Chapter 44: Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Lee had left for Japan early in the morning. The apartment felt a little too quiet without her.

Gen sat on the couch, holding her phone, debating whether to text her first. She smirked to herself. She said she'd text when she lands, but I bet she's too busy sulking.

Shaking her head, Gen got ready for work.

Nam's Return

When Gen arrived at Wang's hotel, she was surprised to see Nam waiting for her in the kitchen.

"Look who's back in Seoul," Gen said with a grin, setting down her bag.

Nam smirked. "Missed me?"

"Of course! The kitchen has been too quiet without your nagging," Gen teased.

Nam rolled her eyes. "You're the last person who should talk about nagging."

Gen chuckled. "Fair." She leaned against the counter. "So, you're back for good?"

Nam nodded. "Yeah. I've decided to settle here with my parents. The business overseas is stable, and honestly, I missed home."

Gen smiled. "That's great. Your parents must be happy."

Nam shrugged. "Yeah. They keep asking about you and Lee. Especially after missing your wedding."

Gen smirked. "What can I say? I'm unforgettable."

Nam laughed. "That, or they're just curious about how someone like you ended up with someone like Lee."

Gen grinned. "Even I wonder about that sometimes."

At Wang's Hotel

Back in the kitchen, Gen worked as usual, but something felt different. Maybe it was because she was used to Lee visiting or texting her random things throughout the day.

She sighed. "I already miss her."

Nam, who was standing nearby, raised an eyebrow. "Miss who?"

Gen turned to see Nam smirking at her.

"Miss your lovely wifey?" Nam teased.

Gen rolled her eyes. "Obviously."

Nam chuckled. "So, how's married life? Is Lee still acting like a strict boss, or has she melted a little?"

Gen smirked. "Oh, she's melting, alright. Slowly but surely."

Nam laughed. "I bet you're the one making her life a mess."

Gen grinned. "Of course."

As they talked, Gen's phone buzzed.

Lee: Landed. Busy with meetings. Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone.

Gen smirked and quickly replied.

Gen: Too late. I already took over your side of the bed.

Lee: …You're impossible.

Gen chuckled. She's thinking about me. Good.

That Night – A Late Call

Gen had just finished showering when her phone rang. Seeing Lee's name on the screen, she grinned and picked up.

"Hello, my lovely wife. Did you miss me?" Gen teased.

Lee sighed on the other end. "You talk too much."

Gen chuckled. "Yet, you still called. I must be special."

Lee didn't respond immediately. Instead, she said, "How was your day?"

Gen raised an eyebrow. "Oh? My serious doctor wife is asking about my day? This is new."

Lee groaned. "Forget it. I take it back."

Gen laughed. "Okay, okay! My day was fine. Same routine. Nam visited."

Lee hummed. "That's nice."

"What about you?" Gen asked. "Busy with work?"

Lee sighed. "Yeah. Meetings, reports, dinner with some business partners. Just the usual."

Gen frowned. "Did you eat properly?"

Lee paused. "…Yes."

Gen smirked. "Liar. What did you eat?"

Lee stayed silent.

Gen gasped. "Lee! Did you skip dinner?"

"…I wasn't hungry."

Gen groaned. "You nag me about eating properly, but you don't take care of yourself?"

Lee sighed. "I'll eat tomorrow."

Gen pouted. "No. Order something now. I'll stay on the phone until you do."

Lee groaned. "You're bossy."

Gen smirked. "And you love it."

Lee didn't respond, but Gen could hear a soft chuckle on the other end.

They talked for a while, mostly about small things, until Lee's voice grew softer.

"…I should sleep. Big day tomorrow."

Gen nodded. "Okay. Sleep well, babe."

Lee hesitated for a second before mumbling, "Goodnight."

The call ended, and Gen smiled.

She missed Lee more than she thought she would.