Halmeoni

The air in the Ryu family home crackled with a nervous energy as they all sat waiting. Today was the day. The day the matriarch, would return from the hospital where she had been getting treatment. For Noelle, it was a day fraught with a complex mix of emotions. This was, after all, the first time she would see her grandmother since… since her rebirth. The thought still felt surreal, a bizarre twist in the tapestry of her life.

When Grandma Jia had learned about Noelle's scandal which had been orchestrated by Ma-Ri, she had gotten a stroke and died not long after. This time, Noelle was determined to keep her grandmother safe.

Before, Noelle had carried a heavy weight of perceived disapproval from the strict old woman. She had believed her grandmother saw her as a disappointment, a rebellious spirit who had failed to conform to the traditional expectations of marriage and family.

Grandma Jia's constant prodding about finding a suitable husband, someone who could "take care" of her, had always felt like a pointed jab at Noelle's independent nature and her choice of career. And her choice of Evan, despite being from a good family, had been met with a stony silence that Noelle interpreted as outright rejection.

Now, everything was different. She had a second chance, a clean slate. Now, Noelle could see that her wise grandmother had seen exactly who Evan was and had been trying to protect Noelle from him and the rest of the family's evil plans against her.

The front door swung open, and two nurses carefully wheeled grandma Jia in, her frail frame nestled in a wheelchair. Despite her physical weakness, her eyes sparkled with their usual wit and intelligence. A wave of emotion washed over Noelle, a mixture of relief, joy, and a profound sense of gratitude. She rushed forward, her heart pounding in her chest, and wrapped her arms gently around her grandmother.

"Halmeoni!" she exclaimed, her voice thick with unshed tears. "Welcome home!"

Grandma Jia chuckled, a sound that warmed Noelle's heart. "Aigoo, look at you," she teased, her wrinkled face crinkling into a smile. "So affectionate all of a sudden. Why weren't you this loving before? Are you trying to butter me up because you think I'm about to kick the bucket?"

Noelle's embrace tightened. "Halmeoni, don't talk like that," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Just then, Vernon, who had been also been waiting, his face a mask of forced cheerfulness ushered Ma-aro forward so that she could hug her grandmother too but grandma Jia acted like she did not see her.

Noticing his mother's rejection of his daughter and wholehearted acceptance of the orphan, Vernon fumed but pasted a fake smile on. "Mother, welcome back! We are so glad to have you home."

Grandma Jia rolled her eyes, a gesture that spoke volumes. "Don't give me that sweet talk, Vernon," she said, her voice laced with suspicion. "I know what you are thinking. You and your greedy wife are just waiting for me to croak so you can get your hands on my money."

Vernon's face flushed crimson and his wife said quickly "Halmeoni! How can you say such a thing?" her voice aggrieved at the insinuation. She did want grandma Jia to kick the bucket soon so that they could have all the property which she believed rightfully belonged to her husband. She however, had to keep a good front to butter up the old lady.

Grandma Jia snorted. "Don't play coy with me. I am not blind, and I'm certainly not stupid. I know you people have been eyeing my companies and my property like a pack of hungry wolves."

The atmosphere in the room had shifted dramatically. The earlier warmth had been replaced by a palpable tension. Noelle watched as the rest of her family struggled to hide the hate on their faces.

"Halmeoni," Noelle said softly, concerned that her grandmother's health could be affected by this. "Please, you should not be like this. You need to consider your health…"

Grandma Jia waved her hand dismissively. "No, Areum-ah, let me speak my mind. I'm an old woman, and I don't have time for niceties. I know what's what." She turned her gaze back to Vernon, her eyes narrowed. "You are going to be disappointed, Vernon. I'm not ready to die yet. I still have some unfinished business."

Vernon shifted uncomfortably, avoiding his mother's piercing stare. "Of course, mother. We want you to live a long and healthy life."

Grandma Jia let out a dry laugh. "Don't lie to me. I can see through your facade. But let me tell you something, Vernon. I'm not going anywhere until I see Areum married."

Noelle's eyes widened in surprise. She had expected her grandmother to bring up the topic of marriage eventually, but she hadn't anticipated it so soon, especially in such a tense atmosphere.

Noelle chuckled. "Soon, Halmeoni, very soon. But you have to do your part too."

Grandma Jia frowned. "My part? What part?"

"Your part is to get better," Noelle said firmly. "You need to stop arguing and concentrate on getting well. You have to be strong enough to meet my husband, to examine him properly."

Halmeoni's frown deepened. "Examine him?"

Areum nodded. "Yes, Halmeoni. You are going to give him the once-over. You're going to make sure he's good enough for me."

A mischievous glint appeared in grandma Jia's eyes. "Oh, I will," she said, a sly smile spreading across her wrinkled face. "I'll scrutinize him from head to toe. I'll make sure he is worthy of my Areum."

"That is what I want to hear," Noelle said, her smile widening. "But you can't examine him if you're not well. So, you need to focus on getting better, okay?"

Grandma Jia considered this for a moment, her expression thoughtful. Finally, she nodded. "Alright, Areum-ah. I will do my best. But…" She paused, her eyes twinkling. "He better be handsome and one who will tolerate my nagging."

Noelle laughed. "He is, Halmeoni, he is."

Grandma Jia chuckled, a sound that warmed Areum's heart. "Alright, Areum-ah. I will rest. But don't keep me waiting too long. I'm eager to meet this 'wonderful man' of yours."

"I won't, Halmeoni," Noelle promised. "He will be here soon. And I will be the first to know what you think of him."