At the End of That Memory Chapter 5

Instinctively, I straightened my back. Until now, I had been neglecting it, but I had to listen to the conditions related to the plan for my children. Besides, Kwon Yido’s words somehow had the power to make people focus.

“There are two conditions.”

Calm eyes leisurely looked around at everyone. Passing through the expectant faces and even at me, who was sitting right next to him. The two eyes that met mine at a close distance took on a different look, appearing gentle.

“First, Jung Sejin will come and live in my house starting tomorrow.”

Did he want me to answer? I nodded my head in understanding. It was for a very short moment, but a satisfied smile hung on Kwon Yido’s lips. He quickly erased his expression and this time spoke to my father.

“Second.”

Now was the moment when the future that Minjae spoke of was being mentioned. Living with your legs wide open to an alpha bastard I didn’t even know. The reason for asking me to come home right away would probably be to make it easier for us to have a child.

“Jung Sejin will quit the position of being the Director of Haeshin Group.”

“…”

For a moment, I couldn’t understand Kwon Yido’s words. ‘That’s it.’ The words that followed were the same. He added kindly as we stared back in bewilderment.

“If you have any objection, I will listen.”

“…Kwon Yido, it’s that…”

Embarrassed, I momentarily grabbed Kwon Yido’s arm. It was a trivial action, but not only Kwon Yido, but even I, who raised his hand, was shocked. No matter how much I held his hand throughout the engagement ceremony, it wasn’t a relationship where I could just touch him like this.

“Sorr…”

“You don’t have to be sorry, so let me hear you out.”

Kwon Yido resolutely cut off the apology I wanted to offer him. He even awkwardly raised my hands back on his arms. Meeting my eyes gently, he furrowed his brows.

“Are you not satisfied with the terms?”

It was an expression that I couldn’t imagine him making. I didn’t know why he looked at me like this but there was only one answer I could give him.

“About planning a child…I thought you were going to talk about it.”

I definitely knew how to talk about what I wanted to get from marriage. For example, how many children to have, how to deal with child custody, and things like that. If they chose an Omega that didn’t pay off, my purpose would have a shelf life of 2 years.

“Well…”

However, Kwon Yido narrowed his eyes and hesitated. He patted the back of my hand and even curled up the corners of his mouth.

“We can discuss it later.”

“…We?”

I was speechless as my mouth remained gaped. Not because he said the discussion would be limited to us two, but how his way of words contained a joking tone.

“There are children here so it’s not suitable to talk about that in front of the whole family.”

Was it a sign that I needed to know better? Or was it a joke I didn’t understand?

There was nothing wrong about saying that we were the only ones who needed to discuss it. To determine the details of the contract, it was necessary to share the frequency of our heat or rut cycle. Hence, rather than a place full of people, it would be better to converse in private.

But the problem was the second condition he laid. It would not benefit Kwon Yido in any way if I resigned from my position. Even if it was a marriage for profit, what kind of use would he have of me, who had no profitable position at all?

“…”

Oh, was it like that?

Some old-fashioned people preferred their spouses to take care of house chores. I wondered if Kwon Yido thought of himself as a knight, who wanted to do the same as those people.

“Well, Director?”

The person who broke my thoughts was my father. The father cleared his throat once and spoke in a soft tone.

“Wouldn’t it be difficult for us since Sejin is not a mere employee but the director of a company?”

My father’s eyes were strong, but his face was smiling. While appealing to his difficulties, it was clear that he did not want to offend Kwon Yido.

“Besides, originally…”

“Let’s ask Jung Sejin.”

Third, my father was speechless as the corner of his mouth trembled. Kudos to him for enduring given that he was someone who morbidly hated being ignored. Ignoring my father, Kwon Yido looked at me and asked.

“Jung Sejin, do you want to continue working as the general manager?”

Kwon Yido gave me a chance. However, it felt like he wanted me to say no. Of course, the answer I had to give was decided.

“No.”

“…”

“I will meet your conditions.”

The joys and sorrows between the two people contrasted. Kwon Yido’s expression was as expected, but her father’s reaction was different. My father, who knew how to smile proudly, frowned with disapproval for some reason.

I was curious. My father always disapproved of giving me power. Even the position of the Director, he only gave it to me since he was conscious of other people and that he had plans of taking that position himself.

“So he says.”

Kwon Yido stretched his lips as if he were proving his point. There wasn’t a big change in expression, but what he wanted to say was conveyed accurately. My father struggled to keep a smile on his face and furrowed his brow.

“Still, giving up work…”

“Chairman Jung.”

Fourth, my father’s face morphed strangely. I wondered if this was the place that would end Chief Kim’s suffering, seeing how closely scrunched his brows were. It was further confirmed by Kwon Yido’s next question.

“Do you see what I am proposing now?”

Kwon Yido did not even imitate the courtesy that Vice Chairman Kwon Sangmi was also given. He just renounced his words coldly as if he was merely stating his points.

“I’m sorry if you thought this was a place where you could say no.”

“…”

“It would be difficult if the President of a group couldn’t understand my point.”

The pretentious and friendly atmosphere was shattered in an instant. Kwon Yido’s family could have stopped him but there was no sign of them doing so. No, since we were not even on the same level, wasn’t it expected?

“I think you understand a little bit…Shall we have a toast?”

Kwon Yido raised his champagne glass without changing his expression. I caressed the thin part of the glass, trying not to look at my family. The expression of displeasure on each one was not a very nice sight to see.

“Since we already celebrated the engagement, shall we commemorate Director Jung, who will be retiring as of today?”

“…!”

My father bit his lip. Since the word, ‘today’ was enough to add fuel to the fire. Kwon Yido spoke in an impudent tone as he looked down at my father’s reddened face.

“I received a good opportunity thanks to President Jung.”

Judging from my experience so far, it was a miracle that the table did not tip over. The way Kwon Yido provoked by suggesting everyone to clink their drinks.

“Thank you for your understanding.”

But my father was a much more patient person than I thought. I could tell by the fact that he managed to keep his expression pretty calm and raised his glass.

The fate of the family with unsatisfied expressions and the members of the Seonho group was unknown. An unpleasant toast signaled the conclusion of a one-sided negotiation.

* * *

The meal continued until dark. It was around evening in the garden, the lights decorating the flowers lit up the surroundings one by one. The sight was so beautiful that it was enough to soften the expression of the family.

“Jung Sejin.”

When the dessert was half eaten, Kwon Yido’s older sister opened her mouth. She was the Vice president of Seonho Group and the mother of Kwon Hyeyul, she was a dominant Omega who looked exactly like Kwon Sangmi. She asked in a gentle voice, tucking her long hair behind her ear.

“You are Omega, right?”

I could feel everyone’s gaze. From the curious gaze of the members of the Seonho group, the tongue-in-cheek gaze of my father and mother, the look from Minjae who knew what I was exactly, and the looks from Seoyoung’s side.

“I heard you were an Omega but I couldn’t smell your pheromones at all.”

“…”

So, even the pheromone perfume didn’t help.

“Yes, I am an Omega. A dominant, at that.”

I opened my mouth in the most calm tone possible. I had rehearsed several times on how to explain my flaws. I was ready to briefly explain that there was no problem with the particular function of an Omega they were seeking.

“It’s just…”

“It seems the smell of the flowers has dulled your nose.”

But the moment I was about to speak, a casual voice intercepted my words. Kwon Yido was the only one who didn’t throw me a side eye like everyone. Kwon Yido lowered his eyes and smiled faintly.

“Jung Sejin’s pheromones are similar to the scent of flowers.”

It was like a dream. To the point where he didn’t seem to be the one who had been pushing my father until a moment ago. There was no way that an Alpha the size of Kwon Yi could be fooled by mere nostalgia.

“Plus…”

I glanced at Kwon Yido’s profile. Beneath his straight brow bones, the bridge of his nose could be seen, as if it had been drawn. A face that Koreans couldn’t recognize. Was it my illusion that a face that looked too difficult and cold, appeared friendly and kind?

“I don’t need anyone else to know my fiancée’s pheromones.”

Saying so, Kwon Yido asked for their understanding. Right? In response to his soft question, I nodded as if possessed. Kwon Yido’s older sister also shrugged her shoulders as she exchanged glances with her husband.

“Well, it doesn’t matter anyway.”

It was a foolishly simple solution. As if she wasn’t a big interest in the first place, the eyes that were focused on me were scattered one by one. My father put on a proud smile (he seemed to think the perfume had worked), but I knew it wasn’t to his credit.

“…”

Why did this person help me?

The public described Kwon Yido as follows. He was highhanded and authoritative and was said to be a cool-headed person who was excellent at distinguishing between public and private affairs. It was an industry rumor, but it was clear that most of it was based on facts.

But Kwon Yido was already showing me his mercy. Once by letting me touch his arm, and the other time by defending me against his older sister. Even saying that my pheromone was similar to the scent of a flower, even asking for my agreement.

“It seems like you want to say something…”

Being so lost in my reverie, I was inadvertently staring at him. In a voice so low that only I could hear, he offered me a choice.

“Do you want to say it now or tomorrow?”

“…”

Oh, tomorrow.

“…It’s nothing.”

Did he ask me to move tomorrow? I moved my place of residence overnight, and I did not have any complaints. Living together earlier than marriage but after an engagement ceremony with someone I didn’t even know. It was an abnormal process, but a normal process was rarer.

“Okay, let’s talk later. The two of us.”

I didn’t answer and poked the dessert with my fork. The word ‘two’ made my mouth run hot. Was I someone who valued the looks of others? One side of my chest throbbed enough to think that.

Maybe 10 minutes have passed since then. Kwon Sangmi, who put down the tableware, announced that she would be leaving soon and arranged her seat. While Kwon Sangmi and my father shook hands, Chief Kim, who was waiting, came closer and put a coat on my shoulder.

“Do you want to go home?”

“Well, I was originally heading to my parents’ house…”

I glanced at the faces of my family. Seoyoung was okay, but the other people’s expressions were not very good. In particular, Minjae was glaring at me with more fierce eyes than usual.

“I’d better go home.”

“…I will prepare the car.”

Chief Kim couldn’t bear to deny it and looked down vaguely. The words he tried to say would have been the best answer he could give. I was about to smile as a request, but I heard a voice calling me from behind.

“Jung Sejin.”

Perhaps on purpose, Kwon Yido stood in front of Minjae. Chief Kim, who was watching, stepped back, saying he would wait at the entrance. The lights in the garden dimly illuminated Kwon Yido’s face.

“If you don’t mind, let’s take a walk.”

* * *

The promenade attached to the garden was structured leading from the ceremony hall. The landscaping created along the flat stone road was an eye candy throughout the walk. Initially, it seemed to be an open place, but I didn’t see anyone coming and going as if they had booked it in advance.

Kwon Yido didn’t say anything to me after entering the promenade. The last reaction he showed was to check on my coat to see if I was cold. Even though he was wearing his formal suit without an overcoat.

“… ”

“…”

The sound of our shoes rustling and stepping on the stone-covered road was clear. Since the surroundings were quiet, I could clearly hear even the small cries of grass insects. Kwon Yido’s shoes once, and my shoes once. As I slowly moved my gaze, I suddenly said.

“…The road is decorated so beautifully.”

I didn’t know what the intention of the walk was, but I was the one who had to lead the conversation. It was my role to be on my best behavior and not stray from the contract.

“There are lights…It’s not too dark.”

“…”

“It will be prettier in spring.”

I tried to smile as naturally as possible. Unlike usual, I was nervous, but I wasn’t immature enough to make mistakes. At least I wouldn’t make a bad first impression if I was being nice enough.

“They said they were going to plant flowers when the days are longer.”

Kwon Yido said gently, keeping his eyes closed. The voice that matched the night air was as deep as his pheromone.

“Spring flowers in spring, summer flowers in summer, and autumn flowers in autumn.”

“…”

“It’s not all finished because the landscaping work hasn’t been done yet.”

If it wasn’t for the self-restraint of the Seonho group, wouldn’t it be okay for him to bring out his best performance? Since he had good vocalization, every word has a sense of weight in my ears.

“I’ll have to come back once it’s finished.”

I rubbed the tips of his cold ears and turned my head slightly. I could feel Kwon Yido’s gaze on the crown of my head. I was not short either, but Kwon Yido said he was half a span taller than me.

“Today…”

He let go of small talk and chose his words for a moment. No, it looked like he was hesitant about something. Gently frowning, he spoke in a nonchalant tone.

“You must have waited for a long time, wasn’t it boring?”

“Not at all…It was fine thanks to you.”

A look of wonder flashed in his dark eyes. Thanks to me? It was as if he was asking me.

“I didn’t know how much time passed because I was busy looking at the flowers.”

Really, it wasn’t boring. It was because I felt an unprecedented sense of comfort while looking at the various kinds of flowers.

“Thank you for the bouquet. If you don’t mind, I thought I’d take it with me when I come home tomorrow…”

I don’t know the decorated flowers, but the lily of the valley was kept by Chief Kim. I was going to take it home, but I was thinking about taking it with me while moving houses. I was about to get permission to ask if it would be okay, but Kwon Yido’s expression was very strange.

“…Kwon Yido?”

“…”

He had the same face as when he first held my hand. Perhaps because of the darkness around him, he looked like he was about to burst into tears. Blinking his eyes once, twice, he barely raised his lips.

“Jung Sejin.”

“…”

“I’ll see you tomorrow too.”

It was a strange sentence. Even if you didn’t, we would still be living in the same house.

“Of course, I will see you tomorrow at your house, Kwon Yido.”

We were supposed to meet tomorrow, of course. Not only tomorrow, but the next day, and the day after that, I would see your face every day. Even if you didn’t have to promise the next one, it would have been as long as you promised to get married.

“Well…It’s a bit late, but let’s say it again.”

When I said it playfully, Kwon Yido’s expression softened. I held out his right hand to him and repeated what I said earlier.

“I am Jung Sejin.”

It was a half-joking handshake. To relieve the atmosphere, to relieve this embarrassing feeling.

“…I am Kwon Yido.”

But he held my hand with a hesitant look. He lowered his eyes slightly and smiled with a nostalgic smile.

“Thank you, Jung Sejin.”

“…”

To that, I had no answer. I just stared blankly at Kwon Yido’s face for no reason. The softly curved eyes were warm as if looking he was looking at his lover.