly, but she found no words to say. Ha-Joon stepped back and stretched. "I think I'll take a shower first. Unless you want to go ahead?"

Scarlet shook her head. "Go ahead."

As he disappeared into the bathroom, Scarlet slowly sank onto the bed. Her fingers grazed the soft petals scattered over the sheets. It really did feel like a honeymoon suite. And for the first time in a long time, she felt like a wife.

***

From his own balcony, Ha-Neul stood with a cup of coffee in his hands, watching the scene unfold before him. His own room was dark, the only light coming from the moon outside. Across from him, through the open balcony doors, he could see straight into Scarlet and Ha-Joon's room.

And what he saw made his grip on the coffee cup tighten. Scarlet was sitting on the bed, her fingers brushing against the petals. Her expression was unreadable, but there was a softness to her that Ha-Neul had never seen before.

Then Ha-Joon emerged from the bathroom, a towel around his shoulders. He walked up behind Scarlet, whispering something to her. She laughed. It wasn't forced. It wasn't polite. It was real. Ha-Neul felt something heavy settle in his chest.

They were blending into each other's lives. Forgetting that this was all just an arrangement. Scarlet was slipping away. Just as he was about to turn away, Ha-Joon's sharp gaze landed on him. For a moment, they stared at each other.

Then, with a slow smirk, Ha-Joon reached for the curtains and, without breaking eye contact, pulled them shut. Ha-Neul let out a breath, closing his eyes for a moment. The bitter taste of coffee lingered on his tongue, but it wasn't nearly as bitter as the feeling in his heart.