Her day always starts in the same way.
The alarm goes off at six o'clock. While her husband is still asleep, she puts on her robe and quietly makes her way to the kitchen, careful not to wake him. Her morning routine begins with making breakfast for her husband. She usually makes egg rolls, but today she has decided to shake things up and make pancakes with caramel syrup.
While the pancakes are browning evenly in the pan, she carefully slices the bananas, strawberries and apples and arranges them on the plate in a semi-symmetrical pattern. She brews coffee in a stove-top coffee maker, because that's the only kind her husband likes. He says that the coffee tastes deeper and richer that way, as if it were more expensive.
Her husband wakes up at seven o'clock, when the smell of coffee is already slowly filling the bedroom. Without rushing, he heads to the bathroom, where he admires his reflection in the mirror for a long time before going through his usual morning routine: showering, styling his hair and applying toners and creams, rubbing them thoroughly into his skin so that he always looks handsome and young. That's just how he was: he loved himself and put his own needs first without hesitation.
While the pancakes cool on the plate, she hands her husband the shirt, trousers and jacket that she ironed the night before, carefully tying his tie and adjusting the knot to perfection. He then sits down to eat breakfast and scrolls through the news on his phone, barely taking his eyes off the screen, while she pours herself some coffee that has gone a little cold and finishes what he left on his plate.
As soon as he puts on his shoes, which have been polished to perfection, grabs his bag, quickly kisses his wife on the cheek and closes the door behind him, silence falls over the apartment for a moment. Only then does she allow herself to catch her breath, pull herself together and hurriedly begin to get ready for her own workday.
While her husband drives to work in his expensive car, she takes the bus. The bus is stuffy and cramped, and it's almost impossible to breathe because there are so many people. Thankfully, she has the handheld fan she always carries in her bag in summer, as well as music in her headphones to keep the gloomy mood of the grey crowd from ruining her day. One more stop and she's there. To reach the building, she must walk through a green park, the shade of which provides welcome relief from the stifling morning heat. The scents of flowers and blossoming trees fill her with a sense of lightness, setting her up for a productive day.
The office is pleasantly cool.
"Good morning, Hae In," Lee Su Min waves from the office kitchen, where she has already made coffee for her colleagues. She always arrives first to treat everyone to a drink that she has bought herself, carefully selecting the beans based on roast and acidity. It's something her dad taught her — a true coffee connoisseur and owner of a coffee shop in the bustling centre of Seoul.
"Good morning, Su Min," she says, hugging her friend and getting tangled up in her lush, curly hair.
"Coffee?" she asks, holding the cup almost to Hae In's nose so she can inhale the aroma of the freshly ground Arabica beans.
"Mmm, I'd love some," she says, sipping the divine drink that gives her morning energy.
The voices of the rest of the team can be heard in the hallway.
"Su Min, is the coffee ready?" calls out Choi Jun Ho, a short man in his forties with a thick head of black hair. Having just stepped out of the elevator, he can already smell the familiar aroma.
"Hey, Jun Ho, did you come to the office just for coffee?" teases Kang Mi Yeon, fixing her hair. She is the senior member of the team and the team leader. She is an elegant older woman who knows her worth: strict and fair, with a subtle sense of humour. She loves team gatherings, but at work she is precise and consistent, always seeing things through to the end.
"Seonbae, you know perfectly well how delicious Su Min's coffee is. I'd be willing to live here just to enjoy her coffee every day," Jun Ho smiles.
"Do you ever plan on working?" jokes Seonbae, walking into the office and placing her bag on her desk.
"Good morning, everyone," greets Park Min Jae, the youngest member of the team. He's only been working here for six months, but he's already become one of the team. Sometimes they send him running up and down the floors with documents, but he doesn't complain — that's just the life of an intern. He jokes that it helps him stay in shape so that his wedding suit will fit perfectly.
"Good morning, Min Jae," replies Su Min, bringing coffee to her colleagues.
"Mmm, divine," says Jun Ho, sipping his coffee and sighing with pleasure. "Su Min, you're a master at making coffee."
"Thank you, seonbae," the girl smiles.
"Your coffee brings us back to life every morning," Mrs. Mi-yeon remarks, breathing in the aroma deeply.
"It really is divine," Min Jae mutters.
"Good morning, everyone," CEO Park Jae Won bursts into the office, unbuttoning his jacket as he goes, and strides quickly towards his office. And so it is every morning. He doesn't even have time to enjoy the scent of the freshly brewed coffee before getting to work. Rumour has it that he's the son of the SeoRin Group chairman, but that's just gossip. A wealthy chaebol would hardly be running a small international relations department — and doing so with such dedication.
You can usually spot people like that from a mile away. They drive expensive cars, hire chauffeurs and personal assistants, and spend their days in their own offices. But Director Jae Won is different. He works from early morning until late at night and is often the last to leave the office, even though his colleagues have gone home hours ago. Hae In remembers his worn briefcase from her very first day here, which was just two years ago. He doesn't wear expensive Italian suits with gold or silver cufflinks, he doesn't take lunch or coffee breaks, and he can't stand it when a client meeting is rescheduled or cancelled. Everything has to be precise and on time for him.
His entire team works just as precisely, keeping the company afloat in the global market. Kang Mi Yeon is the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). She looks years ahead and sets the course. Choi Jun Ho, the Chief International Relations Officer, opens doors to other countries and negotiates where diplomacy is required. Lee Su Min, the PR and Media Relations Manager, ensures that the company is portrayed accurately — or at least no worse than it deserves. So Hae In, the Senior Manager of Global Communications and Strategy, unifies their voices so that the company sounds equally confident anywhere in the world. Park Min-jae, the Global Operations Coordinator, ensures that plans are implemented rather than remaining on paper. The team gives their all — and sometimes even more. Together, they are not just a department — they are the brain, the voice and the nervous system of the company.
"Good morning, Director Park," they said in unison, bowing to greet him.
As usual, this was perhaps the only time during the day when the team saw him in person. Most of the time, he was shut away in his office, talking to partners and holding online meetings. Later, he would leave the office almost unnoticed, heading off to yet another round of negotiations.
At the end of each week, Hae In would bring him documents to sign when he wasn't in his office, and then collect the signed ones when he was away. He never went out for drinks with colleagues after work. He was rarely seen during coffee breaks. He never asked anyone to bring him coffee or order lunch. His assistant, Kang Ji Woo, only showed up at deadlines or the end of the year when the workload doubled. Despite the distance, however, there were no misunderstandings in the workflow.
"We won't see him again today," Su Min sighed, looking up.
"Hey, Su Min, trust me, a boss like this is better than the one in the strategy department," Mrs. Mi Yeon remarked.
"We don't even know what he's really like," Su Min persisted. "He never goes out for a drink with us or invites us to lunch. At least a coffee sometimes..."
"Su Min, do you know who pays for all our lunches and Friday get-togethers?" Jun Ho raised an eyebrow.
"Oh my… Seriously?"
"Yes. He leaves his corporate card before lunch every time and on Fridays too. He says the team should take breaks just as seriously as working."
Su Min blinked in confusion.
"Still, it wood be great to talk to him about something other than work at least once," Min Jae added quietly. "We've been working together for over two years and have never crossed paths outside the office."
"Enough talking about the director behind his back," Mrs. Mi Yeon said, cutting them off gently but firmly. "He's the best we have. And we're the best for him, too. Now, back to work."
The day proceeded at its usual pace. Everyone was absorbed in their work until lunchtime. The company card was already lying on Jun Ho's desk. While her colleagues discussed where to go, Hae In glanced involuntarily at the director's office door again. She couldn't forget Su Min's words about how he hardly ever leaves and rarely eats lunch for some reason.
"Hae In, do you mind?" Jun Ho's voice brought her back to the present.
"What? Yeah, of course not," she replied without asking what he was talking about.
"Great. Chicken wings and tteokbokki today," he said happily. "Let's go!"
"Yay!" Su Min jumped up and grabbed her purse. "Hae In, are you coming?"
"Yes," she said, glancing one last time at the closed office door before hurrying after her friend.
During lunch, Hae In barely participated in the conversation. Her thoughts kept returning to the director.
"He's probably still working. Here we are eating peacefully... What if he didn't order anything? Did he at least have time to drink some coffee? Why did Su Min's words affect me so much?"
Just as her colleagues were about to head back to the office, she suddenly stopped.
"Su Min, go on without me. I'll catch up with you."
She quickly went back to the counter and ordered a sandwich and an iced latte. Just to get rid of that feeling of guilt inside.
She knocked on the office door, but there was no answer. Opening it carefully, she saw that the room was empty. He must have left while everyone was out at lunch.
Hae In walked in and looked around. The office was bright and tidy. There were neat stacks of papers on the edge of the desk. Nothing else. The director always carried his laptop with him. He was always working, even during breaks.
Hae In walked in and looked around. The office was bright and tidy. There were neat stacks of papers on the edge of the desk. Nothing else. The director always carried his laptop with him. He was always working, even during breaks.
A lone Zamioculcas stood on the windowsill by the large window; the tips of its leaves were already turning yellow. This spot was unsuitable for such a plant — too much sun. The soil in the pot had dried out and cracked. It seemed the director simply didn't have time to water it. Leaving her sandwich and latte on the table, she paused for a moment to look at the plant, then quietly left.
At around four in the afternoon, the director's assistant, Kang Ji Woo, suddenly walked into the office. After a brief greeting, he practically ran to the office with a tablet in his hands. If he showed up, it meant something had happened.
Jun Ho quietly approached the door. The others were on edge as well. A tense silence fell over the office. A few minutes later, the door burst open and Director Park strode out to the team.
"We have an emergency. I need your help."
"What happened, Director Park?" Mrs. Mi Yeon was the first to speak up.
"As you know, we're preparing a contract with the Moretti Group, specifically their jewellery brand, Atelier Moretti, to help them enter the Asian market." Director Park stopped by the desk. "But my assistant just informed me that Mr. Moretti has cancelled the meeting scheduled for next week. Without explanation."
The office fell silent.
"More than just profits depend on this contract. Without their investment, we'll have to close some of our shopping centres and hotels. These are people's jobs. He paused briefly. Mr. Moretti is currently in Thailand with his family. I plan to meet him there in person."
The director's gaze swept over the team.
"Our chief translator is away on business, so I need someone who speaks English and, ideally, Italian too."
For a few seconds, there was only the rustling of papers.
"Director, I speak English well, but unfortunately Italian didn't work out for me," said Jun Ho, smiling awkwardly.
"Mrs. Kang?" the director asked calmly.
"No, director. I only speak Korean," she replied, offering no further explanation.
"No one?" There was no irritation in his voice, only restrained tension.
Min Jae shook his head quietly. "No."
"Director Park." Su Min raised her hand. 'Hae In knows languages."
Hae In flinched. "Su Min... seriously?" she thought, barely managing to keep it from being a whisper.
"She studied languages at university. She's fluent in English, Thai and Chinese, and all its dialects. And I think you mentioned you'd started learning Italian?"
"Ms. Hae In, is that true?" The director looked straight at her.
"Yes, but I've only just started. It's more for personal interest than work," she replied cautiously.
"Your level doesn't have to be perfect," he said calmly. "I need someone who can hold a conversation and not get flustered."
Pause.
"Can you go with me to Thailand for a week?'
The room grew too quiet.
"Director Park, I'm not sure I can handle it. Negotiations at this level are a huge responsibility. Especially with foreign partners."
He nodded.
"I understand. It really is a difficult task. Well..." — a brief pause — "Think it over. If you change your mind, please let me know personally. I need to make a decision soon."
He held his gaze on her for a second longer than necessary.
"Thank you, everyone." He turned and walked out with his assistant. A sense of incompleteness lingered in the air. The familiar office buzz filled every corner of the room once again.
"Hae In, what's wrong?" her friend asked in surprise. "You've been taking Italian classes for over six months now!"
"I don't want to let the whole team down if something goes wrong," Hae In replied quietly. "I'm confident in my current role. I think I'll be more useful here in the office."
"Hae In!" Mrs. Mi Yeon suddenly addressed her. "How well do you know the language?"
There was silence in response. Just a look of confusion and slight fear.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to prove yourself outside the office," the woman continued calmly. "It's also a chance to help the director close a deal that's currently hanging by a thread. If your Italian is good enough for a conversation, you should give it a try."
She paused for a moment before adding:
"To be honest, I doubt any of us would turn down an opportunity like this. But out of everyone here, you're the only one who knows any Italian at all."
Mrs. Mi Yeon returned to her desk as if the conversation were over.
"Think about it," she said, her tone calmer now. "And don't miss your chance."
Hae In remained standing in the middle of the office, feeling her colleagues' eyes on her.
That evening, while her husband was still at work, Hae In stood at the stove cooking dinner. Min Hyuk liked his food fresh. He wouldn't eat leftovers from the day before, explaining that such food had lost both its flavour and nutritional value.
The rice was slowly finishing cooking in the slow cooker. A thick stew made with soybean paste, tofu, potatoes and courgettes was simmering in a pan on the hob. The kimchi had already been placed in a small bowl and an omelette roll, spinach with sesame seeds, a spicy cucumber salad and a plate of thinly sliced marinated beef had been set out on the table next to it.
Hae In was dressed casually in leggings and a T-shirt that was a few sizes too big. While everything in the kitchen was finishing off, she was ironing her husband's shirt and suit for the next day. She had almost no time left for herself, so her hair was carelessly pulled back into a bun.
Dinner had to be ready by eight. Hae In's favourite music played softly in the background, helping her to relax after a hard day at work.
Even though she was already home, Mrs. Mi Yeon's words wouldn't leave her alone.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to prove yourself outside the office..."
"Don't miss your chance..."
The phrases kept replaying in her head.
Suddenly, the front door opened and Hae In hurried immediately to the kitchen to plate up the hot dinner and serve it to her tired husband.
"I'm home," came a voice from the hallway.
After taking off his shoes and leaving his bag on a chair by the door, Min Hyuk headed straight for the kitchen, where the pleasant aroma of food was wafting from.
"Mmm, tofu soup. My favourite," he said, sitting down at the table.
Hae In poured wine into his glass first, then her own. They began to eat dinner.
As always, her husband barely spoke. He ate quickly, never taking his eyes off his phone. It seemed that at home, he existed only like this — with his phone in his hands.
Hae In still couldn't bring herself to tell him what had happened at work that day. After taking a sip of wine, she took a deep breath and broke the silence.
"Min Hyuk, I was offered a business trip to Thailand today... as a translator."
There was silence in response. He didn't even bat an eyelid.
"What do you think? Should I give it a try?" she added uncertainly.
"Hmm... What? Did you say something?" he asked without taking his eyes off the screen.
"I said I want to go on a business trip to Thailand," she repeated more quietly.
"Oh, yeah, sure," he nodded, obviously having barely heard her.
Hae In exhaled heavily and bit her lip. He never listened to her. His own life had always been more important to him, even after four years of marriage.
"Oh, I'm full," he muttered contentedly, leaning back in his chair.
"By the way, Hae In, I'm going on a business trip for a week. So pack my suitcase. My flight leaves tomorrow morning." He stood up from the table. "Thanks," he said curtly. "I'm going to rest. I'm tired today."
He kissed her on the forehead, didn't put his phone down, and walked into the bedroom.
Hae In sat alone at the table for a long time. She bit her lip, trying to hold back her tears.
Was this really going to be her whole life?
A husband who is indifferent to her, never asks how her day went and rarely thanks her for all her efforts.
Once a year, on her birthday, he gives her pearl jewellery, even though she hates it.
Because pearls remind her of her father.
She remembers how he cheated on her mother and gave his mistress pearl earrings and a necklace.
Would it always be like this?
Morning came too quickly. Perhaps because Hae In had barely slept, spending the night in the kitchen with a cup of coffee. Min Hyuk's suitcase was already by the door.
After breakfast, he got ready quickly, hurried out of the house and didn't even kiss his wife goodbye.
Once again, silence reigned in the apartment—a silence that was all too familiar to Hae In.