Episode 25

Mi-ae exuded confidence. A belief and assurance that everything would go according to her will.

"You don't need to initiate the divorce. I'll handle all the procedures myself."

"..."

"You can slowly regain your memories. It's not like you've completely lost them, right? You can take classes on business management and successorship again."

Her tone was gentle and soothing. However, beneath the consideration for her son existed hidden agendas. Hyun sighed heavily.

"Why? When you've left me here all this time worrying over revealing my memory loss to others?"

"I left you here to rest."

"Is that so? Does that mean I can return home?"

At his words, Mi-ae flinched, and Hyun chuckled.

"Why? Is that not allowed either?"

"..."

"Are you afraid I'll spend time with that woman So-jung? You seem so anxious over the matter that it's becoming quite evident I had genuine feelings for her."

"There was no such thing between you two. It was a political marriage."

Hyun ignored Mi-ae's abrupt interruption.

"Fine, let's assume that's true. But marrying a woman who gave birth to my nice—it's quite an unexpected move from you. You normally wouldn't have considered such a condition, right?"

"..."

"A husband in a vegetative state, and a son with amnesia. Amidst all this, with the relatives eyeing us eagerly... You'd reach out for more influence. That's the reason you were so eager to connect with Han Soo-ah's family."

Mi-ae did not deny Hyun's pouring speculations; on the contrary, she remained resolute.

"Right, and what's wrong with that?"

"..."

"From the outset, this is our realm. In a love match, all is pristine, but in a political union, no one desires it. Even if it entails marrying a woman with a child. This is where households and influences converge—where you currently find yourself."

Mi-ae's voice continued growing in volume.

"I am committed to securing your place as CEO of Kyungmoon Group by any means necessary. Whether gossip swirls behind your back, or you're embroiled in unsavory scandals and rumors, none of it matters as long as you occupy that chairman's seat. That is my duty, my ultimate objective."

Once again, silence ensued. Mi-ae took deep breaths to calm herself, while Hyun observed her quietly before speaking up.

"Life's been pretty dull, huh?"

"..."

"Making it your life's biggest goal to put me into the CEO position... Well, I get that, but still, I'll handle the divorce myself."

"You..."

"You know, I'm stubborn. And seeing how you're so frustrated with that woman, I'm starting to wonder. How sincere was I towards her?"

Mi-ae's forehead creased in anger at his words.

"Do you not understand why you're in this situation right now? No, you definitely don't. Wake up. The reason you lost your memory in the first place was because of..."

"Yes, because I was protecting that woman."

"...Even knowing all that, you still..."

"What does it matter? I chose to protect her voluntarily. Whether I live or die, that's my responsibility."

Hyun stood from his seat.

"Whether I continue or end things with that woman, I'm the one who decides in the first place. So don't pull any tricks with her under the pretext of divorce."

"You... You..."

"I won't stay quiet about it either."

With that, Hyun opened the door and left the room. Mi-ae could only tremble silently as she glared at his departing figure.

---

"So, Daddy and I did this..."

"Right, and then Daddy gave you a piggyback ride?"

"Yea!"

"Wow, that sounds like fun."

Even in the car, Harim waved her hands and explained to So-jung how her experience with Hyun that day. So-jung responded with a content smile.

"When will Daddy come back?"

"..."

"I want to play with him again."

So-jung found herself at a loss for words at Harim's follow-up question. When would he come back again? It was uncertain, much like when Hyun left for his business trips. However, avoiding an answer would also seem ambiguous for the child.

"...Harim will be able to play with Dad again if he eats well, sleeps well, and has fun."

"Really?"

"Only then."

So-jung reassured the child with a response that didn't promise a specific timeline. The car slowed down and eventually came to a stop.

"We have arrived."

The driver's announcement prompted So-jung and Harim to step out. They found themselves before a grand mansion. So-jung rang the bell, and the door slowly opened to reveal a woman who welcomed the two inside.

"Welcome. The others are waiting inside."

Following the guide, So-jung and Harim slowly walked in. Inside, they found the remaining mothers already gathered.

"Oh my, you're here!"

"Yes, everyone seems to have arrived as well. Harim, go play with your friends now."

Today was the regular meeting of the kindergarten moms, held alternately at each other's homes. Harim dashed where the children were already playing, seeming quite familiar with the routine.

"Here, I brought some wine. I had some at home and it's quite delicious."

"Oh, you didn't have to... But thank you, I'll enjoy it."

After presenting a gift to the host, So-jung took her seat. However, she sensed a peculiar atmosphere.

Something feels a bit...

Upon closer inspection, it was indeed strange. Despite arriving earlier than the scheduled meeting time, all the mothers were already there. Even the coffee cups on the table were halfway empty.

"It seems everyone came early today. I seem to be the last one."

"Yes, well... Somehow it turned out that way."

The host smiled awkwardly in response, but So-jung was not assured. Everyone was already engaged in conversation, and she had a feeling her family was the topic of discussion.

"By the way, Harim's Mom."

"Yes?"

"How is your husband doing health-wise?"

Inquiring about Hyun's well-being came naturally, but it was peculiar how all the attention seemed to be directed towards her.

"...He's doing much better. The doctor said the surgical site has healed a lot."

"Well, that's good. He was able to attend the ceremony, right?"

"Yes. He couldn't stay long and returned home to rest."

As So-jung responded, the mothers exchanged meaningful glances and began discussing something among themselves.

"Well, so did you hear the news?"

"What news?"

"Well, you know, regarding the new child who joined us recently. Do you know who that child is?"

"...Yes, I heard."

As expected.

Despite So-jung's efforts to redirect the conversation, she was already aware of their intentions. It was evident they knew of Choi Ji-hye's enrollment at the kindergarten, and also of Mi-ae's involvement in facilitating it.

"Choi Ji-hye, right? She's our Harim's cousin. Although they haven't met each other."

"Really? I see."

Then, a mother seated beside So-jung asked,

"So, it's true that your mother-in-law exerted effort to bring that child to the kindergarten?"

"Mi-seo's mom!"

The blunt question caused the other mothers nearby to hastily intervene. Others tried to mitigate the situation.

"I mean, relatives do each other out during times like this, right?"

"Yes, it's nice for the cousins of the same age to bond. Harim must be happy to have such a relative."

As the conversation commenced among the mothers, So-jung simply tilted her glass silently. Despite their attempts to smooth over the situation, everyone was already aware. Mi-ae was not acting simply because the two were related.

Perhaps they had also recognized the relationship between that man and Han Soo-ah.

Whether they knew of Hyun and Soo-ah's past relationship, So-jung was bound to be the center of such gossip and speculation.

To remain unfazed by the barrage of attention and curious gazes, she quietly clenched the edge of the tablecloth beneath the table. In the midst of this, a servant approached them.

"Madam, another guest has arrived."

"Oh, really? Please ask them to come in."

Another guest?

All the attendees had already arrived. However, no one questioned who this new guest could be. Sensing So-jung's curious gaze, one mother smiled and spoke up.

"Even though the child entered mid-year, she is the mother of a child who attends our kindergarten, so I thought it would be nice to introduce her."

"...So, this guest is..."

"Oh, here she is."

From the doorway, footsteps echoed, drawing everyone's attention. All heads turned in unison. There stood Soo-ah and Ji-hye. Soo-ah offered a gentle smile and nodded.

"Hello. I'm Ji-hye's mother, Han Soo-ah. Thank you for inviting us to this gathering."

Soo-ah extended a warm greeting, and the other mothers reciprocated with welcoming words. Amidst this exchange, So-jung quietly observed Soo-ah and refrained from offering a greeting herself. As Soo-ah graciously acknowledged the other mothers' greetings with a smile, her gaze naturally drifted towards So-jung.

"..."

"..."

Their gazes interlocked.

---

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