Chapter 10.5

The first scandal of the new year broke out.

A famous actress, who hadn’t released any recent work but had been shooting several major advertisements, was rumored to be involved in sponsorship deals. Her private life became a hot topic, spreading like wildfire.

The two people in the photos looked like a real couple. Though she knew it wasn’t true, Moonkyeong couldn’t help but read through the article, feeling dazed for a long time afterward.

From the corner of the living room, Dubu peeked out and ran toward her. Despite his injured leg, he always showed affection whenever he saw her, providing her with a bit of comfort.

“I’m heading to Do Hyowon.”

Seojun, dressed impeccably, spoke as he stepped outside.

Moonkyeong nodded.

“Oh, okay.”

“Don’t answer the phone if it rings.”

“Alright.”

Normally, she would have gone with him to exchange New Year’s greetings, but Moonkyeong had decided never to set foot in Do Hyowon again.

It was something she and Seojun had agreed on, and his instruction not to answer the phone was his way of telling her not to meddle.

His scandal must have caused an uproar at the company and among the family members by now.

As expected, as soon as Seojun disappeared from sight, Nam Leehyun called.

Shortly after, Hyeran also tried to reach her multiple times.

Moonkyeong pushed her phone aside. She was curious about how he would explain things but didn’t particularly want to hear it.

She could already imagine how harshly the two mothers would scold him. Just thinking about it made her irritated again.

Feeling the need to do something, she picked up her phone and called Lee Hyesook, who sounded delighted to hear from her.

Hyesook mentioned that she hadn’t even been able to make rice cake soup for her husband on New Year’s morning because she was volunteering at a nursing home. Moonkyeong decided to join her.

After feeding Dubu, she hurriedly left the house.

Hyesook was washing a frail elderly woman’s small feet and giving her a foot massage. Moonkyeong knelt beside her and said,

“I’ll do it.”

“No, it’s fine. This lady likes me. Isn’t that right?”

The elderly woman nodded enthusiastically, clearly in good spirits. Feeling a bit better, Moonkyeong busied herself with helping out.

Although she had many opportunities to interact with Hyesook, the older woman never asked her anything.

The volunteer work ended past 3 p.m. As she was about to head home, Moonkyeong hesitated.

She felt it was only right to confide in Hyesook. After all, she had been more attentive than her own mother and had gone out of her way to care for her.

She stopped Hyesook, who was preparing to leave.

“Um…”

“Yes?”

“If you’re heading home, would it be alright if I came with you?”

“Oh, of course! Let’s go together. Once we get there, let’s exchange some New Year’s blessings.”

Hyesook linked arms with Moonkyeong and got into the car with her.

At National Assembly Member Jeon Taepyeong’s residence, people came and went incessantly. With his approval ratings still above 40%, business leaders lined up to curry favor with him.

Hyesook was busy serving tea to the guests, and Moonkyeong helped her quietly.

It wasn’t until after 7 p.m. that the two finally found some peace. Hyesook led her to the indoor garden outside, lit the fireplace, and served warm burdock tea.

“Wasn’t it pointless to come with me? You must’ve been exhausted.”

Moonkyeong smiled softly and shook her head.

“No, not at all. I wasn’t tired.”

Sipping her tea, Hyesook gave her a kind smile. She had sensed earlier that Moonkyeong had something to say.

Looking at the frozen branches in the distance, Hyesook reflected. Though the winter was harsh now, spring would come eventually. Flowers would bloom, and butterflies would appear.

Such was life. It was all the same in the end. She turned to Moonkyeong and gave her a playful wink.

“You have something to tell me, don’t you?”

Moonkyeong smiled shyly.

“Yes.”

“Go ahead. We have plenty of time.”

“…I think I’m going to divorce Seojun.”

The unexpected news left Hyesook momentarily stunned. She couldn’t understand how two people who had looked so affectionate toward each other could be divorcing after just one year of marriage.

But then, she quickly recalled the reasons why the two might have no choice but to part ways.

Ultimately, it was the people of Do Hyowon who were holding Seojun back and driving Moonkyeong out of Leehan.

As long as they were bound by marriage, it was clear how cruelly those people would torment Moonkyeong.

Sighing softly, Hyesook gazed into Moonkyeong’s eyes and gently asked,

“Is it final?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure you won’t regret it?”

Moonkyeong gave a bitter smile at Hyesook’s repeated question, then nodded again.

“I’ll try not to regret it.”

“So that’s why the affair article was released today. I thought something was strange. I even considered asking him about it. He’s the kind of person who sees through everything, so I knew he’d answer if I asked. But I didn’t.”

“Why not?”

“I didn’t want to know. You see, I really liked the two of you. I wish you could’ve stayed together forever.”

“……”

“Moonkyeong, have you ever heard about Seojun’s childhood?”

“No.”

“I see. Well, it doesn’t matter now that you’re divorcing.”

Feeling guilty for seemingly causing Hyesook pain, Moonkyeong lowered her head.

“Can I ask you for one favor?”

“Yes, please go ahead.”

“I know it must be hard to stay attached when you’re already separating, but don’t be too cold. Could you remain a wife who leaves Seojun with good memories until the very end?”

“……”

“Seojun doesn’t have many good memories. He probably doesn’t even know what love or happiness is. It’s unfamiliar to him, which is why he feels uncomfortable now. He’s clueless about how to hold onto things—like a fool. He’s probably lost more than he’s ever held onto. Please, I’m asking you.”

Hyesook patted Moonkyeong’s back a couple of times before leaving the garden.

As she finished the tea left in her cup, Moonkyeong found herself thinking of Seojun’s face. Hyesook’s words about him having too few good memories weighed heavily on her heart.

She rubbed her reddened eyes again. The phone in her pocket was still ringing incessantly.

Still, she didn’t answer.

***

Two months had passed since the divorce proceedings began. Although it hadn’t been made public yet, anyone could tell that their relationship had fallen apart after the affair scandal broke.

As the lawsuit proceeded, Seojun immediately moved out. It was as if he was mocking Moonkyeong’s attempt to stay with him until the end; he packed his things and left without hesitation.

Meanwhile, Hyeran visited the house several times, causing a scene. She would raise her voice, questioning how someone like Kim Seojun could do such a thing, only to regain her composure and leave soon after.

As Seojun had predicted, Hyeran seemed to support the divorce. With the affair photos already spread nationwide, she had no intention of making Moonkyeong look like a fool.

In fact, she later considered it fortunate that the couple didn’t have any children.

For Moonkyeong, it was a clean divorce without any flaws on her part. Hyeran believed her daughter, being so exceptional and beautiful, could find another good match even with the title of divorcee.

Although she tried to involve herself deeply in the divorce proceedings, Moonkyeong strongly opposed it. After being caught eavesdropping on her daughter for years, Hyeran reluctantly backed down. However, she still frequently called, demanding updates on the situation.

With no apology and only a desire to use her for personal gain, Moonkyeong grew increasingly angry. She pulled out a set of documents she had hidden deep in her vanity drawer.

They were papers for a disownment lawsuit. With the help of Attorney Jo, whom Seojun had introduced to her, Moonkyeong had prepared everything.

She felt sorry for the shock Hyeran would experience upon receiving the lawsuit but wanted the separation to be as quick and clean as possible.

When Moonkyeong stepped into the living room to prepare lunch for Dubu, the intercom from the management office rang.

The officetel, with its second-level privacy protection system, was known for its strict rules regarding outside visitors.

It seemed the security guards in the lobby were having trouble with Shin Jueun, who was causing a commotion.

Since being ousted from Do Hyowon, Shin Jueun had been on a downward spiral. Her son, Seouk, had been arrested, and she had been stripped of her position as the foundation’s director.

There were rumors that she had been scammed after making several investments over the past few months. She had even sought help from Lee Heejin, only to be rejected outright.

Scratching her head a few times, Moonkyeong reluctantly asked the guards to let her up.

As soon as the door opened, Shin Jueun barged in with her characteristic irritability, pushing past Moonkyeong.

“So, you’re divorcing Seojun?”

“Yes. What brings you here?”

“I thought we could have some coffee.”

Moonkyeong stared at her. Even in the middle of winter, Shin Jueun had on sunglasses, a short miniskirt, and a fur coat. She looked pitiful.

“Please have a seat. I’ll be down shortly.”

After glancing around the house, Shin Jueun sat on the sofa, crossing her legs. Oblivious to her impending downfall, she acted as arrogantly as ever. Placing her sunglasses on the table, she asked Moonkyeong,

“You’re getting quite a bit of alimony, aren’t you?”

Moonkyeong, who was brewing coffee, frowned slightly. She shrugged her shoulders lightly.

“I wouldn’t know.”

“I know you don’t like me.”

Moonkyeong placed only Shin Jueun’s coffee on the table and sat stiffly across from her.

“Madam Shin, please say what you came to say.”

“I’m not a director anymore. Are you mocking me?”

“……”

“How much are you getting? Lend me some money. The place I’m staying at now is awful—too small and uncomfortable. I need something like this to live comfortably.”

Finally revealing her true intentions, Shin Jueun made Moonkyeong chuckle.

She had long known that Shin Jueun lacked any sense of conscience, but even now, she managed to surpass her expectations.

Moonkyeong looked at her coldly.

“Ms. Shin Jueun.”

“What?”

“You said you’re not a director anymore.”

“……”

“Go to a temple and perform three thousand bows. Then I’ll consider it.”

She kicked the scowling woman out of the house. In hindsight, she regretted opening the door in the first place.

Curling up on her bed, Moonkyeong found the house eerily quiet without Seojun. She didn’t feel like doing anything, so she pulled the blanket over herself and put on her earphones.

A familiar voice came through, scolding Seojun.

– What about your happiness? I looked into everything you’ve done over the past few years. Even bringing that child from Russia—it was all your doing.

The voice belonged to National Assembly Member Jeon Taepyeong.