Hansu and Eun Gyo were glued to each other that weekend. She proudly showed him her new books. He ended up reading the Korean history book to her.
Jung Rok, the man who had worked for Hansu for years, was really shocked to see that, he dropped the wood he was holding for the kitchen. Koh Hansu reading a book to his mistress? How could that be possible?
Yet it was true.
Jung Rok had never seen Hansu that happy, that peaceful, or that well-rested.
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At night, Eun Gyo scooted closer to him, pressing herself on his chest. He smiled and held her. They slept like that. Happy and satisfied in each other's arms.
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On Sunday morning, he left after breakfast to Morimoto house. He's going to stay under one roof with his wife and daughters.
Eun Gyo was actually alright. She knew the reality. In fact, if he abandoned them, she would lose respect at him.
"I'll be back on Monday night."
"Ne."
It was Hansu who looked pained. But he said nothing, knowing there's none he could say that could change anything.
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Having known the real warmth of a woman who genuinely loved him, the Morimoto House felt ten times more unbearable for him.
Mieko greeted him coldly at the dining table during lunch. Chiharu, Takako and Satomi greeted Hansu politely. Almost too politely, as if he was their headmaster.
He cared for his daughters. He's ready to do a lot for them. Yet they had no ambitions or their own wishes.
Hansu married Mieko when he was really young, as per the custom at that time and the order of Morimoto senior. So his eldest, Chiharu, was of age to go to college. It could happen. Hansu had told her since a few years previously. If she studied hard, she could go to a university. Hell, he'd even buy her way to Waseda University if he had to.
But Chiharu had declined. She was lazy and couldn't see the benefits of going to college. This was supported by Mieko as well.
"Just find her a good husband. That's how you can be useful for her."
He was so angry at Mieko back then. Chiharu was his daughter! She would never need money all her life. She could postpone getting married and study first.
