Miyaa glanced at her watch, her expression a mix of excitement and annoyance. "It's getting late," she said to Lily, tossing her phone into her bag. "I should probably head home."
Lily, who had been trying to convince Miyaa to stay longer, sighed in defeat. "I know you love being on time, but you're married to a CEO, Miyaa. Take it easy for once."
Miyaa rolled her eyes. "I would if he wasn't so… controlling." She stood up, adjusting her jacket. "He's probably waiting for me right now, thinking I've been out with some other guy."
Lily laughed. "Well, from what I saw earlier, I think he's already jealous of the way you spoke to Jo-Young. But he has no reason to worry, right?"
Miyaa paused for a moment, her mind drifting back to the scene at the cafeteria. Hyunjin's possessiveness had been palpable, his gaze never leaving her as if she were a prized possession he couldn't afford to lose. She couldn't deny the tension it stirred inside her, but she was getting tired of constantly being under his watchful eye. "It's not about that," she said, shaking her head. "I just want some space."
Lily raised an eyebrow. "Don't we all? But remember, he's not your enemy, Miyaa."
Miyaa didn't respond immediately, instead giving a small nod before heading toward the door. "I'll talk to you soon, Lily."
As Miyaa stepped out of the apartment, she took a deep breath, ready to face whatever awaited her at home. But little did she know, Hyunjin was already on his way, and his patience had run out.
---
Meanwhile, in the Hwang Corporation office, Hyunjin sat behind his desk, reviewing some final reports for the day. His thoughts were preoccupied with Miyaa where she was, who she was with. His jaw clenched as he thought of her having lunch with Jo-Young earlier that day. He had been trying to trust her, but every time she left without telling him where she was going, his mind raced with all kinds of thoughts.
His assistant knocked lightly before entering, handing him a folder. "The last of today's tasks are completed, CEO. Is there anything else?"
Hyunjin shook his head, dismissing the assistant with a wave of his hand. He glanced at the time. "It's already late. I'll leave now."
After a moment of hesitation, he stood up, grabbed his coat, and headed for the car. As he entered the parking lot, his phone buzzed Miyaa had sent him a message saying she'd be home soon. But something about her tone felt off. It didn't sound like her usual self.
Without another thought, he ordered the driver to head to the apartment where she had been earlier, the one where he knew she had met her friend.
Miyaa was already inside her friend's apartment when she received a text from Hyunjin. Her phone vibrated with his name flashing across the screen: Where are you?
A sigh escaped her lips. She typed back a quick message: On my way home.
She didn't want to argue tonight, but deep down, she knew Hyunjin wouldn't let it go. He'd want to know where she had been and why she hadn't told him. As she threw her bag over her shoulder and made her way to the door, she hoped he wouldn't press her too hard.
As she stepped outside, the black car was already parked in front of the building. The driver stepped out and opened the door, greeting her with a polite bow.
"Good evening, Madam. CEO Hwang requests your presence."
Miyaa hesitated for a second but nodded. She didn't have much choice in the matter. Hyunjin always got what he wanted, and she was in no mood to fight tonight.
She slid into the car, her eyes briefly meeting the driver's before glancing out the window, her thoughts racing. Why couldn't she just have one night without him following her around?
As the car pulled away, she noticed the dark silhouette of Hyunjin standing by the entrance of their home, waiting for her.
Hyunjin's eyes narrowed when the car finally pulled up. Miyaa stepped out, and their gazes locked. He could see the frustration in her posture, the tension in her every step.
Without a word, he reached for her hand, pulling her toward the door. She didn't resist, but he could feel the underlying irritation in the way she held herself.
"You were at Lily's," Hyunjin said casually as they entered the house. "I know."
Miyaa stopped in her tracks. "I wasn't hiding it from you. I just didn't think you needed to know."
He raised an eyebrow, his tone darkening. "You're my wife, Miyaa. I don't need to need to know. I should know. Where else would you go without telling me?"
She bit her lip, holding back the words she knew would only make things worse. Instead, she simply said, "I'm tired, Hyunjin. Can we just"
"No," he interrupted, his voice softer now but still firm. "We'll talk about this later. You and I, we need to clear the air."
As Hyunjin led her upstairs, Miyaa couldn't help but feel the weight of their strained relationship closing in on her. She wanted more than what Hyunjin seemed willing to offer. But the question was, could she get him to understand that without driving him further away?
She didn't know the answer, but she did know one thing: This marriage was far from over. And there was much more to unravel between them.