My Husband Never Wanted a Child

Tears welled in Ye-jin’s eyes.

For a moment, she had truly believed that things might turn out all right this time. Hope had been born safely, and he had even changed the baby’s nappy himself.

He might never be the kind of father who loves his child or the kind of husband who loves his wife, but perhaps the three of them could still live together.

That faint, fragile hope had been enough to keep her going.

Yet, like a sandcastle built on the edge of the sea, all that hope had crumbled away. She had to leave him — the conclusion was always the same.

“Madam, please… calm down and stand up.”

Flustered, Ji-hee took hold of Ye-jin’s wrist to help her up.

She looked frail and unsteady, as if her weakened heart had drained her of all her strength, and her body swayed. Ji-hee held her firmly and guided her to the sofa.

“Madam… do you dislike the chairman that much?”

Ji-hee asked carefully.

Ye-jin let out a hollow laugh and shook her head. Not once — not even for a moment — had she ever truly hated that man.

She’d resented him at times, yes, but hated him? Never. Even now, even after everything, she couldn’t bring herself to hate him.

But feelings didn’t matter anymore.

“Actually… I love him.”

Ye-jin whispered, her lips trembling.

“But he’s too dangerous. Twisted and unpredictable… you never know what he’ll do next.”

“……”

“You can’t throw yourself into the sun just because you love it. His warmth is always too hot, it burns me black every time I get too close.”

“……”

“I’m terrified… that one day, he’ll burn even our little Hope.”

“……”

“I can’t… live with him anymore.”

“……”

“Please, Ji-hee. Help me… I’m begging you.”

Tears streamed down her face, glistening like glass beads. Her emotions—love, fear, longing—none of it mattered anymore. All that mattered now was escape.

What mattered most was her child Hope.

Ye-jin could no longer raise her daughter under that man’s roof.

For Hope’s sake, she had to leave him.

Love was no longer something to consider, it wasn’t even part of the equation.

“If that’s truly what you’ve decided, Madam…”

Ji-hee took Ye-jin’s trembling hands in hers.

To Ji-hee, Ye-jin was precious and she cared for her deeply. When she told Ye-jin that she felt like an older sister, it wasn’t just flattery; she meant it.

Yes, she worked for Seo Jung-hoo and was bound to follow his orders. But Ye-jin had always been the person she cared about most. She wanted her to be healthy, to find peace, and to be happy.

However, Ye-jin’s determination to leave Seo Jung-hoo now seemed unshakable. If she refused to help, Ji-hee feared that Ye-jin might do something reckless again, like last time, or worse.

If she sought help elsewhere, she might fall into the wrong hands and face even greater danger.

If it came to that, Ji-hee would rather take the risk herself and help Ye-jin escape safely. Even if it meant losing her job.

“I’ll do everything I can.”

Ji-hee said firmly, meeting her eyes with quiet resolve.

⟡⟡⟡⟡⟡⟡

Jung-min knocked and entered the CEO’s office.

Behind the desk sat Seo Jung-hoo, his expression carved in stone. In front of him stood Chief Baek, wearing an equally grim look. The air was suffocatingly heavy.

“What’s going on? Why’s the atmosphere so d*mn tense?”

“Well… Madam’s furious.”

Chief Baek said cautiously, glancing between the two men.

Jung-min frowned.

“What did you do this time?”

“She found the surveillance app on her phone.”

Baek admitted, looking miserable.

“I told you not to do that!”

Jung-min groaned, dragging a hand through his hair. He couldn’t believe this idiot never listened. When it came to business, the man was a genius—but in matters of women, he was hopeless.

“So what did you do? Did you at least apologize?”

Seo Jung-hoo said nothing.

Jung-min let out a long, exasperated sigh. He didn’t even need to hear the answer; he already knew.

“You idiot.”

“……”

“You’ve got a mind sharp enough to run an empire, but when it comes to Ye-jin, you can’t get a single thing right.”

Shaking his head, Jung-min began giving orders with a rare seriousness.

“Alright, listen to me.”

“……”

“First, book a fancy restaurant.”

“……”

“Then get something that sparkles.”

“……”

“When you’re there, you kneel in front of her and apologize, say you were wrong, and it won’t happen again.”

“……”

“And then… you tell her you love her and give her the sparkly thing.”

Jung-min’s eyes gleamed with confidence as he explained, and even Chief Baek nodded enthusiastically in agreement.

“Do it, man. Right now.”

“……”

“If you don’t, she’ll run away again.”

⟡⟡⟡⟡⟡⟡

Just as Ye-jin was about to strap Hope into the car seat and set off, Ji-hee’s phone rang loudly.

“Yes, sir.”

Ye-jin’s heart dropped. Of all times—why now, when their escape was about to begin?

“How’s Ye-jin?” came his voice through the receiver—deep, calm, and dangerously controlled. “We argued a bit last night.”

“Ah… yes. Madam hasn’t been in the best mood.”

Ji-hee replied, keeping her tone careful and natural.

“I suggested some fresh air, so we’re heading out for a walk in the park with Hope.”

“Good. Has she eaten?”

“Yes, she had lunch a while ago.”

“I made a dinner reservation for tonight. Bring her there, I’ll send you the location.”

“Yes, sir. Understood.”

When the call ended, Ji-hee turned toward the backseat where Ye-jin sat, her face drawn tight with tension.

“The CEO made a dinner reservation. He wants to eat with you tonight.”

“……”

“He… seemed really sorry.”

“……”

“So… are you still going through with it?”

She asked if Ye-jin was still sure about trying to escape.

Ye-jin nodded slowly. She couldn’t allow herself to falter just because of the rare moments of gentleness he displayed occasionally.

One moment he would smile warmly; the next, he would bare his fangs.

“Alright.”

“……”

“We’ll take a short walk through the park first, then head to the nursing room. There’s a big window in there—it’ll be easy to climb through.”

“……”

“Once you get through the window, you’ll see the backyard. I’ve arranged a car waiting there, a gray Buick.”

“……”

“That car will take you straight to the airport. Once you’re there, board the flight to Kuala Lumpur immediately.”

“……”

Ji-hee explained everything in calm, precise detail.

Ye-jin nodded with firm resolve, her eyes filled with grim determination.

⟡⟡⟡⟡⟡⟡

The sunlight was warm and golden. People strolled and cycled through the park, relishing the brightness of such a beautiful day.

The thought of having to run away on a day like this made her heart ache.

As she pushed the stroller, Ye-jin showed Hope the peaceful scenery around them. Beside her, Ji-hee walked quietly while two bodyguards followed behind at a moderate distance, like shadows.

“Hope, shall we have your milk?”

After walking for a while, they entered the nursing room, just as planned.

Inside, Ye-jin turned to Ji-hee, her voice unsteady with worry.

“What about you, Ji-hee? Once he finds out you helped me, he won’t let you off easily…”

“I’ll go into hiding right away. I’ve already found a place. Don’t worry about me.”

“……”

“Now, go.”

Ji-hee smiled faintly and handed Ye-jin the plane ticket to Kuala Lumpur.

Ye-jin nodded, her face set with determination. There was no time for long goodbyes. The two bodyguards were still waiting outside; if they noticed anything, it would all be over.

Ye-jin handed Hope to Ji-hee for a moment, then climbed through the large window. A second later, Ji-hee carefully passed the baby to her through the opening.

“Thank you, Ji-hee. I’ll repay you someday—I promise.”

“Please stay safe.”

As Ji-hee had said, there was a grey Buick waiting in the backyard. Ye-jin held Hope close and ran to the car, climbing in quickly.

The driver hit the accelerator hard. The engine roared and the Buick sped down the road.

Ye-jin watched the scenery blur past through the window, her heart racing. All she wanted now was to reach the airport as quickly as possible.

Then something caught her eye.

“…?”

She leaned closer and stared at Hope’s face. Something was wrong. Just moments ago, he had been fine — smiling and breathing softly.

But now…

“D-Driver.”

Ye-jin stammered, her lips trembling.

“Forget the airport—go to the hospital. Please.”