Work Text:
It’s nothing new; he knows that. It’s something that everyone knows and acknowledges. Funnily, everyone condemned her for getting married to him when no one knew what she looked like. So when their interview was made public and everyone finally saw the real Hong Hae-in, the internet went wild. She trended for days as the gorgeous chaebol of Queens Group which turns out to be a benefit for the company.
But no one could deny that his (former) wife is stunningly beautiful. He himself has never met anyone like her. Her long, luscious dark hair, her white porcelain skin, her big almond eyes that he could just drown in, those perfectly carved nose, and those lips… lips that are so gorgeously sexy, it’s a sin.
It’s a known fact that there’s a group of women in the office who worship his (former) wife. It was amusing, to say the least. Apparently, there’s a group chat that would give updates on how she dresses for the day and what jewellery she’s wearing. And then, there’s that group of men who have a crush on Hong Hae-in. He knew about it even when they were married, and it never bothered him because he knows that Hong Hae-in would not spare them a glance. The group of men would just muse on how beautiful she is, and he found himself agreeing to what was said most of the time.
But after the surgery, he noticed something different. Hong Hae-in did lose her memories; he knows that. She was still Hong Hae-in who exudes confidence, brilliance, and superiority, but there were things that made her different… tiny things that spoke volumes. Like how she makes small talk with the staff during meetings, or how she would give a smile here and there, or how her remarks were polite and warm. It was pleasantly normal… to a certain extent.
The fanboys drooled when Hong Hae-in smiled at them. The fangirls were swooning whenever she talked to them. The staff were mesmerized by her. Hong Hae-in was different; approachable, charismatic, and charming… and that made her even more appealing.
It was okay. It really was.
Until it wasn’t okay for him anymore.
Rumors are rampant that she’s still divorced… and that means she’s unmarried and that the spot beside her is still vacant. Even if he, Baek Hyun-woo, is in the picture.
“It’s not like they are married yet, right? So, we still have a chance!” Baek Hyun-woo smiled incredulously when he heard the remark in the gents the other day. For real?
“But gosh, don’t you think she’s been even more gorgeous lately? Those legs in those heels… I love it when she wears short skirts the most!” Baek Hyun-woo had to cough to hide his gasps. I have to make Hae-in wear pants!
“But I like it more when she wears those pant suits… my imagination is just so wild, you know?” Baek Hyun-woo is seething now. What in the world is happening?
“Director Baek would whip you if he hears you guys said that.” Calm yourself, Baek Hyun-woo!
“I know they were married and still like each other now, but a man can dream, nah? She’s like super perfect: beauty, brain, behaviour!”
“Can you imagine she used to be super cold, but ever since she came back from her surgery… damn, I think I’ve fallen in love with her! Super nice, gorgeous, and rich! Talk about a perfect woman!”
Of course, idiot! She had always been…
It dawned on Baek Hyun-woo then that Hong Hae-in had only showed her kindness to a selected few. She had always been nice, but not everyone was privileged to experience it. Just like how she built a transit home for her staff to help their family members who are sick or when she ordered juices for the whole office to help a man who just had his baby. Her kindness was overshadowed by her cold, sarcastic, and pompous personality.
It was to avoid these kinds of people.
It was to protect herself.
Somehow, that pained him because he never thought of it that way.
*
Baek Hyun-woo was late to the reception. The consultation after the trial took longer than he had expected, and by the time he arrived, the ambassador had already given his toast. His eyes scanned the hall to locate Hong Hae-in, and he smiled seeing her side profile. He was rushing through the crowd when he caught a glimpse of a gentleman talking to Hae-in. His position and posture were noticeably close to her and it really ticked him off.
What the?
The man was tall and good-looking. They were speaking in English, and it made his blood boil for no reason. His eyes caught hers, and she smiled at him, so he hurried to her side, extending his right hand to the unknown person.
“Hi, I’m Baek Hyun-woo.”
“Baek Hyun-woo is the legal director of the Queens Group...” Hae-in introduced him, and somehow that pained him too. It used to be my husband and the legal director of…
“He’s also my fiancé.” She continued, smiling at him. Baek Hyun-woo is thankful that he managed to maintain the smile plastered on his face. This woman is just full of surprises.
“Oh! I didn’t know you’re engaged!” The other man smiled sheepishly.
“Well, we’re in the midst of planning things out. Hyun-woo, this is Ahn Hyo-seop; he’s the grandson of Mr. Ahn of the Hanjin Group.” They shook hands.
“Nice to meet you.” He wanted to claim his territory, wanted to flaunt their relationship, but it’s just complicated. In this situation, he has to swallow his pride and keep his composure; there’s no use feeling intimidated by a seemingly young chaebol who seems to be interested in his (former) wife. The conversation continued, and all seems well, but Baek Hyun-woo is not at peace. He has to do something.
*
The weekend is the time they will spend the whole day doing things together. It is on top of their daily breakfast and evening walks. The weekend is when they spend time doing things like a normal couple would. But today, he just wanted to be at a place where he feels the most comfortable and confident: Yongdu-ri.
The drive back to his hometown was filled with them enjoying small talks. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary.
What was my favourite flower? Where was our favourite place to go? Where did we take our pre-wedding pictures?
Baek Hyun-woo knows that she’s still very much afraid to move forward in their relationship. Heck, he feels the same too. But he wants to be the person legally responsible for her, the one to cherish and protect her. Even if it means he had to take another bullet, he would.
It had already been a month since he asked her to marry him on an unassuming ordinary day. His proposal was silly and just plain heart talk that blurted out of him, but she had said yes, and that was enough. He was not prepared then, but he is now. He had gotten a new ring to complete the ritual, but he waited for a signal from her if she was ready to be together officially.
He parked his car near his parents' shop, and they went out to greet his family. As usual, his mother would fuss over Hae-in like her own daughter, while his father would fawn over her earnestly. His parents love Hong Hae-in; he knows that. They treated her like she’s one of their own, which makes it even more endearing to him.
The day was filled with random walks, fruit picking, and just enjoying each other’s company. It was after dinner that they were finally able to sit together in front of his parent’s shop, sharing a popsicle. He smiled silently.
“Did you remember something?” Hae-in’s eyes were curious.
“Yes… here, this very place was where I first confessed that I want to be beside you. I said that it’s okay if you’re poor or if your family has debts, I’ll be beside you.” They laughed together. Oh, the irony of how things turned out.
“You must be very bad with fashion to not notice my expensive attire, Baek Hyun-woo.”
“I really was. This,” he gestured to himself, “was all you. I was the Cinderella dressed in the most exquisite garments by my princess charming,” they smiled at each other. Silence settled between them, and it was comforting and homey.
“Hae-in, I know we’ve agreed to take things slowly, but my proposal last month wasn’t complete, and you know that. I…” he trailed off, trying to gauge how she was feeling. He found solace in her encouraging eyes. “I don’t want to rush you, and I don’t want you to feel burdened by me as well, but... I think I am my own worst enemy. I am a jealous beast. My eyes just go red every time I see a guy near you...”
He chuckled. This must be how Hae-in felt before. Oh, the twist of fate in all of this.
“It’s silly, but I’m just a fool for you, Hae-in ah… My first proposal was when you set things up, and I thought the universe lined things up for us. My second proposal was due to my own stupidity, and my third was not completed…”
Baek Hyun-woo dropped to his knees in front of her.
“I promise I will mend whatever is broken, take any bullet for you, and stay by your side forever if you let me… so I just want to confirm… would you marry me?” He took out the ring that he finally got delivered.
Hong Hae-in smiled, her eyes glassy as she let out the breath she was holding. She knew something would take place today, but it was always Baek Hyun-woo taking her breath away.
“If you asked me yesterday, I would’ve said yes.” Her tone was teasing, and he could see the edge of her lips curving.
“But, since you asked me today, I would have to say of course.” She smiled, a wave of emotion gushing through her as tears fell. Baek Hyun-woo quickly brushed away tears that fell on her cheeks as he felt like he’s facing the old Hae-in.
“But I want you to promise me this: don’t go around with your sleeves up or drunk in front of other women or showing your intelligence to them. You can only do that with me since you are now legally mine.”
Baek Hyun-woo gaped, eyes marvelling at the wonder and paradox of his life. Hong Hae-in is still Hong Hae-in, pre or post-surgery. And Hong Hae-in is his as much as he is Hong Hae-in’s.
“So, what’s your answer?” her right hand grabs his chin, pursing his mouth.
“Deal.” He pursed his lips deliberately and she smiled as she closed the gap between them to share a kiss.
*
In the distance, Bong-ae took the KRW300,000 and shoved it in her pocket. “See? I told you I know my youngest son the best!” Her husband and her other kids groaned as they witnessed Hyun-woo’s proposal.
They will have to prepare for a wedding soon.