When The Phone Rings

Chapter 51

Heeju flinched as Han Joon began speaking with an air of conviction.

“I’ve met quite a few people in the Blue House, and they all look like saints on the outside, but inside they’re just a bunch of slugs. But Baek Sa-eon is the most suspicious of them all.”

‘….!’

“That look in his eyes, was so unbecoming. What kind of man looks at a woman like that when she’s a substitute for his real bride?”

Han Joon scratched his head in frustration.

Individuals like these are selfish. They’re one-sided and will do whatever it takes to fulfill their desires, inevitably causing harm.

His complicated gaze softened as it landed on Heeju, who sat before him, so clear-eyed and kind.

He knew she had compiled extensive footage of Baek Sa-eon but never suspected it was because he was her husband, not out of fan admiration.

‘I might get a divorce.’

“What?”

‘That’s why I came to ask you a favor. Please let me take this assignment. I never had a wedding, no photos— if I can at least keep a video of this briefing, I’ll have something to show that I was part of his life.’

Heeju bowed deeply.

“Haa…”

Han Joon felt the old craving for a cigarette creeping back.

The fact that she seemed so unsure about their marriage spoke volumes about how little room Baek Sa-eon must have given her. Internally, he cursed the man repeatedly.

He could still vividly remember the murderous glare Baek Sa-eon had given him once. The guy had the sinister vibe of a snake, no doubt about it.

This was a huge mess.

 

***

 

Parliamentary Climate Change Forum:

The symposium, marking its 15th anniversary, was held over three days. It brought together lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties, as well as representatives from the government, industry, academia, research, and civil society, to discuss energy policy.

On the second day, Heeju arrived at the briefing venue.

Scanning the bustling surroundings, she searched for Baek Sa-eon. At the entrance, protesters held placards and chanted slogans for various causes.

“…!”

She made eye contact with Hong In-ah, who was covering them. Noticing her, Heeju turned and started walking the opposite way.

Whenever she was in front of her sister, it felt as though she truly were a mistress. Her heart pounded painfully.

‘This is insane…’

She was the legal wife, the one who endured everything, yet… The self-deprecating thought weighed her down further.

 

***

 

“How can I help you?”

A government official at a mobile barricade checked Heeju’s ID.
She presented her badge from the Public Relations Office, and the man lowered the belt barrier, allowing her entry.
Inside, the venue was lined with green carpets and featured pamphlets for legislative forums, policy seminars, action campaigns, and Green Climate Awards.

She walked straight ahead without distraction until she reached a waiting room labeled “Public Relations Office.”
Peeking in, she spotted Baek Sa-eon wearing thin-rimmed glasses, flipping through a script.

“…!”

Her gaze stuck to him like glue. Even after years of observing him, seeing him in glasses was a rare sight.
His sharp nose bridge, cleanly tucked ears, and angular jawline paired perfectly with the thin frames, enhancing his air of intelligence and precision. He looked meticulous and sharp, marking up his script in his crisp suit.

“Excuse me, aren’t you the interpreter?”

A familiar voice brought her back to reality— it was a male colleague from a past hiking trip.
“Ah…!”

Snapping out of her reverie, Heeju bowed her head quickly.

“What brings you here? How’s your recovery? I heard you were discharged early…”

Heeju, who had just come to her senses, bowed her head sharply.

Baek Sa-eon, who had been concentrating on the manuscript, turned his head in surprise at the mention of an interpreter.

‘……!’

He spotted Heeju and stood up instantly, a deep frown carving across his face.

“After you were rushed to the hospital, we were so worried. But the spokesperson didn’t share details, and visits were restricted. We were really concerned…”
“What brings Interpreter Hong Heeju here?”

Baek Sa-eon coldly cut the man off, his stormy expression intensifying as he approached.

Without hesitation, Heeju handed him a document.

Baek Sa-eon’s piercing eyes scanned the paper as his jaw tightened. It was a signed delegation letter from Director Han Joon.

“How irresponsible of the director,” Baek Sa-eon muttered.
“I’m sorry, but I’ll arrange for a different interpreter.”
“Find another sign language interpreter immediately.”

As the staffer rushed off, Heeju inhaled sharply and held her ground.

“Why are you making that expression?”
“…”
“Just you standing before me is distracting. I won’t be able to concentrate later.”

He rubbed his temple, shaking the script in his hand. But when Heeju didn’t budge, his frustration deepened.

“Don’t be stubborn, Hong Heeju.”

Instead of replying, she calmly handed him another document. This one bore the Public Relations Chief’s direct approval.

“Ha…!”

Baek Sa-eon sighed in disbelief.

“I didn’t expect you to be this thorough.”

His tone was wry, but it sounded oddly like praise. Heeju couldn’t help but smile.

Baek Sa-eon immediately clamped his mouth shut. His expression—furrowed brows and a piercing gaze—was eerily similar to how he looked the night before.

As he took off his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose, Heeju thought he was signaling her to leave. But then, suddenly, he grabbed her arm.

“Where are you going? I’m about to kiss you.”
“…!”

The man lowered his face and pressed his lips to hers.

‘Hmph..!’

The usually icy man turned to molten fire when he touched her.

Heeju’s hands flailed as she was completely consumed by him, her tongue darting between their interlocking lips.

He wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and acted like he wanted to give her away. His rough tongue wrapped around her deeply, sucking and releasing.

“There’s not much time left for the briefing. Can you handle it?”

He placed his hands gently on Heeju’s shoulders, lowering himself to meet her gaze. His intense stare lingered on her reddened eyes before he finally lowered his head, almost as if in surrender.

He was right— time was tight for her.

Even so, Heeju nodded firmly. If she could take away even a single moment from this experience, she wouldn’t ask for anything more.
This was her quiet way of preparing for an uncertain ending. Because this one moment of interpretation would contain all the years she had lived for.

 

***

 

A blue dais is set up outside.

‘I never imagined we would be stepping up together like this…!’

Baek Sa-eon, sensing her unease, held onto Heeju and guided her onto the stage. The moment she set foot on it, her heart was pounding at its limit.

“Today, we’ll be conducting the briefing with the Blue House’s sign language interpreter.”

The clear, resonant announcement echoed over the gathering.

The eyes of reporters and spectators, filling the space in a sea of dark silhouettes, immediately turned to Heeju. Among them was Hong In-ah, whose face was stiff.

Heeju’s palms were sweaty, but she didn’t shy away from anyone’s gaze as long as she stood on this podium.

‘Is this a dream…?’

Was she really standing beside Baek Sa-eon, interpreting his words? The rush of exhilaration warmed her entire body.

Her eyes met his. No words were needed—they both understood each other’s trail of thoughts.

Preparing as if for a conductor’s cue, Heeju raised her hands, moving them in tandem with his voice.

“Despite challenges such as war, the climate crisis, and pandemics, Asia-Pacific nations must act more boldly against climate change…”

As his calm words resonated, Heeju translated them into sign language.

She had spent a lifetime honing this skill, but now it felt as fresh and thrilling as the very first time.
Standing beside him, speaking the same words—just that thought filled the hollow spaces in her heart with joy.

“And now is the time for our citizens to contribute toward green recovery. By leveraging our renewable energy resources, climate technologies, and circular economy…”

Heeju found herself keeping up effortlessly, even more smoothly than during practice.

No longer did it feel like she was scrambling to keep pace; it was as though his words naturally aligned with her rhythm.

‘He’s not speaking as quickly as usual.’

Everyone knew Baek Sa-eon for his sharp, assertive speech. Yet today, his words felt softer, more measured.

‘It’s almost as if he’s matching his steps to mine.’

Even if it was just her imagination, she didn’t care.

The sweetness of the moment was intoxicating, and Heeju lost herself entirely in his voice, forgetting the crowd and the world around her.

The noise faded to white, leaving only Baek Sa-eon’s voice reverberating in her mind like a guiding beacon.
And the same situation turned dangerous for Heeju.

She didn’t notice the reporters suddenly rising from their seats, shouting, nor the security guards rushing toward the stage. It all came crashing into her awareness too late.