My Sidestory

Chapter 5

"Please, have a seat, Eun-woo si," the person spoke, his tone commanding, his gaze piercing as he looked at the bewildered girl.

Eun-woo hesitated for a moment, feeling like a deer caught in headlights. She gathered her composure, but self-consciousness washed over her like a tidal wave. Here he was, impeccably dressed, his suit fitting him just right, his skin radiant as ever. If circumstances were different, she might have been charmed by this Adonis look-alike. But alas, all she felt was anger, sadness, and an overwhelming sense of hopelessness, adding to her frustration.

Slowly, Eun-woo closed the door behind her and approached cautiously. She was acutely aware of her dishevelled appearance, clad in nothing but silk pyjamas, her hair a tangled mess, and her face undoubtedly showing the signs of a sleepless night. Just to be safe and out of respect, she stood at a respectful distance from the man, taking refuge on her unmade bed, pulling a duvet over her legs for some semblance of comfort.

"I, um..." she started, unsure of how to begin this unexpected conversation. This was not how she envisioned starting her morning.

"I apologize for everything. The way everyone treated you last night, especially my parents. That should never have happened," he said, his voice carrying a hint of remorse and apology.

"Uh," was all she managed to utter, completely caught off guard by the unexpected apology.

"I understand that everything must be incredibly difficult for you as well. I believe you were not looking forward to this marriage either," he continued his voice neutral yet carrying a hint of apology and guilt.

"Hoseok si, it's fine. You don't have to apologize. I understand where your family is coming from," replied Eun-woo, her voice barely above a whisper, careful not to make any comments about the marriage and avoiding eye contact.

Avoiding eye contact was second nature to her now. A good wife never looks into her husband's eyes as if she were his equal. Girls can never be equal. Unknowingly, all these teachings flooded her mind, followed by some very unpleasant memories.

Eun-woo made sure her posture remained submissive, sitting properly and carrying herself as best she could in front of the prince of the world, in front of her husband. But she soon realized that a head full of bed hair and a sticky face with dried tear tracks were hardly presentable. Not only did Eun-woo notice this, but Hoseok also gave her a hard look, her bowed-down face reflecting her discomfort.

"I apologize for my unkempt appearance. I hadn't realized I had slept in so late. I assure you this won't happen again," Eun-woo spoke meekly, upon realizing her husband's gaze fixated on her.

"It's okay, Eun-woo si. I understand. I shouldn't have barged into your room like this. I just wanted to have a conversation with you and check up on you myself. The maids told me you hadn't come down for breakfast," Hoseok replied, his voice subconsciously softening at the sight of fear in his new wife's eyes.

"I hadn't realized I had slept in so late. I apologize, Hoseok si. It won't happen again," she replied, standing up from the bed and bowing a full 90-degree apology, just as she was taught.

"No, no, Eun-woo si. Like I said before, you don't have anything to apologize for. I understand you must have been tired from yesterday, and it's not easy to sleep in a new place. No harm done," Hoseok spoke gently, a bit surprised by the extent of her submissiveness.

"Tell you what, we're all going to have lunch in an hour. How about you freshen up and meet us downstairs? Once there, I can properly introduce you to everyone in the family," he suggested, ensuring his tone remained neutral but not harsh.