Chapter 16 đ
Milim woke up from her short nap, stretching slightly as she sat up on the office sofa. It was only an hour of sleep, from three to four o'clock, but it helped her avoid the dry, sore eyes that came from staying up too long. She sat still for a few minutes, her mind foggy, trying to fully wake up. This place was unfamiliar. She didn't remember how she even ended up sleeping in Dylan's office.
Dylan stood nearby, quiet and calm. He didn't speak or move closer unless needed. But the moment Milim stood up, he stepped forward slightly, keeping just an arm's length away. He wanted to be close enough in case something happened to her.
Milim walked out of the office and into the hallway. Dylan followed silently behind her. She could feel the eyes of strangers staring at her as they passedâlike they were animals being watched in a zoo. Milim didn't want to look down or return anyone's gaze, so she mumbled, "Dinner," as an excuse to leave the building.
Dylan met her eyes, then gently placed his arm around her shoulders as they walked. It was a small gesture, but it comforted her. He had noticed her discomfort. When his employees saw his warning glance, they quickly looked away or hid themselves.
The elevator felt more spacious than usual, maybe because it wasn't rush hour. Milim let out a small sigh of relief as the doors closed. She yawned, her body still half-asleep, and small tears formed at the corners of her eyes.
Summer was better with air-conditioning. At home, although they had an AC, Milim and her brother usually chose the fan to save money. So for her, sitting in a cool room like this was a rare treat.
Dylan, standing beside her, sneaked glances at her while messaging a restaurant to order their dinner. Watching Milim reminded him of something from a month agoâhis pride had been hurt when she rejected him.
Dylan wasn't someone who chased people. Taking care of Milim wasn't stalking; it was just something he chose to do. He told himself that, anyway. Unless Milim ever showed affection first, he would never cross that line. After all, she was still just a 19-year-old girlâtoo young, too innocent.
Once he finished ordering food, Dylan called Lucas.
"I need to ask you something," Dylan said as he walked. "Do you have the contact info of the housekeeper who used to prepare your sister's meals?"
Lucas paused. "I don't, but you can ask my sister. Why?"
"Ask her for me," Dylan replied. He reached out to hold Milim's hand when she walked faster, sending her a warning glance. "I need a housekeeper who can cook. As soon as possible."
Lucas agreed. "Sure, I'll ask now." His sister was a perfectionist, especially after living in Japan. Any housekeeper she praised must be excellent. It was just too bad that the one Dylan wanted had refused to go abroad with Lucas's sister.
A while later, Lucas messaged back, "Why are you suddenly looking for a housekeeper?"
Meanwhile, Milim and Dylan sat in a cozy private dining room. Milim held a cup of warm water while listening to Dylan's call.
"It's an emergency. I'll explain later," Dylan said, his voice low and calm. When he spoke to friends, his tone became softerâvery different from the cold way he usually spoke to Milim. But Milim didn't mind. To her, Dylan was still a stranger.
The food arrived, looking and smelling delicious. Milim's stomach growled. She hadn't eaten much that day.
"Eat," Dylan said, picking up his chopsticks.
Milim thanked him and started eating quickly. She told herself not to overthink things. Once the baby was born, she could go back to her normal life. That thought made her feel a little better. Her mood lightened, and she ate more freely.
The rice was soft and fragrant. Every bite felt like a small luxury. Maybe it was because of the baby, but Milim had been enjoying better meals lately.
After dinner, Milim thought they were going home, but Dylan had another plan. He brought her to a fancy store and bought a bunch of snacks and groceries. Milim wanted to tell him it wasn't necessary, but then she realizedâhe was doing it for the baby. So, she kept quiet.
At the entrance of her apartment complex, Dylan parked the car and asked, "Is anyone at home?"
Milim checked the time on her phone. "Yes, my mom and dad are home."
Dylan frowned slightly. "What floor?"
"T2, 25th floor."
He got out, opened the trunk, and started carrying the bags. Milim joined him and held out her hand. "I can carry them."
Dylan didn't hand her anything right away. "I'll take you to the 22nd floor."
"If my parents see me with all these, they'll ask questions," she explained. "It's fine. They're not that heavy."
She reached out again, but Dylan still didn't let go of the bags. His voice turned serious. "Lead the way."
Milim had never met a man like Dylan beforeâhe had a quiet power that made her nervous. His strong presence made her heart race. She said nothing and walked ahead.
As Dylan followed, he let out a sigh. "I'm just worried."
Milim hugged her arms and kept her eyes on the elevator numbers. All she wanted was to get home.
"I don't mean any harm to you," Dylan said softly.
She stayed silent. When the elevator reached the 22nd floor, Dylan handed her the bags.
"Take care of yourself. Don't catch a cold. Call me if you need anything."
"Thank you," Milim whispered before walking away without looking back.
Dylan watched the doors close. A moment later, he kicked the elevator wall in frustration.
Milim unlocked her door and looked at the fancy shopping bags. What would she tell her parents if they asked?
She leaned her head against the door, thinking hard. In the end, she decided to say she won them in a lottery.
Inside, the TV was on, but no one was watching. She guessed her mom was cooking and her dad was in the bathroom. Quietly, Milim took the bags to her room and hid them in the closet.
Just as she closed it, her younger brother Lin walked in.
"What were you doing? You've been gone all day," he asked.
"I just went for a walk," Milim said, then smiled. "I'll give you something tasty later."
Lin looked serious. "Give some to Mom and Dad too. It's not good to keep it all to ourselves."
Milim didn't reply. She didn't mind sharing with Lin, but giving it to their parents felt awkward.
"Are you mad at them?" Lin asked.
Their parents had spent a lot on their older sister's trip to America. Milim didn't get the same attention or money. Her second sister was thrifty and earned her own money, but Milim wasn't like that.
"It's nothing," Milim replied. She went to help with dinner.
Her dad called from the living room, "Dinner's ready!"
When she came out, her mom was on a video call with her sister, who looked cheerful and full of life.
"Mom, this is Los Angelesâthe city of stars!" her sister said, showing off the streets.
Her mom scoffed, "It's not as nice as Seoul," but she and Dad watched the call with excitement.
Her sister chatted fluently in English with people passing by. Milim couldn't understand. She admired her sisterâconfident, bright, and friendly.
At the dinner table, Milim poked at her food. Her appetite was gone.
James nudged May. "Stop chatting. The food's getting cold."
May ended the call and turned to Lin. "Do you want to study abroad like your sister?"
"If I get into a good school, I'll go," he said confidently.
The parents laughed. "This kid has big dreams."
Then they looked at Milim. "Are you okay?" they asked.
"I'm fine," she said. "I already ate earlier."
"Then don't force yourself," her dad replied. "Eat later if you're hungry."
Lin spoke up, "She bought snacks and hid them."
Milim glared at him. Her mom scolded her.
"How old are you? Always eating snacks! I told you they're unhealthy. You waste money on junk. Use that money for something useful!"
Milim lowered her head and stayed quiet.