Chapter 43: Before She Leaves

Gen was busy in the kitchen, checking the final touches on a dish when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see one of her coworkers, a young chef, smiling at her.

"Chef Gen, you're really amazing. I wish I could learn from you every day," he said, his voice filled with admiration.

Gen chuckled. "You already work here. You see me every day."

He grinned. "Yeah, but… I mean, spending extra time with you. Maybe after work?"

Gen shook her head with a smirk. "Nice try, kid. But I don't mix work with personal life."

What Gen didn't know was that Lee had just arrived at the hotel to see her before leaving for Japan. Lee stood at a distance, watching the scene unfold.

At first, she wasn't bothered. Gen always had people around her, admiring her skills. But then, she noticed the way the young chef was looking at Gen. It wasn't just admiration. It was clear. He was flirting.

Lee's expression darkened. She clenched her fists.

Gen didn't seem interested, but that wasn't the problem. The problem was that she wasn't even stopping him properly.

Lee turned around, not wanting to see more.

She walked away quickly, her heart burning with an unfamiliar irritation. She didn't want to think about why it bothered her so much. She just wanted to leave.

But Gen, always aware of her surroundings, caught sight of Lee's retreating figure.

Her eyes widened. "Lee?"

She immediately excused herself and ran after her.

"Hey! Babe, wait!" Gen called out as she caught up with Lee in the hallway.

Lee didn't stop. She didn't even turn to look at her.

Gen sighed and grabbed her wrist, stopping her. "Where are you going like that?"

Lee's voice was cold. "I don't have time for this."

Gen tilted her head. "Oh? Then why did you come here in the first place?"

Lee pulled her wrist free. "Forget it."

Gen narrowed her eyes. "Are you… jealous?"

Lee scoffed. "No."

Gen smirked. "Liar."

Lee turned to glare at her. "I don't care who you talk to. But at least learn to shut people down properly instead of smiling and letting them flirt with you."

Gen raised an eyebrow. "So, you were watching?"

Lee looked away. "Not on purpose."

Gen chuckled. "Babe, you know I only have eyes for you."

Lee sighed. "Whatever. I came to tell you I'm leaving for Japan."

Gen blinked. "Wait, what? Since when?"

"Just now. It's sudden."

Gen frowned. "And you were just going to leave like that? Without even telling me properly?"

Lee crossed her arms. "I tried, but I got distracted by something else."

Gen sighed dramatically. "Tsk. My poor jealous wife."

Lee groaned. "I'm not jealous!"

Gen laughed. "Sure, sure. But seriously, travel safe,

Gen smiled. "Good. And don't miss me too much."

Lee rolled her eyes and walked off.

Later, Gen leaned back in her chair, sighing. She knew Lee was still upset. That little scene with the young chef had really bothered her. It wasn't like she had done anything wrong, but Lee's reaction told her this was something she had to fix.

"Alright, time to make it up to my wife," Gen muttered, standing up.

She grabbed her phone and messaged Lee:

Gen: Are you still mad at me, babe?

Lee: Yes.

Gen: That's not fair. I wasn't even flirting back.

Lee: Doesn't matter. I didn't like it.

Gen: Fine, I'll make it up to you. What do you want?

Lee: I don't want anything.

Gen: Liar. You always want something.

Lee left her on read. Gen smirked. That was progress.

She grabbed her keys and left work early, heading straight to apartment.

When Gen reached, she knocked on the door, but there was no response. She pulled out her phone to call Lee, but just as she was about to dial, the door opened.

Lee stood there, arms crossed, looking unimpressed.

"What are you doing here?" Lee asked.

"I came to see my beautiful wife," Gen said with a grin.

Lee rolled her eyes. "Try again."

Gen scratched her head. "Okay, I came to apologize."

Lee raised an eyebrow. "For what?"

Gen sighed. "For making you upset. I didn't mean to, and I definitely wasn't interested in that guy. You know that, right?"

Lee didn't answer right away. She stepped aside, letting Gen in.

Gen walked in and sat on the couch, watching Lee carefully. "Come on, babe. You're too pretty to be mad."

Lee looked away, but her lips twitched. Gen knew she was close to winning.

Gen scooted closer. "You know I only have eyes for you, right?"

Lee exhaled. "I know. I just… I didn't like seeing someone else looking at you like that."

Gen took Lee's hand. "Then next time, just come over and hug me. Show them I'm yours."

Lee rolled her eyes. "As if you'd behave."

Gen grinned. "You know me so well."

Finally, Lee sighed and leaned against Gen's shoulder. "You're lucky I love you."

Gen kissed the top of her head. "I really am."

That night, as they got ready for bed, Lee spoke up. "I'm still leaving for Japan tomorrow."

Gen nodded. "I know. I'll miss you."

Lee gave her a look. "You just want an excuse to text me all day."

Gen laughed. "Busted."

Lee shook her head. "Go to sleep, idiot."

Gen grinned, pulling Lee closer as they lay down. "Goodnight, wifey."

Lee sighed but didn't push her away this time. "Goodnight, Gen."