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chapter 17
“An accident?”
“When Taeheon was little, he was once kidnapped.”
Startled, Eunse covered her mouth. When he said “accident,” she had vaguely imagined something like a traffic accident.
“It was a horrifying incident. Severe enough that he needed psychiatric treatment.”
“I’ve never heard anything like that before…”
Eunse muttered absentmindedly.
Though it had only been a short period, she had met Taeheon almost every day over the past few months. During that time, Taeheon occasionally shared stories from his past.
From his childhood to becoming the CEO of his current company. Yet, in all of Taeheon’s life, she had never heard a word about a kidnapping.
“Of course he wouldn’t remember, Taeheon.”
Biting her lips, Minyoung continued in a sigh.
“He doesn’t even remember that incident.”
The story Minyoung told was so horrific it was almost unbelievable.
“It happened a long time ago, before Taeheon even started school.”
At the time, KD Group was rapidly expanding not only in Korea but overseas as well, taking on construction and development contracts worldwide.
Then, one day, a large-scale civilian kidnapping occurred in a distant foreign land by an armed gang.
Among those caught up were some KD Group employees and local staff.
Taeheon had been there with his father, Uimyeong. The place had been peaceful until then, and it was common for families to visit during long-term assignments.
“No news of it even appeared in the domestic press. There would have been no benefit to the company, so Taeheon’s grandfather tried to resolve it quietly.”
Then came a disaster.
Taeheon, left alone while the adults were away, became entangled in the hostage situation.
“They suspected that one of the bodyguards may have leaked information.”
Eunse listened, frozen.
“Fortunately, one of the local experts happened to be Korean.”
The Korean expert was a professor attending a nearby academic conference.
If a conflict broke out in a remote area with no consulate, he would handle matters in one way or another, acting almost like a negotiation specialist.
As the hours passed, the situation worsened. Innocent people were hurt, and even local mercenaries were brought in. The crisis escalated.
“In the end, that professor voluntarily went to the perpetrators’ hideout. He wanted to prevent further casualties.”
“And…?”
Even though she knew Taeheon was safe, Eunse’s body trembled uncontrollably.
“Taeheon returned safely to us. It took a full ten days.”
“That must have been such a difficult time for the whole family.”
Eunse clasped her hands in prayer, exhaling in relief, but the story wasn’t over.
“The hardest time was for Taeheon himself.”
Minyoung’s face contorted with pain even at the thought.
“Not many people came back alive.”
Eunse swallowed hard, shocked.
“Among the victims… there was the professor too.”
Moisture gathered in Minyoung’s eyes.
“He tragically died protecting Taeheon until the very end…”
Unable to continue, Minyoung dabbed her tears with a handkerchief. Eunse also wiped her eyes repeatedly.
The more she thought about it, the sadder and more heart-wrenching it became. Thinking of Taeheon surviving death at such a young age was almost unbearable.
“Taeheon lived for a long time like an emotionless machine.”
Minyoung’s voice choked as she spoke.
“Until now, I’ve never seen Taeheon form a genuine, close relationship with anyone. Even with his biological parents, he was always cold.”
Minyoung tugged down the corners of her reddened eyes and gave an awkward smile.
“At first, I admit I judged you based on your background, Eunse. But the day you visited, I was sure.”
Now, Minyoung’s eyes were filled only with warmth.
“Thanks to you, Taeheon is married and building a family. No matter what anyone says, I feel you two are truly meant for each other. Our whole family is very grateful.”
“That’s too kind. I don’t deserve any of that.”
“No need for modesty. Even just seeing you, I can tell how lovely you are. If you’re special to Taeheon, then you are special to me too.”
Eunse’s heart ached with warmth at Minyoung’s sincere words.
There’s a saying that even whales dance when praised.
Hearing such affectionate praise, Eunse felt truly special, just as Minyoung said.
Her usually timid heart seemed to bloom. Eunse smiled brightly at Minyoung.
“And… if it’s okay, I’d like to meet you from time to time.”
“Me?”
“I’ve always wished I had a daughter.”
Blushing, Minyoung confessed.
“Shopping together, going on dates… I’ve always envied friends who had daughters.”
Then she waved her hands in embarrassment.
“Oh, I said something I shouldn’t have. A future mother-in-law saying such things… it must feel like a burden from your side.”
Still, Minyoung insisted Eunse could ask for help anytime if needed.
“Then… may I ask one favor?”
Fidgeting with her hands, Eunse asked cautiously.
“Anything. What do you need help with?”
“If it’s alright… I’d like to call you… Mom.”
“Oh my, what a sweet thing to say!”
Minyoung’s eyes softened. Meeting Eunse, she found her more charming than expected.
Despite everything she had lived through, Eunse was neither greedy nor pretentious. Starting work at such a young age, she had also developed a sharp, capable side.
Everything about her was perfect. Unlike those who grew up sheltered, she was far more admirable.
Minyoung repeatedly felt glad she had gathered the courage to contact her.
At that moment, Taeheon was just leaving the Busan Convention Center.
Holding a phone to his ear as it rang persistently.
“Sleeping in, perhaps.”
A faint smile lingered on his lips as he pressed the end button.
He must be tired. Until last night, he hadn’t planned to stay out this late when taking Eunse home.
But once his switch was flipped by her suggestion to stop by for a while, there was no turning back.
It was nothing unusual. In a space filled with Eunse’s scent, he often lost self-control.
After keeping her company late into the night until she fell asleep, he left for his early morning Busan business trip. Fatigue was natural, yet Taeheon moved swiftly, his smooth face showing no sign of weariness.
“Ah? Yoon Taeheon!”
He turned at the lively voice.
“Interesting. To see you here in Busan.”
Taeheon nodded casually at the woman approaching him with a cheerful smile.
“Baek Dohee.”
“Long time no see. How have you been? You look well.”
“Yes. You too.”
Without curiosity about why she came or how she had been, Taeheon merely nodded in formality.
But Baek Dohee wasn’t one to back down. Smiling confidently, she asked,
“Do you have a moment? It’s been a while, let’s grab a coffee.”
Taeheon glanced at his watch. He needed caffeine, and he had a little time.
Baek Dohee wasn’t the type to be turned down harshly.
She was practically the only woman Taeheon let down his guard around.
Their families were acquainted, and they had been classmates.
Most importantly, Dohee never saw Taeheon as a man. Unlike other women who had shown interest in him, she never revealed romantic intentions.
“Yoon Taeheon is just a friend. No matter how handsome he is, I’ve known him since we were kids. There’s no way I’d see him romantically!”
She had repeated this countless times. Taeheon had never felt her as a romantic interest either.
Almost like a genderless presence, Baek Dohee was simply a friend to him.
They found a spot at a nearby café.
