Chapter 20
It was a mystery how Do-heon had managed to acquire the painting so quickly when Jeon Jun-ho would have been on high alert, determined never to sell any artwork to Cheong-yeon.
Thanks to that incident, even Grandmother misunderstood and thought Cheong-yeon was genuinely passionate about art.
Looking back now, Do-heon’s actions at that time might have been nothing more than encouraging his spouse to maintain a certain level of sophistication. Nevertheless, back then, Cheong-yeon had been purely happy about the fact that Do-heon had personally gifted him the painting. Even though he had no idea of its actual value in the art market.
“What’s wrong? You don’t seem very enthusiastic?”
Cheong-yeon snapped out of his thoughts at Grandmother’s question. He had missed the timing to respond while recalling the past.
“No, I’m very pleased. I’ll definitely make time to go with Do-heon.”
Cheong-yeon smiled at Grandmother as he placed the invitation in front of himself.
Meanwhile, Do-heon stood up from his seat, saying he had received a call from the company.
Grandmother glanced disapprovingly at his retreating figure as he left the dining room.
“He’s taking work calls even when he’s here. If that’s the case, he might as well set up house at the company.”
“He seems to be quite busy these days.”
While smiling brightly, Cheong-yeon inwardly sneered. It was strange why this man, who had reportedly taken a vacation right after their divorce, was pretending to be so busy.
Ah, perhaps he’s busy now because he enjoyed himself too freely back then? What was the reason for suddenly using vacation days that he never took during their entire marriage? To savor the freedom of being single?
“And for this invitation… thank you for getting it for me. It’s an exhibition that only people who are really close to the museum director can attend, so I’ve never been able to go. It would be perfect to pick up a packaged cake after the exhibition and take it home.”
Truthfully, Cheong-yeon had no interest whatsoever in attending the exhibition, but he was slightly tempted by the mention of cake orders. The whole cakes there were truly exceptional.
Unlike what one might expect from the son of a wealthy family, Jeon Jun-ho, who was petty by nature, didn’t open the bakery inside the art museum to just anyone. He only provided desserts as special events to a select few people whom he personally invited.
Honestly, the taste did live up to all the fuss he made about it. Something about ingredients imported from France or whatnot.
Grandmother took a sip of water as she listened to Cheong-yeon’s repeated expressions of gratitude.
“Come to think of it, you look comfortable in your clothes today. Your complexion looks good too.”
“Yes. These days I’m really… living with peace of mind.”
Since entering this place, Cheong-yeon spoke his most truthful words. Perhaps because he was doing only what he wanted these days, his mind and body were at peace.
“I wish you could get along well with Do-heon too.”
Grandmother muttered as if sighing. Cheong-yeon maintained his smile and reassured her.
“Don’t worry, we get along fine.”
“When you hadn’t been married to Do-heon for long, you once came to me and asked.”
Grandmother tilted her head slightly and intertwined her fingers as if tracing old memories.
“You said something about Do-heon wanting attention. That you wanted to get along really well with him without disappointing him.”
Cheong-yeon felt embarrassed thinking about how his past self had confided everything to Grandmother.
At that time, receiving Do-heon’s affection was Cheong-yeon’s biggest concern. Since everyone in the family disliked him, he must have relied on Grandmother, who was at least kind to him.
Back then, he had believed that if he tried harder and did better, Do-heon would recognize his sincerity and someday love him.
I was too young then. Cheong-yeon thought bitterly to himself.
“That’s right. I did. I think I was too impatient about everything back then. Looking back, I even went to you with such foolish talk.”
To have wished so earnestly for a wish that would never come true.
It was surprising that Grandmother still remembered that incident. Though she appeared stern on the outside, she was actually very compassionate. This was evident in how she accepted young Do-heon, who was an illegitimate child, as an official family member, and willingly showed kindness to Cheong-yeon, a Recessive Omega who had nothing.
“I never thought it was a foolish question. Do you remember what I told you then?”
“No. What did you say?”
Though what Grandmother had replied to his foolish question from the past was no longer of any importance to Cheong-yeon, he met her eyes as if curious and asked.
“I told you that if Do-heon wants attention, you shouldn’t do what he tells you to do, but rather what you want to do.”
“Ah.”
Cheong-yeon started to vaguely recall what Grandmother had told him in the past.
However, forcing himself to remember only brought back fragmented images of a dismal past that would bring no joy, and he couldn’t quite feel happy about it.
“Yes. I think that’s what you said.”
“Try to relax your mind. I’m telling you not to live your life clinging too much to him. That’s why Do-heon doesn’t appreciate it.”
“…But he’s been really taking good care of me lately.”
Cheong-yeon unconsciously smiled brightly and casually told a lie. It was beyond his expectations. He thought he would feel guilty.
Looking at Grandmother’s gentle smiling face, he became convinced that this was the right choice rather than telling her everything truthfully.
“It would have been nice if you could come to the art museum with us too, Grandmother. I’m sorry about that.”
“Dr. Jung advised me to refrain from going out too far. I get tired so quickly these days. Even a day passes too fast…”
Come to think of it, unlike Cheong-yeon’s almost empty bowl, Grandmother’s was nearly untouched. Her appetite seemed to have decreased significantly compared to before.
“Cough, cough! Cough!”
Just as Cheong-yeon was about to encourage her to eat more, Grandmother began to cough violently as if something had gone down the wrong way.
“Are you alright?”
“Cough, cough, cough! Haa.”
“Manager Seo. Bring warm water and medicine.”
Do-heon, who had just returned to the dining room after finishing his call, rushed toward Grandmother. After instructing to bring medicine, he put a nebulizer on Grandmother to calm her down.
Though it was a brief moment, Grandmother’s complexion turned pale instantly. Fortunately, after a few minutes, the coughing fits subsided.
Do-heon supported Grandmother to her bedroom where medical equipment was available. After struggling to lie down on the bed, Grandmother slowly blinked her eyes without having a chance to exchange a few words, and quickly fell asleep.
“Is she okay? I think we should take her to the hospital…”
As soon as they closed the bedroom door and came out, Cheong-yeon approached the employee and asked.
“It’s not that serious. The doctor also visited this morning.”
“That’s a relief then.”
“She just needs to rest for a while. Lately, she often takes short naps, saying she suddenly feels tired.”
The employee smiled faintly as if to reassure him.
“She’ll wake up soon. Would you like to have some tea while you wait?”
“…No. Then I’ll just take a walk in the garden to help digest my food.”
Upon hearing that Grandmother would wake up soon, Cheong-yeon decided to wait by taking a stroll in the meantime. He didn’t want to just leave, as the image of Grandmother’s pale complexion would continue to linger in his mind.
Cheong-yeon put on his shoes, went out to the garden, and began to walk calmly along the path. The landscaping was superb. The trees and flowers were trimmed harmoniously without any rough edges. Rather than showy flowers like roses, there were modest wildflowers that one might see along the roadside, stretching out beautifully and filling the surroundings with fragrance.
Even while walking along such a pretty path, Cheong-yeon couldn’t completely erase thoughts of Grandmother. It was a moment when the news of her worsening condition hit him particularly hard.
“Next Wednesday afternoon.”
“Ah! You startled me!”
Cheong-yeon, who had been walking with a serious expression, was startled by the sudden deep voice. Turning around, he saw Do-heon standing there.
“When did you come out? And what’s happening next Wednesday afternoon?”
“The exhibition invitation Grandmother gave us.”
Do-heon answered, waving the invitation he was holding. It seemed he had picked up what Cheong-yeon had forgotten on the dining table.
Cheong-yeon stared at him glumly before shrugging his shoulders.
“If you want to go, go by yourself, Director.”
“What about you?”
“I’m obviously not going.”
“You like this artist.”
“…”
In truth, Cheong-yeon was at a loss for words because he hadn’t expected Do-heon to actually suggest going together.
Do-heon had always been a busy person, and even when they lived together, it was difficult to have a proper date more than once a month. Now he wants to go to an art exhibition with me? With me? Why? Because it’s an artist I like?
Having gone through a divorce, Cheong-yeon didn’t want to continue making up lies and pretending to like something he didn’t particularly care for. He also didn’t want to meet Do-heon separately apart from the Saturdays when they visited Grandmother.
“Actually, I’m not really interested.”
“In the exhibition? Or the artist?”
