Twenty Five

When Ho Seok permitted his guests to enter, his office door opened from the outside, and a familiar figure hesitated in the doorway. Seeing the woman, Ho Seok stood up and froze. His hand dropped from his ear, the phone clutched tightly in his grip. He stared at her without blinking, unable to believe his own eyes.

"Y-You…" he stammered, his voice cracked. His body trembled as a lump formed in his throat, choking off his words.

Mrs. Nam, his mother, stepped inside, her eyes glistening with tears. Slowly, she approached him, her each step tentative, as though she feared he might vanish. For a moment, neither spoke, the silence stretching between them like an unbridgeable chasm.

Ho Seok inhaled sharply, forcing himself to regain composure. He looked away, his expression hardened. "Ms. Park!" he called out sharply.

His secretary hurried in, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Mrs. Nam stopped in her tracks, her hopeful expression faltering.