Episode 23

"Is it alright to leave the two of them alone?"

In a serene café adjacent to the park, Kang-chan and So-jin conversed while savoring their drinks.

"It should be manageable. Despite the CEO's reckless nature, he wouldn’t go to the extreme of abandoning a child. By now, he’s likely in a frantic search for me."

"Yes, well... it should turn out alright, shouldn’t it?"

"I suppose so. Worst-case scenario, I might lose my job."

Though he had adamantly ignored Hyun's calls, Kang-chan's nervous glances towards his phone revealed his apprehension. So-jin chuckled softly at the sight.

"More than that, I’m concerned about how well he is coping with Harim. Harim isn't exactly the quiet type, and with the CEO's current condition, it might be challenging."

"You're right about that."

Kang-chan nodded vigorously in agreement.

"Then again, considering how much my sister is dealing with right now, Brother-in-law should manage just fine, don't you think?"

"Yes, absolutely. Besides, what better opportunity for a father and daughter to bond than on a sunny day like this?"

The two appeared unusually in sync. However, So-jin tilted her head.

"But what prompted you two to come here? The park is overflowing with children today, leaving little for adults to do."

"Well, you see..."

Kang-chan began to glance repeatedly at So-jin, his unease growing evident. So-jin's eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"Wait a moment. Are you perhaps... here to meet that woman, Han Soo-ah?"

"How did you know that?"

"What? So it's true?"

A brief silence ensued between them as they both settled their surprised feelings. So-jin was the first to break it.

"Well, while my sister updated me on Brother-in-law's current situation, she also mentioned Han Soo-ah... So what, is Brother-in-law actually on a date with that woman at this park?"

"...Rather than a date, he is going to play with her daughter. Although, in a broader sense, your interpretation isn’t entirely wrong..."

"Her daughter? Why is he playing with that woman's daughter? Wait, don't tell me, is she asking him to play the role of the father?"

Though it was Hyun who had been spending time with Soo-ah, Kang-chan felt obliged to apologize to So-jin. Her eyes blazed with anger.

"Yes. I fully understand your anger. I was also very displeased by this, so I tagged along in an attempt to prevent the situation. However, the Madam herself has allowed them to meet. There’s not much more I can do."

"I get that. Even so, allowing Han Soo-ah is one thing... Did my sister really approve of him meeting her daughter too?"

"No. That was entirely the Elder Madam’s unilateral decision."

At the mention of Mi-ae, So-jin's face involuntarily contorted. Kang-chan observed her reaction and lowered his voice.

"In fact, some unsettling news has surfaced since then."

"...What news?"

It was revealed that Ji-hye, Soo-ah's daughter, had been enrolled in the same kindergarten as Harim, with Mi-ae’s influence playing a role. Mi-ae seemed intent on continually painting Soo-ah and Ji-hye into Hyun's life. This degree of favoritism was blatant, to say the least. So-jin, who had remained still in utter silence opened her mouth.

"So, what she ultimately wants is..."

"Yes. Most likely... a divorce. She probably plans to pair Han Soo-ah with Hyun."

"That's absurd. What if they divorce and he marries her, only to regain his memory later? How do they plan to deal with that?"

"Even if these events occur during his memory loss... it would have been a decision the CEO made himself. Furthermore, once a new family is formed, it is not easy to abandon them. Besides... to be blunt, The CEO and Madam's current marriage wasn't founded on love."

So-jin chewed her lip while listening to Kang-chan and nodded slightly.

"...That's true. My sister and brother-in-law didn't marry for love. Still, I thought they were living well, especially after having Harim..."

"...."

"However, if my sister decides she wants a divorce, I will support her."

So-jin's eyes became resolute, reflecting her determination.

"Our family has already sacrificed so much since our fortunes began to decline. So, if my sister truly wishes to separate, I will stand by her side, no matter what."

"...Isn't there another way? For instance, just telling the CEO about his daughter..."

"I don't have anything to say about that. I believe that is my sister's decision to make."

So-jin’s resolve was unwavering.

"As someone close to Brother-in-law, you probably have a rough idea of our family’s situation, right? You must also know how my parents divorced."

"...I don’t know the details, but I understand that your mother was the basis of the situation."

"That's right. When we were young, our biological mother had an affair. My older sister was the one who witnessed such an affair."

"..."

"At that time, my sister saw her holding hands with another man in public. The man wasn't even aware she was a married woman with children. When he confronted her in anger, she panicked and denied that my sister was her daughter, right in front of her."

The shock of being denied by one's own mother must have been indescribable. This was what prompted So-jin's unwavering support.

"That is why my sister is particularly sensitive about this. She doesn't want Harim, her daughter, to experience the same kind of hurt. Therefore, I shall follow my sister's wishes on this matter."

"...."

"And of course, I won't tolerate that woman or her daughter hurting Harim or my sister. If they do, they will regret it. I'll make sure of that."

"Yes, yes. I understand completely. I fully grasp your sentiments."

As So-jin's cup trembled precariously in her hands, Kang-chan hastily nodded. Only then did So-jin take a deep breath and lean back in her chair to calm herself.

"But it does bother me a bit seeing how much Harim enjoys meeting her father. The child can't understand the complexities of adult relationships, and even if she did, it would be difficult for her to accept..."

"Let's wait for now. The CEO might regain his memory as soon as tomorrow."

"That's what I mean. If only his memory would return soon, things might start to resolve. Do you think a shock might trigger his memory?"

"...You mean a psychological shock, right? Not a physical one?"

Just as Kang-chan sought clarification, the café door swung open with a clatter, and Hyun stormed in. His fierce expression startled everyone around, drawing their anxious gazes.

"CEO?"

Startled, So-jin and Kang-chan stood up as Hyun approached them. Kang-chan, in particular, trembled involuntarily at the sight of Hyun's wrath.

"Found you."

Hyun muttered ominously as he spotted them. On his back was Harim, who snoozed peacefully. Kang-chan, alarmed, asked urgently.

"Did you search through all the nearby cafes?"

"Since you were blocking me so determinedly, I had to find you just as determinedly."

Despite his menacing reply to Kang-chan, Hyun carefully handed the sleeping Harim over to So-jin, who received her hesitantly.

"Anyway, since I'm leaving now, unblock me. I'm asking nicely."

"..."

"I'll see you later."

After warning Kang-chan, Hyun turned to leave. However, he soon halted to gaze at So-jin and Harim.

"Hey."

"Yes?"

"At least teach her to call me Uncle."

With that, Hyun resumed walking. The two remaining individuals watched his retreating figure in a daze. Finally, So-jin mumbled.

"My goodness. He must have played with Harim until she was exhausted and fell asleep."

"..."

"Impressive. Even without his memories, it seems there's something instinctive between father and child."

"I don't know about that... though I'm certain my life won't be spared."

Kang-chan swallowed his tears silently.

---

"Hey, over here, Hyun!"

After returning Harim, Hyun left to meet Soo-ah and Ji-hye. The two individuals seated on a bench waved cheerfully at his arrival.

"Goodness, what have you been up to that left you so exhausted? Did you run a marathon or something?"

"...Running ten marathons would have been easier..."

Already worn out, Hyun slumped back against the bench. Between them, Ji-hye happily munched on some fruit.

"Anyway, I'm glad you made it. I was worried thanks to the traffic, but it's good you're here."

"Yeah, well... did the child have fun?"

"Yes. We played for a while, and then she got hungry, so I gave her a snack."

Ji-hye quietly picked her grapes with a fork. One grape slipped off the fork and landed on her clothes.

"Oh no, you dropped it. You need to be more careful."

"Sorry."

"Look at this. You spilled juice... What did I tell you? Even if you're hungry, you need to eat slowly."

Even as Soo-ah wiped Ji-hye's clothes, her nagging continued. Hyun, observing quietly, suddenly interjected.

"The kid might cry if you continue doing that."

"Huh?"

"It's just one grape. It'll dry on its own."

Soo-ah's mouth opened slightly in surprise but then broke into a bright smile.

"Are you taking Ji-hye's side? I'm feeling a bit left out."

"..."

"Ji-hye is lucky. She has someone to stand up for her now."

Seeing Hyun, who usually showed little interest in children, taking Ji-hye's side was a rare sight. Soo-ah smiled, feigning hurt feelings, while Ji-hye's eyes sparkled at his support. Just then, someone approached them.

"Hello. Sorry to interrupt your meal, but would it be alright if I took a picture?"

"A picture?"

"Yes. We are currently offering free family instant photos as part of an event here in the park. From afar, you three looked like such a lovely portrait. Would it be okay if I took one for you?"

"Really? That would be great."

Soo-ah smiled and agreed readily. She naturally linked arms with Hyun, who flinched slightly but did not pull away.

"Alright, here we go! Dad, look this way a bit more!"

With the sound of the shutter, the image of the three was captured on the camera. Soo-ah, receiving the instant photo, beamed with delight.

"It's been ages since we last took an instant photo, Hasn't it? We used to take these all the time."

"..."

"The photographer must have seen us as a family. Perhaps... that means we look good together, right?"

Soo-ah peered at Hyun for his reaction, but he remained silent. The brief silence caused Soo-ah to fidget with her lips before she spoke again.

"Hey, Hyun."

"Yeah."

"Even though we parted ways on bad terms... I still believe we can make things work again."

"...What?"

"To be honest, I still have feelings for you... So, what do you say? Should we give it another try?"

---

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