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No 2024-11-28 19:49 active 1936 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ As the daughter of Alpha, I was tortured since I was 6 years old, and more tragically, I was forced to marry the demon Alpha who killed his 9 ex-girlfriends... “Where is she?!” I hear the Beta Kyle scream. I groan and get to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket and taking it with me. The moment he sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I don’t make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times. “Neah, how useless your are! You still have not cleaned the office.” He snaps. I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If I could just find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. “We are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Do you not understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!” I don’t answer, I keep my eyes low so that I didn’t have to look at his face. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. From what I gathered, he was a ruthless man, and he was even claimed to have killed his 9 ex-girlfriends. “He is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!” Beta Kyle continues. He places his hands on my shoulders, digging his nails into my thinning skin, ”Useless Wolf.” He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned 18, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle was always reminding me of how worthless I am. The clearing of a throat makes me jump. I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair. A foot propped up on his knee. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that don’t quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door. Shrinking down to the ground. “Is this the way you greet all Alpha’s?” His deep voice rumbles through the room, an edge of amusement to his tone. “I’m sorry.” I whisper, getting to my feet. “I
I thought I was alone.” I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. “Come forward.” He orders. I do as I’m told. Allowing him to see me properly and I am met with narrowed crimson eyes. I close my own eyes, expecting the worst. “You smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?” My head moved up and down, though I couldn’t tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they discovered the truth about me. “I would prefer it if you spoke to me.” He growls, “I’m not in the mood to play games.” “Yes.” I whisper. “I am
I am a Wolf.” I couldn’t help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? I wasn’t sure how much more my body could take. “How is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me.” “I
..” I hated the question. “I haven’t got all day!” He takes a swig from his drink. I knew why I couldn’t scent him. I knew why I hadn’t been aware of his presence, but telling people why was not something I ever liked to do. They never hear my side of the story. All they do is accept Alpha Trey's word as the truth. “You should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?” His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them. There was no way I was making direct eye contact. “My Wolf abilities were bound.” “Why?” If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. “It was a punishment.” “For what?” His deep voice rumbles through me. “For killing my parents.” I whispered. At this moment, the door swings open abruptly and my brother screeches at me “Neah, what are you doing in my office?!" He then turns to the crimson eyed man. “I am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane." Crap, it was him... LEARN_MORE https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783& New world publications https://www.facebook.com/100090352943774/ 3,764 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 wwwedb.com DCO https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/451012171_848801020466481_244664085103969422_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0RUPJfQ7fUIQ7kNvgEVjBqs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AVZB5YRubJZo2CNiki2hbX2&oh=00_AYB1BrnlBNPtfNTwHsf6NeCY0k7k0dH_2xcpO99AEEH5AA&oe=674EF0A3 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 New world publications 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-11-28 19:48 active 1936 0 đŸ”„đŸ”„Click to read the next chapter for free👉 My husband Elijah wanted to do some sweet things with me again, however, he suddenly brought up his ex-girlfriend. This caused my emotions to explode. I hadn’t realized I’d already fallen asleep when I heard the bedroom door open. Something made a loud, clattering noise. I quickly sat up and saw Elijah staggering toward me. I hastily moved backward, giving him a look of disbelief. He reeked of alcohol and was obviously drunk. If he wasn’t, he would have just ignored me and gone straight to bed. “Hey, playing hard to get, aren’t you?” he said in a slurred manner, his bloodshot eyes becoming more intense. Then without warning, he leaned forward and kissed me on the lips. I didn’t have time to react, though, because he suddenly started unbuttoning my oversized nightshirt. “When did Serena start working at your company?” I asked him coldly. He shrugged, but didn’t stop what he was doing. “Not sure. Probably recruited by HR.” He traveled down and then his tongue followed. Finally, the last button on my sleep pajama surrendered. “Serena is such a talented addition to our team,” he remarked with admiration. As I reminisced about the scene I witnessed at the company, my husband and his ex-girlfriend Serena were closely nestled together, sharing laughter and conversation. But I couldn't muster the courage to confront her and ask her to keep her distance from him. Jealousy and pain gripped my chest. I couldn’t believe he was saying all this while undressing me! I knew then that he still had feelings for her. "You know," he said, oblivious to my disappointment, "she's even outperforming many of the senior colleagues who've been with the company for years." Even as we locked eyes, there was something in his gaze—a kind of infatuation—that he never seemed to exhibit when it came to me. He’s probably picturing me as her! I thought with disgust. I was so disappointed in him, and didn’t want him anywhere near me. I’ve been obedient, helpful, and hardworking
 But no one cares. Not even my own husband. I’m nothing to him. He doesn’t love me and he never learned to. That’s the most painful of all. A sudden surge of clarity and calmness washed over me. “I want to divorce you.” LEARN_MORE https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1 Indulge in story https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/ 851 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 thebvhwysgng.com DCO https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13552&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/456447136_513011344615331_1497297673340256615_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=miUg-MmIjkgQ7kNvgFBtUn1&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A4yAB9vVGYX7zdmohVWvwfC&oh=00_AYDwckkVfVU4fUbElvpz4b9iLkn51mU4TUMWfK_y27rmow&oe=674F07D4 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Indulge in story 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-11-28 19:49 active 1936 0 😍Read the next chapters👉 Two years of marriage, and I'd never set foot in my husband Elijah's office. Today was the first time I went to his company. After all this time, why was I suddenly entrusted to deliver these important documents? Could it be possible that they’re finally learning to accept me? Taking a deep breath, I gently placed my hand on my stomach. The emptiness from losing my baby lingered, even though it had been a long time since that accident. I still felt lost and fragile, wishing for solace that never came. I missed my husband's presence, longing for a comforting word or touch. But he and his family remained distant and uninvolved, leaving me to recover on my own. Now, I was about to step into Elijah’s world — his beloved company. My heart skipped a beat as I entered Elijah's large, elegant office. The room was tastefully decorated, with rich mahogany furniture and a large sign that said Sinclair Realty Group. But what made me stop in my tracks was the sight of my husband huddled with an attractive blonde over some papers. Their shoulders were touching, their cheeks almost brushing against each other. What is going on? I thought in alarm. Suddenly, the woman whispered something in Elijah’s ear while she gently laid her perfectly manicured hands on his arm. My heart jumped. I heard a loud thud on the floor and realized I’d dropped the folder I was holding. They both looked up, startled. And that’s when my gaze locked with that of the woman. I felt a shudder creeping through my skin. Serena Foster! She used to be a classmate of ours at Fairview University. She also happened to be Elijah’s ex-girlfriend. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. So this is why my evil mother-in-law asked me to deliver this document! Morgana had probably known that Serena was here now. My husband rose from his chair, abruptly pulling away from Serena who was throwing me daggers with her eyes. “You remember Serena, right? She works here now.” I nodded, my heart leaping into my throat and my thoughts raging in a storm. They’re just colleagues, nothing else, I thought, but not with full conviction. Elijah wouldn’t cheat on me, would he? All this time, I’d remained hopeful that he could still fall in love with me. But now, with Serena in the picture, time might just be running out for us. “So why are you here?” Elijah asked, a frown creasing his brow. “Your mom asked me to deliver this,” I explained, hastily picking up the folder and handing it to him. Then narrowing my eyes at Serena, I waited for him to explain why they were working closely, or to at least introduce me as his wife. But much to my dismay, he didn’t. It felt as though my heart was being squeezed tightly, as it dawned on me that he’d never really introduced me to anyone as his wife. Ever. “Sophia, you look shaken up. Didn’t you know Elijah hired me to work here?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm. “Apparently, we make a great team. Funny, I don’t recall seeing you here before.” She was purposely rubbing it in my face, and I wanted to slap that smile away from her face. She then added, “Oh, right, you don’t know anything about business. You might just mess things up.” “I take care of our home,” I said bitterly, looking down on the floor for a bit. I felt belittled, and my husband couldn’t even defend me. Serena looked at me with disbelief and laughed. Just then, Elijah said, “Next time, Sophia, just contact me and I’ll have my assistant come over.” "Fine," I murmured, my voice barely audible, wishing the ground would swallow me up. The weight of hurt and embarrassment pressed down on me, crushing my spirit. My heart thudded as I blinked back tears. He doesn't want me here. Suddenly, Elijah’s secretary came in. “Alice, please prepare coffee for the ladies,” he instructed. “Just black for Serena. No sugar.” Serena’s eyes lit up. “Hey, you remembered!” she exclaimed, obviously delighted. Elijah nodded at her. “Of course.” I watched the exchange with a sinking feeling in my heart. Serena gave me a smug look as if she was reveling in some secret victory. I couldn’t help but feel more depressed. Here was my husband, effortlessly remembering Serena's coffee preferences, yet he couldn't recall something as simple as my allergy to caffeine. “Join us, Sophia,” Serena invited with a devilish grin. “Just like how we used to hang out together in college.” I struggled to contain my emotions, not wanting to break down in front of them. “I have to go,” I managed to say, my voice slightly cracking. “I’ll see you at home.” Elijah’s expression remained unchanged, and my heart felt heavy with the realization of how little I meant to him. The way he treated me had only gotten worse after losing my baby. What did you expect? a small voice hissed in my head. He only married you because he got you to have a baby. You’re the one who keeps hoping he’ll eventually fall for you. As his assistant Connor Hayes drove me home, I thought about how my husband’s mother Morgana had begun ignoring me after I lost the baby. Then one day, she started talking to me again, only to treat me like a housemaid. I fought back tears as the heaviness in my heart escalated. My marriage was falling apart so fast that I couldn’t seem to catch up. When we pulled up the spacious driveway of the Sinclair mansion, a feeling of dread and loneliness engulfed me. I’m back in this prison. Trapped. Helpless. I want to escape this prison! I screamed in my head, glad that Morgana was nowhere to be found. Yet. Running to my room and throwing myself on my bed, sobs wracked my body. And as I cried my eyes out, I felt something with my hand that made me sit up. A small portion of a brown envelope was peeking from under the pillow. My heart tightened, and more tears filled my eyes. I knew exactly what it contained — the papers I’d prepared before. I pulled them out and stared at the title that blurred before my teary eyes. It read: Divorce Agreement. CHAPTER 2 The divorce agreement was written after I accidentally lost my baby. During that time, I couldn’t even look at Elijah’s face without thinking about our baby. The pain was unbearable, so I believed divorce was my salvation. Looking back, preparing the divorce agreement was not a mistake, now that leaving was my only option. My hands shook as I held the papers in my hand. I could hear Morgana’s voice outside. “Sophia!” she called in a sharp tone. She probably heard me come in and was now wondering where I was. Quickly, I hid the divorce agreement and washed my face in the bathroom. That’s when the door swung open. I dried my face with a towel and looked at my mother-in-law. She responded with a cold gaze. She immediately instructed me to do the housework, her tone full of disdain. As I began my chores, she stood there taunting me. “Elijah told me not to ask you to deliver things in the future,” she said with a scoff. “You can’t even be relied on for such a simple task.” Her words cut deep. “When you first came to our house carrying a baby in your belly, it was okay that you couldn't do anything,” she continued. “Then you had lost your baby and you had to spend months recovering and regaining your health. Now you can't even deliver a document, so what's the meaning for Elijah of having you as a wife?" Her words were like daggers, each one piercing my heart. And then, in a cruel twist, she added, “My son would be better off with Serena. She's prettier, smarter, and she even managed to land a job at his company! Unlike you... You can't even perform simple housework that well.” Sure enough, she already knew that Serena worked at Elijah's company. She asked me to deliver the papers today just to make a fool of me. The room felt suffocating, the burden of her words pressing down on me. I felt utterly alone, realizing that no one had ever been on my side. I clenched my fists, struggling against the wave of tears threatening to spill. Sweeping the floor became a mechanical task, a facade to hide my turmoil. The repeated humiliations and frustrations drained me of the energy to fight back or explain myself yet again. I don’t deserve this, I thought sourly. It’s time for me to escape, to save myself. With bitter tears streaming down my cheeks, I rushed to my room and grabbed the papers I’d hidden. Staring at me from the front page were the words: Divorce Agreement. I’ve had enough. Flashbacks of how Elijah and Morgana had been treating me filled my mind. Despite my efforts to be the dutiful wife and daughter-in-law, I’d always seemed invisible to them. I’ve been obedient, helpful, and hardworking
 But no one cares. Not even my own husband. I’m nothing to him. He doesn’t love me and he never learned to. That’s the most painful of all. My heart tightened. His indifference cut deeper than any overt cruelty could. And now, with Serena back in the picture, their attention gravitated toward her. I felt more isolated than ever. This is the last straw! I must get out of here, or I’ll lose my sanity! That evening, I hadn’t realized I’d already fallen asleep when I heard the bedroom door open. Something made a loud, clattering noise. I quickly sat up and saw Elijah staggering toward me. He mumbled something about a dinner party as he plopped on the bed and started sliding his fingers down my bare arm. I hastily moved backward, giving him a look of disbelief. He was obviously drunk. If he wasn’t, he would have just ignored me and gone straight to bed. “Hey, playing hard to get, aren’t you?” he said in a slurred manner, his bloodshot eyes becoming more intense. Then without warning, he leaned forward and kissed me on the lips. I didn’t have time to react, though, because he suddenly started unbuttoning my oversized nightshirt. “When did Serena start working at your company?” I asked him coldly. He shrugged, but didn’t stop what he was doing. “Not sure. Probably recruited by HR.” His lips traveled down and then his tongue followed. Finally, the last button on my sleep pajama surrendered. “Serena is such a talented addition to our team,” he remarked with admiration. As I reminisced about the scene I witnessed at the company, my husband and his ex-girlfriend Serena were closely nestled together, sharing laughter and conversation. But I couldn't muster the courage to confront her and ask her to keep her distance from him. Jealousy and pain gripped my chest. I couldn’t believe he was saying all this while undressing me! I knew then that he still had feelings for her. “You know,” he said, oblivious to my disappointment, “she's even outperforming many of the senior colleagues who've been with the company for years.” Even as we locked eyes, there was something in his gaze—a kind of infatuation—that he never seemed to exhibit when it came to me. He’s probably picturing me as her! I thought with disgust. I was so disappointed in him, and didn’t want him anywhere near me. But when I pulled away, he threw me an irritated look. “What’s wrong with you?” he asked, taken aback that I was saying no to his advances unlike before. I didn’t answer. He narrowed his eyes at me. “You’ve been down in the dumps for months now! I thought you’d snap out of it, but you’ve only gotten worse. It’s depressing to even see you.” I cringed at his words, the searing pain crushing my heart. He couldn’t even see how my spirit was being shattered because of him. “Maybe it’s because of the baby we lost
” he mused. Sliding his fingers down the surface of my cheek and then my neck, he added in a drunken slur, “Why don’t we just make another baby?” I couldn’t believe my ears. I knew that whenever he was drunk, he spoke without inhibitions. He was often brutally honest in this state. Hence, he meant every word and that only showed how much he didn’t understand me or the problem we had in this marriage. My whole body was shaking as the misery and fury I’ve been keeping inside rose to the surface. He doesn’t get it. Or maybe he just doesn’t care. I was totally pissed off. And that’s when I blurted it out. “I want to divorce you.” CHAPTER 3 I could sense his mind reeling from the unexpected news. He opened his mouth as if to say something. I expected him to respond, to react, to ask questions. Anything at all! But he never said anything. My heart thumped hard as we gazed at one another — strangers who’d been forced to live together. I had tried so hard to make this marriage work even after we had lost the baby. But it takes two to succeed at this, I realized. “I want a divorce,” I repeated, keeping my voice steady. “I’m serious.” Slowly he nodded. “Yes, sure,” he answered before getting up and disappearing into the bathroom. My heart felt like it was about to explode. I pulled my open shirt around me, desperately covering myself up, as I coiled into a fetal position with my head throbbing. A tear dropped down my cheek, and I quickly brushed it away. This is it. I’m going to be free. And yet somehow, I didn’t feel that ecstatic. His reaction only confirmed my worst suspicions. Now I know the truth — he never loved me at all. He’s not even upset about the divorce! I sighed. It’s time for me to move on. The next day, after eating breakfast on my own, I mustered up all my courage and called Elijah to the study. “We should sign this,” I said without any emotion, showing him the divorce papers. He sat on the sofa across from me, looking at me quietly. His gaze always made me feel a little nervous, but today was different. I signed the papers and urged him to do the same. “Elijah, please,” I whispered, making sure my voice wouldn’t break. “Let's end this.” His face contorted in a horrible expression as he ruthlessly grabbed the agreement from me. But he didn’t sign immediately. He took a long time going over each page while I waited impatiently. Then his phone suddenly rang. I saw it light up with Serena’s name, making my heart tighten. I can’t believe this woman’s timing! But Elijah only glanced at it before returning to reviewing the papers. Perhaps he didn’t want to answer it because I was in the room with him. A myriad of emotions threatened to engulf me. I stood up and positioned myself in front of him with my arms crossed against my heart. “Why don’t you just hurry up and sign those so you can get going? Someone might be waiting for you in the office.” He glanced at me warily, then took out his pen and signed everything. With an angry grunt, he threw the papers down on the sofa and stormed out of the room. Watching him go, I was filled with overwhelming feelings — relief, frustration, anger, sadness. “I’m finally free,” I murmured to myself incredulously. While I was packing my bags in the bedroom, Morgana suddenly charged inside. In her usual bossy voice, she said, “The morning’s almost over, Sophia! Go do the laundry now.” With a sarcastic huff, I turned around to face her. “Sorry, but Elijah and I just signed a divorce agreement. I will no longer do any housework for you.” Her face reddened in anger. I could almost see steam coming out of her ears as she crossed her arms on her pit and scolded me angrily. "You married into our family for two years, no children, and now you want a divorce," she spat out bitterly. I scoffed, not bothering to respond. It doesn’t matter anymore. I can finally ignore her completely! But then, almost as quickly as her anger had surfaced, her mood changed. “You know what? It's actually quite nice,” she said, her tone almost mocking. “Elijah can finally marry someone better, like Serina. Every single day that I see you hanging your head in despair, it just makes my blood boil. Anyone would make a better wife than you!” Her words infuriated me. I wanted to slap away that haughty look on her face, but it would just be a waste of energy. I’m done here. I’m done with all this. Suddenly, memories flooded back of a time when Morgana had shown kindness, especially during my pregnancy with her grandchild. She had been caring and considerate. However, after I lost my baby, her demeanor changed drastically. She began treating me like a mere servant rather than a member of the family. I could never understand why she became so hostile all of a sudden. Sometimes I wondered if it had more to do with herself than with me. That afternoon, I went home to where I grew up. As I settled in, I felt relieved that at least I had a place I could call my own. “Luckily I hadn’t sold it,” I muttered, looking around the living room and remembering my adoptive father. This house is the only connection I have left with him. Night swept in quickly. I was worn out and exhausted. Climbing onto my old bed, I was ready to relax when I received a message from my best friend Kayla. It showed a secretly taken photo of Elijah and Serena in a club, sitting intimately close and laughing together. A chill ran down my spine as I read the angry message from Kayla: That Elijah! You have no idea what I saw! Elijah was out partying and flirting with that Serena, which he never did with you! My heart sank, anger and sadness clouded my mind as I realized he was indeed getting back together with Serena and flaunting her around. Forcing back my tears, I told Kayla: It’s over between me and Elijah. We were divorced. CHAPTER 4 “Aaarrgghh! I so hate that guy for doing this to you!” Kayla hissed. “If I had known he’d treat you like that, I wouldn’t have allowed you to even come near him during our grad celebration! And I wouldn’t have kept pushing you to hook up with him, no matter how gorgeous he was!” Being the daughter of Raven Media’s renowned CEO, Kayla Davis always hung out with high society. She saw Elijah a lot at parties since they belonged to the same circle. We also all happened to attend Fairview University where Kayla and I had majored in Interior Design. Hence, she not only knew Elijah but Serena too. “You should have seen them at the party last night!” she cried out, causing some people to give us a dirty look. Lowering her voice, she leaned forward with a repulsed look. “They didn’t even care that I was there! They were just
 Aaahhh! I really couldn’t take it, so I went over there and gave them a piece of my mind. I told them they ought to be ashamed of themselves!” “Oh, wow,” I uttered in disbelief. “But it’s over now, Kayla. I’m doing my best to move on.” Kayla was still fuming. But then, she eventually smiled and leaned over to squeeze my hands. “I’m always here for you, Sophia. You know that.” “Thanks so much. I’m really grateful to have someone who really cares about me,” I responded with a fluttering heart. “Well, you’ve always had my back even in high school. So now it’s my turn to return the favor.” Kayla and I became best friends during our freshman year in high school. We came to know each other well when we first worked on an art project together. We’d hit it off at once, and the rest was history. “Anyway, I can see that Elijah never loved you and he doesn’t deserve you, Sophia,” she went on. “So what are you planning now?” “Well, I’ve been giving it some thought
” I began, suddenly feeling excited for the future. “A few weeks ago, I applied for this postgraduate program at Goldwell Institute of Art in France—” “You did not!” she interrupted me, her lips turning up into a huge grin. Suddenly, she jumped up from her seat and gave me a hug. “This will surely be your big break!” I laughed. “I haven’t been accepted yet, you know.” “Oh, but you will be!” Kayla’s enthusiasm was so contagious that I could already picture myself studying there, exploring France, and enjoying myself. But then, my mood suddenly changed again when I heard my phone ringing and saw Elijah’s name popping up on the screen. I froze up. Kayla’s eyes narrowed when she saw it too. “Go ahead and answer it. See what he has to say.” As soon as I accepted the call, I heard Elijah’s sharp tone of voice on the other end. “You filed for our divorce, and now your family wants cash from me?! Unbelievable!” “Wait, what do you mean?” “You know I’m busy in the office, then here comes your brother with another excuse for needing financial help! He had the nerve to barge into the conference room and disrupt our meeting!” Elijah railed angrily. I felt mortified and helpless. “I’ll talk to Troy.” “Good. Make sure he doesn’t come back again ever.” Then he hung up. I was so shocked that I couldn’t speak for a while. My family's constant demands for cash had reached a tipping point. No matter how many times I tried to set boundaries, they continued to use me and interrupt Elijah. It felt like I had no control over the situation, and it was greatly upsetting. “Sorry I have to go now, Kayla,” I said, bravely deciding to act immediately. She nodded in understanding and we said goodbye. I immediately rushed to the house where my adoptive mother and brother had moved to after my adoptive father Tom Bennett passed away. He’d left me the original house where he’d taken care of me like his real own child. But the rest of the inheritance had been taken by his wife and son. They’d bought a bigger house and I never heard from them again. Not until they learned of my marrying a wealthy man in the famous Sinclair clan. Brenda was certainly not pleased to hear what I had to say. “What did you say?! You divorced Elijah, the billionaire CEO of Sinclair Realty Group?!! Are you out of your mind?!!” Behind her, my brother Troy looked as if he wanted to punch the wall. “It was never going to work out,” I said, trying to maintain my composure. “Just please stop bothering him. We’ve cut our ties. You can’t ask for anything from him anymore.” “Oh, man!” Troy exclaimed with frustration. Two years ago, after I married Elijah, Brenda and Troy came back and pretended like we were a tight-knit family. At first, Elijah was kind and understanding of their needs. But when he noticed how abusive they had become, always asking for financial support, he became impatient and angry. One time, they even borrowed cash in my name and never paid it back. It had become one of the reasons why Morgana was so angry with me. “Did you fight? Maybe you can still fix it!” Brenda said, looking desperate. Troy scoffed. “When I went to his office, I saw him talking to this beautiful, sexy blonde. I’m guessing there’s a third party involved! People who don’t know better would think that woman is his wife!” CHAPTER 5 My heart felt like it would explode any time now. “It doesn’t matter,” I eventually said to Troy. “It’s none of my business now. I don’t care what he does with that woman or with whomever.” Then staring hard at him and my foster mother, I said sharply, “We’re definitely not getting back together, so the two of you should just stop going to him for anything! Just stop!” “But
” Brenda began to protest. I raised my hand to stop her. “Elijah and I are over. Besides, I’ll soon move to France and study there. And since you only contacted me again because of Elijah’s wealth, then now you won’t have any more need for me, right?” They were both shocked at my words because I had never spoken like that in the past. But it was time for me to step up and put myself first for once. “All thing that you swindled out of my ex-husband’s pocket, consider it as your payment for raising me,” I went on in a steady voice. “We don’t have to see or talk to each other ever again.” On the way home, I began to feel a migraine coming. I closed my eyes and massaged my temples as I sat in the back seat of a cab. All of this drama’s taking a toll on me, I guess. But as I neared the house, I felt increasingly queasy and unwell. I realized my health hadn’t fully recovered since the loss. “Could you please take me to the hospital?” I asked the driver, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rising nausea. He nodded and quickly changed course, navigating toward the nearest medical facility. The ride felt endless, each bump in the road exacerbating my discomfort. By the time we arrived, I could barely contain the churning in my stomach. I burst through the hospital doors, a wave of dizziness threatening to overwhelm me. My vision blurred, and I stumbled forward, nearly colliding with a figure in front of me. Before I could hit the ground, strong hands gripped my arms, steadying me. Gasping for breath, I looked up and found myself staring into the concerned eyes of a very handsome and familiar-looking man. “Are you okay? You look like you're about to faint,” he said, his brows furrowed with worry. With our eyes locked on each other, before I could even reply, a look of recognition crossed his features. “Oh, wait! It’s you. Sophia Bennett from Green Valley High, right?” I was surprised, looking at him closely. His features reminded me of someone I knew a long way back. “Uh, Daniel?” I eventually said, recalling his name. We had gone to the same high school, but he was a year older than me. “Yes, yes. Wait, let me bring you to our family doctor. You look really pale.” I felt too sick to pretend I was fine, so I just let him lead me through the corridor and into one of the clinics. He quickly introduced me to the doctor whom he seemed to know well. As the doctor greeted me, concern etched across his face, I explained how I'd been feeling. He listened attentively, nodding as I spoke. After a brief discussion, he led me to an examination room, asking Daniel to wait outside. The examination was thorough, and I appreciated the doctor's calming demeanor. Afterward, he suggested some basic tests to determine the cause of my symptoms. “How are you feeling now?” Daniel asked kindly once I sat down beside him in the waiting area. “A little better, but still kinda dizzy,” I answered honestly. “Thanks for the assistance, but it’s okay if you have somewhere to be. You’ve already done too much for me.” “Oh, it’s okay,” he said with a smile. “Unless you don’t want me here.” “It’s nothing like that, of course!” I quickly replied. “Thanks for accompanying me. It feels good to have someone to talk to while I’m here.” “Well, I’m all ears. People say I’m a good listener.” I beamed at him, his presence a comforting anchor in the sterile hospital environment. Chuckling, I said, “I don’t really know you, Daniel
” “You know my name. That’s a start.” His grin seemed to brighten up the surroundings, and I just felt immediately comfortable with him. I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity and trust wash over me. We hadn't been close in high school, but something about his calm demeanor and genuine concern made me want to open up. “I remember
 Daniel Pierce
” I began, smiling. I could feel my headache and nausea diminishing. “High school jock, but a bit geeky and always at the top of the class.” He laughed. “You’ve got a good memory, Sophia Bennett. I remember you too — the smart, quiet, very talented artist whom all the boys noticed but never had the nerve to approach.” I laughed too at his astonishing description of me. “You’re joking!” “No, it’s true
 Really! I’m sure you’ve managed to get yourself a very good-looking husband. Let me guess, a CEO?” He was kidding, but hitting close to home made me frown as I remembered Elijah. “Good-looking, yes. CEO, yes. But husband? Not anymore.” “Oh.” His expression changed immediately. “I’m sorry to hear that.” “You know, it's been a rough few months,” I began tentatively, twiddling my thumbs in my lap. “I'm actually going through a divorce, and my family... they keep asking for cash from my ex-husband, which just complicates things even more.” Daniel's expression shifted to one of empathy, and he nodded, encouraging me to continue. “And then I lost my baby...It's been tough, physically and emotionally. I just feel like I'm carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, you know?” He nodded in understanding. “I’m so sorry to hear all that, Sophia. But you seem like a really strong woman. I’m sure you can get back on your feet in no time. Usually, it helps to be in a change of environment. Have you considered that?” “Yeah, starting anew in a foreign land,” I answered, thinking about my application in France. “Hmm
 sounds like a pretty bold move," Daniel remarked, his eyes reflecting admiration and amusement at the same time. “It takes courage to make such a big change.” I smiled weakly. “Actually, I've applied for graduate studies in France. It's something I've always wanted to do.” Daniel's eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really? That's incredible! I recently got accepted at the Goldwell Business School in Paris
” My jaw dropped. “What? I’m planning to go to the Goldwell Institute of Art!” He looked at me with astonishment. “What are the odds, huh? Looks like we’ll be seeing more of each other. Those institutions share practically the same campus.” I couldn't believe the coincidence, though I was still feeling down. “That’s really
 something else.” “Surely you’ll get in. Where do you plan to stay in Paris?” “The Latin Quarter, of course. I’m looking at an apartment there, since it’s where most students live.” Daniel chuckled. “And it looks like we’ll be neighbors too. I think we were meant to cross paths again right now, right here.” He gave me a lopsided grin. “Who knows? Maybe we’re destined to explore France together! When you book your plane ticket, let me know. Let’s fly together. I mean, if that’s alright with you?” His offer warmed my heart, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope. “Thank you, Daniel
” Suddenly, I heard my name being called by the assistant, motioning for me to come back into the clinic. “Miss Sophia Bennett?” she informed me. “Your test results are here.” CHAPTER 6 Daniel followed me into the doctor's office, providing support. The doctor smiled warmly at us, his expression giving nothing away. “Well, Sophia,” he began, his tone measured, “the results are in. Congratulations to you both.” I felt a rush of confusion and disbelief. “You’re going to be parents. Congratulations!” the doctor added. I’m
 pregnant?! How could that be? My last baby had left me only months ago. Even I just signed divorce papers with Elijah, and now I'm carrying his child? The room spun around me as embarrassment flooded my cheeks. Probably because he was mistaken for the baby's father, Daniel looked surprised but did not contradict the doctor. “Other than that, you’re perfectly healthy, Sophia,” the doctor assured me. He went on to discuss some things with Daniel, but I hardly heard them talking. My heart pounded crazily, and my mind felt fuzzy. Once again, I felt like I was caught up in a weird dream. None of it was real. Daniel was quiet as we left the hospital. I didn’t know what to say either. “Let me drive you home, Sophia,” he offered once we were outside. His eyes were filled with concern for me. I was just too tired and confused to say no, so I simply nodded. He did not ask any questions, and I was glad. What am I going to do? I asked myself in silence while in the car, feeling the panic rising in my throat. This is the worst timing ever. Elijah and I just got divorced, and I’m supposed to have a whole new life ahead of me. Anxiety took over me. Everything was about to change again. If I have this baby, it won’t have a father, I thought bitterly. And how can I take care of it on my own while living in a different country where I don’t have anyone to help me? My hand moved toward my tummy. There was no baby bump yet, but knowing that there was a little one growing inside gave me chills. Suddenly, I remembered how painful it had been to lose my baby before. This is a blessing, a second chance for me to become a mother. Would I want to risk losing another baby? Slowly I began to calm down. I took deep breaths until my head began to clear. This is a miracle, I told myself. I should be grateful. As I rubbed my belly, I spoke in my mind. I’m so sorry, baby. It’s just all too sudden. But I know that I’m going to take care of you and love you with all my heart. Days flew by, bringing a welcomed calm without Elijah, Brenda, and Troy in the picture. However, internally, I remained in turmoil. Then, the news I had been eagerly awaiting arrived—I had been accepted into my dream university to study art and design once more! Despite the uncertainty of juggling studies with a baby, I couldn't let this opportunity slip away. In just a week’s time, I found myself waving goodbye to Kayla at the airport. “Call me when you get there!” she said, her eyes gleaming with tears. It was the first time we would be apart for a long time, and we were like sisters. As I settled into my seat on the airplane, bound for Paris, excitement and nervousness mingled within me. The prospect of starting a new life in a different country threatened to overwhelm my senses. The plane began its ascent, lifting off the ground. I felt a wave of panic wash over me. Beside me, Daniel sensed my unease and reached over, gently squeezing my hand. “Everything will be okay,” he reassured me. “I'm here. We'll do this together.” His words were a comforting balm to my anxious soul, and I found great comfort in his presence. As we chatted throughout the plane ride, ate together, fell asleep, and then chatted some more, I began to relax and come to terms with the situation. I can do this, I thought with more confidence. Then touching my tummy, I silently whispered, You’re my lucky charm, my baby. By the time we landed safely, Daniel and I were like old buddies. I was truly grateful that he was with me. As the cab wound through Paris, iconic landmarks flashed past—the Eiffel Tower dominating the skyline, the majestic Louvre in the distance, and quaint streets bustling with cafes and shops. Despite my worries, the beauty of the city had me momentarily elated, filling me with a sense of excitement and wonder. Beside me, Daniel seemed entranced, his eyes wide with wonder. Soon, we were unloading my bags at my new apartment. It was semi-furnished, and I was immediately drawn to the light blue walls and the inviting white sofa. But my favorite part of all was the large window that gave me a fantastic view of the busy city street below. This was it—the start of my new life in Paris. I turned to Daniel, who was looking around the apartment with a satisfied smile. “Looks like you've got yourself a nice little place here,” he remarked, glancing back at me. "Yeah, I think I'm going to like it here," I replied. Daniel chuckled. “Just remember to take it easy, okay? You've had a long journey.” I rolled my eyes. “I'm fine, Daniel. I'm not going to keel over from exhaustion.” He raised an eyebrow, and then grinned. “I'm just saying, you’ll be too heavy for me to carry if you collapse!” I threw the throw pillow at him jokingly. “Oh, shut up.” We both laughed. He added, “You need to get some beauty sleep, Sophia. I'm sure you'll want to look your best when you meet your new classmates.” “Oh, so now you're concerned about my appearance?” Daniel grinned. “Hey, a little rest never hurt anyone. And who knows, maybe you'll meet a cute French guy who'll sweep you off your feet.” I playfully nudged him. “I think I'll pass on that, thank you very much. I'm here to focus on my studies, not my love life.” He appeared pleased with that statement. “Fair enough,” he answered with a teasing smile. “But you never know what could happen. Paris is the city of love, after all.” I felt a little flutter in my heart, wondering if I could learn to look at him as more than a friend. Perhaps it's more accurate to say he's akin to a brother rather than just a friend. The assistance he's provided far exceeds anything I've received from Elijah in years. Sighing, I went over to my bags. “Come on, just help me unpack already so we can check out your apartment next.” As we were unpacking, my phone rang. I figured it was Kayla so I asked Daniel to answer it, showing him that my hands were full at the moment. “Hello?” I heard Daniel say. He put the call on speaker mode. “Who the hell is this? Where's Sophia?” a very familiar male voice demanded, his tone aggressive and impatient. My heart felt like it had just plummeted to the ground. I felt my whole body trembling when Daniel handed the phone to me. I didn't have to hold the phone to my ear to hear Elijah's furious growling, "Sophia, YOU CAN'T just walk away like this! Where the hell are you now?! Without my permission, you are not allowed to go anywh...." I pressed the button to end the call without hearing his entire words, calming my quivering heart with a big and deep breath. It's true that Elijah has never been very considerate or tender with me, but he hasn't really stepped on me rudely either. It's just that lately, he's been indifferent to me. Anyway, he'd never been as emotionally cranky as he was now. Did my leaving make him care? No, don't be silly, Sophia, he can be with Serena again now. He's free. How do you expect that he would care about you, a woman he had never loved? Daniel noticed my paradoxical anxiety. "Who is he?" Daniel inquired. But I could see in his eyes that he clearly knew the answer to that question. I sighed, "My husband. No, ex-husband." LEARN_MORE https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid= Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 320 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 thebvhwysgng.com DCO https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=12887&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/457254789_1452745785385337_586184377001912327_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dACchkUzj3cQ7kNvgHi3ay3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AlWjklPI7phQ3xRsiwc3sA0&oh=00_AYADakB7rDr1jrfiL6T9NnaeyOtN3pOMLfLDBQ1hDGKjrw&oe=674EDBD3 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-11-28 19:49 active 1936 0 ここをクăƒȘăƒƒă‚Żă—ăŠç„Ąæ–™ă§ăŠèȘ­ăżăă ă•ă„ <
Bì‹œëĄœ 햄하던 ì—Źê°êž°ê°€ ì°©ë„™ 쀑 ê°‘ìž‘ìŠ€ëŸŹìšŽ ì‚Źêł ê°€ ë‚ŹìŠ”ë‹ˆë‹€. ìŽëĄœ 읞핎 í˜„ìžŹ ì‚Źë§ìžìˆ˜ê°€ 136ëȘ…을 넘얎섰윌며 ìƒìĄŽìžëŠ” 3ëȘ…에 ë¶ˆêłŒí•œ 상황입니닀. ëł‘ì› 로ëč„의 대형 ìŠ€íŹëŠ°ì—ëŠ” 읎ëȈ í•­êł”êž° ì‚Źêł ê°€ ì‹€ì‹œê°„ìœŒëĄœ ëłŽë„ë˜êł  있었닀. 씜하연은 ì„ž ëȘ…ëżìž ìƒìĄŽìž 쀑의 하나로 두 ë‹€ëŠŹì— 붕대넌 감은 채 쀑환자싀 ëł‘ìƒ 위에 누워 있었닀. ê·žë•Œ, 손에 듀늰 핞드폰에서 ì†ŒëŠŹê°€ 듀렀왔닀. “지ꞈ êł ê°ë‹˜ê»˜ì„œ 전화넌 받을 수 없슔니닀. 닀음에 닀시 ê±žì–ŽìŁŒì„žìš”.” ì‚Źêł ê°€ 나던 ê·ž 순간부터 지ꞈêčŒì§€, 낹펾 한서쀀은 전화넌 받지 않았닀. 섀마 ê·žê°€ 옚 나띌넌 떠듀썩하êȌ 한 ì—Źê°êž° ì‚Źêł ë„Œ ëȘšë„Œ 음은 없었닀. ì‚Źêł  ë‹č시, 현임에는 ìŠč객듀의 시신읎 ì—Źêž°ì €êž° ì•„ëŹŽë ‡êȌ나 널렀 있었닀. 귞녀는 ì‚Źêł ì˜ 충êČ©êłŒ ìŁœìŒì˜ êł”íŹëĄœ 숚도 ì œëŒ€ëĄœ 쉎 수 없었닀. êČ°í˜Œí•œ 지 3년읎나 되었지만 낚펞은 귞녀가 가임 í•„ìš”ëĄœ 하는 순간 연띜읎 되지 않았닀. 하연은 마음 한 쌠읎 시렀 였는 êČƒì„ 느ꌈ닀. ê·žë•Œ, 휮대폰 ëČš ì†ŒëŠŹê°€ 듀렀왔닀. 한찞읎나 멍하êȌ 있던 귞녀는 정신을 ì°šëŠŹêł  발신자넌 확읞했닀. 할뚞니였닀. 하연의 얌ꔎ읎 ì–Žë‘ì›ŒìĄŒë‹€. â€œì—ŹëłŽì„žìš”.” 귞녀가 잔뜩 쉰 ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹëĄœ 전화넌 받았닀. 전화 걎너펞에서 ìčœì ˆí•˜ë©Žì„œë„ ì—°ëĄœí•œ ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹê°€ 듀렀왔닀. [ìš°ëŠŹ 하연읎, 읎 í• ëŻžê°€ 너 ë•ŒëŹžì— 제 ëȘ…에 ëȘ» ìŁœêČ ê”Źë‚˜. 너묮 놀띌서 말읎알. ì–Žë”” ë‹€ìčœ ë°ëŠ” ì—†êł ? 서쀀읎가 옆에 같읎 있지?] 강영숙은 서쀀의 ìčœí• ëšžë‹ˆëĄœ 한씚 집안 ì‚ŹëžŒë“€ 쀑 유음하êȌ 하연에êȌ êŽ€ì‹Źì„ 갖는 분읎었닀. “서쀀 씚는  .” ëšžë­‡ê±°ëŠŹëŠ” 귞녀의 말에 강영숙읎 ëŹŽì–žê°€ë„Œ 눈ìč˜ ì±ˆ ë“Żí–ˆë‹€. [읎런 정신 나간 놈을 뎀나! ëč„ì„œëĄœ 또 ì•„ë‚ŽëĄœ, 핎왞 출임간 낹펾 음을 ë‹€ ëŽìŁŒêł  있는데 읎렇êȌ 큰 ì‚Źêł ê°€ í„°ìĄŒëŠ”ë°ë„ 윔ëčŒêž°ë„ ì•ˆëłŽì—Ź? Ʞ닀렀뎐띌! 읎 í• ëŻžê°€ 정신나간 ê·ž 녀석을 가만 두나!] 귞녀가 닀시 ëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. [지ꞈ 얎느 ëł‘ì›ì— 있얎? ì§‘ì‚Źë„Œ ëłŽë‚Œ 테니 êž°ë‹€ëŠŹë Ž!] 하연읎 ëł‘ì› ìŁŒì†Œë„Œ ì•Œë €ìŁŒìž 강영숙은 전화넌 끊었닀. 귞녀는 êł ê°œë„Œ í‘č 숙읞 채 말없읎 팔에 ꜂혀 있던 ìŁŒì‚Ź 바늘을 ëčŒëƒˆë‹€. ê·žëŠŹêł ëŠ” 톔슝을 찞윌며 ìčšëŒ€ì—ì„œ 낎렀왔닀. “환자분, 지ꞈ 뭐하시는 거예요? 닀늏 부상읎 ì‹Źê°í•˜ë‹ˆ 안정을 ì·ší•Žì•Œ í•Žìš”.” 마ìčš ëł‘ì‹€ëĄœ 듀얎였던 ê°„í˜žì‚Źê°€ êčœì§ 놀띌 ì†ŒëŠŹìł€ë‹€. “ëȘ©ë°œ ìą€ ê°€ì žë‹€ìŁŒì„žìš”. 퇎원핎알êČ ì–Žìš”.” 하연의 ë§íˆŹê°€ 얌마나 닚혞했던지 ê°„í˜žì‚Źê°€ 멍하니 귞녀넌 바띌뎀닀. ìž„êž°ê°„ 입원핎알 한닀멎 ëł‘ì›ëłŽë‹€ëŠ” 서쀀의 ëłžê°€ì—ì„œ 요양하는 펞읎 나을 êȃ 같았닀. ì‚Źì‹€, 하연은 HTê·žëŁč 회임의 ëč„서였닀. 읎ëȈ 두바읎 출임은 ê”­ì œ ëł‘ì› 및 í—ŹìŠ€í…ŒíŹ 전시회의 제품 ë°°ìč˜ì™€ ê·ŒëŹŽìžì›ì„ 확정 짓Ʞ 위핎 HTê·žëŁč을 대표핮 갔던 êČƒìŽì—ˆë‹€. ê·žëŠŹêł  음의 êČ°êłŒë„Œ 슉시 ëłŽêł í•˜êž°ëĄœ 되얎있었닀. ‘한서쀀 읎 낚자, 도대ìČŽ 지ꞈ 얎디서 뭘 í•˜êł  있는 ê±°ì•Œ?’ êČ°ê”­, ê°„í˜žì‚ŹëŠ” 퇎원하êȠ닀는 귞녀넌 막지 ëȘ»í–ˆë‹€. 하연은 êł§ìž„ 쀑환자싀을 나와 ëȘ©ë°œì„ ì§šêł  ì ˆëšê±°ëŠŹë©° 수납ìȘ로 햄했닀. ê·žë•Œ, ëł‘ì› 1ìž” 로ëč„의 ìœ ëŠŹ ëČœ 너빾로 읔숙한 찚량ëČˆí˜žíŒìŽ ëłŽì˜€ë‹€. êł êž‰ ìŠčìš©ì°š ëȘ‡ 대가 ê·ž 뒀넌 ë”°ë„Žêł  있었는데 자섞히 볮니 HT ê·žëŁč 소유의 찚듀읎었닀. 뚌저 찚에서 낮며 ì‚ŹëžŒë“€ìŽ êČ€ì •ìƒ‰ 수튞넌 입은 한 낚자넌 ëčŒêłĄížˆ ë‘˜ëŸŹì‹žêł  있었닀. 귞는 ì–Žë–€ ì—Źìžë„Œ 품에 ì•ˆêł  있었는데 귞녀넌 ëȘč시 아끌는 듯 ëłŽì˜€ë‹€. 귞의 êČ€ì •ìƒ‰ 윔튞가 귞녀의 하얀 ë‹€ëŠŹë„Œ ëźêł  있었닀. 낚자는 하연의 ìĄŽìžŹë„Œ 전혀 알지 ëȘ»í•œ 채 황꞉히 ëł‘ì› ëłžêŽ€ ìȘœìœŒëĄœ 햄했닀. 하연은 ê·ž ìžëŠŹì— 서서 ì—Źìžë„Œ ì•ˆêł  ì „ëŹžì˜ ì§„ì°°ì‹€ëĄœ 듀얎가는 ê·žë„Œ 가만히 ë°”ëŒëłŽì•˜ë‹€. êČ°í˜Œìƒí™œ 3년 동안 저렇êȌ 닀정한 낚펞의 ëȘšìŠ”은 한 ëȈ도 ëłž 적읎 없었닀. ê·žê°€ ì•ˆêł  있는 ì—ŹìžëŠ” ëˆ„ê”ŹìŒêčŒ? 귞녀는 갑자Ʞ 가슎에 엄ìȭ난 톔슝읎 밀렀였는 êČƒì„ 느ꌈ닀. ê·ž êł í†”ìŽ 얌마나 컞던지 í˜žíĄìŽ êł€ëž€í•  지êČœìŽì—ˆë‹€. ê·žë•Œ, ëł”ë„ 반대펞에서 걞얎였던 ê°„í˜žì‚Źê°€ 듀늎띜 말띜 한 ì†ŒëŠŹëĄœ 톔화하며 귞녀의 êłì„ 자나갔닀. “낎가 ê·žìȘœìœŒëĄœ 갈êȌ. 저 ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ êČœì œ 뉎슀에 ìžìŁŒ 등임하는 HT ê·žëŁč í›„êł„ìž 한서쀀읎알. ì‹€ì œëĄœ 볮니 더 낚자닀욎데? ìš°ëŠŹ ëł‘ì›ì—ì„œ 볎êȌ 되닀니 너묮 ì‹ êž°í•Ž. ì—Źìžìčœê”Ź ë°ëŠŹêł  ì‚°ë¶€ìžêłŒì— ì§„ëŁŒë°›ìœŒëŸŹ 왔나 뎐.” â€œì‚°ë¶€ìžêłŒ? 확싀핎?” “귞럌 확싀하지. ì§„ëŁŒ 찚튞에 적힌 걞 뎀는데 ëČŒìš 태아가 12ìŁŒë‚˜ 됐던데? 태아 상태가 불안정한지 였늘 출혈읎 있었대. 귞래서 í•œì‚Źìž„ìŽ ì•ˆêł  옚 거띌 던데?” ê·ž 말을 듀은 하연읎 ëšžëŠżì†ìœŒëĄœ 날짜넌 êł„ì‚°í–ˆë‹€. ‘12ìŁŒëŒë©Žâ€Šâ€Š 두 달 전?’ 제2화 하늘읎 ë§ș얎쀀 컀플 하연은 두 달 전, 1ìŁŒìŒ 정도 출임 음정읎 ìžĄí˜€ 있던 한서쀀의 ìŒì •ëłŽêł ì„œê°€ ìƒê°ë‚Źë‹€. 핞드폰을 ì„êł  있는 귞녀의 손읎 떚렀왔닀. ‘귞 때 생ꞎ 아읎읞 ê±°ì•Œ?’ 귞녀는 한서쀀의 숚êČšì§„ ì•„ë‚ŽëĄœ 였래 전부터 ëč„ë°€êł„ì•œì„ ë§șêł  있었닀. 하지만 읎제껏 낚펞의 슀ìș”듀에 대핎서는 ë“€ì–Žëłž 적읎 없었닀. “한서쀀 ì‚Źìž„ìŽ ì—Źìžìčœê”Źì—êȌ ì°ž ê°ëł„í•œ êȃ 같아   저 ì—ŹìžëŠ” 전생에 나띌넌 ê”Źí–ˆë‚˜ 뎐. ëłŽì•„í•˜ë‹ˆ êł§ êł”ì‹ë°œí‘œê°€ 날 êȃ 같은데?” â€œê·žëŸŹêȌ. 나도 아êčŒ êČ€ìƒ‰í•Ž 뎀얎. ë„€ 생각엔 저 ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ ì—Źìžìčœê”Źê°€ 맞는 êȃ 같아?” ìčŽíŠžë„Œ ë°€êł  가던 젊은 ê°„í˜žì‚Źê°€ 옆에 있는 ê°„í˜žì‚Źì—êȌ 핾드폰 속 ì‚Źì§„ì„ ëłŽì—ŹìŁŒì—ˆë‹€. ê·žëŸŹìž 귞녀가 êčœì§ 놀띌며 말했닀. “맞아, 맞아! 읎 ì—Źìžì•Œ! STê·žëŁč 둘짞 딾! 한서쀀읎랑 너묮 잘 ì–ŽìšžëŠŹì§€ 않아? 하늘읎 ë§ș얎쀀 컀플 같아!” 두 ì‚ŹëžŒì€ 혞듀갑을 ë–šë©° ë°˜ëŒ€íŽžìœŒëĄœ 걞얎갔닀. ‘ST ê·žëŁč읎띌  .’ 퇎원 수속을 마ìčœ í•˜ì—°ì€ ì§‘ì‚Źì˜ ì°šë„Œ íƒ€êł  가멎서도 마음읎 ìą€ìČ˜ëŸŒ 진정되지 않았닀. ë°˜ìŻ€ 엎늰 ì°œëŹž 아래 핾드폰 화멎의 불ëč›ìŽ 찜백한 하연의 얌ꔎ을 ëč„ì·„ë‹€. 수 없읎 êČ€ìƒ‰í•Ž 뎀지만 í•œì„œì€€êłŒ ST ê·žëŁčêłŒì˜ 연ꎀ성은 전혀 찟을 수 없었닀. ‘B시의 잘 나가는 두 ëȘ…ëŹžê°€ 집안읎 읎런 ì‹ìœŒëĄœ ì—źìŽë‹€ë‹ˆ 읎상핎.’ 서쀀의 ëłžê°€ì— 도착하니 거싀에 불읎 쌜젞 있었닀. ëˆˆì—Łê°€ì‹œ 같은 시누읎 대신 서쀀의 할뚞니읞 강영숙 ì—Źì‚Źê°€ ì§€íŒĄìŽì— ëȘžì„ 의지한 채 귞녀넌 êž°ë‹€ëŠŹêł  있었닀. â€œìš°ëŠŹ 하연읎 ì™”ê”Źë‚˜! 넀가 ëł”ìŽ 많아서 ê·ž 큰 ì‚Źêł  쀑에도 ëŹŽì‚Źí–ˆê”Źë‚˜. 너묮 놀띌서 하마터멎 숚읎 넘얎갈 뻔했지 뭐냐.” “할빾니, 전 êŽœì°źì•„ìš”.” 하연은 ì˜ŹëŒê°€ ì‰Źêł  싶은 마음읎 컞지만 웃윌며 말했닀. “할빾니, ì‚Źì‹€ 저 ìą€ í”Œêł€í•Žìš”.” “귞래, 귞래. 얌넞 ì˜ŹëŒê°€ì„œ ì‰Źì–ŽëŒ. 서쀀읎한테 연띜핎 놚윌니êčŒ êł§ ì˜Ź ê±°ë‹€.” 하연은 ëȘžì„ 숙읎는 순간 ì‹Źí•œ 톔슝읎 ëȘ°ë €ì™€ 얌ꔎ읎 ìŒê·žëŸŹìĄŒë‹€. 강영숙은 귞녀가 êŽŽëĄœìšŽ 읎유가 서쀀 ë•ŒëŹžìŽëŒêł  생각했닀. 하연의 ëšžëŠżì†ì— 서쀀의 생각읎 ìŠ€ìł 지나갔닀. 귞는 자신에êȌ 진짜 ëȘšìŠ”을 ìˆšêž°êł  있었닀. 귞에êȌ ì—Źìžìčœê”Źê°€ 있닀는 ì‚Źì‹€ìŽ 읎렇êȌ 가슎에 가시가 되얎 박힐 쀄은 ëȘ°ëžë‹€. ‘낎가 지ꞈêčŒì§€ ì°žêł  êČŹëŽŒì˜š 날읎 한순간에 우슀워지닀니  .’ 

 서쀀은 닀음날 ë°€ 늩êȌ나 되얎 ëłžê°€ì— 도착했닀. “아직 안 잀얎? êčšì–Ž 있윌멎서 불은 왜 êșŒ 뒀얎?” ê·žê°€ ìčšì‹€ì˜ 불을 쌰닀. 하연은 귞런 ê·žë„Œ 볎며 마음읎 불펞했닀. 귞녀는 하룹 ìą…ìŒ ìčšëŒ€ì— 누워만 있었닀. ì§‘ì‚Źê°€ 가젞닀쀀 음식도 거의 ëšč지 ëȘ»í–ˆêł  êČ°ê”­ ê·žêČƒë“€ì€ ì°šê°‘êȌ 식얎ëȄ며 상태였닀. “ë‹č신 ë©°ìč  ë™ì•ˆ 얎디에 있었얎요?” 귞녀는 서쀀의 얌ꔎ은 ëłŽì§€ë„ 않은 채 수ìČ™í•Žì§„ ëȘšìŠ”ìœŒëĄœ 돌아서서 힘없읎 ëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. ìžŹí‚·ì„ ëČ—ìž 귞의 탄탄한 ëȘžë§€ê°€ ë“œëŸŹë‚Źë‹€. 서쀀은 귞녀의 ëŹŒìŒì— ëŻžê°„ì„ 잔뜩 찌푞늰 채 ìčšëŒ€ 헀드 ìȘœìœŒëĄœ 눈을 돌렞닀. êČ°í˜Œ 3년 동안 귞녀가 읎렇êȌ 자신의 행방을 추궁하는 êČƒì€ ìČ˜ìŒìŽì—ˆë‹€. “T시에 있는 ì§€ì‚Źì— ëŹžì œê°€ 있얎서 출임 닀녀왔얎.” 서쀀은 평소ìČ˜ëŸŒ 냉닮하êȌ 대닔한 후, ê·€ì°źë‹€ëŠ” 듯 ê±°ìč êȌ 넄타읎넌 ëŒì–Žë‚ŽëŠŹêł ëŠ” ìš•ì‹€ ìȘœìœŒëĄœ 햄했닀. “귞래요?” 하연의 웃음 ì†ŒëŠŹê°€ ìčšì‹€ 안에 ìšžë žë‹€. “ëč„서싀 ê”Źë™í›„ 싀임님께 ì—Źì­€ëŽ€ëŠ”ë° Tì‹œëĄœ 가는 ëč„행Ʞ표 ê”Źë§€ë‚Žì—­ìŽ 없더ꔰ요.” 귞녀의 ë§íˆŹì— ì˜ì‹ŹìŽ 잔뜩 ëŹ»ì–Žë‚Źë‹€. â€œëŹŽìŠš 말을 í•˜êł  싶은 ê±°ì•Œ?” 서쀀읎 ìš•ì‹€ ìž…ê”Źì— 멈춰 서서 ëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. ê”łìŽ 얌ꔎ을 ëłŽì§€ 않아도 ê·žê°€ 화가 폭발하Ʞ 직전읎띌는 êČƒìŻ€ì€ 알 수 있었닀. ‘하, êł§ 불 같읎 화넌 낮êČ ë„€.’ 제3화 한씚 집안 ë©°ëŠëŠŹê°€ 된 읎유 “ë‹č신읎랑 ê·ž ì—Źìž, 대ìČŽ 얞제부터 만난 ê±°ì•Œ?” 하연읎 êČšìš° ëȘžì„ ì¶”ìŠ€ëŠŹë©° ìčšëŒ€ì— Ʞ대 앉았닀. 서쀀은 귞녀가 3년전 í˜Œìžì‹ êł ë„Œ 할 ë•ŒëłŽë‹€ í›šì”Ź 말랐닀는 êČƒì„ 알아챘닀. 얎찌나 알위었던지 바람읎 불멎 날아가ëȄ멮 êȃ 같았닀. “ë‹č신 낮 ë’·ìĄ°ì‚Źë„Œ 한 ê±°ì•Œ?” 귞의 안색읎 ëł€í–ˆë‹€. “낎가 ê·žë ‡êȌ 한가한 ì‚ŹëžŒìœŒëĄœ ëłŽì—Źìš”? ë‚Žê°€ 입원했던 ëł‘ì›ì—ì„œ 낮 두 ëˆˆìœŒëĄœ ë‹čì‹ ë“€ 두 ì‚ŹëžŒì„ 뎀얎요.” 귞녀는 ë‚źì€ ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹëĄœ, 한 Ꞁ자 한 Ꞁ자 또박또박 낮 뱉었닀. 순간, ì‹Źìž„ìŽ ì°ąêž°ëŠ” êȃ 같았닀. 하지만 서쀀의 얌ꔎ에는 ëȘ»ë§ˆë•…í•œ Ʞ색읎 역렄했닀. 귞는 하연읎 ì‚Źêł ê°€ 난 êČƒì„ 알멎서도 걱정하는 말 한 마디 없었닀. 귞녀는 ê·žê°€ 하는 말듀을 듀윌며 í˜ì˜€ìŠ€ëŸŹìšŽ 느낌읎 듀었닀. â€˜ë¶€ë¶€ëĄœ 삎았던 3년읎띌는 시간읎 ì•„ëŹŽêȃ도 아닌 êȃ 같아.’ 하연은 ë©°ëŠëŠŹê°€ 하는 음 마닀 íŠžì§‘ìžĄëŠ” 시얎뚞니와 자신을 ëˆˆì—Łê°€ì‹œìČ˜ëŸŒ ì—Źêž°ëŠ” 시누읎에êȌ 정성을 닀했닀. 집에서는 ìŁŒë¶€ëĄœ 또 íšŒì‚Źì—ì„œëŠ” 헌신적읞 ëč„ì„œ 역할을 ë„ë§Ąì•˜ë‹€. 귞녀는 서쀀의 할빾니 강영숙 ì—Źì‚Źì˜ 뜻에 따띌 ì•„ë“€, 딾 잘 낳는 ìą‹ì€ ì†ìžë©°ëŠëŠŹê°€ ë˜ë €êł  녞렄했닀. 3년 동안 귞만큌 했윌멎 강영숙 ì—Źì‚Źì—êȌ ê°€ìĄ±ìœŒëĄœì„œì˜ ì˜ëŠŹëŠ” 충분히 지킚 êČƒìŽë‹€. 하지만 ê·ž êČ°êłŒëŠ” 얎떠한가? 3년간 하연은 서쀀의 ëȘžì— 손가띜 하나도 댈 수가 없었닀. 한 방을 ì“°êł  있었지만 ìčšëŒ€ëŠ” 따로 썌Ʞ ë•ŒëŹžìŽì—ˆë‹€. 하연은 밀렀였는 톔슝을 찞윌며 찚가욎 귞의 눈을 ë°”ëŒëłŽì•˜ë‹€. ê·žëŸŹë‹€ ëŹŽìŠš ìš©êž°ê°€ ë‚ŹëŠ”ì§€ ì†ŒëŠŹë„Œ ë‚Žì–Ž ê°€ëłêȌ 웃었닀. “ë‹č신 얎뚞니는 ë‚Žê°€ 애도 ëȘ» ë‚łìœŒë©Žì„œ êČ°í˜Œí•œ ì–‘ì‹Źë„ 없는 ì—ŹìžëŒêł  í–ˆìŁ . 귞런데 지ꞈ ë‹č신읎 밖에서 닀넞 ì—Źìžì™€ 아읎넌 가진 걞 ë‚Žê°€ ì–Žë–»êȌ ë°›ì•„ë“€ì—Źì•Œ í•˜ìŁ ?” 간신히 ìčšëŒ€ì— êž°ëŒ€êł  있는 귞녀는 ë‹č임읎띌도 ì“°ëŸŹì§ˆ êȃ 같았닀. 하지만 êł ê°œë„Œ êŒżêŒżí•˜êȌ ìłë“€êł ëŠ” 귞의 옷êčƒì„ ìžĄì•˜ë‹€. 하지만 êł§ë°”ëĄœ ꔔ은 귞의 손에 ìžĄížˆêł  말았닀. 한서쀀은 찚가욎 눈ëč›ìœŒëĄœ 귞녀넌 ëč€ížˆ ë°”ëŒëłŽì•˜ë‹€. “혜êČœìŽëŠ” 낮 섞컚드가 아니알. 20년 넘êȌ ì•Œêł  지낞 ì‚ŹìŽì•Œ.” ‘얎늎 적부터 ì•Œêł  지낞 ì‚ŹìŽì˜€ê”Źë‚˜.’ 하연은 자신을 ìžĄêł  있는 서쀀의 손에 점점 힘읎 듀얎가는 êČƒì„ 느ꌈ닀. “혜êČœìŽê°€ 5년 전에 출ꔭ한 ìŽí›„ëĄœ ì„œëĄœ 한ëȈ도 연띜한 적 없얎.” 귞녀는 뒀톔수넌 한 대 ì„žêȌ 맞은 êȃ 같았닀. ‘얎쩐지 ì•„ëŹŽëŠŹ 찟아뎐도 ì—Źìžë„Œ 만난 흔적읎 1도 없더띌니  .’ 하지만 ê·ž ì—Źìžê°€ 임신한 êČƒìŽ 닀시 ìƒê°ë‚Źë‹€. 귞녀는 닀시 êł ê°œë„Œ ë“€êł  쉰 ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹëĄœ ëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. “귞래서 읎제 두 ì‚ŹëžŒ, 닀시 만나는 거예요?” 한서쀀은 뭔가 말하렀닀가 입을 ë‹€ëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. ê·žëŠŹêł ëŠ” 얎두워진 귞녀의 눈동자넌 ì •ë©ŽìœŒëĄœ ë°”ëŒëłŽì•˜ë‹€. “낎가 왜 ë‹č신을 읎 êłł ì•ˆìŁŒìžìœŒëĄœ 듀였는지 ëČŒìš 잊은 êȃ 같ꔰ.” HT ê·žëŁč 낎에는 상속을 원하는 형제듀읎 ë§Žì•˜êł  í›„êł„ìž ìžëŠŹë„Œ 녾멬는 자듀도 많았닀. 서쀀의 할뚞니읞 강영숙 ì—Źì‚ŹëŠ” ìŒë¶€ëŸŹ B시의 ëŻží˜Œ ì—Źì„± 쀑에서 ì†ìžë©°ëŠëŠŹë„Œ êłšëŒ 귞와 êČ°í˜Œì‹œí‚€êł , ì•„ë“€ 딞을 ë‚łì•„ ê·žëŁč 낎에서의 입지넌 당당히 í•˜ë €êł  했닀. 강영숙 ì—Źì‚ŹëŠ” 자신의 생ëȘ…을 ê”Źí•Ž 쀀 하연을 ì†ìžë©°ëŠëŠŹëĄœ 추ìČœí–ˆë‹€. 귞녀는 서쀀을 ì°Ÿì•„ê°€ ëȘšë“  음에 간섭하지 않êČ ë‹€êł  ì•œì†í•˜êł  ëč„ë°€êČ°í˜Œì— 동의했닀. ê·žëŠŹêł  ë‹č시에 자신읎 욎영하던 잘 나가던 뾌랜드 샔도 ëŹžì„ 닫았닀. ê·ž 후로 HTê·žëŁč에 듀얎가 서쀀의 음을 돕는 ëč„ì„œëĄœ 음핎왔닀. 귞래서 ê·žê°€ 하연에êȌ 선을 넘지 ë§ëŒêł  êČœêł í•˜ëŠ” êČƒìŽì—ˆë‹€. 귞녀가 웃윌며 말했닀. “잊ꞎ요, 하나넌 손에 ë„ŁìœŒë©Ž 더 ê°–êł  싶은 êȌ ì‚ŹëžŒ ìš•ì‹ŹìŽìž–ì•„ìš”?” 귞녀의 얌ꔎ은 찜백했지만 눈동자는 ëč›ìŽ ë‚˜êł  있었닀. 얌ꔎ에 ëŻžì†Œë§ˆì € 없었더띌멎 마ìč˜ ëŹŽë€ì—ì„œ 걞얎 나옚 ìČ˜ë…€ê·€ì‹  같아 ëłŽì˜€ì„ì§€ë„ ëȘ°ëžë‹€. 순간, 서쀀은 하연읎 얎딘가 ëł€í–ˆë‹€êł  느ꌈ닀. 하지만 ê·ž 말을 입 밖에 낎지는 않았닀. 귞녀가 ìžĄížŒ 손을 ìŠŹë©°ì‹œ ëčŒëƒˆë‹€. ꜀ 큰 ìčšì‹€ì€ ì°œëŹžìŽ 닫혀 있었는데 êł”êž°ê°€ 점점 ë‹”ë‹”í•Žì§€êł  있었닀. 옚도도 점점 높아젞 얎느덧 ì˜šë„êł„ê°€ 30도넌 ê°€ëŠŹí‚€êł  있었닀. 더욎 êł”êž°ì— 서쀀의 숚읎 가ëč ì˜€ëŠ” êČƒìŽ ëŠê»ŽìĄŒë‹€. 하연은 닀시 귞의 셔잠 êčƒì— 손을 가젞닀 댔닀. 귞는 플하지 ì•Šêł  가만히 있었닀. 귞는 앜간 화가 난 듯한 얌ꔎ읎었지만 너묮 더워 귞녀넌 밀얎낌 Ʞ렄읎 없얎 ëłŽì˜€ë‹€. “ë‹č신 지ꞈ ëŹŽìŠš 짓을 하는 ê±°ì•Œ?” 제4화 더 읎상 한씚 집안 ë©°ëŠëŠŹê°€ 아니에요 하연은 서쀀의 셔잠 닚추넌 하나씩 풀었닀. ê·žëŠŹêł  귞의 ëł”ê·Œì„ 따띌 낎렀가며 입을 맞추었닀. 였랫동안 감춰옚 서쀀에 대한 갈망 탓읞지 귀밑êčŒì§€ ë¶‰ì–ŽìĄŒë‹€. 귞녀는 손놀늌을 멈추지 않은 채 쉰 ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹëĄœ 말했닀. “낎가 ì–Žë–»êȌ 읎 집의 작은 ì•ˆìŁŒìžìŽ 되었는지 ìžŠì—ˆëƒêł ìš”? ì–Žë–»êȌ 잊을 수 있êČ ì–Žìš”. 제 ìž„ëŹŽëŠ” ë‹č신의 아읎넌 낳는 거예요. 지ꞈ 나는 낮 ìž„ëŹŽë„Œ ìˆ˜í–‰í•˜êł  있는 ê±°êł ìš”.” “얎떻êȌ 귞런 말을?!” 화넌 낮는 서쀀의 탄탄한 ëł”ê·ŒìŽ ìšžëŁ©ë¶ˆëŁ© 움직였닀. “방 안에 씜음제넌 ìą€ ëżŒë žì–Žìš”. ìĄ°êžˆë§Œ 찞윌멎 êł§ êŽœì°źì•„ì§ˆ 거예요. 저는 제 ìž„ëŹŽë„Œ 위핎 아읎넌 가지렀는 êČƒëżìŽì—ìš”.” 귞녀는 더 ëŒ€ë‹Ží•˜êł  êłŒê°í•˜êȌ 행동했닀. 전에는 한ëȈ도 ëłŽì—Źì€€ 적 없는 요엌한 ëȘšìŠ”읎었닀. 하연의 적ê·č적읞 도발에 서쀀의 ëȘžìŽ ëłžëŠ„ì ìœŒëĄœ 반응하Ʞ ì‹œìž‘í–ˆêł  혾흡도 ê±°ìč ì–ŽìĄŒë‹€. 읎 ëȘšë“  êȌ 씜음제 ë•ŒëŹžìŽëŒêł  ì†ìœŒëĄœ 되뇌읎며, 서쀀은 혀 끝을 êčšëŹŒì–Ž 가êčŒìŠ€ëĄœ 되찟은 음말의 ìŽì„±ìœŒëĄœ 하연의 ê±°ìčšì—†ëŠ” 손을 ꜉ 움쌜 ìžĄì•˜ë‹€. “씜하연, 너 정말 역êČšì›Œ.” 서쀀의 말에 귞녀의 끓얎였넎던 욕망읎 순식간에 폭삭 가띌앉아 ëČ„ë žë‹€. 하연은 눈에 ëˆˆëŹŒìŽ êł ì˜€ë‹€. 마지막읞 듯 한 마디 ëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. “나넌 안는 êȌ ê·žë ‡êȌ ê”Źì—­ì§ˆë‚˜ìš”?” “귞래!” 서쀀은 귞녀넌 똑바로 ìłë‹€ëłŽë©Žì„œ ìĄ°êžˆë„ 망섀읎지 ì•Šêł  대닔했닀. ê·žëŠŹêł  귞녀넌 ë°€ìłëƒˆë‹€. 더는 귞녀와 한마디도 í•˜êł  싶지 않았닀. 서쀀은 하연읎 ëČ—êžŽ 옷을 집얎 ë“€êł  닀시 ìž…êž° 시작했닀. 귞는 닚추도 잠귞지 않은 채 성큌성큌 걞얎 나가ëČ„ë žë‹€. ë°©ëŹžìŽ â€˜ìŸ…â€™í•˜êł  닫히멎서 ìŁŒìœ„ê°€ 닀시 ìĄ°ìš©í•ŽìĄŒë‹€. 하연은 ê·žê°€ 나가자 ꞎ임읎 풀렀 바닄에 ìŁŒì €ì•‰ì•˜ë‹€. 눈에는 원망읎 ì°šì˜Źëžë‹€. 서쀀은 방을 나서며 생각했닀. ‘읎 ì •ë„ëĄœ 했윌멎 있던 마음도 없얎지êČ ì§€â€Šâ€Š.’ 

 닀음날 아ìčš, 하연은 아직 성ìč˜ ì•Šì€ ë‹€ìčœ ë‹€ëŠŹë„Œ ì ˆëšê±°ëŠŹë©° ì—Źí–‰ê°€ë°©ì„ ëŒêł  ì•„ëž˜ìž”ìœŒëĄœ 낎렀갔닀. 집안 삎늌을 돕는 가정부가 ì‹ì‚Źë„Œ 쀀ëč„í•˜êł  있었닀. 강영숙 ì—Źì‚ŹëŠ” 새ëČœêž°ë„ë„Œ 드멬러 가느띌 집을 ëč„욎 상태였닀. “얎뚞, 새얞니! ìŁœë‹€ ì‚Žì•„ë‚œ 지 얌마 되지도 않았는데 ëČŒìš 짐 ëŒêł  얎딜 가렀는 거예요? í˜č시 ì—Źí–‰ 가요?” 한서쀀의 ìčœë™ìƒ 한서영읎 ëčˆì •ê±°ëŠŹë©° 말했닀. 귞녀는 í˜„ìžŹ B대학ꔐ 2학년에 ìžŹí•™ì€‘ìŽë‹€. 서영은 í•˜ì—°êłŒ 읎렇êȌ ê°€ìĄ±ìœŒëĄœ 만나는 êČƒìŽ ì—Źì „ížˆ 읔숙하지 ì•Šêł  불펞하Ʞ만 했닀. “나가Ʞ 전에 나 뚞늏 하는 ê±° ìą€ ë„ì™€ìŁŒêł  가요.” 하연은 ì†ìžŹìŁŒê°€ ìą‹ì€ 펞읎띌 서영의 ëšžëŠŹë„Œ êł§ìž˜ ì†ì§ˆí•ŽìŁŒì—ˆë‹€. 슀타음읎 ìą‹ì•„ì„œ ìčœê”Źë“€ëĄœë¶€í„° ë¶€ëŸŹì›€ì„ 샀닀. 하지만 였늘 하연은 귞녀의 말에 전혀 대꟞도 하지 ì•Šêł  짐을 ëŒêł  낎렀왔닀. 마ìčš ê·€ë¶€ìžìČ˜ëŸŒ ìč˜ìž„한 한씚 집안의 ì•ˆìŁŒìž 읎수애 ì—Źì‚Źì™€ ë§ˆìŁŒìł€ë‹€. 귞녀는 HTê·žëŁč 한태규 회임의 두ëČˆì§ž 아낎읎자 서쀀의 ìčœì–Žëšžë‹ˆì˜€ë‹€. 읎수애는 ìČ˜ìŒë¶€í„° 하연의 ì˜·ì°šëŠŒêłŒ 가정배êČœìŽ 마음에 듀지 않아 í•šë¶€ëĄœ 말하Ʞ 음쑀였닀. “아ìčš ëŒ“ë°”ëžŒë¶€í„° ì—Źí–‰ê°€ë°©ì„ ëŒêł  닀니며 뭐하는 짓읎알? ë‹č임 ë‚Žë €ë†“êł  ìČ­ì†Œì€‘ìž 읎ëȘšë‹˜ìŽë‚˜ 도와띌. êł§ ìƒˆëĄœ ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ 듀얎와서 지낎êȌ 될 거니êčŒ.” 하연의 눈êșŒí’€ìŽ 떚렀왔닀. 자신읎 ëȘšë„Žêł  있는 음읎 ìŒì–Žë‚˜êł  있었닀. ê·žë•Œ, 옆에서 ë“Łêł  있던 한서영읎 궁ꞈ슝을 찞지 ëȘ»í•˜êł  ëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. â€œìƒˆëĄœ? 누가요?” “니가 ìą‹ì•„ ìŁœëŠ” 혜êČœìŽ ë§êł  누가 더 있êȠ니?” “넀? 혜êČœì–žë‹ˆ 귀ꔭ했얎요?” “돌아였Ʞ만 한 êȌ ì•„ë‹ˆêł , ë„€ 였ëč  ì•„ìŽë„Œ ê°€ìĄŒìž–ì•„. ìš°ëŠŹì§‘ 터가 ìą‹ì•„ì„œ 잠êč ìžêž° ì§‘ìœŒëĄœ 듀얎가Ʞ 전에 ì—Źêž°ì„œ ëȘžì„ 추슀넌 ê±°ì•Œ.” 귞녀는 읎알Ʞ하멎서 하연을 한ëȈ 힐끗 ìłë‹€ëłŽì•˜ë‹€. ëŻŒí˜œêČœìŽì•Œ 말로 자신읎 생각핎옚 읎상적읞 ë©°ëŠëŠżê°ìŽì—ˆë‹€. 애쎈에 ê·ž 음읎 아니었윌멎 서쀀은 혜êČœêłŒ êČ°í˜Œí–ˆì„ êČƒìŽë‹€. 귞녀가 하연을 ë‚Žë €ë‹€ëłŽë©Žì„œ ëŹŽì‹œí•˜ëŠ” 투로 말했닀. “너 아직도 ê±°êž° 서서 멍하니 ë­í•˜êł  있니? ìČ­ì†Œí•˜ëŸŹ 가지 ì•Šêł ?” 예전 같았윌멎 하연은 틀늌없읎 시얎뚞니의 ëč„위넌 맞추었을 êČƒìŽë‹€. 하지만 였늘은 자신을 멞시하는 귞녀의 ëœ»ëŒ€ëĄœ í•˜êł  싶지 않았닀. 하연은 너묮나도 êł í†”ìŠ€ëŸŹì› ì§€ë§Œ ìčšì°©í•˜êȌ 냉정한 태도넌 잃지 ì•Šêł  말했닀. “였늘부터 저와 서쀀 씚는 더 읎상 ë¶€ë¶€ì‚ŹìŽê°€ 아니에요. 서영읎 뚞늏 하는 거나 ë°© ìČ­ì†Œ 같은 허드렛음은 읎제 닀넞 ì‚ŹëžŒì—êȌ 시킀섞요.” 제5화 읎혌합의서 읎수애 ì—Źì‚ŹëŠ” 하연읎 ì „êłŒëŠ” 완전히 닀넞 투로 말하는 êČƒì„ ëłŽêł  도저히 ëŻżêž°ì§€ê°€ 않았닀. 귞녀는 컀닀란 ì‚ŹíŒŒìŽì–Žê°€ 박힌 반지넌 낀 ì†ê°€ëœìœŒëĄœ 하연을 ê°€ëŠŹìŒ°ë‹€. “귞êȌ ëŹŽìŠš 태도알!? 방ꞈ 했던 말 닀시 한ëȈ 핮뮐!” 하지만 하연은 ìĄ°êžˆë„ 두렀워하는 Ʞ색 없읎 귞녀넌 똑바로 ìłë‹€ëŽ€ë‹€. â€œëŻŒí˜œêČœìŽëŒëŠ” ì—Źìžê°€ 집에 듀얎였멎 ê·ž ì—Źìží•œí…Œ 집안음을 시킀섞요. 저는 ì•žìœŒëĄœ 하지 않을 거예요.” 하연은 암두ìČ˜ëŸŒ 붉은 ìž…ìˆ ëĄœ 또박또박 말했닀. 말을 í•˜êł  나니 속읎 시원했닀. 읎 ì—Źì‚ŹëŠ” 귞녀의 말에 ëČŒì»„ 화넌 냈닀. “너!” “엄마, 엄마!” 서영읎 흄분한 엄마의 팔을 ë¶™ìžĄêł  ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹë„Œ ë‚źì¶”ì–Ž 말했닀. “새얞니 화난 ê±° ë§žìŁ ? ì–Žì Żë°€ì— 였ëč ê°€â€Šâ€Š.” 귞녀는 불난 집에 부채질읎띌도 하렀는 듯 ì–Žì Żë°€ 음을 êșŒë‚Žë €êł  했닀. ê·ž ëȘšìŠ”을 볮니 하연의 화넌 돋우렀는 의도가 충분히 ëłŽì˜€ë‹€. 읎 ì—Źì‚ŹëŠ” 딞의 의도넌 ꞈ방 ì•Œì•„ì±„êł  닀시 ì°šë¶„í•ŽìĄŒë‹€. 귞녀는 íŠč유의 ê±°ë“€ëščê±°ëŠŹëŠ” 투로 말했닀. “낹펾 하나 ë¶™ìžĄì§€ ëȘ»í•˜ëŠ” ìŁŒì œì— 별 얔지넌 ë‹€ 부늏넀. 감히 시얎뚞니 탓을 핮?” 하연은 느멿느멿 짐을 ëŒêł  나였닀가 저택 ìž…ê”Źì—ì„œ 발걞음을 멈추었닀. ì‹Źìž„ë°•ë™ìŽ ëčšëŒì§€ë©Žì„œ ëšžëŠŹê°€ ìȘŒê°œì§ˆ 듯 아팠닀. 귞녀는 êł ê°œë„Œ 돌렀 욕을 íŒë¶“êł  싶은 마음을 êŸč 누넎며 ì°šê°‘êȌ 말했닀. “지난 3년동안 아읎가 없었던 êȌ ë‹€ 저 ë•ŒëŹžìŽëŒêł  í•˜ì…šìŁ ? 절 ì˜ì‹Źí•˜êž° 전에 서쀀 씚에êȌ ëč„ë‡šêž°êłŒ ì§„ëŁŒë„Œ ë°›ìœŒëŒêł  하는 펞읎 ëč ë„Œ 거예요. ê·žëŸŹë©Ž 임신읎 안됐던 원읞읎 êłŒì—° ëˆ„ê”Ź ìȘœì— 있는지 알 수 있을 거예요.” “너, 니가 감히!” 하연의 말에 읎 ì—Źì‚Źì™€ 서영 둘 ë‹€ êčœì§ 놀랐닀. 읎 ì—Źì‚ŹëŠ” 뚞늏 끝êčŒì§€ 화가 ìč˜ë°€ì—ˆë‹€. “씜하연! 난 너랑 ìš°ëŠŹ ì„œì€€ìŽí•˜êł  ꌭ ìŽí˜Œì‹œí‚€êł  말 테니 ë‘êł  뎐!” 귞동안 하연은 서쀀의 할빾니 강영숙 ì—Źì‚Źì™€ì˜ 정을 생각핎서 한씚 집안 ì‚ŹëžŒë“€êłŒ 닀툌을 플했닀. 왠만핎선 자Ʞ 의êČŹì„ 낎섞우지 ì•Šêł  원만하êȌ 지낎왔닀. 지ꞈêčŒì§€ëŠ” 집안 ì‚ŹëžŒë“€êłŒ 갈등읎 생ꞞêčŒ ëŽ 두렀워하며 지냈지만 읎제는 신êČœ 쓰지 ì•Šêž°ëĄœ 했닀. â€œê·žëŸŹì‹œë˜ê°€ìš”.” 귞녀는 한마디 ë‚Žë±‰êł  서쀀의 ëłžê°€ë„Œ 나왔닀. 읎 ì—Źì‚Źê°€ 화가 나서 ꞞꞞ읎 뛰든 말든 상ꎀ없었닀. 하연읎 나가자 마자 읎 ì—Źì‚ŹëŠ” 뭔가 읎상하닀는 생각읎 듀었닀. 귞녀는 딾 한서영을 ë°”ëŒëłŽë©° ëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. “2ìž” ì˜ŹëŒê°€ì„œ ìš°ëŠŹì§‘ì— 돈 될만한 ëŹŒê±ŽìŽ ì—†ì–ŽìĄŒëŠ”ì§€ 잘 삎펎뎐. ë“€êł  나가던 ìșëŠŹì–Žê°€ ꜀나 ëŹŽê±°ì›Œ ëłŽìŽë˜ë° í˜č시 챙êČšê°”ëŠ”ì§€ ëȘšë„Žìž–ì•„!” 잠시 후 ë¶€ëŠŹë‚˜ìŒ€ êł„ë‹šì„ 뛰얎낎렀였는 한서영의 손에 서넘가 하나 듀렀 있었닀. “엄마, 없얎진 걎 없얎요. 대신 ìčšëŒ€ ëšžëŠŹë§Ąì— 뭐가 하나 있얎요!” 서넘넌 ëčŒì•—ì•„ ì‚ŽíŽŽëłŽë˜ 읎 ì—Źì‚Źì˜ 눈ëč›ìŽ 흔듀렞닀. [읎혌합의서] 읎 ì—Źì‚ŹëŠ” êł§ìž„ 서쀀에êȌ 전화넌 걞얎 하연의 행각을 귞에êȌ ë‹€ 쏟아냈닀. 펄펄 뛰는 얎뚞니의 입에서 나였는 ë‹šì–Žë“€ 쀑 ‘읎혌합의서’, ‘발Ʞ부전’ 등을 듀은 서쀀은 의자에 걞얎 둔 ì™žíˆŹë„Œ 걞ìč˜êł  슉시 회의싀을 나섰닀. "엄마, 엄마! 음닚 진정 ìą€ìš”." ê·žê°€ ë‚źì€ ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹëĄœ 얎뚞니넌 진정시쌰닀. [ë‚Žê°€ 지ꞈ 진정하êȌ 생êČŒì–Ž? 낮 귀한 아듀에êȌ 읎 따위 말듀을 썚 놹는데? 마ìčš í˜œêČœìŽê°€ ë“€ì–Žì˜Ź 거니êčŒ ìŽ 타읎밍에 집 나가쀀 걎 ì°ž êł ë§™ì§€ë§Œ. 아니, 지가 ë­ëŒêł  감히 뚌저 읎혌 얘Ʞ넌 êșŒë‚Ž? ëȘœë‘„읎 ì°œì§ˆëĄœ 쫓아낎도 ì‹œì›ì°źì„ 년

] 얎뚞니의 읎알Ʞ가 Ꞟ얎질 êȃ 같자 서쀀은 얎두욎 í‘œì •ìœŒëĄœ í†”í™”ìą…ëŁŒ ëČ„íŠŒì„ 눌렀닀. ì—Źíƒœê» ìˆœìą…ì ìŽêł  눈ìč˜ ëč ë„ŽêȌ 행동했던 하연읎 읎런 음을 저질렀닀는 ì‚Źì‹€ìŽ 도저히 ëŻżì–Žì§€ì§€ 않았닀. 하지만 ì–Žì Żë°€ 평소와는 달랐던 귞녀가 ìƒê°ë‚Źë‹€. 귞는 휮대폰 연띜ìȘ ëȘ©ëĄì—ì„œ 하연의 ëČˆí˜žë„Œ êČ€ìƒ‰í–ˆë‹€. ê·žê°€ 뚌저 전화넌 거는 êČƒì€ 3년만에 ìČ˜ìŒìŽì—ˆë‹€. 톔화연êČ°ìŒìŽ 듀늏는 순간, ëč„서싀 ê”Źë™í›„ 싀임읎 ì—˜ëŠŹëČ ìŽí„°ì—ì„œ 낮멬더니 귞에êȌ 닀가왔닀. â€œì‚Źìž„ë‹˜, 방ꞈ 제 ìŽë©”ìŒëĄœ 서넘가 하나 도착했는데, 씜하연 ëč„서의 ì‚Źì§ì„œìž…ë‹ˆë‹€.” ê”Źì‹€ìž„ì€ 너묮 놀띌 숚읎 막힐 지êČœìŽì—ˆë‹€. “귞동안 씜ëč„서가 진행하던 ì‚Źì—…ë“€ìŽ 적지 않슔니닀. ê·ž 쀑 제음 쀑요한 í”„ëĄœì íŠžê°€ 두바읎 ê”­ì œ ëł‘ì› 및 í—ŹìŠ€í…ŒíŹ 박람회읞데 씜ëč„서가 아직 후임자에êȌ ì—…ëŹŽ ìžêł„ë„Œ 하지 않았슔니닀. ì–Žë–»êȌ

 하싀 걎지  .” 서쀀의 낯ëč›ìŽ 더욱 ì–Žë‘ì›ŒìĄŒë‹€. ê·žë•Œ 휎대폰에서 ì—Źìžì˜ ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹê°€ 듀렀왔닀. [êł ê°ë‹˜ìŽ 전화넌 받을 수 없슔니닀. 잠시 후에 닀시 걞얎 ìŁŒì‹œêž° 바랍니닀.] 하, 씜하연. 지ꞈ 낮 전화 ì”č는닀 읎거지? 제6화 한서쀀을 찟아가닀 êł”í•­ 로ëč„에 서 있던 씜하연은 잠잠핎진 핞드폰에 숚읎 튞읎는 Ʞ분읎었닀. 아마도 였랫동안 한씚 ê°€ëŹžì—êȌ 얔압을 받았Ʞ ë•ŒëŹžìŒ êČƒìŽë‹€. 하지만 지ꞈ은 옚ëȘžìŽ 가ëČŒì› ë‹€. 였가는 ì—Źí–‰ê°ë“€ì„ 볮던 하연은 생각에 잠êČŒë‹€. ‘B시넌 ë– ë‚œë‹€êł  생각하니 ìą€ 싱숭생숭하넀.’ ‘귞래도 êŽœì°źì•„, 더 읎상 힘든 음은 없을 ê±°ì•Œ.’ 귞녀는 닚순히 한서쀀의 ì‚Źëž‘ìŽ ì‹ì—ˆë‹€êł ë§Œ 생각했지만, 지ꞈ은 읎 ëȘšë“  êȌ ë‹€ ê·žê°€ 닀넞 ì‚ŹëžŒì„ ì‚Źëž‘í•˜êł  있Ʞ ë•ŒëŹžìŽëŒëŠ” êČƒì„ 알 수 있었닀. â€˜ì°šëŒëŠŹ êč”끔하êȌ ë– ë‚˜ìŁŒëŠ” êȌ 더 나아.’ 하연은 êł§ìž„ êł”í•­ ìčŽìšŽí„°ëĄœ 가서 ìČŽíŹìžì„ í–ˆêł , ìŽëŻž Dê”­í–‰ 티쌓을 예맀한 상태였닀. ìČ˜ìŒ 귞녀는 ê°€ìĄ±ì„ 떠나 신분을 ìˆšêž°êł  B시에 ëšžëŹŒë €ë‹€. 읎ëČˆì— Dꔭ에서 엎늰 ê”­ì œ ëł‘ì› 및 í—ŹìŠ€í…ŒíŹ 박람회 í”„ëĄœì íŠžë§Œ 아니었닀멎 할아ëČ„ì§€ëŠ” 귞녀와 서쀀을 ë§Œë‚˜êł  싶얎하셚을 êČƒìŽêł , 읎 í”„ëĄœì íŠžë„Œ HTê·žëŁč을 ìŠč읞하지 않았을 êČƒìŽë‹€. ê·žëŸŹë‚˜ 서쀀은 ê°ì‚Źí•Ží•˜êž°ëŠ”ì»€ë…• ê·žë…€ 혌자 ëłŽëƒˆë‹€. 읎제 하연 ì°šëĄ€ì˜€ë‹€. “안녕하십니êčŒ, 손님. 읎 티쌓은 í˜„ìžŹ 잠êČš 있얎 ë‹č분간 ìȘ멬할 수 없슔니닀.” ëč„슈니슀 ìčŽìšŽí„° 직원은 정쀑하êȌ 거절했닀. “잠êČšìžˆë‹€êł ìš”?” ëŻżì„ 수 없던 하연은 옚ëȘžìŽ 얌얎붙었닀. “귞럎 ëŠŹê°€ 없는데  , 닀시 한ëȈ 확읞핎 ìŁŒì‹œêČ ì–Žìš”?” â€œíšŒì‚Ź êł„ìąŒëĄœ 예맀하셚나요? 방ꞈ 환불한 êČƒìœŒëĄœ 확읞되는데, 신분슝 ìą€ ëłŽì—ŹìŁŒì‹œêČ ìŠ”ë‹ˆêčŒ?” “

.” 하연은 묾득 한 가지 ì‚Źì‹€ìŽ ë– ì˜Źëžë‹€. 귞녀는 서쀀의 ëč„서였Ʞ에 íšŒì‚Źì—ì„œ 만듀얎쀀 대부분의 êł„ìąŒëŠ” HTê·žëŁč읎 êŽ€ëŠŹí–ˆë‹€. ê·žëŠŹêł  신분슝은  . 얌마전 íšŒì‚Ź ìžì‚Źë¶€ì—ì„œ ì–Žë–€ êČƒì„ ë“±ëĄí•Žì•Œ 한닀며 ë“€êł  간 상태였닀. 하연은 너묮 ꞎ임핎 손읎 덜덜 ë–šë žë‹€. 귞녀는 상ìČ˜ë°–ì— 낚지 않은 읎 도시넌 하룹 ëčšëŠŹ ë– ë‚˜êł  싶얎 ìČŽêł„ì ìŽì§€ ëȘ»í•œ 부분읎 많았닀. â€œìŁ„ì†Ąí•Žìš”, 제가 전화핎서 ëŹŒì–ŽëłŒêČŒìš”.” 귞녀는 ê°€ìž„ìžëŠŹëĄœ 걞얎가 휎대폰을 êșŒë‚Ž HTê·žëŁč ìžì‚ŹíŒ€ì— 전화넌 걞었지만 전화는 ê±žëŠŹì§€ ì•Šì•˜êł , ì‚Źìš©í•  수 없는 ëČˆí˜žëŒëŠ” 메시지만 ë–Žë‹€. 하연은 ëšžëŠŹì†ìŽ ìƒˆí•˜ì–˜ìĄŒë‹€. ‘얎떻êȌ 낮 휮대폰 ëȈ혾도 HTê·žëŁč에서 ìŒêŽ„ì ìœŒëĄœ êŽ€ëŠŹí•œë‹€ëŠ” 걞 ìžŠêł  있었을êčŒ!’ ‘HTê·žëŁč, HTê·žëŁč!’ HTê·žëŁč은 êł„ì†í•Žì„œ 귞녀의 걞늌돌읎었닀. êł”í•­ì„ ëč ì žë‚˜ì˜š 하연은 황꞉히 택시넌 ìžĄêł  HTê·žëŁč ëčŒë”©ìœŒëĄœ 햄했닀. ì°šì°œ ë°–ìœŒëĄœ ëč„ê°€ 한두방욞 떚얎지Ʞ ì‹œìž‘í–ˆêł , êł§ 우뚝 솟은 ê±ŽëŹŒë“€ìŽ 눈에 듀얎왔닀. 귞녀는 ìšŽì „êž°ì‚Źì—êȌ 돈을 걎넚 ë’€ ìșëŠŹì–Žë„Œ ëŒêł  HTê·žëŁč ëłžêŽ€ìœŒëĄœ 듀얎갔닀. 닀행히 귞녀의 í‡Žì‚Ź 소식은 아직 퍌지지 ì•Šì•˜êł , 하연은 ëč„에 ì –ì–Ž ííŠžëŸŹì§„ ëšžëŠŹë„Œ ì •ëŠŹí•œ 후 ì—˜ëŠŹëČ ìŽí„°ë„Œ 탔닀. 귞녀는 ìžì‚ŹíŒ€ìŽ 있는 12잔을 눌렞닀. â€œì•„ìŽêł , 씜 ëč„서님, 였늘 ëč„ ì˜šë‹€êł  했는데 ëȘšë„Žì…šë‚˜ 뎐요.” ìžì‚ŹíŒ€ 찚임은 ì—Źì„±ìŠ€ëŸŹìšŽ 손짓을 슐êČš 하는 Ʞ생였띌ëč„읎자, 아부에 늄한 제읎슚읎었닀. 서쀀읎 하연에êȌ ìž˜í•ŽìŁŒì§€ 않는 êČƒì„ ëłž 귞는 평소 하연을 막대하는 데에 읔숙했닀. “낮 신분슝은 얎디있얎요?” 하연은 귞와 대화할 생각읎 없었Ʞ에 바로 요점부터 말했닀. “신분슝읎요? 귞럌 잘ëȘ» 찟아였셚넀요. 2분 전에 대표 ëč„서싀 ê”Ź 싀임님읎 가젞가셚는데 제가 ì–Žë–»êȌ 알êČ ì–Žìš”.” “

!” 하연은 읎 êČ°êłŒë„Œ 예상했얎알 했닀. 서쀀은 ëč„슈니슀넌 할 때 엄êČ©í•˜êł  신속하êȌ ì›€ì§ìŽêł  한ëȈ 한 말은 바꟞지 않는 B시에서 ì•Œì•„ìŁŒëŠ” 냉혈한읎었닀. ì–Žë–»êȌ 하연읎 쉜êȌ 귞에êȌ 도전할 수 있êČ ëŠ”ê°€! 하연읎 ìșëŠŹì–Žë„Œ ëŒêł  돌아서서 서쀀에êȌ ê°€ë €êł  하는데 제읎슚읎 귞녀넌 ìžĄì•˜ë‹€. 귞의 태도가 도발적읞지, 악의가 있는지는 불분ëȘ…했닀. â€œí•Žêł ë  수도 있얎요, 잘 생각핎요. 지ꞈ 위잔에서는 ꜀ 쀑요한 회의가 ì—ŽëŠŹêł  ìžˆêł , 한 대표님께는 ìŽëŻž 앜혌녀가 ìžˆë‹€êł  듀었얎요.” 제7화 ëŻŒí˜œêČœì˜ 부탁 한서쀀의 앜혌자? ì”œí•˜ì—°êłŒ 한서쀀은 ëč„ë°€ êČ°í˜Œì„ 했Ʞ에 íšŒì‚Ź ì‚ŹëžŒë“€ì€ 귞녀가 서쀀의 ëč„서띌는 êȃ만 ì•Œêł  있었닀. ‘귞럌 ëŻŒí˜œêČœì„ ê°€ëŠŹí‚€ëŠ” 걎가?’ 하연의 읎혌협의서에 ìž‰íŹë„ 마넎Ʞ 전에 혜êČœì€ HTê·žëŁč에 화렀하êȌ 등임했닀. 나쀑에 귞녀는 한때 하연읎 잀던 ìčšëŒ€ì—ì„œ 잠을 ìžêł  ì„œì€€êłŒ ìž ìžëŠŹë„Œ 가지Ʞ도 할 êČƒìŽë‹€. 읎 생각에 하연은 손읎 ë–šëŠŹêž° 시작했지만 êČ‰ìœŒëĄœëŠ” 닮닮하êȌ 대닔했닀. â€œêł ë§ˆì›Œìš”.” ê·žëŠŹêł  귞녀는 êł§ë°”ëĄœ ìžì‚ŹíŒ€ ì‚ŹëŹŽì‹€ì„ 나갔닀. 제읎슚은 알 수 없는 í‘œì •ìœŒëĄœ 하연의 뒷ëȘšìŠ”을 바띌뎀닀. â€˜ì•„ìŽêł , 씜 ëč„서님읎 대표님을 ìą‹ì•„í•˜ëŠ” 걎 ë°”ëłŽê°€ 아닌 읎상 ëȘšë‘ê°€ ë‹€ 알 수 있는데, í•Žêł ë˜ì§€ 않는 êȌ 더 읎상하지.’ 귞는 컎퓚터넌 볎며 말했닀. “아, 또 ìžŹë°ŒëŠ” 음읎 생ꞰêČ ë„€.” 대표싀읎 있는 잔에 도착한 하연은 ì—˜ëŠŹëČ ìŽí„°ì—ì„œ ë‚ŽëŠŹìžë§ˆìž ê”Źë™í›„ë„Œ ë§Œë‚Źë‹€. “씜 ëč„서님, 였셚넀요.” 귞녀의 ìșëŠŹì–Žë„Œ ëłž 동후는 틀늌없읎 하연읎 신분슝을 ì°Ÿêž° 위핎 왔닀는 êČƒì„ ì•Œêł  신분슝읎 있는 회의싀을 ê°€ëŠŹìŒ°ë‹€. “ëč„서님 신분슝은 대표님께 드렞얎요. 아직 회의 쀑읎신데, 아직 ì„ž ëČˆì§ž 회의예요. ꞉하시멎 제가 말씀드늎êčŒìš”?” “아뇚, 귞럎 필요 없얎요.” 하연은 ëŹŽë€ë€í•˜êȌ 말했닀. â€œì—Źêž°ì„œ Ʞ닀늎êČŒìš”.” “넀, 알êČ ìŠ”ë‹ˆë‹€. 컀플 한 잔 ê°–ë‹€ 드멮êčŒìš”?” 동후는 서쀀읎 귞녀넌 í•Žêł í•  생각읎 없닀는 êČƒì„ ì•Œêł  있었닀. 하연은 많은 음을 닮ë‹čí•˜êł  ìžˆì—ˆêł , 쀑요한 í”„ëĄœì íŠžê°€ 많아 귞녀넌 í•Žêł í•˜ë©Ž ë‹č임 적ë‹č한 직원을 ì°Ÿêž°ê°€ 힘듀었Ʞ ë•ŒëŹžìŽë‹€. 하연을 대하는 귞의 태도는 ì „ëłŽë‹€ í›šì”Ź ë¶€ë“œëŸŹì›ŒìĄŒë‹€. “Kꔭ식 핞드드늜 컀플예요, 배욎지 얌마 안 됐지만요.” “전 정말 êŽœì°źì•„ìš”.” ì„œì€€êłŒ êč”끔하êȌ í—€ì–Žì§€êł  싶었던 하연은 ìŁŒìœ„ ì‚ŹëžŒë“€ì—êȌ êłì„ ë‚Žì–ŽìŁŒì§€ 않았닀. 읎 말을 듀은 동후는 ì•„ëŹŽ 말도 하지 ì•Šêł  얎두욎 ì–Œê”ŽëĄœ 회의싀에 듀얎가 서쀀에êȌ 서넘넌 걎넞닀. 하연은 대표싀 앞을 지나가닀 회의싀 ìȘœì„ 힐끗 ìłë‹€ëŽ€ë‹€. ëŹží‹ˆì‚ŹìŽëĄœ ëłŽìž 회의싀 낎부에는 ì—ŹëŸŹ ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ 테읎랔을 ì€‘ì‹ŹìœŒëĄœ 앉아 있었닀. 귞녀는 서쀀의 뒷ëȘšìŠ”êłŒ 정임도 ëČ„í‹°ì§€ ëȘ»í•  ì •ë„ëĄœ 넓은 귞의 ì–Žêčšë„Œ 뎀닀. 귞는 양ìȘœì— 있는 ì‚ŹëžŒë“€ì˜ ëłŽêł ë„Œ ë“Łêł  ìžˆì—ˆêł , ìĄ°êžˆì”© ëłŽìŽëŠ” 서쀀의 얌ꔎ은 찚가웠윌며 한 ëČˆì”© 입술읎 움직였닀. 서쀀은 회의에 ì§‘ì€‘í•˜êł  있었닀. 시선을 돌며 하연은 자신의 손에 듀늰 ìșëŠŹì–Žì™€ ëč„에 흠뻑 젖은 옷을 ë‚Žë €ë‹€ëłŽì•˜ë‹€. 마음 같아서는 회의싀에 ë“€ì–Žê°€êł  싶었지만, 귞걎 ë„ëŠŹê°€ ì•„ë‹ˆëŒêł  생각했닀. 귞녀는 닀시 대표싀을 ë°”ëŒëłŽì•˜ë‹€. 불툏ëȘ…í•œ ìœ ëŠŹì˜€ì§€ë§Œ 얎렎풋읎 í‘č신한 의자에 앉아 있는 ì—Źì„±ì˜ ì‹€ëŁšì—ŁìŽ ëłŽì˜€ë‹€. ê·ž ì—ŹìžëŠ” ëł‘ì›ì—ì„œ 우연히 ë§ˆìŁŒìł€ë˜ 혜êČœìŽ 분ëȘ…했닀. 지ꞈ 듀얎가는 걎 자신의 ë¶€ë„ëŸŹì›€ì„ 더할 ëżìŽì—ˆë‹€. 읎런 생각에 하연은 짐을 잠시 ëłŽêŽ€í•œ 후 í™”ìž„ì‹€ëĄœ 가 ì°ŹëŹŒëĄœ 섞수넌 하며 서쀀에êȌ ì–Žë–»êȌ ëŒë €ë‹ŹëŒêł  할지 생각하며 마음을 진정시쌰닀. “씜 ëč„서님, 왜 읎렇êȌ 늩êȌ 였셚얎요!” 손을 ì”»ìœŒëŸŹ 옚 읞턎 ëč„서가 닀가와 ìžì‚Źë„Œ 걎넞닀. “귞렇êȌ 됐넀.” 하연은 별닀넞 ì„€ëȘ…을 하지 않았닀. 읞턎 ëč„서가 떠난 후 íœŽì§€ëĄœ 얌ꔎ을 닊윌며 자신의 얌ꔎ을 바띌뎀닀. ‘지난 ëČˆì— Dꔭ에서 큰였ëč ê°€ 삎읎 ëč ìĄŒë‹€êł  하Ꞟ래 닀읎얎튞 í•œë‹€êł  했었는데  .’ ‘닀시 ìƒê°í•ŽëłŽë‹ˆ 읎 êČ°í˜Œ ë•ŒëŹžì— 슀튞레슀 받은 거였얎.’ ‘귞래, êČ°êłŒì ìœŒëĄœ 잘한 선택읎알.’ ê·žë•Œ 갑자Ʞ 화임싀 ëŹžìŽ ì—ŽëŠŹë”ë‹ˆ 우아한 자태의 ì—Źì„±ìŽ 듀얎왔닀. 귞녀의 얌ꔎ은 í•˜ì–—êł  툏ëȘ…했윌며 삎짝 ë¶ˆëŁ©í•œ ë°°ë„Œ ì œì™ží•˜êł ëŠ” 옚ëȘžì—ì„œ êł ê·€í•šêłŒ 우아핚읎 ëŹŒì”Ź 풍êČŒë‹€. 혜êČœì„ ëłž 하연은 왠지 ëȘšë„ŽêȌ 엎등감읎 생êČŒë‹€. 귞녀는 ìžŹëčšëŠŹ 낚은 ëŹŒêž°ë„Œ ë‹Šêł , ì˜·ë§€ëŹŽìƒˆë„Œ ì •ëŠŹí•œ 후 돌아서서 나가렀 했닀. “잠시만요.” ê·žëŸŹë‚˜ 옆에서 혜êČœì˜ ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹê°€ 듀렞닀. “방ꞈ ì‚ŹëžŒë“€ìŽ 씜 ëč„ì„œë‹˜ìŽëŒêł  부넎던데, 서쀀 씚 ëč„ì„œ ë§žìŁ ?” 가êčŒì›Œì§€ëŠ” ë°œì†ŒëŠŹì— 하연의 ëȘžì€ ê·žëŒ€ëĄœ ê”łì–ŽìĄŒë‹€. 혜êČœì€ 귞녀에êȌ 닀가가 부드럜êȌ ëŻžì†Œë„Œ 지었닀. “서쀀 씚 회의가 êł§ 끝날 êȃ 같은데 컀플 한 잔만 ëŒ€í‘œì‹€ëĄœ 가젞닀 ìŁŒì‹œêČ ì–Žìš”? 현혾 씚가 ëŹŽìŠš 컀플넌 ìą‹ì•„í•˜ëŠ”ì§€ 잘 아시잖아요, ê·žë ‡ìŁ ?” 제8화 저에êȌ ì•„ìŁŒ 쀑요한 ëŹŒê±Žì„ 대표님께서 ê°€ì§€êł  êł„ì‹­ë‹ˆë‹€ 씜하연은 ìŽëŻž ì‚Źì§ì„œë„Œ 냈윌니 ëŻŒí˜œêČœì˜ 말을 듀을 ì˜ëŹŽê°€ 없얎 거절했닀. ê·žëŠŹêł  ëŻŒí˜œêČœì˜ 부탁은 거의 ëȘ…ë č에 가êčŒì› êž°ì— 귞녀의 ì‹Źêž°ë„Œ 불펞하êȌ 만듀었닀. 하지만 하연의 신분슝읎 아직 한서쀀에êȌ 있윌니 ë§ˆì§€ë§‰ìœŒëĄœ ìžĄë‹€í•œ 음을 ë§Ąêž°ëĄœ 했닀. 더불얎 컀플넌 ê°€ì žë‹€ìŁŒë©Žì„œ 자연슀레 귞에êȌ 말을 걞 수도 있었닀. 하연은 ì‹Źí˜žíĄì„ 한 ë’€ 동의했닀. “알êČ ìŠ”ë‹ˆë‹€.” “귞럌 부탁할êČŒìš”.” ê·žë ‡êȌ 말한 후 혜êČœì€ 화임싀을 나갔닀. 임신 후 ëȘšì„±ì• ê°€ 귞녀넌 감싞는 순간읎 잠시 있었지만, ì—Źì „ížˆ 혜êČœì—êČŒì„œ 풍êČš 나였는 ìžì‹ ê°êłŒ 화렀핚은 í•˜ì—°êłŒ ëŒ€ìĄ°ì ìŽì—ˆë‹€. êłŒê±° 하연은 부유한 집안의 귞늘 아래 혜êČœëłŽë‹€ 더하멎 더했지 덜하지는 않았닀. 하지만 ëȘ‡ 년읎 흐넞 지ꞈ, 하연은 쎈띌한 신섞였닀. 엄ìȭ난 êČ©ì°šì— 귞녀는 ì œìžëŠŹì— 우뚝 서 있었닀. êčŠì€ 한숚을 ë‚Žì‰Źë©° 감정을 추슀늰 후 ìœ ë‹ˆíŒìœŒëĄœ ê°ˆì•„ìž…êł  화임싀에서 나옚 하연은 탕ëč„ì‹€ëĄœ 가서 컀플넌 만듀었닀. 서쀀은 흑섀탕 3 í‹°ìŠ€í‘ŒêłŒ 우유넌 ë„Łì€ ì•„ë©”ëŠŹìčŽë…žë„Œ ìą‹ì•„í–ˆë‹€. 회의가 끝난 ì‚ŹëžŒë“€ì€ 하나 둘씩 회의싀을 ëč ì žë‚˜ì™”지만 귞녀는 서쀀을 발êČŹí•˜ì§€ ëȘ»í–ˆë‹€. ‘ëČŒìš ëŒ€í‘œì‹€ëĄœ 듀얎간 걎가?’ 하연은 컀플넌 ë“€êł  대표싀 ëŹžì„ 두드렞닀. “듀얎였섞요.” 안에서 듀렀옚 êČƒì€ 서쀀의 찚가욎 ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹê°€ 아닌 ì˜ší™”í•˜êł  ë¶€ë“œëŸŹìšŽ 혜êČœì˜ ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹì˜€ë‹€. 하연은 손읎 ë–šë € 하마터멎 컀플넌 쏟을 뻔했닀. ꞎ êł ëŻŒ 끝에 귞녀는 마ìčšë‚Ž ìš©êž°ë„Œ ë‚Žì–Ž 대표싀 ëŹžì„ 엎었닀. ëŹžì„ 엎자마자 귞녀는 서쀀의 ëŹŽëŠŽì— 앉아 귞의 ëȘ©ì„ ê»Žì•ˆêł  있는 혜êČœì„ 발êČŹí–ˆë‹€. 얎느정도 예상은 했지만 ê·ž 임멎을 두 ëˆˆìœŒëĄœ 볮니 하연은 진정할 수 ì—†ì—ˆêł  ì‹Źìž„ì€ êł í†”ìœŒëĄœ ë›°êł  있었닀. ëŒ€í‘œì‹€ëĄœ 듀얎옚 하연을 ëłž 혜êČœì€ ìĄ°êžˆ ë‹č황한 ë“Żí–ˆë‹€. â€œì—Źêž°ì— ë‘êł  나가시멎 돌요.” 혜êČœì˜ ë¶€ë“œëŸŹìšŽ ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹì— 귞녀는 닀시 ëšžëŠżì†ìŽ ëł”ìžĄí•ŽìĄŒë‹€. 하연은 ìȜìȜ히 êł ê°œë„Œ ë“€ì—ˆêł  ꜀ 가êčŒìšŽ ê±°ëŠŹì—ì„œ 자신을 ë°”ëŒëłŽêł  있는 서쀀의 ëˆˆêłŒ ë§ˆìŁŒìł€ë‹€. 귞의 눈에서 ëżœì–Žì ž 나였는 냉Ʞ가 닚숚에 자신을 삌쌜ëȄ멮 êȃ 같았닀. ê·ž 순간 하연은 ì§ê°ì ìœŒëĄœ 서쀀읎 ìŒë¶€ëŸŹ 귞런 ëȘšìŠ”을 ëłŽì˜€ë‹€ëŠ” êČƒì„ 알았닀. ‘낎가 왜 왔는 지 알멎서 나한테 ê”łìŽ 읎런 ëȘšìŠ”을 ëłŽìŽëŠ” 읎유가 뭐알!’ “씜 ëč„서님?” ìš°ìż ì»€ë‹ˆ 서 있는 하연을 ëłž 혜êČœìŽ 입을 엎었닀. “넀.” 하연은 êł ê°œë„Œ 삎짝 ë„ë•ìŽêł  컀플넌 테읎랔 위에 ì˜Źë € 놓은 후 도망ìč˜ë“Ż 돌아갔지만 당 두 걞음 만에 걞음을 멈췄닀. 뒀에서 듀렀였는 희믾한 ì†ŒëŠŹì— 귞녀의 ëšžëŠŹì†ì—” 뒀엉쌜 있는 두 ì‚ŹëžŒì˜ ëȘšìŠ”ëżìŽì—ˆë‹€. 하연은 ë‹€ëŠŹì— 힘읎 풀렀 ìŁŒì €ì•‰ì„ êȃ 같았닀. 하지만 í•„ì‚Źì ìœŒëĄœ ëČ„í…Œë‹€. ê·žëŸŹë‚˜ 혜êČœì€ ìžì‹ êłŒ 서쀀, 둘만의 시간을 방핎하는 귞녀의 ìĄŽìžŹê°€ ê±°ìŠŹë žë‹€. “씜 ëč„서님, 또 닀넞 용걎 있윌섞요?” “귞  .” 하연은 끝낮 ìš©êž°ë„Œ ë‚Žì–Ž 닀시 한ëȈ 뒀넌 돌아 말했닀. “저에êȌ ì•„ìŁŒ 쀑요한 ëŹŒê±Žì„ 대표님께서 ê°€ì§€êł  êł„ì‹­ë‹ˆë‹€. 대표님, ëŒë €ìŁŒì„žìš”.” 200ì œêł±ëŻží„°ì— 달하는 대표싀의 분위Ʞ는 순식간에 얌얎붙었닀. 책상 위에는 서넘가 ì‚°ë”ëŻžìČ˜ëŸŒ ìŒ“ì—Ź ìžˆêł , 흰 셔잠넌 ìž…êł  ê°€ìŁœ 의자에 앉아 있는 서쀀은 소늄 끌ìč˜ëŠ” 표정을 ì§“êł  있었닀. “아? ëŹŒê±ŽìŽìš”?” 읎 말을 듀은 혜êČœì€ í˜žêž°ì‹ŹìŽ 발동했는지 서쀀을 더 ꜉ 껎안윌며 ëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. “서쀀 씚, 왜 ëč„ì„œ ëŹŒê±Žì„ 숚Ʞ는 ê±°ì•Œ?” “아, ëł„ê±° 아니알.” 서쀀은 혜êČœì˜ 얇은 팔을 ìžĄì•„ë‹čêČŒêł , 하연의 눈 앞에서 두 ì‚ŹëžŒì˜ ëȘžì„ 더 밀착시쌰닀. 하연은 입술을 질끈 êčšëŹŒêł  ì•„ëŹŽ 말도 하지 않았지만 í”ŒëˆˆëŹŒìŽ 나는 Ʞ분읎었닀. 낹 볎닀 ëȘ»í•œ 서쀀은 귞녀넌 ë°”ëŒëłŽë©° 말했닀. “나가뎐.” ê·ž 말은 ê°•ë Źí•˜êł ë„ 가í˜č했닀. 귞런 서쀀의 ëȘšìŠ”은 귞녀에êȌ 신분슝을 쉜êȌ 돌렀쀄 생각읎 없얎 ëłŽì˜€ë‹€. “제 신분슝읎에요.” 혜êČœìŽ 있는 틈을 타 귞녀는 ë‹šë„ì§ìž…ì ìœŒëĄœ 말핮 읎 음을 핮êČ°í•˜êł  êč”끔하êȌ ë– ë‚˜êł  싶었을 뿐 잠시도 ì—Źêž°ì— ëšžëŹŒêł  싶지 않았닀. “전 ìŽëŻž HTê·žëŁč에서 퇎직했는데 대표님께서 왜 제 신분슝을 가젞 가셚는지 ëȘšë„ŽêČ ì–Žìš”? 대표님읎 저에êȌ 닀넞 감정읎띌도 ê°€ì§€êł  êł„ì‹  걎 아닌지 ì˜ì‹ŹìŠ€ëŸœìŠ”ë‹ˆë‹€. HTê·žëŁč에는 음 잘하는 ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ ì°šêł  넘ìč˜ìž–ì•„ìš”. 저 같은 ëč„서에êȌ 귞런 ëč„ì—Ží•œ ë°©ëČ•ì€ ì‚Źìš©í•˜ì§€ 않윌셚윌멎 ìą‹êČ ìŠ”ë‹ˆë‹€.” 제9화 ëȘšë‘ê°€ ë‹€ 볮는 앞에서 유니폌을 ëČ—ë‹€ 대표싀은 ì‚Žì–ŒìŒìž„êłŒ 같았닀. 늘 한서쀀을 ìĄ°ì‹ŹìŠ€ëŸœêȌ 대하던 씜하연읎 ê°•ì••ì ìŽêł  찚가욎 태도넌 ëłŽìž êČƒì€ 읎ëČˆìŽ ìČ˜ìŒìŽì—ˆë‹€. 귞녀의 말에 서쀀의 얌ꔎ읎 ꞈ섞 ì–Žë‘ì›ŒìĄŒë‹€. “정말읎알, 서쀀 씚?” 혜êČœìŽ 닀가옚 순간, 서쀀은 귞녀가 눈ìč˜ì±„지 ëȘ»í•˜êȌ ëŻžê°„ì„ 찌푞렞닀. “정말읎êČ ì–Ž?” 귞는 서늘한 í‘œì •ìœŒëĄœ 말했닀. “저 ì—Źìž 말대로 HTê·žëŁč에 음 잘 하는 ì‚ŹëžŒì€ ì°šêł  ë„˜ìł€ì–Ž. 저런 음개 ëč„서의 신분슝은 원하지도, 필요하지도 않아.” â€œí‡Žì‚Źí•˜êž° 전에 ìžìˆ˜ìžêł„ëŠ” 똑바로 핎알지. ìž…ì‚Źí•  때 지꞉한 유니폌을 ìž…êł  ìžìˆ˜ìžêł„ë„ 없읎 떠나는 걎 HTê·žëŁč 규ìč™ì— 얎Ꞌ나니êčŒ.” 귞제알 하연은 자신의 신분슝을 읎용핎 HTê·žëŁčìœŒëĄœ ë¶ˆëŸŹë“€ìž 서쀀의 의도넌 알아찚렞닀. ìŽêłłì— 낚거나 ì•„ëŹŽêȃ도 없읎 떠나거나. 서쀀은 읎런 ë°©ëČ•ì„ ì‚Źìš©í•Ž 귞녀넌 í•­ëł”í•˜ë„ëĄ í•˜ë €êł  했윌며 하연읎 항볔할 êČƒìŽëŒ 확신했닀. ê·ž 순간, 하연에êȌ ë‚šì•„ 있던 마지막 ìžìĄŽì‹ŹêčŒì§€ ëȘšìĄ°ëŠŹ 짓밟혔닀. “아, 귞런 ê±°ì•Œ? 귞런 ê±°ë©Ž 씜 ëč„서가 잘ëȘ»í–ˆë„€.” “순간 씜 ëč„서랑 서쀀 씚 ì‚ŹìŽì— 뭔가 있는 쀄 알았잖아.” 혜êČœìŽ 서쀀의 품을 더 íŒŒêł ë“œëŠ” êČƒì„ ëłž 하연은 믞ìčœë“ŻìŽ 떹멬는 마음을 ì–”ëˆ„ë„Žêł  êČ€ì€ìƒ‰ 유니폌 자쌓을 ëČ—êł  셔잠넌 하나씩 풀었닀. “ëČ—ì„êČŒìš”.” 간êČ°í•˜êł  확싀한 ë„€ Ꞁ자. ‘서쀀 씚 말읎 맞아. 끝낌 ê±°ë©Ž 확싀하êȌ 끝낎알지.’ 귞녀의 ê°‘ìž‘ìŠ€ëŸŹìšŽ 행동에 대표싀은 삜시간에 êł ìš”í•ŽìĄŒë‹€. 혜êČœì€ ëŻżì„ 수 없닀는 í‘œì •ìœŒëĄœ 귞녀넌 바띌뎀닀. ìŽëŻž êł ê°œë„Œ 숙읞 서쀀의 ìš•ì •ìœŒëĄœ ì–ŒëŁ©ì§„ 서늘한 눈ëč›ìŽ 얌얎붙었닀. 귞는 씜귌 하연읎 ìŽì „êłŒ 확연히 닀넎닀는 êČƒì„ 분ëȘ…하êȌ 느ꌈ닀. 읎 느낌은 귞녀가 자신의 ìĄ±ì‡„ì—ì„œ 완전히 ëČ—ì–Žë‚œ êȃìČ˜ëŸŒ 말로는 ì„€ëȘ…하Ʞ 얎렀욎 감정읎었닀. 서쀀은 완전히 톔제렄을 잃었닀. 아니멎 3년읎띌는 êČ°í˜Œ 생활동안 귞녀넌 ì •ë§ëĄœ 읎핎하지 ëȘ»í•œ 걎 아닐êčŒ? 대표싀의 ì†ŒëŹžìŽ ëč ë„ŽêȌ 퍌지자 많은 직원듀읎 돞 앞에서 Ʞ웃거렞닀. ì•„ëŹŽë„ 항상 ì˜ší™”í•˜êł  ìčœì ˆí–ˆë˜ 하연에êȌ 귞런 ê±°ìčœ ë©ŽìŽ 있을 거띌 생각하지 ëȘ»í–ˆë‹€. 셔잠넌 ëČ—ì€ 하연은 하얀 나시만 ìž…êł  ìžˆì—ˆêł , 귞녀의 아늄닀욎 ëȘžë§€ê°€ ë“œëŸŹë‚Źë‹€. 귞녀의 ëȘžë§€ê°€ ë“œëŸŹë‚˜ìž 밖에 있던 ë™ëŁŒë“€ì€ 입을 ë‹€ëŹŒì§€ ëȘ»í–ˆë‹€. “정말 ëČ—ì„ 쀄은 ëȘ°ëžì–Žìš”, 귌데 씜 ëč„서님 ëȘžë§€ 진짜 예쁘넀요  .” “아니, ìš°ëŠŹ 유니폌읎 읎렇êȌ 펑퍌짐한데 누가 씜 ëč„서님 ëȘžë§€ê°€ 저렇êȌ ìą‹ì„ì§€ 알았êČ ì–Žìš”?” ê”Źë™í›„ì˜ 댈 때멬는 말로 귞듀의 수닀가 멈췄닀. â€œì•„ìŁŒ 한가하지? 음 안 핮? 전부 월꞉에서 êčŽìŒ 쀄 알아!” ëȘšì—Ź 있던 직원듀은 ì„œëĄœì˜ 눈ìč˜ë„Œ 볎닀 슉시 각자의 ìžëŠŹëĄœ 돌아갔닀. 귞제알 동후는 삎짝 엎늰 ì°œëŹž í‹ˆìœŒëĄœ 안을 ë“€ì—Źë‹€ëłŽì•˜êł  읎핎가 안 되는 부분읎 마음속에서 충돌했닀. ‘대표님읎 ìŽëŻž í‡Žì‚Źí•œ 음개 ëč„ì„œ ë•ŒëŹžì— 음을 읎렇êȌ ì–Žë ”êȌ 만드는 걎 ìČ˜ìŒ 뎐, 도대ìČŽ ëŹŽìŠš 음읎 있었던 ê±°ì•Œ?’ 대표싀 안에서 나시 하나만 ìž…êł  있던 하연은 ê°‘ìž‘ìŠ€ëŸŹìšŽ ì°Ź êł”êž°ì— 움찔했닀. 귞녀는 추위넌 êȬ딘 후 간신히 êł ê°œë„Œ 듀었닀. “대표님, 읎제 제 신분슝 ìą€ ìŁŒì‹€ëž˜ìš”?” 하연은 ê·žê°€ 또 닀넞 읎유넌 대며 거절할êčŒ ëŽ 걱정하며 말했닀. “말씀하신 ìžìˆ˜ìžêł„ëŠ” 제가 ìžëŠŹë„Œ ìžĄì€ 후 ê”Ź 싀임님께 ìŽë©”ìŒëĄœ 볮낮êČ ìŠ”ë‹ˆë‹€. 대표님 마음에 듀지 않윌멎 지난 달 월꞉은 안 ìŁŒì…”ë„ 됩니닀.” 읎는 ì„œì€€êłŒì˜ êŽ€êł„ë„Œ 완전히 끊êȠ닀는 뜻읎었닀. 서쀀의 êČ€ì€ 눈동자는 ì„œëŠ˜í•ŽìĄŒêł , í™•êł í•œ 하연의 ëȘšìŠ”에 알 수 없는 감정읎 가슎 êčŠì€ êłłì—ì„œë¶€í„° 휘ëȘ°ì•„ìč˜êł  있었닀. 제10화 였ëč ì˜ 마쀑 “서쀀 씚?” ëŻŒí˜œêČœì€ 한 êł”ê°„ì— 같읎 있는 읎 두 ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ ì–Žë–€ êŽ€êł„ìžì§€ ëȘšë„ž 채 ê·žì € 씜하연읎 눈에 ê±°ìŠŹëŠŹêž°ë§Œ 했닀. “서쀀 씚, 얌넞 ìŁŒêł  볮낮! 였늘 ìš°ëŠŹ 부ëȘšë‹˜ìŽ ë‚Žê°€ ë‹č신 ë°ëŠŹêł  였는 쀄 ì•Œêł  êž°ë‹€ëŠŹêł  있얎, 였랫동안 ëȘ» ë§Œë‚Źìž–ì•„, ìš°ëŠŹ 부ëȘšë‹˜ìŽ 서쀀 씚 ëłŽêł  싶대.” ë¶€ë“œëŸŹìšŽ 귞녀의 ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹì— 한서쀀은 정신을 ì°šë žë‹€. 한씚 ê°€ëŹžì€ ëŻŒì”š ê°€ëŹžì— 가책을 ëŠëŒêł  있얎 귞는 ëŻŒì”š 저택에 ë°©ëŹží–ˆì–Žì•Œ 했닀. 하지만 읎 말에도 하연의 얌ꔎ은 서쀀에 대한 ëȘšë“  êČƒë“€ìŽ 더 읎상 귞녀와 ì•„ëŹŽ 상ꎀ읎 없는 êȃìČ˜ëŸŒ 평옚했닀. 서쀀은 ë‹”ë‹”í•˜êł  ëł”ìžĄí–ˆë‹€. “저Ʞ 있얎.” 하연은 ê·žê°€ í„±ìœŒëĄœ ê°€ëŠŹí‚š ìȘœì„ 바띌뎀닀. ê·žêłłì—” 신분슝읎 정수Ʞ 밑에 ì•„ëŹŽë ‡êȌ나 ë„ëžŒëŸŹì§„ 채 마ìč˜ ê·žë…€ìČ˜ëŸŒ ëČ„ëŠŒë°›ì€ êȃìČ˜ëŸŒ ëłŽì˜€ë‹€. “넀.” 하연은 씁쓞한 마음을 ì–”ëˆ„ë„Žêł  신분슝을 ìŁŒì›Œë“€ì€ ë’€ 뒀도 ëŒì•„ëłŽì§€ ì•Šêł  돌아서서 대표싀을 ë– ë‚Źë‹€. ê·ž 뒀에는 날ìčŽëĄ­êł  찚가욎 시선읎 귞녀넌 따띌닀니는 êȃ 같았닀. 대표싀 ëŹžì„ ì—Žêł  나가는 순간 ì‚ŹëŹŽì‹€ 직원듀의 시선읎 음제히 쏠렞닀. ê·žì € í„ëŻžëĄ­êȌ 볮는 ì‚ŹëžŒë„ ìžˆêł  동정하는 ì‚ŹëžŒë„ 있었지만 귞듀의 시선에는 ê°€ì‹­ê±°ëŠŹëŒëŠ” ë°°êČœìŽ êč”ë € 있었닀. 더ꔰ닀나 íšŒì‚Źì—ì„  하연읎 서쀀을 êŒŹì…”ì„œ 귞에êȌ 쫓êȚ낏닀는 ì†ŒëŹžë„ 돌았닀. 귞녀는 ëČ•ì ìœŒëĄœ 서쀀의 부읞읎었지만, ë‚Žì—°ë…€ëĄœ ìč˜ë¶€ëë‹€. 하연은 눈시욞읎 ë¶‰ì–ŽìĄŒë‹€. ëˆˆëŹŒì„ ì°žêž° 위핎 애쓰며 1ìž” 로ëč„에 도착했을 때 뒀에서 닀가였는 발자ꔭ ì†ŒëŠŹê°€ 듀렞닀. “씜 ëč„서님, 밖에 ëč„ ì™€ìš”. 추우시멎 제 êČ‰ì˜· 드멮êČŒìš”.” 우산을 가젞닀쀀 ì‚ŹëžŒì€ 닀늄아닌 ê”Źë™í›„ì˜€ë‹€. ‘맀정한 HTê·žëŁč에도 따뜻한 ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ 있ꞎ í•˜ê”Źë‚˜.’ êČ‰ì˜·ì„ ëČ—ìœŒë €ëŠ” 동후넌 ëłž 하연은 ê·žë„Œ 말늏며 씁쓞핚을 ëȘ©ì— 삌쌰닀. “아니에요, êł ë§ˆì›Œìš” ê”Ź 싀임님. 읎제 만날 음도 없êČ ë„€ìš”.” 귞녀의 씁쓞한 표정을 ëłž 동후는 입을 움직였지만 한동안 ëŹŽìŠš 말을 í•Žì•Œ 할지 ëȘ°ëžë‹€. ê·žê°€ ëšžë­‡ê±°ëŠŹëŠ” ì‚ŹìŽ 하연은 ëŻžë šì—†ìŽ ìžëŠŹë„Œ 떠나 ëč— ì†ìœŒëĄœ 뛰얎듀었닀. 읎럎 때는 폭풍우만읎 êżˆì—ì„œ êčšì–Žë‚  수 있는 유음한 ë°©ëČ•ìŽì—ˆë‹€. êł”í•­ìœŒëĄœ 햄하는 택시에 앉아 ì°œë°–ìœŒëĄœ 쏟아지는 ëč—쀄Ʞ넌 ë°”ëŒëłŽë˜ 하연은 ëȘ‡ 년 동안 삎았던 도시가 눈에 듀얎와 찞지 ëȘ»í•˜êł  전화넌 걞었닀. 전화가 연êČ°ë˜ìžë§ˆìž 지ìčœ ê·žë…€ëŠ” 젖 ëšč던 힘을 닀핎 말했닀. “였ëč â€Šâ€Š.” 귞녀는 상대에êȌ ëȘ‡ 마디 말을 한 ë’€ 전화넌 끊었닀. 8시간 후, ì „ìš©êž°ê°€ B시 êł”í•­ì— 착넙했닀. 하연은 킀가 íŹêł  êČ€ì€ 옷을 입은 한 낚자의 품에 안êČŒë‹€. 뒀에 있던 êČœí˜žì›ìŽ 귞녀의 ìșëŠŹì–Žë„Œ ëŒêł  두 ì‚ŹëžŒì„ 전용Ʞ에 태웠닀. 

 늊은 ë°€, êČ€ì€ìƒ‰ ëȀ틀늏 한 대가 ìȜìȜ히 한씚 êł íƒìœŒëĄœ 듀얎섰닀. ë’·ìąŒì„ì— 앉아 있던 서쀀은 êł ê°œë„Œ 듀얎 ëŹŽì„±í•œ ꎀëȘ© 아래 êł ìž” 저택을 바띌뎀닀. 평소 늘 불읎 쌜젞 있던 ìčšì‹€ë„ ì–Žë‘Ąêž°ë§Œ 했닀. ‘진짜 ê°”ê”Źë‚˜.’ 혜êČœì€ 서늘한 서쀀의 Ʞ욎을 ëŠêŒˆêł , ì‹ì‚Ź ìžëŠŹì—ì„œ 귞녀의 아ëČ„ì§€ê°€ 한 말 ë•ŒëŹžì— 화난 êȌ 분ëȘ…í•˜ë‹€êł  생각했닀. “서쀀 씚, ë°„ ëšč을 때 ìš°ëŠŹ 얞니랑 서쀀 씚 ì‚ŹìŽì— 음얎난 ìŒëĄœ Ʞ분읎 상했닀는 ê±° 알아. êČ°í˜Œì€ 서두넎지 않아도 돌, ìš°ëŠŹ 아ëč ëŠ” 신êČœ 쓰지 마. ìš°ëŠŹ 아ëč ëŠ” ë‚Žê°€ 혌전임신읎띌 ìžŹìŽ‰í•˜ëŠ” êČƒëżìŽì•Œâ€Šâ€Š.” 혜êČœì˜ 말에 서쀀은 생각을 ë’€ëĄœ ëŻžë€„ë‘êł , 귞녀가 ìžĄì€ 자신의 소맀 끝을 볎며 말했닀. â€œê”ŹêČšìĄŒë„€.” 혜êČœì€ 귞의 말에 ëŹŽì˜ì‹ì ìœŒëĄœ 손을 뗐닀. ê·ž 후 서쀀은 ëŹžì„ ì—Žêł  찚에서 ë‚Žë žêł , 혜êČœì€ 쓞쓞히 떠나는 귞의 뒷ëȘšìŠ”을 멍하니 바띌뎀닀. ‘였늘 대표싀에서 자Ʞ 닀늏 위에 앉혔윌멎서 ì–Žë–»êȌ 하룹도 안 ì§€ë‚ŹëŠ”ë° 딮 ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ 된 ê±°ì•Œ?’ 하지만 귞녀는 생각은 잠시 ëŻžë€„ë‘êł  서쀀의 뒀넌 따띌 찚에서 ë‚Žë žë‹€. 제11화 ì°žê°€ 자êČ©ìŽ 박탈ë‹č하닀 êł íƒì—ì„œ 한찞을 Ʞ닀늰 가정부는 돌아옚 한서쀀의 ì™žíˆŹë„Œ ë°›ì•„ë“€ì—ˆêł , 서쀀의 뒀에 있는 ëŻŒí˜œêČœì„ ëłŽêł  잠시 ë©í•ŽìĄŒë‹€. “혜êČœ 아가씚, 방은 쀀ëč„í•Ž 뒀슔니닀. 읎ìȘœ ëł”ë„ë„Œ 따띌 ì˜ŹëŒê°€ì‹œë©Ž 됩니닀.” 서쀀을 따띌 êł„ë‹šìœŒëĄœ 햄하던 혜êČœì€ 멈춰 서서 ëŻżì„ 수 없닀는 ë“ŻìŽ ìłë‹€ëŽ€ë‹€. “서쀀 씚, ìš°ëŠŹ 같읎 자는 ê±° 아니에요?” 귞녀가 êł íƒìœŒëĄœ 듀얎였는 걞 동의한 서쀀은 êČ°í˜Œë„ ì•”ëŹ”ì ìœŒëĄœ 동의한 êČ©ìŽì—ˆë‹€. 핚께 ì‚ŹëŠ” 걎 ë‹č연한 음읎었닀. 귞녀의 말에 서쀀은 ëŻžê°„ì„ 찌푞렞닀. “귞  .” 혜êČœì€ 더 읎상 ì–Žë– í•œ 말도 감히 하지 ëȘ»í–ˆë‹€. 낚아있던 하연의 흔적읎 ì‚ŹëŒì§ˆêčŒ ëŽ 귞는 가정부에êȌ 닀넞 방을 쀀ëč„í•ŽëŒêł  지시했었닀. “난 아직 할 음읎 낚았윌니êčŒ ëšŒì € ìžëŸŹ 가.” 서쀀은 ëŹŽêŽ€ì‹Źí•œ ì–ŽíˆŹëĄœ 혜êČœì„ ë°”ëŒëłŽë©° 눈ëč›ì„ ëłŽëƒˆë‹€. “하지만  .” ì˜ˆìƒëŒ€ëĄœ 혜êČœì€ ì—Źì „ížˆ ë‹Źê°‘ì§€ 않은 추궁을 핮 ì™”êł , 서쀀의 지시넌 받은 배현숙읎 귞녀넌 막았닀. “혜êČœ 아가씚, 절 따띌였섞요.” êł íƒì˜ ì—˜ëŠŹëČ ìŽí„° ëŹžìŽ 닫히며 ì°šê°‘êž° 짝읎 없는 서쀀의 얌ꔎ읎 ê°€ë €ìĄŒë‹€. 혜êČœì€ 마음속의 불만을 얔눌렀닀. ‘귀ꔭ한 후로 서쀀 씚의 행동읎 너묮 ë‹ŹëŒìĄŒì–Ž.’ 가êčêł ë„ 뚌 귞의 마음을 도저히 알 수 없었닀. ì„œìžŹëĄœ 돌아옚 서쀀은 샀워넌 í•˜êł  ëȘ©ìš•ê°€ìšŽì„ 입은 ë’€ 손에 든 ëŹžì„œë„Œ 훑얎뎀지만 정신은 딮 데로 가 있었닀. 예전 같윌멎 하연읎 ì„œìžŹì— 따뜻한 수프넌 ê°€ì žë‹€ìŁŒêł  ìčšì‹€ëĄœ 가 ê·žë„Œ Ʞ닀렞을 êČƒìŽë‹€. 때로는 ì„œìžŹì—ì„œ 밀을 지새우Ʞ도 í•˜êł , 때로는 ìčšì‹€ëĄœ 돌아와 귞녀는 소파에서, 서쀀은 ìčšëŒ€ì—ì„œ 자Ʞ도 했지만 귞녀는 하룹도 ëč ì§ì—†ìŽ 수프넌 ê°€ì žë‹€ì€Źë‹€. 하지만 였늘은 ì•„ëŹŽëŠŹ Ʞ닀렀도 수프넌 ê°€ì žë‹€ìŁŒëŠ” ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ 없었닀. 읎런 귞녀의 흔적에 서쀀은 ꎜ히 짜슝읎 ë‚Źë‹€. 읎때 전화가 ìšžë žë‹€. 화멎에 뜬 â€˜ê”Ź 싀임’읎띌는 Ꞁ자넌 ëłŽêł  서쀀은 왠지 ëȘšë„ŽêȌ 느낌읎 ìą‹ì§€ 않아 ëŻžê°„ì„ 찌푞렞닀. [대표님, 방ꞈ Dê”­ ê”­ì œ ëł‘ì› 및 í—ŹìŠ€í…ŒíŹ 박람회 닮ë‹č자에êȌ 연띜읎 왔는데 HTê·žëŁč읎 êž°ë¶€êžˆì•Ą 적닀는 ìŽìœ ëĄœ ì°žê°€ 자êČ©ì„ 박탈ë‹čí–ˆë‹€êł  합니닀.] 서쀀의 얌ꔎ은 ꞈ섞 ì–Žë‘ì›ŒìĄŒë‹€. 원래 읎 ëȘšë“  êČƒì€ 하연읎 닮ë‹č했지만 귞녀가 떠난 읎상 ëȘšë“  걎 동후의 ëȘ«ìŽ 되었닀. â€œêž°ë¶€êžˆì•Ą ì ë‹€êł ? 박람회 ì°žê°€ 자êČ©ì€ 각 ê·žëŁč읎 ì ì‹­ìžì‚Źì— Ʞ부한 êžˆì•Ąì„ êž°ì€€ìœŒëĄœ êČ°ì •í•˜ëŠ” ê±° 아니알? HTê·žëŁč은 작년에 ìŽëŻž 600ì–” 원을 Ʞ부했얎, 귌데 ì ë‹€êł ?” 대표의 Ʞ분읎 ì‹Źìƒìč˜ ì•Šë‹€ëŠ” êČƒì„ 느낀 동후는 등에 식은땀읎 흘렀닀. [저도 읎핎가 되지 않아 읎 ëŹžì œì— 대핮 ì•Œì•„ëłŽë €êł  씜 ëč„서님께 연띜드렞지만, ì‚Źìš©í•  수 없는 ëČˆí˜žëŒêł â€Šâ€Š.] “

.” 동후는 닀음 말을 êł„ì† 읎얎 나갈 수 없었닀. êł§ ì„œìžŹëŠ” 정적에 íœ©ì‹žì˜€êł  서쀀은 읞상을 지윌며 였늘 대표싀에서 유니폌을 ëȗ던 하연의 ëȘšìŠ”을 ë– ì˜Źë žë‹€. 귞는 알 수 없는 감정에 가슎읎 휘ëȘ°ì•„ìł€ë‹€. 귞의 Ʞ얔읎 맞닀멎, 하연은 ì‹œêłšì—ì„œ 태얎나 수도권 대학에 입학했닀. 귞녀는 ë…žë „ 끝에 옷가êČŒë„Œ 엎었지만 ì„œì€€êłŒ êČ°í˜Œí•œ 후 얌마 되지 않아 ëŹžì„ 닫았닀. ê·žë ‡êȌ 하연은 한씚 집안에서 ì •êž°ì ìœŒëĄœ ìŁŒëŠ” 용돈을 ì œì™ží•˜êł ëŠ” 추가 수입읎 없었닀. ‘돈도 없는 ì—Źìžê°€ ì–Žë””ëĄœ 갔을êčŒ?’ “우선 ì‹œêłšëĄœ 가 뎐.” 귞는 하연읎 알렀쀀 êł í–„ ìŁŒì†Œë„Œ 아직도 êž°ì–”í•˜êł  ìžˆì—ˆêł , 귞녀넌 찟을 수 ìžˆë‹€êł  확신했닀. â€œê·žëŠŹêł  Dê”­ ê”­ì œ ëł‘ì› 및 í—ŹìŠ€í…ŒíŹ 박람회 닮ë‹č자에êȌ 전화핎. 쎝책임자랑 얘Ʞ넌 핮 뎐알 êČ ì–Ž.” 전화넌 끊은 서쀀은 휎대폰을 집얎 ë˜ìĄŒêł , 귞의 얌ꔎ은 점점 더 ì–Žë‘ì›ŒìĄŒë‹€. 제12화 Dꔭ의 ë‹€ì„Ż 였ëč ë“€ 유럜풍 ê±ŽëŹŒì˜ í˜ží™”ëĄœìšŽ ìŠ€ìœ„íŠžëŁž, 씜하연은 읔숙한 듯 Ʞ지개넌 íŽŽêł  ìŒì–Žë‚Źë‹€. ë°© ê”ŹìĄ°ë‚˜ ê°€ê”Źë“€ì€ 귞녀가 ë– ë‚Źì„ 때와 닀늄없었닀. 하연의 ëšžëŠŹë§Ąì—ëŠ” 따뜻한 ì°šê°€ ë†“ì—Ź ìžˆì—ˆêł , ìčšëŒ€ 위에는 섞렚된 옷듀읎 ì—ŹëŸŹ ëȌ ë†“ì—Ź 있었닀. 윔 끝읎 시큰거렞닀. B시에서는 êżˆë„ ꟞지 ëȘ»í•  대우였닀. “할아ëČ„ì§€ëŠ” ëč„행Ʞ 추띜 ì‚Źêł  소식을 ë“€ìœŒì‹œêł  넀가 전화넌 안 받아서 ì‹Źì •ì§€ê°€ 였셚얎, 아직도 ëł‘ìƒì— ëˆ„ì›Œêł„ì…”.” 뒀에서 ë°œì†ŒëŠŹê°€ 가êčŒì›Œì§€ë”니 êČ€ì€ 옷을 입은 큰 킀의 낚자가 ìčŽëŠŹìŠ€ë§ˆì™€ 아우띌넌 풍Ʞ며 귞녀의 ìčšì‹€ì— ë‚˜íƒ€ë‚Źë‹€. 귞는 Bì‹œëĄœ 하연을 데멬러 옚 였ëč  ì”œí•˜ëŻŒìŽì—ˆë‹€. í•˜ëŻŒì€ í˜„ìžŹ 씜씚 ê°€ëŹžì˜ êČœì˜ì„ ìŽëŒêł  ìžˆêł  항상 옚화핚을 유지하며 한 ëȈ도 화넌 낾 적읎 없닀. 할아ëČ„ì§€ê°€ íŽžì°źìœŒì‹œë‹€ëŠ” 소식에 하연은 덜컄 êČìŽ 나 ìšžëšč였닀. “였ëč , 많읎 위쀑하신 거알  ?” â€œì‹Źê°í•œ 정도는 아니알, 넌 ë„€ ëȘžìŽë‚˜ 챙êČš.” í•˜ëŻŒì€ 하연의 손을 ìžĄì•„ë‹čêž°ë©° 나가렀는 귞녀넌 막았닀. “지ꞈ ë„€ ꌎ을 뎐, 읎êȌ ì‚ŹëžŒ 얌ꔎ읎알? 예전에 한 앜속 잊었얎?” 읎 말을 듀은 하연은 발걞음을 멈췄닀. ë‹č연히 잊지 않았닀. 귞녀는 할아ëČ„ì§€ì—êȌ 한서쀀읎 자신을 ì‚Źëž‘í•˜ì§€ ì•Šêł  나아가 읎혌êčŒì§€ 하êȌ 된닀멎 영원히 씜씚 ê°€ëŹžì— ë‚šì•„ 가업을 돕êČ ë‹€êł  앜속했닀. ì‹Źì§€ì–Ž 하연은 씜씚 ê°€ëŹžì˜ ì‚Źì—…ì„ 확임하Ʞ 위핎 4대 ê°€ëŹž 쀑 하나읞 나씚 ê°€ëŹžêłŒ êČ°í˜Œí•˜êȠ닀는 제안을 순순히 ë°›ì•„ë“€ìŽêž°ëĄœ 했닀. ‘였ëč ê°€ 갑자Ʞ 읎런 말을 하는 걞 볎멎, ëČŒìš ì‚ŹëžŒì„ ì°Ÿì•„ 놓은 ê±°ì•Œ?’ ‘나씚 ê°€ëŹžì˜ 아듀은 ì•Œì•„ìŁŒëŠ” ë°”ëžŒë‘„ìŽëŒêł  하던데

.’ “귌데 였ëč  ë‚œ 읎혌한지도 얌마 안 ëêł , 아직 ìžŹí˜Œí•  생각읎 없얎  .” 귞녀는 거의 ëčŒë‹€ì‹œí”Œ 말했닀. 순간 í•˜ëŻŒì€ 표정을 풀더니 ì „ëłŽë‹€ í›šì”Ź ë¶€ë“œëŸŹì›Œì§„ ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹëĄœ 말했닀. ë‹č연히 êČìŁŒë €êł  한 말읎었닀. “넌 씜씚 집안 딞읎알. ìš°ëŠŹ ê°€ëŹžì€ 자식을 팔멎서êčŒì§€ 집안을 킀우진 않아 하지만, 할아ëČ„ì§€ê°€ 완ìč˜í•˜ì‹€ 때êčŒì§€ëŠ” 낮 옆에서 였넞팔 역할을 똑똑히 핮.” 읎 말의 ì˜ëŻžëŠ” Dꔭ에 있는 í•˜ëŻŒì˜ DSê·žëŁč에 듀얎였띌는 말읎었닀. 하연의 ê°€ìĄ±ë“€ì€ 귞녀가 상욎대 êž€ëĄœëȌëč„지니슀학부에 듀얎갈 때부터 읎 음을 엌두에 ë‘êł  있었닀. 하지만 하연읎 자신의 êżˆì„ ìŽëŁšêž° 위핎 디자읎너 뾌랜드 숍을 ì—Žêł  서쀀에êȌ ìČ«ëˆˆì— 반할 쀄은 누가 상상읎띌도 했을êčŒ? ‘였ëč ëž‘ 할아ëČ„ì§€ê°€ 많읎 속상핎하싀 ê±°ì•Œ.’ çź€ä»‹ïŒšç»“ć©šäž‰ćčŽïŒŒé»Žæ­ŒèżžéœéłćŸŽçš„手指郜æČĄçą°ćˆ°ïŒŒæ›Žćˆ«æèŻžäž‹äž€ć„żćŠć„łă€‚ 目戰侀ćœșç©ș隟ć„č䜜äžșćčžć­˜è€…ïŒŒćŽćœšćŒ»é™ąé‡Œæ’žè§äș†éœéłćŸŽé™Șćˆ«çš„ć„łäșș恚äș§æŁ€ă€‚ ć„č才矄道ć„č从æœȘè”°èż›èż‡èż™äžȘ男äșșçš„ćżƒæˆżă€‚ ć†łćźšæ”Ÿæ‰‹çš„é‚Łäž€ćˆ»ïŒŒć„č摇èș«äž€ć˜ç«Ÿç„¶æˆäș†ć…šçƒéŠ–ćŻŒçš„ć€–ć­™ć„łă€‚ æ—ąç„¶éœć€Șć€Ș恚侍äș†ïŒŒé‚Łć°±ćšéœæ°çš„æ­»ćŻčć€ŽïŒŒèź©ä»–ć†äčŸé«˜æ”€äžäžŠïŒ <
Bì‹œëĄœ 햄하던 ì—Źê°êž°ê°€ ì°©ë„™ 쀑 ê°‘ìž‘ìŠ€ëŸŹìšŽ ì‚Źêł ê°€ ë‚ŹìŠ”ë‹ˆë‹€. ìŽëĄœ 읞핎 í˜„ìžŹ ì‚Źë§ìžìˆ˜ê°€ 136ëȘ…을 넘얎섰윌며 ìƒìĄŽìžëŠ” 3ëȘ…에 ë¶ˆêłŒí•œ 상황입니닀.> ëł‘ì› 로ëč„의 대형 ìŠ€íŹëŠ°ì—ëŠ” 읎ëȈ í•­êł”êž° ì‚Źêł ê°€ ì‹€ì‹œê°„ìœŒëĄœ ëłŽë„ë˜êł  있었닀. 씜하연은 ì„ž ëȘ…ëżìž ìƒìĄŽìž 쀑의 하나로 두 ë‹€ëŠŹì— 붕대넌 감은 채 쀑환자싀 ëł‘ìƒ 위에 누워 있었닀. ê·žë•Œ, 손에 듀늰 핞드폰에서 ì†ŒëŠŹê°€ 듀렀왔닀. “지ꞈ êł ê°ë‹˜ê»˜ì„œ 전화넌 받을 수 없슔니닀. 닀음에 닀시 ê±žì–ŽìŁŒì„žìš”.” ì‚Źêł ê°€ 나던 ê·ž 순간부터 지ꞈêčŒì§€, 낹펾 한서쀀은 전화넌 받지 않았닀. 섀마 ê·žê°€ 옚 나띌넌 떠듀썩하êȌ 한 ì—Źê°êž° ì‚Źêł ë„Œ ëȘšë„Œ 음은 없었닀. ì‚Źêł  ë‹č시, 현임에는 ìŠč객듀의 시신읎 ì—Źêž°ì €êž° ì•„ëŹŽë ‡êȌ나 널렀 있었닀. 귞녀는 ì‚Źêł ì˜ 충êČ©êłŒ ìŁœìŒì˜ êł”íŹëĄœ 숚도 ì œëŒ€ëĄœ 쉎 수 없었닀. êČ°í˜Œí•œ 지 3년읎나 되었지만 낚펞은 귞녀가 가임 í•„ìš”ëĄœ 하는 순간 연띜읎 되지 않았닀. 하연은 마음 한 쌠읎 시렀 였는 êČƒì„ 느ꌈ닀. ê·žë•Œ, 휮대폰 ëČš ì†ŒëŠŹê°€ 듀렀왔닀. 한찞읎나 멍하êȌ 있던 귞녀는 정신을 ì°šëŠŹêł  발신자넌 확읞했닀. 할뚞니였닀. 하연의 얌ꔎ읎 ì–Žë‘ì›ŒìĄŒë‹€. â€œì—ŹëłŽì„žìš”.” 귞녀가 잔뜩 쉰 ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹëĄœ 전화넌 받았닀. 전화 걎너펞에서 ìčœì ˆí•˜ë©Žì„œë„ ì—°ëĄœí•œ ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹê°€ 듀렀왔닀. [ìš°ëŠŹ 하연읎, 읎 í• ëŻžê°€ 너 ë•ŒëŹžì— 제 ëȘ…에 ëȘ» ìŁœêČ ê”Źë‚˜. 너묮 놀띌서 말읎알. ì–Žë”” ë‹€ìčœ ë°ëŠ” ì—†êł ? 서쀀읎가 옆에 같읎 있지?] 강영숙은 서쀀의 ìčœí• ëšžë‹ˆëĄœ 한씚 집안 ì‚ŹëžŒë“€ 쀑 유음하êȌ 하연에êȌ êŽ€ì‹Źì„ 갖는 분읎었닀. “서쀀 씚는  .” ëšžë­‡ê±°ëŠŹëŠ” 귞녀의 말에 강영숙읎 ëŹŽì–žê°€ë„Œ 눈ìč˜ ì±ˆ ë“Żí–ˆë‹€. [읎런 정신 나간 놈을 뎀나! ëč„ì„œëĄœ 또 ì•„ë‚ŽëĄœ, 핎왞 출임간 낹펾 음을 ë‹€ ëŽìŁŒêł  있는데 읎렇êȌ 큰 ì‚Źêł ê°€ í„°ìĄŒëŠ”ë°ë„ 윔ëčŒêž°ë„ ì•ˆëłŽì—Ź? Ʞ닀렀뎐띌! 읎 í• ëŻžê°€ 정신나간 ê·ž 녀석을 가만 두나!] 귞녀가 닀시 ëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. [지ꞈ 얎느 ëł‘ì›ì— 있얎? ì§‘ì‚Źë„Œ ëłŽë‚Œ 테니 êž°ë‹€ëŠŹë Ž!] 하연읎 ëł‘ì› ìŁŒì†Œë„Œ ì•Œë €ìŁŒìž 강영숙은 전화넌 끊었닀. 귞녀는 êł ê°œë„Œ í‘č 숙읞 채 말없읎 팔에 ꜂혀 있던 ìŁŒì‚Ź 바늘을 ëčŒëƒˆë‹€. ê·žëŠŹêł ëŠ” 톔슝을 찞윌며 ìčšëŒ€ì—ì„œ 낎렀왔닀. “환자분, 지ꞈ 뭐하시는 거예요? 닀늏 부상읎 ì‹Źê°í•˜ë‹ˆ 안정을 ì·ší•Žì•Œ í•Žìš”.” 마ìčš ëł‘ì‹€ëĄœ 듀얎였던 ê°„í˜žì‚Źê°€ êčœì§ 놀띌 ì†ŒëŠŹìł€ë‹€. “ëȘ©ë°œ ìą€ ê°€ì žë‹€ìŁŒì„žìš”. 퇎원핎알êČ ì–Žìš”.” 하연의 ë§íˆŹê°€ 얌마나 닚혞했던지 ê°„í˜žì‚Źê°€ 멍하니 귞녀넌 바띌뎀닀. ìž„êž°ê°„ 입원핎알 한닀멎 ëł‘ì›ëłŽë‹€ëŠ” 서쀀의 ëłžê°€ì—ì„œ 요양하는 펞읎 나을 êȃ 같았닀. ì‚Źì‹€, 하연은 HTê·žëŁč 회임의 ëč„서였닀. 읎ëȈ 두바읎 출임은 ê”­ì œ ëł‘ì› 및 í—ŹìŠ€í…ŒíŹ 전시회의 제품 ë°°ìč˜ì™€ ê·ŒëŹŽìžì›ì„ 확정 짓Ʞ 위핎 HTê·žëŁč을 대표핮 갔던 êČƒìŽì—ˆë‹€. ê·žëŠŹêł  음의 êČ°êłŒë„Œ 슉시 ëłŽêł í•˜êž°ëĄœ 되얎있었닀. ‘한서쀀 읎 낚자, 도대ìČŽ 지ꞈ 얎디서 뭘 í•˜êł  있는 ê±°ì•Œ?’ êČ°ê”­, ê°„í˜žì‚ŹëŠ” 퇎원하êȠ닀는 귞녀넌 막지 ëȘ»í–ˆë‹€. 하연은 êł§ìž„ 쀑환자싀을 나와 ëȘ©ë°œì„ ì§šêł  ì ˆëšê±°ëŠŹë©° 수납ìȘ로 햄했닀. ê·žë•Œ, ëł‘ì› 1ìž” 로ëč„의 ìœ ëŠŹ ëČœ 너빾로 읔숙한 찚량ëČˆí˜žíŒìŽ ëłŽì˜€ë‹€. êł êž‰ ìŠčìš©ì°š ëȘ‡ 대가 ê·ž 뒀넌 ë”°ë„Žêł  있었는데 자섞히 볮니 HT ê·žëŁč 소유의 찚듀읎었닀. 뚌저 찚에서 낮며 ì‚ŹëžŒë“€ìŽ êČ€ì •ìƒ‰ 수튞넌 입은 한 낚자넌 ëčŒêłĄížˆ ë‘˜ëŸŹì‹žêł  있었닀. 귞는 ì–Žë–€ ì—Źìžë„Œ 품에 ì•ˆêł  있었는데 귞녀넌 ëȘč시 아끌는 듯 ëłŽì˜€ë‹€. 귞의 êČ€ì •ìƒ‰ 윔튞가 귞녀의 하얀 ë‹€ëŠŹë„Œ ëźêł  있었닀. 낚자는 하연의 ìĄŽìžŹë„Œ 전혀 알지 ëȘ»í•œ 채 황꞉히 ëł‘ì› ëłžêŽ€ ìȘœìœŒëĄœ 햄했닀. 하연은 ê·ž ìžëŠŹì— 서서 ì—Źìžë„Œ ì•ˆêł  ì „ëŹžì˜ ì§„ì°°ì‹€ëĄœ 듀얎가는 ê·žë„Œ 가만히 ë°”ëŒëłŽì•˜ë‹€. êČ°í˜Œìƒí™œ 3년 동안 저렇êȌ 닀정한 낚펞의 ëȘšìŠ”은 한 ëȈ도 ëłž 적읎 없었닀. ê·žê°€ ì•ˆêł  있는 ì—ŹìžëŠ” ëˆ„ê”ŹìŒêčŒ? 귞녀는 갑자Ʞ 가슎에 엄ìȭ난 톔슝읎 밀렀였는 êČƒì„ 느ꌈ닀. ê·ž êł í†”ìŽ 얌마나 컞던지 í˜žíĄìŽ êł€ëž€í•  지êČœìŽì—ˆë‹€. ê·žë•Œ, ëł”ë„ 반대펞에서 걞얎였던 ê°„í˜žì‚Źê°€ 듀늎띜 말띜 한 ì†ŒëŠŹëĄœ 톔화하며 귞녀의 êłì„ 자나갔닀. “낎가 ê·žìȘœìœŒëĄœ 갈êȌ. 저 ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ êČœì œ 뉎슀에 ìžìŁŒ 등임하는 HT ê·žëŁč í›„êł„ìž 한서쀀읎알. ì‹€ì œëĄœ 볮니 더 낚자닀욎데? ìš°ëŠŹ ëł‘ì›ì—ì„œ 볎êȌ 되닀니 너묮 ì‹ êž°í•Ž. ì—Źìžìčœê”Ź ë°ëŠŹêł  ì‚°ë¶€ìžêłŒì— ì§„ëŁŒë°›ìœŒëŸŹ 왔나 뎐.” â€œì‚°ë¶€ìžêłŒ? 확싀핎?” “귞럌 확싀하지. ì§„ëŁŒ 찚튞에 적힌 걞 뎀는데 ëČŒìš 태아가 12ìŁŒë‚˜ 됐던데? 태아 상태가 불안정한지 였늘 출혈읎 있었대. 귞래서 í•œì‚Źìž„ìŽ ì•ˆêł  옚 거띌 던데?” ê·ž 말을 듀은 하연읎 ëšžëŠżì†ìœŒëĄœ 날짜넌 êł„ì‚°í–ˆë‹€. ‘12ìŁŒëŒë©Žâ€Šâ€Š 두 달 전?’ 제2화 하늘읎 ë§ș얎쀀 컀플 하연은 두 달 전, 1ìŁŒìŒ 정도 출임 음정읎 ìžĄí˜€ 있던 한서쀀의 ìŒì •ëłŽêł ì„œê°€ ìƒê°ë‚Źë‹€. 핞드폰을 ì„êł  있는 귞녀의 손읎 떚렀왔닀. ‘귞 때 생ꞎ 아읎읞 ê±°ì•Œ?’ 귞녀는 한서쀀의 숚êČšì§„ ì•„ë‚ŽëĄœ 였래 전부터 ëč„ë°€êł„ì•œì„ ë§șêł  있었닀. 하지만 읎제껏 낚펞의 슀ìș”듀에 대핎서는 ë“€ì–Žëłž 적읎 없었닀. “한서쀀 ì‚Źìž„ìŽ ì—Źìžìčœê”Źì—êȌ ì°ž ê°ëł„í•œ êȃ 같아   저 ì—ŹìžëŠ” 전생에 나띌넌 ê”Źí–ˆë‚˜ 뎐. ëłŽì•„í•˜ë‹ˆ êł§ êł”ì‹ë°œí‘œê°€ 날 êȃ 같은데?” â€œê·žëŸŹêȌ. 나도 아êčŒ êČ€ìƒ‰í•Ž 뎀얎. ë„€ 생각엔 저 ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ ì—Źìžìčœê”Źê°€ 맞는 êȃ 같아?” ìčŽíŠžë„Œ ë°€êł  가던 젊은 ê°„í˜žì‚Źê°€ 옆에 있는 ê°„í˜žì‚Źì—êȌ 핾드폰 속 ì‚Źì§„ì„ ëłŽì—ŹìŁŒì—ˆë‹€. ê·žëŸŹìž 귞녀가 êčœì§ 놀띌며 말했닀. “맞아, 맞아! 읎 ì—Źìžì•Œ! STê·žëŁč 둘짞 딾! 한서쀀읎랑 너묮 잘 ì–ŽìšžëŠŹì§€ 않아? 하늘읎 ë§ș얎쀀 컀플 같아!” 두 ì‚ŹëžŒì€ 혞듀갑을 ë–šë©° ë°˜ëŒ€íŽžìœŒëĄœ 걞얎갔닀. ‘ST ê·žëŁč읎띌  .’ 퇎원 수속을 마ìčœ í•˜ì—°ì€ ì§‘ì‚Źì˜ ì°šë„Œ íƒ€êł  가멎서도 마음읎 ìą€ìČ˜ëŸŒ 진정되지 않았닀. ë°˜ìŻ€ 엎늰 ì°œëŹž 아래 핾드폰 화멎의 불ëč›ìŽ 찜백한 하연의 얌ꔎ을 ëč„ì·„ë‹€. 수 없읎 êČ€ìƒ‰í•Ž 뎀지만 í•œì„œì€€êłŒ ST ê·žëŁčêłŒì˜ 연ꎀ성은 전혀 찟을 수 없었닀. ‘B시의 잘 나가는 두 ëȘ…ëŹžê°€ 집안읎 읎런 ì‹ìœŒëĄœ ì—źìŽë‹€ë‹ˆ 읎상핎.’ 서쀀의 ëłžê°€ì— 도착하니 거싀에 불읎 쌜젞 있었닀. ëˆˆì—Łê°€ì‹œ 같은 시누읎 대신 서쀀의 할뚞니읞 강영숙 ì—Źì‚Źê°€ ì§€íŒĄìŽì— ëȘžì„ 의지한 채 귞녀넌 êž°ë‹€ëŠŹêł  있었닀. â€œìš°ëŠŹ 하연읎 ì™”ê”Źë‚˜! 넀가 ëł”ìŽ 많아서 ê·ž 큰 ì‚Źêł  쀑에도 ëŹŽì‚Źí–ˆê”Źë‚˜. 너묮 놀띌서 하마터멎 숚읎 넘얎갈 뻔했지 뭐냐.” “할빾니, 전 êŽœì°źì•„ìš”.” 하연은 ì˜ŹëŒê°€ ì‰Źêł  싶은 마음읎 컞지만 웃윌며 말했닀. “할빾니, ì‚Źì‹€ 저 ìą€ í”Œêł€í•Žìš”.” “귞래, 귞래. 얌넞 ì˜ŹëŒê°€ì„œ ì‰Źì–ŽëŒ. 서쀀읎한테 연띜핎 놚윌니êčŒ êł§ ì˜Ź ê±°ë‹€.” 하연은 ëȘžì„ 숙읎는 순간 ì‹Źí•œ 톔슝읎 ëȘ°ë €ì™€ 얌ꔎ읎 ìŒê·žëŸŹìĄŒë‹€. 강영숙은 귞녀가 êŽŽëĄœìšŽ 읎유가 서쀀 ë•ŒëŹžìŽëŒêł  생각했닀. 하연의 ëšžëŠżì†ì— 서쀀의 생각읎 ìŠ€ìł 지나갔닀. 귞는 자신에êȌ 진짜 ëȘšìŠ”을 ìˆšêž°êł  있었닀. 귞에êȌ ì—Źìžìčœê”Źê°€ 있닀는 ì‚Źì‹€ìŽ 읎렇êȌ 가슎에 가시가 되얎 박힐 쀄은 ëȘ°ëžë‹€. ‘낎가 지ꞈêčŒì§€ ì°žêł  êČŹëŽŒì˜š 날읎 한순간에 우슀워지닀니  .’ 

 서쀀은 닀음날 ë°€ 늩êȌ나 되얎 ëłžê°€ì— 도착했닀. “아직 안 잀얎? êčšì–Ž 있윌멎서 불은 왜 êșŒ 뒀얎?” ê·žê°€ ìčšì‹€ì˜ 불을 쌰닀. 하연은 귞런 ê·žë„Œ 볎며 마음읎 불펞했닀. 귞녀는 하룹 ìą…ìŒ ìčšëŒ€ì— 누워만 있었닀. ì§‘ì‚Źê°€ 가젞닀쀀 음식도 거의 ëšč지 ëȘ»í–ˆêł  êČ°ê”­ ê·žêČƒë“€ì€ ì°šê°‘êȌ 식얎ëȄ며 상태였닀. “ë‹č신 ë©°ìč  ë™ì•ˆ 얎디에 있었얎요?” 귞녀는 서쀀의 얌ꔎ은 ëłŽì§€ë„ 않은 채 수ìČ™í•Žì§„ ëȘšìŠ”ìœŒëĄœ 돌아서서 힘없읎 ëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. ìžŹí‚·ì„ ëČ—ìž 귞의 탄탄한 ëȘžë§€ê°€ ë“œëŸŹë‚Źë‹€. 서쀀은 귞녀의 ëŹŒìŒì— ëŻžê°„ì„ 잔뜩 찌푞늰 채 ìčšëŒ€ 헀드 ìȘœìœŒëĄœ 눈을 돌렞닀. êČ°í˜Œ 3년 동안 귞녀가 읎렇êȌ 자신의 행방을 추궁하는 êČƒì€ ìČ˜ìŒìŽì—ˆë‹€. “T시에 있는 ì§€ì‚Źì— ëŹžì œê°€ 있얎서 출임 닀녀왔얎.” 서쀀은 평소ìČ˜ëŸŒ 냉닮하êȌ 대닔한 후, ê·€ì°źë‹€ëŠ” 듯 ê±°ìč êȌ 넄타읎넌 ëŒì–Žë‚ŽëŠŹêł ëŠ” ìš•ì‹€ ìȘœìœŒëĄœ 햄했닀. “귞래요?” 하연의 웃음 ì†ŒëŠŹê°€ ìčšì‹€ 안에 ìšžë žë‹€. “ëč„서싀 ê”Źë™í›„ 싀임님께 ì—Źì­€ëŽ€ëŠ”ë° Tì‹œëĄœ 가는 ëč„행Ʞ표 ê”Źë§€ë‚Žì—­ìŽ 없더ꔰ요.” 귞녀의 ë§íˆŹì— ì˜ì‹ŹìŽ 잔뜩 ëŹ»ì–Žë‚Źë‹€. â€œëŹŽìŠš 말을 í•˜êł  싶은 ê±°ì•Œ?” 서쀀읎 ìš•ì‹€ ìž…ê”Źì— 멈춰 서서 ëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. ê”łìŽ 얌ꔎ을 ëłŽì§€ 않아도 ê·žê°€ 화가 폭발하Ʞ 직전읎띌는 êČƒìŻ€ì€ 알 수 있었닀. ‘하, êł§ 불 같읎 화넌 낮êČ ë„€.’ 제3화 한씚 집안 ë©°ëŠëŠŹê°€ 된 읎유 “ë‹č신읎랑 ê·ž ì—Źìž, 대ìČŽ 얞제부터 만난 ê±°ì•Œ?” 하연읎 êČšìš° ëȘžì„ ì¶”ìŠ€ëŠŹë©° ìčšëŒ€ì— Ʞ대 앉았닀. 서쀀은 귞녀가 3년전 í˜Œìžì‹ êł ë„Œ 할 ë•ŒëłŽë‹€ í›šì”Ź 말랐닀는 êČƒì„ 알아챘닀. 얎찌나 알위었던지 바람읎 불멎 날아가ëȄ멮 êȃ 같았닀. “ë‹č신 낮 ë’·ìĄ°ì‚Źë„Œ 한 ê±°ì•Œ?” 귞의 안색읎 ëł€í–ˆë‹€. “낎가 ê·žë ‡êȌ 한가한 ì‚ŹëžŒìœŒëĄœ ëłŽì—Źìš”? ë‚Žê°€ 입원했던 ëł‘ì›ì—ì„œ 낮 두 ëˆˆìœŒëĄœ ë‹čì‹ ë“€ 두 ì‚ŹëžŒì„ 뎀얎요.” 귞녀는 ë‚źì€ ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹëĄœ, 한 Ꞁ자 한 Ꞁ자 또박또박 낮 뱉었닀. 순간, ì‹Źìž„ìŽ ì°ąêž°ëŠ” êȃ 같았닀. 하지만 서쀀의 얌ꔎ에는 ëȘ»ë§ˆë•…í•œ Ʞ색읎 역렄했닀. 귞는 하연읎 ì‚Źêł ê°€ 난 êČƒì„ 알멎서도 걱정하는 말 한 마디 없었닀. 귞녀는 ê·žê°€ 하는 말듀을 듀윌며 í˜ì˜€ìŠ€ëŸŹìšŽ 느낌읎 듀었닀. â€˜ë¶€ë¶€ëĄœ 삎았던 3년읎띌는 시간읎 ì•„ëŹŽêȃ도 아닌 êȃ 같아.’ 하연은 ë©°ëŠëŠŹê°€ 하는 음 마닀 íŠžì§‘ìžĄëŠ” 시얎뚞니와 자신을 ëˆˆì—Łê°€ì‹œìČ˜ëŸŒ ì—Źêž°ëŠ” 시누읎에êȌ 정성을 닀했닀. 집에서는 ìŁŒë¶€ëĄœ 또 íšŒì‚Źì—ì„œëŠ” 헌신적읞 ëč„ì„œ 역할을 ë„ë§Ąì•˜ë‹€. 귞녀는 서쀀의 할빾니 강영숙 ì—Źì‚Źì˜ 뜻에 따띌 ì•„ë“€, 딾 잘 낳는 ìą‹ì€ ì†ìžë©°ëŠëŠŹê°€ ë˜ë €êł  녞렄했닀. 3년 동안 귞만큌 했윌멎 강영숙 ì—Źì‚Źì—êȌ ê°€ìĄ±ìœŒëĄœì„œì˜ ì˜ëŠŹëŠ” 충분히 지킚 êČƒìŽë‹€. 하지만 ê·ž êČ°êłŒëŠ” 얎떠한가? 3년간 하연은 서쀀의 ëȘžì— 손가띜 하나도 댈 수가 없었닀. 한 방을 ì“°êł  있었지만 ìčšëŒ€ëŠ” 따로 썌Ʞ ë•ŒëŹžìŽì—ˆë‹€. 하연은 밀렀였는 톔슝을 찞윌며 찚가욎 귞의 눈을 ë°”ëŒëłŽì•˜ë‹€. ê·žëŸŹë‹€ ëŹŽìŠš ìš©êž°ê°€ ë‚ŹëŠ”ì§€ ì†ŒëŠŹë„Œ ë‚Žì–Ž ê°€ëłêȌ 웃었닀. “ë‹č신 얎뚞니는 ë‚Žê°€ 애도 ëȘ» ë‚łìœŒë©Žì„œ êČ°í˜Œí•œ ì–‘ì‹Źë„ 없는 ì—ŹìžëŒêł  í–ˆìŁ . 귞런데 지ꞈ ë‹č신읎 밖에서 닀넞 ì—Źìžì™€ 아읎넌 가진 걞 ë‚Žê°€ ì–Žë–»êȌ ë°›ì•„ë“€ì—Źì•Œ í•˜ìŁ ?” 간신히 ìčšëŒ€ì— êž°ëŒ€êł  있는 귞녀는 ë‹č임읎띌도 ì“°ëŸŹì§ˆ êȃ 같았닀. 하지만 êł ê°œë„Œ êŒżêŒżí•˜êȌ ìłë“€êł ëŠ” 귞의 옷êčƒì„ ìžĄì•˜ë‹€. 하지만 êł§ë°”ëĄœ ꔔ은 귞의 손에 ìžĄížˆêł  말았닀. 한서쀀은 찚가욎 눈ëč›ìœŒëĄœ 귞녀넌 ëč€ížˆ ë°”ëŒëłŽì•˜ë‹€. “혜êČœìŽëŠ” 낮 섞컚드가 아니알. 20년 넘êȌ ì•Œêł  지낞 ì‚ŹìŽì•Œ.” ‘얎늎 적부터 ì•Œêł  지낞 ì‚ŹìŽì˜€ê”Źë‚˜.’ 하연은 자신을 ìžĄêł  있는 서쀀의 손에 점점 힘읎 듀얎가는 êČƒì„ 느ꌈ닀. “혜êČœìŽê°€ 5년 전에 출ꔭ한 ìŽí›„ëĄœ ì„œëĄœ 한ëȈ도 연띜한 적 없얎.” 귞녀는 뒀톔수넌 한 대 ì„žêȌ 맞은 êȃ 같았닀. ‘얎쩐지 ì•„ëŹŽëŠŹ 찟아뎐도 ì—Źìžë„Œ 만난 흔적읎 1도 없더띌니  .’ 하지만 ê·ž ì—Źìžê°€ 임신한 êČƒìŽ 닀시 ìƒê°ë‚Źë‹€. 귞녀는 닀시 êł ê°œë„Œ ë“€êł  쉰 ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹëĄœ ëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. “귞래서 읎제 두 ì‚ŹëžŒ, 닀시 만나는 거예요?” 한서쀀은 뭔가 말하렀닀가 입을 ë‹€ëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. ê·žëŠŹêł ëŠ” 얎두워진 귞녀의 눈동자넌 ì •ë©ŽìœŒëĄœ ë°”ëŒëłŽì•˜ë‹€. “낎가 왜 ë‹č신을 읎 êłł ì•ˆìŁŒìžìœŒëĄœ 듀였는지 ëČŒìš 잊은 êȃ 같ꔰ.” HT ê·žëŁč 낎에는 상속을 원하는 형제듀읎 ë§Žì•˜êł  í›„êł„ìž ìžëŠŹë„Œ 녾멬는 자듀도 많았닀. 서쀀의 할뚞니읞 강영숙 ì—Źì‚ŹëŠ” ìŒë¶€ëŸŹ B시의 ëŻží˜Œ ì—Źì„± 쀑에서 ì†ìžë©°ëŠëŠŹë„Œ êłšëŒ 귞와 êČ°í˜Œì‹œí‚€êł , ì•„ë“€ 딞을 ë‚łì•„ ê·žëŁč 낎에서의 입지넌 당당히 í•˜ë €êł  했닀. 강영숙 ì—Źì‚ŹëŠ” 자신의 생ëȘ…을 ê”Źí•Ž 쀀 하연을 ì†ìžë©°ëŠëŠŹëĄœ 추ìČœí–ˆë‹€. 귞녀는 서쀀을 ì°Ÿì•„ê°€ ëȘšë“  음에 간섭하지 않êČ ë‹€êł  ì•œì†í•˜êł  ëč„ë°€êČ°í˜Œì— 동의했닀. ê·žëŠŹêł  ë‹č시에 자신읎 욎영하던 잘 나가던 뾌랜드 샔도 ëŹžì„ 닫았닀. ê·ž 후로 HTê·žëŁč에 듀얎가 서쀀의 음을 돕는 ëč„ì„œëĄœ 음핎왔닀. 귞래서 ê·žê°€ 하연에êȌ 선을 넘지 ë§ëŒêł  êČœêł í•˜ëŠ” êČƒìŽì—ˆë‹€. 귞녀가 웃윌며 말했닀. “잊ꞎ요, 하나넌 손에 ë„ŁìœŒë©Ž 더 ê°–êł  싶은 êȌ ì‚ŹëžŒ ìš•ì‹ŹìŽìž–ì•„ìš”?” 귞녀의 얌ꔎ은 찜백했지만 눈동자는 ëč›ìŽ ë‚˜êł  있었닀. 얌ꔎ에 ëŻžì†Œë§ˆì € 없었더띌멎 마ìč˜ ëŹŽë€ì—ì„œ 걞얎 나옚 ìČ˜ë…€ê·€ì‹  같아 ëłŽì˜€ì„ì§€ë„ ëȘ°ëžë‹€. 순간, 서쀀은 하연읎 얎딘가 ëł€í–ˆë‹€êł  느ꌈ닀. 하지만 ê·ž 말을 입 밖에 낎지는 않았닀. 귞녀가 ìžĄížŒ 손을 ìŠŹë©°ì‹œ ëčŒëƒˆë‹€. ꜀ 큰 ìčšì‹€ì€ ì°œëŹžìŽ 닫혀 있었는데 êł”êž°ê°€ 점점 ë‹”ë‹”í•Žì§€êł  있었닀. 옚도도 점점 높아젞 얎느덧 ì˜šë„êł„ê°€ 30도넌 ê°€ëŠŹí‚€êł  있었닀. 더욎 êł”êž°ì— 서쀀의 숚읎 가ëč ì˜€ëŠ” êČƒìŽ ëŠê»ŽìĄŒë‹€. 하연은 닀시 귞의 셔잠 êčƒì— 손을 가젞닀 댔닀. 귞는 플하지 ì•Šêł  가만히 있었닀. 귞는 앜간 화가 난 듯한 얌ꔎ읎었지만 너묮 더워 귞녀넌 밀얎낌 Ʞ렄읎 없얎 ëłŽì˜€ë‹€. “ë‹č신 지ꞈ ëŹŽìŠš 짓을 하는 ê±°ì•Œ?” 제4화 더 읎상 한씚 집안 ë©°ëŠëŠŹê°€ 아니에요 하연은 서쀀의 셔잠 닚추넌 하나씩 풀었닀. ê·žëŠŹêł  귞의 ëł”ê·Œì„ 따띌 낎렀가며 입을 맞추었닀. 였랫동안 감춰옚 서쀀에 대한 갈망 탓읞지 귀밑êčŒì§€ ë¶‰ì–ŽìĄŒë‹€. 귞녀는 손놀늌을 멈추지 않은 채 쉰 ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹëĄœ 말했닀. “낎가 ì–Žë–»êȌ 읎 집의 작은 ì•ˆìŁŒìžìŽ 되었는지 ìžŠì—ˆëƒêł ìš”? ì–Žë–»êȌ 잊을 수 있êČ ì–Žìš”. 제 ìž„ëŹŽëŠ” ë‹č신의 아읎넌 낳는 거예요. 지ꞈ 나는 낮 ìž„ëŹŽë„Œ ìˆ˜í–‰í•˜êł  있는 ê±°êł ìš”.” “얎떻êȌ 귞런 말을?!” 화넌 낮는 서쀀의 탄탄한 ëł”ê·ŒìŽ ìšžëŁ©ë¶ˆëŁ© 움직였닀. “방 안에 씜음제넌 ìą€ ëżŒë žì–Žìš”. ìĄ°êžˆë§Œ 찞윌멎 êł§ êŽœì°źì•„ì§ˆ 거예요. 저는 제 ìž„ëŹŽë„Œ 위핎 아읎넌 가지렀는 êČƒëżìŽì—ìš”.” 귞녀는 더 ëŒ€ë‹Ží•˜êł  êłŒê°í•˜êȌ 행동했닀. 전에는 한ëȈ도 ëłŽì—Źì€€ 적 없는 요엌한 ëȘšìŠ”읎었닀. 하연의 적ê·č적읞 도발에 서쀀의 ëȘžìŽ ëłžëŠ„ì ìœŒëĄœ 반응하Ʞ ì‹œìž‘í–ˆêł  혾흡도 ê±°ìč ì–ŽìĄŒë‹€. 읎 ëȘšë“  êȌ 씜음제 ë•ŒëŹžìŽëŒêł  ì†ìœŒëĄœ 되뇌읎며, 서쀀은 혀 끝을 êčšëŹŒì–Ž 가êčŒìŠ€ëĄœ 되찟은 음말의 ìŽì„±ìœŒëĄœ 하연의 ê±°ìčšì—†ëŠ” 손을 ꜉ 움쌜 ìžĄì•˜ë‹€. “씜하연, 너 정말 역êČšì›Œ.” 서쀀의 말에 귞녀의 끓얎였넎던 욕망읎 순식간에 폭삭 가띌앉아 ëČ„ë žë‹€. 하연은 눈에 ëˆˆëŹŒìŽ êł ì˜€ë‹€. 마지막읞 듯 한 마디 ëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. “나넌 안는 êȌ ê·žë ‡êȌ ê”Źì—­ì§ˆë‚˜ìš”?” “귞래!” 서쀀은 귞녀넌 똑바로 ìłë‹€ëłŽë©Žì„œ ìĄ°êžˆë„ 망섀읎지 ì•Šêł  대닔했닀. ê·žëŠŹêł  귞녀넌 ë°€ìłëƒˆë‹€. 더는 귞녀와 한마디도 í•˜êł  싶지 않았닀. 서쀀은 하연읎 ëČ—êžŽ 옷을 집얎 ë“€êł  닀시 ìž…êž° 시작했닀. 귞는 닚추도 잠귞지 않은 채 성큌성큌 걞얎 나가ëČ„ë žë‹€. ë°©ëŹžìŽ â€˜ìŸ…â€™í•˜êł  닫히멎서 ìŁŒìœ„ê°€ 닀시 ìĄ°ìš©í•ŽìĄŒë‹€. 하연은 ê·žê°€ 나가자 ꞎ임읎 풀렀 바닄에 ìŁŒì €ì•‰ì•˜ë‹€. 눈에는 원망읎 ì°šì˜Źëžë‹€. 서쀀은 방을 나서며 생각했닀. ‘읎 ì •ë„ëĄœ 했윌멎 있던 마음도 없얎지êČ ì§€â€Šâ€Š.’ 

 닀음날 아ìčš, 하연은 아직 성ìč˜ ì•Šì€ ë‹€ìčœ ë‹€ëŠŹë„Œ ì ˆëšê±°ëŠŹë©° ì—Źí–‰ê°€ë°©ì„ ëŒêł  ì•„ëž˜ìž”ìœŒëĄœ 낎렀갔닀. 집안 삎늌을 돕는 가정부가 ì‹ì‚Źë„Œ 쀀ëč„í•˜êł  있었닀. 강영숙 ì—Źì‚ŹëŠ” 새ëČœêž°ë„ë„Œ 드멬러 가느띌 집을 ëč„욎 상태였닀. “얎뚞, 새얞니! ìŁœë‹€ ì‚Žì•„ë‚œ 지 얌마 되지도 않았는데 ëČŒìš 짐 ëŒêł  얎딜 가렀는 거예요? í˜č시 ì—Źí–‰ 가요?” 한서쀀의 ìčœë™ìƒ 한서영읎 ëčˆì •ê±°ëŠŹë©° 말했닀. 귞녀는 í˜„ìžŹ B대학ꔐ 2학년에 ìžŹí•™ì€‘ìŽë‹€. 서영은 í•˜ì—°êłŒ 읎렇êȌ ê°€ìĄ±ìœŒëĄœ 만나는 êČƒìŽ ì—Źì „ížˆ 읔숙하지 ì•Šêł  불펞하Ʞ만 했닀. “나가Ʞ 전에 나 뚞늏 하는 ê±° ìą€ ë„ì™€ìŁŒêł  가요.” 하연은 ì†ìžŹìŁŒê°€ ìą‹ì€ 펞읎띌 서영의 ëšžëŠŹë„Œ êł§ìž˜ ì†ì§ˆí•ŽìŁŒì—ˆë‹€. 슀타음읎 ìą‹ì•„ì„œ ìčœê”Źë“€ëĄœë¶€í„° ë¶€ëŸŹì›€ì„ 샀닀. 하지만 였늘 하연은 귞녀의 말에 전혀 대꟞도 하지 ì•Šêł  짐을 ëŒêł  낎렀왔닀. 마ìčš ê·€ë¶€ìžìČ˜ëŸŒ ìč˜ìž„한 한씚 집안의 ì•ˆìŁŒìž 읎수애 ì—Źì‚Źì™€ ë§ˆìŁŒìł€ë‹€. 귞녀는 HTê·žëŁč 한태규 회임의 두ëČˆì§ž 아낎읎자 서쀀의 ìčœì–Žëšžë‹ˆì˜€ë‹€. 읎수애는 ìČ˜ìŒë¶€í„° 하연의 ì˜·ì°šëŠŒêłŒ 가정배êČœìŽ 마음에 듀지 않아 í•šë¶€ëĄœ 말하Ʞ 음쑀였닀. “아ìčš ëŒ“ë°”ëžŒë¶€í„° ì—Źí–‰ê°€ë°©ì„ ëŒêł  닀니며 뭐하는 짓읎알? ë‹č임 ë‚Žë €ë†“êł  ìČ­ì†Œì€‘ìž 읎ëȘšë‹˜ìŽë‚˜ 도와띌. êł§ ìƒˆëĄœ ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ 듀얎와서 지낎êȌ 될 거니êčŒ.” 하연의 눈êșŒí’€ìŽ 떚렀왔닀. 자신읎 ëȘšë„Žêł  있는 음읎 ìŒì–Žë‚˜êł  있었닀. ê·žë•Œ, 옆에서 ë“Łêł  있던 한서영읎 궁ꞈ슝을 찞지 ëȘ»í•˜êł  ëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. â€œìƒˆëĄœ? 누가요?” “니가 ìą‹ì•„ ìŁœëŠ” 혜êČœìŽ ë§êł  누가 더 있êȠ니?” “넀? 혜êČœì–žë‹ˆ 귀ꔭ했얎요?” “돌아였Ʞ만 한 êȌ ì•„ë‹ˆêł , ë„€ 였ëč  ì•„ìŽë„Œ ê°€ìĄŒìž–ì•„. ìš°ëŠŹì§‘ 터가 ìą‹ì•„ì„œ 잠êč ìžêž° ì§‘ìœŒëĄœ 듀얎가Ʞ 전에 ì—Źêž°ì„œ ëȘžì„ 추슀넌 ê±°ì•Œ.” 귞녀는 읎알Ʞ하멎서 하연을 한ëȈ 힐끗 ìłë‹€ëłŽì•˜ë‹€. ëŻŒí˜œêČœìŽì•Œ 말로 자신읎 생각핎옚 읎상적읞 ë©°ëŠëŠżê°ìŽì—ˆë‹€. 애쎈에 ê·ž 음읎 아니었윌멎 서쀀은 혜êČœêłŒ êČ°í˜Œí–ˆì„ êČƒìŽë‹€. 귞녀가 하연을 ë‚Žë €ë‹€ëłŽë©Žì„œ ëŹŽì‹œí•˜ëŠ” 투로 말했닀. “너 아직도 ê±°êž° 서서 멍하니 ë­í•˜êł  있니? ìČ­ì†Œí•˜ëŸŹ 가지 ì•Šêł ?” 예전 같았윌멎 하연은 틀늌없읎 시얎뚞니의 ëč„위넌 맞추었을 êČƒìŽë‹€. 하지만 였늘은 자신을 멞시하는 귞녀의 ëœ»ëŒ€ëĄœ í•˜êł  싶지 않았닀. 하연은 너묮나도 êł í†”ìŠ€ëŸŹì› ì§€ë§Œ ìčšì°©í•˜êȌ 냉정한 태도넌 잃지 ì•Šêł  말했닀. “였늘부터 저와 서쀀 씚는 더 읎상 ë¶€ë¶€ì‚ŹìŽê°€ 아니에요. 서영읎 뚞늏 하는 거나 ë°© ìČ­ì†Œ 같은 허드렛음은 읎제 닀넞 ì‚ŹëžŒì—êȌ 시킀섞요.” 제5화 읎혌합의서 읎수애 ì—Źì‚ŹëŠ” 하연읎 ì „êłŒëŠ” 완전히 닀넞 투로 말하는 êČƒì„ ëłŽêł  도저히 ëŻżêž°ì§€ê°€ 않았닀. 귞녀는 컀닀란 ì‚ŹíŒŒìŽì–Žê°€ 박힌 반지넌 낀 ì†ê°€ëœìœŒëĄœ 하연을 ê°€ëŠŹìŒ°ë‹€. “귞êȌ ëŹŽìŠš 태도알!? 방ꞈ 했던 말 닀시 한ëȈ 핮뮐!” 하지만 하연은 ìĄ°êžˆë„ 두렀워하는 Ʞ색 없읎 귞녀넌 똑바로 ìłë‹€ëŽ€ë‹€. â€œëŻŒí˜œêČœìŽëŒëŠ” ì—Źìžê°€ 집에 듀얎였멎 ê·ž ì—Źìží•œí…Œ 집안음을 시킀섞요. 저는 ì•žìœŒëĄœ 하지 않을 거예요.” 하연은 암두ìČ˜ëŸŒ 붉은 ìž…ìˆ ëĄœ 또박또박 말했닀. 말을 í•˜êł  나니 속읎 시원했닀. 읎 ì—Źì‚ŹëŠ” 귞녀의 말에 ëČŒì»„ 화넌 냈닀. “너!” “엄마, 엄마!” 서영읎 흄분한 엄마의 팔을 ë¶™ìžĄêł  ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹë„Œ ë‚źì¶”ì–Ž 말했닀. “새얞니 화난 ê±° ë§žìŁ ? ì–Žì Żë°€ì— 였ëč ê°€â€Šâ€Š.” 귞녀는 불난 집에 부채질읎띌도 하렀는 듯 ì–Žì Żë°€ 음을 êșŒë‚Žë €êł  했닀. ê·ž ëȘšìŠ”을 볮니 하연의 화넌 돋우렀는 의도가 충분히 ëłŽì˜€ë‹€. 읎 ì—Źì‚ŹëŠ” 딞의 의도넌 ꞈ방 ì•Œì•„ì±„êł  닀시 ì°šë¶„í•ŽìĄŒë‹€. 귞녀는 íŠč유의 ê±°ë“€ëščê±°ëŠŹëŠ” 투로 말했닀. “낹펾 하나 ë¶™ìžĄì§€ ëȘ»í•˜ëŠ” ìŁŒì œì— 별 얔지넌 ë‹€ 부늏넀. 감히 시얎뚞니 탓을 핮?” 하연은 느멿느멿 짐을 ëŒêł  나였닀가 저택 ìž…ê”Źì—ì„œ 발걞음을 멈추었닀. ì‹Źìž„ë°•ë™ìŽ ëčšëŒì§€ë©Žì„œ ëšžëŠŹê°€ ìȘŒê°œì§ˆ 듯 아팠닀. 귞녀는 êł ê°œë„Œ 돌렀 욕을 íŒë¶“êł  싶은 마음을 êŸč 누넎며 ì°šê°‘êȌ 말했닀. “지난 3년동안 아읎가 없었던 êȌ ë‹€ 저 ë•ŒëŹžìŽëŒêł  í•˜ì…šìŁ ? 절 ì˜ì‹Źí•˜êž° 전에 서쀀 씚에êȌ ëč„ë‡šêž°êłŒ ì§„ëŁŒë„Œ ë°›ìœŒëŒêł  하는 펞읎 ëč ë„Œ 거예요. ê·žëŸŹë©Ž 임신읎 안됐던 원읞읎 êłŒì—° ëˆ„ê”Ź ìȘœì— 있는지 알 수 있을 거예요.” “너, 니가 감히!” 하연의 말에 읎 ì—Źì‚Źì™€ 서영 둘 ë‹€ êčœì§ 놀랐닀. 읎 ì—Źì‚ŹëŠ” 뚞늏 끝êčŒì§€ 화가 ìč˜ë°€ì—ˆë‹€. “씜하연! 난 너랑 ìš°ëŠŹ ì„œì€€ìŽí•˜êł  ꌭ ìŽí˜Œì‹œí‚€êł  말 테니 ë‘êł  뎐!” 귞동안 하연은 서쀀의 할빾니 강영숙 ì—Źì‚Źì™€ì˜ 정을 생각핎서 한씚 집안 ì‚ŹëžŒë“€êłŒ 닀툌을 플했닀. 왠만핎선 자Ʞ 의êČŹì„ 낎섞우지 ì•Šêł  원만하êȌ 지낎왔닀. 지ꞈêčŒì§€ëŠ” 집안 ì‚ŹëžŒë“€êłŒ 갈등읎 생ꞞêčŒ ëŽ 두렀워하며 지냈지만 읎제는 신êČœ 쓰지 ì•Šêž°ëĄœ 했닀. â€œê·žëŸŹì‹œë˜ê°€ìš”.” 귞녀는 한마디 ë‚Žë±‰êł  서쀀의 ëłžê°€ë„Œ 나왔닀. 읎 ì—Źì‚Źê°€ 화가 나서 ꞞꞞ읎 뛰든 말든 상ꎀ없었닀. 하연읎 나가자 마자 읎 ì—Źì‚ŹëŠ” 뭔가 읎상하닀는 생각읎 듀었닀. 귞녀는 딾 한서영을 ë°”ëŒëłŽë©° ëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. “2ìž” ì˜ŹëŒê°€ì„œ ìš°ëŠŹì§‘ì— 돈 될만한 ëŹŒê±ŽìŽ ì—†ì–ŽìĄŒëŠ”ì§€ 잘 삎펎뎐. ë“€êł  나가던 ìșëŠŹì–Žê°€ ꜀나 ëŹŽê±°ì›Œ ëłŽìŽë˜ë° í˜č시 챙êČšê°”ëŠ”ì§€ ëȘšë„Žìž–ì•„!” 잠시 후 ë¶€ëŠŹë‚˜ìŒ€ êł„ë‹šì„ 뛰얎낎렀였는 한서영의 손에 서넘가 하나 듀렀 있었닀. “엄마, 없얎진 걎 없얎요. 대신 ìčšëŒ€ ëšžëŠŹë§Ąì— 뭐가 하나 있얎요!” 서넘넌 ëčŒì•—ì•„ ì‚ŽíŽŽëłŽë˜ 읎 ì—Źì‚Źì˜ 눈ëč›ìŽ 흔듀렞닀. [읎혌합의서] 읎 ì—Źì‚ŹëŠ” êł§ìž„ 서쀀에êȌ 전화넌 걞얎 하연의 행각을 귞에êȌ ë‹€ 쏟아냈닀. 펄펄 뛰는 얎뚞니의 입에서 나였는 ë‹šì–Žë“€ 쀑 ‘읎혌합의서’, ‘발Ʞ부전’ 등을 듀은 서쀀은 의자에 걞얎 둔 ì™žíˆŹë„Œ 걞ìč˜êł  슉시 회의싀을 나섰닀. "엄마, 엄마! 음닚 진정 ìą€ìš”." ê·žê°€ ë‚źì€ ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹëĄœ 얎뚞니넌 진정시쌰닀. [ë‚Žê°€ 지ꞈ 진정하êȌ 생êČŒì–Ž? 낮 귀한 아듀에êȌ 읎 따위 말듀을 썚 놹는데? 마ìčš í˜œêČœìŽê°€ ë“€ì–Žì˜Ź 거니êčŒ ìŽ 타읎밍에 집 나가쀀 걎 ì°ž êł ë§™ì§€ë§Œ. 아니, 지가 ë­ëŒêł  감히 뚌저 읎혌 얘Ʞ넌 êșŒë‚Ž? ëȘœë‘„읎 ì°œì§ˆëĄœ 쫓아낎도 ì‹œì›ì°źì„ 년

] 얎뚞니의 읎알Ʞ가 Ꞟ얎질 êȃ 같자 서쀀은 얎두욎 í‘œì •ìœŒëĄœ í†”í™”ìą…ëŁŒ ëČ„íŠŒì„ 눌렀닀. ì—Źíƒœê» ìˆœìą…ì ìŽêł  눈ìč˜ ëč ë„ŽêȌ 행동했던 하연읎 읎런 음을 저질렀닀는 ì‚Źì‹€ìŽ 도저히 ëŻżì–Žì§€ì§€ 않았닀. 하지만 ì–Žì Żë°€ 평소와는 달랐던 귞녀가 ìƒê°ë‚Źë‹€. 귞는 휮대폰 연띜ìȘ ëȘ©ëĄì—ì„œ 하연의 ëČˆí˜žë„Œ êČ€ìƒ‰í–ˆë‹€. ê·žê°€ 뚌저 전화넌 거는 êČƒì€ 3년만에 ìČ˜ìŒìŽì—ˆë‹€. 톔화연êČ°ìŒìŽ 듀늏는 순간, ëč„서싀 ê”Źë™í›„ 싀임읎 ì—˜ëŠŹëČ ìŽí„°ì—ì„œ 낮멬더니 귞에êȌ 닀가왔닀. â€œì‚Źìž„ë‹˜, 방ꞈ 제 ìŽë©”ìŒëĄœ 서넘가 하나 도착했는데, 씜하연 ëč„서의 ì‚Źì§ì„œìž…ë‹ˆë‹€.” ê”Źì‹€ìž„ì€ 너묮 놀띌 숚읎 막힐 지êČœìŽì—ˆë‹€. “귞동안 씜ëč„서가 진행하던 ì‚Źì—…ë“€ìŽ 적지 않슔니닀. ê·ž 쀑 제음 쀑요한 í”„ëĄœì íŠžê°€ 두바읎 ê”­ì œ ëł‘ì› 및 í—ŹìŠ€í…ŒíŹ 박람회읞데 씜ëč„서가 아직 후임자에êȌ ì—…ëŹŽ ìžêł„ë„Œ 하지 않았슔니닀. ì–Žë–»êȌ

 하싀 걎지  .” 서쀀의 낯ëč›ìŽ 더욱 ì–Žë‘ì›ŒìĄŒë‹€. ê·žë•Œ 휎대폰에서 ì—Źìžì˜ ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹê°€ 듀렀왔닀. [êł ê°ë‹˜ìŽ 전화넌 받을 수 없슔니닀. 잠시 후에 닀시 걞얎 ìŁŒì‹œêž° 바랍니닀.] 하, 씜하연. 지ꞈ 낮 전화 ì”č는닀 읎거지? 제6화 한서쀀을 찟아가닀 êł”í•­ 로ëč„에 서 있던 씜하연은 잠잠핎진 핞드폰에 숚읎 튞읎는 Ʞ분읎었닀. 아마도 였랫동안 한씚 ê°€ëŹžì—êȌ 얔압을 받았Ʞ ë•ŒëŹžìŒ êČƒìŽë‹€. 하지만 지ꞈ은 옚ëȘžìŽ 가ëČŒì› ë‹€. 였가는 ì—Źí–‰ê°ë“€ì„ 볮던 하연은 생각에 잠êČŒë‹€. ‘B시넌 ë– ë‚œë‹€êł  생각하니 ìą€ 싱숭생숭하넀.’ ‘귞래도 êŽœì°źì•„, 더 읎상 힘든 음은 없을 ê±°ì•Œ.’ 귞녀는 닚순히 한서쀀의 ì‚Źëž‘ìŽ ì‹ì—ˆë‹€êł ë§Œ 생각했지만, 지ꞈ은 읎 ëȘšë“  êȌ ë‹€ ê·žê°€ 닀넞 ì‚ŹëžŒì„ ì‚Źëž‘í•˜êł  있Ʞ ë•ŒëŹžìŽëŒëŠ” êČƒì„ 알 수 있었닀. â€˜ì°šëŒëŠŹ êč”끔하êȌ ë– ë‚˜ìŁŒëŠ” êȌ 더 나아.’ 하연은 êł§ìž„ êł”í•­ ìčŽìšŽí„°ëĄœ 가서 ìČŽíŹìžì„ í–ˆêł , ìŽëŻž Dê”­í–‰ 티쌓을 예맀한 상태였닀. ìČ˜ìŒ 귞녀는 ê°€ìĄ±ì„ 떠나 신분을 ìˆšêž°êł  B시에 ëšžëŹŒë €ë‹€. 읎ëČˆì— Dꔭ에서 엎늰 ê”­ì œ ëł‘ì› 및 í—ŹìŠ€í…ŒíŹ 박람회 í”„ëĄœì íŠžë§Œ 아니었닀멎 할아ëČ„ì§€ëŠ” 귞녀와 서쀀을 ë§Œë‚˜êł  싶얎하셚을 êČƒìŽêł , 읎 í”„ëĄœì íŠžë„Œ HTê·žëŁč을 ìŠč읞하지 않았을 êČƒìŽë‹€. ê·žëŸŹë‚˜ 서쀀은 ê°ì‚Źí•Ží•˜êž°ëŠ”ì»€ë…• ê·žë…€ 혌자 ëłŽëƒˆë‹€. 읎제 하연 ì°šëĄ€ì˜€ë‹€. “안녕하십니êčŒ, 손님. 읎 티쌓은 í˜„ìžŹ 잠êČš 있얎 ë‹č분간 ìȘ멬할 수 없슔니닀.” ëč„슈니슀 ìčŽìšŽí„° 직원은 정쀑하êȌ 거절했닀. “잠êČšìžˆë‹€êł ìš”?” ëŻżì„ 수 없던 하연은 옚ëȘžìŽ 얌얎붙었닀. “귞럎 ëŠŹê°€ 없는데  , 닀시 한ëȈ 확읞핎 ìŁŒì‹œêČ ì–Žìš”?” â€œíšŒì‚Ź êł„ìąŒëĄœ 예맀하셚나요? 방ꞈ 환불한 êČƒìœŒëĄœ 확읞되는데, 신분슝 ìą€ ëłŽì—ŹìŁŒì‹œêČ ìŠ”ë‹ˆêčŒ?” “

.” 하연은 묾득 한 가지 ì‚Źì‹€ìŽ ë– ì˜Źëžë‹€. 귞녀는 서쀀의 ëč„서였Ʞ에 íšŒì‚Źì—ì„œ 만듀얎쀀 대부분의 êł„ìąŒëŠ” HTê·žëŁč읎 êŽ€ëŠŹí–ˆë‹€. ê·žëŠŹêł  신분슝은  . 얌마전 íšŒì‚Ź ìžì‚Źë¶€ì—ì„œ ì–Žë–€ êČƒì„ ë“±ëĄí•Žì•Œ 한닀며 ë“€êł  간 상태였닀. 하연은 너묮 ꞎ임핎 손읎 덜덜 ë–šë žë‹€. 귞녀는 상ìČ˜ë°–ì— 낚지 않은 읎 도시넌 하룹 ëčšëŠŹ ë– ë‚˜êł  싶얎 ìČŽêł„ì ìŽì§€ ëȘ»í•œ 부분읎 많았닀. â€œìŁ„ì†Ąí•Žìš”, 제가 전화핎서 ëŹŒì–ŽëłŒêČŒìš”.” 귞녀는 ê°€ìž„ìžëŠŹëĄœ 걞얎가 휎대폰을 êșŒë‚Ž HTê·žëŁč ìžì‚ŹíŒ€ì— 전화넌 걞었지만 전화는 ê±žëŠŹì§€ ì•Šì•˜êł , ì‚Źìš©í•  수 없는 ëČˆí˜žëŒëŠ” 메시지만 ë–Žë‹€. 하연은 ëšžëŠŹì†ìŽ ìƒˆí•˜ì–˜ìĄŒë‹€. ‘얎떻êȌ 낮 휮대폰 ëȈ혾도 HTê·žëŁč에서 ìŒêŽ„ì ìœŒëĄœ êŽ€ëŠŹí•œë‹€ëŠ” 걞 ìžŠêł  있었을êčŒ!’ ‘HTê·žëŁč, HTê·žëŁč!’ HTê·žëŁč은 êł„ì†í•Žì„œ 귞녀의 걞늌돌읎었닀. êł”í•­ì„ ëč ì žë‚˜ì˜š 하연은 황꞉히 택시넌 ìžĄêł  HTê·žëŁč ëčŒë”©ìœŒëĄœ 햄했닀. ì°šì°œ ë°–ìœŒëĄœ ëč„ê°€ 한두방욞 떚얎지Ʞ ì‹œìž‘í–ˆêł , êł§ 우뚝 솟은 ê±ŽëŹŒë“€ìŽ 눈에 듀얎왔닀. 귞녀는 ìšŽì „êž°ì‚Źì—êȌ 돈을 걎넚 ë’€ ìșëŠŹì–Žë„Œ ëŒêł  HTê·žëŁč ëłžêŽ€ìœŒëĄœ 듀얎갔닀. 닀행히 귞녀의 í‡Žì‚Ź 소식은 아직 퍌지지 ì•Šì•˜êł , 하연은 ëč„에 ì –ì–Ž ííŠžëŸŹì§„ ëšžëŠŹë„Œ ì •ëŠŹí•œ 후 ì—˜ëŠŹëČ ìŽí„°ë„Œ 탔닀. 귞녀는 ìžì‚ŹíŒ€ìŽ 있는 12잔을 눌렞닀. â€œì•„ìŽêł , 씜 ëč„서님, 였늘 ëč„ ì˜šë‹€êł  했는데 ëȘšë„Žì…šë‚˜ 뎐요.” ìžì‚ŹíŒ€ 찚임은 ì—Źì„±ìŠ€ëŸŹìšŽ 손짓을 슐êČš 하는 Ʞ생였띌ëč„읎자, 아부에 늄한 제읎슚읎었닀. 서쀀읎 하연에êȌ ìž˜í•ŽìŁŒì§€ 않는 êČƒì„ ëłž 귞는 평소 하연을 막대하는 데에 읔숙했닀. “낮 신분슝은 얎디있얎요?” 하연은 귞와 대화할 생각읎 없었Ʞ에 바로 요점부터 말했닀. “신분슝읎요? 귞럌 잘ëȘ» 찟아였셚넀요. 2분 전에 대표 ëč„서싀 ê”Ź 싀임님읎 가젞가셚는데 제가 ì–Žë–»êȌ 알êČ ì–Žìš”.” “

!” 하연은 읎 êČ°êłŒë„Œ 예상했얎알 했닀. 서쀀은 ëč„슈니슀넌 할 때 엄êČ©í•˜êł  신속하êȌ ì›€ì§ìŽêł  한ëȈ 한 말은 바꟞지 않는 B시에서 ì•Œì•„ìŁŒëŠ” 냉혈한읎었닀. ì–Žë–»êȌ 하연읎 쉜êȌ 귞에êȌ 도전할 수 있êČ ëŠ”ê°€! 하연읎 ìșëŠŹì–Žë„Œ ëŒêł  돌아서서 서쀀에êȌ ê°€ë €êł  하는데 제읎슚읎 귞녀넌 ìžĄì•˜ë‹€. 귞의 태도가 도발적읞지, 악의가 있는지는 불분ëȘ…했닀. â€œí•Žêł ë  수도 있얎요, 잘 생각핎요. 지ꞈ 위잔에서는 ꜀ 쀑요한 회의가 ì—ŽëŠŹêł  ìžˆêł , 한 대표님께는 ìŽëŻž 앜혌녀가 ìžˆë‹€êł  듀었얎요.” 제7화 ëŻŒí˜œêČœì˜ 부탁 한서쀀의 앜혌자? ì”œí•˜ì—°êłŒ 한서쀀은 ëč„ë°€ êČ°í˜Œì„ 했Ʞ에 íšŒì‚Ź ì‚ŹëžŒë“€ì€ 귞녀가 서쀀의 ëč„서띌는 êȃ만 ì•Œêł  있었닀. ‘귞럌 ëŻŒí˜œêČœì„ ê°€ëŠŹí‚€ëŠ” 걎가?’ 하연의 읎혌협의서에 ìž‰íŹë„ 마넎Ʞ 전에 혜êČœì€ HTê·žëŁč에 화렀하êȌ 등임했닀. 나쀑에 귞녀는 한때 하연읎 잀던 ìčšëŒ€ì—ì„œ 잠을 ìžêł  ì„œì€€êłŒ ìž ìžëŠŹë„Œ 가지Ʞ도 할 êČƒìŽë‹€. 읎 생각에 하연은 손읎 ë–šëŠŹêž° 시작했지만 êČ‰ìœŒëĄœëŠ” 닮닮하êȌ 대닔했닀. â€œêł ë§ˆì›Œìš”.” ê·žëŠŹêł  귞녀는 êł§ë°”ëĄœ ìžì‚ŹíŒ€ ì‚ŹëŹŽì‹€ì„ 나갔닀. 제읎슚은 알 수 없는 í‘œì •ìœŒëĄœ 하연의 뒷ëȘšìŠ”을 바띌뎀닀. â€˜ì•„ìŽêł , 씜 ëč„서님읎 대표님을 ìą‹ì•„í•˜ëŠ” 걎 ë°”ëłŽê°€ 아닌 읎상 ëȘšë‘ê°€ ë‹€ 알 수 있는데, í•Žêł ë˜ì§€ 않는 êȌ 더 읎상하지.’ 귞는 컎퓚터넌 볎며 말했닀. “아, 또 ìžŹë°ŒëŠ” 음읎 생ꞰêČ ë„€.” 대표싀읎 있는 잔에 도착한 하연은 ì—˜ëŠŹëČ ìŽí„°ì—ì„œ ë‚ŽëŠŹìžë§ˆìž ê”Źë™í›„ë„Œ ë§Œë‚Źë‹€. “씜 ëč„서님, 였셚넀요.” 귞녀의 ìșëŠŹì–Žë„Œ ëłž 동후는 틀늌없읎 하연읎 신분슝을 ì°Ÿêž° 위핎 왔닀는 êČƒì„ ì•Œêł  신분슝읎 있는 회의싀을 ê°€ëŠŹìŒ°ë‹€. “ëč„서님 신분슝은 대표님께 드렞얎요. 아직 회의 쀑읎신데, 아직 ì„ž ëČˆì§ž 회의예요. ꞉하시멎 제가 말씀드늎êčŒìš”?” “아뇚, 귞럎 필요 없얎요.” 하연은 ëŹŽë€ë€í•˜êȌ 말했닀. â€œì—Źêž°ì„œ Ʞ닀늎êČŒìš”.” “넀, 알êČ ìŠ”ë‹ˆë‹€. 컀플 한 잔 ê°–ë‹€ 드멮êčŒìš”?” 동후는 서쀀읎 귞녀넌 í•Žêł í•  생각읎 없닀는 êČƒì„ ì•Œêł  있었닀. 하연은 많은 음을 닮ë‹čí•˜êł  ìžˆì—ˆêł , 쀑요한 í”„ëĄœì íŠžê°€ 많아 귞녀넌 í•Žêł í•˜ë©Ž ë‹č임 적ë‹č한 직원을 ì°Ÿêž°ê°€ 힘듀었Ʞ ë•ŒëŹžìŽë‹€. 하연을 대하는 귞의 태도는 ì „ëłŽë‹€ í›šì”Ź ë¶€ë“œëŸŹì›ŒìĄŒë‹€. “Kꔭ식 핞드드늜 컀플예요, 배욎지 얌마 안 됐지만요.” “전 정말 êŽœì°źì•„ìš”.” ì„œì€€êłŒ êč”끔하êȌ í—€ì–Žì§€êł  싶었던 하연은 ìŁŒìœ„ ì‚ŹëžŒë“€ì—êȌ êłì„ ë‚Žì–ŽìŁŒì§€ 않았닀. 읎 말을 듀은 동후는 ì•„ëŹŽ 말도 하지 ì•Šêł  얎두욎 ì–Œê”ŽëĄœ 회의싀에 듀얎가 서쀀에êȌ 서넘넌 걎넞닀. 하연은 대표싀 앞을 지나가닀 회의싀 ìȘœì„ 힐끗 ìłë‹€ëŽ€ë‹€. ëŹží‹ˆì‚ŹìŽëĄœ ëłŽìž 회의싀 낎부에는 ì—ŹëŸŹ ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ 테읎랔을 ì€‘ì‹ŹìœŒëĄœ 앉아 있었닀. 귞녀는 서쀀의 뒷ëȘšìŠ”êłŒ 정임도 ëČ„í‹°ì§€ ëȘ»í•  ì •ë„ëĄœ 넓은 귞의 ì–Žêčšë„Œ 뎀닀. 귞는 양ìȘœì— 있는 ì‚ŹëžŒë“€ì˜ ëłŽêł ë„Œ ë“Łêł  ìžˆì—ˆêł , ìĄ°êžˆì”© ëłŽìŽëŠ” 서쀀의 얌ꔎ은 찚가웠윌며 한 ëČˆì”© 입술읎 움직였닀. 서쀀은 회의에 ì§‘ì€‘í•˜êł  있었닀. 시선을 돌며 하연은 자신의 손에 듀늰 ìșëŠŹì–Žì™€ ëč„에 흠뻑 젖은 옷을 ë‚Žë €ë‹€ëłŽì•˜ë‹€. 마음 같아서는 회의싀에 ë“€ì–Žê°€êł  싶었지만, 귞걎 ë„ëŠŹê°€ ì•„ë‹ˆëŒêł  생각했닀. 귞녀는 닀시 대표싀을 ë°”ëŒëłŽì•˜ë‹€. 불툏ëȘ…í•œ ìœ ëŠŹì˜€ì§€ë§Œ 얎렎풋읎 í‘č신한 의자에 앉아 있는 ì—Źì„±ì˜ ì‹€ëŁšì—ŁìŽ ëłŽì˜€ë‹€. ê·ž ì—ŹìžëŠ” ëł‘ì›ì—ì„œ 우연히 ë§ˆìŁŒìł€ë˜ 혜êČœìŽ 분ëȘ…했닀. 지ꞈ 듀얎가는 걎 자신의 ë¶€ë„ëŸŹì›€ì„ 더할 ëżìŽì—ˆë‹€. 읎런 생각에 하연은 짐을 잠시 ëłŽêŽ€í•œ 후 í™”ìž„ì‹€ëĄœ 가 ì°ŹëŹŒëĄœ 섞수넌 하며 서쀀에êȌ ì–Žë–»êȌ ëŒë €ë‹ŹëŒêł  할지 생각하며 마음을 진정시쌰닀. “씜 ëč„서님, 왜 읎렇êȌ 늩êȌ 였셚얎요!” 손을 ì”»ìœŒëŸŹ 옚 읞턎 ëč„서가 닀가와 ìžì‚Źë„Œ 걎넞닀. “귞렇êȌ 됐넀.” 하연은 별닀넞 ì„€ëȘ…을 하지 않았닀. 읞턎 ëč„서가 떠난 후 íœŽì§€ëĄœ 얌ꔎ을 닊윌며 자신의 얌ꔎ을 바띌뎀닀. ‘지난 ëČˆì— Dꔭ에서 큰였ëč ê°€ 삎읎 ëč ìĄŒë‹€êł  하Ꞟ래 닀읎얎튞 í•œë‹€êł  했었는데  .’ ‘닀시 ìƒê°í•ŽëłŽë‹ˆ 읎 êČ°í˜Œ ë•ŒëŹžì— 슀튞레슀 받은 거였얎.’ ‘귞래, êČ°êłŒì ìœŒëĄœ 잘한 선택읎알.’ ê·žë•Œ 갑자Ʞ 화임싀 ëŹžìŽ ì—ŽëŠŹë”ë‹ˆ 우아한 자태의 ì—Źì„±ìŽ 듀얎왔닀. 귞녀의 얌ꔎ은 í•˜ì–—êł  툏ëȘ…했윌며 삎짝 ë¶ˆëŁ©í•œ ë°°ë„Œ ì œì™ží•˜êł ëŠ” 옚ëȘžì—ì„œ êł ê·€í•šêłŒ 우아핚읎 ëŹŒì”Ź 풍êČŒë‹€. 혜êČœì„ ëłž 하연은 왠지 ëȘšë„ŽêȌ 엎등감읎 생êČŒë‹€. 귞녀는 ìžŹëčšëŠŹ 낚은 ëŹŒêž°ë„Œ ë‹Šêł , ì˜·ë§€ëŹŽìƒˆë„Œ ì •ëŠŹí•œ 후 돌아서서 나가렀 했닀. “잠시만요.” ê·žëŸŹë‚˜ 옆에서 혜êČœì˜ ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹê°€ 듀렞닀. “방ꞈ ì‚ŹëžŒë“€ìŽ 씜 ëč„ì„œë‹˜ìŽëŒêł  부넎던데, 서쀀 씚 ëč„ì„œ ë§žìŁ ?” 가êčŒì›Œì§€ëŠ” ë°œì†ŒëŠŹì— 하연의 ëȘžì€ ê·žëŒ€ëĄœ ê”łì–ŽìĄŒë‹€. 혜êČœì€ 귞녀에êȌ 닀가가 부드럜êȌ ëŻžì†Œë„Œ 지었닀. “서쀀 씚 회의가 êł§ 끝날 êȃ 같은데 컀플 한 잔만 ëŒ€í‘œì‹€ëĄœ 가젞닀 ìŁŒì‹œêČ ì–Žìš”? 현혾 씚가 ëŹŽìŠš 컀플넌 ìą‹ì•„í•˜ëŠ”ì§€ 잘 아시잖아요, ê·žë ‡ìŁ ?” 제8화 저에êȌ ì•„ìŁŒ 쀑요한 ëŹŒê±Žì„ 대표님께서 ê°€ì§€êł  êł„ì‹­ë‹ˆë‹€ 씜하연은 ìŽëŻž ì‚Źì§ì„œë„Œ 냈윌니 ëŻŒí˜œêČœì˜ 말을 듀을 ì˜ëŹŽê°€ 없얎 거절했닀. ê·žëŠŹêł  ëŻŒí˜œêČœì˜ 부탁은 거의 ëȘ…ë č에 가êčŒì› êž°ì— 귞녀의 ì‹Źêž°ë„Œ 불펞하êȌ 만듀었닀. 하지만 하연의 신분슝읎 아직 한서쀀에êȌ 있윌니 ë§ˆì§€ë§‰ìœŒëĄœ ìžĄë‹€í•œ 음을 ë§Ąêž°ëĄœ 했닀. 더불얎 컀플넌 ê°€ì žë‹€ìŁŒë©Žì„œ 자연슀레 귞에êȌ 말을 걞 수도 있었닀. 하연은 ì‹Źí˜žíĄì„ 한 ë’€ 동의했닀. “알êČ ìŠ”ë‹ˆë‹€.” “귞럌 부탁할êČŒìš”.” ê·žë ‡êȌ 말한 후 혜êČœì€ 화임싀을 나갔닀. 임신 후 ëȘšì„±ì• ê°€ 귞녀넌 감싞는 순간읎 잠시 있었지만, ì—Źì „ížˆ 혜êČœì—êČŒì„œ 풍êČš 나였는 ìžì‹ ê°êłŒ 화렀핚은 í•˜ì—°êłŒ ëŒ€ìĄ°ì ìŽì—ˆë‹€. êłŒê±° 하연은 부유한 집안의 귞늘 아래 혜êČœëłŽë‹€ 더하멎 더했지 덜하지는 않았닀. 하지만 ëȘ‡ 년읎 흐넞 지ꞈ, 하연은 쎈띌한 신섞였닀. 엄ìȭ난 êČ©ì°šì— 귞녀는 ì œìžëŠŹì— 우뚝 서 있었닀. êčŠì€ 한숚을 ë‚Žì‰Źë©° 감정을 추슀늰 후 ìœ ë‹ˆíŒìœŒëĄœ ê°ˆì•„ìž…êł  화임싀에서 나옚 하연은 탕ëč„ì‹€ëĄœ 가서 컀플넌 만듀었닀. 서쀀은 흑섀탕 3 í‹°ìŠ€í‘ŒêłŒ 우유넌 ë„Łì€ ì•„ë©”ëŠŹìčŽë…žë„Œ ìą‹ì•„í–ˆë‹€. 회의가 끝난 ì‚ŹëžŒë“€ì€ 하나 둘씩 회의싀을 ëč ì žë‚˜ì™”지만 귞녀는 서쀀을 발êČŹí•˜ì§€ ëȘ»í–ˆë‹€. ‘ëČŒìš ëŒ€í‘œì‹€ëĄœ 듀얎간 걎가?’ 하연은 컀플넌 ë“€êł  대표싀 ëŹžì„ 두드렞닀. “듀얎였섞요.” 안에서 듀렀옚 êČƒì€ 서쀀의 찚가욎 ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹê°€ 아닌 ì˜ší™”í•˜êł  ë¶€ë“œëŸŹìšŽ 혜êČœì˜ ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹì˜€ë‹€. 하연은 손읎 ë–šë € 하마터멎 컀플넌 쏟을 뻔했닀. ꞎ êł ëŻŒ 끝에 귞녀는 마ìčšë‚Ž ìš©êž°ë„Œ ë‚Žì–Ž 대표싀 ëŹžì„ 엎었닀. ëŹžì„ 엎자마자 귞녀는 서쀀의 ëŹŽëŠŽì— 앉아 귞의 ëȘ©ì„ ê»Žì•ˆêł  있는 혜êČœì„ 발êČŹí–ˆë‹€. 얎느정도 예상은 했지만 ê·ž 임멎을 두 ëˆˆìœŒëĄœ 볮니 하연은 진정할 수 ì—†ì—ˆêł  ì‹Źìž„ì€ êł í†”ìœŒëĄœ ë›°êł  있었닀. ëŒ€í‘œì‹€ëĄœ 듀얎옚 하연을 ëłž 혜êČœì€ ìĄ°êžˆ ë‹č황한 ë“Żí–ˆë‹€. â€œì—Źêž°ì— ë‘êł  나가시멎 돌요.” 혜êČœì˜ ë¶€ë“œëŸŹìšŽ ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹì— 귞녀는 닀시 ëšžëŠżì†ìŽ ëł”ìžĄí•ŽìĄŒë‹€. 하연은 ìȜìȜ히 êł ê°œë„Œ ë“€ì—ˆêł  ꜀ 가êčŒìšŽ ê±°ëŠŹì—ì„œ 자신을 ë°”ëŒëłŽêł  있는 서쀀의 ëˆˆêłŒ ë§ˆìŁŒìł€ë‹€. 귞의 눈에서 ëżœì–Žì ž 나였는 냉Ʞ가 닚숚에 자신을 삌쌜ëȄ멮 êȃ 같았닀. ê·ž 순간 하연은 ì§ê°ì ìœŒëĄœ 서쀀읎 ìŒë¶€ëŸŹ 귞런 ëȘšìŠ”을 ëłŽì˜€ë‹€ëŠ” êČƒì„ 알았닀. ‘낎가 왜 왔는 지 알멎서 나한테 ê”łìŽ 읎런 ëȘšìŠ”을 ëłŽìŽëŠ” 읎유가 뭐알!’ “씜 ëč„서님?” ìš°ìż ì»€ë‹ˆ 서 있는 하연을 ëłž 혜êČœìŽ 입을 엎었닀. “넀.” 하연은 êł ê°œë„Œ 삎짝 ë„ë•ìŽêł  컀플넌 테읎랔 위에 ì˜Źë € 놓은 후 도망ìč˜ë“Ż 돌아갔지만 당 두 걞음 만에 걞음을 멈췄닀. 뒀에서 듀렀였는 희믾한 ì†ŒëŠŹì— 귞녀의 ëšžëŠŹì†ì—” 뒀엉쌜 있는 두 ì‚ŹëžŒì˜ ëȘšìŠ”ëżìŽì—ˆë‹€. 하연은 ë‹€ëŠŹì— 힘읎 풀렀 ìŁŒì €ì•‰ì„ êȃ 같았닀. 하지만 í•„ì‚Źì ìœŒëĄœ ëČ„í…Œë‹€. ê·žëŸŹë‚˜ 혜êČœì€ ìžì‹ êłŒ 서쀀, 둘만의 시간을 방핎하는 귞녀의 ìĄŽìžŹê°€ ê±°ìŠŹë žë‹€. “씜 ëč„서님, 또 닀넞 용걎 있윌섞요?” “귞  .” 하연은 끝낮 ìš©êž°ë„Œ ë‚Žì–Ž 닀시 한ëȈ 뒀넌 돌아 말했닀. “저에êȌ ì•„ìŁŒ 쀑요한 ëŹŒê±Žì„ 대표님께서 ê°€ì§€êł  êł„ì‹­ë‹ˆë‹€. 대표님, ëŒë €ìŁŒì„žìš”.” 200ì œêł±ëŻží„°ì— 달하는 대표싀의 분위Ʞ는 순식간에 얌얎붙었닀. 책상 위에는 서넘가 ì‚°ë”ëŻžìČ˜ëŸŒ ìŒ“ì—Ź ìžˆêł , 흰 셔잠넌 ìž…êł  ê°€ìŁœ 의자에 앉아 있는 서쀀은 소늄 끌ìč˜ëŠ” 표정을 ì§“êł  있었닀. “아? ëŹŒê±ŽìŽìš”?” 읎 말을 듀은 혜êČœì€ í˜žêž°ì‹ŹìŽ 발동했는지 서쀀을 더 ꜉ 껎안윌며 ëŹŒì—ˆë‹€. “서쀀 씚, 왜 ëč„ì„œ ëŹŒê±Žì„ 숚Ʞ는 ê±°ì•Œ?” “아, ëł„ê±° 아니알.” 서쀀은 혜êČœì˜ 얇은 팔을 ìžĄì•„ë‹čêČŒêł , 하연의 눈 앞에서 두 ì‚ŹëžŒì˜ ëȘžì„ 더 밀착시쌰닀. 하연은 입술을 질끈 êčšëŹŒêł  ì•„ëŹŽ 말도 하지 않았지만 í”ŒëˆˆëŹŒìŽ 나는 Ʞ분읎었닀. 낹 볎닀 ëȘ»í•œ 서쀀은 귞녀넌 ë°”ëŒëłŽë©° 말했닀. “나가뎐.” ê·ž 말은 ê°•ë Źí•˜êł ë„ 가í˜č했닀. 귞런 서쀀의 ëȘšìŠ”은 귞녀에êȌ 신분슝을 쉜êȌ 돌렀쀄 생각읎 없얎 ëłŽì˜€ë‹€. “제 신분슝읎에요.” 혜êČœìŽ 있는 틈을 타 귞녀는 ë‹šë„ì§ìž…ì ìœŒëĄœ 말핮 읎 음을 핮êČ°í•˜êł  êč”끔하êȌ ë– ë‚˜êł  싶었을 뿐 잠시도 ì—Źêž°ì— ëšžëŹŒêł  싶지 않았닀. “전 ìŽëŻž HTê·žëŁč에서 퇎직했는데 대표님께서 왜 제 신분슝을 가젞 가셚는지 ëȘšë„ŽêČ ì–Žìš”? 대표님읎 저에êȌ 닀넞 감정읎띌도 ê°€ì§€êł  êł„ì‹  걎 아닌지 ì˜ì‹ŹìŠ€ëŸœìŠ”ë‹ˆë‹€. HTê·žëŁč에는 음 잘하는 ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ ì°šêł  넘ìč˜ìž–ì•„ìš”. 저 같은 ëč„서에êȌ 귞런 ëč„ì—Ží•œ ë°©ëČ•ì€ ì‚Źìš©í•˜ì§€ 않윌셚윌멎 ìą‹êČ ìŠ”ë‹ˆë‹€.” 제9화 ëȘšë‘ê°€ ë‹€ 볮는 앞에서 유니폌을 ëČ—ë‹€ 대표싀은 ì‚Žì–ŒìŒìž„êłŒ 같았닀. 늘 한서쀀을 ìĄ°ì‹ŹìŠ€ëŸœêȌ 대하던 씜하연읎 ê°•ì••ì ìŽêł  찚가욎 태도넌 ëłŽìž êČƒì€ 읎ëČˆìŽ ìČ˜ìŒìŽì—ˆë‹€. 귞녀의 말에 서쀀의 얌ꔎ읎 ꞈ섞 ì–Žë‘ì›ŒìĄŒë‹€. “정말읎알, 서쀀 씚?” 혜êČœìŽ 닀가옚 순간, 서쀀은 귞녀가 눈ìč˜ì±„지 ëȘ»í•˜êȌ ëŻžê°„ì„ 찌푞렞닀. “정말읎êČ ì–Ž?” 귞는 서늘한 í‘œì •ìœŒëĄœ 말했닀. “저 ì—Źìž 말대로 HTê·žëŁč에 음 잘 하는 ì‚ŹëžŒì€ ì°šêł  ë„˜ìł€ì–Ž. 저런 음개 ëč„서의 신분슝은 원하지도, 필요하지도 않아.” â€œí‡Žì‚Źí•˜êž° 전에 ìžìˆ˜ìžêł„ëŠ” 똑바로 핎알지. ìž…ì‚Źí•  때 지꞉한 유니폌을 ìž…êł  ìžìˆ˜ìžêł„ë„ 없읎 떠나는 걎 HTê·žëŁč 규ìč™ì— 얎Ꞌ나니êčŒ.” 귞제알 하연은 자신의 신분슝을 읎용핎 HTê·žëŁčìœŒëĄœ ë¶ˆëŸŹë“€ìž 서쀀의 의도넌 알아찚렞닀. ìŽêłłì— 낚거나 ì•„ëŹŽêȃ도 없읎 떠나거나. 서쀀은 읎런 ë°©ëČ•ì„ ì‚Źìš©í•Ž 귞녀넌 í•­ëł”í•˜ë„ëĄ í•˜ë €êł  했윌며 하연읎 항볔할 êČƒìŽëŒ 확신했닀. ê·ž 순간, 하연에êȌ ë‚šì•„ 있던 마지막 ìžìĄŽì‹ŹêčŒì§€ ëȘšìĄ°ëŠŹ 짓밟혔닀. “아, 귞런 ê±°ì•Œ? 귞런 ê±°ë©Ž 씜 ëč„서가 잘ëȘ»í–ˆë„€.” “순간 씜 ëč„서랑 서쀀 씚 ì‚ŹìŽì— 뭔가 있는 쀄 알았잖아.” 혜êČœìŽ 서쀀의 품을 더 íŒŒêł ë“œëŠ” êČƒì„ ëłž 하연은 믞ìčœë“ŻìŽ 떹멬는 마음을 ì–”ëˆ„ë„Žêł  êČ€ì€ìƒ‰ 유니폌 자쌓을 ëČ—êł  셔잠넌 하나씩 풀었닀. “ëČ—ì„êČŒìš”.” 간êČ°í•˜êł  확싀한 ë„€ Ꞁ자. ‘서쀀 씚 말읎 맞아. 끝낌 ê±°ë©Ž 확싀하êȌ 끝낎알지.’ 귞녀의 ê°‘ìž‘ìŠ€ëŸŹìšŽ 행동에 대표싀은 삜시간에 êł ìš”í•ŽìĄŒë‹€. 혜êČœì€ ëŻżì„ 수 없닀는 í‘œì •ìœŒëĄœ 귞녀넌 바띌뎀닀. ìŽëŻž êł ê°œë„Œ 숙읞 서쀀의 ìš•ì •ìœŒëĄœ ì–ŒëŁ©ì§„ 서늘한 눈ëč›ìŽ 얌얎붙었닀. 귞는 씜귌 하연읎 ìŽì „êłŒ 확연히 닀넎닀는 êČƒì„ 분ëȘ…하êȌ 느ꌈ닀. 읎 느낌은 귞녀가 자신의 ìĄ±ì‡„ì—ì„œ 완전히 ëČ—ì–Žë‚œ êȃìČ˜ëŸŒ 말로는 ì„€ëȘ…하Ʞ 얎렀욎 감정읎었닀. 서쀀은 완전히 톔제렄을 잃었닀. 아니멎 3년읎띌는 êČ°í˜Œ 생활동안 귞녀넌 ì •ë§ëĄœ 읎핎하지 ëȘ»í•œ 걎 아닐êčŒ? 대표싀의 ì†ŒëŹžìŽ ëč ë„ŽêȌ 퍌지자 많은 직원듀읎 돞 앞에서 Ʞ웃거렞닀. ì•„ëŹŽë„ 항상 ì˜ší™”í•˜êł  ìčœì ˆí–ˆë˜ 하연에êȌ 귞런 ê±°ìčœ ë©ŽìŽ 있을 거띌 생각하지 ëȘ»í–ˆë‹€. 셔잠넌 ëČ—ì€ 하연은 하얀 나시만 ìž…êł  ìžˆì—ˆêł , 귞녀의 아늄닀욎 ëȘžë§€ê°€ ë“œëŸŹë‚Źë‹€. 귞녀의 ëȘžë§€ê°€ ë“œëŸŹë‚˜ìž 밖에 있던 ë™ëŁŒë“€ì€ 입을 ë‹€ëŹŒì§€ ëȘ»í–ˆë‹€. “정말 ëČ—ì„ 쀄은 ëȘ°ëžì–Žìš”, 귌데 씜 ëč„서님 ëȘžë§€ 진짜 예쁘넀요  .” “아니, ìš°ëŠŹ 유니폌읎 읎렇êȌ 펑퍌짐한데 누가 씜 ëč„서님 ëȘžë§€ê°€ 저렇êȌ ìą‹ì„ì§€ 알았êČ ì–Žìš”?” ê”Źë™í›„ì˜ 댈 때멬는 말로 귞듀의 수닀가 멈췄닀. â€œì•„ìŁŒ 한가하지? 음 안 핮? 전부 월꞉에서 êčŽìŒ 쀄 알아!” ëȘšì—Ź 있던 직원듀은 ì„œëĄœì˜ 눈ìč˜ë„Œ 볎닀 슉시 각자의 ìžëŠŹëĄœ 돌아갔닀. 귞제알 동후는 삎짝 엎늰 ì°œëŹž í‹ˆìœŒëĄœ 안을 ë“€ì—Źë‹€ëłŽì•˜êł  읎핎가 안 되는 부분읎 마음속에서 충돌했닀. ‘대표님읎 ìŽëŻž í‡Žì‚Źí•œ 음개 ëč„ì„œ ë•ŒëŹžì— 음을 읎렇êȌ ì–Žë ”êȌ 만드는 걎 ìČ˜ìŒ 뎐, 도대ìČŽ ëŹŽìŠš 음읎 있었던 ê±°ì•Œ?’ 대표싀 안에서 나시 하나만 ìž…êł  있던 하연은 ê°‘ìž‘ìŠ€ëŸŹìšŽ ì°Ź êł”êž°ì— 움찔했닀. 귞녀는 추위넌 êȬ딘 후 간신히 êł ê°œë„Œ 듀었닀. “대표님, 읎제 제 신분슝 ìą€ ìŁŒì‹€ëž˜ìš”?” 하연은 ê·žê°€ 또 닀넞 읎유넌 대며 거절할êčŒ ëŽ 걱정하며 말했닀. “말씀하신 ìžìˆ˜ìžêł„ëŠ” 제가 ìžëŠŹë„Œ ìžĄì€ 후 ê”Ź 싀임님께 ìŽë©”ìŒëĄœ 볮낮êČ ìŠ”ë‹ˆë‹€. 대표님 마음에 듀지 않윌멎 지난 달 월꞉은 안 ìŁŒì…”ë„ 됩니닀.” 읎는 ì„œì€€êłŒì˜ êŽ€êł„ë„Œ 완전히 끊êȠ닀는 뜻읎었닀. 서쀀의 êČ€ì€ 눈동자는 ì„œëŠ˜í•ŽìĄŒêł , í™•êł í•œ 하연의 ëȘšìŠ”에 알 수 없는 감정읎 가슎 êčŠì€ êłłì—ì„œë¶€í„° 휘ëȘ°ì•„ìč˜êł  있었닀. 제10화 였ëč ì˜ 마쀑 “서쀀 씚?” ëŻŒí˜œêČœì€ 한 êł”ê°„ì— 같읎 있는 읎 두 ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ ì–Žë–€ êŽ€êł„ìžì§€ ëȘšë„ž 채 ê·žì € 씜하연읎 눈에 ê±°ìŠŹëŠŹêž°ë§Œ 했닀. “서쀀 씚, 얌넞 ìŁŒêł  볮낮! 였늘 ìš°ëŠŹ 부ëȘšë‹˜ìŽ ë‚Žê°€ ë‹č신 ë°ëŠŹêł  였는 쀄 ì•Œêł  êž°ë‹€ëŠŹêł  있얎, 였랫동안 ëȘ» ë§Œë‚Źìž–ì•„, ìš°ëŠŹ 부ëȘšë‹˜ìŽ 서쀀 씚 ëłŽêł  싶대.” ë¶€ë“œëŸŹìšŽ 귞녀의 ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹì— 한서쀀은 정신을 ì°šë žë‹€. 한씚 ê°€ëŹžì€ ëŻŒì”š ê°€ëŹžì— 가책을 ëŠëŒêł  있얎 귞는 ëŻŒì”š 저택에 ë°©ëŹží–ˆì–Žì•Œ 했닀. 하지만 읎 말에도 하연의 얌ꔎ은 서쀀에 대한 ëȘšë“  êČƒë“€ìŽ 더 읎상 귞녀와 ì•„ëŹŽ 상ꎀ읎 없는 êȃìČ˜ëŸŒ 평옚했닀. 서쀀은 ë‹”ë‹”í•˜êł  ëł”ìžĄí–ˆë‹€. “저Ʞ 있얎.” 하연은 ê·žê°€ í„±ìœŒëĄœ ê°€ëŠŹí‚š ìȘœì„ 바띌뎀닀. ê·žêłłì—” 신분슝읎 정수Ʞ 밑에 ì•„ëŹŽë ‡êȌ나 ë„ëžŒëŸŹì§„ 채 마ìč˜ ê·žë…€ìČ˜ëŸŒ ëČ„ëŠŒë°›ì€ êȃìČ˜ëŸŒ ëłŽì˜€ë‹€. “넀.” 하연은 씁쓞한 마음을 ì–”ëˆ„ë„Žêł  신분슝을 ìŁŒì›Œë“€ì€ ë’€ 뒀도 ëŒì•„ëłŽì§€ ì•Šêł  돌아서서 대표싀을 ë– ë‚Źë‹€. ê·ž 뒀에는 날ìčŽëĄ­êł  찚가욎 시선읎 귞녀넌 따띌닀니는 êȃ 같았닀. 대표싀 ëŹžì„ ì—Žêł  나가는 순간 ì‚ŹëŹŽì‹€ 직원듀의 시선읎 음제히 쏠렞닀. ê·žì € í„ëŻžëĄ­êȌ 볮는 ì‚ŹëžŒë„ ìžˆêł  동정하는 ì‚ŹëžŒë„ 있었지만 귞듀의 시선에는 ê°€ì‹­ê±°ëŠŹëŒëŠ” ë°°êČœìŽ êč”ë € 있었닀. 더ꔰ닀나 íšŒì‚Źì—ì„  하연읎 서쀀을 êŒŹì…”ì„œ 귞에êȌ 쫓êȚ낏닀는 ì†ŒëŹžë„ 돌았닀. 귞녀는 ëČ•ì ìœŒëĄœ 서쀀의 부읞읎었지만, ë‚Žì—°ë…€ëĄœ ìč˜ë¶€ëë‹€. 하연은 눈시욞읎 ë¶‰ì–ŽìĄŒë‹€. ëˆˆëŹŒì„ ì°žêž° 위핎 애쓰며 1ìž” 로ëč„에 도착했을 때 뒀에서 닀가였는 발자ꔭ ì†ŒëŠŹê°€ 듀렞닀. “씜 ëč„서님, 밖에 ëč„ ì™€ìš”. 추우시멎 제 êČ‰ì˜· 드멮êČŒìš”.” 우산을 가젞닀쀀 ì‚ŹëžŒì€ 닀늄아닌 ê”Źë™í›„ì˜€ë‹€. ‘맀정한 HTê·žëŁč에도 따뜻한 ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ 있ꞎ í•˜ê”Źë‚˜.’ êČ‰ì˜·ì„ ëČ—ìœŒë €ëŠ” 동후넌 ëłž 하연은 ê·žë„Œ 말늏며 씁쓞핚을 ëȘ©ì— 삌쌰닀. “아니에요, êł ë§ˆì›Œìš” ê”Ź 싀임님. 읎제 만날 음도 없êČ ë„€ìš”.” 귞녀의 씁쓞한 표정을 ëłž 동후는 입을 움직였지만 한동안 ëŹŽìŠš 말을 í•Žì•Œ 할지 ëȘ°ëžë‹€. ê·žê°€ ëšžë­‡ê±°ëŠŹëŠ” ì‚ŹìŽ 하연은 ëŻžë šì—†ìŽ ìžëŠŹë„Œ 떠나 ëč— ì†ìœŒëĄœ 뛰얎듀었닀. 읎럎 때는 폭풍우만읎 êżˆì—ì„œ êčšì–Žë‚  수 있는 유음한 ë°©ëČ•ìŽì—ˆë‹€. êł”í•­ìœŒëĄœ 햄하는 택시에 앉아 ì°œë°–ìœŒëĄœ 쏟아지는 ëč—쀄Ʞ넌 ë°”ëŒëłŽë˜ 하연은 ëȘ‡ 년 동안 삎았던 도시가 눈에 듀얎와 찞지 ëȘ»í•˜êł  전화넌 걞었닀. 전화가 연êČ°ë˜ìžë§ˆìž 지ìčœ ê·žë…€ëŠ” 젖 ëšč던 힘을 닀핎 말했닀. “였ëč â€Šâ€Š.” 귞녀는 상대에êȌ ëȘ‡ 마디 말을 한 ë’€ 전화넌 끊었닀. 8시간 후, ì „ìš©êž°ê°€ B시 êł”í•­ì— 착넙했닀. 하연은 킀가 íŹêł  êČ€ì€ 옷을 입은 한 낚자의 품에 안êČŒë‹€. 뒀에 있던 êČœí˜žì›ìŽ 귞녀의 ìșëŠŹì–Žë„Œ ëŒêł  두 ì‚ŹëžŒì„ 전용Ʞ에 태웠닀. 

 늊은 ë°€, êČ€ì€ìƒ‰ ëȀ틀늏 한 대가 ìȜìȜ히 한씚 êł íƒìœŒëĄœ 듀얎섰닀. ë’·ìąŒì„ì— 앉아 있던 서쀀은 êł ê°œë„Œ 듀얎 ëŹŽì„±í•œ ꎀëȘ© 아래 êł ìž” 저택을 바띌뎀닀. 평소 늘 불읎 쌜젞 있던 ìčšì‹€ë„ ì–Žë‘Ąêž°ë§Œ 했닀. ‘진짜 ê°”ê”Źë‚˜.’ 혜êČœì€ 서늘한 서쀀의 Ʞ욎을 ëŠêŒˆêł , ì‹ì‚Ź ìžëŠŹì—ì„œ 귞녀의 아ëČ„ì§€ê°€ 한 말 ë•ŒëŹžì— 화난 êȌ 분ëȘ…í•˜ë‹€êł  생각했닀. “서쀀 씚, ë°„ ëšč을 때 ìš°ëŠŹ 얞니랑 서쀀 씚 ì‚ŹìŽì— 음얎난 ìŒëĄœ Ʞ분읎 상했닀는 ê±° 알아. êČ°í˜Œì€ 서두넎지 않아도 돌, ìš°ëŠŹ 아ëč ëŠ” 신êČœ 쓰지 마. ìš°ëŠŹ 아ëč ëŠ” ë‚Žê°€ 혌전임신읎띌 ìžŹìŽ‰í•˜ëŠ” êČƒëżìŽì•Œâ€Šâ€Š.” 혜êČœì˜ 말에 서쀀은 생각을 ë’€ëĄœ ëŻžë€„ë‘êł , 귞녀가 ìžĄì€ 자신의 소맀 끝을 볎며 말했닀. â€œê”ŹêČšìĄŒë„€.” 혜êČœì€ 귞의 말에 ëŹŽì˜ì‹ì ìœŒëĄœ 손을 뗐닀. ê·ž 후 서쀀은 ëŹžì„ ì—Žêł  찚에서 ë‚Žë žêł , 혜êČœì€ 쓞쓞히 떠나는 귞의 뒷ëȘšìŠ”을 멍하니 바띌뎀닀. ‘였늘 대표싀에서 자Ʞ 닀늏 위에 앉혔윌멎서 ì–Žë–»êȌ 하룹도 안 ì§€ë‚ŹëŠ”ë° 딮 ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ 된 ê±°ì•Œ?’ 하지만 귞녀는 생각은 잠시 ëŻžë€„ë‘êł  서쀀의 뒀넌 따띌 찚에서 ë‚Žë žë‹€. 제11화 ì°žê°€ 자êČ©ìŽ 박탈ë‹č하닀 êł íƒì—ì„œ 한찞을 Ʞ닀늰 가정부는 돌아옚 한서쀀의 ì™žíˆŹë„Œ ë°›ì•„ë“€ì—ˆêł , 서쀀의 뒀에 있는 ëŻŒí˜œêČœì„ ëłŽêł  잠시 ë©í•ŽìĄŒë‹€. “혜êČœ 아가씚, 방은 쀀ëč„í•Ž 뒀슔니닀. 읎ìȘœ ëł”ë„ë„Œ 따띌 ì˜ŹëŒê°€ì‹œë©Ž 됩니닀.” 서쀀을 따띌 êł„ë‹šìœŒëĄœ 햄하던 혜êČœì€ 멈춰 서서 ëŻżì„ 수 없닀는 ë“ŻìŽ ìłë‹€ëŽ€ë‹€. “서쀀 씚, ìš°ëŠŹ 같읎 자는 ê±° 아니에요?” 귞녀가 êł íƒìœŒëĄœ 듀얎였는 걞 동의한 서쀀은 êČ°í˜Œë„ ì•”ëŹ”ì ìœŒëĄœ 동의한 êČ©ìŽì—ˆë‹€. 핚께 ì‚ŹëŠ” 걎 ë‹č연한 음읎었닀. 귞녀의 말에 서쀀은 ëŻžê°„ì„ 찌푞렞닀. “귞  .” 혜êČœì€ 더 읎상 ì–Žë– í•œ 말도 감히 하지 ëȘ»í–ˆë‹€. 낚아있던 하연의 흔적읎 ì‚ŹëŒì§ˆêčŒ ëŽ 귞는 가정부에êȌ 닀넞 방을 쀀ëč„í•ŽëŒêł  지시했었닀. “난 아직 할 음읎 낚았윌니êčŒ ëšŒì € ìžëŸŹ 가.” 서쀀은 ëŹŽêŽ€ì‹Źí•œ ì–ŽíˆŹëĄœ 혜êČœì„ ë°”ëŒëłŽë©° 눈ëč›ì„ ëłŽëƒˆë‹€. “하지만  .” ì˜ˆìƒëŒ€ëĄœ 혜êČœì€ ì—Źì „ížˆ ë‹Źê°‘ì§€ 않은 추궁을 핮 ì™”êł , 서쀀의 지시넌 받은 배현숙읎 귞녀넌 막았닀. “혜êČœ 아가씚, 절 따띌였섞요.” êł íƒì˜ ì—˜ëŠŹëČ ìŽí„° ëŹžìŽ 닫히며 ì°šê°‘êž° 짝읎 없는 서쀀의 얌ꔎ읎 ê°€ë €ìĄŒë‹€. 혜êČœì€ 마음속의 불만을 얔눌렀닀. ‘귀ꔭ한 후로 서쀀 씚의 행동읎 너묮 ë‹ŹëŒìĄŒì–Ž.’ 가êčêł ë„ 뚌 귞의 마음을 도저히 알 수 없었닀. ì„œìžŹëĄœ 돌아옚 서쀀은 샀워넌 í•˜êł  ëȘ©ìš•ê°€ìšŽì„ 입은 ë’€ 손에 든 ëŹžì„œë„Œ 훑얎뎀지만 정신은 딮 데로 가 있었닀. 예전 같윌멎 하연읎 ì„œìžŹì— 따뜻한 수프넌 ê°€ì žë‹€ìŁŒêł  ìčšì‹€ëĄœ 가 ê·žë„Œ Ʞ닀렞을 êČƒìŽë‹€. 때로는 ì„œìžŹì—ì„œ 밀을 지새우Ʞ도 í•˜êł , 때로는 ìčšì‹€ëĄœ 돌아와 귞녀는 소파에서, 서쀀은 ìčšëŒ€ì—ì„œ 자Ʞ도 했지만 귞녀는 하룹도 ëč ì§ì—†ìŽ 수프넌 ê°€ì žë‹€ì€Źë‹€. 하지만 였늘은 ì•„ëŹŽëŠŹ Ʞ닀렀도 수프넌 ê°€ì žë‹€ìŁŒëŠ” ì‚ŹëžŒìŽ 없었닀. 읎런 귞녀의 흔적에 서쀀은 ꎜ히 짜슝읎 ë‚Źë‹€. 읎때 전화가 ìšžë žë‹€. 화멎에 뜬 â€˜ê”Ź 싀임’읎띌는 Ꞁ자넌 ëłŽêł  서쀀은 왠지 ëȘšë„ŽêȌ 느낌읎 ìą‹ì§€ 않아 ëŻžê°„ì„ 찌푞렞닀. [대표님, 방ꞈ Dê”­ ê”­ì œ ëł‘ì› 및 í—ŹìŠ€í…ŒíŹ 박람회 닮ë‹č자에êȌ 연띜읎 왔는데 HTê·žëŁč읎 êž°ë¶€êžˆì•Ą 적닀는 ìŽìœ ëĄœ ì°žê°€ 자êČ©ì„ 박탈ë‹čí–ˆë‹€êł  합니닀.] 서쀀의 얌ꔎ은 ꞈ섞 ì–Žë‘ì›ŒìĄŒë‹€. 원래 읎 ëȘšë“  êČƒì€ 하연읎 닮ë‹č했지만 귞녀가 떠난 읎상 ëȘšë“  걎 동후의 ëȘ«ìŽ 되었닀. â€œêž°ë¶€êžˆì•Ą ì ë‹€êł ? 박람회 ì°žê°€ 자êČ©ì€ 각 ê·žëŁč읎 ì ì‹­ìžì‚Źì— Ʞ부한 êžˆì•Ąì„ êž°ì€€ìœŒëĄœ êČ°ì •í•˜ëŠ” ê±° 아니알? HTê·žëŁč은 작년에 ìŽëŻž 600ì–” 원을 Ʞ부했얎, 귌데 ì ë‹€êł ?” 대표의 Ʞ분읎 ì‹Źìƒìč˜ ì•Šë‹€ëŠ” êČƒì„ 느낀 동후는 등에 식은땀읎 흘렀닀. [저도 읎핎가 되지 않아 읎 ëŹžì œì— 대핮 ì•Œì•„ëłŽë €êł  씜 ëč„서님께 연띜드렞지만, ì‚Źìš©í•  수 없는 ëČˆí˜žëŒêł â€Šâ€Š.] “

.” 동후는 닀음 말을 êł„ì† 읎얎 나갈 수 없었닀. êł§ ì„œìžŹëŠ” 정적에 íœ©ì‹žì˜€êł  서쀀은 읞상을 지윌며 였늘 대표싀에서 유니폌을 ëȗ던 하연의 ëȘšìŠ”을 ë– ì˜Źë žë‹€. 귞는 알 수 없는 감정에 가슎읎 휘ëȘ°ì•„ìł€ë‹€. 귞의 Ʞ얔읎 맞닀멎, 하연은 ì‹œêłšì—ì„œ 태얎나 수도권 대학에 입학했닀. 귞녀는 ë…žë „ 끝에 옷가êČŒë„Œ 엎었지만 ì„œì€€êłŒ êČ°í˜Œí•œ 후 얌마 되지 않아 ëŹžì„ 닫았닀. ê·žë ‡êȌ 하연은 한씚 집안에서 ì •êž°ì ìœŒëĄœ ìŁŒëŠ” 용돈을 ì œì™ží•˜êł ëŠ” 추가 수입읎 없었닀. ‘돈도 없는 ì—Źìžê°€ ì–Žë””ëĄœ 갔을êčŒ?’ “우선 ì‹œêłšëĄœ 가 뎐.” 귞는 하연읎 알렀쀀 êł í–„ ìŁŒì†Œë„Œ 아직도 êž°ì–”í•˜êł  ìžˆì—ˆêł , 귞녀넌 찟을 수 ìžˆë‹€êł  확신했닀. â€œê·žëŠŹêł  Dê”­ ê”­ì œ ëł‘ì› 및 í—ŹìŠ€í…ŒíŹ 박람회 닮ë‹č자에êȌ 전화핎. 쎝책임자랑 얘Ʞ넌 핮 뎐알 êČ ì–Ž.” 전화넌 끊은 서쀀은 휎대폰을 집얎 ë˜ìĄŒêł , 귞의 얌ꔎ은 점점 더 ì–Žë‘ì›ŒìĄŒë‹€. 제12화 Dꔭ의 ë‹€ì„Ż 였ëč ë“€ 유럜풍 ê±ŽëŹŒì˜ í˜ží™”ëĄœìšŽ ìŠ€ìœ„íŠžëŁž, 씜하연은 읔숙한 듯 Ʞ지개넌 íŽŽêł  ìŒì–Žë‚Źë‹€. ë°© ê”ŹìĄ°ë‚˜ ê°€ê”Źë“€ì€ 귞녀가 ë– ë‚Źì„ 때와 닀늄없었닀. 하연의 ëšžëŠŹë§Ąì—ëŠ” 따뜻한 ì°šê°€ ë†“ì—Ź ìžˆì—ˆêł , ìčšëŒ€ 위에는 섞렚된 옷듀읎 ì—ŹëŸŹ ëȌ ë†“ì—Ź 있었닀. 윔 끝읎 시큰거렞닀. B시에서는 êżˆë„ ꟞지 ëȘ»í•  대우였닀. “할아ëČ„ì§€ëŠ” ëč„행Ʞ 추띜 ì‚Źêł  소식을 ë“€ìœŒì‹œêł  넀가 전화넌 안 받아서 ì‹Źì •ì§€ê°€ 였셚얎, 아직도 ëł‘ìƒì— ëˆ„ì›Œêł„ì…”.” 뒀에서 ë°œì†ŒëŠŹê°€ 가êčŒì›Œì§€ë”니 êČ€ì€ 옷을 입은 큰 킀의 낚자가 ìčŽëŠŹìŠ€ë§ˆì™€ 아우띌넌 풍Ʞ며 귞녀의 ìčšì‹€ì— ë‚˜íƒ€ë‚Źë‹€. 귞는 Bì‹œëĄœ 하연을 데멬러 옚 였ëč  ì”œí•˜ëŻŒìŽì—ˆë‹€. í•˜ëŻŒì€ í˜„ìžŹ 씜씚 ê°€ëŹžì˜ êČœì˜ì„ ìŽëŒêł  ìžˆêł  항상 옚화핚을 유지하며 한 ëȈ도 화넌 낾 적읎 없닀. 할아ëČ„ì§€ê°€ íŽžì°źìœŒì‹œë‹€ëŠ” 소식에 하연은 덜컄 êČìŽ 나 ìšžëšč였닀. “였ëč , 많읎 위쀑하신 거알  ?” â€œì‹Źê°í•œ 정도는 아니알, 넌 ë„€ ëȘžìŽë‚˜ 챙êČš.” í•˜ëŻŒì€ 하연의 손을 ìžĄì•„ë‹čêž°ë©° 나가렀는 귞녀넌 막았닀. “지ꞈ ë„€ ꌎ을 뎐, 읎êȌ ì‚ŹëžŒ 얌ꔎ읎알? 예전에 한 앜속 잊었얎?” 읎 말을 듀은 하연은 발걞음을 멈췄닀. ë‹č연히 잊지 않았닀. 귞녀는 할아ëČ„ì§€ì—êȌ 한서쀀읎 자신을 ì‚Źëž‘í•˜ì§€ ì•Šêł  나아가 읎혌êčŒì§€ 하êȌ 된닀멎 영원히 씜씚 ê°€ëŹžì— ë‚šì•„ 가업을 돕êČ ë‹€êł  앜속했닀. ì‹Źì§€ì–Ž 하연은 씜씚 ê°€ëŹžì˜ ì‚Źì—…ì„ 확임하Ʞ 위핎 4대 ê°€ëŹž 쀑 하나읞 나씚 ê°€ëŹžêłŒ êČ°í˜Œí•˜êȠ닀는 제안을 순순히 ë°›ì•„ë“€ìŽêž°ëĄœ 했닀. ‘였ëč ê°€ 갑자Ʞ 읎런 말을 하는 걞 볎멎, ëČŒìš ì‚ŹëžŒì„ ì°Ÿì•„ 놓은 ê±°ì•Œ?’ ‘나씚 ê°€ëŹžì˜ 아듀은 ì•Œì•„ìŁŒëŠ” ë°”ëžŒë‘„ìŽëŒêł  하던데

.’ “귌데 였ëč  ë‚œ 읎혌한지도 얌마 안 ëêł , 아직 ìžŹí˜Œí•  생각읎 없얎  .” 귞녀는 거의 ëčŒë‹€ì‹œí”Œ 말했닀. 순간 í•˜ëŻŒì€ 표정을 풀더니 ì „ëłŽë‹€ í›šì”Ź ë¶€ë“œëŸŹì›Œì§„ ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹëĄœ 말했닀. ë‹č연히 êČìŁŒë €êł  한 말읎었닀. “넌 씜씚 집안 딞읎알. ìš°ëŠŹ ê°€ëŹžì€ 자식을 팔멎서êčŒì§€ 집안을 킀우진 않아 하지만, 할아ëČ„ì§€ê°€ 완ìč˜í•˜ì‹€ 때êčŒì§€ëŠ” 낮 옆에서 였넞팔 역할을 똑똑히 핮.” 읎 말의 ì˜ëŻžëŠ” Dꔭ에 있는 í•˜ëŻŒì˜ DSê·žëŁč에 듀얎였띌는 말읎었닀. 하연의 ê°€ìĄ±ë“€ì€ 귞녀가 상욎대 êž€ëĄœëȌëč„지니슀학부에 듀얎갈 때부터 읎 음을 엌두에 ë‘êł  있었닀. 하지만 하연읎 자신의 êżˆì„ ìŽëŁšêž° 위핎 디자읎너 뾌랜드 숍을 ì—Žêł  서쀀에êȌ ìČ«ëˆˆì— 반할 쀄은 누가 상상읎띌도 했을êčŒ? ‘였ëč ëž‘ 할아ëČ„ì§€ê°€ 많읎 속상핎하싀 ê±°ì•Œ.’ “알êČ ì–Ž.” 귞녀는 ìžŹí˜Œë§Œ 아니띌멎 뭐든 êŽœì°źë‹€êł  말했닀. í•˜ëŻŒì€ 움í‘č 팚읞 ëˆˆìœŒëĄœ 귞녀넌 ë°”ëŒëłŽë©° â€˜ì‘â€™í•˜êł  대닔했닀. â€˜ìš°ëŠŹ 하연읎만 볎멎 가슎읎 아프넀. 하지만, 읎ëȈ êČ°í˜ŒìŽ 하연읎에êȌ ꔐ훈을 ì€Źì„ ê±°ì•Œ.’ “대표님.” ê·žë•Œ, 누ꔰ가가 ë°© ëŹžì„ ë‘ë“œëŠŹêł  듀얎왔닀. í•˜ëŻŒì˜ ëč„서였닀. “한서쀀 씚가 ì°žê°€ 자êČ© 박탈에 대핮 궁ꞈ한 점읎 있얎 ëŒ€í‘œë‹˜êłŒ 만나 ê”ŹìČŽì ìœŒëĄœ 읎알Ʞ넌 ë‚˜ëˆ„êł  ì‹¶ë‹€êł  합니닀.” 하연은 ê·ž ìžëŠŹì—ì„œ 얌얎붙었닀. “였ëč , 섀마  .” í•˜ëŻŒì€ 귞녀넌 ë°ëŠŹêł  옚 후 ì‹ ì†í•˜êł  ëŹŽìžëč„하êȌ 한씚 ê°€ëŹžì„ êł”êČ©í–ˆë‹€. 읎는 서쀀읎 하연만 ëŻżêł  읎ëȈ 박람회에 êŽ€ì‹ŹìŽ 없었닀는 걞 알았Ʞ ë•ŒëŹžìŽë‹€. 하연만 ëŻżêł  있던 음읎 읎렇êȌ 바뀔 êČƒìŽëŒêł  누가 알았êČ ëŠ”ê°€? “읎걎 씜씚 ê°€ëŹž 딞은 ê·ž ëˆ„ê”Źë„ 걎드늎 수 없닀는 ëŹŽì–žì˜ êČœêł ì•Œ. 읎제 넀가 뭘 í•Žì•Œ 할지 ì•Œêł  있지?” í•˜ëŻŒì€ 하연읎 ì•Œêł  있을 거띌 생각하며 귞녀의 ì–Žêčšë„Œ ê°€ëłêȌ 두드며 ë’€ ëč„서와 핚께 ë– ë‚Źë‹€. 귞와 동시에 귞는 ëč„서에êȌ 지시넌 ë‚Žë žë‹€. “며ìč  ë™ì•ˆ 하연읎넌 ë°ëŠŹêł  Dꔭ의 ìŁŒìš” 산업닚지넌 ëŒêł  수석 ëč„서의 ëȘšë“  ì—…ëŹŽë„Œ ìˆ™ì§€í•˜ë„ëĄ 핮.” “알êČ ìŠ”ë‹ˆë‹€, 대표님.” 귞듀의 ëȘ©ì†ŒëŠŹëŠ” 점점 멀얎젞 ê°”êł , 넓은 ìčšì‹€ì€ 닀시 ìĄ°ìš©í•ŽìĄŒë‹€. ‘수석 ëč„서  .’ 읎 직꞉은 대표 ë‹€ìŒìœŒëĄœ 높은 직꞉읎었닀. 하연은 자신의 ëłŒì„ ì„žêȌ êŒŹì§‘ì—ˆë‹€. ‘읎ëČˆì—ë„ 였ëč ë„Œ 싀망시킀멎 안 돌.’ “서프띌읎슈!” 하연읎 DSê·žëŁč의 ì”œêł ìž” ì‚ŹëŹŽì‹€ëĄœ 듀얎옚 지 읎틀읎 되던 날, 걎듀걎듀한 한 낚자가 듀얎왔닀. LEARN_MORE https://www.mlyqjqpr.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1 소섀의 ì„žêł„ https://www.facebook.com/61557428073507/ 674 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn more 0 mlyqjqpr.com IMAGE https://www.mlyqjqpr.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=15149&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/466002718_1085606979958967_7121558704551842248_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Mvq_8iqvVf0Q7kNvgGX3Ijq&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A0jaE_Kq7tSdrGZBDf-Y07-&oh=00_AYC4o7kZgw3_0fB8XreGUAPl4i_77N83iM2Y8JG47G1I_A&oe=674EDAB9 PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 소섀의 ì„žêł„ 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-28 19:49 active 1936 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ Debra gasped and opened her eyes. Everything in front of her was strikingly familiar. This place was Juan and her home. They had been married for a month, but Juan had rarely visited her. She remembered that Juan was attending a land auction, and due to the occasion, he had to bring her along. But this was all five years ago. 'How could it be? ' she thought, deeply confused, 'Am I reborn?' " Mr. Nichols has never stayed overnight before. You should seize this opportunity." a maid’s voice brought Debra back to reality. She picked out a white gown, hesitating. "How about this one, Madam?" Looking at it, Debra gave a self-deprecating smile. It was well known that Juan favored Shelia. Shelia liked white dresses. In the past, she often dressed like Shelia to please Juan. For this auction, Juan didn't inform her of the change in companion and brought Shelia instead, making her look ridiculous in a white dress similar to Shelia's. The thought of the past made her laugh. "No, I'll wear that one," she said, picking up a red dress. Debra never liked plain clothes. Shelia was just a poor college student. Debra felt that she must have lost her mind to dress like that for a man. "But Mr. Nichols likes white dresses," the maid said hesitantly. Debra simply ignored her hints. "I'll wear this one," she said. "Throw away all those white dresses. I don't like them." The maid sighed and complied. Debra looked at herself in the mirror, still vibrant and beautiful. But in a few years, she would be worn down by Juan's torment. Before that happened, she would end it all. In the evening, Debra appeared in a burgundy dress that accentuated her curves. Her delicate makeup, curls, and a mole under her eye made her mesmerizing. She looked like a painting, untouchable. Not far away, a man in a white shirt and black leather combat boots saw her. Marion Houston asked, "Who is she?" "You don't know her? She's Debra, the daughter of the Frazier family and Juan's wife," said his friend, Randy Osborne. "I just saw Juan entering with another woman. Maybe we'll witness a showdown between the mistress and the wife. It will be fun." LEARN_MORE https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1 Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 320 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 thebvhwysgng.com DCO https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13914&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461289218_1238442967359041_237777891081435790_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tmGeiLOEp-MQ7kNvgE1Iru5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A0jaE_Kq7tSdrGZBDf-Y07-&oh=00_AYBFKmRIq-02oVnee0v_fRlH10rYFboyJ6MtI5WVgrnxPA&oe=674ED80E PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-28 19:49 active 1936 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ Debra gasped and opened her eyes. Everything in front of her was strikingly familiar. This place was Juan and her home. They had been married for a month, but Juan had rarely visited her. She remembered that Juan was attending a land auction, and due to the occasion, he had to bring her along. But this was all five years ago. 'How could it be? ' she thought, deeply confused, 'Am I reborn?' " Mr. Nichols has never stayed overnight before. You should seize this opportunity." a maid’s voice brought Debra back to reality. She picked out a white gown, hesitating. "How about this one, Madam?" Looking at it, Debra gave a self-deprecating smile. It was well known that Juan favored Shelia. Shelia liked white dresses. In the past, she often dressed like Shelia to please Juan. For this auction, Juan didn't inform her of the change in companion and brought Shelia instead, making her look ridiculous in a white dress similar to Shelia's. The thought of the past made her laugh. "No, I'll wear that one," she said, picking up a red dress. Debra never liked plain clothes. Shelia was just a poor college student. Debra felt that she must have lost her mind to dress like that for a man. "But Mr. Nichols likes white dresses," the maid said hesitantly. Debra simply ignored her hints. "I'll wear this one," she said. "Throw away all those white dresses. I don't like them." The maid sighed and complied. Debra looked at herself in the mirror, still vibrant and beautiful. But in a few years, she would be worn down by Juan's torment. Before that happened, she would end it all. In the evening, Debra appeared in a burgundy dress that accentuated her curves. Her delicate makeup, curls, and a mole under her eye made her mesmerizing. She looked like a painting, untouchable. Not far away, a man in a white shirt and black leather combat boots saw her. Marion Houston asked, "Who is she?" "You don't know her? She's Debra, the daughter of the Frazier family and Juan's wife," said his friend, Randy Osborne. "I just saw Juan entering with another woman. Maybe we'll witness a showdown between the mistress and the wife. It will be fun." LEARN_MORE https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1 Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 320 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 thebvhwysgng.com DCO https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13914&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461289218_1238442967359041_237777891081435790_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tmGeiLOEp-MQ7kNvgE1Iru5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A0jaE_Kq7tSdrGZBDf-Y07-&oh=00_AYBFKmRIq-02oVnee0v_fRlH10rYFboyJ6MtI5WVgrnxPA&oe=674ED80E PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-11-28 19:49 active 1936 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ Debra gasped and opened her eyes. Everything in front of her was strikingly familiar. This place was Juan and her home. They had been married for a month, but Juan had rarely visited her. She remembered that Juan was attending a land auction, and due to the occasion, he had to bring her along. But this was all five years ago. 'How could it be? ' she thought, deeply confused, 'Am I reborn?' " Mr. Nichols has never stayed overnight before. You should seize this opportunity." a maid’s voice brought Debra back to reality. She picked out a white gown, hesitating. "How about this one, Madam?" Looking at it, Debra gave a self-deprecating smile. It was well known that Juan favored Shelia. Shelia liked white dresses. In the past, she often dressed like Shelia to please Juan. For this auction, Juan didn't inform her of the change in companion and brought Shelia instead, making her look ridiculous in a white dress similar to Shelia's. The thought of the past made her laugh. "No, I'll wear that one," she said, picking up a red dress. Debra never liked plain clothes. Shelia was just a poor college student. Debra felt that she must have lost her mind to dress like that for a man. "But Mr. Nichols likes white dresses," the maid said hesitantly. Debra simply ignored her hints. "I'll wear this one," she said. "Throw away all those white dresses. I don't like them." The maid sighed and complied. Debra looked at herself in the mirror, still vibrant and beautiful. But in a few years, she would be worn down by Juan's torment. Before that happened, she would end it all. In the evening, Debra appeared in a burgundy dress that accentuated her curves. Her delicate makeup, curls, and a mole under her eye made her mesmerizing. She looked like a painting, untouchable. Not far away, a man in a white shirt and black leather combat boots saw her. Marion Houston asked, "Who is she?" "You don't know her? She's Debra, the daughter of the Frazier family and Juan's wife," said his friend, Randy Osborne. "I just saw Juan entering with another woman. Maybe we'll witness a showdown between the mistress and the wife. It will be fun." LEARN_MORE https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1 Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 320 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 thebvhwysgng.com DCO https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13914&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461289218_1238442967359041_237777891081435790_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tmGeiLOEp-MQ7kNvgE1Iru5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A0jaE_Kq7tSdrGZBDf-Y07-&oh=00_AYBFKmRIq-02oVnee0v_fRlH10rYFboyJ6MtI5WVgrnxPA&oe=674ED80E PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-28 19:49 active 1936 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ Debra gasped and opened her eyes. Everything in front of her was strikingly familiar. This place was Juan and her home. They had been married for a month, but Juan had rarely visited her. She remembered that Juan was attending a land auction, and due to the occasion, he had to bring her along. But this was all five years ago. 'How could it be? ' she thought, deeply confused, 'Am I reborn?' " Mr. Nichols has never stayed overnight before. You should seize this opportunity." a maid’s voice brought Debra back to reality. She picked out a white gown, hesitating. "How about this one, Madam?" Looking at it, Debra gave a self-deprecating smile. It was well known that Juan favored Shelia. Shelia liked white dresses. In the past, she often dressed like Shelia to please Juan. For this auction, Juan didn't inform her of the change in companion and brought Shelia instead, making her look ridiculous in a white dress similar to Shelia's. The thought of the past made her laugh. "No, I'll wear that one," she said, picking up a red dress. Debra never liked plain clothes. Shelia was just a poor college student. Debra felt that she must have lost her mind to dress like that for a man. "But Mr. Nichols likes white dresses," the maid said hesitantly. Debra simply ignored her hints. "I'll wear this one," she said. "Throw away all those white dresses. I don't like them." The maid sighed and complied. Debra looked at herself in the mirror, still vibrant and beautiful. But in a few years, she would be worn down by Juan's torment. Before that happened, she would end it all. In the evening, Debra appeared in a burgundy dress that accentuated her curves. Her delicate makeup, curls, and a mole under her eye made her mesmerizing. She looked like a painting, untouchable. Not far away, a man in a white shirt and black leather combat boots saw her. Marion Houston asked, "Who is she?" "You don't know her? She's Debra, the daughter of the Frazier family and Juan's wife," said his friend, Randy Osborne. "I just saw Juan entering with another woman. Maybe we'll witness a showdown between the mistress and the wife. It will be fun." LEARN_MORE https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1 Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 320 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 thebvhwysgng.com DCO https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13914&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/459135153_832140905375376_807093524481295487_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xg3Oe1dlDZgQ7kNvgFxbaox&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A0jaE_Kq7tSdrGZBDf-Y07-&oh=00_AYCF5NYUWbBMnqZ5SQCQMLt0zbLQKFW9-WKuevHnbnaEbA&oe=674ED9CC PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-28 19:49 active 1936 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ Debra gasped and opened her eyes. Everything in front of her was strikingly familiar. This place was Juan and her home. They had been married for a month, but Juan had rarely visited her. She remembered that Juan was attending a land auction, and due to the occasion, he had to bring her along. But this was all five years ago. 'How could it be? ' she thought, deeply confused, 'Am I reborn?' " Mr. Nichols has never stayed overnight before. You should seize this opportunity." a maid’s voice brought Debra back to reality. She picked out a white gown, hesitating. "How about this one, Madam?" Looking at it, Debra gave a self-deprecating smile. It was well known that Juan favored Shelia. Shelia liked white dresses. In the past, she often dressed like Shelia to please Juan. For this auction, Juan didn't inform her of the change in companion and brought Shelia instead, making her look ridiculous in a white dress similar to Shelia's. The thought of the past made her laugh. "No, I'll wear that one," she said, picking up a red dress. Debra never liked plain clothes. Shelia was just a poor college student. Debra felt that she must have lost her mind to dress like that for a man. "But Mr. Nichols likes white dresses," the maid said hesitantly. Debra simply ignored her hints. "I'll wear this one," she said. "Throw away all those white dresses. I don't like them." The maid sighed and complied. Debra looked at herself in the mirror, still vibrant and beautiful. But in a few years, she would be worn down by Juan's torment. Before that happened, she would end it all. In the evening, Debra appeared in a burgundy dress that accentuated her curves. Her delicate makeup, curls, and a mole under her eye made her mesmerizing. She looked like a painting, untouchable. Not far away, a man in a white shirt and black leather combat boots saw her. Marion Houston asked, "Who is she?" "You don't know her? She's Debra, the daughter of the Frazier family and Juan's wife," said his friend, Randy Osborne. "I just saw Juan entering with another woman. Maybe we'll witness a showdown between the mistress and the wife. It will be fun." LEARN_MORE https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=1 Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 320 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 thebvhwysgng.com DCO https://thebvhwysgng.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13914&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/459135153_832140905375376_807093524481295487_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xg3Oe1dlDZgQ7kNvgFxbaox&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A0jaE_Kq7tSdrGZBDf-Y07-&oh=00_AYCF5NYUWbBMnqZ5SQCQMLt0zbLQKFW9-WKuevHnbnaEbA&oe=674ED9CC PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-28 19:49 active 1936 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before her—her husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that she’s still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I don’t really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wife’s veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasn’t seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Don’t you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. “Why put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.” “Oh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?” Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. “Enough,” Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. “I’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.” As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. “My lady, my lord has really crossed the line!” Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.” Lulu gasped. “Leave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?” Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. “Lulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.” ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. “Your Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,” he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. “I can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.” “The guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.” Salvador felt a pang of guilt. “Barrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.” “Your Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,” Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. “Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!” ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... LEARN_MORE https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 320 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 shgjfh.com DCO https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462595255_1458168571534635_1126135952958502543_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H2MPKUwLgD0Q7kNvgG5QmXO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A0jaE_Kq7tSdrGZBDf-Y07-&oh=00_AYCKbZmX0ur7dJDSAkrGLiuqDBgbBQ7bfxTgGwGERTnPEA&oe=674EE45D PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-28 19:50 active 1936 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before her—her husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that she’s still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I don’t really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wife’s veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasn’t seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Don’t you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. “Why put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.” “Oh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?” Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. “Enough,” Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. “I’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.” As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. “My lady, my lord has really crossed the line!” Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.” Lulu gasped. “Leave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?” Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. “Lulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.” ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. “Your Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,” he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. “I can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.” “The guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.” Salvador felt a pang of guilt. “Barrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.” “Your Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,” Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. “Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!” ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... LEARN_MORE https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 320 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 shgjfh.com DCO https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462595255_1458168571534635_1126135952958502543_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H2MPKUwLgD0Q7kNvgG5QmXO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A0jaE_Kq7tSdrGZBDf-Y07-&oh=00_AYCKbZmX0ur7dJDSAkrGLiuqDBgbBQ7bfxTgGwGERTnPEA&oe=674EE45D PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-28 19:50 active 1936 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before her—her husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage with Aurora. She will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett. Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that she’s still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I don’t really need your approval on it." Carissa smiled mockingly. "Fell in love, huh? Have you forgot what you promised me before you left for war?" On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett was called away to lead reinforcements on an expedition. Before he left, he lifted his wife’s veil and vowed, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!" Embarrassed, Barrett avoided her eye contact. "Just forget what I said. Back then, I only considered you a suitable match for a wife. I knew nothing about love until I met Rory." When he spoke of the woman he loved, his eyes softened with deep affection. Turning back to Carissa, he added, "She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met. I love her deeply, and I hope you'll be generous enough to welcome her." Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and mother liked her a lot upon seeing her." They agreed? Huh... How ironic! Seems like everything Carissa had done for this household had all been for nothing. "Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting a brow. Barrett carried a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to my mother and making her very happy. Even mother's health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." Carissa wasn’t seeking praise. She was just laying out the facts of her exhausting year. "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them," Barrett interrupted. "you're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her." As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under her eye became more evident in the light. Calmly, she said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. A true matriarch must understand the bigger picture and act with dignity. Don’t you trust me?" Barrett sighed in frustration. “Why put yourself through this? The king has approved this marriage, and Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things.” “Oh, you think that's what I fear? Losing the control of this household?” Carissa countered. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. “Enough,” Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. “I’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.” As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. “My lady, my lord has really crossed the line!” Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.” Lulu gasped. “Leave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?” Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. “Lulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.” ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. “Your Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,” he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. “I can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.” “The guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.” Salvador felt a pang of guilt. “Barrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.” “Your Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,” Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. “Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!” ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowery and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... LEARN_MORE https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 320 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 shgjfh.com DCO https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/462595255_1458168571534635_1126135952958502543_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H2MPKUwLgD0Q7kNvgG5QmXO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A0jaE_Kq7tSdrGZBDf-Y07-&oh=00_AYCKbZmX0ur7dJDSAkrGLiuqDBgbBQ7bfxTgGwGERTnPEA&oe=674EE45D PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-11-28 19:45 active 1936 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ “I’m so glad you are here tonight, Leah. I care so much about you.” Tristan said. My husband, the Alpha of Blazewood Pack, held the beautiful blonde in his arm. I froze on my spot after seeing this. All the guests in the banquet hall were stealing glances at me, whispering and jeering. “Is that Leah Middleton?” My maid Mandy gasped, “What’s she doing here?!” My husband brought her here, obviously. Tonight was the Full Moon festival. We should have attended as Alpha and Luna, but Tristan brought her instead. Leah Middleton was Tristan’s high school sweetheart, Ironclaw Pack’s Alpha’s daughter. She and Tristan were the perfect couple until Leah broke up with him. Rumors said that she cheated on him with another person. Tristan met me a year later at a party. Nobody in my family was thrilled about our relationship. But I still ran away from home and married into Blazewood Pack. We were mates, blessed by the Moon Goddess. How bad could it be? But I was wrong. So wrong. The first bump in our marriage was my miscarriage. I lost my child during a business meeting. Tristan blamed me for it. He thought I was too careless. To fix the trauma, we adopted a sweet little boy called Roman. But a child still couldn’t fix our marriage. Tristan started to grow cold to me. And now, Leah was back, my husband’s Ex. Was she here to take him away from me? Suppressing the panic, I strode up to them. “Leah, you should leave.” I tried to say this with as much dignity as possible. “And stay away from my husband.” Leah rounded her big, innocent eyes and looked over to Tristan. “Shall we tell her?” she asked softly. I started to get a bad feeling. “Tell me what?” Tristan gave me an indifferent look, “Leah will stay here from now on.” I couldn’t believe what I just heard. “Stay here? As what? Are you out of your mind?!” Tears quickly welled up in Leah's eyes, “I know you hate me, Evelyn. It's all my fault. But Tristan didn’t do anything wrong so please don’t yell at him.” “Do you mind? I’m talking to my husband!” I snapped. “Be nice to her!” Tristan growled. “I won’t threaten your position. I promise.” Leah blinked innocently, “You can still be Luna. All I want is to stay with Tristan
and my child.” The ground was slipping away underneath my feet. My legs went soft, and I couldn’t stand straight. “Child? What child?” I asked through clenched teeth. They had a child together? How come I didn't know about this?? They exchanged a look. And then finally, Tristan spoke up, “It’s probably time to tell you the truth
Roman is Leah and my kid.” I couldn’t breathe, “But you said
you adopted Roman from an orphanage! He doesn’t have any parents!” “If I hadn’t said that, would you have accepted Roman and raised him as your own?” Tristan said with a frown. “Leah couldn’t raise Roman when the kid was born. So I brought him back here. It’s just a little harmless lie.” A harmless lie? I poured my heart out and raised the child of the person who fucked my husband. And now she swooped in and tried to take my child and husband away. What am I? A free nanny to them? “No, Tristan
I don’t want her here.” I gritted, trying hard not to let my tears fall. “This is unacceptable. Send her away, please
I am asking as your wife and Luna!” “She stays. End of discussion!” Tristan growled. “If she stays
I’m afraid that you are driving me away,” I said, trembling. My heart was in my throat because even I couldn’t be sure whom he would choose. Tristan looked frustrated. Yet before he spoke up, Leah burst out crying. “Don’t push him! This is all my fault
I never want to be the third person in your marriage
I—I should go!” she sobbed and turned away, running out of the banquet hall. Tristan snapped his head towards me and glared, “Now are you happy?” Chapter 2 Evelyn’s POV Tristan never bothered to check on me once. I heard that he was busy taking Leah to parties and introducing her to all his members. Then I got an unexpected call, from my best friend in college, Haley. “Hey, Evelyn! Just want to check on you and see if you are still coming to Storm Fang Pack for business next week. We should find a time to meet up!” I took in a small deep breath. I almost forgot that. For the past few years, I have been working on a huge real estate project called Carnival City with a company in Storm Fang Pack, AKA the largest and most powerful pack in the world. Originally, I planned to go over there next week and sign the contract with CEO Jason. I also wanted to catch up with Haley and
possibly visit Haley's brother. Her brother, Asher Hawthorne, was no one else but the Alpha of Storm Fang Pack, the tycoon that dominated the business world. If he could advise on my project, it’d definitely help me. But now, I had completely forgotten all about that. Because of what happened with Leah. “I don’t know, Haley
Maybe there’ll be a change of plan. I can’t go anymore.” I said lowly. “What? Why?” There’s no point hiding this with my best friend. I covered my face and choked, “
Tristan is leaving me for another person
the birth mother of our adopted child. If he does, there’s no point for me to keep working on that project
” Although Leah was his mother by birth, I was by his side for the past 3 years. My boy would be on my side. Standing outside of the packhouse, I saw Roman’s school bus drive close. I was on this spot every day for the past 3 years, waiting for Roman to come back to school. As soon as the door opened, I started waving and calling for my boy: “Roman! Darling! Over here!” He jumped off the school bus. But as soon as he saw me, he started running in the opposite direction. “Get away from me!” He cried. I rushed to grab his shoulder, stunned, “What? Roman, why—” “You want my mommy to leave! I hate you!” he shouted, “Daddy, Mommy, and I are a real family! Not you!” Tears welled up in my eyes. Roman knew Leah was back. And he chose her over me. “Roman, I—I’m your mom, remember?” I choked, “I took you to the hospital when you were sick. I went to all of your parent and teacher's meetings.” He struggled in my arms, screeching, as though he didn’t want me to touch him. Passersby stopped and stared at us. One guy even came forward and said, “Miss, please let go of the child.” “It’s ok. He’s my kid.” I quickly explained. “NO!” Roman shrieked, “You hit me! You put my head into the toilet! You scared me! I don’t want you. I want Mommy Leah!” I froze on my spot. I didn’t none of those stuff! Why would Roman lie about those?! Leah suddenly appeared near the front gate, with Tristan behind her back. She dashed over, crying, and held Roman tightly in her arms. “My poor baby! What’ve you been through!” she wailed. “You hit Roman?!” Tristan growled at me, “Are you doing this because you can’t have your own child and you are jealous of Leah?” I looked at him in shock. How could he think this way? Leah sobbed, “Don’t blame her, Tristan. I get it. People only care about their own kids. Roman and I are outsiders here. Maybe we should leave
” “Yes, you do!” I blurt out. “ENOUGH!” Tristan snarled, glaring at me. “Leah’s the person I care about and Roman is my only son! I can’t leave them. And they need me.” I started to tremble in pain. “Then what about me, Tristan? I’m your mate!” “Nobody says you aren’t!” Tristan said impatiently, “You’ll still be Blazewood Pack’s Luna. She’s not interested in your position.” “You won’t even notice that I’m in the house. I just want to stay with Tristan.” Leah said softly. I felt dizzy. If she was the person he loved, then what did that make me? A free employee who helped him run his pack? How could I stand the pain while my husband fucked another person every day in the next room? No, I couldn’t handle that. So with a trembling hand, I started undoing my blouse, revealing my delicate collarbone. My scent quickly filled the air. I heard Tristan’s breathing suddenly become heavy. “
What are you doing?” he gritted with sweat on his forehead. I took a step further, locking eyes with him, whispering, “Don’t you miss me? The feeling of being with your mate
it’s better than anything else in the world. You know that.” The mate bond was working. He stared deep into my eyes, obsessed, and murmured, “My mate.” LEARN_MORE https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15862&u Galaxy in the Story https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/ 1,563 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 befant.com DCO https://befant.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=15862&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467730157_1238869077349073_3792002446600257245_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Lwvn5PQcCvIQ7kNvgF1TaWO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A52joVpbNb7sJ9JTGyMXMLi&oh=00_AYC4g1Atc6dZzbcTWCGEAGhO3xqeG8zdM3JZEGj5go5_0A&oe=674ECF6C PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Galaxy in the Story 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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No 2024-11-28 19:50 active 1936 0 â€ïžđŸ˜ click to read on 👉 I watch as my ex-husband Rowan, who's standing next to me, stares at the love of his life, my sister Emma. It is still at my father's funeral, yet he can't hold back his feelings anymore. We were married but instead of two, there were three of us in our marriage. Him, me and the love of his life, Emma, the woman he’s refused to let go for nine long years of our marriage. It’s honestly sad. The life I have. Living under the perfect shadow that was Emma nailed in the fact that I can never be good enough for anyone. She was my parents' favorite daughter, my husband's love of life. She always comes first in everyone’s mind while I’m left chasing after leftovers of their affection. I used to harbor a glimmer of hope for my marriage with Rowan, but this also ended when we got divorced three days ago. “Ava, you okay?” Rowan's deep voice always makes me shiver. It’s then I realize that the service was over and everyone was leaving. Shrugging my shoulders I stand up, without looking at him. I know it seems rude but I just can’t look at him. Not when the memory of him staring lovingly at Emma is still fresh in my mind. “So we finally meet again” Emma’s bitter voice says behind me. After what happened nine years ago, Rowan and I soon got married, and Emma vanished without a trace since then. Until now, she showed up again at father's funeral. I turn around to face her. Her face was blotchy and her eyes were red and puffy, but she still looked like a freaking goddess. I sigh. I so didn’t want to face her right now. “Not now Emma. Can we just bury father first?” She smiles then leans in so that I’m the only one that can hear her. “We will bury him alright but let me tell you that I am here to stay. You also took my family from me all those years ago but no more. I plan to take everything back, including the man that was meant to be mine” she then steps aside and leaves just as the preacher calls us to go to back where the cemetery is. I’m left shocked at her words but not really surprised. What she doesn’t understand is that she doesn’t have to take anything back because none of them were mine to begin with. The family she’s talking about worships the ground she walks one. And Rowan? Rowan was and still is her man. Pushing down the pain that wanted to drown me, I walked to the place that would be father’s final resting place. I stand a little distance from mother, Emma and my brother Travis. They’re huddled together. Looking at them and me you would think that I was a stranger just attending the burial instead of part of them. “Dust to dust
” the preacher says as they lower father’s body to the ground. They then begin to cover his coffin with soil until he is completely buried. Mother’s wails are the loudest as she begs for father to come back to her. Emma and Travis both have silent tears running down their faces as they hold her in their arms. I wipe my tears away. Since no one cares, I need to be strong for myself. Once again people flood us to offer their condolences. I accept them mindlessly. It was like I was there but wasn’t at the same time. By the time I come out of it, most people were already dispersed. And there stood Rowan and his parents. I stand awkwardly and don't know if I should greet them. When his parents noticed me, they said something to Rowan and left. I breathed a sigh of relief. I was used to them treating me like that because we both know that I wasn’t their choice for their son. Once they leave, we are left standing awkwardly beside each other. Now that his focus wasn’t occupied by his parents, it was solely on Emma who was standing a few feet from us. I was about to excuse myself when I hear a screeching of tires. Everything happened so fast. Men with guns opened fire. The minute they started shooting I saw Rowan dive for Emma. I stood shocked as I watched him protect her with his body. I can’t believe he abandoned me to protect her. Why was I even surprised? This just proved that I’ll never be his priority. Seeing him protect her with his life completely broke something inside me. “Watch out!” A man with a bullet proof jacket shouted at me. He pushed me out of the way, but it was already too late. Something pierced my skin and I fell from the impact of the hit. LEARN_MORE https://weihunda.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8403& Happyday https://www.facebook.com/61558228850235/ 1,420 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 weihunda.com DCO More Free Chapters👉 https://weihunda.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8403&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464223113_1061388625229189_3877713246494818293_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mTiM-7q2Nx0Q7kNvgF8Knsh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A0jaE_Kq7tSdrGZBDf-Y07-&oh=00_AYDOotSdJOAEWO0P71ovBJqAEX-Wn3aAnTzNVPqMnFXcnA&oe=674EE23B PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Happyday 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-28 19:50 active 1936 0 â€ïžđŸ˜ click to read on 👉 I watch as my ex-husband Rowan, who's standing next to me, stares at the love of his life, my sister Emma. It is still at my father's funeral, yet he can't hold back his feelings anymore. We were married but instead of two, there were three of us in our marriage. Him, me and the love of his life, Emma, the woman he’s refused to let go for nine long years of our marriage. It’s honestly sad. The life I have. Living under the perfect shadow that was Emma nailed in the fact that I can never be good enough for anyone. She was my parents' favorite daughter, my husband's love of life. She always comes first in everyone’s mind while I’m left chasing after leftovers of their affection. I used to harbor a glimmer of hope for my marriage with Rowan, but this also ended when we got divorced three days ago. “Ava, you okay?” Rowan's deep voice always makes me shiver. It’s then I realize that the service was over and everyone was leaving. Shrugging my shoulders I stand up, without looking at him. I know it seems rude but I just can’t look at him. Not when the memory of him staring lovingly at Emma is still fresh in my mind. “So we finally meet again” Emma’s bitter voice says behind me. After what happened nine years ago, Rowan and I soon got married, and Emma vanished without a trace since then. Until now, she showed up again at father's funeral. I turn around to face her. Her face was blotchy and her eyes were red and puffy, but she still looked like a freaking goddess. I sigh. I so didn’t want to face her right now. “Not now Emma. Can we just bury father first?” She smiles then leans in so that I’m the only one that can hear her. “We will bury him alright but let me tell you that I am here to stay. You also took my family from me all those years ago but no more. I plan to take everything back, including the man that was meant to be mine” she then steps aside and leaves just as the preacher calls us to go to back where the cemetery is. I’m left shocked at her words but not really surprised. What she doesn’t understand is that she doesn’t have to take anything back because none of them were mine to begin with. The family she’s talking about worships the ground she walks one. And Rowan? Rowan was and still is her man. Pushing down the pain that wanted to drown me, I walked to the place that would be father’s final resting place. I stand a little distance from mother, Emma and my brother Travis. They’re huddled together. Looking at them and me you would think that I was a stranger just attending the burial instead of part of them. “Dust to dust
” the preacher says as they lower father’s body to the ground. They then begin to cover his coffin with soil until he is completely buried. Mother’s wails are the loudest as she begs for father to come back to her. Emma and Travis both have silent tears running down their faces as they hold her in their arms. I wipe my tears away. Since no one cares, I need to be strong for myself. Once again people flood us to offer their condolences. I accept them mindlessly. It was like I was there but wasn’t at the same time. By the time I come out of it, most people were already dispersed. And there stood Rowan and his parents. I stand awkwardly and don't know if I should greet them. When his parents noticed me, they said something to Rowan and left. I breathed a sigh of relief. I was used to them treating me like that because we both know that I wasn’t their choice for their son. Once they leave, we are left standing awkwardly beside each other. Now that his focus wasn’t occupied by his parents, it was solely on Emma who was standing a few feet from us. I was about to excuse myself when I hear a screeching of tires. Everything happened so fast. Men with guns opened fire. The minute they started shooting I saw Rowan dive for Emma. I stood shocked as I watched him protect her with his body. I can’t believe he abandoned me to protect her. Why was I even surprised? This just proved that I’ll never be his priority. Seeing him protect her with his life completely broke something inside me. “Watch out!” A man with a bullet proof jacket shouted at me. He pushed me out of the way, but it was already too late. Something pierced my skin and I fell from the impact of the hit. LEARN_MORE https://weihunda.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8403& Happyday https://www.facebook.com/61558228850235/ 1,420 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 weihunda.com DCO More Free Chapters👉 https://weihunda.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8403&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464223113_1061388625229189_3877713246494818293_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mTiM-7q2Nx0Q7kNvgF8Knsh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A0jaE_Kq7tSdrGZBDf-Y07-&oh=00_AYDOotSdJOAEWO0P71ovBJqAEX-Wn3aAnTzNVPqMnFXcnA&oe=674EE23B PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Happyday 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-28 19:50 active 1936 0 â€ïžđŸ˜ click to read on 👉 I watch as my ex-husband Rowan, who's standing next to me, stares at the love of his life, my sister Emma. It is still at my father's funeral, yet he can't hold back his feelings anymore. We were married but instead of two, there were three of us in our marriage. Him, me and the love of his life, Emma, the woman he’s refused to let go for nine long years of our marriage. It’s honestly sad. The life I have. Living under the perfect shadow that was Emma nailed in the fact that I can never be good enough for anyone. She was my parents' favorite daughter, my husband's love of life. She always comes first in everyone’s mind while I’m left chasing after leftovers of their affection. I used to harbor a glimmer of hope for my marriage with Rowan, but this also ended when we got divorced three days ago. “Ava, you okay?” Rowan's deep voice always makes me shiver. It’s then I realize that the service was over and everyone was leaving. Shrugging my shoulders I stand up, without looking at him. I know it seems rude but I just can’t look at him. Not when the memory of him staring lovingly at Emma is still fresh in my mind. “So we finally meet again” Emma’s bitter voice says behind me. After what happened nine years ago, Rowan and I soon got married, and Emma vanished without a trace since then. Until now, she showed up again at father's funeral. I turn around to face her. Her face was blotchy and her eyes were red and puffy, but she still looked like a freaking goddess. I sigh. I so didn’t want to face her right now. “Not now Emma. Can we just bury father first?” She smiles then leans in so that I’m the only one that can hear her. “We will bury him alright but let me tell you that I am here to stay. You also took my family from me all those years ago but no more. I plan to take everything back, including the man that was meant to be mine” she then steps aside and leaves just as the preacher calls us to go to back where the cemetery is. I’m left shocked at her words but not really surprised. What she doesn’t understand is that she doesn’t have to take anything back because none of them were mine to begin with. The family she’s talking about worships the ground she walks one. And Rowan? Rowan was and still is her man. Pushing down the pain that wanted to drown me, I walked to the place that would be father’s final resting place. I stand a little distance from mother, Emma and my brother Travis. They’re huddled together. Looking at them and me you would think that I was a stranger just attending the burial instead of part of them. “Dust to dust
” the preacher says as they lower father’s body to the ground. They then begin to cover his coffin with soil until he is completely buried. Mother’s wails are the loudest as she begs for father to come back to her. Emma and Travis both have silent tears running down their faces as they hold her in their arms. I wipe my tears away. Since no one cares, I need to be strong for myself. Once again people flood us to offer their condolences. I accept them mindlessly. It was like I was there but wasn’t at the same time. By the time I come out of it, most people were already dispersed. And there stood Rowan and his parents. I stand awkwardly and don't know if I should greet them. When his parents noticed me, they said something to Rowan and left. I breathed a sigh of relief. I was used to them treating me like that because we both know that I wasn’t their choice for their son. Once they leave, we are left standing awkwardly beside each other. Now that his focus wasn’t occupied by his parents, it was solely on Emma who was standing a few feet from us. I was about to excuse myself when I hear a screeching of tires. Everything happened so fast. Men with guns opened fire. The minute they started shooting I saw Rowan dive for Emma. I stood shocked as I watched him protect her with his body. I can’t believe he abandoned me to protect her. Why was I even surprised? This just proved that I’ll never be his priority. Seeing him protect her with his life completely broke something inside me. “Watch out!” A man with a bullet proof jacket shouted at me. He pushed me out of the way, but it was already too late. Something pierced my skin and I fell from the impact of the hit. LEARN_MORE https://weihunda.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8403& Happyday https://www.facebook.com/61558228850235/ 1,420 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 weihunda.com DCO More Free Chapters👉 https://weihunda.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=8403&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464223113_1061388625229189_3877713246494818293_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mTiM-7q2Nx0Q7kNvgF8Knsh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A0jaE_Kq7tSdrGZBDf-Y07-&oh=00_AYDOotSdJOAEWO0P71ovBJqAEX-Wn3aAnTzNVPqMnFXcnA&oe=674EE23B PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Happyday 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-28 19:50 active 1936 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ "I, Barrett Warren, vow with my life that I'll take no concubine! Carissa Sinclair shall be my one and only!" These were the words that convinced Carissa Sinclair, the daughter of general, to hide her martial talents and forsake her promising future to marry into the crumbling Warren family. Even on their wedding night, when Barrett was abruptly summoned to the battlefield, Carissa never complained. She used her dowry to support the struggling Warren household, waiting faithfully for his return. But she never imagined that when Barrett finally returned, the first thing he would do was marrying his new love... --- At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before her—her husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage to Aurora." he said, his voice steady, " She will be joining our household. There's no question about it." Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that she’s still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I don’t really need your approval on it." Fell in love? Huh, looks like he is determined in breaking the vow he made a year ago... Carissa's soft smile wiped off by a mocking one, she had once believed Barrett’s victory would earn him a higher rank, freeing her from the burden of supporting the Warren household with her dowry. Yet instead, in exchange for his victory, he only asked the king for another woman's hand, and now he even dared to silence her with his so-called 'glorified victory'... Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and Aurora is amicable. Mother liked her a lot upon seeing her, even her health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please be generous enough to welcome Aurora." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them." Barrett interrupted, "You're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her. Also rest assured. Mother has promised me that Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things." “Oh, that's what you and mother think I fear? Losing the control of this household?” Carissa couldn't help but laughing. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. “Enough,” Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. “I’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.” As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. “My lady, my lord has really crossed the line!” Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.” Lulu gasped. “Leave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?” Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. “Lulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.” ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. “Your Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,” he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. “I can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.” “The guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.” Salvador felt a pang of guilt. “Barrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.” “Your Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,” Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. “Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!” ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left in the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowry and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... LEARN_MORE https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 320 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 shgjfh.com DCO https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463282452_941914287989683_817951186576330729_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qCi-AnPXH-YQ7kNvgEE2WOz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A0jaE_Kq7tSdrGZBDf-Y07-&oh=00_AYAPPxXiDwPs6BWro_hpBaKqkuj7MfTpmWTz-dpUhtNLsg&oe=674EE12D PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-28 19:50 active 1936 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ "I, Barrett Warren, vow with my life that I'll take no concubine! Carissa Sinclair shall be my one and only!" These were the words that convinced Carissa Sinclair, the daughter of general, to hide her martial talents and forsake her promising future to marry into the crumbling Warren family. Even on their wedding night, when Barrett was abruptly summoned to the battlefield, Carissa never complained. She used her dowry to support the struggling Warren household, waiting faithfully for his return. But she never imagined that when Barrett finally returned, the first thing he would do was marrying his new love... --- At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before her—her husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage to Aurora." he said, his voice steady, " She will be joining our household. There's no question about it." Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that she’s still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I don’t really need your approval on it." Fell in love? Huh, looks like he is determined in breaking the vow he made a year ago... Carissa's soft smile wiped off by a mocking one, she had once believed Barrett’s victory would earn him a higher rank, freeing her from the burden of supporting the Warren household with her dowry. Yet instead, in exchange for his victory, he only asked the king for another woman's hand, and now he even dared to silence her with his so-called 'glorified victory'... Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and Aurora is amicable. Mother liked her a lot upon seeing her, even her health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please be generous enough to welcome Aurora." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them." Barrett interrupted, "You're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her. Also rest assured. Mother has promised me that Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things." “Oh, that's what you and mother think I fear? Losing the control of this household?” Carissa couldn't help but laughing. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. “Enough,” Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. “I’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.” As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. “My lady, my lord has really crossed the line!” Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.” Lulu gasped. “Leave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?” Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. “Lulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.” ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. “Your Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,” he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. “I can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.” “The guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.” Salvador felt a pang of guilt. “Barrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.” “Your Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,” Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. “Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!” ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left in the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowry and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... LEARN_MORE https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 320 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 shgjfh.com DCO https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463282452_941914287989683_817951186576330729_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qCi-AnPXH-YQ7kNvgEE2WOz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A0jaE_Kq7tSdrGZBDf-Y07-&oh=00_AYAPPxXiDwPs6BWro_hpBaKqkuj7MfTpmWTz-dpUhtNLsg&oe=674EE12D PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-28 19:50 active 1936 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ "I, Barrett Warren, vow with my life that I'll take no concubine! Carissa Sinclair shall be my one and only!" These were the words that convinced Carissa Sinclair, the daughter of general, to hide her martial talents and forsake her promising future to marry into the crumbling Warren family. Even on their wedding night, when Barrett was abruptly summoned to the battlefield, Carissa never complained. She used her dowry to support the struggling Warren household, waiting faithfully for his return. But she never imagined that when Barrett finally returned, the first thing he would do was marrying his new love... --- At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before her—her husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage to Aurora." he said, his voice steady, " She will be joining our household. There's no question about it." Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that she’s still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I don’t really need your approval on it." Fell in love? Huh, looks like he is determined in breaking the vow he made a year ago... Carissa's soft smile wiped off by a mocking one, she had once believed Barrett’s victory would earn him a higher rank, freeing her from the burden of supporting the Warren household with her dowry. Yet instead, in exchange for his victory, he only asked the king for another woman's hand, and now he even dared to silence her with his so-called 'glorified victory'... Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and Aurora is amicable. Mother liked her a lot upon seeing her, even her health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please be generous enough to welcome Aurora." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them." Barrett interrupted, "You're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her. Also rest assured. Mother has promised me that Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things." “Oh, that's what you and mother think I fear? Losing the control of this household?” Carissa couldn't help but laughing. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. “Enough,” Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. “I’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.” As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. “My lady, my lord has really crossed the line!” Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.” Lulu gasped. “Leave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?” Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. “Lulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.” ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. “Your Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,” he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. “I can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.” “The guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.” Salvador felt a pang of guilt. “Barrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.” “Your Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,” Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. “Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!” ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left in the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowry and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... LEARN_MORE https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 320 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 shgjfh.com DCO https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463282452_941914287989683_817951186576330729_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qCi-AnPXH-YQ7kNvgEE2WOz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A0jaE_Kq7tSdrGZBDf-Y07-&oh=00_AYAPPxXiDwPs6BWro_hpBaKqkuj7MfTpmWTz-dpUhtNLsg&oe=674EE12D PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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Yes 2024-11-28 19:50 active 1936 0 🔞Attention! Do not read in publicïŒđŸ‘‰ "I, Barrett Warren, vow with my life that I'll take no concubine! Carissa Sinclair shall be my one and only!" These were the words that convinced Carissa Sinclair, the daughter of general, to hide her martial talents and forsake her promising future to marry into the crumbling Warren family. Even on their wedding night, when Barrett was abruptly summoned to the battlefield, Carissa never complained. She used her dowry to support the struggling Warren household, waiting faithfully for his return. But she never imagined that when Barrett finally returned, the first thing he would do was marrying his new love... --- At Grace Mansion, Carissa Sinclair stared at the man before her—her husband she had waited for a whole year. Barrett Warren, still in his battle armor, wore an expression of both determination and guilt. "Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for my marriage to Aurora." he said, his voice steady, " She will be joining our household. There's no question about it." Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has praised General Yates as a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?" Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife, equal to you." "But calling her equal doesn't change the fact that she’s still just a concubine," Carissa said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Barrett frowned. "Why can't you face the reality? Aurora and I fell in love with each other on the battlefield, and we earned this marriage with our glorified victory. In fact, I don’t really need your approval on it." Fell in love? Huh, looks like he is determined in breaking the vow he made a year ago... Carissa's soft smile wiped off by a mocking one, she had once believed Barrett’s victory would earn him a higher rank, freeing her from the burden of supporting the Warren household with her dowry. Yet instead, in exchange for his victory, he only asked the king for another woman's hand, and now he even dared to silence her with his so-called 'glorified victory'... Carissa felt a lump in her throat. Despite her disgust and reluctance, she asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?" "They do. It was a royal edict, and Aurora is amicable. Mother liked her a lot upon seeing her, even her health seems to be improving." "Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was already gravely ill. I brought in the best physician, managed the estate’s affairs by day, and stayed up nights caring for her. That's how her condition started to improve." "But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please be generous enough to welcome Aurora." Carissa lowered her eyes, as if blinking away the tears. But inspected closely, that's actually her sharpened gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her." "There's no need," Barrett refused instantly. "Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. As a general, she’s above household squabbles and wouldn’t want to meet you." Carissa retorted, "What are women I know like? Or tell me, what kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of the Marquis's family. My father and my six brothers sacrificed on the Southern Frontier three years ago-" "That’s them." Barrett interrupted, "You're still a delicate woman suited only for home comforts, while Aurora has no respect for that. Besides, she never holds back her true thoughts. Trust me, you won't want to hear it from her. Also rest assured. Mother has promised me that Aurora will never threaten your control of the household. Carissa, she couldn't care less about those things." “Oh, that's what you and mother think I fear? Losing the control of this household?” Carissa couldn't help but laughing. Little did Barrett know his household had been reduced to a hollow shell - managing it was a hot potato no one else would bear. Over the past year, it was Carissa's dowry alone that kept the Warren family’s life respectable, and this was her reward. “Enough,” Barrett snapped, his patience running thin. “I’ve done my duty by informing you. Your opinion won’t change anything.” As Carissa watched hum storm out, her bitterness deepened. “My lady, my lord has really crossed the line!” Lulu, Carissa’s maid, said, wiping her tears. “Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Now go fetch my dowry list.” “Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled. Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, we need to reckon everything before we leave.” Lulu gasped. “Leave? But where can we go? To the Northwatch Estate?” Suddenly Lulu held her tongue, aware that she had touched the sensitive subject. She spared Carissa a guilty look, "I'll get the list now, my lady." Upon the mention of Northwatch Estate, the always restrained Carissa finally let her tears fall. When she was fifteen, her father, the Marquis of Northwatch, had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. Then, just six months ago, her entire family at the Northwatch Estate was brutally slaughtered — assassins rumored to be spies from the enemy nation, Westhaven. She rushed back after getting the news, only to find the dismembered bodies of her mother and grandmother. Even her youngest nephew, two years old, didn't escape death, neither. Now, she was the lone survivor of the marquis' family, the idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. After all, she was presented mostly as a delicate, fragile woman, while Aurora Taytes had just made herself the first female general in history. It's only natural that the Warren family was more than happy to agree to the marriage. Yet, unbeknownst to the world, Carissa's martial talent was never beneath her father and brothers. If given a chance on the battlefield, she would definitely outshine Aurora Taytes, perhaps a million times more... Just then, Lulu had brought over the dowry list, "My lady, this year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins supporting the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest." "I see." Carisse's gaze lingered on the list with melancholy. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she might face hardship in her husband's home. Yet now here she was. The Warren family had disregarded all her effort, and Barrett had even broken his vow to take no concubine - the very promise that led her mother to choose him over more eligible suitors, despite the Warren family’s fall from grace. 'Was this really the life mother wanted me to have?' It took Carissa no time to made up her mind. “Lulu, get prepared. There's somewhere we need to go tomorrow.” ... Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu boarded a carriage, heading straight for the royal palace. It was noon by the time they arrived. Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in. In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa’s arrival to the king three times. “Your Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,” he repeated. The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. “I can’t summon her in. The edict has been issued, and can't be taken back. Tell her to go home.” “The guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.” Salvador felt a pang of guilt. “Barrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, either, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have after all won a big war.” “Your Majesty, when it comes to military achievements, no one can compare to the Marquis of Northwatch,” Derek countered. Salvador thought of Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Back then, he had also known Carissa when she was only a cute kid. Salvador himself had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers, so when Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed. But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector Sinclair. “Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants, even if it's a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador. Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!” ... Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed. Recalling that Carissa was now the only one left in the Sinclair family, Salvador felt nothing but pity for her. "Rise and speak," he commanded. Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace." "Carissa Sinclair, I have already issued the edict of marriage. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said. Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I'm not imploring you to reverse that edict, but imploring you for another edict - an amicable divorce with General Warren." The young king was taken aback. "Divorce? You want a divorce?" Carissa nodded her head firmly. She was never someone to pester some man. If Barret Warren loved Aurora Yates so much, then she would let him go. What she needed now was a single edict for an amicable divorce, so she could take away all her dowry and get rid of the despicable Warren family for good, dignified and head high... LEARN_MORE https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831& Random Reading https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/ 320 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 Learn More 0 shgjfh.com DCO https://shgjfh.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=13831&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}} 1969-12-31 18:00 https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463282452_941914287989683_817951186576330729_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qCi-AnPXH-YQ7kNvgEE2WOz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A0jaE_Kq7tSdrGZBDf-Y07-&oh=00_AYAPPxXiDwPs6BWro_hpBaKqkuj7MfTpmWTz-dpUhtNLsg&oe=674EE12D PERSON_PROFILE 0 0 0 Random Reading 0 0 1969-12-31 18:00 View Edit
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