Melting Slow (Completed)

“Of course. She will.” 

Chairman Yoo nodded in satisfaction. He had given Vice President Chae a heads-up, and now all that remained was Hwan’s family meeting. It truly was a joyous occasion.

Meanwhile, Vice President Chae Joo-chan stood frozen after hanging up the phone.

“Honey, what happened?” Mi-ran approached and asked. Chae Joo-chan still had a bewildered expression on his face. He stared blankly at his phone before looking up with a troubled expression.

“The chairman said something strange… Yeo-min… she…”

“What about Yeo-min?” Mi-ran’s expression sharpened the moment Yeo-min’s name came up. She remembered the words Yeo-min had hurled at Nari recently. If she met Yeo-min, she felt like even slapping her wouldn’t be enough. Acting all defiant with that calm face of hers.

“It seems Yeo-min has been seeing Yoo Hwan” Chae Joo-chan said.

“What?” Mi-ran replied.

“The chairman himself mentioned it. He said we’d be seeing Yeo-min and Yoon Hwan at a family meeting soon.”

“…….”

Mi-ran frowned in silence, not understanding the situation at first. When she finally grasped it, she was stunned.

“What did you just say?!”

Yoo Hwan? Yoo Hwan? Could it be that Yoo Hwan—the grandson of Chairman Yoo? How could someone like Chae Yeo-min get involved with him?

“The chairman just said so on the phone,” Chae Joo-chan confirmed.

“So, while she was seeing Kim Seung-jae, she was also seeing Yoo Hwan? And now they’ve decided to get married recently?”

“Judging by the timing, it seems like it.”

“Oh my goodness!” Mi-ran was so flabbergasted that she fanned her face with her hands.

‘Chae Yeo-min, that girl was two-timing—when she found out that Seung-jae and our Nari were getting married, she just rushed into a marriage herself? Ha, Unbelievable!’

The more she thought about it, the more ridiculous it became. 

‘And she caused all that trouble just for our Nari? How can you be so naughty and devious?!’ 

Mi-ran, seething, shouted at the housekeeper.

“Get me some ice water! Now!”

Countless thoughts rushed through her mind. She wondered if Yeo-min would start acting all high and mighty just because she was going to marry Yoo Hwan. But more important than that was what would happen once Yoo Hwan learned the truth. If he found out that he had been deceived…

‘A rash move could ruin everything. Right now, we also have Nari and Kim Seung-jae’s marriage to prepare for. It’s best to cut off anything suspicious from the start.’

“Madam, here’s the ice water.”

Mii-ran drank the water the helper handed her in one gulp, then set the cup down roughly. 

“Honey, so Yeo-min was seeing both Kim Seung-jae and Yoo Hwan at the same time… If Yoo Hwan finds out about this, won’t it cause trouble for us too?”

At this point, there was only one solution. Either force Yeo-min to give up by threatening to reveal everything to Yoo Hwan, or tell Yoo Hwan the truth to put an end to this ridiculous marriage.

“Yoo Hwan likely has no idea that Yeo-min was seeing Kim Seung-jae while she was also involved with him. And if he finds out that Yeo-min chose him only because she was dumped by Kim Seung-jae, it’ll be even worse.”

“That’s probably true. If he finds out the truth after they’re married, he’ll feel utterly betrayed.”

“We may be able to hide it now, but what about later? Kim Seung-jae is about to marry Nari. In any situation, the past can come to light in an instant.”

Vice President Chae’s face grew darker. He feared what kind of revenge Yoo Hwan might take once he learned the truth. Mi-ran spoke with determination.

“Let’s be the ones to tell him first. If we get ahead of it and reveal everything ourselves, he won’t hold a grudge against us.”

“…….”

“What if this causes problems with Nari and Kim Seung-jae’s marriage? If things have to go wrong, let only one thing fail. We can’t let Nari suffer as well.” 

Chae Joo-chan let out a deep sigh and nodded. Even if it was Chae Yeo-min who had made the mistake, the consequences would fall on the family. Perhaps even Chairman Yoo, upon learning the truth, might erupt in anger. That had to be prevented.

***

“Chae Yeo-min! Do you even have a conscience?” 

Mi-ran’s harsh voice echoed sharply. 

At that moment, Yeo-min was drinking a cheap green tea she had made herself. She had received a call from her father not long ago. She hadn’t answered, and now here they were, the two of them barging into her place. 

Thud. Yeo-min put down the teacup and looked up.

“What’s wrong with my conscience?” 

“You—you’re talking about marriage with Yoo Hwan, aren’t you?” 

“So you heard? I was told you’d be contacted soon about setting up the family meeting.”

“You went and talked about conscience with our Nari, and now you’re doing this?” 

“Hmm… But Nari isn’t here, is she? If she’d known, she would have followed you and made a scene… Does she perhaps not know about my marriage yet?”

Despite Mi-ran’s accusations, Yeo-min remained calm. She even looked around to confirm Nari’s absence. Mi-ran crossed her arms, her expression displeased. Her daughter, Nari, had been set on marrying Hwan since she was young. How devastated she must be now that things had come to this. Even if she was marrying Kim Seung-jae, it must still hurt. For Nari’s sake, it was only right to put an end to this marriage.

“Nari doesn’t know. It’s still a secret, so don’t tell her yet.”

“Alright. Since Nari has liked Yoo Hwan since she was young, I can understand that she’d be quite upset.”

“Chae Yeo-min, you…!”

Yeo-min straightened her back and watched Mi-ran’s face contort in fury with a composed expression.

“But Nari is marrying Kim Seung-jae, isn’t she? Should a bride be upset over someone else’s future husband getting married?”

“What do you mean she’ll find out? This will be undone before that even happens! We will never allow your marriage! Speak sensibly!”

Vice President Chae Joo-chan, who had been sitting with a stern expression, finally spoke up.

“Yeo-min, were you seeing Hwan while you were seeing Seung-jae? This could become a big problem. It’s not just anyone; those two are distantly related. If Yoo Hwan divorces you later, it won’t just end there. You need to think about what comes after. Did you forget that your father is also part of that company?”

He looked visibly worried about the impending wrath of Chairman Yoo and Hwan’s retaliation.

“You don’t need to worry about that. I wasn’t seeing both of them at the same time. I’m not like Nari or Kim Seung-jae.”

“What did you say?” 

Mi-ran shot up from her seat.

“You…! How can you lie so shamelessly, with that brazen face? Is that how you tricked Yoo Hwan into falling for you?!”

“I’ve never done anything like that.”

“Then how do you explain the timing? Right after learning about Nari’s marriage, you’re suddenly getting married to Yoo Hwan? Does that even make sense?”

“Why wouldn’t it make sense? My sister is marrying the boyfriend I was seeing. What’s wrong with me moving on to someone new and getting married right away after being betrayed?”

“You… you… you…!” 

Mi-ran, seemingly at a loss for words, pointed her finger at Yeo-min in frustration. Ignoring her, Yeo-min calmly began tidying the table.

“Instead of acting like this, you should be congratulating me. Your daughter is becoming part of a direct royal family line, not some distant branch like Kim Seung-jae’s.”

“What?”

“The family meeting will be scheduled soon. Please handle it well so there’s no scandal, Mother and Father.”

“What?!”

“Since I’m the eldest daughter, I’ll marry first. Sorry, but please delay Nari’s wedding.”

Yeo-min smiled and stood up. The narrow two-room apartment meant it only took a few steps from the living room to reach the entrance. She gestured towards the door.

“This is a multi-unit building with thin walls, so everyone can hear you shouting. It’s getting late, so please leave.”

A clear dismissal, telling them to get out. Coldly pushing them away, Yeo-min added one last thing.

“Oh, right. Please make sure to tell Nari to manage her expression well at the family meeting too. It’s unbecoming to make a scene at such an important event.”

“You!” 

Unable to control her anger, Mi-ran threw a teacup at Yeo-min. The cup hit her, fell, and shattered with a loud clatter. Yeo-min’s feet were damp with spilled tea, and she felt a stinging pain near her ankle, but she paid it no mind.

“Leave.”

With an expressionless face, Yeo-min opened the front door.

“Even if you told me not to, I’d still leave! Honey! Let’s get out of this miserable place!” Mi-ran, fuming, stormed out of Yeo-min’s home with Vice President Chae.

Once they were gone, Yeo-min tidied up and opened a window. She could see a luxury sedan moving further away from the narrow alley. A cold gust swept through the alley and blew her hair around.

“Ah, refreshing.”

Yeo-min smiled and brushed her windswept hair aside.

***

Back at home, Mi-ran exploded with anger.

“I must have taken in a fox cub! I raised her because I felt sorry for her losing her mother… even animals aren’t as ungrateful as that!”

Vice President Chae Joo-chan, sitting on the sofa, remained silent. He couldn’t understand why his usually obedient daughter was acting so recklessly now. If she ended up divorced, it would undoubtedly bring disgrace upon the family.

“Yeo-min intends to push forward with the marriage at all costs.”

“Exactly! She’s already talking about the ‘royal family’ or whatever, acting as if she’s already the daughter-in-law. How could she give up that position? She’s ruthless…!”

“……”

“Look at that place she’s living in. It’s so cramped. Is she protesting to us or what? I’m sure she approached Yoo Hwan while pretending to be pitiable, making herself out to be the victim! Yoo Hwan is definitely misunderstanding us because of her!”

Vice President Chae scrolled through his phone’s contact list in silence. He found Yoo Hwan’s number and pressed the call button, his expression dark.

***

Beyond the window, the hotel pool stretched out against a backdrop of towering buildings. The blue water rippled, scattering the lights from above, shimmering as they reflected off the surface. A man moved back and forth, slicing through the water. After several laps without rest, he finally emerged onto the deck.

He walked out slowly, carelessly brushing back his wet hair. In the short time it took for him to head toward the sunbed, everyone lounging nearby turned their gaze toward him. His broad shoulders, defined muscles, and solid yet smooth skin glistened with water. Droplets traced down his body, gliding over his skin in a tantalizing manner. Though all eyes were on him, his own cool gaze was fixed on one thing—his ringing phone.

The man checked the phone screen, then picked up the robe that was carelessly draped over the sunbed. After wrapping the stiff fabric around himself, he finally pressed the call button.

“Yes, this is Yoo Hwan.”

Yoo Hwan leaned back against the sunbed, closing his eyes languidly. The soft hotel lights cast a gentle glow across his sharp, high nose bridge.

– Yoo Hwan, it’s Chae Joo-chan.

“I know, Vice President.”

Yoo Hwan replied without opening his eyes, a slow smirk curling at the corner of his lips. It was obvious what Chae Joo-chan’s reason for contacting him was.

– There’s something important I need to discuss. Can we meet in person? I’d like to speak with you privately without Chairman Yoo knowing.

“Is it about Yeo-min, by any chance?”

– It’s related.

“Let’s discuss it over the phone. We’ll see each other at the family meeting anyway; no need for unnecessary meetings.”

Yoo Hwan’s voice was cold. But without showing any sign of displeasure, Vice President Chae once again insisted on meeting.

– It’s something I need to say in person. After hearing what I have to say, Yoo Hwan, you won’t regret meeting me.

Yoo Hwan finally opened his eyes slowly. Beyond his tilted gaze, he could see the clock mounted on the marble wall. 9 p.m. It was late for a phone call over something trivial.

“Understood. Tomorrow at 8 p.m., let’s meet at the lounge café in Taeju Hotel.”

– Thank you, Yoo Hwan.

“I’ll contact you before I arrive.”

The call soon ended. As soon as the call ended, Yoo Hwan dialed another number. It was Chairman Yoo.

– Is this you, Yoo Hwan?

Yoo Hwan, sitting up leisurely from his reclined position, slowly rubbed the back of his neck.

“Do you have some time right now?”

– I’ll make time, even if I don’t have it. What’s going on?

“I have something I need to talk about. It seems I need to come over now.”

– Do you need permission to come to your grandfather’s house? Come quickly. If you come any later, you’ll be tired for work tomorrow.

Yoo Hwan stood up right away. There was something he needed to sort out before meeting Vice President Chae Joo-chan.