How to Have a Baby Secretly-Chapter 26

His voice, strangely soft and conciliatory, caught Sunwoo off guard. He didn’t even have time to process the change in Kang Jinwook’s demeanor, as the unexpected words completely threw him off balance.

This content is taken from fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm.

An apology? From Kang Jinwook? Was that even possible?

“W-why are you… apologizing? And what do you mean by responsibility? I never said anything about that!”

Flustered, Sunwoo stammered his response, his words tripping over themselves.

“You said it before you collapsed. You said I should take responsibility because you’re unwell. So, I’ll do it. One month of regular habits, healthy meals, and you’ll get better. After that, you can do whatever you want.”

That’s what the original Sunwoo had said. Damn it all!

Sunwoo clamped his mouth shut, deciding against claiming he didn’t remember. Kang Jinwook’s gaze, calm and focused, was locked on him.

“This isn’t an order from your boss. It’s a request from someone who’s… promised to marry you, at least on paper.”

What the hell? Why was Kang Jinwook suddenly acting so unlike himself? Sunwoo stared at him, feeling completely thrown off by the shift in his attitude.

‘It’s probably because of his mother, isn’t it?’

The infamous story of Kang Jinwook’s mother, who had raised him with unconditional love despite his differences from others. The woman, who had kept her illness hidden from him and passed away, had considered him her only solace during her unhappy marriage. If Kang Jinwook was projecting that memory onto Sunwoo, maybe it made sense.

‘No, that’s not it. It can’t be.’

Even if it explained things, it didn’t justify them. Besides, Sunwoo had always been weak when it came to anything related to family, especially mothers.

His own mother had been the only family he had, a woman who had worked herself to the bone before passing away.

“…One week. Give me one week to think about it.”

In the end, Sunwoo left some room for negotiation. Kang Jinwook frowned briefly but then slowly nodded. He, too, knew when to step back and give time for consideration.

“Fine. Take your time.”

“Then I’ll contact you in a week. Until then, don’t come looking for me or following me.”

“Who’s following you?”

Kang Jinwook, who had been trying to appear composed, looked genuinely offended.

Who else but you, the person who followed me all the way to the countryside?

Sunwoo wanted to retort, but seeing Kang Jinwook avert his gaze as if he’d just realized it himself, he let it slide. Surprisingly, there was something almost endearing about the way Kang Jinwook acted at times.

Sure, he was demanding and infuriatingly stubborn like a brick wall, but still…

‘Wait, what am I thinking? Who cares about that?’

Sunwoo let out a short sigh at his own thoughts.

“In that case, I’ll leave my luggage here for now,” Sunwoo said.

Hearing this, Kang Jinwook’s expression softened slightly.

“…Fine.”

Sunwoo glanced up at Kang Jinwook, who was acting uncharacteristically subdued, and couldn’t help but let out a small laugh before leaving the study. He asked Butler Baek to take care of a small suitcase, then returned to the guestroom.

Inside, Sunwoo found his two large suitcases, which Kang Jinwook had confiscated earlier, neatly placed in the corner of the dressing room.

Opening one of the suitcases, he began to sort through the contents. Despite the haphazard packing, it wasn’t difficult to find what he needed.

While waiting for Butler Baek to bring his smaller suitcase, Sunwoo idly fiddled with his phone. A thought struck him, prompting him to open his messaging app.

[Teacher, I’d like to meet you today if possible. Would that be alright?]

[Of course! Come anytime. I’ll be waiting.]

[Okay, I should arrive in about 30 minutes.]

[Great. See you then.]

Knock, knock.

Just as he closed the app, there was a knock at the door.

“Yes, one moment.”

Assuming it was Butler Baek, Sunwoo opened the door only to freeze upon seeing Kang Jinwook standing there.

“What is it?”

His tone came out sharp without him meaning to. Kang Jinwook, who had briefly frowned, smoothed his expression and replied calmly.

“Your suitcase.”

Kang Jinwook dragged a 24-inch suitcase up to Sunwoo and placed it in front of him.

“Oh…”

“I won’t ask where you’re going. But don’t forget to contact me in the morning and before bed. Also, send me pictures of your meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”

Sunwoo stared up at Kang Jinwook, bewildered. Was this man seriously nagging him like a parent sending their child off on a trip?

And why was he so genuinely concerned about someone else’s meals?

“Liar,” Kang Jinwook said matter-of-factly, his tone calm but his words sharp enough to provoke Sunwoo.

“What?!”

Sunwoo’s face twisted in outrage, but before he could fully voice his complaint, Kang Jinwook interrupted him.

“You said you were terminally ill, then claimed it was a stomach ulcer. Now you’re saying you have amnesia. With so many lies, how can I believe it wasn’t a suicide attempt?”

“It’s a misunderstanding!” Sunwoo retorted.

He had simply been watching the sunrise and making some resolutions!

Sunwoo gripped the suitcase handle tightly, glaring at Kang Jinwook. But then he flinched.

Just like in the study earlier, Kang Jinwook’s expression was strange. He looked genuinely worried, as though he truly cared.

‘This is so weird. Really, really weird!’

If someone could just explain why Kang Jinwook was acting like this, Sunwoo would be grateful. Was it because of their supposed engagement? No way. Kang Jinwook didn’t seem like someone who cared about such things.

“Choi Sunwoo. Answer me.”

“…Fine.”

Sunwoo reluctantly agreed. If he refused, he knew Kang Jinwook wouldn’t let him leave. Worse, if he didn’t do as instructed, Kang Jinwook might show up unannounced. That was just the kind of person he was.

Kang Jinwook pulled out his wallet and handed over a card. It was a sleek, black card with no spending limit. The kind Sunwoo had only ever read about in novels.

“What’s this?” Sunwoo asked.

“Use it for whatever you need. Don’t worry about the amount.”

Kang Jinwook spoke casually, as if it were no big deal.

“….”

Why? Sunwoo stared blankly at the card in his hand, overwhelmed. But Kang Jinwook placed it firmly in his grasp.

“Pack your things. I’ve already instructed the driver. Just tell him where you want to go.”

“…Alright.”

Sunwoo nodded quietly. Kang Jinwook stood still for a moment, watching him, before turning and leaving the room.

+++++

Thirty minutes later, Kang Jinwook stood by the study window, his gaze fixed on the scenery outside. Secretary Gwak approached him quietly from behind.

"Choi Sunwoo just left."

Kang Jinwook didn’t respond. But Secretary Gwak knew exactly what he wanted.

"I’ve assigned two guards to follow him discreetly."

"Make sure they’re careful not to be noticed."

Secretary Gwak didn’t bother saying anything like “trust me” or “don’t worry.” The guards he had chosen were not only highly skilled at protecting their target but also excellent trackers known for delivering swift, precise reports.

"Understood."

Even after Secretary Gwak stepped back, Kang Jinwook continued staring out the window for a long time. By now, the car carrying Choi Sunwoo had descended the hill and disappeared completely.

But Kang Jinwook’s mind was filled with thoughts of Sunwoo, who had dared to stand up to him with such audacity.

‘He’s got some nerve.’

The Sunwoo of the past would never have done something like that. If anything, he would have either laughed it off or ignored him altogether.

‘Is it really amnesia?’

Kang Jinwook tilted his head slightly. If it wasn’t, he couldn’t begin to understand Sunwoo’s behavior. The more Sunwoo acted out of character, the more Kang Jinwook found himself unable to look away.

“No, it’s because of my mother. It has nothing to do with Sunwoo…”

As if denying his own thoughts, Kang Jinwook shook his head. Yes, that was it. It wasn’t that he was interested in Sunwoo—it was all because of his late mother, who had suffered in silence and passed away.

At that moment, something buried deep in his memories clawed its way to the surface, piercing his heart like a sharp needle.

Kang Jinwook’s face twisted into a grimace as he abruptly turned away, as though trying to escape whatever it was stirring within him.