The Gift-the sequel to Crash Landing On You

Old Pathways

Seri came through the door of their apartment. Her bump was now quite large, though she was still managing to dress stylishly. Seri's Choice now had a new line in maternity wear as she'd quickly realised the limited range of other options. She felt rather tired after being in work. Jeong-hyeok was waiting for her, looking a little concerned.

"Come and sit down you need to rest," he said. She came over to the sofa willingly and sank down, lifting her legs.

"I'm ok. My ankles are a little swollen that's all." She looked at them with dissatisfaction. "Anyway, I'll be working from home the rest of the week so I won't get so tired. I just wanted to make final arrangements for my maternity leave."

Jeong-hyeok took her feet onto his lap and started to massage them gently.

"Is it all sorted? I don't want you to be feeling stressed. It's getting too close."

She liked his concern and attention. It felt good to be pampered a little when her body was going through so much.

"Honestly, it's all ok. I've got a good team. I can feel confident in them."

"Well, I can be around, so just let me look after you."

"Don't worry I'll be careful. Did you go over to the house today?"

They were making plans for a new house for their family. They both loved the apartment, but when there would be the twins and a nanny too, they felt more space and a garden would be welcome. That way, Jeong-hyeok could have a dedicated music room too.

"Yes, it's coming on well. They'll be able to start the interior fitting out next week. I'll drive us over at the weekend to see it."

"Good, I'm looking forward to seeing the progress."

"Yes, you're going to love how the verandah room looks! The view is fabulous and it's such a lovely space."

Jeong-hyeok's mobile rang. He picked it up and looked at the caller display.

"It's Park Hyun-ki. I'll take it next door. You just rest." He got up and headed out of earshot. 

Seri closed her eyes to rest for a while. She felt lucky to have had a healthy pregnancy so far, but it was still tiring carrying the babies. She couldn't sleep well, she was too uncomfortable and often the babies would wake her in the night kicking her. She loved to feel them and loved it even more when Jeong-hyeok placed his hands on her to feel their movements too, that look of delight and wonder on his face. They were so lucky. Just a few more weeks of discomfort and then a whole new chapter of their lives would start. She heard him come back into the lounge so she opened her eyes. He looked troubled.

"What's the matter?" she asked.

"There's a story coming out tomorrow about me and my father's money."

"What!" She shifted her position so she could sit up better. "What are they saying?"

"It's going to say that I've been living off his money and that father was corrupt and the money was brought illegally into the country." He ran his hand through his hair and massaged the back of his neck as if to relieve tension.

Seri was outraged. "But we haven't touched any of the money! And neither has your mother. It's still in that account in Switzerland."

"I know and we can prove that side of it easily. But what about the rest of it? What are they going to say about my father? Director Kim never found any hard evidence of anything, so what are they going to say?"

She tried to reassure him. "It can't be anything. Just nasty gossip."

"Maybe."

"Could you contact my company lawyer though. We need a strong rebuttal for the money allegation, otherwise it will damage us and the company."