Page 327 of Scarbound

CHAPTER 66

Three days later, Noeul received an unexpected visitor.

It was morning. Duri and Ji-Woo were at school, and he and Mrs. Kang were having coffee together when the intercom rang.

“What’s going on?” Mrs. Kang wondered aloud before lifting the phone and listening to the concierge announce the visitor.

The color drained from her face the moment she heard the name. Her voice was barely audible when she turned to Noeul, soft and careful.

“Noeul…Ms. Lee is here to see you.” She hesitated. “But only if you feel ready to face her.”

Noeul’s breath caught.

Mrs. Kang’s words blurred together as his mind began to spin. His body went cold and rigid, as if the mere idea of seeing Ms. Lee had frozen his blood. His chest tightened, his thoughts colliding in a chaotic mix of anger, confusion, fear, and an unwilling spark of hope.

Why now?

Why her?

His hands trembled as he set his coffee cup down. Her presence loomed over him like a force he was unprepared to confront. He didn’t know whether to accept or refuse, but either choice felt impossible.

“Noeul… what should I tell her?” Mrs. Kang asked, sounding worried. “Please, let me ask her to leave. You can contact her when you’re ready.”

“Let her come in.”

Mrs. Kang studied his pale face and wide eyes. “Are you sure?”

Noeul swallowed. “No.” The honesty surprised even him. Then he drew a slow breath. “But let her come in.”

When Ms. Lee entered the apartment, she froze. The dark, refined aesthetic of the penthouse reminded her painfully of her son’s home. Though the furnishings were luxurious and elegant, this place felt different.

Lived in. Warm. Safe.

Noeul waited beside the sofa. For several seconds, neither spoke.

“Please, sit down, Ms. Lee,” he finally said, forcing his voice to remain calm. “Would you like some tea?”

He still remembered her preferences. She disliked coffee.

Something about that small detail almost broke her.

“I won’t stay long,” she said. “I was visiting my son, and…” Her voice faltered as tears threatened to spill. “I had to see you, Noeul.”

Mrs. Kang remained nearby for another moment, watching Noeul carefully. Noeul gave her a faint nod. Only then did she quietly excuse herself, leaving them alone.

“But why?” he asked. “Why are you here? In the end, I’m someone you hate.”

“I don’t hate you.”

The answer came immediately. Ms. Lee’s eyes filled as she looked at him.

Then her gaze fell to his hands. To the sleeves covering his wrists.

She remembered what Jun had told her. Her hand moved toward him before she stopped herself.

“Noeul…may I?”

He followed her gaze. Slowly, hesitantly, he extended his left arm.