The Weight of Silence

“Still, Director Ji, I’m really glad that Jaekyung is doing well.”

“You have no idea how much we’ve been praising him lately.”

The wife of the CEO of SON Bank spoke gracefully as she sipped her tea.

It had taken nearly an hour to finish the meal, and not once during that time had Jaekyung’s name come up, so when it suddenly did, his body tensed—but he did not show it.

“That’s too kind of you.”

Jaekyung quickly bowed his head and thanked her.

“He still has a long way to go, but I’m grateful that you ladies see him kindly.”

“In time, he will inherit our gallery, so I hope you will all look after him.”

“Don’t say such things, Director Ji.”

“You are still young and beautiful.”

“It will be a long time before it is Jaekyung’s turn.”

“Thank you.”

As Director Ji lowered her head modestly, Jaekyung, sitting beside her, followed and bowed as well.

“Jaekyung, learn as much as you can from Director Ji.”

“There aren’t many people with her level of depth in the arts.”

“Yes, I will do my best.”

“Good. We have high expectations for you.”

“Thank you.”

“Now that I think of it…”

The spouse of the CEO of Miso Bank—the only male omega among the wives—looked at Jaekyung steadily while nibbling on a rice snack.

“Are you and Executive Han still unmarked?”

Why was this topic being brought up here?

Jaekyung bit his lip for a moment before releasing it.

He had finally begun to forget this matter, and now it resurfaced.

“Yes, they have not marked yet.”

Director Ji answered calmly before Jaekyung could speak.

Unlike Jaekyung, who felt his composure slipping, she gracefully poured tea for another wife, her expression unchanged.

“It doesn’t matter if they haven’t marked.”

“What’s important is that they live well together.”

“They will mark when they both feel it is necessary.”

All of it was a lie.

Even the gentleness in her voice was a lie.

But Jaekyung nodded anyway.

The other wives also nodded, as if that settled it.

“There’s no rule saying a couple must mark immediately.”

“Executive Han and Jaekyung will handle things when the time is right.”

“That’s right, Jaekyung, don’t feel pressured.”

“Marking is good in some ways, but it also has downsides.”

“Downsides? No omega would say such a thing.”

The Miso Bank spouse cut in sharply.

“Especially for male omegas, pregnancy is already more difficult.”

“And Jaekyung, you are recessive, aren’t you?”

“Then marking is essential.”

“And do you know how many omegas in this industry are waiting for a chance with Executive Han?”

“One small mistake and—”

CLACK.

The sharp sound of a teacup hitting the table stopped him.

It was Director Ji.

Her once warm expression was now cold as ice.

The Miso Bank spouse fell silent immediately.

“I would appreciate it if we did not discuss private family matters here.”

“This is not a neighborhood gossip circle.”

“Y-yes, of course.”

The spouse lowered his head at once.

Director Ji’s mood had clearly soured.

Jaekyung could already guess what awaited him later.

And he was right.

On the way home, she scolded him again and again.

“I am so embarrassed I can hardly lift my head.”

“I’m sorry.”

“What are you even doing with Taeseok?”

“Even if he refuses, you should assert yourself more strongly.”

“I’m sorry.”

He had nothing else to say.

What was he doing with Han Taeseok?

He didn’t know either.

Director Ji did not know.

Ever since the incident at the promotion party, Jaekyung had not seen Han Taeseok at all.

He did not know when Han came home or left.

In the meantime, one heat cycle had passed.

He had taken suppressants during it because he refused to face that day alone in misery.

“Are you keeping up with your hospital appointments?”

“…Yes.”

“That’s right. Your next injection is next week.”

“You don’t need to come to the gallery that day.”

“Just focus on the treatment.”

“Yes.”

So, the injection day was coming again.

Two months had already gone by.

Jaekyung let out a quiet sigh and stared out the car window.

The city outside was loud and full of life, but none of it touched him.

◆

“Hrk—”

In a large, empty hospital restroom, Jaekyung was crouched over the toilet in the last stall.

He threw up again and again, even though he had eaten nothing.

Even the water he had managed to drink came back up.

His mouth was filled with the bitter taste of stomach acid.

“Haa… haa…”

When the nausea finally subsided, he grabbed his bag from the floor and dragged himself up by leaning against the wall.

He rinsed his mouth, used mouthwash he had brought just for this, and washed his face.

His reflection looked terrible.

Dark circles under his eyes.

Dry, dull skin.

If he showed up to a gathering like this, they would tear him apart with criticism.

He hurried to book a massage and rested for a while on a hospital lobby sofa.

He had taken this same injection and medication many times, but recently the side effects felt unbearable.

The doctor had said it was normal since the injection changed hormone levels, but it felt like things were only getting worse.

“…Haa…”

When the nausea eased slightly, Jaekyung called the driver and left.

There was a centennial celebration banquet for Gyeongsil Newspaper, a company that had ties with NI Company.

Originally, Executive Han should have gone, but he was overseas on business, so Jaekyung had been instructed to attend instead.

He had wanted to refuse, but he had promised he would handle his responsibilities properly, so he agreed.

Unfortunately, today was also the injection day.

And his body was at its worst.

After the massage, he went to the department store to change into the outfit prepared for him by Secretary Oh.

His legs trembled every step.

He refused to show weakness.

When people found out the marking still had not happened, rumors had spread everywhere.

He had become a target of whispers and mockery.

At one point, it had made him shrink away, but now he forced himself to stand tall.

He refused to let them win.

The car stopped at the hotel.

As soon as he got out, three tall men approached.

They were betas—clearly bodyguards.

Normally, bodyguards tried to blend into the surroundings, not draw attention.

But today, they stood openly beside him, making it impossible to ignore.

Given what had happened before, maybe it was better to have them.

He entered the banquet hall with them, drawing immediate attention.

He felt stares.

He heard whispers.

But he walked proudly, back straight, and greeted the honorary chairman of Gyeongsil Newspaper.

“Hello, Chairman Kim Jongun.”

“Oh my, look who it is.”

“The spouse of Executive Han.”

The elderly man in the wheelchair smiled warmly and held Jaekyung’s hand.

“Thank you for coming.”

“It must not have been easy.”

“It was no trouble. We’re both in Seoul, after all.”

“Executive Han called earlier to apologize for being unable to attend.”

“It means a lot that the two of you care.”

“Enjoy yourself tonight and rest well.”

Enjoying himself… and resting…

It sounded impossible.

“Thank you.”

After greeting the key guests, he was led to a large table.

At first, it was empty.

But soon, more and more people sat down, surrounding him.

Yet none of them spoke to him.

He had hoped someone from Jaewang Group might attend, but only a congratulatory wreath had been sent.

No representatives.

Strange.

Such events were usually good for business.

The company stock had recently dropped, and the economy news had been uneasy.

Was the company struggling?

He really should call home soon.

He had not spoken with them in a while.

With a quiet sigh, he stood.

He had greeted those he needed to greet.

He had fulfilled his duty.