CHAPTER 1: Wedding Anniversary Gifts (Part 1)

“I’ll take this one.”

The woman’s hands were faster than anyone else’s as she picked out the man’s tie in a private room at the department store.

A professional personal shopper complimented her on her ability to pick out the most expensive and stylish pieces in a flash.

“Your eye for style is truly exceptional.”

The VVIP guest was none other than Seo Moon-kyeong, the first daughter-in-law of Lee Han Group’s chairman, Kim Seok-young, whose name was known to anyone.

Little did anyone know that she had a troubled past as an adopted child.

The personal shopper, exclusive to VVIPs, stuck close to her and softened his voice with kindness.

“We have some new bags that just came in. Would you like me to show them to you?”

Moon-kyeong gave a gentle smile to the employee.

“No, it’s okay, I’ll come and see it next time.”

“Alright then. I’ll only process this purchase.”

When the personal shopper gave a nod, the employees who had come in with gift items from each store all grabbed what they had brought and disappeared outside.

Their actions are all coordinated, but they don’t forget to be polite to their VVIP guest.

Moon-kyeong gracefully pulled out her card from her wallet and completed the payment. She delicately placed the exquisitely packaged tie into her bag.

The gift for him, which she had been contemplating for a month to commemorate their first anniversary, was a source of dilemma for someone who already had so much.

For her birthday in August, her husband had gifted her a luxury sedan, one of only three in the country. 

Last Christmas, he presented her with a bag from a famous designer that hadn’t even been released yet. And for his mother-in-law’s birthday earlier this year, he gave her an entire villa in Gangwon Province.

For him, she settled on giving him a tie. There was nothing more she could do. She was in a position where she couldn’t give a car like her husband, didn’t know famous designers, and didn’t have extravagant villas to spare.

Moon-kyeong tied her long, black hair neatly in a bun. Her husband likes it this way.

He likes it when she wears simple clothes, a simple hairstyle, and few accessories, appearing elegant yet not overdoing it.

With her hair modestly styled, looking nothing less than ideal, she walked into the restaurant and sat down.

He would be on time, as he always was.

Being a man with a thorough sense of time, he wouldn’t rush too early or move too slowly.

Moon-kyeong glanced at the watch on her wrist. It was exactly 30 minutes until she was supposed to meet him.

She enjoyed this time. Not the time spent waiting for someone but the time she could be completely alone.

“It’s embarrassing to be this excited.”

Her heart must have been pounding in her chest because she took a drink of water to quench her dry throat. As she sipped from her wine glass, she slowly scanned the restaurant.

Her husband, who strongly disliked having others intrude on their dining space, had, as expected, rented the entire restaurant.

It was a strange feeling to be sitting alone in such a large space that must have been well over 100 square meters.

Snowflakes were falling outside the window.

Early in the morning, the radio had mentioned a weather forecast speculating the possibility of the first snowfall in the afternoon.

“Hmm.”

It’s the first snowfall on their anniversary. How romantic. Moon-kyeong’s eyes curved with a gentle smile.

Just then, her cell phone vibrated in her purse. Recognizing the familiar name, she answered the call with a calm voice.

“Yes, Mom.”

• Where are you? Have you met Mr. Kim?

“Not yet, there’s still about 30 minutes.”

• Your husband, Mr. Kim sent a bag to our house in Seongbuk-dong. It’s your anniversary, and he’s showering us with gifts.

“Thank you. I’ll give him your thanks later.”

• Yes, don’t forget to convey it. How about a child? Not yet?

“We’re working on it.”

• Have one as soon as possible. You won’t be a complete couple until you have a child. Do you understand what I mean?

“Yes, I do.”

• If you’re free this weekend, stop by Seongbuk-dong. It’s been a while since we saw each other. How about having a drink just the two of us?

“I will.”

• Okay, congratulations on your 1st anniversary, my daughter.

Expressing gratitude continuously, she ended the call.

While she waited for him, Moon-kyeong checked her email inbox on her phone.

The constant stream of fan messages from her days as a ballerina had certainly slowed down. She had studied ballet at a prestigious school and then taken an early leave of absence to study in Russia.

From a young age, she actively participated as a soloist in a Russian ballet company, building her reputation. Even in Korea, Moon-kyeong had a dazzling career, her name becoming a household name.

Despite being in what could be considered the prime of her career, she had given up ballet.

Her mother couldn’t help but feel regretful. When her mother asked why she would quit something she was so good at, Moon-kyeong explained quietly that she wanted to get married.

[After marriage, I just want to focus on Seojun, Mom.]

Beyond the window, snowflakes seemed to be getting thicker. It’s probably going to fall more.

If it keeps piling up, would he be late for the first time in his life?

She smiled wryly at the thought and took out her lipstick. Feeling like a new bride, she freshened up her makeup.

Meanwhile, a call came from Seojun’s executive secretary. Moon-kyeong replied that she had safely arrived at the restaurant they had agreed upon. She also told him to drive carefully as the roads were slippery.

After another year, she’d be in her thirties, and it didn’t feel real. A few days ago, she jokingly asked Seojun, who is three years older than her, what life is like in your 30s.

As he sat in his study, looking at his tablet PC, he raised his cold eyes. Why ask such a thing? That was his reaction. Nevertheless, Moon-kyeong didn’t hesitate to answer.

[Tell me, isn’t it still a little different?]

[Not at all.]

[Exactly the same?]

[Do you want it to be different?]

[Yes. Life is so boring when it’s the same every time].

[It sounds like you find married life incredibly boring though.]

[If it sounded that way, then try making an effort.]

He sharply retorted with his chin raised.

[What more can I do to make an effort here?]

[I’m just kidding. I was just curious. Wondering if life in your thirties is a bit different.]

Whether life became a bit more relaxed, a bit more liberated, or perhaps became twice as busy.

She was expecting some kind of formal answer. At that moment, she realized her expectations were perhaps too high for her reserved husband.