A Marriage with A Reason - Chapter 61

‘Creak.’ The sound of the door opening was heard, followed by Dayun’s tense voice.

“Hello.”

Dayun hesitated for a moment, wondering if she should just nod slightly or bow at a 60-degree angle. But as soon as she met the gaze of Miyoung, Jaehoon’s biological mother, she instinctively bowed deeply, beyond 90 degrees, like a folding phone.

“Welcome. I hope I didn’t surprise you by contacting you suddenly, just like last time.”

“Oh, no. It’s okay.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Ah, please have a seat.”

As Miyoung gestured toward the seat in front of her, Dayun, who had been flailing her arms in hesitation, quickly lowered them and sat down with an awkward smile. Then, she noticed that Miyoung had arrived before her and felt uneasy about it, sneaking glances at her.

“I didn’t expect you to be here first. If I had known, I would have come earlier.”

“No, I haven’t been here long either.”

“Still, I should come earlier next time.”

“Oh, you speak so sweetly.”

Miyoung smiled slightly at Dayun’s words about arriving first next time. That smile carried various emotions. Watching Dayun being polite just because she was Jaehoon’s biological mother and an elder felt both amusing and, for a brief moment, regretful. If only Dayun weren’t the daughter of her ex-husband’s first love, she wouldn’t have been a bad choice for a daughter-in-law.

“By the way, have you been doing well?”

“Of course. How about you, Mother?”

“I’ve been well too. Eating properly, staying healthy.”

“That’s good. Health is the most important thing.”

“Yes, that’s true.”

After a brief exchange, silence fell between them. Although she was Jaehoon’s biological mother, this was only their second meeting as mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, so they naturally ran out of things to say.

At that moment, the door creaked open again, and food began arriving, as if to save the two from their awkwardness. The dishes, glossy and appetizing, were placed one by one on the table, accompanied by a polite greeting from the server.

“Thank you. Wow, the food looks really delicious.”

“Yes, it does. Eat plenty.”

“Yes, you too, Mother. Enjoy the meal.”

Despite the lingering awkwardness, the presence of food lightened the atmosphere. Dayun, who had been stiff and tense, began to relax as she picked up a piece of food and put it in her mouth.

“Mmm~ It’s delicious. Mother, you should try this. It’s really good.”

“Really? Oh, it is good. This is my first time here, but it’s quite nice.”

“Yes, I think this place has great food. I should come here with Jaehoon next time.”

“That’s a great idea. Seeing how much you like it, I’m sure Jaehoon will too.”

“Yes.”

Hearing Dayun say she would come with Jaehoon, Miyoung nodded quietly. Then, a thought crossed her mind.

“By the way, do you still call Jaehoon ‘senior’?”

“Oh… um… It’s a habit…”

Even though their marriage was arranged, they were still husband and wife. It was surprising that she still addressed him as ‘senior.’ Worried she might be scolded, Dayun put her chopsticks down and lowered her head. But instead of a reprimand, Miyoung’s words were unexpected.

“I’m not saying you should change it. When I married my husband through an arranged marriage, I called him Seokhee. Later, I referred to him as Chairman. At first, it was awkward, but I got used to it. I understand. You and I were both pushed into marriage by our parents, both marrying men who loved someone else.”

Dayun found herself struck by how similar Miyoung’s experience was to her own. Their reasons for marriage, and even the fact that their husbands had loved someone else before them, were the same. And then, she realized something else—Miyoung knew that Jaehoon had loved someone else before their marriage.

“I’m just worried about your father-in-law. Given his personality, I’d expect him to be strict about things like that.”

“Oh, he did mention it at first. Calling him ‘senior’ didn’t seem appropriate for a husband.”

“That’s true.”

“But he’s been understanding. He’s waiting for me to change it naturally.”

Miyoung was visibly surprised. It was hard to imagine. When she lived with him, he barely spoke unless necessary. He was cold, even strict. When their son Jaehoon was born, he never showed warmth, not even holding his small hands. Yet, now, he was being understanding toward Dayun?

“Really? That’s unexpected. He was always so strict.”

Miyoung felt a pang of bitterness. He had been so cold to their son, yet he seemed affectionate toward his first love’s daughter. It fueled her resentment and old wounds. Oblivious to this, Dayun continued speaking.

“I think it’s because of Mother. At first, Father-in-law seemed scary, but he’s actually quite cute around Mother. I think he really likes—”

Realizing whom she was speaking to, Dayun quickly shut her mouth, her face filled with regret. Seeing Miyoung’s stiff expression, she panicked.

“Oh… I’m sorry, Mother.”

She had made a terrible mistake. Miyoung, however, forced a smile and responded.

“Haha, it’s fine. There’s nothing for you to apologize for.”

“…”

“But it’s surprising to hear that. If he loves her that much, I suppose things have changed. He wasn’t like that when he was with me.”

Even though Miyoung said it was fine, Dayun couldn’t shake off her guilt.

“How is Jaehoon?”

“Huh?”

“Does that woman treat him well? I worry that he grew up neglected, especially since his father was so indifferent to him.”

Dayun immediately shook her head.

“Oh, no. She adores him.”

“Really?”

Miyoung looked doubtful, but Dayun continued sincerely.

“Yes. She truly cares for him like her own son. And Jaehoon, though reserved, respects and takes care of her. When we first married, I never imagined they weren’t biologically related.”

“I see… That must have been surprising.”

Dayun hesitated before speaking again.

“Actually… my mother isn’t my biological mother either.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes. My birth mother passed away in an accident when I was young. My father remarried.”

Even though they had only met a few times, she felt Miyoung had the right to know. Miyoung looked surprised, then saddened.

“Oh dear… That must have been hard.”

“No, not really. At first, I was wary, but I realized she was truly kind. She genuinely loved me and my brother. Now, I consider her my real mother.”

“That’s admirable. You’ve grown up so bright and kind.”

“Haha, thank you. So, I believe Jaehoon feels the same way. His stepmother cherishes him, and he must see her as his real mother.”

Miyoung forced a smile. “I hope so.” But deep inside, resentment and bitterness grew stronger.

Unintentionally, Dayun’s words had fanned the flames of an already burning heart.

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