“G-Georgina, what do you mean by that?!”
Charlotte’s face turned pale as she frantically looked around. The sight of her only made Georgina’s frustration grow. It was obvious she was terrified that Gordon might overhear. Even though such a thing could never happen.
“I’m fine, Georgina. Nothing happened, so don’t worry.”
Charlotte whispered in a voice even weaker than usual. It was so faint that it sounded like the fluttering of a mosquito’s wings. Georgina was about to say more but then shut her mouth. What could a girl barely in her teens do? Adults had their own reasons for the things they did.
“I’m sorry. I must have been mistaken.”
As Georgina apologized, Charlotte gave a small nod and lowered her head. An awkward silence hung in the air, but just then, Yu-jin returned with the child.
“Welcome back, Chef!”
Seizing the moment, Georgina quickly spoke up, eagerly stringing together words of praise.
“My goodness, what an incredible meal! Every course left us absolutely speechless. And the plating! Experiencing such a marvelous course meal—it’s an honor I’ll cherish for the rest of my life…”
Yu-jin glanced at his daughter, who was soaking in Georgina’s flattery, and couldn’t help but smirk wryly. In truth, Angela had done nothing. All she did was ask for the exact dishes from a show she had seen, requesting that they be served in the same order…
Of course, everyone here knew that. Still, watching them go along with it just to keep his daughter happy was both amusing and touching.
“Chef, what’s the next course?” Georgina asked.
Angela put on an exaggeratedly smug expression and answered, “Since we’ve finished eating, it’s obviously time for an outdoor tea session. I’ve already prepared a spot in the garden, so follow me.”
Leading the way with confidence, Angela strode ahead, with Yu-jin following behind her, then Georgina, and lastly, Charlotte. Their destination was a pavilion set in a corner of the garden. A richly embroidered tablecloth adorned the table, which was filled with various sweets and teas. Georgina let out an impressed “Wow” at the sight. She was about to take a seat when Angela suddenly grabbed her hand.
“Georgina, I have something to show you.”
“Really? What is it?” she asked excitedly, though she couldn’t help but glance around to check if it was okay for her to step away.
Yu-jin smiled and gave her a nod, as did Charlotte. With that, Georgina disappeared with the child, leaving Yu-jin alone with Charlotte.
A sudden silence settled between them. Yu-jin, unprepared for the awkwardness, felt cold sweat trickle down his back. He stole a glance at Charlotte and forced a smile as he spoke.
“Shall I pour you some tea? There’s coffee as well. Which do you prefer?”
Despite his attempt at warmth, Charlotte’s reaction was lukewarm at best. The silence stretched unbearably long before, at last, she muttered in a barely audible voice while still staring downward.
“I… prefer… tea…”
“Ah, alright.”
Yu-jin, as if he had been waiting for the chance, responded immediately and removed the tea cozy covering the pot. The black tea was still steaming, a thin stream pouring gracefully into the teacup. Both Yu-jin and Charlotte watched in silence as the fragrant liquid filled the cup. The rich aroma of the tea seemed to ease the tension between them, if only slightly.
“The scent is lovely. Looks like the butler prepared something quite nice.”
He offered a smile along with his words, but Charlotte remained unresponsive. Yu-jin felt as though he might suffocate, and he averted his gaze, lifting the teacup to his lips. He didn’t want to try anymore. Dealing with Winston every day already pushed him to the brink—having to go through this with a guest as well was exhausting.
One person I can’t communicate with is more than enough.
The thought of that face surfaced naturally in his mind, and he involuntarily furrowed his brow. Charlotte misunderstood the expression.
“I’m sorry… I must be really frustrating…”
Her whispered voice, fragile and subdued, startled Yu-jin into shaking his head quickly.
“Ah, no, not at all. I was just… lost in thought, that’s all. I promise.”
He tried to reassure her, but she didn’t look convinced. Then, Yu-jin suddenly noticed how utterly worn Charlotte looked in profile. Was it unfair of him to think, Well, she is Gordon’s wife after all? Even so, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. Once upon a time, he’d looked the same way—beaten down, stripped of dignity by the Campbells.
Yu-jin no longer knew if being cast out had been a stroke of luck or misfortune. He’d come close to death several times, and just recently had been terrified of ending up on the streets. But even then, he had never felt so deeply humiliated on a human level. People had looked down on him, yes—but the Campbells were in a league of their own. Compared to them, everyone else seemed almost harmless.
This woman… must’ve gone through the same.
He could almost see it—the way Gordon and the rest of them must have treated her. Watching her subtly tug down her sleeves to hide the bruises on her wrists stirred something like solidarity in him. Of course, if Charlotte ever realized what he was feeling, she might find it offensive.
“Back then…”
Even so, his lips moved on their own. Maybe it would hurt her pride, but he spoke anyway, choosing his words carefully.
“There was this time when I was still at The Most Perfect Delight. Things got pretty loud once… someone from the Campbell family allegedly struck their partner at a party. The victim was in terrible shape, and it turned out it wasn’t the first time it had happened. Harold completely lost it.”
Charlotte looked at him, her face pale and expression unreadable. Yu-jin continued, cautious but steady.
“They usually smoothed things over with money and influence, but that time was harder than usual. The victim’s injuries were serious, and they refused to settle. I heard they ended up using some rather underhanded tactics.”
Yu-jin trailed off, watching Charlotte carefully. Her face had gone paper-white, her eyes fixed on him.
“…Why are you telling me this?”
Her voice was so faint it sounded wrung out, like it had barely survived the journey from her throat. Maybe she was confused—maybe not. Yu-jin hesitated before answering, voice low.
“In case it might help you…”
“What do you know?”
Charlotte’s voice suddenly turned sharp. It was nothing like the hushed, breathless tone she had used until now, and Yu-jin stared at her in surprise.
“Gordon has never done anything like that. We love each other. We’re doing just fine. So what gives you the right to say something like that to me? Spouting baseless rumors…!”
Ah. Yu-jin sighed inwardly. Regret came crashing in—he should’ve stayed out of it.
“I’m sorry.”
He apologized quickly, lowering his gaze.
“I must’ve misunderstood. I’m sorry if I upset you.”
At his repeated apology, Charlotte went silent. The air between them turned heavier and more uncomfortable than before. As she quietly lifted her teacup to her lips, Yu-jin looked away and turned his gaze toward the path Georgina and Angela had taken.
“We’re not like you.”
Charlotte suddenly spoke again, her words abrupt. Yu-jin looked back without thinking, only to meet her cold, piercing glare as she continued.
“Whatever it is you were thinking, you’re wrong. Don’t assume things and overstep your place.”
Her words were unmistakably a warning. Yu-jin didn’t reply—he simply stared at her face.
She was making herself clear: Don’t you dare treat me as if we’re the same.
Of course. Why would I forget?
Yu-jin resisted the urge to scoff and gave a short nod instead.
“I’ll be more careful going forward.”
The fact that he didn’t speak with sarcasm was the only kindness he could offer. If it had been Winston, he would’ve laced his words with biting mockery—but not with Charlotte.
Maybe because this level of disdain was something he’d grown used to.
Getting accustomed to being looked down on—it was a sad thing. Yu-jin didn’t want his child to grow up that way. As he watched Angela returning with Georgina, he silently renewed his resolve.
Angela can’t be raised in this house.
