Marriage1

Jooyeon's day started off in a rather shocking manner, jolting her out of her slumber.

''The President isn't coming in today?" he asked again, this time with a voice laced with incredulity and shock as he gripped his steaming cup of vending machine coffee tightly, the warmth from it contrasting with the coldness of the office. Before him stood Yuna, always impeccably dressed and sharp HR manager, whose black pant-suit was so well paired with a crisp white shirt that highlighted her slender body. She gave a curt nod, her tone calm but infused with a knowing quality that she knew exactly what was going on.

"Yes, you heard me right," she confirmed with an assertive nod. "Han Seoyeon has indeed taken the day off today. It appears to be something personal, I believe, though the specifics are not entirely clear."

Jooyeon froze in place, his lips parting slightly as if he were about to ask a question that lingered on the tip of his tongue, but strangely, no words actually came out. His expression was a complex tapestry of emotions, betraying a mix of surprise, disappointment, and—curiously enough—a trace of sadness. The CEO, known for her diligent and cold demeanor, the woman who seemed to exist solely for the purpose of work and business, was actually absent?

The news spread rapidly and intensely, much like wildfire. By the time Jooyeon had made his way back to his desk after stepping away for a moment, he quickly realized that the entire office was filled with an air of excitement and energy, buzzing with chatter. From the junior staff members who were just starting their careers to the senior managers who held significant positions within the company, it seemed that no one could stop discussing or speculating about the President's very rare and unusual absence from the office.

"It's like spotting a comet!" one employee humorously quipped, drawing laughter from nearby coworkers. "I didn't even know she could take a day off," another employee whispered in disbelief, sounding incredulous at the thought.

Yet Jooyeon sat in silence. He didn't show any reactions, even though people were busy whispering gossip about him. Sitting opposite the room, Yuna smiled quietly to herself.

"If he were a dog, his tail would droop at the moment," she thought with irony and a sense of dry amusement. And something about the slumped expression of disappointment on his face reminded her so much of that faithful companion awaiting its master who was lost and could not bear to be apart from it for even one second. His shoulders slumped as if sagging under an unspoken burden; the constant furtive glances toward the clock seemed also somehow incongruous in light of that moment when she felt a little silly about it all.

Meanwhile, Jooyeon found himself exerting conscious efforts to bury himself in the many tasks and responsibilities that comprised his work; however, despite his intent, his mind kept drifting away from the present moment. He was doing automatic checks during routine when he found himself irresistibly stepping into the CEO's office, where his eyes began to wander as he scanned the immaculate and pristine space that surrounded him. Everything within that room was meticulously organized, exactly as she had left it on her last visit. As he sat briefly in her chair, taking a moment for himself, he became lost in thought, wondering aloud:

"What was the President doing now?" He looked across at the big office windows and saw her standing there, looking out into that vast world beyond, utterly lost in her own thoughts and musings.

...............

In another wing of the Han estate.

Seoyeon found herself comfortably seated at the elegant dining table, which was beautifully set, with her loving parents, Han Jinwoo and Park Hyesun, positioned on either side of her. The Han family represented a shining example of prestige and significant influence within society, with their impressive wealth deeply ingrained in a rich history that spanned generations characterized by industrial, financial, and political dominance. At the head of this esteemed family was Han Jinwoo, the respected patriarch, who had successfully established himself as the founder and chairman of Han Industries, a massive conglomerate that had diverse business ventures reaching into various sectors including technology, real estate, and even the media industry. His astute intellect and commanding presence in the business world had not gone unnoticed, leading to him being famously referred to by many as "The Kingmaker."

Beside him was Park Hyesun, a devoted wife, and the loving mother of Seoyeon. She was one of those exceptionally graceful women well-respected for her philanthropic efforts and sharp mind. She hailed from the equally influential Park family, whose legacy is deeply embedded with the luxury worlds of fashion and cosmetics. Together, they represented more than just a union of two people; they represented the essence of South Korea's elite, powerful symbols of influence and prestige in society.

The breakfast table was set beautifully with an elegance befitting of their elevated social status. The pristine white cloth that draped elegantly over the table, delicate floral centerpieces added natural beauty, and fine porcelain dishes showed a sense of opulence that was impressive yet not ostentatious. While it was simple in nature, the meal was indeed refined: it consisted of artisanal bread served with creamy butter, seasonal fruits artfully paired with antioxidant-rich yogurt, and a pot of freshly brewed tea that filled the air with its inviting aroma.

Jinwoo and Hyesun shared a plate of fluffy, golden pancakes, which were generously topped with vibrant, fresh strawberries and a dollop of light, airy whipped cream, creating a scene that was oddly intimate and personal between the two of them. Jinwoo leaned in slightly, taking care to cut a small piece of the pancake before presenting it to Hyesun, who accepted it gracefully, her face lighting up with a soft and warm smile. Meanwhile, all around them, a dozen attentive staff members moved about with a quiet and efficient grace, diligently working to ensure that everything surrounding their meal was absolutely perfect in every way.

For Seoyeon, however, the entire scene around her was incredibly overwhelming and almost too much to bear. The orchestrated perfection of the setting, along with the hovering presence of numerous workers, created an atmosphere that felt stifling and oppressive. She took a sip of her tea in silence, quietly observing the easy camaraderie that existed between her parents, who appeared completely at ease in this environment.

The soft clinking of cutlery came to a sudden stop as Han Jinwoo, her father, glanced towards the dozen servants who were quietly moving around the room, tending to various tasks. He gave them a small but purposeful nod, signaling them to acknowledge his presence.

"Leave us for now," he stated firmly, his voice calm yet carrying enough weight and authority to send them hurrying out of the room without hesitation.

The dining room, where lively conversation and the sounds of morning activity are usually found, fell into profound silence. Brilliant morning sunlight streamed through the tall, elegantly framed windows, casting a warm glow that highlighted the exquisite polished furniture and the immaculate white tablecloth that adorned the table. In this stillness, the air felt considerably heavier and more oppressive without the familiar background hum of bustling activity that typically filled the room.

Across the table, Park Hyesun, who is Jinwoo's wife, looked across with a warm smile directed at their daughter, illuminating the cozy atmosphere of their gathering. She gently reached for her teacup, her perfectly manicured fingers gracefully wrapping around the delicate handle, showcasing her elegance. "Seoyeon," she began, her tone a blend of softness and seriousness that immediately commanded attention, "your father and I have something important to discuss with you."

Seoyeon, who was sitting straight in her chair as she always did, raised an eyebrow slightly in curiosity. "What is it?" she asked, her voice maintaining the calmness and unreadable quality that had become her trademark in such conversations.

Jinwoo sighed, leaning back in his chair. "It's about your future."

Her eyes flicked between her parents, showing just a hint of curiosity. "You mean the company? I've already prepared—"

"No, not the company," Hyesun cut in gently. "Your personal future. Your happiness."

"My. happiness?" Seoyeon repeated, tilting her head slightly.

"Yes," Jinwoo said firmly. "You've been working so hard. You've done everything we've asked of you, and then some. But it feels like you've forgotten how to live for yourself."

Hyesun nodded, her expression turning more serious. "We're worried about you, Seoyeon. You've always been focused on responsibilities, and we're so proud of you for it. But life isn't just about work. One day, your father and I won't be here anymore." Her voice softened, "and we don't want you to be alone."

Seoyeon cast her gaze upon her mother, her expression completely devoid of any discernible emotion, yet there was a glimmer of something unspoken that danced in her eyes. "I'm perfectly fine on my own," she stated with straightforward simplicity.

Jinwoo, visibly exasperated, ran a hand through his tousled hair in a gesture that clearly conveyed his frustration. "That's precisely what causes us concern. You've become far too accustomed to being alone, to maintaining a distance and keeping people at arm's length. We're not suggesting that you need to rush into marriage tomorrow, but—"

"Marriage?" Seoyeon interjected, her brow furrowing in disapproval.

Hyesun smiled gently, her expression warm and inviting. "We just want you to meet some people, really. These are candidates, if you will, individuals who could potentially be a good match for you. We simply encourage you to get to know them, see if there's someone among them you might find appealing or interesting. It doesn't necessarily have to turn into something serious right away, but we do ask that you at least give it a try."

Seoyeon leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful look crossing her face as she crossed her arms over her chest defensively. "And if I don't feel the need?"

"We're not trying to force someone on you," Jinwoo stated, although there was a subtle undertone of exasperation in his voice that was hard to miss. "What we really desire is for you to consider the possibility and keep an open mind about the matter. Love is not a sign of weakness, Seoyeon. In fact, it's an incredible force that has the power to make you even stronger than you already are."

Hyesun stretched out her hand, apparently intending to lightly brush against Seoyeon's, but then drew back and withdrew before touching her. "Your father and I. we were blessed in many ways. We had a very happy marriage, and it wasn't just because it united our families, but also because of the deep care and love we felt for each other. It is our sincere hope that you have the same kind of love and happiness in your life."

Seoyeon cast her gaze downward at her plate, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions. Love, marriage, companionship—it all seemed so far removed from her current reality, feeling almost superfluous to her life. She had her aspirations, her duties that demanded her attention. Wasn't that sufficient for her happiness and fulfillment?

"I'll think about it," she responded at last, her tone deliberately vague and noncommittal.

Jinwoo and Hyesun shared a meaningful glance between themselves. Although it wasn't the affirmative response they had been hoping to hear, they recognized it as a small step forward in the right direction.