Chapter Twenty Two - Like A Family (Part 1)

Chapter Song Suggestion - "Dependent (Acoustic) by Mae Muller"

For the next three days, I'm stuck recuperating in Dae's country house and I'm bored out of my mind. I'm forbidden to do anything but rest. Thankfully, Chang-Min comes by to visit, giving me updates me on the company's situation. I'm glad amongst everyone in my life, he's the most level-headed person I can openly talk to.

"He's just worried about you."

"Why are you taking his side?" I grumble sorely. "I'm sick of lying in bed and Dae hasn't given me back my phone. I'll go crazy if I stay here another twenty-four hours." At this point, I'm literally begging my boss. "I want to go back to work. Please, can you talk to him for me? I doubt whoever's after me will dare to attack me in the office."

Chang-Min appears hesitant but, maybe he does sympathize when he sighs. "I'll see what I can do." Glancing at his watch, he gets up. "I need to get back to work. If Dae agrees, then I'll see you in the office."

The corners of my eyes crinkle with happiness. "I'll forever be in your debt!" I call out to his disappearing back. He waves goodbye without turning around.

Anyway, I don't know what he did, but I'm allowed to return to work. Every morning, Secretary Park drops me off, and in the evenings, Dae picks me up. I feel like an elementary school kid whose parents are separated.

One evening, I got the surprise of my life when a little boy greets me from inside the car. It's a refreshing sight compared to Dae's brooding behavior. We haven't talked much since I accused his wife of attempting to kill me.

"Hello," I say amicably, shutting the door behind me. "And who is this handsome, young man?"

"Hello." Dae's son returns politely. He's a mini replica of his father, even their hair is styled similarly. Round, large eyes regard me with undisguised curiosity. "My name is Yun Ji-Hoon. I'm turning seven years old in two days!"

A smile graces my lips. "Is that so? Well, it's nice to meet you, Ji-Hoon. I am Aera."

"Unni, are you Daddy's friend?"

I steal a sidelong glance at Dae. His lips are twitching, telling me he's holding back a smile. "Yes, I'm his friend."

"Daddy says you're staying with us because a bad man is trying to hurt you."

"That's right." I nod, wondering what else Dae has told his son about me. "Do you mind if I stay with you and your father until it's safe for me to go home?"

He shakes his little head. "No. Daddy says it's like a sleepover!" Arms above his head, he stretches them as wide as a rainbow. "A really long one."

Oh, he's adorable.

Not everyone feels comfortable around children, and sadly I'm one of those awkward fools who don't know how to interact with kids. I can't make a goofy face to save my life. With Ji-Hoon, I feel quite at ease. This surprises me. Am I being biased because he is Dae's son? Or have I changed?

"Ji-Hoon's staying with us for the weekend." Dae finally speaks up. "I hope you don't mind. He's a good kid and he won't bother you."

"Are you kidding? I bet he's a hundred times better company than you are." I take an obvious dig at him. Ruffling Ji-Hoon's head, I wink. "We're going to be best friends, aren't we? Your Dad is no fun, and he doesn't let me do anything."

The little boy perks up, scrambling to his knees. Excitement shines in his eyes, as if he has found a comrade. "You too? He doesn't let me do anything unless I finish up my dinner and homework!"

I smirk at Dae watching us in the rear-view mirror. "Yes, he doesn't let me out of the house when I want to visit my friends."

Ji-Hoon pauses, tilting his head thoughtfully. "Is it because the bad man's after you?" Innocence drips from his tiny voice.

"Well, yes." My answer is reluctant.

A frighteningly similar scowl like his father's descends upon his rounded features. "Then you should listen to Daddy. No one can keep you safer than he can."

Dae chokes up with laughter, the sound echoing in the confines of the car. Keeping a straight face, I remark. "What a smart boy you are." My gaze sharpens on Dae. "Just like your Daddy."

Ji-Hoon beams at the backhanded compliment meant for his father. Soon, we arrive at the country house and the little boy rushes in, thrilled by his new environment. "This is like staying in a hotel!" He dashes up the stairs to check out his bedroom.

I can't help the smile creeping onto my face. His exuberance reminds me of myself when I was young. Dumping my bag in the living room, I help Dae to unpack our takeaway dinner. "Your son looks just like you. And he talks like you too. Unfortunately."

Still wearing that contemptuous smile, he deliberately baits me. "Don't take it out on me because a little boy got one over you." I have a feeling he'll never let that indirect win slide.

"Ha-Ha!" I declare sarcastically. "You are such a kid."

While setting up the table, I grimace. "Are you sure it's okay for Ji-Hoon and I to meet? I don't think your wife will be happy about this. If our roles were reversed, I would be mad."

"Mun Hee's mother is sick, so she'll be away for a few days."

My shoulder relaxes a fraction. "Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. But your son's birthday is in two days." I scrunch my nose. "She'll be back by then, right?"

"Mun Hee's unpredictable." His flat tone suggests the subject 'wifey' is still off limits.

I fall silent. I guess he hasn't gotten over our last argument. Thankfully, Ji-Hoon races into the kitchen, his palpable enthusiasm overriding the swelling tension between us.

"Yun Ji-Hoon, what did I say about running in the kitchen?" Dae scolds his son, showing me a very different side of him.

"We shouldn't run in the kitchen because there are knives, and it could be wet. I could fall down." Ji-Hoon declares by heart, the corners of his lips drooping. "Sorry, Daddy."

"Sorry won't save you the next time you fall down." Dae nudges his son to the table. "Now, take a seat. Dinner is ready."

I'm unwilling to admit it, but dinner is fun. It's entertaining to hear them banter back and forth, and Dae appears much softer...more approachable than usual. I can see the love he has for Ji-Hoon. Despite his flawed upbringing and swirling rumors of his past, he does try to be a good father to his son — a respectable man and role model.

I didn't realize I'm crying until Ji-Hoon gapes at me in shock. "Aera unni, why are you crying?" His alarmed eyes snap to his father. "Daddy, is she not feeling well?"

"I'm sorry. I just need to -," I stand up, rushing out to the garden.