Whether it was because she picked everything or not, the shopping was relatively quickly finished. Bags filled with clothes, shoes, and bags occupied the entire trunk of Eunjung’s car.

As they headed to the hair salon they had followed Eunjung to, Eunjae spent a whopping three hours getting her hair done.

At this point, Eunjung’s true intentions were obvious. Even the promise to go to the clinic was just an excuse, and there was nothing of Eunjung’s on the shopping list.

Still, thanks to that, the gloomy mood that had persisted throughout the morning was slightly lifted.

As the styling was almost finished, Eunjae’s phone rang in her hand as she nodded off.

‘Wow, it’s already five.’

He must have come home. Thinking that he’s sharp as a knife, Eunjae pressed the call button.

“Hello.”

[Where are you? Why aren’t you answering the phone?]

Anyway, it’s urgent. Eunjae, who barely suppressed the laughter that was about to burst out, replied.

“I called you? I didn’t know. I’m on a date with my mother right now.”

[A date?]

“Yes. We’re near W Hotel. We’re going to have dinner at the hotel and then go in. Have your meal first.”

[What about me?]

“What do you mean?”

[Let’s go on a date, too.] “Sunwoo, are you there?” Eunjung, who was sitting next to him, smiled and asked softly while reading a magazine. Eunjae blushed and nodded. Meanwhile, Sunwoo’s impatient words continued.

[Promise. Before you go home.]

“Let’s talk at home.”

[Huh? Should I go now?]

“Oh, sure. Y-yes.”

Beyond the handset, a satisfied laughter from him reached Eunjae.

“Got it. Have fun and see you later. Don’t be too late.”

“Yes.”

“Especially, be careful with guys.”

The night view of W Hotel was always beautiful. While looking out the window absentmindedly, Eunjae recalled Sunwoo’s words before hanging up and burst into laughter.

Be careful with guys during a date with your mother. It’s really peculiar.

Lately, there have been many occasions to laugh because of him. He is surprisingly jealous, subtly cute, and mischievous to the point of wondering if he was always like this.

Eunjung, who had been observing Eunjae closely, asked with her chin on her hand.

“Why are you thinking like that?”

“Oh, sorry.”

“No need to apologize. I asked because it looked good. Have you been here with Sunwoo?”

“Yes.”

I thought so. Eunjung smiled and unfolded the napkin.

“Sunwoo really likes the food here.”

“Yes. The dishes are simple yet delicious.”

“Eat a lot.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but seeing Eunjae, who eats everything well, made me smile unknowingly. Eunjung, who was looking at Eunjae affectionately, took a knife over her steak.

“When Sunwoo first said he would get married, I was really surprised. Eunjae knows, but Sunwoo can’t just touch anyone. How many times have you seen that guy cross the line?”

“S-Sun?”

It was a careless remark, but seeing Eunjae stuttering with surprise and even hearing his breath, Eunjung covered her mouth with her hand.

“Oh, you didn’t know. Siyeon-ma has a loose tongue.”

“N-No.”

I was going to talk about it because the results were never good. Trying to salvage her words, Eunjung explained.

“Then suddenly, he came home and said he would register the marriage. I even asked if he had an accident without realizing it.”

I’ve asked this kid about everything, who finds it difficult for others to touch. Eunjung chuckled as she continued.

“It was that surprising.”

Eunjung handed a nicely cut piece of steak to Eunjae. Although Eunjae waved her hand, Eunjung didn’t mind.

“I wanted to do it. That’s what I mean.” With that single sentence from Eunjung, Eunjae felt like she couldn’t hold her back any longer.

“But looking at Eunjae, I could understand. Why Sunwoo didn’t want to let go so easily.”

Even I find this kid laughable, but Sunwoo, why…

“Now it’s much better. It was even worse before. It was so bad that he couldn’t go outside.”

“Ah… I see…”
“Taegu and I were really close when we were young. Both of us were outcasts, so we got along well as if we were brothers. But after Sunwoo became like that, we naturally drifted apart. It couldn’t be helped.”

After that, many dishes continued to be placed on Eunjae’s plate without a break.

“Not long ago, Seongsan told me such a thing. She said she might have made a slip of the tongue to me.”

A slip of the tongue? Eunjae thought and sighed belatedly.

“I haven’t tried things like errands much, so I wouldn’t know more. Well, parents with children are all the same, but the madam raised her with particular care, especially after a big incident when she was young.”

Eunjae remembered the flustered figure of Seongsan, who was reducing her words and fumbling. Although she hadn’t asked because it seemed like she didn’t want to talk about it, she felt sorry for keeping an eye on her.

“It didn’t bother me that much, but I should reassure you.”

“It’s a delicate question, but I asked if Sunwoo mentioned anything related to it.”

“I don’t know what it is… I didn’t hear anything.”

“I see. It’s not because Sunwoo didn’t open up to Eunjae, but it’s a story that got buried in her heart without anyone suggesting it, so that’s how it is.”

Eunjeong took a sip of champagne, slowly put down the glass, and added. Unlike a little while ago, fatigue could be felt on Eunjeong’s face.

“It’s a story about Sunwoo, so I can’t talk about it recklessly. Until Sunwoo talks about it, please understand a little, Eunjae.”

“Yes, I want to hear it directly from Sunwoo. I’ll wait.”

Eunjeong smiled, holding Eunjae’s hand.

“He’ll tell you soon. When that time comes, will Eunjae hold our Sunwoo’s hand like this?”

“Yes, I will.”

Eunjeong continued to stroke Eunjae’s warm and small hand that she was holding.

“How fortunate we are that Eunjae can hold our Sunwoo’s hand.”

It’s even better because it’s him.

Eunjeong’s smiling face towards Eunjae lingered in Eunjae’s eyes for a long time.

Just before getting out of the car, Eunjeong reached out to the back seat and handed Eunjae a large shopping bag.

“What’s this?”

“This is a gift for my husband. I ordered it because you’re going on a date with Eunjae. My husband has a good eye, so he’ll definitely like it.”

“Ah… Thank you.”

“Going to the S Group founding anniversary party this week, right? It will look nice if you bring it then.”

Eunjeong hugged Eunjae affectionately.

“Thank you, Eunjae. Thank you for becoming our family.”

“Why so late”

Complaining while poking his hand into his pocket, Sunwoo, who was coming down the stairs, stopped when he saw Eunjae. It was because Eunjae looked very different at a glance.

“Sunwoo, how is Eunjae? She’s so pretty.”

“…….”

“Maybe she’s too pretty, that’s why he’s lost for words.”

While Eunjeong kept her gaze on Eunjae, Sunwoo, who was standing still in a daze, was handed some of the shopping bags.
“Since everyone here admires your beautiful wife, don’t stand there like a fool. Move this first. Eunjae is tired from following Mom around all day, so take her quickly and put her to sleep.”

Eunjeong patted Eunjae’s shoulder, saying, ‘Thanks for playing today, rest well,’ and smiled brightly. Then, with her quickly made-up eyes, she looked at Sunwoo.

“Don’t bother Eunjae.”

She said, glancing at him. Eunjeong, with a loud voice, requested help from those inside, saying, ‘Can someone please move these shopping bags inside?’ It was a sight that didn’t miss the instinct for gossip until the end.

As Eunjae came up to the third floor, she glanced at Sunwoo’s expression and whispered quietly.

“Why is your expression like that? Do you not like it? Should I change and come out again?”

“No. It’s too beautiful, I thought other guys might flock around again.”