Broken Promises

Chapter 14: The Unanswered

Hyunwoo's POV

Hyunwoo sat at his desk, the rhythmic tapping of his fingers on the keyboard the only sound breaking the silence of his office. The once familiar comfort of his workspace now felt foreign, the weight of the past six months pressing heavily on him. He glanced at his phone for what seemed like the hundredth time that day. No new messages. No missed calls. Just an empty screen staring back at him.

He tried again, dialing Haein’s number with a sense of futile hope. The call connected, but as always, it went straight to voicemail. He ended the call, his frustration mounting.

For months, he had tried to reach her—texts, calls, emails—every attempt had been met with silence. It was as if she had vanished, leaving behind only echoes of their last conversations and the weight of his regrets. The silence was a constant reminder of their fractured relationship.

Hyunwoo leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. Time apart was supposed to bring clarity, but instead, it had left him feeling more lost than ever. He replayed their last conversation in his mind, questioning his choices and hoping for some sign of reconciliation, some indication that she still cared.

The door to his office opened with a soft click. He looked up to see his assistant, Jiwoo, standing in the doorway, her eyes filled with concern.

“Sir, is everything alright?” she asked gently.

Hyunwoo forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Just trying to get some work done,” he replied. “Have you heard anything from Haein?”

Jiwoo shook her head. “No, sir. I haven’t received any updates either.”

The silence that followed was thick with unspoken words. Hyunwoo knew Jiwoo was aware of the strain in his life, but her kindness did little to ease the ache in his chest.

“Alright, Jiwoo. Thanks,” he said, dismissing her with a wave. As she closed the door behind her, Hyunwoo returned to his desk, staring blankly at the stack of paperwork in front of him.

He picked up his phone once more, his fingers hovering over the screen. This time, he drafted a message, pouring out his emotions with raw honesty he hadn’t allowed himself before.

Haein, I don’t know where you are or what’s happening, but I need to talk to you. I’ve made mistakes, and I just want to know you're okay. Please, just let me know you’re okay. I’m here, waiting.

He hesitated for a moment before hitting send. As he watched the message disappear into the ether, he could only hope that this time would be different, that she might respond, that there might still be a chance for them.

The day dragged on, and Hyunwoo’s thoughts remained with Haein. He knew he had to move forward, but the uncertainty of her silence was a heavy burden he couldn’t seem to shake.

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beat

Haein's POV

Haein’s phone buzzed with a new message notification. She glanced at the screen briefly before locking her phone and slipping it back into her bag. She had already seen the name—Hyunwoo—and she wasn’t in the mood to revisit the past.

The hospital had reluctantly discharged her after her latest episode, but the doctors had made it clear that it was too soon for her to be out. Haein, however, had insisted on leaving, eager to return to her responsibilities. Daniel drove her back to her office, his expression a mix of concern and professional detachment.

As they pulled up to the sleek glass-fronted building of her office, Haein took a deep breath, bracing herself for the day ahead. She stepped out of the car, her movements slightly unsteady from the lingering effects of the attack.

Aera, her secretary, greeted her with a warm, if slightly anxious, smile. “Ma’am, are you sure you’re up to this?”

Haein offered a tight-lipped smile. “I’m fine. Just a bit tired.”

Aera nodded, though her worry was evident. “Alright, I’ve scheduled your meetings for the day. I’ve also received updates from the team about the project in Germany. It’s crucial that we address a few urgent issues.”

Haein nodded and proceeded to her office, her mind already shifting into work mode. She would handle the demands of her role as best as she could, despite the lingering concern about her health. The thought of Hyunwoo’s message was pushed to the back of her mind. For now, she had more immediate concerns to address.