The Heir (BBANGSAZ)

Chapter 8: The Decision

HANNI'S POV

The marble floors of Mr. Kim's expansive office echoed with each hesitant step I took. My heart pounded in my chest, nerves gnawing at me as I approached the imposing desk where Mr. Kim sat, reviewing documents with his usual focused demeanor.

"Mr. Kim," I started, my voice wavering slightly despite my efforts to sound composed.

Mr. Kim looked up from his work, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern as he studied me. "Hanni," he greeted calmly, gesturing for me to take a seat in the plush armchair across from him. "What can I do for you?"

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation that I had rehearsed countless times in my mind. "I... I need to talk to you about my marriage to Minji," I began carefully, my words measured yet tinged with the uncertainty that weighed heavily on my heart.

Mr. Kim nodded, his gaze unwavering as he listened attentively. "Go on," he encouraged gently, his tone reassuring yet tinged with a hint of apprehension.

"I... I think it would be best if we... if I..." I struggled to find the right words, the weight of my decision threatening to overwhelm me. "I want to ask for an annulment of our marriage."

The silence that followed felt deafening, stretching between us like an unspoken acknowledgment of the gravity of my words. Mr. Kim's brow furrowed slightly, his expression unreadable as he processed my request.

"Hanni," he began finally, his voice calm yet tinged with a hint of disappointment. "May I ask why?"

I swallowed hard, gathering my thoughts before meeting Mr. Kim's gaze with as much resolve as I could muster. "Our marriage... it's not what either of us expected," I explained hesitantly, my voice tinged with regret. "Minji and I... we're not compatible. We both deserve a chance to find happiness in a relationship that is built on more than obligation."

The polished marble floors of Mr. Kim's expansive office reflected the warm glow of the afternoon sun streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. I stood nervously in front of his imposing desk, my hands clasped tightly in front of me as I awaited his response to my request.

"Hanni," Mr. Kim began, his voice a comforting presence in the quiet room. "I understand your desire for an annulment, but I want you to consider something before you make a final decision."

I looked up, meeting his steady gaze with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. "What is it, Mr. Kim?" I asked softly, willing myself to listen despite the turmoil swirling within me.

He leaned back in his leather chair, folding his hands thoughtfully on his desk. "Minji... she's not always easy to understand," he started carefully, his expression serious. "But there are reasons why she may seem cold and distant."

I furrowed my brow, uncertainty creeping into my thoughts. "What do you mean?"

Mr. Kim sighed, his gaze distant as if he were navigating memories long buried. "Minji has faced challenges in her past," he explained slowly, choosing his words with care. "She grew up in a family where expectations were high, where love was often equated with success and achievement."

I listened intently, sensing the weight of his words and the significance they held for understanding Minji's demeanor. "She... she had to shoulder a lot of responsibility from a young age," Mr. Kim continued, his voice tinged with empathy. "And sometimes, that burden... it can make it hard for her to let people in."

I nodded slowly, the pieces of the puzzle starting to come together in my mind. "So, her distance... it's not just about me," I murmured, more to myself than to Mr. Kim.

He nodded in confirmation, his expression grave yet hopeful. "Exactly, Hanni," he replied softly. "I believe there's more to Minji than meets the eye. If you give her a chance, if you're patient with her... I think you might see a different side of her."

I hesitated, torn between my desire for happiness and the uncertainty of whether I could break through the walls Minji had erected around herself. "But what if..." I started, my voice faltering with doubt. "What if she can't change? What if we're just not meant to be together?"

Mr. Kim regarded me with a steady gaze, his eyes reflecting a mixture of wisdom and compassion. "I can't promise you that everything will be easy," he admitted quietly. "But I do believe in second chances, Hanni. And I believe in the possibility of love growing where it's least expected."

His words resonated within me, stirring a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil of my emotions. "I'll... I'll think about it," I replied finally, my voice tinged with uncertainty yet tinged with a newfound resolve.

Mr. Kim nodded in understanding, his expression gentle yet firm. "Take your time," he encouraged kindly. "And remember, I'm here if you need to talk."

As I left his office, the weight of Mr. Kim's words lingered in my mind. The decision ahead was daunting, fraught with uncertainty and the potential for both heartache and healing. But perhaps, just perhaps, there was a chance for Minji and me to find common ground amidst the complexities of our arranged marriage.