The Eager Breakup
Right after stepping out, leaving his prospective mother-in-law and stepmother-instructor's mother behind, a thick smile played on Han Taeyang's lips. With little time to spare, he had no choice but to return to his room where the guests awaited. Yet even without laying eyes on it, he could easily picture what was unfolding in the room he'd just left.
"Mother has taken ill and retired to her chambers. Strictly forbid any lowborns from entering, and you lot stay away as well."
"Understood, young master."
After issuing orders to the servants, Han Taeyang proceeded forward, a faint smile lingering on his lips.
That side's no longer a concern... which means the issue now lies here...
Im Jeong-ok and her daughter Seo Hyo-jeong, who had come to discuss the "marriage proposal." Naturally, he had no intention of letting it proceed normally. The heroine was meant to end up with the male lead, and above all, he had zero desire to tie himself to that milky-scented little girl heroine, looks aside.
But regardless of his true feelings, the situation itself held plenty of exploitable value. The Seo family's circumstances surrounding the heroine. And Im Jeong-ok's fierce maternal love, as depicted throughout the original story. If he played this right, he might snag what he truly wanted without much hassle. Not the heroine, but the real prize he craved...
Soyoung seemed... really out of sorts. I hope she's okay...
Im Jeong-ok clutched her teacup tightly, gripped by deep worry. She'd been anxious the whole way here, but now an additional concern had piled on: her close younger sister's poor health.
The thick beads of sweat on her forehead, her pitifully trembling hands. Lee So-young's flushed face and ragged breathing. And at the very end, when she'd needed her son's support just to make it back to her room, barely able to stand—Im Jeong-ok's worries only deepened with each detail.
"You're worried. Maybe it's something serious."
"No way it's that bad. It's just the change of seasons—probably a simple cold."
Her daughter Seo Hyo-jeong spoke in a comforting tone. But Im Jeong-ok's face hardened slightly as she replied.
"It doesn't seem that minor. She went through an unwanted marriage, and with the family's recent tragedy weighing on her... in this state, it's no wonder she'd fall ill from stress."
"...I'm sorry."
Though she gently scolded her daughter in a calm voice, deep down Im Jeong-ok hoped her words held true. Then—
"Pardon the delay. My deepest apologies for keeping you waiting."
"!"
The sudden voice of that man... Han Taeyang. Im Jeong-ok whipped her head around, asking with heavy concern.
"How... how is she? So-young—no, Lady Lee."
"She's fine. Nothing major, just accumulated fatigue. She's resting in her chambers now, and if the symptoms persist till tomorrow, we'll call a physician."
"...I see. That's... a relief."
Im Jeong-ok let out a quiet sigh of relief. And yet, a sliver of surprise stirred in her heart as well.
I thought he was just a reckless brat...
Moments ago, Han Taeyang had swiftly supported his nearly collapsing "mother." And right after, without delegating to servants or anyone else, he'd personally escorted her back to her room.
To a grown son, a stepmother was often an unwelcome presence. Yet he'd handled the potentially bothersome task himself, tending to her with utmost care. It left a profound impression on Im Jeong-ok.
Too soon to judge, but... maybe he's not as bad as I thought...
Of course, with all the rumors and reports she'd heard, one act wouldn't fully change her view. Still, it was a slight improvement from her initial disdain. With her attitude somewhat softened compared to before arriving, Im Jeong-ok asked in a steady voice.
"Let's skip the preamble and get to the point. You said you had something to say about the marriage proposal?"
"Yes. Regarding that matter, there's something I must tell you, madam... and Lady Seo here."
"What... is it?"
His demeanor was calmer and more earnest than expected—worlds apart from the arrogant rudeness she'd witnessed before. Two thoughts crossed Im Jeong-ok's mind: perhaps he'd undergone some major change lately, or maybe what he was about to say was that important.
Either way, it clearly tied to her daughter's future. Tense, she listened intently.
"As you may have heard, my father is in very poor health. He may face dire news soon. He told me to hasten the wedding before he passes."
"..."
"I... see."
"Thus, I'd like to advance the wedding date. It would be a great help if you could set a new one, madam."
Exactly as her husband, Lord Seo, had predicted. Personally, she had much to say, but bound by his orders, all she could do now was...
"...Understood. We'll... make it so."
Accepting without resistance as always, Im Jeong-ok then heard Han Taeyang request a moment alone with his fiancée. She rose slowly and left the room.
All her thoughts on the way here had been for naught; in the end, she could do nothing. A deep sense of helplessness washed over her.
Alone with him, Seo Hyo-jeong stared anxiously at her teacup, unable to meet his eyes. She'd felt uneasy the entire journey here, and nothing had changed.
I didn't want to see him... this man's face...
A betrothal forced by her father's will. The man destined to become her husband: Han Taeyang. But her feelings toward him weren't love or fondness—only vivid, burning disgust.
Setting aside his powerful family backing and handsome looks, he lacked any refinement, and his personality was utterly vile. Selfishly egotistical, unwilling to endure even minor inconveniences—the very thought of sharing a moment with him repulsed her.
And as those horrific memories resurfaced, one person's face floated into her mind.
Today of all days... I miss him... Lord Joo...
Joo Yeok-in, descendant of a fallen yangban house, essentially a commoner. Despite his modest background and unremarkable looks, her heart brimmed with affection for him in that instant.
His outstanding character, scholarly prowess, and above all, his warm consideration for others. Every moment with him was bliss, her heart at utter ease unlike with anyone else. This had to be the fated match from the heavens.
With that thought, a dangerously impossible notion began to bloom in her mind.
I have to break this betrothal somehow... If not, I'll run away under cover of night. Better death than becoming that scoundrel's bride...
She hadn't settled on specifics, but she'd resolved on her path. A fierce determination ignited within: end this betrothal and live freely with her beloved.
But then...
"Lady Seo... Do you have any desire to cancel this betrothal?"
"...Pardon?"
Catching her off guard, Han Taeyang gazed at the bewildered Seo Hyo-jeong and continued in a voice devoid of jest, utterly serious.
"Exactly as I said. Wouldn't you like to nullify the engagement between us... or the marriage talks altogether?"
"Ah..."
He spoke without a hint of hesitation. Stunned into silence at first, she soon pressed him urgently.
"Is... is that true? You'll really break off the betrothal with me?"
"If that's your wish... yes."
His unwavering response to her trembling question. Overwhelmed by how effortlessly her deepest desire was unfolding, she looked him in the eye and asked gravely.
"Wh... why? Why the sudden decision..."
"To be frank now, this marriage was my father's idea from the start. It wasn't welcome to me. As you know, we're hardly a good match."
"Mm..."
"Even with Father pressing again, I see no need to obey."
He struck at the heart of it. Though he'd obsessively pursued her before, his current earnestness—unlike his past sleaziness—rang true.
And then.
"So, what will it be? It's a bit risky, but will you cancel the betrothal with me? Or proceed with this unwanted wedding and face me for life?"
To his question, the clever but still naive Seo Hyo-jeong nodded without hesitation.
"I... I will. I'll break off the betrothal with you, young master."
Her eyes sparkling innocently as she nodded. Watching her, a cold smile crept across Han Taeyang's lips.
"Good. Then from now on, listen carefully to what I say and follow it exactly."