Scarlet Strings.

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.