The Pride of Clan

9

Hyemi sighed softly as she left the house through kitchen's door. She had finished helping the maids to prepare the dinner, now she had nothing to do for the whole afternoon. Deciding to take a walk, she walked out of the garden.
There were clouds in the air but seemed like there wasn't going to be rain today. Hyemi looked around as she walked. Jeon compound was like a city of its own with its size and population. People were all around the streets doing their daily business.

Hyemi looked down as children run past her. If only she had one of her own, everything would be so different now… She could have been an Jeon. She could have been the future Lady. She wouldn't have to be the maid of her former husband's new wife. Hyemi took a few deep breaths to stop the incoming sobs. Crying didn't solve anything, Hyemi had learned this over the years, but she had never imagined her life turning out like this.

Jungkook was so handsome, so mysterious. He was the heir of the noblest clan of the whole city. He was like a prince. But how could Hyemi have known that he wasn't prince charming? When she was younger, Hyemi had felt like suffocating under the clan's laws and the image they needed to keep. It was easier for commoners to live their life but Hyemi had learned that way too late.

Hyemi sighed deeply as she passed by the Injeolmi shop. Jungkook really liked them and Hyemi had always imagined him taking their son here to have some sweets. Hyemi guessed that it was her own fault for believing in her own dreams way too much instead of reality.

But she thought that she still had a chance of gaining Jungkook's heart back. If Jungkook was infertile, which Hyemi highly suspected, the noble Kim baby would leave Jungkook in an instant. And Hyemi would be there for Jungkook no matter what. She would show him that he needed a real woman, not a child in his life.

Nodding to herself, Hyemi took the way of an old woman's house she knew and loved. They had met years ago and despite their age difference, they were good friends with common interests. And now, Hyemi had one more common thing with her. She also had a second wife after her, so Hyemi wanted to take her advices about the matter.

"Halmeoni?" Hyemi called out as she knocked on the wooden door.
Soon, an old woman appeared at the door.

"Hyemi-ah!" She smiled.

"Come in."

"Thank you," Smiling, Hyemi took off her sandals and walked into the house.

"You wait me a little," She said.

"I'll bring you some tea."

Hyemi walked to the living room and soon they were sipping their teas.

"Where is your co-wife?" Hyemi asked after a while.

"Shouldn't she be serving you?"

"She's down to the market," The old woman explained.

"So, tell me about yourself. It's been a while since you visited me last."

"Yes," Hyemi nodded slowly.

"My husband has taken a second wife."

"Yes, I heard about it," The woman nodded.

"It's not as common as in the old days to take second wives. Jungkook-ssi has surprised me."

"It wasn't his idea," Hyemi whispered.

"Nevertheless, he didn't oppose to it. If only I could…"

Understanding her pain because they were on the same boat, the old woman patted Hyemi's shoulder.

"It's not your fault that you can't have children, it's destiny. Man won't listen to reason, they will only demand and won't ask how."
Hyemi nodded, wiping her tears away quickly.