9. Park Ha-Neul and My Mom

Two hours ago, Gavin met with Park Ha-Neul and Andreas Maverick. The three of them had just shared the profits from an elite housing development business. At the meeting, Andreas left first so Gavin and Park Ha-Neul could chat casually. The two of them initially chatted about business. However, their conversation went off the rails when Park Ha-Neul asked something that shook Gavin.

"Your mother was my first love," Park Ha-Neul said. His eyes stared straight into the cold cup of black coffee. The corners of his lips twitched. He seemed to be remembering the past.

"I knew it," Gavin said. "He really loved you enough to sacrifice himself."

Park Ha-Neul looked up. The two of them stared at each other. The man's hand rubbed his face roughly. Then, he told her about his failed love story.

At that time, they were still university students. The love story of the two of them was so famous with thick romance. People always envied Euginia's figure. However, somehow everything changed. Euginia suddenly broke off their relationship. A week later she married Charles and became the man's third wife.

"I never married after breaking up with your mother. To me, she was my first and last love."

Gavin could only remain silent. He seemed to feel the disappointment and betrayal committed by his mother to the man before him.

"When I wanted to bring your mother back, she was not the Euginia I knew. She already loved Charles more deeply."

"But, mom loves you so much."

"No, Gavin. It's just a lingering regret. She regrets all her wrongs to me, but I've forgiven her because ...."

Park Ha-Neul carved a faint smile on his lips. Then, he again said, "I still love your mother."

They were both silent for a long time. The atmosphere that was fun suddenly became awkward.

Gavin looked at Park Ha-Neul. The old man's face was really so pitiful. Living in solitude and being so crazy at work.

"Gavin. Is it okay if I meet your mother?" Ha-Neul asked, breaking the silence. His gaze was hopeful.

"It's not that easy," Gavin replied. He didn't want anyone living in his mother's past to come back. First, Gavin's position as heir would be further jeopardized. Secondly, he was afraid that Euginia would lose control.

"I will give anything. Money, company, and more. Just this once."

Ha-Neul's offer was really so tempting. Gavin could not hide the twitch at the corner of his lips.

"Absolutely unbelievable."

***

Such a beautiful sunset. The blue sky turned into a mesmerizing shade of orange. The breeze blew through the newly bloomed flowers. However, both of their focus was on a woman who was picking flowers while chuckling amusedly at the jokes of her two personal servants.

"Euginia," Ha-Neul murmured longingly. Both of his eyeballs began to blur, then uninvited drop after drop of tears fell from his eyes.

Gavin glanced at Ha-Neul who began to step closer to his mother. He could only be an observer of Ha-Neul's every move. Seeing his mother embraced by a man other than his father made Gavin's anger rumble a little. He really wanted to kick Ha-Neul. However, his desire was replaced with an expression full of astonishment.

There, Euginia looked so happy. The blonde woman smiled sweetly. Both hands hugged Ha-Neul's neck. So romantic and as if the woman was really alive.

"Ha-Neul. Did you come? Is the lecture over?"

"I missed you. Ha-Neul."

Gavin could faintly hear his mother's voice. She laughed as Ha-Neul whispered something into her ear.

I don't know how long it had been since she had laughed out loud or smiled genuinely. Maybe never. As Gavin remembered, Euginia's gaze was always blank. Her smile was just a front. While her laughter was usually reserved for formality or mockery of others. It looked evil, but that was how Euginia was known by Gavin and the people around her.

"What should I do?"

Everything seemed so complicated. It even looked like the plan Gavin had laid out would fall apart.

"Gavin!"

The call snapped Gavin out of his reverie. He saw his mom waving with a big smile.

"Come here!"

Reluctantly, Gavin walked over to the two human beings who were having an ex-girlfriend meeting.

"This is Gavin. He's ...."

Euginia's facial expression looked confused. The woman frowned as if remembering something.

"My son," Euginia said.

Ha-Neul laughed awkwardly. "He's handsome like his father. Unfortunately, Gavin is not as cheerful as you, Euginia."

"You could be," Euginia said with an amused smile.

The two servants accompanying Euginia looked puzzled. They both glanced at each other. Occasionally, they glanced at Gavin as if they were asking for further explanation. Gavin could only look away as he witnessed their happiness. Not that he hated it, but Gavin felt happy when his mother smiled again.

Until the evening, Gavin was still faithfully accompanying his mother and Ha-Neul. This time they were in the dining room. It felt very strange because Euginia turned cheerful. Even Kiana who sat next to Gavin was surprised. She repeatedly gave Gavin a code by gently kicking his calf.

"He's that rich businessman. Right?" Kiana whispered. The woman's eyes widened when her eyes met Ha-Neul's.

"Don't tell me he's the home wrecker between mom and dad," she said sarcastically.

"You'd better keep quiet. Aren't you going on vacation to London tomorrow? Better stay out of your parents' business."

Kiana clucked in annoyance. She cut the meat with great emotion. Because of her enthusiasm, the piece of meat flew and hit Ha-Neul who was sitting opposite her in the face.

"Oh my God!"

****