Novel Translation: When the phone rings

Can someone please tell me where I can find chapter 1 to 11 because I can only see from chapter 12

THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR EFFORTS!!!!

Pen_P thanksssssss so much. Reading your translation have been an amazing journey for me… I laugh I cry… thanks again. Wish you all the best…

Warning R19+

BONUS CHAPTER 1

"Ha...ah..."

It was a sound mixed with pain and moans.

From the moment Hee-joo stepped into the run-down inn, her memories began to blur. His lips never left hers, and her clothes were stripped away in an instant.

"Ah...uh!"

Without hesitation, he took Hee-joo into his mouth. Her toes curled as his hair brushed between her legs, making her body tremble uncontrollably.

"Ha...ah..."

Her mind was a blur of red, alternating between clarity and haze. Her spirit was dazed, leaving only instinct.

"Uh...!"

Soft moans escaped from Hee-joo's lips continuously.

As his breath surged over her like a tide, she couldn't help but shed tears of longing. When she raised her hand to cover her face, her wrist was immediately grabbed and pulled away.

"Hee-joo, look at me.

"Uh..."

He completely enveloped Hee-joo beneath him, urgently entering her like a thirsty beast that had found water.

His brows furrowed, and a violent rush of pleasure surged through him.

"Mm...hah..."

He wrapped her arms around his neck and increased his pace. His movements were relentless and untiring

"Ah...!"

Each time he moved, her waist shivered uncontrollably. Soon, he clasped her face, kissing her feverishly. Even as their tongues intertwined, his furrowed brows betrayed the intensity of his passion.

"Ha...ah...uh..."

Their foreheads pressed together as they gasped for air. In moments of lost consciousness, he still licked the corners of her lips and eyes before biting her lips again, colliding their bodies.

Hee-joo's face seemed to be burning, but she couldn't escape his fiery gaze. That unyielding and deep gaze carried both cruelty and affection, sparking an inexplicable satisfaction deep within her.

For all the time he had been absent--or perhaps since much earlier, even long before--her heart had always been hollow. But now, something sticky and warm began to well up in the dried well of her heart. In this moment, as their bodies fused, Hee-joo finally felt complete.

This overwhelming happiness was a feeling she had never experienced before.

"Ah...uh!"

The sudden increase in intensity left her breathless, her vision flashing white.

"Hee-joo."

A voice, mingled with groans, came rough and strained. He clenched his teeth, his taut muscles trembling with ferocity. Even in the midst of their frantic movements, he continued to explore her mouth, growling low.

"Ah...Oppa, it's....it feels strange..."

"Hah...Hee-joo..."

"Uh...!"

"Why... why do you always appear in front of me... huh..."

Every time his wild lips bit into her flesh, her pulse throbbed painfully. Her legs, hanging over his arms, trembled as wild moans filled the cramped room.

The shaky iron bed, their bodies glistening from heat, and the old ceiling fan spinning like her chaotic thoughts created an intoxicating scene.

Hee-joo wished for this beastly moment to either end quickly or last forever.

------

"Mm..."

She struggled to open her swollen eyes.

Where is this?

Pressing her spinning head, Hee-joo slowly sat up. Bright sunlight had already poured in.

"Ah...this is the shelter, huh."

The blanket slipped slightly, sliding down her waist.

Quickly reaching to pull it back up, she was stopped by a heavy arm that caressed her exposed waist.

"...!"

This is crazy.

The scorching body heat made Hee-joo bury her face back into the pillow. It truly lasted until dawn -- and even until nightfall!

That night of unbridled passion nearly drove her to the brink of madness.

Recalling the endless moans from last night, her ears burned red. Their legs intertwined until they saw the sunrise, his arms holding up her knees. Even now, her leg muscles trembled lightly.

There were no words exchanged between them, only heated breaths and the mingling of tongues. When their eyes met, tears nearly overflowed, leaving her body marked with love.

Later, even the lightest skin contact felt electrifying, and her legs refused to close. Thinking about this made her ears flush hot once more.

"Ah...!"

"Did you sleep well?"

The man opened his eyes, lightly biting Hee-joo's ear as he asked. Turning to face him, the events of last night became even clearer.

His piercing gaze, muscular waist, and firm figure...ah...how embarrassing.

Hee-joo buried her face into the pillow once again as a low, breezy laugh brushed past her ears.

"You were so clingy last night, but silent today, Hee-joo."

"...!"

"That's kind of sad."

Propping himself up on one elbow, he gazed down at her.

But when Hee-joo noticed the bloodstains on his broad shoulders, she realized she had overlooked something.

"Ah, your back...!"

She cried out in alarm.

Last night, after falling into the river and shielding her from the car window, his back had been left covered in wounds. Neither of them cared to address it as they spiraled into a frenzy.

Hee Joo's face turned pale, oblivious to the slipping blanket, as she hurriedly grabbed him.

"We need to treat your back immediately!"

Baek Sa Eon let her drag him along casually picking up clothes from the floor to drape over Hee-joo.

"No matter how urgent, you shouldn't walk around naked."

"What?"

He firmly grabbed Hee-joo's round buttocks with a sigh. His warm breath slid down the back of her neck, a familiar sensation by now.

Hee-joo immediately pushed away his hand exploring beneath her clothes and quickly turned on the bathroom light.

The light flickered before finally illuminating the room with a butcher-like red glow.

"I'll help you."

"No need. You can go out."

Standing in front of the rundown sink, he skillfully picked up the tools scattered around.

Baek Sa-eon heated scissors with a lighter and tore open an alcohol swab. Unable to bear watching anymore, Hee-joo rolled up her sleeves.

"How can you treat wounds on your back yourself? You can't even see back there...! It's not just scratches, there's glass embedded deeply too!"

Stubbornly, she stepped into the bathroom, taking the tweezers and clamps from him. The cold metal handles sent a shiver down her spine.

Baek Sa-eon sighed helplessly and obediently stood in front of the sink. Hee-joo began removing the glass shards from his back, piece by piece.

Every time her hand pressed against his muscular back, his shoulder blades twitched involuntarily. More than the pain of having glass removed, Baek Sa-eon was focused on the feel of her breath brushing against his skin.

"Does it hurt?" Hee-joo paused to ask.

"It only hurts when you press hard Hee-joo."

"...!"

Understanding the hidden meaning behind his words, Hee-joo poured disinfectant over his bleeding skin.

"Ugh..."

The man quickly bit down on a cigarette.

Every time Hee-joo extracted a shard he bit harder on the filter, letting out uncomfortable groans.

"You need to go to the hospital again."

After finishing the simple treatment, Hee-joo wiped the sweat from her forehead.

Looking at the blood-stained gauze on the floor, she felt her breath tighten even further in the stifling air.

But Baek Sa-eon only bit down on the filter without responding.

Hee-joo stared at him quietly. Like a strict teacher, she snatched the cigarette from his mouth and bit down on it herself-a rather impulsive move.

"You...!"

Baek Sa-eon froze for a moment and reached for the cigarette, but the lighter had already ignited it.

The end of the filter flared with a bright red spark. In an instant, a rough hand snatched the cigarette from her. She coughed harshly, struggling with the unfamiliar sensation.

"What are you doing?!"

He crushed the cigarette against the cracked tile wall.

Then, irritably, he opened the tiny bathroom window, letting the stale air escape.

"I just wanted to taste it."

"What?"

"Since you're always biting it, I wanted to try too."

"..."

"From now on, l'II smoke too."

Baek Sa-eon let out a cold laugh, but the furrow in his brow twitched in anger.

He lowered his head, rubbing his neck, before suddenly grabbing Hee-joo's cheeks with one hand.

"Hong Hee-joo."

His voice carried a threatening tone. Though it was intimidating, Hee-joo, with her lips puckered like a goldfish, continued to speak.

"Smoking too much... will slow down sperm motility."

To be continued...

Warning R19+ 

BONUS CHAPTER 2

“Don't you care about your health?"

He pinched her soft cheeks, then reluctantly let go.

“...Alright, it's my fault. I’ll quit smoking.”

Baek Sa-eon rubbed his face, which had been stern just moments ago, and spoke softly. His voice of surrender carried no sharpness.

“But this is the last time." He suddenly scooped Hee-joo into his arms.

“...!”

Instead of lowering his head, he pulled her up so their eyes were level, capturing her lips in a kiss.

“Mm…”

He took away every trace of bitterness lingering in her mouth.

Wrapping his lips around her vulnerable tongue, he kissed her with persistence, making Hee-joo feel as if she were being cleansed.

Even standing still, sweat trickled down in the sweltering heat, and the old exhaust fan buzzed faintly.

In this dirty, rundown place, she shared a smoke-tinged kiss with this man.

Half a year ago, she could never have imagined such a future.

"Ha…”

He was even more insistent than she had expected, his tongue delving deep into her mouth, heat radiating from his entire body.

He opened his jaw, seemingly intent on devouring her, gently nibbling as flames of desire ignited in an instant.

His teeth grazed her upper lip as their moist tongues intertwined, the tiny bumps on their surfaces pressing against each other.

In the brief moments they separated faint wisps of smoke escaped between their lips. Baek Sa-eon frowned in dissatisfaction.

“Don't ever play around like that again. It's really bad for kids' lungs.”

Once again, he was treating her like an immature child.

Frustrated, Hee-joo pushed his shoulder. She thought she had used a lot of force, but he didn't budge an inch.

“I'm an adult now! How can you say that?"

Baek Sa-eon chuckled and tousled her hair roughly.

“Because you're precious to me, and I can't bear to lose you.”

“...!”

He hugged her tightly, burying his face in her neck, as if unwilling to leave even the smallest gap between them.

“I'm sorry. Hee-joo.”

"Hmm?”

"I was so focused on keeping you by my side that I ignored how you felt.”

“...!”

"I thought having you was enough. After all, I only knew how to possess and control things that were never really mine.”

“Oppa…”

“But now, I regret it–treating you like a decorative fish in a tank all these years.”

Hee-joo's nose tingled as she pressed her lips together.

"I never thought about how lonely or hurt you might be.”

“...”

"I always believed our marriage was fine. As long as I could come home after work and lose myself in your tranquility, I felt content.”

“...”

“I loved the scent of you in the house, the marks you left on the sofa."

“...”

“Because of you, the house became peaceful and comfortable. Only at home could my exhaustion fade away.”

Hee-joo simply blinked, her trembling eyelashes fluttering.

“So I assumed we could live like this forever.”

He brushed his damp lips lightly against her pale neck.

“Until I got the call from 406.”

“...!”

"When that illusion shattered, all I could think about was you."

He raised his head to meet Hee-joo’s eyes.

"You're my breath, Hong Hee-joo.”

“Ugh..”.

Hee-joo bit her lip, trying to suppress the surge of emotions in her chest.

"You're the water that drowns me.”

His lips brushed hers again, their soft surfaces pressing together, grazing her fragile inner membrane.

Baek Sa-eon could never forget the riverside at the fishing grounds that changed his fate. Yet, he also longed to immerse himself in the sign language and small fish tank of the girl who was as delicate as a droplet of water.

"I should have reached out sooner, should have touched and held you like this earlier.”

With the walls of his defenses gone, what remained was just an awkward man experiencing love for the first time. Stripped of his name and wealth, he seemed oddly at ease as a man laid bare.

“I want you to give me a new name.”

“...!”

Hee-joo was stunned by this unexpected request. She pointed to her own chest.

"M-me?"

"Who else?"

"Maybe a famous naming studio or some elder skilled in Chinese characters…”

"I don't like that.”

He rejected the suggestion firmly.

“I want it to come from you because I want to be reborn through Hong Hee-joo's voice.”

Her heart sank deeply.

His deep, unwavering gaze was fixed on her.

—--

Afterward, she fell ill.

She had once fallen into a river, endured countless entanglements, and her body had become utterly exhausted.

Her muscles ached unbearably, some places hurt too much to describe, and for a time, she could barely move.

She only left the bed for meals and bathroom breaks, spending the rest of her time under the covers.

But being tightly held by the man who had found her again, even in a foreign land, wasn't a bad thing. Even as she struggled to breathe during a fever, she often smiled.

"How ridiculous.”

Though he always scolded her immediately, Hee-joo liked how he tucked her into his arms like a child and wiped the sweat from her forehead with his hand.

“Oppa, when did you start liking me?"

Hee-joo gasped, looking at him. Perhaps due to her fever-clouded mind, the words slipped out inadvertently.

Baek Sa-eon’s lips twitched into a faint, bitter smile.

“It's amazing how Hong Hee-joo still chatters away like this. Has her personality changed?"

"I don't feel shy at all."

Hee-joo shrugged.

"That's why I dared to threaten you and even played phone sex with you.”

“...!”

She said it clearly with her sweet voice and his gaze instantly turned sharp.

“I'm the type of person who, when cornered, will persist even if clumsy.”

“...”

"I really, really like you.”

She smiled, nuzzling her nose against his chest.

Baek Sa-eon sighed but didn't look annoyed. Instead, his reddened face betrayed his rapid thoughts.

"While I'm glad you're speaking so freely, could you be a bit gentler?"

"What?"

"Every word you say makes my blood boil."

Hee-joo widened her eyes as he slowly raised a brow.

"I’m hard now.”

“...!”

"So...what are you going to do about it?"

Baek Sa-eon was already pressing his heated body against hers again.

Hee-joo's face turned red to her ears as she fanned herself with her hands. Suddenly, a thought struck her, and she asked in a quiet voice.

“But… why did you pretend not to know everything, even when you did?"

"What?"

He raised an eyebrow as if her question puzzled him. Hee-joo hummed softly, closing her eyes before opening them again.

"You knew all along that 406 was me, so why pretend otherwise? You knew from the start…”

She groaned, covering her face with her hands, her ears burning cherry red.

Baek Sa-eon bit her earlobe, playing with it for a while before replying.

"So I could talk to you a bit longer.”

“...”

"To hear Hong Hee-joo's precious voice, I…”

He paused, sighing. Both of them finally realized just how far they had gone because of a phone call.

"Do you know how disappointed I was? thought you were someone playing with others behind my back!”

"Did you think I'd abandon Hong Hee-joo to mess around with 406?"

"What…”

He lowered his head, gently smoothing her furrowed brow with his hand.

"I shamelessly clung to my phone for you, hoping to hear your voice.”

“...!”

"If your call was even slightly late, I'd get so anxious, wondering if something had happened. I never thought I'd end up like Pavlov's dog, just waiting for 406's call."

Hee-joo finally began to understand his actions, which she had once judged so harshly.

What she had seen as emotional infidelity was, in truth, his attachment to her. This sweet dependency made her heart race

“Then…what should we do now?"

"What do you want to do?"

The question she struggled to ask was thrown back at her. For them, who had left their homeland, the future promised to be vastly different from the sheltered life they once had.

In the chaos of a foreign land, where innocent people perished and life hung by a thread–

“No matter where, I’ll be with you."

“...!”

He frowned briefly, then suddenly grabbed the back of her head and kissed her.

Their rapid breaths intertwined, tongues tangled in the heat of passion. Their

lips pressed and parted, noses brushing. As their upper bodies rose and fell with soft moans, their breaths were sticky and sweet.

Then, their damp lips separated, and he suddenly said:

"Let's go back to Korea.”

"Huh? What?"

"I don't want you living a life of exile with me forever.”

“...!”

“Don't live like a fugitive for my sake, and don't think about enduring hardships.”

“...”

“So, let's go home.”

Her confusion lingered for only a moment–

"Marry me, Hee-joo.”

“I must reclaim my place.”

The world around her blurred, and Hee-joo could barely hear anything. Yet, she lunged toward him, throwing her arms tightly around his neck.

He easily caught her weight and laughed. It was unclear who laughed first.

The sound of the sheets was particularly loud in the quiet night. Hee-joo willingly sank into the bliss, giving herself to him completely.

And so, they once again found themselves lost in a time where they couldn't leave the bed.

To be continued...

thanks both of you

btw can anyone tell me how the novel ends?

i want to start it but i want to know some spoiler first so i don't regret reading it 

Taking on the next chapter while @strawberrylotus is taking a break:) 

BONUS CHAPTER 3

Bang, bang, bang—!
The couple, who had been lazily tangled up under the blankets, was startled awake by the loud noise.

Bang, bang—!
Someone was pounding roughly on the door late in the evening.

Acting on instinct, Heeju froze, while Baek Saeon swallowed a curse and glared into the empty space as if to vent his frustration.

He grabbed a pair of sweatpants haphazardly draped over an armchair and pulled them on without even putting on underwear, then headed outside.

“…Big… trouble… the situation doesn’t look good…”

As soon as he left, a cold draft swept into the empty space beside her.

Realizing the situation, Heeju hurriedly gathered the scattered pieces of clothing and dressed herself in a panic.

Moments later, Baek Saeon returned to the bedroom, his familiar voice trailing behind him.

“You put it on inside out.”

The man caught Heeju’s flustered hands, straightening her clothing properly.

From outside, urgent footsteps could be heard, as if rushing Baek Saeon. But he remained completely composed, showing not a hint of haste.

Feeling strangely nervous, Heeju glanced anxiously toward the door.

Urgent footsteps outside seemed to press Baek Saeon to hurry, but he remained as composed as ever. Nervously, Heeju glanced at the door.

“Shouldn’t you go out quickly?”
“It’s fine.”

“Fine, you say…” Heeju pouted her lips.
“Don’t rush to get dressed like that.”
“What?”
“You look like you’re about to run barefoot to the veranda. I hate that.”
“…!”
“I won’t hide you, ever,” he added, firmly holding Heeju’s face and stroking her cheek.
“Come out slowly.”

As Baek Saeon casually stepped out, the government soldiers, who had been urgently calling for him, were now airing out the room by opening windows and letting in fresh air.

Their actions were almost laughable.
Who barges into a married couple’s house in the middle of the night, only to act as if they’re tidying up? Baek Saeon crossed his arms quietly.

“Why have you come all the way here, despite being so busy?”

Baek Saeon had already become a target of the rebels and couldn’t return to public places, forcing him to stay in a safe house.
Any information he had gathered while negotiating with the rebels for the past six months had likely already been handed over to the chairman standing before him. It was puzzling why they had come to see him in person.

“How long do you plan to stay hidden?”
The chairman signed the question in sign language, which was interpreted for him.

Baek Saeon leaned lazily against a chair and replied,

“As promised, please ensure my protection until I leave the country. When the foreign journalists leave, I plan to take my wife with me to England.”

“Hm…”
The chairman rubbed his chin with an ambiguous expression, prompting Baek Saeon to narrow his eyes.

“Did you disturb my night just to ask about my schedule?”

“Well… something has come up.”
The man let out a sigh, his expression twisting faintly.

“Employees of the Korean trade company in Argan have been kidnapped. The government is contacting us about it.”

“And?”

His indifferent expression was as unreadable as a mask.

“It’s strange. The Korean government says they’ll send diplomats and intelligence agents, but…”
The chairman’s lips twitched as he observed Baek Saeon.

“Why has communication suddenly been cut off, and why have all routes to the abduction site been blocked?”

“For the record, it’s not me. So please stop pretending to be innocent in front of an old man.”

As if waiting for this, Baek Saeon smirked. Despite his smiling lips curling upward like a pen-stroke, his sharp gaze couldn’t be concealed.

His eyes briefly flicked toward the door where Heeju was, then looked away.

“I now have a reason to return to Korea. I plan to put the Korean government in debt.”

“What a snake of a man…”

“I also need to prepare for my wedding.”

The chairman turned his gaze, seemingly disgusted, as if he had seen something unpleasant despite Baek Saeon’s self-satisfied grin.

*** *** ***

Under very exceptional circumstances, prosecutors in Korea could file a birth registration for an adult.

To gain access to this privilege, Baek Saeon planned to make a deal with the Korean government, and this kidnapping incident came at a very opportune time.

If he were alone, it wouldn’t matter where in the world he wandered. But after watching Heeju struggle for days, he changed his mind.

Hong Heeju deserved to live comfortably. In a familiar place, in waters she had already adjusted to.

Even if it meant he had to re-embrace the filth he had once discarded, he was determined to bring her back to Korea with him.

“(Breaking news) Identity of Trade Company Employees Under Investigation.”
“Armed Rebel Forces Kidnap Koreans, National Crisis Declared!”
“Trade Industry Calls for Urgent Measures Amid Kidnapping News.”

Heeju scrolled through the internet articles, her expression growing graver with every update.

Reading the real-time articles, she could more or less guess what he was up to.

Currently, Heeju was under the protection of a bodyguard disguised as a BBC reporter, filling in for Baek Saeon, who had been gone for two days.

The helplessness of her situation left her feeling despondent; at first, even drinking water was difficult.

Was he serious about going back to Korea?

Living in a place where, on paper, she was already considered dead?

The weight of his words finally began to sink in.

“Heeju!”

At the sound of a familiar voice, the anxiety etched on her face instantly disappeared.

Standing at the entrance of the Vivienne Special Care Facility, Heeju beamed at the sight of the director rushing toward her.

‘While he’s out, I’ll get moving too.’

She had decided to wrap up her life in Argan, which had been far from short.

“Director, how have you been? Are you hurt anywhere?”

Heeju had come to properly say goodbye to the director and the children she had to leave abruptly.

Trailing behind her was a bodyguard from the information brokerage company that Baek Saeon had helped set up with multinational journalists.

“Heeju, where on earth have you been all this time?! Your face has become so gaunt!”

Heeju couldn’t lift her head. Her body was still sore all over, and she could only massage the back of her reddened neck.

“Did they mistreat you?”

“Did those rebel bastards starve you and make you work?”

“No, no, not at all.”

“Not at all? You look like you haven’t slept a wink!”

Heeju couldn’t deny it entirely and just fanned her hands aimlessly.

Before long, she looked at the children playing in the yard and finally opened her mouth.

Even in this moment, his absence felt like an aching void. That gruff tenderness, reserved only for her, pierced her heart with longing so intense it made her nose sting.

“Director, I think I need to leave.”

“To Korea,” she added softly.

The director gasped audibly.

“Don’t tell me… you’ve found him?”

The director, well aware of why Heeju had flown all the way to Argan, stared at her with trembling vocal cords. This person, who had always brought her news of a handsome Asian man and watched Heeju grow despondent with each lead, now seemed on the verge of tears.

“Have you found your fiancé?”

At that, Heeju gave a faint smile. How lucky she felt to finally be able to say this.

“I found him.”

Her voice, though shy, carried a hint of pride.

The director could only nod, grasping Heeju’s hands tightly.

Afterward, Heeju crouched to the children’s eye level, bidding each of them farewell in sign language. Some cried, some clung to her, reluctant to let go.

But soon, they were off playing in the yard again, their laughter ringing out, when suddenly, the rumble of a rough engine announced the arrival of a jeep outside the facility.

“…”

The car door opened, and the sight of long legs stepping out made Heeju’s heart race wildly.

The cold eyes, indifferent to their surroundings, immediately locked on her.

She knew all too well how those frosty eyes could smolder and burn with intensity, to the point it made her stomach flutter with familiar heat.

“That man…!”

The director, who had been standing next to her, immediately recognized the stranger.

“My goodness… Heeju, your standards are on another level!” the director muttered to herself, covering her mouth in shock.

Was the issue he had gone to resolve taken care of? Was he hurt? Heeju’s heels were already lifting with anticipation.

Their eyes met from afar, and as Heeju moved to run toward him, an old, worn-out ball rolled to his feet.

His gaze, which had been fixed solely on Heeju, shifted downward for a moment.

“…”

“…”

A little girl, dusty and timid, looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes. She shrank back under the weight of his cold expression.

As Heeju tried to awkwardly explain the situation, he suddenly lifted the child into his arms without a word.

“…!”

“…!”

It wasn’t just Heeju who was startled. The little girl, taken aback by her sudden elevation, blinked her large eyes in surprise.

Though his brow was slightly furrowed, he held her gently, as if accustomed to the act.

The corners of his lips, which had been so stiff, softened into a smile.

Under the setting sun, the sight of him holding the child and smiling was surreal.

Heeju froze, unable to move as she stared at the scene. Her thoughts momentarily scattered, her legs refusing to take another step.

It felt strangely familiar, the way he interacted with the child.

At that moment, the bodyguard, who had been quietly shadowing her, let out a faint, curious sound.

Baek Saeon, still holding the little girl, slowly walked toward Heeju. His eyes locked onto hers, and though his expression remained calm, there was a quiet intensity that seemed to pull her in.

“Why are you just standing there?” he asked softly.

Heeju finally shook herself out of her daze, taking a step forward. Her lips parted, but no words came out.

The little girl in his arms tugged at his sleeve, her tiny voice trembling.
“Are you… her prince?”

Baek Saeon chuckled faintly, his sharp features softening as he glanced down at the girl. “Prince?”

The girl nodded shyly, her round eyes darting between him and Heeju.

Heeju flushed, stammering, “W-what are you even saying?”

Baek Saeon smirked and set the child down gently. “I’m no prince,” he said, brushing a speck of dust from her shoulder. “But if you think I am, then make sure to treat me well when you grow up.”

The little girl’s cheeks turned pink as she giggled and ran off toward the other children.

Heeju took another step forward, her voice trembling slightly. “Are you okay? Did everything go well? Are you hurt?”

Baek Saeon tilted his head, studying her for a moment before answering. “I’m fine. Everything’s taken care of.”

“Really?”

He nodded, but his gaze darkened slightly as he glanced toward the bodyguard trailing behind her. “You’ve been under their protection, right? They didn’t give you any trouble?”

Heeju shook her head quickly. “No, they’ve been helpful.”

Baek Saeon didn’t seem entirely convinced, but he let it slide, focusing his attention back on her. “We’ll leave soon. Start saying your goodbyes.”

Her chest tightened at his words. This was it. She really was going back to Korea with him.

“Okay,” she whispered.

But before she could turn to go, he reached out, his hand lightly brushing her cheek. She froze at his touch, her eyes searching his.

“You look tired,” he said quietly, his voice softer than she expected.

“I’m fine,” she murmured, though her voice betrayed her exhaustion.

His thumb brushed against her cheekbone briefly before he stepped back, his usual stoicism returning. “Good. Then let’s not waste any more time.”

Back at the jeep, the children gathered to wave goodbye, their laughter echoing as the sun dipped below the horizon.

Heeju climbed into the passenger seat, glancing back one last time at the director and the children. A lump formed in her throat, but she swallowed it down, knowing she had made the right decision.

As the jeep roared to life and pulled away from the facility, Baek Saeon’s hand rested on the steering wheel, his other hand casually draped over the armrest.

The silence between them was comfortable, but Heeju couldn’t shake the strange sense of finality.

“Do you think…” she began, her voice hesitant.

“Hm?”

“Do you think we’ll be okay? In Korea, I mean.”

He didn’t answer right away, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. When he finally spoke, his voice was firm.

“We’ll be fine. I’ll make sure of it.”

His confidence should have reassured her, but a part of her couldn’t help but worry. Still, she nodded, trusting him.

The jeep sped through the empty roads, the distant horizon stretching out before them.

As the jeep rumbled along the road, the distant city lights began to flicker into view, painting the horizon with a faint glow. Heeju leaned her head against the window, her reflection staring back at her in the glass.

Baek Saeon’s unwavering focus on the road gave her some sense of stability, but her thoughts were still scattered. The decision to return to Korea felt monumental, and the weight of what awaited them there pressed down on her.

“What’s on your mind?” Baek Saeon asked, breaking the silence.

She hesitated before answering, “I’m just… nervous. It’s been so long since I’ve even thought about going back.”

Baek Saeon glanced at her briefly, his expression unreadable. “There’s nothing to worry about. You’re not going back alone.”

His words were simple but carried a weight that made her chest tighten. She looked at him, searching for any cracks in his calm demeanor, but as always, he seemed unshakable.

“And what about you?” she asked softly. “How do you feel about going back?”

He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he let the question hang in the air, the hum of the engine filling the void. Finally, he said, “It’s not about how I feel. It’s about what needs to be done.”

Heeju frowned. “You always say things like that. Do you ever think about yourself?”

He let out a quiet chuckle, a rare sound that caught her off guard. “I do. That’s why I’m here with you.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she turned her gaze back to the window, unsure how to respond.

The journey back to their safe house was uneventful, and the tension that had been building between them began to settle. When they finally arrived, the bodyguard opened the gate, and Baek Saeon parked the jeep in the driveway.

As they stepped inside, Heeju was immediately struck by the silence of the house. It felt empty, almost eerie, despite the safety it was meant to provide.

“I’ll prepare something to eat,” she said, trying to shake off the unease.

“You don’t have to,” Baek Saeon replied, shrugging off his jacket. “You should rest.”

“I’m not tired,” she lied, heading toward the kitchen.

He watched her for a moment, his gaze softening. “Heeju.”

She paused, turning back to him.

“Thank you,” he said simply.

She blinked, surprised. “For what?”

“For trusting me,” he said.

Her lips parted, but no words came out. Instead, she nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Later that night, as Heeju lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind replayed everything that had happened over the past few days. The decision to leave Argan, the chaotic events leading up to it, and the look in Baek Saeon’s eyes when he said he wouldn’t hide her—it all swirled together in her thoughts.

She turned her head, glancing at Baek Saeon, who sat at the edge of the bed, his back to her as he sorted through a stack of documents.

“Do you ever regret it?” she asked suddenly.

“Regret what?” he replied without turning around.

“Everything. Leaving behind your old life, getting involved with me…”

He paused, setting the papers down before turning to face her. His expression was serious, his eyes meeting hers.

“I don’t regret anything,” he said firmly. “Not when it comes to you.”

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, and she felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes.

“Baek Saeon…”

He leaned forward, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Get some sleep. We have a long road ahead of us.”

She nodded, her chest swelling with a mixture of emotions she couldn’t quite put into words.

As he returned to his work, Heeju closed her eyes, the sound of his steady breathing lulling her into a peaceful sleep.

The next morning arrived quietly, the soft glow of dawn seeping through the windows. Heeju woke to the faint rustling of papers. She turned her head to see Baek Saeon already dressed, sitting at the small dining table, poring over what looked like detailed plans.

“You’re up early,” she murmured, her voice still groggy.

He looked up briefly, offering her a faint smile. “Couldn’t sleep much. There’s a lot to prepare.”

She sat up, wrapping the blanket around her shoulders. “For what?”

“For our return,” he replied matter-of-factly.

Her chest tightened. Despite his calm demeanor, she could see the weight of responsibility pressing down on him.

“Do you think we’ll really be safe there?” she asked, her voice hesitant.

Baek Saeon leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady. “Safe is a relative term, Heeju. But I’ll make sure no one lays a hand on you. That’s all that matters.”

His unwavering confidence was both comforting and unnerving. She nodded slowly, trusting him despite the uncertainty that lay ahead.

By midday, the house was abuzz with activity. The bodyguards were coordinating with contacts, ensuring their exit route was secure. Heeju found herself packing the few belongings she had accumulated in Argan, her heart heavy with bittersweet memories.

As she folded a worn scarf, she paused, her mind drifting to the children at the care facility. She would miss their laughter, their innocent questions, and their boundless energy. But deep down, she knew this was the right decision.

Baek Saeon appeared in the doorway, his presence grounding her. “Ready?”

She turned to him, offering a small smile. “Almost.”

He stepped inside, his sharp gaze softening as it landed on her. “We’ll come back one day, if you want.”

Her eyes widened. “Really?”

He nodded. “If it’s what you want, we will.”

Her chest swelled with emotion, and she found herself blinking back tears. “Thank you.”

The drive to the airport was tense but uneventful. As they approached the private hangar, Heeju couldn’t help but glance over her shoulder, as if expecting someone to stop them.

“Relax,” Baek Saeon said, his tone calm. “We’re almost there.”

She nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

The plane was already waiting for them, its engines humming softly. As they boarded, Heeju felt a strange mix of relief and apprehension.

Once seated, she turned to Baek Saeon. “What happens when we get to Korea?”

He leaned back in his seat, his expression unreadable. “We’ll deal with it, step by step.”

She frowned. “That’s not very reassuring.”

He smirked. “You’ll see. I have a plan.”

She wanted to press him further, but the exhaustion from the past few days was catching up to her. Instead, she rested her head against the window, letting the steady hum of the plane lull her into a light sleep.

When they landed in Korea, the air felt colder, sharper, and more foreign than Heeju remembered. Despite being her homeland, it felt like stepping into an entirely new world.

Baek Saeon took her hand as they exited the plane, his grip firm and reassuring. “Stay close,” he said, his voice low.

She nodded, her heart pounding as they moved through the private terminal.

Waiting for them was a sleek black car with tinted windows. The driver opened the door for them without a word, and they slipped inside.

As the car pulled onto the highway, Heeju turned to Baek Saeon. “Where are we going?”

“To a safe house,” he replied. “We’ll stay there until things settle down.”

She bit her lip, trying to quell the unease bubbling in her chest. “And then?”

He glanced at her, his gaze steady. “And then we’ll start over. Together.”

His words were simple, but they carried a promise that made her chest tighten. She nodded, leaning her head against his shoulder as the city skyline came into view.

The days that followed were a whirlwind of planning and negotiations. Baek Saeon moved with precision, leveraging his connections to secure their safety and pave the way for a new life.

Heeju watched him work, marveling at his ability to navigate the complexities of their situation with such ease. But more than that, she admired the quiet strength he carried, the unwavering determination to protect her at all costs.

Despite the challenges, they found moments of peace. Late at night, when the city was quiet, they would sit together, talking about their dreams and fears. It was in those moments that Heeju felt the weight of their journey lift, replaced by a sense of hope for the future.

Months later, as they stood on the balcony of their new home, overlooking the bustling streets of Seoul, Heeju turned to Baek Saeon.

“Do you ever think about Argan?” she asked softly.

He nodded. “Sometimes. But this is where we’re meant to be.”

She smiled, leaning into him. “I think so too.”

As the sun set over the city, casting a warm glow over the horizon, Heeju felt a sense of contentment she hadn’t known in years.

Together, they had faced the unknown and come out stronger. And as they stood there, hand in hand, she knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

 FlynnRyder:

Hi! thank you for the translation... May I ask how many more bonus chapters are there? 

10