Chapter 31- That Dreaded Thing

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The sound of the sheets rustling stirred Chayoung awake. "My love?" She pushed herself up from the silk sheets to peer at Minseok, who had his head buried in his hands. "What is wrong?"

"Hm?" Minseok peered over his shoulder as Chayoung drew close to him. "Forgive me, my princess, did I wake you?"

Chayoung tilted her head at him as she wrapped her arms around his back to embrace him. "What is the matter?" she asked, still peering at him.

Minseok let out a sigh before forcibly smiling. "Nothing, my love."

"You are lying" she huffed. "You always sigh like that when something is troubling you."

Minseok weakly smiled as he reached out his hand to caress her cheek. "I apologise" he mumbled. "I guess I can never lie to my wife." He leaned in close to gently peck her soft lips.

Chayoung's cheeks heated up at the sensation of Minseok's lips against hers. Once he had pulled away, Chayoung spoke, "Is it about work? Is that what you are worried about?"

The smile on Miseok's face slowly faded as he hummed in response. "I guess I am a little stressed about all the responsibilities."

"Do not fret" Chayoung whispered soothingly. "Things will get better and you are doing well so far."

Minseok allowed Chayoung to envelop him in her arms as she brought him closer to her chest. Something about being wrapped in his wife's embrace was comforting—it was like she had the power to melt away his insecurities and sadness.

"Yes, I guess you are right..." he muttered softly, but the anxiousness he was harbouring still stayed rooted in his chest...

A while ago, Minseok had visited the Kim household after receiving word from Physician Koh of his father's current health status. Minseok knew from experience that whenever Physician Koh called for him, something was amiss. And sure enough, Minseok was right to anticipate the worst.

"Father?" he called from Hyesung's doorway after peeping inside the dark room.

Hyesung's heavy-lidded eyes fluttered open at the sound of his firstborn's voice. "Minseok" he uttered feebly as he attempted to push himself up from his bed. "I was not expecting you until later."

Minseok rushed to his side to help his father up. "Gently, Father" he spoke while taking hold of his gnarly hand. "Where is Physician Koh? Why is he not here—?"

"I sent him away" Hyesung replied as he sat up. Suddenly, Hyesung started coughing, his frail body overcome with a tremulous fit that rattled his bones.

From his shaky composure, Minseok tried to disguise the concern which caused his forehead to crease. He had never seen his father so weak; so frail; so vulnerable. All his life, Hyesung was a man of power, legality, and strength. He was a man that stood tall and proud like a defiant mountain that yielded to no authority. And yet, right before him was the same man, so debilitated and in need of assistance.

Minseok's heart broke at the sight of his father: the very man he admired was now just a pitiful shadow of his former glory.

"I received a telegram from Physician Koh" Minseok divulged as he supported his father's weight from the side. "It said that your condition has grown worse."

"Ignore that bumbling buffoon" Hyesung retorted dismissively. "My health has neither improved nor deteriorated since you had seen me last—" Hyesung started spluttering again, causing Minseok to purse his lips into a thin line.

"Father, please take heed of Physician Koh's medicinal advice. He is only trying to help."

"No one knows my body better than I" Hyesung stubbornly answered. "And I know that my health is already beyond recovery." He eyed his son with a grave expression. "Minseok, before I depart this lifetime, I need you to swear that you will do what is best for our clan."

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