Chapter 168. I Can’t Let Her Go (5)

Seonae was visibly flustered.

“That’s ridiculous. You’re not even someone who believes in staying single. Why would you say something so absurd?”

“Why are you so shocked?”

His eldest aunt, Jiyoon, interrupted with a chuckle.

“Lee-Seob has a point. Unlike Joon-Seob, he’s not dating anyone. What’s so great about marriage? He is no longer in his twenties to act impulsively.”

Jiyoon, the one person in the family who never cared about others’ opinions, made the atmosphere even heavier.

Everyone stole glances at the chairman, gauging his reaction. Joon-Seob’s wife, who had only managed to marry into the family after much turmoil, lowered her head.

‘Ah… I wasn’t considerate of that.’

His mind had been half-dead lately.

Forcing a smile, Lee-Seob took responsibility for the awkwardness he had created.

“I was just joking. Seeing Joon-Seob makes me envious. Marriage… it’s whatever. It’s not a big deal, but it wouldn’t be terrible either. Speaking of which, why don’t you share some newlywed stories, Director Tae Joon-Seob?”

Effortlessly, Lee-Seob shifted the attention to Joon-Seob, ignoring the exasperated look thrown his way.

Right on cue, the rest of the family, including Jiyoon’s children and Soojin’s in-laws, bombarded Joon-Seob with questions.

“How’s married life?”

“Why don’t you bring your wife around more often? We’ve barely seen her since the wedding and honeymoon.”

“She must be so pretty that you’re hiding her, afraid someone will snatch her away.”

Joon-Seob gave curt replies, while his wife, Yeon Wookyung, nervously tried to answer.

Successfully redirecting the conversation, Lee-Seob took the chance to slip out of the dining room under the pretense of using the restroom.

He just needed to find a quiet place to hide for a while.

He ended up in a room at the far end of the second floor. The air was thick and humid, warmed by the summer sun all day. Turning on the air conditioner, he sprawled onto the guest bed.

Fatigue clung to his body like wet cement, dragging him down.

He threw an arm over his eyes, trying to drift into the shallow, fleeting waves of sleep.

For two months now, his sleep had been erratic. Even when he managed to doze off at dawn, he would wake up within thirty minutes—an hour or two at most.

During those sleepless hours, the emotions he had suppressed about Minkyung would spiral out of control.

Tossing, burying himself under the covers, pacing around, then collapsing again—this was his nightly routine. He would dream, wake up, and repeat the cycle.

And one night, after waking up and sitting blankly in the dark, he realized something.

What he thought was an unhealable wound, a fury that would never subside—his anger, his sense of betrayal…

They were all just grief.

And longing.

It felt like his heart had been bruised, swollen with pain.

“I miss you, Kang Minkyung.”

Lee-Seob muttered, half-asleep.

A week ago, he received a report about Kang Minkyung’s impressive performance at the Chinese branch—and about a potential scandal between her and a law firm’s attorney.

He listened quietly, but his expression must have been off because the person reporting to him quickly added,

“It’s nothing to worry about. The attorney is single, and their work results are excellent. Deputy Director Kang is highly professional, so there won’t be any issues, but we thought it best to inform you just in case.”

“I know. I already know about them.”

He couldn’t even force a smile.

All he could do was lower his trembling voice.

A knock sounded at the door before it opened.

Lee-Seob blinked drowsily as Seonae entered, her voice laced with concern.

“Lee-Seob, are you feeling unwell?”

She gestured for him to stay put as he tried to sit up.

“Just lie down.”

“…Okay.”

Despite saying that, Lee-Seob sat up.

His head spun, his body tilting forward.

Bracing himself with his elbows on his knees, he asked dryly,

“Are you here to talk about the marriage meetings?”

She studied him for a moment before sitting beside him.

“Dr. Park said there’s nothing wrong with you… but why do you look so drained?”

“I’ve just been busy.”

“Are you not sleeping well? I heard you got a prescription for sleep aids.”

“My nerves are on edge, that’s all. I sleep fine with the medication.”

Meeting her gaze, he forced a small smile.

“Stop worrying. I even got an IV last week.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“So, about the meetings?”

“Yes. Your grandfather keeps asking, and it’s awkward to keep delaying things with the other families.”

Lee-Seob nodded.

“Let me know what weekday evenings work for you. Weekends would be even better.”

“How many do I have to meet?”

His voice was low, detached.

“We’ve narrowed it down to five. You can decide the order.”

Lee-Seob chuckled and shook his head.

“What am I supposed to base that on? Photos? Family background? Careers? I don’t know anything about them. I don’t care which of the five it is.”

“Lee-Seob, this is your marriage.”

He gave a bitter smile.

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