Taewon stepped out of the meeting room when Jisso hurried toward him, calling,
"Sir! Sir!"
He stopped mid-step.
"Yes?"
"Hana just called Jihyun's not well. His condition is severe. They've taken him to the hospital."
Taewon's brows drew together.
"What?"
From behind, Harin approached. Taewon turned to her.
"I'm leaving. You handle things here."
"Hey, wait, where are you"
Harin began, but Taewon was already striding away without another word.
Harin's gaze shifted to Jisso.
"What happened?"
"Sir Jihyun is not okay. He's in the hospital, severe condition."
"What? Why?"
"I don't know. Miss Hana informed me."
"Alright,"
she muttered before walking off.
Just then, Erin emerged from the meeting room.
"So, Miss Harin, the deal is confirmed."
Harin forced a polite smile.
"Good."
The CEO of Lite Company approached.
"Oh, CEO Lee,"
Harin greeted with a bow.
"Where is Taewon?"
he asked.
"He had an emergency. His wife is in the hospital,"
she answered politely.
"Oh, I see. If he needs anything, tell him to contact me."
"Yes, sir."
"I'll visit Kang Group in a few days."
"Of course,"
she replied.
He turned to Erin.
"Miss Erin, come with me."
Erin nodded but leaned toward Harin before leaving, voice dripping with mockery.
"Miss Harin, improve yourself. Your speech and your perfume project presentation full of problems."
With that, she walked away. Harin's fists curled, but her voice stayed steady.
"Jisso, call the driver. We're going back now."
"Yes," Jisso replied.
(At the hospital)
Minjoon sat beside Jihyun's bed. Jihyun's face was pale, his body still trembling from the aftereffects of his heat.
"Hyung"
Jihyun's voice was faint, tears slipping down his cheeks.
"It's alright,"
Minjoon soothed.
"Just rest. Everything will be fine. Don't cry
it's just heat."
"Mom,where's Mom?"
"She doesn't know yet," Minjoon replied gently.
"She's not feeling well either, so I didn't tell her."
"And Taewon?"
Minjoon paused, then lied without hesitation. "He's waiting outside. You rest. We'll be outside."
He stepped out, chest tight with worry. Sitting on the bench just outside the ward, he ran a hand through his hair.
"Sir, would you like me to get you some coffee?"
Jin asked quietly.
Minjoon nodded without looking up.
"Yes, thank you."
Jin turned to leave, just as Taewon entered the hallway. Jin bowed.
"How's Jihyun?"
Taewon asked.
"Sir, he just regained consciousness, but he's sleeping again."
Taewon nodded and moved toward Minjoon.
"Oh, Taewon,"
Minjoon greeted, rising.
"How is he?"
"He's still in heat. The doctors are running a few more tests."
"Does this usually happen when he's in heat?"
"Never."
"Then why"
"He took a whole bottle of suppressant. And not just any suppressant yours."
Taewon froze.
"My suppressant? Why?"
"We don't know yet. Since last night, he's been in heat and hasn't stopped taking it."
Before Taewon could respond, Doctor Jun approached, folder in hand.
"Minjoon,"
he greeted, then glanced at Taewon.
"This is Taewon,"
Minjoon said.
"Jihyun's husband."
"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Taewon,"
the doctor said politely.
"Likewise. How's Jihyun?"
"According to the tests, his heat will last at least seven days this cycle. Due to the suppressant overdose, he may experience prolonged heat for the next two to three months. The first days might be severe, with possible unconsciousness."
Taewon's jaw tightened.
"Is there any treatment? Anything we can do?"
"You're an S-Class Alpha, correct?"
"Yes."
"Your pheromones are strong. During his heat, he'll need constant soothing and comfort from them. Ideally, you should bond with him."
"Bond?"
"A bite mark,
it can ease the pain and stabilize him. You're married; it shouldn't be an issue."
"But if they can't bond now?"
Minjoon asked.
"Physical contact. At least for the initial days."
Both nodded.
Once the doctor left, Taewon sank into the bench. Minjoon sat beside him.
"I can talk to him," Minjoon offered.
"It's alright," Taewon said.
"I'll handle it myself."
Minjoon glanced at the clock.
"It's already evening."
"You should head back," Taewon said. "Auntie will be alone."
"It's fine. I can stay. The servants"
"Auntie's ill. Go take care of her. I'm here. If anything happens, I'll tell you."
"Also, When Jihyun's discharge, I'll bring him to your house myself."
"Did you tell him about Mom yet?"
"No. I haven't talked to him."
"Don't tell him for now. Dad called yesterday
he might be back next week. He found a doctor in Japan, and Mom will be admitted there while he works on a project."
Taewon nodded. "Alright."
Minjoon stood.
"I trust you, Taewon. Dad and I chose you for Jihyun for a reason. We knew you could handle him and protect him.
"Don't mind his behavior
he's been like this since childhood. But I'll talk to him."
"He's my responsibility. I'll fulfill it, no matter how he acts." Taewon replied,
Minjoon gave a final nod.
"Looks like it's about to rain. I should go."
Once Minjoon left, Taewon turned to Jin. "Where's Hana?"
"She left this afternoon, sir."
"Alright. Jin, find the contact for Jihyun's friend
Soobin, I think his name is."
"Yes, sir."