Scarlet Strings.

Chapter 32:

As the car pulled into the long driveway of Ha-Joon and Scarlet's mansion, an exhausted sigh left Scarlet's lips. The day had been long, filled with tension that clung to her skin like an unwelcome second layer. She reached up, massaging the back of her neck as Ha-Joon parked the car and stepped out first.

Ha-Neul remained silent, his mood unreadable, though Scarlet knew he was still affected by what had happened back at Silken Crimson Threads. She had seen the way his jaw had tightened, the way his hands had curled into fists before he had disappeared into the men's restroom. Yet, he had returned, composed as ever, as if nothing had happened.

But Scarlet wasn't blind, she knew Ha-Joon's words had cut deep, just as they were meant to. The moment they stepped inside the mansion, laughter erupted from the living room. Loud, bright, and unmistakable. Scarlet's body tensed for only a second before recognition hit.

Esme.

Of course. Her younger sister had a way of filling a room with her presence, whether anyone wanted it or not. The cheerful sound was accompanied by another voice, deeper, laced with exasperation, Jung Seung-il. Scarlet exchanged a knowing glance with Ha-Joon before stepping further inside.

The sight that greeted them was almost comical. Esme was curled up comfortably on the couch, one leg tucked beneath her, her arm lazily draped over the armrest as she grinned at something Seung-il had just said. Her husband, however, looked considerably less amused.

"You..." Seung-il started the moment he saw Scarlet, his sharp gaze locking onto her. "You should have told me."

Scarlet barely had a second to process his words before he continued, his frustration evident in every syllable. "I had to find out through someone else that you married Ha-Joon? Your own brother-in-law didn't deserve to know? At least a damn phone call, Scarlet."

Scarlet sighed, running a hand through her black locks. "Brother Seung-il, it's not that simple..."

"No, no, no, don't complain," Esme cut in, nudging her husband's side with a teasing smile. "Don't complain, don't complain."

Seung-il shot her an incredulous look. "Esme..."

"Shhh." Esme placed a finger against his lips before turning to Scarlet with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I knew about it, and I wasn't shocked. That should tell you enough."

Seung-il groaned, rubbing his temples as if trying to will away his frustration. "That doesn't make it better, Esme."

Meanwhile, Ha-Neul stood stiffly near the entrance, his expression unreadable. But Scarlet wasn't focused on him. Mrs. Wi, Ha-Joon's mother, sat with her usual composed demeanor, her expression neutral as she sipped her tea, offering no opinion on the matter.

She had never been particularly affectionate, but she also wasn't outright cruel. She simply observed, letting situations unfold before making any judgments. Mrs. Kang. Ha-Neul's mother. Scarlet felt the weight of her gaze the moment she stepped in, and it was anything but warm.

It was a look Scarlet had grown used to, cold, dismissive, filled with silent disapproval. Mrs. Kang had never hidden her dislike for Scarlet, but tonight, there was something else beneath her usual animosity. Shock. Scarlet followed her gaze, confused at first, until she realized Mrs. Kang wasn't looking at her. She was looking at Esme.

It hit her a second later, Mrs. Kang adored Esme. She always had. She had wanted Esme for Ha-Neul. And now, she was learning that Esme was Scarlet's sister. The realization must have been unsettling for her because, for the first time, Scarlet saw hesitation in Mrs. Kang's usually unwavering eyes.