Ch#62
62. The End of the Year
A subtle smile spread across Ha-young's lips. She felt her efforts hadn't been in vain. Her chest swelled with anticipation that her overlooked entertainment career might finally change.
"Sure. Could you tell me more about the offer?"
Of course. Let's schedule a meeting and discuss right away.
Ha-young ended the call and sank into complex thoughts. This was an upward trajectory she'd never felt in her life before. Even without marrying Kang-woo, she could seize wealth and fame.
Ha-young set down her phone, let out a deep breath, and glanced at Mi-suk. Unable to hold back, Mi-suk asked eagerly.
"What was that? Some CEO?"
Ha-young's eyes sparkled as she lifted the corners of her mouth.
"Mom, you've heard of K Entertainment, right?"
Mi-suk raised her eyebrows and nodded.
"Of course. Who hasn't? They send singers to America and get them to number one on the Billboard charts."
Ha-young nodded with satisfaction.
"See, Mom's so savvy."
Mi-suk puffed out her chest proudly, then asked curiously again.
"Your daughter's an actress, so of course I know that stuff. But the CEO called you directly?"
Ha-young tapped her phone with shining eyes.
"Yeah, directly. Said he's interested and wants to meet."
"Oh my god! This could be a real opportunity."
Mi-suk's eyes gleamed with shock and excitement.
Ha-young smiled without a hint of disturbance.
"Right? Now I have to be even more careful. Can't miss this chance."
Mi-suk patted Ha-young's shoulder with excited hands.
"Do well, my girl. Are you finally becoming a real star?"
Ha-young sighed, looking at Mi-suk with a faint smile in her eyes.
"Yeah. They want to sign me. Fixed panel on a variety channel, other shows, even ad model offers."
Mi-suk's eyes widened.
"Ad model? You know, the ones that make tens of billions a year?"
Her voice trembled with anticipation, her eyes sparkling.
Ha-young nodded with a smile.
"Yeah. I could do that too."
Mi-suk clasped her hands and jumped up.
"What are you doing? Go sign the contract now!"
Ha-young shook her head carefully and waved her hand.
"Mom, I have to play hard to get a bit. They said they'll set a meeting and contact me."
Mi-suk crossed her arms confidently.
"Hey, how about I be your manager?"
Ha-young burst out laughing.
"What? You as my manager?"
Mi-suk looked at Ha-young seriously.
"Hey, I'm bored. I'm still strong and drive well. Let me be your road manager."
Ha-young shook her head and sighed.
"Mom, do you think K Entertainment is some corner store? They'll assign the best manager, so just think about living luxuriously."
Mi-suk pouted sulkily but soon smiled again.
"Fine, got it. Our daughter will make it big and really take care of me later."
Ha-young barely heard Mi-suk's words. Her chest swelled. Just saying she was close to Kang-woo had blown up like this. This was the entertainment world, this was chaebol life. The thrill of impending status elevation was exhilarating.
It seemed like there was more snow than usual this year. Snow had fallen heavily since winter began, and even on December 31st, it was still coming down. After putting the kids to bed, Na-eun stood lost in thought about the final hours of the year. Outside the window, white snow fell quietly, piling up. Snowflakes drifted slowly, softly blanketing the ground, the serene winter silence enveloping the house.
But unlike the peaceful scenery, a fierce storm raged in Na-eun's heart. Just as the white snow fell coldly, an icy guilt seeped into her chest.
Lately, the internet was filled with news about Ha-young every day. When she first saw the videos a few days ago, she doubted her eyes. But it was real. Articles with sensational titles like "CEO Kang-woo and Ha-young's Secret Relationship." The videos distorted facts inaccurately, but that alone was shocking enough.
At first, Na-eun wanted to come forward and call it all nonsense, even go on a broadcast. But in the vast internet world, truth distorts easily, and lies spread effortlessly. Na-eun couldn't help blaming herself. Kang-woo receiving excessive attention from his rumored relationship with Ha-young, Ha-young exploiting him for scandal—it was all because of her. If she hadn't come to this house, none of this would have happened to Kang-woo.
If I weren't here, no, if I hadn't come to this house...
But Na-eun soon shook her head. No. These thoughts would only drag her deeper down. Because of me, Ji-ho and Min-ho are growing up much healthier. I'm doing well.
But thinking of Kang-woo's face made her heart tighten. His serious gaze, warm smile, the way he gave his all for her every moment—tears welled up. The dark shadow of Ha-young seemed to choke her chest. Since her father passed, her stepmother and sister had only brought her pain.
What should I do? If I stay like this, Kang-woo will face even greater difficulties. Na-eun bit her lip, unable to make any decision. She felt she could no longer face Kang-woo properly.
Of course, Kang-woo would understand and accept everything about her. Yet it all felt like inescapable shackles.
The snow outside showed no sign of stopping, nor did the turmoil in Na-eun's heart. As she paced the living room, the door opened and Kang-woo entered.
"Thanks for waiting up. We should spend these last few hours together before the new year. I barely shook off people at the gathering."
Kang-woo spoke tenderly to Na-eun as if nothing had happened. Na-eun recalled Kyung-hye's words at the main residence and wanted to treat him even better. Tough times might lie ahead.
"Yeah. I waited for that. Shall we have some wine?"
Kang-woo smiled as if he'd been waiting.
"Sounds good. Let's drink in my room tonight."
Na-eun knew what that meant. She nodded slightly. When Kang-woo held out his hand, she took it and went up to the second floor. The room glowed softly under warm lighting. She'd thought it was too cold last time, but now it felt perfect.
"The room's warm."
"I kept the temperature up not knowing when you'd come."
Na-eun raised her eyebrows apologetically at his words.
"Then it's too hot. You like it cool."
"I'll just sleep without the blanket. Whatever."
Na-eun laughed at that. With the curtains wide open, snowflakes fell endlessly, adorning the last day of December. The snow seemed like a white blanket covering the world, even her complicated heart.
Kang-woo played soft jazz from the speaker. As the calm melody filled the room, Na-eun felt enveloped in warmth. Kang-woo brought two wine glasses and set them on the table.
The warmth from his fingertips slowly melted Na-eun's tangled heart. The wine's subtle flavors—sweet, bittersweet, with a slightly astringent finish—spread in her mouth.
"Delicious. This wine must be expensive."
"It's Château Margaux, 2005 vintage. I saved it for a special moment. To share the last day with you. One of the finest from France's Bordeaux region."
"Amazing. Me drinking this. 2005 vintage—wow, that's how many years? Thank you."
"No need. I saved it for someone precious on an important day, and today fits perfectly."
Na-eun nodded and smiled at his words.
"The year's almost over."
She said after sipping her wine, her gaze drifting to the sparkling snowflakes outside. Kang-woo's voice rang in her ears.
"Yeah. So much happened this year."
Kang-woo nodded with a gentle smile and took a sip.
"Looking back, from the moment I met you, my whole life changed. Lots of unexpected things, but all precious memories."
