Ephphatha Chapter 9

Seul-ah didn’t have an aversion to marriage itself. In fact, since she had experienced a lack of family from the moment she was born, regardless of her own will, she thought positively about the institution of marriage, which allowed her to create a family of her own. If she wanted, she could have a normal family unit, so she vaguely wished to get married someday. She also wanted to have children.  

 

Naturally, she often imagined what kind of person she should marry. While parents were not a choice, a husband was, so she had always envisioned someone ideal.  

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For instance, someone who grew up in a harmonious family, had much to learn from, had a kind impression, behaved neatly, was always well-groomed, was strong enough to support her frail body, was affectionate, deeply considerate, and most importantly, family-oriented.  

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– “You have to meet someone like that. Don’t end up like me.”  

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She had heard that her father, whom she had never even seen, was the complete opposite. His complicated family history had left him with nothing but a knack for fistfights and pouring drinks. He was foul-mouthed, frequently extorted money, lashed out with his fists when he felt like it, and in the end, abandoned his pregnant mother to run off with another woman—a true scumbag.  

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By that standard, wasn’t Seo Han-seong close to her ideal type?  

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His neat appearance in photographs and Kwak Chi-gyeom’s description of his straightforward life suggested that he was exactly the kind of man she had vaguely longed for—someone who stood in direct opposition to her father. More than anything, if her mother had chosen him, he had to be a good person.  

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“Hoo…”  

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Stepping outside at the agreed time with Kwak Chi-gyeom, Seul-ah stood in front of her apartment complex, taking a deep breath of the cool evening air before slowly exhaling. The sky was gradually being dyed a deep red.  

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She was trying to think positively. If she was going to get married someday anyway, did it make a difference if it happened a little earlier? Besides, wasn’t she in no position to break the contract?  

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Since reality wouldn’t change, it was better to adjust her mindset and accept it. Trying to fight against every situation required strong motivation and energy—something she lacked.  

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At that moment, a loud honk sounded. For some reason, it seemed to be directed at her. Turning her head, she saw a familiar black sedan gliding toward her before coming to a smooth stop in front of her.  

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As she hesitantly stared at the tinted window, Kang Jin-ah stepped out from the driver’s seat and gave her a once-over. There was no need for it, yet he deliberately walked around to open the backseat door for her. Feeling uncomfortable, Seul-ah climbed into the car.  

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“Good morning.”  

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Even though they were meeting at sunset for an evening exhibition, Chi-gyeom shamelessly greeted her as if it were morning. He seemed to do whatever he pleased. Instead of responding, she fastened her seatbelt, and Kang Jin-ah started the car.  

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The Euna Gallery, where the exhibition was being held, was located in Seong-dong. It was only a 15-minute drive from her home.  

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A few days ago, after hearing about it from Kwak Chi-gyeom, she had looked it up and found that Euna Gallery was the only place hosting an exhibition at this time. The event was an exclusive exhibition for VIP guests, showcasing and selling paintings by domestic artists, with the proceeds donated to children’s welfare organizations—a meaningful event with a good cause.  

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That aside, there was something else she was curious about.  

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“I heard it’s an invitation-only exhibition for VIPs. How am I supposed to get in?”  

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“By holding my hand.”  

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“…What?”  

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Chi-gyeom pulled something out of the seat pocket and handed it to her. The moment she saw the stiff, palm-sized paper, she turned to him with a startled expression.  

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“You were invited too?”  

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“So it seems.”  

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“…How?”  

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Being a gallery VIP meant he had bought quite a few artworks, but someone like him—who looked like an ordinary street punk—hardly seemed like the type to enjoy such a refined hobby. Did he steal it? Or forge an invitation?  

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As she eyed him suspiciously, he smirked and patted his pocket. Then he clicked his tongue.  

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“Ah, right, I was told not to smoke.”  

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“…….”  

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“Kang Jin-ah, this is the life I’m living. Damn, it’s miserable.”  

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Chi-gyeom casually snatched the invitation from Seul-ah’s grasp as she continued to eye him warily.  

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“I’m bringing a partner, so just stick close to me when we enter.”  

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“Is this really your invitation, Mr. Kwak Chi-gyeom?”  

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“Why? You don’t believe me?”  

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Of course, she didn’t, but since he insisted, there wasn’t much more she could say. Instead, she became slightly more curious about what exactly he did for a living.  

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Given Kang Jin-ah’s large build and Kwak Chi-gyeom’s rough appearance and speech, she had assumed he might be some kind of gangster. But if he was invited as a VIP, that meant he had a decent amount of money… Then again, he could just be a rich gangster.  

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Seul-ah glanced at his usual carelessly unbuttoned navy shirt.  

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At least he had chosen a subdued color to match the occasion, but the intricate patterns were still gaudy enough to draw even more attention to his already striking face. As her eyes traced the curving designs on his shirt, curiosity got the better of her.  

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“Mr. Kwak Chi-gyeom, what do you do for a living?”  

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“I exist while being handsome.”  

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“…….”  

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As she frowned, he twitched his eyebrows as if mimicking her expression. She decided not to bother. Whatever this man did for a living, it had nothing to do with her. Leaning back against the seat, she turned her gaze to the window.  

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The car was cutting through the bustling city.  

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***

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Stepping into the luxurious gallery building made of silver marble, Seul-ah felt a bit intimidated and cautiously looked around. The grand chandelier hanging in the lobby was particularly overwhelming. The dazzling light made her eyes feel tired, so she rubbed her eyelids to ease the strain.

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Unlike her, however, Kwak Chi-gyeom seemed perfectly at ease. With his hands stuffed into his pockets, he strode ahead without a care. Seul-ah trailed closely behind him.

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Perhaps because of his long legs, his pace was noticeably fast, forcing her to keep up with some effort. Eventually, she grew exhausted and stopped in the middle of the lobby. Sensing her presence, Chi-gyeom turned around. He clicked his tongue at her as she exhaled sharply.

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“You must find life exhausting.”

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“…Please slow down a little.”

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“Yes, yes. I’ll match your pace.”

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Only then was Seul-ah able to walk a bit more comfortably.

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A red carpet was laid out in front of the gallery, where the event was being held. A staff member stood at the entrance, checking the invitations of the guests. Chi-gyeom handed over his invitation, following the same procedure. After confirming his name on the list, the staff member smiled politely and gave them a slight bow.

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“Your name is verified, sir. You may enter.”

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Sir? 

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Surprised by the unexpected title, Seul-ah stole a glance at Chi-gyeom. However, he showed no particular reaction and simply walked inside. She pouted as she hurried to keep up with his increasingly quick steps.

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Since the event had only just begun, the gallery interior was relatively quiet. Soft classical music played in the background, preventing the space from feeling too empty. A moderate number of paintings were evenly displayed along the walls.

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Seul-ah stopped beside Chi-gyeom in front of a painting. It was a piece that depicted an old Korean alleyway, brought to life with vivid primary colors and a sense of depth.

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Feeling out of place in the unfamiliar setting, Seul-ah’s gaze wandered before landing on Chi-gyeom. He stood at an angle, scanning the artwork as if he were deeply admiring it. Watching him for a moment, she cautiously asked,

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“Mr. Kwak Chi-gyeom, do you perhaps like paintings?”

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Chi-gyeom turned his head toward her. The ceiling lights, installed for the artwork, cast deep shadows across his sharp features. His presence seemed to dim even the vibrancy of the painting.

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“Judging by the circumstances, wouldn’t you say so?”

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“…….”

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So he was a genuine VIP guest. 

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She had already suspected as much after seeing the invitation, but she still found it hard to believe. As she stared at him blankly, Chi-gyeom suddenly leaned slightly toward her.

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“I was introduced to art through nude paintings at an early age.”

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“…….”

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“They piqued my interest, so I kept looking. And the more I looked, the more I thought, oh my, is this love?”

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“…….”

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He’s seriously insufferable.

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“Please step away.”

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“Giving orders now, are we?”

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Chi-gyeom chuckled and straightened his posture again. Then, he suddenly let out a small hum and looked past Seul-ah’s shoulder.

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“He’s coming. Your husband.”

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“…….”

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Flinching, Seul-ah turned her head and spotted Seo Han-seong entering through the entrance. She instinctively shrank back.

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Seo Han-seong looked exactly like his photos. The only difference was the color of his suit. His neatly combed-back hair, composed expression, and the gentle smile he directed at the middle-aged woman beside him exuded the same warmth she had sensed in his pictures.

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“The woman with him is Seo Han-seong’s mother.”

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Seeing Seul-ah frozen in place, Chi-gyeom casually explained.

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“Han-seong isn’t interested in this kind of stuff, so he usually doesn’t attend these events. But since tomorrow is his mother’s birthday, I guess he’s here to buy her a painting as a gift.”

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“…….”

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“Follow me.”

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Before she could respond, Chi-gyeom strode forward. Flustered, Seul-ah hurried after him. Noticing the movement, Han-seong and his mother turned their heads. 

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Meeting Han-seong’s gaze, Seul-ah tensed up and hesitantly hid behind Chi-gyeom.

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“Good morning, ma’am.”

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Chi-gyeom greeted Han-seong’s mother in his usual nonchalant manner, as if they were already acquainted. The woman let out a small laugh and responded.

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“I see you’re here as well, Mr. Kwak.”

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“If I weren’t, you’d take all the best pieces for yourself.”

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“Of course. Ah, this is my son. Have you two met before?”

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At the introduction, Chi-gyeom extended his hand as if meeting him for the first time.

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“Kwak Chi-gyeom.”

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“Yes. Seo Han-seong. My mother has spoken about you often.”

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After shaking hands with Chi-gyeom, Han-seong pulled out his business card and handed it over. Then, his gaze shifted slightly, peering at the person hiding behind Chi-gyeom.

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“And the person behind you is…?”

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