Chapter 12: Going Home
“The young madam’s condition has fully stabilized,” the attending physician said with a bright smile. “Her body’s recovered well after a week of care. She only needs to maintain her nutrition and can be discharged anytime.”
Julian barely glanced at the report. “Leave it there.”
When the staff exited, he handed the folder to Madam Yoon.
She flipped through it with satisfaction before saying, “Since you’re fine now, we’ll visit your family tomorrow for the formal proposal. You’re already showing—better to hold the wedding as soon as possible.”
Julian frowned. “Grandmother, there’s no need to rush the ceremony, is there?”
Cora’s stomach knotted. She didn’t want to rush either.
Marriage meant the end of every possible way out.
But Madam Yoon’s gaze was steady, her tone calm. “You know the Korean chairman and his wife will be arriving in less than two weeks. They specifically requested to meet you and your wife. If you don’t marry before then, what identity will Cora have at that meeting?”
Her words landed like a verdict.
Julian understood instantly.
He didn’t want to marry now—but personal preference was nothing compared to business.
He exhaled softly. “I understand, Grandmother.”
Cora’s heart sank.
So soon?
It all felt too sudden—decision made, wedding arranged, no space to breathe.
Her eyes darted toward Julian, silently pleading.
He caught the look and felt a flicker of irritation.
He might dislike being forced into this marriage, but her reluctance somehow offended him more.
The longer he looked at her, the more he convinced himself that his grandmother was right: this needed to be done quickly, cleanly, decisively.
Seeing both of them so determined, Cora knew there was no room for protest.
It was already decided. Whether today or next month didn’t really matter anymore.
Still, she dreaded bringing such chaos home without warning her mother first.
She needed a little time—a moment to prepare her.
Taking a steadying breath, Cora turned to Madam Yoon.
“Chairwoman, may I… go home first to tell my family? I just don’t want to frighten my mother.”
“No.” Madam Yoon’s reply was immediate. “You’re not alone anymore. The child’s safety comes first. Everything you need will be arranged—you won’t be treated without dignity.”
Cora nodded quickly. “I know the Watson family would never mistreat me, and I’m grateful. I just want to explain things to my mother beforehand. Please, I promise nothing will happen.”
Her sincerity softened even Madam Yoon’s sternness, but the older woman remained hesitant.
Cora instinctively turned toward Julian, eyes pleading again.
She didn’t even know why she looked to him—maybe because he was the only one in the room close to her age, the only one who didn’t terrify her.
Julian met her gaze. For a brief second, he remembered the image of her in the garden, smiling over a camellia.
Before he could stop himself, he said, “Grandmother, she’s not a child. She knows what she’s doing.”
Madam Yoon’s lips curved. “Such a thoughtful pair.”
After a moment, she nodded. “Very well. Go speak to your family first. But you’re part of this family now—I won’t let you travel alone. That young man who brought you to the hospital—Austin, isn’t it? He’ll take you home.”
“As you wish,” Julian replied smoothly.
Cora’s shoulders relaxed, relief flooding her face. Julian’s gaze lingered on her expression for a moment—too long—and then he looked away, his eyes unreadable.
⸻
The next afternoon, Austin drove her back to her hometown.
The trunk was full of boxes—gifts from the Watsons.
Cora had told him a dozen times it wasn’t necessary, but Austin only smiled politely.
He was the perfect assistant—careful, respectful, and discreet. He knew exactly what to say and what not to.
After dropping off the gifts, he stepped back toward the car.
“These are from Mr. Watson and the chairwoman,” he said lightly. “Share them however you like.”
Cora nodded, placing the bags by the door before straightening her back, bracing herself.
She was home—but everything about it already felt different.