Chapter 588: On the Verge of Being Independent (3)
Chapter 588: On the Verge of Being Independent (3)
Actually, Chloe liked Minjoon. Perhaps more as a friend than as a lover. Looking back, she had never been in a romantic relationship with him. Generally, when repeatedly rejected by someone, people grow accustomed to the inertia that follows.
Chloe had long become accustomed to rejection in her relationship with Minjoon. She considered it fortunate she hadn’t fallen romantically for him, for if she had, his marriage to Kaya would have reduced her to tears and uproar. To be honest, their marriage didn’t bring her happiness, but in some respects, she welcomed it.
Well, my longing for him is finally over.
She had wished the day wouldn’t come when he'd marry Kaya, but wishes were futile. Now, she could smile. She was used to losing—not only in romance or cooking—but often throughout life.
In many ways, this reflects everyday life. More people lose than win each day, and they mature by learning to accept loss over victory, realising their passion and hard work rarely have the impact they imagine.
Chloe didn’t want to be an adult. She wanted a life free from such demands.
Yet in the end, she grew up like everyone else.
“Chloe?” Kaya called, puzzled by her tight embrace.
Neither knew what that hug meant.
Chloe whispered, “I have lost, as always.”
When she released Kaya, her face held its usual smile.
“How many kids do you want?”
“I don’t know. I’m afraid I can’t get pregnant yet—no baby news…”
“Thanks for telling me first.”
“Why should I keep this secret?”
Kaya sounded composed, and Chloe knew Kaya understood her feelings. It was always painful acknowledging defeat to Kaya, but her warm consideration softened it.
Chloe looked out. The dazzling New York skyline sparkled like stars beyond the glass walls of the city’s finest hotel.
“You’re leaving soon, I guess.”
After briefly discussing plans with Kaya, Chloe called Minjoon that night. What would a man do if a lady invited him for a late-night drink? If he had a girlfriend, he might hesitate. But Minjoon didn’t. He arrived at the bar where Chloe waited. Trusting her—or himself—he didn’t avoid her.
“Congrats, my friend!” Chloe smiled.
“Thanks,” he replied, smiling back.
Yet concern shadowed his smile. He often looked at her with compassion, which he disliked. He wondered if he’d wronged her. She’d honestly pursued her feelings, but it had muddied their relationship—neither friendship nor romance.
Now was her time to mend it.
She sipped brandy, truly enjoying it tonight.
“I was too immature.”
“What do you mean?”
“You seemed so cool because I was immature. When I first saw you at the Grand Chef House, your cooking truly stood out.”
“Yeah, I can cook.”
She chuckled softly. Though not drunk, her cheeks flushed, as even a single beer made them pink.
“I’m sorry, Minjoon,” she whispered.
She raised the brandy to sip, then set it down. She wanted to speak clearly, not drunk.
“I said I wouldn’t give up my dream, even if I lost everything. I’m sorry for foolishly dreaming of you as my boyfriend. I was immature—thinking being true to my feelings was best, even if it made you uncomfortable.”
“Don’t apologise. You don’t need to feel sorry.”
“I’m sorry I made things serious. But don’t worry. That ends today. It’s over.”
She smiled warmly, like a sister. Though her real age made that absurd, her maturity touched him.
“I knew I was childish, but I liked it when I was with you—or you and Kaya. I acted selfishly, but I don’t want to anymore. I want to grow up now.”
Chloe laughed—a hearty, unburdened laugh.
“So I’m giving you up, Minjoon.”
Her first act of adulthood was letting go.
She held out her hand. He reached slowly and took it—soft, warm, and small.
He felt sorry but knew there was nothing he could do. Just as she couldn’t help him, he couldn’t help her.
She recalled hugging him one last time at the Grand Chef House after an initial rejection. Back then, she thought of making him hers.
Two years had passed. Had she ever truly wanted him? Or was it stubbornness? Did she want him, or the feeling of possessing him?
After letting go, she stopped asking.
She released his hand first, since she’d extended hers first.
“Congratulations on your marriage!”
For the second time, she said it.
With a bright smile, he ordered the same brandy. Their glasses clinked.
She had become an adult. To accept her as one, he had to grow up too.
Too many years had passed for childish mindsets. But on that day, they restored their long-lost friendship.
Her letting go helped Minjoon and Kaya move forward, freed from the past.
Now, Kaya and Minjoon faced three big questions: when to leave New York, with whom, and where to go.
The easiest to answer was when. They’d leave when ready. It might be simpler after the competition ended, as opening a new restaurant would take time. But waiting until then felt like a waste.
“It’s strange. I hadn’t complained about my life before all this,” said Kaya.
“Well, when you see new clothes you want, those worn before seem shabby. Buying new clothes always makes you feel confident,” Minjoon said casually.
Chloe interjected quietly, “I don’t know what you think, but in my experience, you shouldn’t rush.”
“Are you serious?”
“That’s just how it feels. Hurried efforts don’t work as you want. Better than laziness, sure, but overspeed usually leads to worse results.”
Kaya nodded instead of arguing—she knew Chloe was right.