A Marriage with A Reason - Chapter 73

“Goodbye.”

“Yes, thank you for the meal.”

The late lunch, which they couldn’t even remember how it passed, ended, and the three of them left the restaurant.

“I’m full now. Should we take a walk by the beach?”

At Jaehoon’s suggestion to stroll along the beach, the other two nodded in agreement, and soon, their steps headed towards the shore.

“It feels like it’s been a while since I’ve seen the ocean. After living every day in the busy city, it’s not bad to come to such a quiet place.”

“Yeah, I think I’d enjoy living somewhere like this eventually, just relaxing in peace.”

“Well, it might seem nice at first, but don’t you think it could feel boring later with nothing around?”

“Hmm… Maybe?”

The conversation between Jaehoon and Miyoung continued about the quiet nature, but Dayun, still feeling confused, couldn’t bring herself to speak. Being with Miyoung now, unlike before, felt too strange.

Seeing that Dayun had been quiet, Jaehoon, who had been silent for a while, must have noticed and walked over to gently hold her hand.

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you feeling down? You barely ate earlier.”

“No, it’s just… looking at the ocean, I think I’m having too many thoughts.”

“What kind of thoughts?”

“Just… different kinds of thoughts.”

Jaehoon, seeing that Dayun didn’t want to open up, looked worried but smiled warmly and gently patted her head.

“If there’s something on your mind, you can always tell me. Don’t suffer in silence.”

“… Okay.”

She replied reluctantly, but inwardly, Dayun let out a deep sigh. How could she tell Jaehoon, “Your mother seems a bit strange”? She couldn’t bring herself to say anything and only felt frustrated about how to act around Miyoung.

How long had they been walking, enjoying the beach? Soon, Jaehoon spoke.

“Do you want to sit on that bench, Dayun? I’ll go get some coffee.”

“Hmm, sure. Are you sure you’re okay going alone?”

“Of course, I’ll be fine.”

Miyoung sat on one side of the bench, and Jaehoon approached Dayun, patted her shoulder, and said,

“Stay here with Mom for a moment. I’ll be right back.”

“Okay, be careful.”

“Yeah.”

Jaehoon left, and Dayun carefully sat next to Miyoung. But unlike before, it felt strangely distant. Maybe she was just hoping Jaehoon would return quickly. Suddenly, Miyoung spoke.

“Do you remember your real mom?”

“What?”

“Your birth mother.”

“Ah…”

She didn’t expect to talk about her mother.

“Yes, I remember her. It’s getting a little blurry since it was so long ago, but I do remember. Why do you ask about my mom?”

Dayun’s face grew puzzled. Why would Miyoung suddenly bring up her mother here? She was confused but also curious.

“Well, I know that your father and your father-in-law are close friends, right?”

“Yes, I know.”

“You probably know this, but that’s why you ended up marrying my son.”

Miyoung’s tone felt a bit sharp, but Dayun tried not to let it show as she stared at her.

“Anyway, I also know a bit about your mom. We weren’t close, but I saw her a few times.”

“Ah… You knew my mom?”

“Yes. Your mom. What kind of person was she in your memory?”

Without hesitation, Dayun answered Miyoung’s question.

“She was a good person. She was kind, warm, and her smile was beautiful… that was my mom. She always treated me well, and she truly loved us.”

Everything Dayun said was the truth. Everyone had always said, “Your mom was such a good person.” And Dayun had felt the same way. She had been a wonderful, beautiful person who gave so much love.

But Miyoung let out a small laugh at Dayun’s words. Seeing this, Dayun felt an odd sense of anger rise. It almost felt like Miyoung was mocking her words, as though her mother was being laughed at. Unable to hold back, Dayun asked,

“Why are you laughing?”

Miyoung, trying to suppress her smile, spoke in a stiff voice.

“Ah, did I upset you? Do you think I’m mocking you?”

“…”

“Or maybe you think I’m mocking your mom?”

Miyoung’s words felt sarcastic, and without realizing it, Dayun clenched her fist. She didn’t understand what Miyoung was trying to say. But Miyoung didn’t pay any attention to Dayun’s clenched fist and continued.

“Well, I didn’t mean to, but if I made you misunderstand, I’m sorry. But your words are a bit contradictory.”

Dayun’s attention shifted back to Miyoung at her words.

“There’s no one in this world who’s just good.”

“…”

“The mom you remember as kind and good… might be the complete opposite to someone else.”

Dayun couldn’t understand what Miyoung meant by this, but Miyoung seemed unconcerned as she got up from her seat and walked over to meet Jaehoon, who was approaching. Dayun felt overwhelmed with confusion. Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind. Maybe…

“Could something have happened between my mom and your mom?”

She wondered.

The trip, which she had expected to be joyful, now felt filled with an odd sense of discomfort. By now, the time was past 8 PM.

“Shall we start preparing dinner?”

Jaehoon asked, and as soon as he finished, they began preparing for the barbecue. Dayun took out the vegetables and meat she had stored in the fridge.

“Dayun, can you hand me the meat and things to grill? I’ll go start the fire outside.”

“Yes, here you go.”

“Thanks. And if you need anything, just call me. I’ll be right back.”

Jaehoon went outside to prepare the fire, leaving Dayun and Miyoung inside. Dayun felt uneasy around Miyoung, probably because of the earlier conversation. She quietly washed and prepared the vegetables, her mind full of questions about her mom’s relationship with Miyoung.

Should I ask her? No, maybe not…

She was torn, unsure whether to ask. But she couldn’t help being curious while also fearing that there might be a serious issue. Miyoung, seemingly unaware of Dayun’s inner turmoil, approached her with a casual expression.

“Are you doing well? Hmm, you’re actually doing it pretty neatly.”

Though the praise made Dayun uncomfortable, she remained silent, trying to ignore it. Miyoung looked at her with meaningful eyes.

“Are you confused after what I said earlier? Curious?”

Hearing Miyoung’s words, Dayun hesitated as she stopped chopping the vegetables. Miyoung, seeing her reaction, let out a small chuckle.

“Looks like you’re really curious. It’s funny because your face shows everything, especially with you looking like that.”

“…”

“How should I tell you? Want me to clear up your curiosity?”

Dayun didn’t know how to respond. Miyoung’s offer seemed like she was about to tell everything. Dayun was hesitant, but before she could decide, Jaehoon came back inside.

“The meat is ready. Let’s go eat!”

“Oh, really? Then we should hurry and eat. I’m really looking forward to the meat my son grilled!”

Miyoung said with a smile, and Jaehoon laughed awkwardly before quickly heading outside. Miyoung followed him, and Dayun felt frustrated. She wondered, Is this it? Will I never know?

But just as Miyoung was about to leave, she turned and spoke in a cold tone.

“If you’re really curious, come to my room after Jaehoon falls asleep tonight. I’ll tell you everything then.”

Her voice felt strangely cold.

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