Chapter 3 — Late Bloomer (Part 1) (3)

About a week before Chuseok, on a Sunday, David Han was home alone when his cousin's wife, Grace Han, stopped by.

"Oh? Hello, Mr. Han. What brings you here?"

"I brought in some fresh dried fish and Hanwoo beef—my parents said to give it to your folks back in the countryside."

"Ha ha. You really didn't have to go through all that trouble."

"Where's your wife off to?"

"She went to meet up with her high school friends today. The kids are all out playing too."

"You must be lonely at home by yourself."

"Well, I'm lucky then that such a lovely sister-in-law came over."

"Oh my. You're quite the charmer, aren't you?"

She gave him a playful glare. Since she'd come, David Han brought out some liquor and light snacks, and they began drinking together.

She seemed relaxed, and joined him without hesitation. Pretty, with a demure face, yet subtly glamorous in figure.

"Husband… do you ever cheat? Men in business—once they hit mid-forties, they usually start having affairs, don't they?"

"Me? Ha ha. Like I'm even capable of something like that…"

"But why not? You're manly, kind-hearted. Any woman would be tempted."

"There's no one who thinks more highly of you than you, Mr. Han. Still, I just don't have it in me."

"The men like you are actually the most likely to stray, I hear. Then again, with someone as pretty and affectionate as your wife, I suppose you've got no reason to look elsewhere."

"Ha ha. If you keep saying things like that, maybe I should try cheating for once."

"Oh? Wait—are you already cheating on her?"

"How would I know? If a woman like you suddenly appeared… maybe I would."

At that, she blushed faintly and shot him another soft, teasing glance.

He wondered why she'd brought this up—until her words slowly revealed that she and his older brother, Peter Han, had grown close recently.

She mentioned how well Peter Han and Sarah Han got along, how their personalities matched, and how Sarah Han's playful, flirtatious nature suited Peter Han perfectly. He knew they were close—but from the way she spoke, she didn't seem aware of how deep their relationship truly ran.

"Ha ha. It's good to bond with my brother while learning golf. But hey—if I can get close to him, why shouldn't I get close to you too?"

"What fun could you possibly have with an older woman?"

"Ha ha. Two years older? That's nothing, Mr. Han. Since we're talking about it—come out with me tomorrow night. I'll treat you to a full-course dinner."

"Oh? Really?"

"Yes. Now that I think about it, I've never properly treated you to a meal. Tomorrow night—you have to come."

"Hmm… alright. I'll come."

Truthfully, Grace Han lacked for nothing.

But now that her children were grown, and her husband—his older brother—was spending more time outside the home, doting on Sarah Han, David Han couldn't help but think she must feel bored, lonely.

The next evening, she showed up as promised. David Han took her to a nice restaurant and treated her to a lavish dinner.

Afterward, they left the restaurant and entered a quiet bar, settling into a private room. Inside the dimly lit lounge, she looked different—less reserved, more open.

"It feels so nice being on a date with you like this. How about you, Mr. Han?"

"Hmm… I like it too."

It felt like the first time they'd ever let their guards down and shared a drink so freely.

She laughed more easily, drank without restraint—something he'd never seen before. She seemed slightly drunk.

"Husband… don't sit over there. Come sit beside me. Don't leave your Mr. Han feeling lonely."

"Ha ha. Okay."

David Han stood and moved to sit beside her. Sliding his arm around her shoulders, he pulled her gently into his side.

"My dear sister-in-law… you're far too beautiful."

"Pfft. Liar. Your own wife is much prettier than me, isn't she?"

"No. If I'd met you first, I would've married you. I only ended up with my brother because I didn't know any better."