Scarlet Strings.

Chapter 46:

They took their seats, the ambiance of the private room offering both luxury and comfort. Moments later, Jo Yuri arrived, a petite yet striking woman with a radiant smile. She greeted everyone warmly, immediately bringing a lively energy to the group. As wine was poured and the first dishes were served, an assortment of gourmet appetizers, the conversation naturally drifted toward their lives over the years. 

“So, Seung-Hyun,” Scarlet began, twirling her glass of red wine, “how did you go from academia to running one of most renowned restaurants?” 

Seung-Hyun smirked. “It started as a side hobby. Joo-Young encouraged me to turn my passion for food into something bigger, and before I knew it, I was investing in my first restaurant.” He glanced at his wife with fondness. “She handled most of the business side of things.” 

Joo-Young laughed. “Someone had to keep him from spending all our savings on rare ingredients.” 

Ha-Joon chuckled. “I can relate. Scarlet runs our business empire with an iron grip.” 

Scarlet rolled her eyes but smiled. “Someone has to keep things in order.” 

Siwan leaned back in his chair, swirling his wine. “Speaking of marriages... I heard about your secret wedding.” He smirked. “It was quite the scandal.” 

Scarlet and Ha-Joon exchanged glances before Scarlet answered smoothly, “It wasn’t meant to be a secret forever. Just until things settled down.” 

Siwan laughed. “You should have seen the way the media reacted. For weeks, every fashion column was debating whether it was real or not.” 

Seung-Hyun smirked. “The industry thrives on gossip. But honestly, I think you two handled it well. You shut down the rumors quickly.” 

Ha-Joon took a sip of his wine. “We had no choice. Betrayals within the company forced us to be more direct.” 

Joo-Young, ever perceptive, tilted her head. “That must have been difficult. Dealing with both professional and personal matters at the same time.” 

Scarlet exhaled. “It was, but it only made us stronger.” She glanced at Ha-Joon, and for a brief moment, there was a quiet understanding between them. Even if their marriage was fake.

Siwan smiled. “Well, marriage is always an adjustment. Yuri and I have been together for years, and we’re still learning new things about each other.” 

Yuri nodded, laughing. “Especially with two kids running around. Parenting is a whole new world of surprises.” 

Seung-Hyun grinned. “Same here. Joo-Young and I have a daughter and a son. They keep us on our toes.” 

Scarlet listened, a flicker of something unreadable crossing her expression. She and Ha-Joon were still not married, they were living a life of lies. And that's what triggers her the most. Even so they were still learning what their future together would look like. 

“So,” Seung-Hyun said, leaning forward, “any plans for kids of your own?” 

Scarlet and Ha-Joon exchanged glances again. Scarlet finally said, “Right now, we’re focused on our careers. But who knows what the future holds?” 

Ha-Joon smirked. “For now, I think we’ll just enjoy being married.” 

Siwan raised his glass. “Then let’s toast to that. To success, marriage, and old friendships.” 

The others lifted their glasses, their laughter mingling with the soft clink of crystal. The evening continued with warm conversations, shared memories, and the easy camaraderie of old friends reconnecting. For Scarlet and Ha-Joon, it was a rare moment of peace, a reminder that amidst the chaos of business and betrayal, there were still ties that remained unbroken.