WhIP

by footfungus

nederlands verhalen over mijn otp

27. little women seven

Shelter From the Storm

Liliumscribe

Summary:

Oh In-joo has been hiding from Choi Do-il for roughly seven years now. She's finally been spotted in Seoul and he's determined to find out why she left without saying goodbye.

Notes:

(See the end of the work for notes.)

Chapter 1: Family Gathering

Chapter Text

The yearly health check was over. The magic words "still in remission" was followed by a sigh… of relief. Relieved enough to sit through her marching orders with relative calm. The ordeal was over. Inwardly she thanked heaven and any transcendent being responsible for her recovery. She fidgeted in her seat raring to go. Having observed the twitches and the beats, the oncologist sent her out with a grin. He uttered more words that were music to her ears. She sprang from her seat, ambled out the door pausing to bow one more time. Grateful words flowed from her lips. Even as she exited, she observed a lightness in her own gait as she floated her way to the reception desk. Cloud 9. A good life. A rare bit of good news had fallen into her lap. Indeed an occasion worthy of celebration. Thoughts of her son sprang to mind at once. His reaction took shape in her mind. He would offer to take her somewhere expensive. A lovely gesture but no. Not today. Today she wanted to cook — one of life's pleasures. She rarely did it. Cooking for one wasn't worth the effort. He was seldom home for dinner. With such glad tidings to announce that would be reason to. By hook or by crook beef ribs soup had to be on the menu. Mentally she planned her route home. A detour to the butcher and then her favourite greengrocer for the greens. Then she remembered the perilla leaves at the bottom of the fridge. Right. A side dish waiting to be made.

Preoccupied with matters elsewhere, the mother in her early sixties whipped out her wallet. Right at that moment she felt a light breeze blowing past her. She turned in time to see the back of a boy sprinting ahead. As if his life depended on it. He was followed by an furious bellow meant for his ears alone.

"Oh Jin-u. Stop right there."

Unfortunately for the woman hot on his heels, the lad had no reason to pay heed. He simply ignored the imperative and scampered on his merry way. She quickened her pace and her hands rubbed against the woman standing at reception. She stopped briefly. A pit stop in the middle of a race She bowed and apologised profusely for this display of bad manners. Then only did she scurry after the boy with timely speed.

Although she gave scarcely more than a glance, the patient sensed a familiar air about the flustered guardian. She was pretty enough to be noticed. But not striking enough to be memorable. The bouncing black curls, somewhat dishevelled, resembled a figure from her past. The encounter piqued her curiosity. It was a feeling she couldn't shake. As if hypnotised by an unknown force, Ahn So-young limped with speed towards the unmistakable sound of reprimands echoing down the corridor. The boy's guardian fought a losing battle to keep her voice down. Her exasperation clearly rang out. So-young got there just in time to see the young mother apologise to passers-by who cared enough to gawk at the spectacle. This time So-young had a much better look at the woman and the boy. A bolt of lightning from on high hit her. She crumpled into a heap with only bench to keep her from hitting the ground. One look. A second. The third confirmed what she couldn't brain couldn't believe what her eyes were seeing. It was her. That one. The name escaped her that moment. The one who broke her son's heart. So-young froze from the sheer shock of being so close to this errant creature. Rooted to the floor all she could do was gape. The younger woman slid the door open and dragged the misbehaving lad in behind her.

Inside the room a major world war was brewing. Three generations under one roof and at odds. Each were staking their claim on an unmanaged stage.

"Oh Jin-u. How many times do I have to tell you to behave yourself?"

"It's so boring in here."

"Don't be too hard on him. He's just a child."

"Mum. He's not just a child. Trust me. He may look small but he has the mind of a high school student."

"I wonder who he takes after."

"Not her, that's for sure." The boy snapped at his mother and appealed to his grandmother for moral support.

It was the first time in over 7 years that the younger mother in her late thirties stepped foot in Seoul. Ordinarily there would be no reason to be in the country's capital city. After all she had made it her mission to avoid it like the plague. But her mother was getting treated for cervical cancer. So Oh In-joo did her daughterly duty and fronted up. Wracked with misgivings. Her busy sisters needed some respite. So she agreed to a week. That was the deal. Only a week. That was all she could spare. Even that was too long. Even in a city of 10 million, a week was too long. The feeling of uneasiness that accompanied her during the bus ride never left her. There was no guarantee she wouldn't be recognised even among a sea of faces.

"In-joo. Why don't you give him something to eat? The poor boy must be starving. There's fruit and cake next to you."

"Grandma. Cake is high in carbohydrates. High consumption of carbohydrates leads to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance eventually leads to Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders."

"See. What did I tell you?"

"Where did he learn all that?"

"Mum. Trust me. Don't go there. Once he starts, he won't stop."

"See. Grandma. Child abuse."

"Fine. Report me to the police then."

"I should. For all the times that I've skipped school."

"It hasn't done you any harm."

"A seven-year-old boy reporting his own mother. Who would believe you?"

"I'm six, Grandma. Six. Seven in two months."

"I can't believe a six-year-old boy would talk this way."

"Now you know what I have to put up with."

Both In-joo and son glared at one other from opposite ends of the hospital bed. Hostility emanating from both bodies permeated the space around them. Eyes locked on to one another. Unspoken threats to shoot the other down with silent weapons of mass denunciation.

"I don't know what will kill me first. The cancer or you two."

The facial muscles under In-joo's eyes relaxed. She began to knead her mother's shoulders. To placate her frustrated mother, she used her most soothing voice. "Sorry. It's my fault for doing such a poor job raising this little rascal."

Outside Ahn So-young was eavesdropping through the cracks, trying to make head or tail of the muffled chatter inside the room. Oh in-joo was in town. Did that portend trouble? Not only that. She wasn't alone. She had that boy with her. A son apparently. So-young joined the dots in her head. The presence of the boy changed everything. She would have gladly gone on her way blissful in her ignorance. She would have happily pretended that she'd not laid eyes on Oh In-joo. But the boy was another matter entirely. His presence complicated things. Much much more. She had a tough decision to make. A responsibility she never wanted. She strolled away with a heavy heart. There was no unseeing what she'd seen.

To tell or not to tell. That was the question. He had the right to know. Seven years later he still refused to move on. She wanted him to. She practically begged him to. More than once in fact. He would sit there listening patiently like he was doing now. His lips would form a smile. But the mist that draped over his eyes pierced her heart. Every single time.

"I need to know, Mother." He would say. "I need to know why."

"Maybe she met someone else."

He would shake his head. Sometimes the shake of the head would be accompanied by a word or a phrase.

"Impossible. Not her."

"Maybe you didn't know her as well as you thought."

She never got a definitive answer from him. He would shoot her a look she could never decipher. Was it resentment? Was it anguish? Or was it fear? If his eyes had become a closed book to her, then his mouth showed a determination that she couldn't overcome with pleas.

Like every other time they were at the dining table. On opposite sides of the small square table. Unlike every other time Ahn So-young watched her son nibble on the beef ribs and slurp down the soup. He swallowed a spoonful of rice and then put down the spoon beside the bowl.

"Everything fine today at the hospital?"

"Of course. Doctor gave me the thumbs up."

"So what's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong."

"You haven't touched your dinner."

Her son reached over to her side of the table and touched her hand.

"I'm fine, Son. Really."

"Something's bothering you."

Ahn So-young didn't know what to say. A part of her wanting to blurt it all out. A part of her was simmering with resentment.

"I can't keep anything from you, can I?"

"Is it something I should know about?" Her son shot her a quizzical look.

So-young wondered about that question all afternoon. Her meditations had arrived at the destination of Nowhere.

"I'm not sure."

Her son picked up his spoon and dug up a chunk of rice before drenching it with soup. "Food's getting cold. Let's eat and then you can decide if it's something that I need to know."

"So what are you going to do?"

An hour later mother and son were sitting at the empty dining table. So-young rubbed her fingers together as if the temperature in the room had dropped. She looked up to gauge his reaction from his face. The redness around his eyes told her everything she needed to know.

"What I've been trying to do for six years."

"Is that wise? She's not exactly trying to make contact."

"I need to know. One way or another."

"What about the boy?"

"I'll know when I see him."

"Know what?"

"If I've been wasting my time this past six years."

Unconsciously or not, he quickly hid his clenched fists under the table. He lowered his eyes and fixed them on the wood grain in front of him.

"Do-il. I'm so sorry."

"Why? You've done nothing wrong, Mum."

"I didn't want to upset you."

"You didn't upset me. I'm not upset."

"Then…?"

"I'm relieved. At least I can now be sure that I haven't been chasing a ghost."

Do-il sprawled restlessly on a bench outside the hospital entrance.

He came resolute. But his resolution lasted only as long as the car journey. The all-too familiar questions of the last seven years came flooding back, replaying relentlessly in his mind. The ring in his pocket. He groped around for it. His fingers brushed against it. In the end he let it slide back to the bottom.

It's too soon.

What the hell am I doing here? What if she doesn't want to see me? I What if it's a mistake… coming here… like this… unannounced… with no warning? Choi Do-il. It's not like you to jump into something without a plan.

What if Mother's right? What if there's someone else? What if she's moved on?

But the boy… what about him?

It makes no difference.

There were times he felt sure she had been so close only to find that he had just missed her. It was as if an unknown hand was at work thwarting his best efforts. What was this game of hide and seek she was playing? Was it something he said? Or did? Why didn't he catch on sooner? He had gone back to her apartment innumerable times to wait He waited for her to walk through that door. But she never did.

Do-il fiddled with his watch. Looked at the time. Got up. And then he sat down. He stood up again. Paced back and forth for some minutes, then sat down. The next time he stood up, he felt him self at the end of a collision course with something smaller than him but hard. It was a child. A boy child.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm sorry Ahjussi. I wasn't looking at where I was going."

Do-il was immediately disarmed by the boy's polite straightforward manner.

"Should you be wandering around by yourself at this time?"

"Probably not."

"Then why are you…"

"No offence, Ahjussi. I've had enough of adults."

Do-il barely suppressed a chuckle.

"How old are you?"

"I'm six. But that's all I'm going to tell you. I really shouldn't be talking to strangers."

"Fair enough."

He waited for the boy to leave the scene of the crime but found himself the object of scrutiny by his newfound companion. For unknown reasons, the lad was intrigued by this particular adult. He scrutinised Do-il from head to trouser hem. Rather than put off, Do-il was mildly entertained.

"Shouldn't you go back in there? Won't your parents be worried?"

"I'm sick of women nagging at me."

This time Do-il fought back a strong urge to laugh.

"You sure you're six?"

"Everybody says that. My mother says I'm probably a genius like my father."

"Why not your mother?"

"Between you and me, Ahjussi." The boy lowered his voice conspiratorially. "My mother… well… she's a good-hearted woman but she lets people take advantage of her. If my father were around, she wouldn't be cheated so much. I do what I can but no one takes me seriously."

"Why isn't your father around?"

"She told me that he died before I was born. But I don't believe her."

"Why not?"

"I've never seen his grave. We don't commemorate his death memorial. I mean, I've seen my great-grandparents' graves twice already but I've never seen his grave."

"Are you sure you're six years old? Your vocabulary. The notions inside your head."

"I am. Really. Even though I don't go to school."

"You don't go to school? Why?"

"How can I? We never stay in one place long enough."

Do-il had another question for the lad when an angry shriek derailed his train of thought.

"Oh Jin-u."

"Great. My mother's back."

Do-il was stunned. That voice. 7 long years of waiting and there she was. So close. Yet he was stuck. Some unknown power rendered him immobile. It was as if someone had superglued him to the pavement.

"Oh Jin-u. Where are you?"

"I have to go, Ahjussi. My mother seems like a pushover but when she's angry, it's terrifying."

Do-il grinned weakly. And nodded. He knew that only too well.

"I'm coming. Ms Oh In-joo."

His hand wanted to reach out and grab the boy. To hold him back. To keep him from leaving. Instead he kept his hands in his pockets. He dug deep and remembered there was a ring waiting for its owner.

"Why did you run off by yourself again?"

"I didn't run off. I decided to go for a walk. I was suffocating in there."

"Look kiddo. I know you think you're 30 years old or something but you're still a minor and I'm responsible for you."

"Fine, fine. I'm coming. Ms Oh In-joo."

Hearing her name again made Do-il emotional. She was so close. The scent of her favourite perfume rattled him. He was so close. He had inched closer and stopped. Instead he quietly slipped into the shadows. A voice inside told him that the time wasn't right. Besides, he craved to hear them say more. He was privy to a family conversation he couldn't be a part of.

"Don't call me by my name. Don't you know it's disrespectful?"

"Yeah, yeah. Sure. Mother."

"That's better. What were you doing?"

"I wasn't doing anything. Just walking around getting some air."

"It sounded like you were talking to someone."

"Oh that. It was just some random ahjussi."

"What did I tell you about talking to strangers?"

"He's alright. Probably here to visit someone."

"How do you know?"

"It's the cologne."

"What cologne?"

"You know, the one you like."

7 years earlier…

The knock on the door caused Oh In-joo to jump. She wasn't expecting anyone.

She'd lost track of time. She'd been wrestling with English verbs for God-only-knows-how-many times. Three months in, past participle verbs and present perfect tense were giving her migraines. And occasionally haunting her in her sleep. Online tutorials during the day and face to face classes in the evenings were proof of her dedication. She only wanted to be conversant but it never occurred to her how hard learning another language at her age would be. How could she think of travelling anywhere in the world with no English at all?

Irregular past participle verbs. Ring, rang rung.

What inconsiderate creature would be knocking at other people's doors at this time of the day?

Don't people go to work anymore?

Write, wrote, written

Another series of knocks and she slammed her laptop shut. Who was this persistent soul? Some nosy neighbour? She gave it some thought and grunted. Whoever it was, knew that somebody had to be home.

How exasperating.

She shoved her feet into the house slippers and dragged them all the way to the door. She hoped that by the time she reached the door, whoever it was would just simply give up… and go away. Whatever they were selling, she wasn't buying.

Things weren't destined to go her way. A third knock. One that sounded more impatient than the previous two. She had a good mind to ignore the persistent interloper altogether. Except for the fear of continuing disturbance.

Mentally she had a speech prepared. She was prepared to give a piece of her mind.

"Who is it?" She was keen to make her displeasure felt.

"Ms Oh In-joo. It's me. Are you alright?"

She was startled. The voice was male and familiar. Of course she would know it anywhere. Except that she wasn't expecting to hear it at her doorstep. What was he doing in Seoul? She imagined him basking in the Mediterranean sun somewhere, sipping cocktails? More importantly, why was there a sense of urgency in his tone?

Clumsily she slid off the door chain and turned the handle. The door swung open and there he was standing outside her apartment wearing a white shirt and dark pair of slacks that flattered his figure. In truth it didn't matter what he wore, the effect on her would be the same. Her mind went blank. She forgot every word of the roasting she was about to deliver. The mirror across the room was witness to the fact that her face was red. Suddenly the temperature in the room had risen.

She mustered her most polite voice.

"Manager Choi. What an unexpected pleasure. What brings you here?"

He walked in, looked her over and surveyed the entire apartment.

"I'm glad that you're alright."

Unconsciously her tremulous fingers patted her hair and combed the knots. While his eyes were otherwise occupied elsewhere, she was straightening her pyjamas. To say she was shaken by this encounter was an understatement.

"Why... wouldn't I be... alright?" Nervousness was threatening to paralyse her.

"I tried ringing earlier. You didn't pick up so naturally I…"

Oh In-joo gasped. Instinctively both hands covered her mouth. Her phone. Still lying in the bedroom. On silent.

She scurried off to the bedroom in sheer embarrassment and the door behind her shut with a bang. Her phone was still idling on the nightstand. Waiting to be picked up.

10 Missed Calls.

Manager Choi had been calling all day? When did he get back? Why did he pick today of all days to call?

In-joo stripped off her pyjamas. She grabbed a pair of shorts from the corner of the bed and managed to find a clean blouse to slip into. It had been a while since she had any visitors. And Choi Do-il was the last person in the world she had expected to drop by unannounced.

How did he managed to find this place?

She realised soon enough that it was the wrong question. Of course he would find this place. He had his ways of finding out things.

She peered out the door and saw him scanning her English language tomes. That smile was in close proximity again. The one that made her heart do somersaults and all kinds of crazy gymnastics. From the first day she met him to the last day at the airport, his effect on her was hard to quantify. He was the bravest, the kindest and the most mysterious man she'd ever met. She suspected herself half in love with him once but when he left she naturally assumed she would never see him again.

So what was he doing in her apartment? Feeling half-dressed her mind was in turmoil over this question. Why's he here?

"The reason why I missed your calls is because I was studying. Sorry. I made you worry."

"I'm sorry to have barged in like that. You must have been shocked."

"Surprised, yes. But I'm really happy to see you again." She made it a point to emphasise "really".

His eyes lit up and flashed her a smile. She obliged with a shy one of her own. Was she too eager? Would she be misunderstood? Why would she be afraid of being misunderstood?

Two people with intangible feelings for one another. Uncertain of what to say next. The conversation turned awkwardly banal.

"It's good to see you too, Ms Oh In-joo." He hesitated before continuing. "I called because I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me tonight. That is if you have no plans."

She was too jittery herself to notice the slight quiver in his voice.

"I have no plans." The words rolled out of her mouth before her brain kicked into gear. "I'm free." Which was a lie of… sorts… because she was suppose to have English class from 7:00 to 9:30 that evening.

"Good. Is 8 alright with you?" He entire demeanour was more relaxed. Pleased even.

She nodded. The lie was for a good cause. She didn't know when an offer like that could come her way again.

"I'll pick you up at 7:45."

She nodded again. This time she was able to assemble words into fitting platitudes and articulate them.

"Thank you. I'm looking forward to it."

"I er… have to go now. I've got to get back to work."

"Okay."

"I'll see you this evening." He was heading for the door but seemed reluctant to leave. He glanced at her several times as if he had more to say but changed his mind. Her mind was on other things.

Work? What work? Finance? Money laundering? Back at Wonryeong?

She had a myriad of questions swimming around in her head. Participle verbs were banished from her headspace. Only one thought mattered at that moment.

What's he doing back here?

A little over half an hour after he left, she realised that she had forgotten to thank him for keeping the 70 billion won safe.

For some reason her heart was racing. It wasn't exactly the first time she'd had a meal with him. Or even hung out with him. So why the reaction? How was this different? It felt different. Luckily her jacket had pockets and deep ones too. Her hands dug in as far as they could go. Happily her hands had somewhere to go to hide. On such occasions they had a life of their own. She chided herself for being silly. It was just dinner. Not a date. Certainly not a date with a stranger. They were partners once. He was being kind. Courteous. He was checking in on an old acquaintance. Overthinking it would be meaningless.

"So how long are you here for?"

He shot her a penetrating stare before his answer came.

"As long as it takes."

"As long as what takes?"

"My unfinished business."

"Are you back working for Wonryeong?"

"After what I did, I don't think I'd be welcomed back there."

"I thought you were enjoying your life in Greece or Europe somewhere drinking alcohol by the beach."

"Greece was great for about 10 days but then I found myself thinking about what I'd left behind in South Korea."

The way he said that. There was something in his voice. An edge perhaps. Something in the tone maybe. And then there was the way he stared at her. She got the impression that he was trying to communicate meaning extraneous to those words. They were begging for her to pose the obvious follow-up question. Unfortunately the courage to do so just wasn't there at the time. It was too personal and they didn't have the kind of relationship that gave her the right to probe. She went for the safe alternative instead.

What could he have left behind that was important enough to bring him back?

"How's your mother?"

"She's well. Well enough. She's living right here in Seoul."

Maybe he was talking about her.

"I'm sure she appreciates you being around."

"I'm not so sure about that. She's always nagging me to find a wife."

"Mothers are like that. When you're single they ask you when you're getting married. When you're married, they want to know when you're going to have kids."

"You sound like you're speaking from experience."

"I am speaking from experience. Divorced with no children to show for it."

In-joo vented her frustration on the innocent steak in front of her and attacked it with an unholy vigour.

"Do you want help with your steak?" The man across the table was faintly amused by her antics.

"The steak's fine. I'm talking too much. Sorry."

"I don't mind. You talking too much... that is. It's one of those things..."

Before he could say another word he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his phone. It was still vibrating.

"Work. Sorry. I think I'm going to have to take this call."

"Go ahead. Don't worry about me."

In-joo saw Choi Do-il disappear out into the lobby of the restaurant. Though she didn't say it, she was impressed that he remembered the place. The last time she was in the restaurant and he dropped in to talk, it was on her birthday. Her moment to live it up. Perhaps even her last hurrah. She had not known what the future held for her. Oddly enough, since the 25 billion won came to her, she'd not thought about the restaurant once. All the promise of luxury didn't matter like it used to.

Adrift in her thoughts, she still somehow managed to cut up the steak without cutting herself. Chewing slowly on a piece, her thoughts flew back to Choi Do-il and she wondered where work was for him. With his qualifications and experience, he could have worked anywhere in the world. Why did he come back to the country? Did he get an offer too good to refuse? He must have. She couldn't imagine Choi Do-il doing anything for any reason other than money.

"Sorry about that." His voice broke through her reverie. He slid back into his seat with ease.

"Everything okay?"

"Just a small accounting issue. Nothing serious."

"Who are you working for now? If you don't mind telling me."

"Distomos Pharmaceuticals. In their finance department."

Chapter 2: A House Divided

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Do-il collapsed onto the floor. Lavender, rose and lemon faint smell of her favourite perfume left behind a trace of her in the room. They filled his nostrils and transported him down the passage of time. The unmade bed, creased sheets, folded pillow confirmed what he soon realised. Lurking about the hospital was a waste of time. Sooner or later she had to come home. The inevitable confrontation would take place here. In this apartment. A place he knew every inch of. He lost count of the hours spent getting acquainted with every nook and cranny. First a visitor. Than a regular. A fixture. And home.

The good days — few that they were — came to an abrupt end. No goodbye. Home with her was no more home. Forced to become a stranger against his will. A stalking fool. Waiting for answers.

Stalking. Since when did he stoop so slow? Desperate times. Desperate measures. Blah blah blah. She took off once without giving him a chance. Leaving had to be her default mode of operation. As the boy said. He was taking no chances.

He had waited. It began with a can. Or a bottle. Whatever his hand reached for first. He gulped down anything in those days. He slept. He waited. Rinse. Repeat. He became better acquainted with every inch of wall, carpet and furniture than any man should have to. How many times did he stare at the ceiling? How many times did his eyes bore down the door wishing for her to come crashing through it? He lost count after ten. So he drank some more. It dulled the pain. A little.

Oh In-joo. The only woman he cared about more than money. She upped and left. With scarcely any explanation. He waited some more. Until he found the ring in the bottom drawer of the wardrobe. He knew then she had left for good. With no note to say why when or where. Just an empty silent apartment. No more laughter. Not more chatter. No more her.

He bounced to his feet. He dashed to the windows for refuge. But he was struck by the glow of the moonlight beaming into the room. Mesmerised, he kept staring. Soon beeping coming from the front door shook him out of his trance. Voices in the background loud enough for him to hear. A mother chastising her son for the nth time. Do-il dragged the curtains across and slid behind them doing what he'd been doing for the last 7 years. Waiting. Pining. Waiting for the opportune moment to speak. Pining for that first touch.

Footsteps shuffled closer towards his hiding place. They stopped. A continuing barrage of words followed. The child's protests reverberated around the apartment. It was a cacophony. The door to the other bedroom clicked opened. Soon after a slam followed in protest.

The soft footsteps continued until the door closed quietly. A sigh and a groan. In-joo dragged herself towards the bedside lamp and switched it on. The light from it flooded the bed. Do-il could see the back of her head. A voice within accused him of being craven. That voice urged him on. To act on his feelings. Another voice reminded him that she'd rejected him.

Her slender figure slumped backwards into the bed. She yawned and stretched. In no time, the soft sound of snoring could be heard. He'd never heard her snore before.

Ashamed of his diffidence, Do-il slithered out of his hiding place. "Typical."

He had no idea who that comment was for.

He leaned over and dropped a peck on her forehead. "Oh In-joo. You haven't change a bit."

Apparently she wasn't really asleep. She leapt to her feet. "Who's that?"

"I'm disappointed."

"Choi Do-il?" The question came wrapped with shock and confusion.

"Good. Maybe I'm not that forgettable." Do-il successfully kept the sarcasm out of his voice.

"How?"

For several seconds she was pleased to see him. That however didn't last. Her expression changed abruptly.

Her arms gesticulated wildly. "Never mind. Choi Do-il. You shouldn't be here. We can't be seen together."

"Why not?"

"We just can't."

"In-joo." He closed the distance between them. "Talk to me."

"Don't come any closer. Don't touch me."

Her face had turned pale. Even more than usual. Her skin showed a deathly ague. The only rush of blood came from her clenched her fists. Tears welling up in her eyes.

"What's wrong?" He was desperate to keep the conversation going. "Tell me what I did wrong."

"Nothing. You did nothing wrong." Her face fell. The excitement that he heard at the start transformed into a dull monotone. "Just leave."

"Not a chance." His hands dove into his pockets. His middle finger touched the ring. "Not until I get an explanation."

"There's no explanation." There was an air of resignation around her. "I'm a terrible human being. A terrible coward. I ran. That's all to it."

"You expect me to believe that? After all that we went through?"

"Believe what you want, Choi Do-il. Consider yourself lucky. You had a narrow escape."

"What about the boy?"

Her spine stiffened. "What boy?" Her tone became brusque.

"It's me you're talking to. Choi Do-il. The boy in the next room." He was growing impatient. "Our son." He gripped her shoulders harder than he would normally have. She was indifferent.

"Oh him." For a moment, shy In-joo returned. Then she disappeared again. "He's not your son."

Her tone was defiant. And glib. She pushed his hands away

"That was some other guy I was seeing. He was the reason I left."

"Stop it."

"It's the truth."

Do-il sipped his hand into his back pocket and ripped out a small photograph. He waved it under her nose. She blinked in confusion.

"This was me when I was 7. The boy looks just like me." He raised his index finger in the direction of the room next door.

"It's impossible. I'm his mother. I should know."

"I don't know why you're lying. But there are plenty of ways to prove it."

"Don't." She fell back onto the bed and buried her face in her hands. "Please don't."

Despite the frustration churning inside, he was moved by her pleas.

"Tell me what's going on." He sank down into a stoop and grabbed her hands.

"I can't." The words barely came out.

A knock on the door. They both turned to face the door. A creak. A crack. A little light peeped in and a little boy standing in the gap.

"Oh In-joo. You're too noisy. I can't sleep."

She got up and dashed to the door. She crouched down to face him. "I'm sorry. Go back to bed. No more noise from me."

As he turned to leave, the boy spotted the other person in the room.

"Who's that?" The boy rubbed his eyes. "Is he my father?"

"No silly. Your father's dead."

"No he isn't. He's alive. I've seen him."

"Don't be silly. Be good. Go to bed now."

The boy seemed disinclined to go. In-joo had no strength to argue further.

Do-il took charge of the situation. He strolled up to the boy and placed his hand on the boy's shoulder.

"Ahjussi from the hospital. You're my father, right?"

"It's Jin-u, right? Your mother and I have things to talk about. We will explain everything to you later when there's more time. Go to bed now, okay?"

"Okay."

"Good boy."

"Don't leave, Ahjussi."

"If I do, I'll come back."

"Okay."

Jin-u stumbled sleepily towards his room. They watched him until he closed the bedroom door. Do-il scooped up both her hands and led her back into the bedroom.

"Tell me now. What's making you terrified?"

She shook her head.

His arms circled her slender frame. She burst into tears and a torrent of eye water soaked his shirt. It was a while before she could string a coherent sentence together.

"You shouldn't be here." She gathered whatever strength she could muster and pushed him to one side.

"It's my fault that I haven't been around to protect you and Jin-u."

"We'll be fine. Just go."

"Go? Where? You're here. I'm not letting you out of my sight."

"I'm not worth it."

"That's for me to decide."

"Go." He had dropped his guard momentarily. With an unexpected burst of inhuman strength, she shoved him out the door and slammed it shut. "Don't ever come back."

He heard the door knob twist and the button click.

"Oh In-joo. This is ridiculous."

"Leave."

"You can't lock yourself up inside forever."

"I can and I will."

"What about the boy?"

"He can take care of himself."

"Fine. If that's how you're going to play it. Expect to hear from my lawyer soon about the matter of shared custody for the kid."

"Choi Do-il. Why can't you just let it go?"

"Thought you knew me better than that."

Do-il grinned widely. He turned to head for the sofa only to feel a tug at his trouser.

"Ahjussi. Are you my father?'

"I thought you were in bed. Asleep."

"I'm too excited to sleep."

"You are? Why?"

"You're my father, right?"

Without warning Do-il lifted the boy up and dropped him back down. "You're heavier than you look."

"Everyone says that." The boy sniffed. "I have a picture of you with my Mum."

"Do you? Show me."

They both sauntered into the other bedroom. He opened his backpack, groped around and pulled out a maroon-coloured notebook.

He flipped the pages. From somewhere in the middle, a picture flew out. Do-il caught it before it reached the floor. One glance and he broke into a wistful smile.

"Did she ever tell you where we took that?"

"Mum doesn't tell me anything about you."

"This was just outside the building where we both met for the first time."

"I knew it was important. She hid it in her diary."

"Why do you have it?"

"It's a long story. But she dropped it so I took it. Finders keepers."

"You must be a handful."

"Not really. I'm adaptable. She's lucky to have such an understanding child."

Do-il allowed himself a chuckle this time. "I think you are both lucky to have each other."

"Ahjussi. You haven't answered my question."

"What question?"

"Are you my father?"

Do-il refrained from answering straight away. He stared at the boy thoughtfully.

"Do you want me to be your father?"

"Of course."

Do-il was taken aback by the definitive response.

"Why?"

The boy shot him a conspiratorial look and lowered his voice to a whisper.

"A boy needs his father. Everybody knows it. All the research shows this. The tv psychologist says so too."

Do-il couldn't help himself and guffawed. The serious expression on the boy's face was too much.

"It's true. Oh In-joo has done her best but I need a man to look up to. I'm also tired of moving."

"Do you know why you've been moving so much?"

"She doesn't tell me anything of importance."

"She seems afraid of something."

"She goes into a panic attack before each move."

"It must have been hard on you, Jin-u."

Do-il patted the boy on the head.

"Please take pity on me and adopt me. I don't care if you're not really my father."

Jin-u whined and offered his best puppy eyes impression.

"I am sure any man in his right mind would want you as a son." Do-il ruffled the boy's hair. "But first things first. I'm really worried about your mother."

"It's about time someone was."

"Do you have a phone?"

"Just a dumbphone."

"I'll give you my number. Call me if anything urgent comes up."

Do-il reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small black object the size of a matchbox.

"I'm going to give you a GPS tracker. You know what it is?"

Jin-u nodded.

"Okay. Good. I'll explain how it works and where I want you to place it."

It was all quiet. In-joo crept out of her room leery of he who might be about. She scanned the dimly lit living area and wondered if Do-il had left. She noticed that Jin-u's room still had the light on. She inched towards his room hoping that he wouldn't be disturbed. She peered through the door. What she saw made her stop in her tracks. What she witnessed caused a tear or two to roll down her cheeks.

The boy was finally asleep. Do-il had not left. He too was asleep. In Jin-u's room. His arm was slumped over the boy who was snuggled up against him.

At the other end of town father, daughter, the head of the legal and the director of publicity huddled together in one of the several boardrooms at Distomos Pharmaceuticals. The discussion which began with a certain amount of civility soon degenerated into a shouting match. Shouting that was loud enough to be heard around the entire floor. It was late in the evening. For those in attendance that was deliberate. No nosy employees about. No one who would accidentally find their way into the wrong room. It was the twentieth floor. Executives only.

"That's the tenth payout we've made in three months. The results speak for themselves. It's time to suspend the trial."

"That's not what we agreed on. Chairman Jang. You said 6 months remember?" Director Anna Jang, head of research and development had switched to protest mode.

"There's a safety signal that we can't ignore any longer. A distinct pattern of adverse events. Suicidal tendencies. Violence. Myocardial infarction. Altered mental states. Fatalities."

"There are always side effects in a small percentage of the population." The steel in her eyes the tightness in her mouth screamed out resolve. She pounded the table with her fists.

Jang Ho-jun waved a bundle of papers and threw them on the table. "This says otherwise. You hid the numbers. Your sample size in the first trial wasn't large to begin with. Development time wasn't long enough."

"We needed more time to iron out the minor issues." The head of research and development was in an argumentative mood. "I need more time."

"No amount of time will fix this. Scrape it or start again."

The daughter shot dagger looks at the father.

The deputy head of publicity cleared her throat. She stood up. She straightened her top and took two deep breaths before speaking in a well-practiced conciliatory tone. Her face was of a person treading on eggshells. And glass. She had to be careful not to cut herself.

"Director Jang." Everybody knew that Anna Jang had a reputation in the company. "I know this project means a lot to you. You have a lot riding on this. And I realise that this could potentially reshape psychotropic pharmacology. We all want you to succeed of course and we're sure you will one day. Why don't we go back to the drawing board on this? Figure out what the issues are and then run another clinical trial next year."

"I can't wait that long."

By now, the chairman was calmer. "Anna. We can weather a lawsuit or class action here and there but our overseas and local investors might not see things our way. Already our biggest investor Greenrock is making noises. They're threatening to pull out in the next financial year because of that stunt you pulled last year with their investment manager. When they get wind of this"

"It's not my fault that he can't keep his hands to himself and his pants zipped up."

"You drugged the guy, Anna."

This time the head of legal piped up. "Director Jang. The chairman had to go on his knees to beg for forgiveness. And offer him compensation."

"I didn't ask you to. I can take care of my own problems."

"How? You haven't done that well so far."

"Your blood pressure, sir."

"I'll get married to that loser son of KGS Group. His been after me for years."

"Why didn't you do it years ago?"

"I was holding out for something better."

"Better?" Her father laughed. "Considering how quickly you go through men, a better man would know better than to get mixed up with you."

"As if you care."

The non-family members felt out of place by what had degenerated into a domestic dispute. Eavesdropping on a conversation that had no business being privy to. They were about to excuse themselves when Jang Ho-jun brought the proceedings to a close himself.

"I'm putting an end to this project."

"Father."

"There's no point arguing over this. We don't see eye to eye on this."

"This is my project."

"And this is my company. The buck stops with me."

"You have no right."

"I have no right? We'll see about that."

On that note, Anna Jang kicked the chair beside her, stormed out of the meeting with the two heads of departments following behind with no small amount of trepidation.

Chairman Jang flipped open his phone and scanned through his most recent list. He made his selection and dialled. It rang for some time before the receiver picked up.

"Do-il. Sorry to call this late."

"It's fine sir. What's the problem?"

"I need to see you first thing in my office tomorrow morning. It's urgent."

7 years earlier…

Oh In-joo gaped at her phone for the umpteenth time.

Anytime now. It's going to ring.

Then she slapped herself in the face. On her forehead. On the top of her head. One hand. Two hands. Anywhere.

What the h*** am I doing? Why am I doing to this to myself? Oh In-joo you're a certifiable idiot.

She flipped her phone around and slammed it face down. On the table. In front of her. She stood up and messed her hair. For the rest of the day she walked around afflicted with a bad Einstein hairstyle day.

The dinner last week went well. She certainly thought so at the time. It raised expectations.

It was all in your head. Oh In-joo.

Second-guessing herself again.

She paced around the sofa. She strode back and forth from the left side to the right. Then from the right to the left. She felt dizzy after a while and leapt backwards onto the sofa.

Argh… Men. English verbs were less complicated by far.

Did she misunderstand? Did she overthink?

Even now he was still a closed book to her. Still he did say "see you soon".

Forget it. I can't sit around and wait for him to call.

The phone dormant on the dining table came to life. It pulsated and beckoned. She jumped up and raced to answer its summons. Could it be?

It's him. Has to be.

In her haste she dismissed all other possibilities. Her heart was pounding. From which? The sudden burst of exercise? Or the jubilation of finally getting the call?

Honestly did it matter?

Her excitement was at an all time high. She straightened her posture. Her hair. She pounced both hands on the screen. Her face fell. She deflated like popped balloon.

It was the orphanage. The director himself. Likely needing an extra pair of hands on the weekend. Some member of staff probably went home.

Why not? It wasn't as if she had other plans.

Suck it up. Oh In-joo. It's not his fault.

"Good morning, Director Kwon. How can I help you?"

Children under the age of 12 was exhausting work. She wasn't being paid enough. In fact, she wasn't being paid at all. The perks of being a volunteer. And one of the orphanage's biggest anonymous donors. She almost collapsed onto a bed in the girls' room. It was tempting. Instead she made her way to the bathroom.

She turned on the tap at full blast. Dunked her head under it, letting the torrent of water drench over her. Just what the doctor ordered. She didn't keep track of time. She didn't have to. The building could have burst into flames and it wouldn't have mattered. She had taken refuge in a place of tranquility and in no hurry to leave it.

Except for a loud cough that came moments later. A wakeup call. A calculated one.

She jerked suddenly and hit her head against the tap.

"Miss Oh In-joo. There's someone here to see you."

In-joo repeated the words in her head. Who would be here to see her? Who would even know that she was there?

"Who?"

" A man. He didn't say his name."

"Why would…"

"I don't know. But he's very good-looking. So I thought maybe he was your boyfriend."

"I don't have a boyfriend." The words spilled out reflexively.

The messenger shrugged her shoulders and left.

In-joo's curiosity was aroused. But for once she had her wits about her. She wasn't going to meet a good-looking man without first checking in with the mirror behind her.

When she finally was outside, she saw him playing soccer with a group of boys. Him. The call that she was waiting for all week. Here. In the orphanage. Right in front of her. Her first thought was to rush back into the bathroom to fix her hair again and put on some make-up. Too late. He saw her and waved. She waved back sheepishly.

Choi Do-il. In the flesh. How in the world did he know where she was?

Honestly, she didn't care. Not one whit. The call that didn't come through was there in person.

Numb with surprise, she stood there like a mannequin watching him. Running around with the children. From a safe distance she ogled at his figure. Envious of the children. Wondering again for the umpteenth time why she didn't go to Greece with him. Wondering again why he really came back.

A thought dawned on her.

Love.

She sighed. She facepalmed. Oh In-joo, you're a dreaming idiot.

"If I didn't know any better, I would think you were stalking me, Manager Choi."

He didn't answer immediately. His faced tensed up and maintained his gaze. She could see the wheels of his mind turning through the intensity of his eyes.

"Do I make you feel uncomfortable?"

"No. Of course not." Her lack of skill with words was lamentable. She'd put her foot in it and winced. His reaction said so. "Why would you think that? After everything we went through together. It was a joke."

He seemed pacified by her answer. Temporarily at least.

"Have you been well? Manager Choi."

"You don't have to be so formal with me. Besides I'm not your manager anymore."

"Force of habit." She giggled schoolgirl-like and touched her mouth.

He sighed. Unconsciously perhaps. He averted his eyes. Was it relief? Regret? Frustration? Disappointment?

"I came here because I couldn't find you at home. You weren't picking up either."

"Resourceful as always, Mr Choi Do-il."

She skated past the obvious but irrelevant question. There was a reason for this conversation. There was a reason why he was standing in front of her and not talking on the other side of the phone.

"I was wondering if you have dinner plans." As usual he got straight to the point.

"I don't as a matter of fact."

"I know a place not far from here. A gukbap place. Would you like to…"

"I would love to." Obligation to undo the unspoken damage was foremost in her mind.. She couldn't be sure. But something she said had sucked the air out of the room.

"Great." His face lit up. That smile that did things to her insides. It was back. The sparkle in his eyes was back. Her heart leapt, flipped and danced. And sang.

"Give me five minutes."

He missed her. It was mind-boggling how much. She was right in front of him and he was still pining for her. His thoughts flew to her her every hour he was hiding alone in that hotel room. The yearning had been overwhelming on those nights. What a waste of an aeroplane ride. A Zoom call would have been enough. He longed to call. He wondered if she would. Dozens of times. He hoped she would. Every time the phone stirred, his eyes leapt to the screen.

Indecision was new territory for Choi Do-il with no map. Or compass. A woman never factored into his calculations. Marriage, settling down — that was for other people. Now he had an irresistible urge to confess every time he saw her. Except for that look of something resembling fear that held him back. The same question always came up. A question he didn't dare utter. Did he read her all wrong?

He sighed. Small talk was easy. Too easy. Rattling off about a trip he didn't care about, that was easy. Hiding feelings behind words was his forte. An art form that he had perfected. He'd learnt from the best. Won Sang-a. Park Jae-sang. Effective teachers both of them.

Then Oh In-joo stopped. Her reluctance came through the halting way she spoke.

"Thank you again. For dinner. You don't have to walk me all the way to my apartment."

"It's on the way for me. I live in the same apartment block as you. Two storeys up."

"Oh."

"Oh" boded ill will to man with much to lose. His response was swift.

"I promise I'm not stalking you."

Technically he could be accused of it. He had paid a visit to the real estate agents and made the offers.

She went red with embarrassment. "That's not what I meant. I mean, I thought you were living with your mother in that house in Gangnam."

"Oh. No. I'm not."

"It's nice." She suddenly turned bashful.

"What's nice?"

"It's nice to know that I have a friend nearby."

That's a step up from Manager Choi at least.

"Living alone isn't all it's cracked up to be. I've been so used to having people around me."

It occurred to him that Oh In-joo wasn't all that happy.

The lift doors opened. She sauntered in. He followed behind. The tension was palpable. Just the two of them in that narrow space.

Do-il made his move. The iron was red hot and he struck hard. "We should meet up regularly."

Her mouth fell open. But she nodded. "I'd like that. Very much."

"What about dinner? Monday night."

She said nothing. Skipping English classes once too often was bound to be a problem. She went quiet. He got worried.

Too soon? Came on too strong? Did I mess up?

He almost panicked. What if she changes her mind?

She didn't say a word until they were outside her apartment.

"What about Wednesday? This time I'll cook. I'm no Michelin chef but I'm not bad. I have classes on Monday evenings. I suppose you know that I'm studying English."

"Wednesday is fine."

"I'll see you then."

He left her with a friendly grin and turned to leave.

Did he look relieved?

She sent him off with a limp wave and watched his back disappear out of sight down the corridor.

Wednesday. Tonight was the night. Two consecutive nights of overtime. The lawsuit was no longer his problem. He was free.

"Leaving early, sir?"

"Yes, I have a dinner date."

"A date? I didn't know you had a girlfriend."

"I don't. Yet."

"I see. Have fun."

"I will. See you in the morning."

On his way out, his phone vibrated in his pocket.

Mother. Wonder what she wants.

"Everything okay, Mum?"

"Yes, of course. I just rang to invite you to dinner. I made side dishes and beef ribs."

"Too late. I already have plans."

"Can't I ask if it's with a woman?"

"Yes and yes."

"Should I be hopeful?"

"Maybe."

"I'll say an extra prayer for you."

"Thanks Mum. I need all the help I can get."

From where she was sitting, Choi Do-il seemed to be enjoying his meal. Despite that a barrage of doubts were raging inside her head as she examined his every move. Something was different about him. She couldn't put a finger on it. She pondered as the minutes ticked away in the wall clock behind her. The answer came to her. He was eager to please. An observation that made her anxious. This side of him was foreign to her. There was almost no trace of the aloofness which previously marked all their interactions. She wondered why.

Maybe the food is terrible.

She took a sip of the soup. It had the right amount of salt and seasoning. So it couldn't be that. She took a bite out of the fried pollack. It was suitably crispy. The rice had the right texture. Then her chopsticks reached for the spicy pork and she picked a piece from off the plate. She nibbled on it.

Maybe my tastebuds are off.

"You seem really hungry." In-joo ventured a comment after wallowing in agony.

"I didn't have time for lunch today. Work crisis."

"I see." Relief washed over her. "Please help yourself to more."

"It's very good. I haven't had a decent home cooked meal in a long time." His mouth was visibly half full as the words came out of it.

Secretly In-joo was pleased. She nodded agreeably. "I'm glad."

She continued to observe her subject shovel rice and all the other dishes down his throat as if his life depended on it. Soon she began to imagine him as a regular guest at the dinner table. It felt like he belonged in that seat. She imagined the conversations they would have whenever he came to visit. Over time he would be more than a visitor. Or a neighbour. Gradually they would hold hands and take walks together.

She slapped herself. She was horrified at herself. What are you thinking? Oh In-joo. Letting your imagination run wild.

"Are you alright? In-joo?" He must have seen what she did.

"I must be tired. Sorry."

"You've worked hard. I'm sorry that you had to go through all this trouble."

"It's no trouble. I like cooking."

"You've barely touched your food."

"Right. Yes. I wasn't sure if the food was to your taste."

"Don't worry. I can eat anything. But this is really good."

Encouraged, she picked up her chopsticks and lifted the bowl to her mouth. She watched him out of the corner of her eye only to see him peering right back at her.

A gruelling six hour photoshoot in hot weather wasn't Anna Jang's idea of a good time. The old man waved a car and an apartment under her nose so she gave it her full consideration. Why not? Her overseas jaunt came to an abrupt end. She was broke. More importantly, however, there was something intriguing about the company's new finance project manager. His manner. His gait. The way he spoke. The confidence. Charisma. It didn't hurt that he had a great figure. The complete package.

Smitten. Yes, that was the word. An adequate description for what she was feeling.

"You owe me big, Chairman Jang." Anna kicked off her shoes and dropped herself on the leather sofa right in the middle of the office. She grabbed a magazine from the coffee table and fanned herself.

"You've worked hard."

"I have. It's bloody hard work. Don't you forget it."

"You've picked up some bad habits living overseas."

"It was your idea to send me there."

"Don't make me regret it."

She stretched herself out over the length of the couch at the centre of the room.

"It's a nice office. Too big for one person."

"The idea is to overwhelm."

"Consider this girl impressed."

"Why are you here? Don't you have some shopping to do?"

"Chairman Jang. I'm your daughter. There's a lot more to me than some shallow shopper."

"What do you want? More money? Another car?"

"Information."

"About what?"

"A new staff member."

"Not a chance."

"Father."

"No. Remember what happened the last time? No."

"Father. I promise to be good."

"You may be my daughter but you and 'good' don't go together in a sentence."

What Anna wanted Anna got. There were ways around Father. The benefits of being the chairman's daughter. The cutie from HR. He would do her bidding. Or that new head of security. Not bad looking. A gym freak. The strait-laced type. He would surely know everyone that came in and out of the building.

"Manager Choi Do-il? Yes. I know of him. Keeps to himself mostly. But is very considerate. Brings drinks and snacks in from time to time."

"He doesn't have any bad habits, does he?"

"Bad habits? Like what?" The new head of security was bewildered by the line of questioning.

"Money? Gambling. That sort of thing."

"That I wouldn't know. He dresses well enough. Always punctual. Drives a BMW."

"What about women? Is he married? Does he have a girlfriend?"

Head of security Lee Sang-ho scratched his head. "I really don't know anything about his private life."

"Does he flirt with the women in the office?"

"He's the type that the ladies go for but he's strictly professional. Keeps his distance."

"What's his routine?"

"Usually in here by 8 and out by 8."

Interesting. And more interesting. This Choi Do-il is more like a machine than a man.

Anna's curiosity was further piqued. A challenge. A nut to crack. A creature worthy of her time. A conquest in the offing.

"Chief Lee. I was wondering. If you could be so kind as to show me footage of Manager Choi from the last two days."

Chief Lee was a wall of silence. HIs facial contortions was a source of merriment to his temptress. She inched a little closer.

"I don't know about this, Miss."

"It's fine. My father won't mind."

"Father?"

"Chairman Jang."

"Chairman Jang is your father?"

"The one and only."

He hesitated. "You can make an official request through the proper channels."

Anna smirked and fingered his tie. "It's just this once. I promise. Won't ask you again."

"I could get into trouble for this." Sweat drops were rapidly forming on the edges of his well-groomed hairline.

"Only two of us will ever know about this. If you don't tell and I don't, who's going to know?"

He looked upwards for salvation as the attractive woman under his nose leaned suggestively against him. From lightly stroking his jacket, she had graduated to patting his face. The discomfort he experienced all over was becoming unbearable. The whisper at the tail end of that question as she breathed onto his ears turned to hissing. He squeezed his eyes shut. If only he could shut off his ears. Perhaps it would be alright to accede to her request just this once. Offending the Big Boss' daughter. A level complexity he didn't need. One by one he gradually rationalised his fears away. He was certain that she would continue to pester in some fashion if he didn't agree. This was a woman obviously accustomed to getting her own way.

He finally assented. "Alright. Just this once."

"You know, Chief Lee. I really like you."

"It's fine, Miss. I won't tell anyone."

"I think we could become friends. We're definitely in simpatico."

Lee Sang-ho had no idea what she was saying but thought being agreeable was the key. All this flattery added to his discomfiture. He nodded vigorously but shamefacedly.

"Let's have dinner some time."

"It's fine. Miss. You don't owe me a thing."

"This could be the start of a very special relationship."

Notes:

Thank you all for responding to the call. Yes, I got the minimum number of hits that I wanted and decided to proceed. Thanks to those who commented and showed love for Oh Jin-u who isn't meant to be any great secret on my part. He is absolutely his father's son in every respect.

Appreciate the support as always.

Chapter 3: Family Matters

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

"Where's Oh In-joo?"

The boy had just got up. Still in his pyjamas, he was rubbing his blurry eyes with painful vigour.

"Your mother sneaked out early in this morning. She left a message for you."

Jin-u grabbed the note from Do-il and skimmed through it. He flung it aside and observed Do-il browsing on his tablet.

"Ahjussi. Can I hang out with you today?"

Do-il peered over his device and contemplated the ins and outs of that question.

"I'm going to work. It's not exactly a place for a child. I won't be spending much time with you."

"It's fine. I promise not to disturb you. It'll be fun to see where you work."

Fun. Do-il felt less sure about that. He was torn. He had toyed with idea of taking time off but had been summoned by the chairman no less. Chairman Jang sounded palpably worried. Matters were undoubtedly escalating. Pieces were likely falling into place. Having a child in tow was scarcely ideal. However, under the circumstances Do-il surmised that the mother of his child would not conjure up her disappearing act without the boy.

"Where do you think your mother is right now?"

"At the hospital. Probably. Grandma's sick and getting ready for surgery."

"Is it really serious?"

"The cancer was discovered early." Jin-u frowned thoughtfully. "So I think she'll be alright."

"Have some breakfast first. I'll consider your request properly."

"You make breakfast too, Ahjussi? Cool. Another reason why I need you to be my father."

Do-il's smirked at the boy's efforts at bootlicking but that soon faded away. Present realities loomed large. His bid for paternity rights had hit a roadblock.

"Do you think that's ever possible? Your mother doesn't seem to be all that happy to see me."

"Women." The boy shook his head and sighed. "They can't make up their minds about anything."

Do-il chuckled softly. "You seem to be unusually decisive for a 6 year old."

"Almost 7. To be honest I don't know many 6 year olds. No schooling, remember."

"You haven't missed much apparently."

"Were you like me at this age?"

"More or less. At least that's what they told me."

"Ahjussi. Why won't you just say out loud that you're my father?"

The boy at least could be relied to come straight to the point on all difficult-to-talk-about subjects.

"Because of your mother."

The boy nodded sagely as he sawed the sausage in front of him.

"Do you feel guilty because she raised me by herself?"

"A little." You have no idea. "But that's not all."

"Don't be. It was her choice."

Do-il rewarded the boy with a smile. There was redness around his eyes. Moisture accumulated around them faster than he would've liked.

"You're very understanding." Emotions were getting in the way of words coming. "More than I ever was."

"I did say that the first time we met." His words were hard to make out now that his mouth was stuffed from cheek to cheek. "The problem with Oh In-joo is that she tries too hard by herself."

"You know her very well." Do-il patted the boy on the head.

"It's part of the job. So do you, Ahjussi. That's why I know you're my father."

"If you had to choose between the two of us…"

"Do I have to choose? We are family. We should be living together."

"Even if your mother doesn't want it?"

"That is a challenge." The boy stroked his chin. "It's true she lied to me about you being dead. But I don't think she lied about you saving her life many times."

"She told you about that?"

"All the time. They are my favourite stories. I wanted to hear them. She wanted to tell them. Our favourite bedtime stories."

"I hope she didn't go over-the-top with them. I'm no hero."

"To her you are. Really. To me too."

The sisters were outside the operating theatre watching the time pass. In-joo was up standing pacing back and forth. Of course In-hye and In-kyung had to ask why Jin-u was noticeably absent.

"So he now knows about Jin-u?"

In-joo had no need to answer.

"Jin-u looks a lot like Brother-in-law."

"You should have told him a long time ago. Imagine how he must feel."

"I couldn't let him get hurt."

"Get hurt? What's so bad about having a child? He's a grown man. Wasn't he was going to marry you anyway?"

"You don't understand."

"No I don't Unni. Talk to us so that we can all understand. No more riddles. Please."

In-joo's mouth opened for a brief few seconds but her tongue seemed to be tied by some invisible thread.

"In-kyung unni. Don't be too hard on In-joo unni. She obviously has her own difficulties."

"She should tell us so we can help. Silence isn't the answer. What are you going to do, unni? Run away from him forever?"

"Even if you don't tell Jin-u everything, unni, he will find out eventually. He's a clever man. The father of your son. And I think it's better if it came from you."

"It's not just him. It's all of us I'm protecting."

"Unni, we're not children anymore. We don't need you to make all the sacrifices. Besides I'm married. I have a husband who is willing to help." Frustration was building up all over In-kyung's insides. She was on the cusp of bursting.

In-joo's reply came fast. Her words were tinged with dread.

"I don't want you two involved. Not In-hye either."

"Like it or not, it sounds like we're all involved."

"What about Jin-u? Doesn't he have a right to a relationship with his father?"

"He'll understand."

"Will he? When are you going to tell him? When he's 18? 21? 30? This is absurd, Unni."

In-hye chimed with a reason of her own. "The boy needs stability in his life."

"Knowing Choi Do-il, he won't be sitting still either."

"I'll think of something. I always have."

"Oh In-joo. You can be so exasperating sometimes."

"What are you afraid of?"

"Nothing." Signalling to all within hearing that there would be no further discussion on the matter.

At this juncture, Jong-ho who was lurking in the background eavesdropping thought it timely to insert himself between the two sisters.

"In-kyung. Leave your sister be. Give her time. All this must be overwhelming."

In-kyung was about to say something but perceived the wisdom of her husband's counsel.

"Why don't we go to the cafeteria to grab a drink or a bite? All this waiting is putting everyone on edge."

"Brother-in-law. You go with unni. I'll stay."

Jong-ho took the hint and dragged the somewhat reluctant In-kyung away. She wasn't done.

Still everyone recognised that In-joo was in dire need of sleep. Bags around her eyes. Dark circles. The knots at the ends of her hair. Her T-shirt was inside out.

"In-hye. You should go too. I've no appetite. I'll be fine on my own."

"I will. After I show you something."

In-hye reached inside her bag pack and took out a glossy 200-page hardcover volume. Well-thumbed complete with scuff marks that had seen plenty of use. She opened it somewhere at the end to a photo of a painting from another era.

"This is one of my favourite artworks by the Dutch painter Rembrandt. It's called 'The Storm in the Sea of Galilee'."

"It feels like a scene in a movie."

"Rembrandt was only 29 when he completed this painting. This figure right here looking directly at the audience. That's him. He painted himself into the scene. A devout Christian, Rembrandt was inspired by the Bible story of a time Jesus and his followers were sailing across the Sea of Galilee. In this seascape they were in the middle of a storm. Everyone but Jesus was terrified. In fact he was sleeping until they woke him up. They begged him to do something. So he got up and commanded the storm to stop. His followers were shocked that the storm listened to Jesus."

"It's a great story."

"It's a story of trust and faith."

"He's the Son of God though."

"Unni. We have to have trust. Sooner or later we have to ask for help. Sometimes things are too much for one person to shoulder on their own. When I was sick. In-kyung had to ask Great Aunt Oh to help with medical fees. We could never have survived without Brother-in-law. Or kept that money safe without him.

"It's such a heavy burden having to rely on others."

"I used to think that too. Remember? Then I saw how scared and lonely Hyo-rin was. I realised that even though we barely had any money, we always had each other. She had no one. Having no one to rely on is just as bad as being poor. Maybe a different type of bad."

"You're still the smartest one, In-hye." In-joo slipped her hand over her sister's.

"Think about it okay? Unni. Don't keep Brother-in-law waiting too long."

"Ahjussi. Canteen food is much better than I expected." Jin-u gulped down the lunch time offerings with a certain degree of relish.

"This is one of the top companies in Korea so they have a reputation to maintain. They have chefs here that are comparable to those in four or five star hotels. "

"I wouldn't know. Of course there's nothing like Oh In-joo's… eh… Mother's cooking. When she can be bothered. When we're not living in a cheap cramped motel."

"Yeah, she's a good cook."

"Do you miss it? Her cooking that is."

"All the time." Talking about Oh In-joo honestly to the boy was another level of difficult. All that baggage. It was unfair to the boy. "So what do you think of this place?"

"It's big. The biggest place I've ever been to. Bigger than the amusement park I went to last year."

"Was that fun?"

"It's okay."

"Only okay?"

"I spent most of my time watching other children and their parents. Especially their fathers."

Do-il added another item to his mental checklist. Amusement park. There was plenty of catching up to do as far as fatherly duties were concerned.

He studied he boy. What he said about the children at the park. He stated it like an offhand comment. Was he reading too much into the comment?

"You're a very important person in this place. Ahjussi."

"Am I? What makes you think so?"

"People bow to you everywhere you go. Your office is also very big."

"No matter how important I might be, I'm still working for someone else. I am not the owner of that office. When I leave this place, I can't take it with me."

Jin-u chewed over this piece of insight. He had the notion to ask another question. He was bursting with curiosity about Do-il's past and it seemed to be the opportune moment. Except for the inevitable interruption by passers-by who were amused to see one of the company's executives doing a spot of babysitting.

"Chief. Who is this child? He's so cute."

"I'm his distant relative." The boy volunteered an answer before Do-il could say a word. "My grandmother is in Seoul to get some major surgery done. My parents and I staying with him while we're here."

The boy's glibness impressed everyone. Do-il coughed to stop himself from laughing out loud.

"Wow. He's very articulate. How old are you?"

"I'm six. Seven in two months. I'm precocious. Like my father."

"Chief. The children in your family are so clever."

"Thank you for your compliment." The boy was quick off the mark. Do-il, on the other hand, choked on his rice.

The two women giggled. Much to his chagrin they both pinched the boy's cheeks.

"Chief. It would be such a waste of good genes if you didn't have children of your own." The two women tittered thoughtlessly until they realised they were getting no response. The silence forced them both to find new victims. Do-il had grown accustomed to being a spectator sport at the office by completely ignoring thinly veiled pick-up lines.

Once they were out of earshot, he whispered to Do-il. "I really hate it when people do this. It's so… what's the expression? Demeaning."

"You know Jin-u. I don't mind if people find out about our relationship."

The boy waved his hands casually. "It's okay. Ahjussi. It's also my job to protect my mother."

"Your mother did a good job raising you on her own."

"I don't mind giving her some credit for my upbringing."

"Giving who credit for your upbringing?" The voice of the interloper brought an abrupt end to their exchange. Jin-u squirmed a little. Do-il was immediately on his guard. How much more did she catch of their conversation, they had no idea. She invited herself to a place at their table and slid deftly into the seat next to Do-il who inched away from her like second nature.

"Oh. Who is this adorable child? Chief Choi. Please introduce us."

He spoke in his most childlike manner. "I'm a relative from Yeosu. I'm here to visit my grandmother."

"What's your name, little boy?"

"Me? I'm U-ju."

Do-il shot the boy a piercing stare.

"Cute. In nature and in name."

"What's your name, Ahjumma?" This time Do-il turned away from the table and started hacking loudly.

"You're very forward for a child."

"Since you asked me a question, it's only fair that I ask you one."

"U-ju. Behave yourself. You're speaking to an adult."

"It's fine. Chief Choi." The woman offered her hand. "The boy fascinates me. My name is Anna Jang. I'm in charge of researching medicines here."

"You do experiments in a laboratory?"

"Not me specifically. But I look after our scientists."

"I see. I was wondering why you weren't wearing a lab coat. You don't smell of chemicals either."

"You know a lot."

"I watch a lot of science documentaries on tv."

"You sound like a smart boy." Anna's line of sight darted between Do-il and Jin-u. "How are you two related again?"

"He's the son of a cousin." The boy had set the stage. It was his turn to back him up.

"Samchun." The contortions on the boy's face indicated that all wasn't well. To prove his point. He covered his mouth. Do-il was unsure if meeting the new arrival had brought this on.

"What's wrong?"

"Where's the men's room?"

"Silly boy. Told you not to eat so much."

"Sorry. But I really need to go."

"Please excuse us Director Jang."

She nodded. They nodded.

Father and son sprung up, scrambled off their seats in haste. Zigzagging their way to the nearest bathroom. The moment the door to the men's room swung shut behind them, the boy breathed out a sigh of relief. Do-il scanned the facility and noticed it to be safely unoccupied.

"Nicely played. Oh Jin-u. Quick thinking."

The boy broke into a impish grin. "Finally someone who gets me."

"You definitely have a talent for this kind of thing."

"I don't like that lady."

"To be honest. I don't like her much either."

"I can see that she's creepy curious about me but she obviously likes you."

"She has a reputation where men are concerned,"

"I don't know what that means but it felt like you needed my help."

The whole father shtick was new to Do-il. For the boy's sake he welcomed a deluge of emotions he did not know what to do with. Some familiar. Some unfamiliar. Like a man caught in the sudden downpour of torrential rain, he was drenched to the skin. A baptism of water ushering a new life and preparation for an unknown future. An inner revival.

On impulse he hugged the boy with all the emotion could muster.

"Ahjussi."

"Oh Jin-u. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you. But I'm so glad your mother had you next to her this whole time."

"Apa."

Anna Jang leaned back on her made-to-order swivel chair as far as it would allow her. She stared at the ceiling contemplating her brief encounter with Choi Do-il and his young ward.

The boy. What was his name again? His resemblance to Choi Do-il was conspicuous. She had questions that led to more questions. Very soon a plan had taken shape inside her mind.

From the bottom left hand drawer of her desk, she whisked out one of half a dozen phones in her collection. This was a matter that demanded her immediate attention.

"It's me. Make this matter a priority."

"You know the drill. It'll be extra."

"Fine."

"Talk to me."

"I need to know if Choi Do-il has relatives in South Jeolla. Also find out if Oh In-joo is back in Seoul."

"As always, cash only. Your obsession is my gain."

7 years earlier…

English class was done for another term. She sauntered down the corridor taking her time to savour the achievements of the past few months bidding farewell to fellow classmates.

Her heart did a sprint when she saw Choi Do-il on the opposite side of the road. He was dressed in a dark formal dinner jacket and a white shirt. His tie was hanging loosely. The man himself was leaning against his car like a character in an ad campaign. Posing for a photo shoot. From where she stood the scene couldn't have been better framed. She fingered her bag but nerves got the better of her. A missed photo opportunity.

As luck would have it, she was one of a few last out of the building. The moment he spied her he raised his hand and all she could see was the gleaming whites from across the bitumen.

Everything he did made her just that little bit more bashful. Out of awkward politeness she waved back before hurrying over.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm stalking you." His eyes lit up with mischief.

Reflexively she put her hand to her mouth and giggled. "Should I be terrified?"

"It depends." The gaze he fixed on her remained steady. "Do you want a ride home?"

"I won't say 'no' to that."

Affecting a chauffeur's pose, he opened the car door and helped her into it.

Even though she was chuffed by the gesture, she was confused. Did he come all this way for her?

He seemed to read her mind. "I was in the neighbourhood. Work function. In a hotel two blocks away from here."

"You must have left early."

"I'm not missing much."

"Won't you be in trouble?"

"I doubt anyone saw me leave."

"Thank you for thinking of me."

She expected platitudes but got only silence. It was silence she didn't understand. Moreover it was silence accompanied by a change in demeanour. She wondered if she'd said something wrong.

"Can I take you somewhere, In-joo?" It didn't sound like a request. A change of tack perhaps.

She felt herself grasping at straws to make conversation.

"As long as you're not kidnapping me." She bit her lip at her feeble attempt at a joke.

"It's a place I go to when I need to think."

She nodded sheepishly. She was his captive in every respect. Her heart was pounding like an express train. Her stomach was churning to the point she felt ill. He sounded serious. Feeling guilty for no reason at all, she glanced at him to assess the situation. The levity on his face that greeted her had vanished completely.

The entire drive was done in silence. Every minute only exacerbated the discomfort she was experiencing.

They drove for 15 minutes until they arrived on top of a hill overlooking the Han River and the cityscape. They both got out and strolled to the fence. She enjoyed the cool breeze brushing against her skin and wondered what he was thinking. She was too much on edge to enjoy the view. A yellow street lamp was her only guide to the enigma that was Choi Do-il and his rationale for bringing her to that spot in particular.

"It's beautiful. Do you come here often?"

"I have been lately."

The cryptic talk only amplified the agony within. Her companion obviously had something on his mind. The shifting expressions written and rewritten on his face were hard to decipher.

The impasse was becoming unbearable. Unbearable enough for her to ask the question burning in her brain.

"Is everything alright? You look troubled."

He turned to face her.

"In-joo. What kind of man do you think I am?"

The question startled her. Subtext was not her forte. But the tone was in earnest.

"Tell me." It was plea she could scarcely sidestep with a quip or a question.

He deserved an honest answer from her. "You are the most intelligent, bravest man I've ever met."

Words came out in dribs and drabs. It was all she could managed. Did she sound too mechanical? Too rehearsed? Insincere? But what did he want to hear from her?

"It's not obvious to anyone who doesn't know you well but you're a kind and caring person. If only I had realised it sooner. It would have saved us both so much grief."

"At least you don't hate me."

She puzzled over his statement. "That's impossible. How could I?"

The impulse to confess was strong but the flurry of feelings that overtook her failed to translate into words.

"Do you like me? Even just a little." Another plea. Inconceivable. Incredible. Bewildering. That those words should come out of his mouth.

"A little? I have always liked you. From the first day we met."

He reached for her hands. One at a time. Oddly enough the warmth of his hands was the calm to the raging storm within.

"But do you like me enough? Ms Oh In-joo. To spend the rest of your life with me?"

Her eyes grew wide. Her entire body was in revolt. She took a heavy step backwards. And would have tumbled backwards head first if he hadn't been clutching her hands.

What is he asking me? Is he proposing marriage? He's in love… with me?

"I know I'm not very clever. But is this a confession?"

"Yes." The intensity of his gaze showed no sign of letting up. " I suppose it is."

She opened her mouth but all those words were stuck in her throat. Oh In-joo felt like she'd been turned into a stone statue. A whirlwind of confusion threatened to sweep her away and crumble her.

"You don't have to answer me right away." His voice dropped to a monotone.

He was about to release her hands when she tightened her grip.

"No." She found herself shouting. "Don't."

He averted his eyes and relaxed both hands.

"I shouldn't have. I should have waited. I was too impatient. I'm sorry." He turned to leave.

"No. I mean yes. I'm so stupid. Yes, of course. Yes. I don't even know why you want me."

Tears welled up in her eyes. It was the first time she saw him so downcast. Her instincts went the whole hog. She flung her arms around his neck. She leaned into his ear and whispered. "Yes. I do. Choi Do-il. I like you very very much. More than I've ever liked anyone."

It was his turn to be surprised.

Timidly she planted her lips on his cheek before letting go. Fervently hoping that her paltry attempts at averting disaster would be enough.

She took one step back. Before she could take another step back, he grabbed hold of her arm to stop her. With two fingers from his hand, he lifted her chin to face him. He let his thumb caress her cheek to wipe her tear-stained face.

"Oh In-joo. The last few weeks have been hell for me."

Do-il gave time for his words to sink in. The dam walls finally collapsed. The water could not be held back. Consequences be damned.

"When I was in Europe, I spent so much time wondering how you were, what you were doing. I thought about calling. Texting even. I didn't know what to do. So I came back. You were so close. The crazy thing was it was so much worse. Every moment with you was absolute torture. I wanted to tell you. Touch you. Time after time. But the way you acted around me drove me insane. One minute you were thrilled to see me. The next moment you'd keep your distance. Like you were afraid. Of me. I kept thinking: 'It's me. It's our past. I put her in danger again and again. She can't trust me now. She'll never take a chance on me. Some other guy will come along. She will move on. I will be yesterday's partner-in-crime. Nothing more."

In-joo gasped. Her knees were on the verge of collapse. Her mind could barely keep up with what her ears were hearing.

"I thought if I persisted that you would understand. That it would become obvious why I came back."

Tears poured down her cheeks. "I'm such an idiot."

"It's my fault. I should've told you everything before I went to Europe. I just thought you needed more time."

To miss me.

"It's all me. It never occurred to me that you could ever think of me that way. I hoped. But never too much." A wave of embarrassment swept through her. "I still find it hard to believe all this."

"It's your most attractive and most troublesome quality."

He brushed the wayward strands of hair back to their proper place. He let his fingers comb through her curls.

"Are you sure you won't regret this?" She reverted to disbelief and rocked timidly on her heels.

The twinkle in his eye returned. There was even a faint hint of boyish mischief around his lips.

"I like you too much to regret anything."

She blushed a little. She blushed much more when he slid his arm around the back of her waist. He jerked her forward to where she could hear his heart pounding in surround sound in concert with hers. His intentions were clear as day. He had her lips in his sights and made a beeline for them. She was more than willing and he obliged. He was half-starved and impatient. Her trembling lips were half opened. It was a joyful collision. Once he had a taste of her, he was in a devouring frame of mind. He smothered her lips like waves crashing upon the shore. She was that pebble on that seashore washed over by the wave. The uncertainty that had racked her for weeks dissipated. Their desires were in tandem. She too was eager to bare her heart.

In-joo woke up to the barest minimum in apparel. She sat up and peered under the sheets as she once did. But with none of the horror she felt that time. She pulled the sheet over her mouth and hid a smile behind it.

"Regretting last night already?" Her nighttime bedfellow made a sudden appearance and sat in front of her. He was all showered and dressed.

She grabbed the nearest pillow and swiped him over the head with it. "What are you saying?"

"Hey. It can't have been that bad if you're still here."

Indignant, she stood up on the bed and was threatening to him with another attack when the sheets fell away revealing her to be scantily clad. She fell back onto the bed flustered.

"Don't tempt me, Oh In-joo. I have to leave for work in 15 minutes." He leaned as close as he could to her pouty lips. "Hold that thought for this evening."

With surprising efficiency she shoved him off the bed and grabbed a shirt that was still lying on the bed. It was several sizes too big but it still had traces of his cologne. She buttoned it up with inhuman efficiency.

"Should've woken me up earlier."

"I made coffee. Breakfast is ready."

"You made breakfast?"

"Of course. My girlfriend stayed the night. I need to make the effort."

It was the word "girlfriend" that immediately saw her turn bright red.

"Does that mean we're dating now?

"I hope so. Especially after what we did last night. Besides, there's no other guy here."

"Choi Do-il. How can you joke about this?"

"Good. At least you remembered who you spent the night with."

"Choi Do-il." There was unexpected vehemence in her voice. "If I had known…"

He dashed out the room and she gave chase all the way to the dining area.

The smell of eggs and sausages wafted all around the apartment and stopped her in her tracks. A portion had already been dished out on a plate waiting for her. It would be a waste to ignore the delectable morsels in front of her. There would be time for punishment later. She took her place at the table and watched him pour her coffee. She grabbed the fork and knife laid out professionally and worked her way through the plate.

"This is good. You can cook."

"I can cook. But sausages and eggs are easy." He set down the coffee in close proximity. "Choi Do-il's bed and breakfast is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year."

"You're busy." She was too focused on tackling a sausage to consider the implications of his last sentence. He sighed. Oh In-joo wouldn't be Oh In-joo if she wasn't who she was. He settled for some ogling until his watch vibrated.

"I'd love to sit and watch you eat all morning but I have to go."

He donned the jacket hanging on the sofa before picking up his leather brief case. He dropped her a peck on the forehead as he passed by.

"I'll pick you up after 8 and let's have dinner after."

"Okay."

"And don't forget that I now have monopoly over all your free time."

With that comment, he made straight for the exit before any hard objects came flying in his direction.

The chief of operations at Distomos Pharmaceuticals brought around a new hire to introduce to all the departments. There were whispers through the grapevine that she was the daughter of the chairman. She would be placed in R & D but was eager to meet the various teams and team leaders. She was especially keen to be acquainted with the finance project manager attached to the Zanach lawsuit. By reputation he was sharp and on top of things. That was her excuse. So she conjured up a need for a consult and was ready. He, however, was nowhere to be seen.

"I was hoping to meet Mr Choi Do-il but he doesn't seem to be around."

"He was here a minute ago." They both scanned the room.

"He's gone for lunch." A subordinate piped up helpfully.

"Already?"

The chief of operations detected the disappointment in her voice.

"Was there any reason why you were looking for him?"

Her tone shifted to something more nonchalant. "Nothing really. I hear he's a Wharton grad. I thought we might have mutual friends."

The helpful subordinate ingratiated himself into the conversation again. "My friend in reception tells me that he answered a call and went down to meet a woman."

"A client?"

"I don't think so. She brought him lunch."

"A family member perhaps? Mother?"

"A younger woman."

"Sister? Wife?"

"I don't remember hearing that Manager Choi was married."

"He isn't as far as we know."

"Could be a girlfriend."

"Could be. Manager Choi doesn't talk much about life outside of work.

The mysterious woman that had tongues wagging around the office had arrived with all the food containers stacked and wrapped in a light pink cloth complete with a bow on top.

"You could have texted me."

"I wanted it to be a surprise."

"Are you missing me already?"

"You wish. I brought lunch. You said you liked home cooked food."

"Yes, but…"

"That receptionist at the end is watching us."

They both went out the main entrance to continue the conversation.

"You shouldn't have gone to all this trouble."

"It's no trouble." She glanced at him shyly. "Besides I wanted to see where you worked."

"The benefits of dating are endless."

She slapped him on the shoulder. "Not too loudly." She cast her eye about warily.

"Oh In-joo. You should know that I'm not into secret dating."

"I didn't mean that."

"Do you want to come up and see my office?"

"Not today. I have to visit the orphanage after this."

"Don't forget I'm picking you up later."

"How can I? You've texted me 3 times already."

Notes:

I thought I should take some time and give Jin-u and Do-il some father-son bonding moments at this stage before fecal material hits the fan. What I like about Jin-u (and enjoy writing about) is his ability to cut through all the adult hangups and just get straight to the point. I'm glad that there's continuing readership but this has got to be one of the quietest fandoms I've ever written for. Don't be a stranger and let me know what you're thinking.

I'm hoping and praying that you will like what's coming down the pike.

Chapter 4: Closer to Home

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

St Benedictus Psychiatric Hospital. An institution located at a safe comfortable distance outside of Seoul. As its name and well-manicured lawns would indicate, those who could afford the asking price, pay handsomely to keep their family secrets away from prying eyes. Political elites, business leaders and high level bureaucrats were a steady source of income with no end in sight.

Chairman Jang Ho-jun was a regular at St Benedictus Psychiatric Hospital. Not many within its four walls knew who he was. Outside of being the husband of Lee Eun-hee, a long time patient, most of the staff thought him a polite thoughtful man in his late sixties. Wealthy of course. Had to be. He also had to be important enough for the director to be present at every visit. They might however have been astonished to discover that he was a leading light in the pharmaceutical industry. The chairman preferred it that way. Keeping a low profile. It wasn't shame that saw him seek anonymity. He owed it to her. For him it was self-flagellation that he richly deserved. Lee Eun-hee. His life partner. The mother of his children. Her current state of mind was in large part due to his incompetence. Or so he believed.

"Mr Jang. You're here. Clockwork as always. 10 minutes before 12. In time for lunch."

"A day without having lunch with her feels incomplete. How is she today?"

"Not bad. One of her better days. She even requested that she be taken outside."

"It is a beautiful day." Jang Ho-jun acknowledged agreeably. "What's on the menu?"

"One of her favourites."

"Looking forward to it."

"Miss Anna was here first thing in the morning. No doubt that put her in a good mood."

"No doubt."

"She comes every other day now. Busy with work, I imagine."

"She is."

"Can I say that you and Miss Anna are exemplary? I wish all guardians and family members were this considerate."

"We were a close family. The day she had to be brought in here was one of the saddest days of our lives."

"After all that's happened to your family, you're doing very well."

A couple of knocks on the door. Both men fell silent. Two members of staff wheeled in two bowls of sujebi, rice, side dishes and two containers of fruit.

They placed the food on the round table in front of the chairman. An orderly pushed the wheelchair that transported Lee Eun-hee to the table. Her husband picked up her hand and squeezed it.

Jang Ho-jun nodded his thanks to the staff present. It was their cue. They formed a line and filed out of the room like programmed automatons. He picked up a long metal spoon and wiped it down to his own satisfaction with a serviette. He dipped into the soup and stirred the ingredients. Then he scooped up enough of a portion to take a sip.

"Eun-hee. Lunch is ready. It's sujebi today. The soup tastes very good. Not as good as yours but much better than the one I had on the weekend."

Lieutenant Shin Seon-jae was surprised to see the caller ID. He hadn't heard from Choi Do-il for some time. The last time they chatted was over drinks almost a year ago. He had simply assumed that the man had moved on and put the whole matter behind him.

"Detective. I've found her."

Choi Do-il's voice contained a mix of excitement and relief.

"Her? Who? Your fiancee?" Lieutenant Shin who was slouching in his seat with his feet on the table sat up. He had been watching the clock. "Ms Oh In-joo? She's alive then?"

"Very much so. In the flesh."

"Where? How? When?"

"Last night. At City Central Hospital. Her mother's getting cancer treatment. My mother recognised her."

Detective Shin didn't respond right away. He'd just heard about a miracle. Involuntarily, he let out a low whistle.

"You're one lucky guy Mr Choi. Congratulations. Not every story ends as happily as yours."

"I'm still not sure if my story is slated for a happy ending. Things are complicated."

"How so? Third party interference?

"Maybe. I was at her place. Unfortunately she won't talk to me. She won't answer any of my questions. But at least I know where she is."

"You think she might run off again?"

"It's a possibility. She's terrified of something."

"Terrified? Of what?"

"She won't say."

"Think someone is threatening her?"

"I don't know. Maybe."

Without conferring both men were running through multiple lines of inquiry in their heads simultaneously. Eventually Shin Seong-jae understood the implications of the call.

"Need my help?"

"I'd like to know where she's been to all this time."

"Any leads?"

"Not sure." Do-il remarked still running ideas through his head. "The boy. He could be of help. He may know something."

"What boy?"

"Her son. Jin-u."

"She has a son? So she's moved on then?"

"No. Nothing like that. He's mine."

"No kidding. You two had a child together and you only just found out about it. Better you than me. You're living a real life makjang."

"You better believe it."

Jin-u slid open the door to a group of surprised women and skipped into the room. The first thing he noticed was that Grandmother had all kinds of equipment attached to her still. But her surgery was over. His maternal aunts were first off the mark to interrogate him.

"How did you get here?"

"My father dropped me off."

"Your father?"

"You mean Choi Do-il? Where's he now? Outside?" In-kyung craned her neck to peer through the small window.

"When I said he dropped me off. I meant it. Literally. He drove me to the hospital entrance in a black sedan after lunch. German made. Twin power turbo 6 cylinder engine. Anti-roll bars, damping elements and control arms to traction control. The bonnet is made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic."

"Nobody cares about the car. Where is he?"

"He has to go back to work. A meeting to attend. He's a busy and important man at work."

"So he took good care of you."

"He did. I met lots of interesting people. We had lunch together in the office canteen."

"He brought you to work?"

"I asked him to. He said yes. I promised to be well-behaved. And I was. He also promised to take me to the amusement park on his next day off. When the project he's on finishes, he's also going to take us to Greece. My mother and I."

In-joo was noticeably silent during the entire discourse. Her back was turned to the boy.

"You both talked a lot." In-hye tried to take his backpack off the boy but he resisted.

"We did. About all kinds of things. My father understands me. My life finally makes sense. I really wasn't found in a rubbish dump."

"Don't be silly. Who told you that"

"I was trying to account for my above average intelligence. Did you also know that he's been to every country in Europe at least three times?"

"I did." In-hye nodded. "He came to visit me and Aunty Hyo-rin several times. He helped us settle into art school. Found a place for us to live. He also made it to our graduation. And helped me get my current job."

"In-hye. You never told us about the job."

"He didn't want me to. He said that if the world were a fair place, I would have got the job on my own merits anyway."

"My father is an awesome man."

"He's not your father." In-joo finally got a word in edgewise. In a tired matter-of-fact tone.

"Unni." In-hye had a horrified look on her face. "What are you saying?"

"Mother. I've made up my mind to adopt him as my father. Nothing you say will change my mind."

"Oh Jin-u. You're being unreasonable."

"I'm not the one who's unreasonable."

In-joo noticed the glares her sister were firing at her. This was shaping up to be an unwinnable battle. The odds were stacked against her.

"I'm not having this conversation here with you right now."

In one hand In-joo grabbed her handbag and with the other she grabbed the boy. She proceeded to drag him out of the room as he dug his heels in.

"Hey." He yelled clinging on to his backpack for dear life.

"We're leaving."

"But unni…"

"Not a word from any of you. My child. My way." She paused before shuffling out the door. "Tell Mum I'll be back to see her later."

"Pack your suitcase. We're leaving." Oh In-joo was in a barking kind of mood. Her son knew what it was but he was equally determined to get his way. Her bark was always worse than her bite but she usually got her way. There was no reason not to let her. Today was different. Today Jin-u had found his father.

"Leaving? Again? But we just got here."

"We can't stay here."

"But my father…"

"He's not your father." In-joo opened a suitcase that was sitting at the bottom of the wardrobe. It was already half full ready to go at a moment's notice. A cultivated habit for situations such as these. Emergencies that would crop up. Times when she had to drop everything and bow out before the final act. She didn't look at the boy. She couldn't. Lest his little face would weaken her resolve. Lest he see the tears trickling down her face. She could scarcely blame the boy. Seeing Do-il. Being so close to him. All her suppressed longings lurking just beneath the skin threatening to break free. It broke her heart in pieces to walk away from him each time. But there was no other way.

The boy stared at his mother and opened his mouth to say something. But changed his mind. He stood blithely like a mute doll until she shooed him off.

"Don't just stand there. Scamp. You know what you have to do."

Jin-u surveyed his mother's room before bolting off to his. He unzipped his trusty backpack with inhuman haste. He flipped open his phone and sent a short text to Do-il. He slipped the tracker into his shorts pocket. He dragged out his suitcase from under the bed and kicked it open. From the dresser drawers he snatched a few pieces of clothing and chucked them into the case before whamming it shut.

"Are you done?" In-joo stuck her head through the opening.

"Where are we going?"

"Somewhere safe."

"Mother. Can't we just tell my father where we're going? Please."

"No. Definitely not. He's the last person in the world that…"

The sound of her phone vibrating interrupted her chain of thought. She picked up and muttered a series of "okays".

"The taxi's here. It's time to go."

"But Oh In-joo. I need to go."

"There's no time for that. Hold it in. You can go when we get to the bus station."

Bus station. Another long distance trip. Wonder where we can find a place to stay so suddenly. Why hasn't my father read my text yet?

Before Jin-u was able to reach for his phone, his mother seized his arm with practised efficiency. While he was coming up with reasons to stall her, she had already carted the cases outside. Next thing he knew, they were out the door and a loud bang echoed down the walkway.

While In-joo was in the queue for tickets, Jin-u was on the prowl for the men's toilets. He found one close by and darted into a cubicle. He locked the door. Father had not read his text yet. Maybe he was still in the meeting. Great. His mother's timing was always bad. He tried to call. No answer. He tried again. Still no answer. This time he sent another text.

We are at the bus station, leaving in half an hour. Come here as soon as you can. I have also turned on the tracker. Please. I really want to go to the amusement park with you.

Jin-u put his phone away. He flushed the toilet and unlocked the door. He could barely touch the tap. A kind soul saw his predicament and activated the sensors on his behalf. He shouted his thanks to the ahjussi in his most high-pitched voice and then followed the man out as he kindly held the door open for the lad of 6 going on 7.

Chairman Jang Ho-jun always held her hand while keeping vigil beside his wife. She was sound asleep. Lunch must have agreed with her because she took it without much fuss and allowed herself to be put to bed without much fanfare. And with a much lower dose of sedatives. It had become his custom and a ritual. His penance for something that happened 10 years earlier.

His chauffeur, personal assistant, errand runner, attendant and confidante Kang Jin-hee knocked and opened the door to a gap of two inches.

"Mr Chairman. I'm very sorry to disturb you."

"It's fine. It's probably time to leave."

The chairman rose from his seat. He carefully tucked his wife's hand under the cotton blanket. He lifted the bedding up to her shoulders ensuring that she would be kept warm until she woke up or someone came to look in on her. He lingered for some moments before heading towards the door. Right at the doorway he turned around for one last look. She was a picture of tranquility today. In such times he had to be grateful for small mercies.

The moment he stepped out the door, Mr Kang handed him a phone.

"What is it that's so urgent?"

"The private detective called. He says that there's been some movement."

"It is regrettable." Jang Ho-jun's already furrowed eyebrows deepened further still. "Highly regrettable."

It was 10 minutes before In-joo's bus was scheduled to leave. Do-il had just stepped out of an overlong meeting. It was about the psychotropic drug project. The cancellation of said project. Anna Jang's pet project. She fought tooth and nail against the trial cancellation. And did herself no favours by prolonging the meeting. Even her most ardent supporters were making noises about postponement. He had no clue why he had to be there. Just on order from on high that his presence was required. Perhaps she was angling for some support. If she did, she'd read him wrong. He'd never met a woman who was this persistent about anything but was persistently wrong about almost everything. It was not his place to question her sanity out loud but such thoughts regularly entered his mind. Especially of late.

To take his mind off work, Do-il's thoughts eventually wandered to personal matters. Should he have left the boy with his mother? That was his predicament. The boy was desperate to claim familial relationship. Do-il was beholden to see it happen. It was a fine mess. A solution had yet to present itself. He felt for the boy. He felt for himself. The mother was another matter. That wound was too deep to think of forgiveness yet. But he wanted her back. He always did. Regardless of the boy.

Musing over their future gave him the urge to call the lad. After a bit of file shuffling, he found his phone eventually. Buried under the latest costings for the next research project.

The boy had tried to call twice. He had sent two text messages. And left a voice message. Do-il became alert as he scrolled through the messages. HIs worst fears had come true. Fortunately he had taken precautions. He opened the app on his phone and saw the signal activated. There was no way that he would get to the bus station on time. But he had a rough idea where they might be headed.

His role was clear. He leapt out of his seat and snagged his jacket on the way out. He left a message with his PA that he had a family emergency and was leaving early. If he played his cards right, he would catch them at the intersection which led to the toll road out of Seoul.

It was a blessing to have a clever child.

After travelling for over 50 minutes Do-il concluded that a particular black SUV in front of him was on the same mission he was. At the 20 minute mark he had brushed it off as a coincidence but when the bus drove into the terminus, it followed suit. The parking lot it chose was instructive. It had a good view of exits and entrances. When the passengers disembarked, the driver got out. He was distinct. He was dressed in a black suit. Expensive looking. No tie. A tie would be overdoing it. And he had on well-polished shoes. Oxfords. Also expensive looking. Not the sort of that would normally be found in a place like this. Whoever was paying gave the driver plenty to make it worth his while. Enough perhaps to cause trouble.

To avoid suspicion, Do-il parked some distance away. After leaving his vehicle, he took several brisk strides forward for a closer look. The guy with the well-polished Oxfords had quickened his steps. He looked familiar. Someone from his past? Do-il hoped not. There were plenty of those who would pick a fight at the drop of a hat. It was time to make haste. Although a confrontation in the middle of the car park would not be his idea of a Plan A.

Gradually Oxford Shoes made his way inside the station's arrival hall. The place was busy. Crawling with passengers. A good thing too. He was more likely to err on the side of caution. For the moment he was merely scouting the terrain.

About 100 metres away, Choi Hee-jae came within sight. Do-il blinked. He renewed his focus. It was Choi Hee-jae. What the hell? It couldn't be a coincidence surely. That his own father would be at a location where his former fiancee and their son would be. What the hell was Oh In-joo thinking? For the first time since reconnecting, he experienced the stirrings of resentment rising to the surface with all the other emotions in play. He crushed them down. There wasn't the time for that. Choi Hee-jae would do his bit. Do-il would do his. As long as the boy had the tracking device on, he would find his way to them. Sooner or later. First he had business with Oxford Shoes. A bit of distraction.

He had his sights locked on Oxford Shoes. It wasn't hard. He stood out in that outfit. Do-il weaved his way around the hive of people that separated them. Oxford Shoes stopped. He looked left and right. This gave Do-il just enough time to catch up to his target. The closer he got. The better view of Oxford's side he had.

One of Go Im-soo's lackeys. What's his name again? Park something. Park Hee-soo? Park Jeong-soo? That's it. Park Jeong-soo. One of her favourites. Is he still working for her? Is she still in business? Freelancing maybe?

Last he heard Go Im-soo had left the country in a hurry. A one-way trip to Guam was what he heard.

Do-il caught up to Park Jeong-soo and gave him an almighty slap on the back. Enough to startle him.

"Park Jeong-soo. I thought it was you. It's been a while."

"Manager Choi." Park Jeong-soo acted like he had the wind knocked out of his sails. "It's been a while." His face crumpled into various states of uncertainty. During their last encounter they were on opposite sides of a fight. He was baffled by Do-il's friendly demeanour.

Do-il gave him little time to think. "So what are you doing here?" He put his arm around the man's shoulder and shifted his position facing the opposite direction.

"Waiting for someone."

"What a coincidence. So am I. Why don't we grab a cup of coffee? Catch up on old times."

Park Jeong-soo opened and closed his mouth like a goldfish. He was on the clock. On top of that Choi Do-il acting friendly sent shivers all over his person.

"I've had one in the car. Thanks."

Sweat was dripping down Park Jeong-soo's face. His discomfiture showed in the way his shoulders tensed up.

"Who are you waiting for? Manager Choi."

"A very important person."

"Same."

"You know, I'm beginning to wonder if we're waiting for the same person."

"Maybe." This time someone else spoke. A larger creature. Someone less of a pushover. Do-il felt the surface of something hard against his back. The barrel of a weapon perhaps. Or just an old trick. He couldn't tell. Plus this wasn't the time to test his theories.

Do-il cursed himself for being careless. His anxiety for In-joo and Jin-u overcame his better judgement. As a result he handed his opponent the upperhand on a silver platter.

"Hyungnim. I think I lost them."

"He might know where they're going." The big guy prodded Do-il with added force.

"Ouch. I don't even know what you guys are talking about."

"Don't be stupid. We know you're here for the woman."

"What woman?"

Park Jeong-soo stretched his lips. He drummed his fingers on his chin. Things weren't going according to plan. The last thing he wanted was the situation to escalate.

"We can't do this here Hyungnim. One wrong move…"

"Out. Let's do this outside."

Do-il was relieved. If nothing else, he bought Choi Hee-jae extra time.

Once they were out of sight of anyone Do-il knew that he had to act fast. He hated the idea of dirtying his new slacks but so much was already out of his control. He dropped to the ground and writhed uncontrollably on the bitumen. It was a calculated risk. But Do-il was sure that neither of those guys wanted him dead. In other words, they preferred that he stay alive. Especially if he was suspected to have vital information on hand.

"What's he doing?"

"Beats me." Big Guy was scratching his head.

"Does he have a medical condition?"

"You're asking me? I thought you knew the guy."

"Not that well. I saw him now and again."

"Do something."

"Like what?"

The man on the ground convulsed and then froze.

"Is he dead?" Park Jeong-soo kicked the body to test his thesis.

As far as both men were concerned, their captive was unconscious.

Big Guy bent over instinctively to check his breathing. He had no weapon in his hand. When he got close enough, Do-il raised his right leg and executed a push kick right on Big Guy's solar plexus. This threw Big Guy off-balance momentarily as he lost his footing. Taking advantage of the temporary confusion, Do-il swung a punch right between his opponent's eyes and then turned to face Park Jeong-soo who had recovered from the shock of seeing a man presumed dead come to life. He lunged forward with his own punch which Do-il dodged in time. Rather than return a punch, Do-il ducked down propelled himself forward and performed a wrestling manoeuvre, head butting his opponent down to the ground.

With one eye over his shoulder Do-il leapt up just in time to see Big Guy hurtling towards him like a rampaging elephant. No one could accuse him of cowardice. Do-il hopped out of the way and stuck his foot out in anticipation. Big Guy tripped and flew straight into the door of his own vehicle. Nose first. This effectively rendered him immobile.

Do-il dug into his pocket and whipped out his mobile.

"Hi Detective. It's me again. Sorry to disturb you. But I've got a couple of guys who are persons of interest. Consider it a gift from an ordinary citizen doing his civic duty. I'll text you the license plate and location."

After hanging up, Do-il dialled a second number.

"In-hye. I need you to listen very carefully. There's something going on. I don't have time to explain. But I need you to trust me and do what I say."

As far as hideouts were concerned, it could've been worse. At least Choi Hee-jae could be relied upon to set up shop somewhere no sane person would want to live. It was trees, trees and more trees. Bushes here and there. There were no roads. Not even a trail properly worn down by regular use. It was remote as they came. No one unless they knew where to look could find this place. Hostile to the unprepared. Why in the world did Oh In-joo link up with him? Why for goodness sake?

That feeling of resentment that was lurking in the background was now rearing its ugly head.

It was another 40 minute drive from the bus station before he reached his destination. A part of him was relieved to know that mother and son were safe. And clearly Oh In-joo's paranoia was founded on facts.

He parked his vehicle a short distance away from the abode that Choi Hee-jae built. A wooden cabin not unlike the others he'd seen in the past. Walking was the better option. He took off his sports jacket and changed into his bomber coat. He swapped dress shoes for a pair of joggers.

10 minutes from the gate, he heard the voice of a boy cry out. The boy himself followed behind shortly.

"My father is here. Dad. You made it."

Hearing the boy so jubilant, Do-il cracked a smile. At least someone's happy to see me.

He stooped down for the boy to charge straight into his arms. The embrace was mutually satisfying.

"Did I do a good job?"

"You did very well. Top marks."

The boy and his father fist bumped and exchanged grins.

Jin-u leaned over to whisper into his father's ear. "We make a really good team, don't we?"

"The best."

"But I don't think Oh In-joo is too pleased with me. She's out in the back sulking."

Do-il patted the boy on the head. "You've done your bit. It's now my turn. Leave it to me."

To bolster a confidence he did not yet feel, he winked.

The boy winked back. "I'm counting on you, Dad."

The interior of the house was thankfully better than the outside. The thought of his family under a leaky roof with lousy insulation made him grumpy. The exterior had the facade of a ramshackled abandoned cottage. Inside, the house had furniture. It was neat and organised. It was the military man in Choi Hee-jae through and through. What was bewildering was where and when he acquired wood craftsman skills to get the job done this well.

A conversation with Choi Hee-jae was not what he had in mind when he left the office. But the last 36 hours was a series of events that he would never have imagined. Fate was an unpredictable beast and he was in the middle of a whirlwind.

"So you managed to deal with those two goons at the station?"

"You saw them?"

"Those idiots stick out like a sore thumb in that place."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Tell you what exactly?"

"That Oh In-joo had come to you for help. That we had a son."

"We don't have a relationship remember? That's what you told me."

"So why did you help her?"

Choi Hee-jae took his time with his reply.

"I don't know. Maybe I felt sorry for her. Maybe it's because of my grandson. Who knows. Who cares. She reached out to me at different times. I can't say 'no' to a helpless woman especially one who's raising my grandson. Besides she also came to see me in prison. Unlike someone else I know."

"This is ridiculous."

"At least we agree on one thing."

"Did it never occur to you that I would want to know that I have a son? You of all people. Especially after the mistakes that you and I made." Do-il was deliberate in his emphases. The aggression metre was on the rise.

"It did occur to me. Many times in fact."

"So why didn't you?"

In-joo who had heard the raised voices raced into the room. "Because I begged him not to."

"Oh In-joo. I'm having an argument with my father. It's a family matter. Stay out of it."

"But."

To her utter astonishment, he cut her off. On top of that he spoke to her in a tone she'd never heard him use with her before.

"No 'buts'. This matter concerns the old man and I. We have a history that you know nothing about. Since you're not a member of the family, you have no say here."

"So we're a family now, are we? Choi Do-il. You and I? Since when?"

"Since you interfered in my life. Acted behind my back. Hid vital information from me. Kept the woman I was going to marry away from me." Do-il began the finger pointing. "You didn't approve our relationship, did you? That's the real reason why you didn't tell me."

In-joo alternated anxious looks between both men. "This is silly. Can you both stop fighting? It's my fault. Blame me. Okay. Please."

The men however were revving for a fight. As far as they were concerned, she wasn't even there.

Hee-jae turned his attention to the ceiling and raised both hands shaking them hard. His speech had a ring of despair.

"Heavens above. Why did you give me such an ungrateful son? He blames me for every single thing." It was his turn to gesticulate with hands and fingers. "Such ingratitude. I protected your woman and your son. This is the thanks I get. You unfilial creature. It would have been better if you hadn't been born."

"Really. Choi Hee-jae. You didn't do this for me. You did this to prop up your own ego. Don't think that I'm ever going to forgive you for everything you've done."

"Fine. If that's how you feel. Take responsibility for your own life. You take care of your own woman. Since you're here, take her away from here. Don't come crying to me at the first sign of trouble."

"I knew it. This is just like you. Old habits die hard. Who needs you anyway?"

Pushing. Shoving. Father and son were like two bulls locking horns. Nostrils were flaring. Smoke seemed to be coming out of their ears. They were seconds away from exchanging fisticuffs.

In-joo pried the two men apart. She put herself between them and stretched out her arms. "Choi Do-il. Ahjussi. Stop it. Both of you just stop this right now before someone gets hurt."

"So what? He deserves what's coming to him. It's the old man's fault that I only found out I had a son two days ago."

"The old man's fault? Heavens above. If you had done a better job taking care of your fiancee, she wouldn't have left you in the first place."

"You knew where she was. If you've ever considered me your son, you would have told me where she was."

"Do-il. Please. If you want to blame anyone, blame me. It was all my idea. From beginning to end. Your father didn't know about Jin-u until last year. Okay?"

A distraught In-joo grabbed a hold of Do-il's arm and dragged him away from the battle scene and out onto the backyard.

"Grandpa. That was amazing."

"Hey kid. How did I do?"

"It was like watching tv. I thought you and Dad were going to start a real fight."

"Do you think your mother bought it?"

"I think so. I saw tears. Wow. The men in this family are such great actors."

"Let you in on a secret, Kiddo. Not all of it was acting."

Notes:

I'm posting this chapter earlier than usual because the next five days are going to be nuts. Since I'm reasonably happy with the results, I thought I should release it now. I had a blast writing this chapter.

Have a good weekend and enjoy.

Chapter 5: A Gathering Storm

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

10 years earlier…

Do-il tucked himself some distance away. Far enough not to be noticed. Near enough to catch glimpses of the coffin being lowered into the plot by four strapping men. To his surprise, there weren't very many in attendance. The family was a prominent one and no doubt their connections were vast and ran deep. But no one recognisably important had graced the event. In all likelihood the family had kept it private. Though he had a personal connection with the deceased, he knew very little about the grieving parents or the sibling that failed to make an appearance at such an important occasion. The graveside ceremony conducted by a priest was punctuated by loud sobs that would melt even a heart of stone. The mother of the deceased was inconsolable the entire time. It was being witness to a cosmic error. Something intrinsically wrong for a parent to bury one's own child. It was an unspoken rule. Thankfully she was allowed her to grieve in her own way. Do-il didn't know a single soul. No one from their US cohort was present. He would have happily slipped away unnoticed when it was all over. Except that his arrival did excite some notice.

The man who passed away was Jang Eun-beom or Kevin as he was affectionately known as. He had been a friend. Or more accurately, the closest thing he had to a friend. Do-il who was being groomed for something duplicitous avoided attachments as much as possible. But Kevin Jang was a roommate. For a while at least. A personable fellow. And he was unlike any chaebol offspring that Do-il had the misfortune of knowing. In fact Do-il didn't know that Kevin was the heir to the Distomos empire until graduation when rumours about Kevin spread like wildfire around campus.

"You don't seem all that impressed by my newfound fame." They both had been chewing and slurping through steaming hot ramyeon in their apartment.

"So the rumours are true then."

"That I'm heir to a business empire? Of course."

"On the bright side, you don't act like one."

"Like what?"

"A spoilt entitled brat."

"If I had, would it have made a difference?''

"Probably." Do-il had added. "I'd have leeched off you more often."

Everyone knew Kevin had to be rich. The stuff he owned was a dead give away. To his credit he was generous to a fault. And never flaunted it. It was universally accepted that he was destined for great things. He had the looks, the smarts and the connections. Some even pronounced him a future president of South Korea. He might have been. Except he died.

His death not only sent the Wharton alumni into a feeding frenzy but was also the talk of the town. Why not? Jang Ho-jun's successor at the prime of his life. Snuffed out. Without any warning. Do-il who thought he knew Kevin best was the most mystified of all.

Do-il watched every stage of the interment keenly. From time to time he wondered how those Kevin left behind would carry on. A life brimming with potential. Cut short. He felt sorry for the parents. A part of him missed Kevin. But as soon as it was all over, he was ready to leave. He hoped to leave as quietly as he came. As he strolled towards his vehicle, he felt a light tap on his shoulder.

"Mr Choi Do-il, is it?" A man in his late forties early fifties dressed smartly for the occasion spoke. A servant of the household no doubt.

Startled by being addressed directly, he could only respond with a nod.

"Do you mind sparing us a few minutes of your time? The chairman would like to have a word."

Much as he hated hobnobbing with people of power, Do-il thought it bad manners to decline a grieving father. More than that his curiosity had been piqued. Evidently Kevin had mentioned him to his father. The fact that he could have been the subject of conversations between father and son tickled his ego. So he followed the respectful gentleman to a bench under a large cedar located on the top of a slope. The grieving father was lost in his thoughts like his spirit was a million miles away.

"Mr Chairman. I'm Choi Do-il. We meet for the first time." He bowed in the customary way. "I hear that you have something to say to me."

"Don't stand on ceremony. I'm Jang Ho-jun. Please take a seat."

Do-il was about to refuse the offer politely but there was an unexpected note of anguish in the chairman's voice that moved him. The tear stains on the wrinkled cheeks. The out of place strands of hair. The crooked tie. He quickly concluded that he was talking to Kevin's father rather than the chairman of Distomos Pharmaceuticals.

So he settled down beside the father and waited.

"Kevin mentioned you from time to time. He said you were the smartest person he'd ever met."

Do-il smirked. "Did he? He told me something quite different. Said it quite often in fact."

"The way he talked about you made me think he trusted and liked you."

"He must have. He let me borrow his beloved golf clubs many times."

For the first time he saw the older man light up with a smile. "Those were a gift from me when he turned 16."

"It's still hard to believe that one human being could be talented at every kind of sport."

"Yeah. He was. He could have been a world class sportsman." Reminiscing about Kevin seemed to be what the father's intention. Do-il felt he was in safe territory. "That's why his death is so particularly tragic."

"Forgive me for bringing up such a painful subject, sir. But was it really suicide? Knowing what I know about Kevin, I find it hard to believe."

"The autopsy results concluded that he overdosed on benzodiazepines and alcohol."

Without hesitation Do-il responded with an "Impossible."

"So you think that too?"

"He never medicated himself even when he was under a lot pressure. At least I never saw it. He was also very careful with alcohol. He played hard but he never did anything to jeopardise his future. I don't see how that would have changed when he returned."

"We were about to announce him as our new CEO."

"If it's any consolation. The thing I found most likeable about Kevin was that unlike a lot of other kids from rich families, he always understood the weight of what he had to live up to. He took his privilege seriously. He was responsible. He wanted the power so he could live up to the expectations other people had of him. I envied him. Not just because he had money. But because money and power didn't have him."

"I can see why he was so impressed with you."

"Thank you sir. But I'm only saying what I observed. Kevin did everything right."

The chairman remained silent for some time as he stared into blue sky overhead.

Finally he turned to Do-il. "You're working for Wonryeong, aren't you?"

"You've done some digging on me, sir."

"Are you interested in a change of scenery? Would you like to work for me? The company and I could do with someone of your skills set. I trust Kevin's judgment."

"I'm flattered sir. I'm afraid my family and I are beholden to the Won-Park family in far too many ways to walk away from them."

"Name your price."

"Not right now perhaps. Maybe one day. When the time is right."

"You're careful. I like that. I regret not meeting you sooner, young man."

"Believe me sir. The feeling is mutual."

7 years earlier…

They were greeted by a large sign as they walked past the reception area. Distomos Annual Celebration.

In-joo sauntered into the ballroom decked in her new halter-back red gown. She gasped. In her outfit, it was as if she'd levitated into a different dimension. She played the wide-eyed child gawking in a circus to a T.

"This is incredible." The exclamation came after taking a gander at her surroundings.

The chandeliers. The dazzling gowns. The smorgasbord of hors d'oeuvres and other morsels fit for nobles. The excitement in her voice was palpable. Her male companion sounded blasé and was indifferent about the festivities.

"Is it?" His gaze was wholly on her. "If you hadn't agreed to come, I couldn't have cared less. These sorts of occasions bore me to tears."

"I was never invited to anything like this in Wonryeong."

"You didn't miss much." He amused himself by concentrating on her gleeful expressions. "Just occasions where people with money hang out, name drop and show off their wealth."

"How did you manage to socialise with rich people for most of your whole life?"

"By being very good at pretending."

"You definitely fooled me."

"Not because I wanted to. At least not all the time."

"You seemed to be having fun fooling me." A subtle peevish cadence had crept into her tone of voice.

"I liked the company not necessarily the situation."

The response seemed to mollify her ruffled feathers.

"Did you always like the company?"

"Yes. Always."

He reached for her hand and brushed over it. "I was always sorry that I couldn't be upfront about everything."

Before she could react, a couple of twenty-somethings came bouncing up to Do-il. Mischief was clearly on the menu.

"Manager Choi. Aren't you going to introduce us?"

"These are a couple interns in my department. Park Hye-won and Lee Seol. This is my girlfriend Oh In-joo."

"You're very lucky Ms Oh. Manager Choi is very popular in our office."

In-joo turned to her half embarrassed boyfriend who was wishing he was elsewhere. She narrowed her eyes and glowered.

He was quick to recognise the signals. "I'm not. That popular."

The one called Lee Seol must have sensed the tension as she was quick to add. "We're just joking. Manager Choi is popular. But no one can get close to him."

"I see."

"You're very pretty, Ms Oh. Your dress suits you."

"Thank you."

The two young ladies were distracted by something going on near the stage and excused themselves.

Something else caught Do-il's eye. "Oh oh." He spoke softly. It was his turn to face her. It was a protective posture. "Incoming 2 o'clock. Danger alert."

"What's wrong?"

"It's the head of my department and the boss' daughter."

"Who? Is she pretty?"

"She's a former model. I suppose some men might find her attractive."

"You don't?"

"She's too much like Catwoman for me."

To his relief, hIs girlfriend giggled with her hand shielding her lips. "I'm surprised you even know who that is."

As he expected, the duo made their approach with the expectation of exchanging greetings. The chairman's daughter spoke first.

"Manager Choi. You made it."

"Choi Do-il. I thought you weren't coming." His direct supervisor clapped him on the back.

"My girlfriend was keen and I obliged."

The woman's glances darted from Do-il to In-joo in turn. She reserved all her affected cordiality for him and ran her inquisitorial eyes over In-joo. Up and down. And sideways. With far more curiosity than was warranted. Through her posture she made it known that holding his attention was her only concern.

"What were you two talking about before?" She spoke with an air of apathy that masked a bubbling curiosity.

"Nothing much. Just comparing notes about our favourite comic book villains."

"You're full of surprises, Manager Choi. Never thought you were the nerdy type."

In-joo came to the rescue this time. "He's a man with many interests. I'm Oh In-joo. Pleased to meet you."

She initiated a handshake. Anna Jang fired her a glare before responding with a limp hand rub. She looked affronted by In-joo's confident gesture. As if her very existence was an offence to her sensibility. Her smile didn't reach her eyes. It was confected to impress onlookers and cover up an inexplicable resentment.

It didn't take In-joo long to confirm Do-il's characterisation of Anna Jang. Somewhat overawed by the skin revealing figure-hugging outfit shimmering under the radiance of yellow light, she sensed a peculiar animus from the other woman. An aura of foreboding permeated the space around her.

"Likewise. Anna Jang. Research and Development." Her response contained a hint of hostility.

They were interrupted by the Master of Ceremonies, blaring instructions into his microphone, prancing around the stage directing traffic around the room. Listening with one ear, the sea of well-dressed travellers in front of him navigated and meandered their way around obstacles. Dodging long dresses. Avoiding being stepped on. Stepping over hurdles. Women unaccustomed to high heels stumbling towards their assigned locations. It was a chaotic game of musical chairs.

Later when everyone was seated, Anna Jang examined the state of her makeup with a compact mirror from her clutch bag. She turned to her companion with a gut busting with indignation ready to let loose.

"It's odd." Her eyes zoomed in on In-joo with uncanny precision.

"What is?" Jason Park, head of finance was surveying the crowd around him.

"Manager Choi Do-il's girlfriend."

"What's odd about her? She looks normal enough. Friendly too."

"She's too normal."

"How can anyone be too normal?"

"She's so ordinary."

"So? How's that a problem? I think she's quite pretty."

"You're hardly an exacting judge of beauty."

"No, I'm not. Anna Jang. Former model turned management specialist. The expert on all things women. I bow to your more experienced eye."

Jason was in the habit of indulging Anna's capricious flights of fixations. He knew better than to argue with her expecting reason and logic.

"Sarcasm doesn't sit well with you. Jason."

"There's no need to get your knickers into a twist about Choi's girlfriend. She's harmless. She can't do anything to you. Not worth your time brooding over."

"A man of his abilities should do better for himself."

"Do better? What are you talking about? You're such a snob."

"I'm just offering an observation here. She doesn't exactly fit him, does she?

"That's just your opinion, Anna. He obviously doesn't agree with you."

Her companion expected his remark to silence her on the subject. Unfortunately for him that was only the prelude to a tirade.

"I expected him to have a more sophisticated palate."

"Just because the guy is a Wharton grad doesn't mean he comes from a well-to-do family. In fact he was a scholarship student with the Jeongran Foundation."

"And you know this because…"

"I've read his CV. You seem to have conveniently forgotten that I'm his direct supervisor."

"Tell me more."

"There's nothing much to tell. He's worked for some Russian company rumoured to be headed by powerful organised crime figures and then for Wonryeong in their overseas and local divisions."

"That's it? How disappointing."

"Anna Jang." Jason narrowed his eyes in disapproval. "I know that look on your face only too well. It's the surest sign that trouble is brewing. You're on the prowl again."

"So what if I am?" Her defiant reply elicited an exasperated groan from him.

"I know you do this sort of stuff for kicks. But consider this advice from one of the few friends you have. You should never mess with Choi Do-il."

"Why not?"

"Because he is a shrewd operator. Much smarter than any of those deadbeats you've played around with in the past. The rumour is that your father recruited him personally."

"I'm always up for a challenge."

"If you end up cutting yourself, don't come crying to me."

"Jason. Sometimes you're such a bore."

Elsewhere on the other side of the hotel ballroom a different kind of conversation was taking place. The couple that was being talked about had their minds on other things.

"That Anna Jang is something else. Scary actually. I can see what you mean."

"Don't think about her. Focus on me instead."

"You're such a greedy person."

"I warned you about that."

"I thought you were talking about money."

"You're worth 25 billion.Were worth 25 million. Less now that you've spent some of it."

"So it's finally all coming out now. You're only interested in me for my money."

"Not only." He lowered his voice to a husky seductive whisper. "Everything about you interests me."

As proof of his bona fides, he rested his hand on her thigh. Under the table.

She leapt into the air and glared at him. On reflex she elbowed him in the ribs.

"Ouch."

"What are you doing? There are people around."

"So? No one cares. In a room like this. I can imagine plenty of others doing the same thing."

"Really?"

"You are too cute." He fingered her nose before deploying his finger for other purposes. "See that man over there? He is the head of marketing. That's his wife in the blue dress sitting next to him but he's sleeping with his PA. To your left is an IT Services manager. He is engaged to some politician's daughter but he's having an affair with one of his female subordinates. Two tables away from us is the legal department's chief and deputy chief. Publicly, they act like they hate each other's guts but I'm sure they are dating secretly. Want to know more? Just point."

"I'm surprised that you're so steeped in office gossip."

"I'm not. These are based on my own observations."

"Do you actually get any work done?"

"I mind my own business. But if people are careless in front of me, it's on them."

"I just realised how terrifying you are."

"Only just? Oh In-joo. What am I going to do with you?"

"So. Are you secretly dating one of your colleagues?"

"What are you saying?" He looked genuinely aghast at the question. "Why would I do this to the woman I'm going to marry?"

The electrical circuitry around her body went into overdrive. They had only dated for a month. Less than a month to be precise. This passing reference to marriage knocked the wind out of her. So casual. So soon. So unpredictable. Her head was spinning so much that the entire room was in shards folding into one another. Words failed her. Luckily Do-il's attention was elsewhere. He didn't seemed to be expecting an answer.

All eyes were on the stage. A raucous cheer and a energetic round of applause followed CEO Jang Ho-jun as he stepped into the spotlight to deliver his speech thanking the staff for another record breaking year. The speech was short. It was then followed by a string of sycophantic self-congratulatory pats on backs.

In the course of the festivities, In-joo felt a strong warm hand envelop hers. Do-il leaned into her ear and whispered.

"When you've had enough of this headache-inducing circus let me know. I want to take you somewhere."

In-joo felt a fusillade of sensations attacking her body from all directions. Her mind cast back to what happened the last time he took her somewhere.

"And just in case I haven't told you that already. You look too delicious in that dress. It's giving me all kinds of ideas."

She expected him to take her to his favourite spot again. But no, he obviously had something else in mind because he took a different route. A familiar route. One she would have rather forgotten truth be told. The destination was one she went to for three years. It was a job. It paid the bills. She had no idea then that she was a mere pawn in someone else's game. She was allocated a place on the 13th floor. And was soon designated "outcast". She made friends with Jin Hwa-young who mentored her in every respect. Hwa-young was the mother who schooled her in the art of living in a class conscious Korea. She was the older sister In-joo never had. Yet she lived with secrets that In-joo weren't privy to. One day she disappeared into thin air. Leaving her, Oh In-joo, a stash of money in a gym locker.

It was also there that she met him. Choi Do-il. Money brought them together. Nothing like 70 billion won sitting in a Singapore bank to aid the course of true love.

It had been a risky venture trusting him with her life. A man who thought money was the most sacred thing in the world. Yet he saved her over and over again from the Park-Won juggernaut. Without him there would have been no 25 billion won.

Wonryeong. A place which held memories for both. He stopped the car right in front of the building. He got out first. Walked over to her side of the car and opened her door.

"You must be wondering why we're here."

"I never thought I'd be back here."

"There's something I really want to say to you. But I have to do it here."

"Here? Should I be worried?"

"It depends."

"On what?"

"How much you trust me."

It was already after midnight. There was hardly anyone about. He led her to a spot 10m away from the entrance. When they faced each other, he stretched out his arms and held onto her hands.

"I chose this place because this is where our story began." The bombastic declaration was unlike him. Still In-joo was mesmerised by the boyish gusto ringing out as he jumped on his soapbox.

"What are you up to Choi Do-il?"

"This is the place that we first met."

"I remember that only too well."

"The International Orchid Society. And you were trying for a yoga pose."

"You saw me doing that?"

"I saw everything."

"Embarrassing."

"It was the most adorable thing I ever saw."

"Ugh. Don't bring that up. I almost died when you walked in. Felt like crawling under the table."

"I thought to myself. 'Such an interesting woman. Someone who is not afraid to be herself in this crazy place.'"

"Yeah. Right. I'm sure you were jeering at me on the inside."

"'A woman who is this transparent can be trusted.' That's what I thought."

In-joo stared at him doubtfully. A sceptical rejoinder was on the tip of her tongue but he gave her no chance to declare it.

"And I was right."

There was a glint in his eye that made her heart race. Should she be pleased or afraid? What's going on with Choi Do-il? He was reeking with uncharacteristic sentimentality. She had no idea how to make sense of his remarks in this context.

"Choi Do-il. You're scaring me. What harebrained scheme are you involved in now?"

HIs eyes were completely fixed on her.

"The only scheme that's on my mind is marriage." At the word 'marriage' In-joo became dizzy.

Her wooer fell on a bended knee and whisked out a small box from inside his jacket. He flipped it open to a ring. A gold ring with a solitary diamond glistening under the pale moonlight.

She gasped. Then she covered her mouth with both hands.

"I want to change the course of our history with you." His voice took a more sombre tone. "Will you share your future with me? Will you marry me?"

She was about to sink down to the ground when he caught her in time.

"Is it so unbelievable?"

"I didn't… know… that you… liked me… that much." Her words came out in stops and starts. They sounded pathetic even to her.

"What kind of man do you think I am? I'm practically living at your place already."

"This is all so strange and different for me."

He closed in for a hug and wrapped his arms around her. "You are so frustrating sometimes."

"You're not playing a joke on me right?" She could feel the warmth of his breath caressing her cheeks.

He waved the ring in front of her. "Does this look like a joke to you?"

She shook her head. "It's beautiful." She acknowledged wistfully. "I wish I knew what I did to deserve it."

"It's not a reward. Idiot."

"Then what is it?"

"It's a gift. A very small token of how important you are to me."

"I wish I had something to give to you as well."

"You could say 'yes'."

"That would be too easy."

"Saying 'yes' might be easy. But living with 'yes' is a lifetime of consequences. The ring barely covers it. You'd be stuck with me forever."

"You really want to be with me that much?"

"I really want to be with you that much." He voice was gentle and soothing. "Even if you say 'no' now, I'll keep trying. Until you say 'yes'."

"How can I say 'no' to you? Choi Do-il. You are the best thing that ever happened to me."

"So it's a 'yes' then?"

"Yes." She nodded bashfully and diverted her eye to the tie that complemented his ensemble.

He pulled the ring out of its box and slipped it onto her quivering finger.

"It's a deal."

"It a perfect fit."

"Yes, we are."

In-joo was about to mount an objection but for a pair lips that smashed right onto hers. He was past asking for permission. There was no way for her to wiggle out of it. Whatever arguments or notions or utterances that could have been prosecuted were struck off the record. She couldn't recall a thing. She was completely at the mercy of his lips. He was pleading his case with all the passion he could muster. She the newly appointed judge and jury was utterly swayed by his winsome appeal to take up the cause.

It was a week after the proposal. It was a day just like any. The sun was shining. There was the odd cloud in the sky. It was an outdoors kind of day. So the children were playing and Oh In-joo with them. Everyone was going about their business. It should have been a joyous moment for all concerned.

"It's beautiful, Teacher."

In-joo was showing off her ring to a small crowd of girls under the age of 16.

"Is it a present from the soccer Ahjussi? He's your boyfriend, right?" Her youthful audience teased and giggled.

"We are going to get married. And this is…"

An unearthly boom stopped her in her tracks.

A blast came from the vicinity of the dining area. It was as if an earthquake had hit Seoul. In a split second those in close proximity to the explosion found themselves soaring into the air from the impact. Only to find themselves on the cement or the grass. Like little chicks the children who had gathered around found immediate refuge in being close to In-joo. They could see a billow of smoke emanating from the facility's left wing accompanied by echoes of coughing and spluttering. The air made it hard to breathe. The spectacle in front of them had their undivided attention. When it finally sunk in that something terrible had happened. Screams and sobs emerged from the wreckage. Dirt. Dust and soot were snowing all around.

In-joo was dumbfounded. Immobilised by the chaos in front of her. Question upon question hit her. Didn't the orphanage undergo renovation and repairs recently? How could such a thing have happened? Had somebody been careless? Questions like these assailed her.

In the middle of middle over the possibilities while trying to console frightened children, she felt her phone vibrating in her pocket. So she reached for it and glanced at the number. It was not a regular caller. She was tempted to ignore it altogether. Except the caller seemed persistent. Perhaps it was one of the staff calling. Perhaps there was something she was required to do.

"Hello. Oh In-joo speaking."

"Ah Ms Oh In-joo. It's been too long." She couldn't put her finger on it but the voice on the other end sounded vaguely familiar.

"Who's this? Do I know you?" In-joo frowned

"I can't believe that you've forgotten me. Especially when we've shared so many good times together."

Then it dawned on her. That snide smug tone of voice. She thought she had heard the last of it months earlier.

"Go Im-soo."

"Good. You remember. This will make things easier. Speed things up considerably."

"What do you want?"

"On the contrary. I was just wondering if you liked my present."

"What do you mean 'present'?"

"A gift."

"What gift?"

"The explosion."

"You did that?"

"Well, not me exactly. These kinds of things I leave to others."

"Why are you telling me this? I could go to the police about this."

"Well, that's a very good question."

Notes:

I'll do my best to update weekly as per usual but unfortunately with Easter just round the corner, I can't be sure of anything. I have a full week of rehearsals with performances all of next weekend.

As usual I'm grateful that so many are taking an interest and I'd love to hear from the readership about the progression of the story.

Chapter 6: Two's a Company Four's a Family

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

She clung on to his arm like a child desperate to be heard.

"It really isn't your father's fault." The pleading in her voice was an arrow into his heart.

"No. I guess not." He paused. "It's mine." Another pause. "I've failed you."

She shook her head frantically. "Do-il. Don't. It's not you."

"The old man's right about one thing: I failed to protect you. I have no excuse. I failed to be the man you needed me to be."

"Why would you say that? You didn't fail anyone."

"Didn't I? Then why did you leave? Why did you choose to raise our son by yourself? I must've failed to meet your high exacting standards."

The barbed sarcasm was not lost on her. For the first time since he appeared in her apartment she heard the rumblings of anger. She felt herself caught between a rock and a hard place.

"You didn't. Really."

"Didn't I? Then why did you run away? Why did you leave without any explanation?"

"I. It had nothing to do with you. You did nothing wrong."

"So you keep saying. You keep avoiding me. You refuse to talk. I feel like a first class idiot holding out hope for an explanation."

In-joo was at a loss for words. She dreaded this moment. But it never occurred to her to rehearse any kind of explanation. There was never supposed to be any need. She'd never planned for that eventuality.

"I was trying to protect you."

"From what?"

"I can't say." Even as the words left her lips she sensed how hollow they were.

"You can't say?" The incredulity. The bewildered expression on his face was a stab below the chest.

"Just believe that I am doing this for your sake. Please. For the good of all of us."

"Then why do I feel like I'm being punished? For sins unknown."

"Punished? Why would you think that?" Her flabbergasted expression showed she'd never considered the possibility.

Do-il gave it some thought before choosing his words carefully.

"Because the last 7 years have been hell for me."

The tension that was building up around them transformed into a wall of silence. Temporarily. There were things that had to come out in the open. Things that had to be thrashed out.

"Not knowing why you left was the worst part. I waited around. Waited for an explanation. But none came. And it's disappointing that I'm being stonewalled every single time."

"Why would you wait for me? I wanted you to move on."

"Did you? You didn't tell me that."

"I thought that if I left without any explanation, it'd be easier for you to forget all about me."

"Oh In-joo." The hawkish glare was terrifying. She cowed. His eyes bored right into into her soul. "What kind of a man do you think I am?"

She couldn't answer. She hoped it was a rhetorical question. Any answer she offered would feel feeble and cheap.

"I asked you to marry me. Out of all the women in the country, I asked you. Only you. Didn't that tell you anything? About how important you were to me?"

"I never doubted your sincerity."

"Then. What did you doubt? My ability?"

"Never. Never that. I just. I just wanted to do something for you. I wanted you to be safe. And happy."

"Happy? Without you? Safe from what?" Do-il's eyes were bloodshot. "So I was right all along. You've never really trusted me."

"No. No. Please. It's not that."

"Then why won't you tell me what is it that's making you so afraid?"

"Because you and everyone else will get hurt. And it will be all my fault."

"We're back to where we started. Let's face it. You don't trust me enough to tell the truth. I didn't want to believe it at first." He let the words land where they might. "But it's the same drill. I guess you never thought I was good enough for you."

"No." Her voice transposed into a horrified whisper. "Don't say that. You can't possibly think that."

"If you can't be straight with me, then I can't help what I think."

On saying that, Do-il marched away with clenched fists and gritted teeth. Leaving behind a distraught creature reeling from an attack she was ill-prepared to tackle. Her wet cheeks now buried in the folds of her skirt, she made no effort to muffle her heart-wrenching sobs.

"You shouldn't be too hard on her." Choi Hee-jae opened a can of beer and offered it to his progeny. "She's suffered a lot."

His progeny accepted the offering with undisguised disdain. "Haven't you heard that it's rude to eavesdrop?"

"You're on my property, remember?"

"It's not like I wanted to be here."

"You are a man. You should make allowances."

"The last thing I want to do is take advice from you. Choi Hee-jae."

"No need bite my head off. I'm just trying to help."

Do-il side-eyed his father and fell silent. He had no desire to turn the conversation into something about his father.

"Has she told you anything?"

"Not a thing. Trust me I've tried. But she's definitely scared about something."

"I don't know what induced her to come to you for help."

"We get on. Besides, she's desperate."

"She must be. I can't imagine why else she would come here."

"Maybe whatever it is that's driven her to all this has something to do with you. That's why she doesn't feel like she can go to you about it."

"She as much said that. What specifically is she protecting me from?"

"I don't know. Maybe it's your past catching up with you."

"If there are people who want me in prison or dead, why would they torment her instead of me? It makes no sense."

"You're not involved in something shady, are you?"

"Even if I were, why would I tell you?"

"I don't imagine you will. But like you said, there's no reason why anyone would go after her and not you."

Do-il's father placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know you don't like me telling you what to do but if you really want to reunite with her you should give her time. Don't push her too hard. Otherwise she might disappear from your sight forever. That would be regrettable for everyone concerned. Besides I'm getting used to the idea of having a daughter-in-law and a grandson."

Jin-u went up to his father and placed his small short arms around his father.

"You tried your best, Dad."

Dad planted a kiss on top of the boy's head. "Obviously my best isn't good enough."

"Oh In-joo isn't easy to deal with. Once she makes up her mind."

"I know. I just hate not knowing what's really going on. And I hate disappointing you."

"I'm not disappointed with you at all. You're exactly as I imagined from what she said."

"Did she talk a lot about me?"

"Not a lot. But when she had a bad day and drank too much soju she would say all kinds of things. Some things made sense. Some didn't."

"I'm sorry that you had to deal with so much by yourself at such a young age."

"It's fine. I'm talented. My genetic makeup obviously gave me an unfair advantage over other children."

"You're a good kid. Oh Jin-u. Your mother did a good job raising you."

"Don't give her all the credit. It's hard work living with Oh In-joo at times. Speaking of which, what are we going to do now, Dad?"

"We're all under one roof for a start. That's a plus. Although not the way I had planned."

"I rather like it here. I don't feel outnumbered. 3 men 1 woman. It's a nice change."

"Your mother might think we're ganging up on her."

"Maybe. But at the moment I'm happy that I've got a father and a grandfather to talk to. Already I feel like a new boy."

"You're talking like Pinocchio."

"Nah. Don't worry. I'm not that crazy."

"I guess so" Do-il looked amused. "I'm new to the whole 'father business' so I'm going to need help. And I need you to be patient with me."

"You're doing fine. Just having you around is good."

It always surprised him that dealing with the boy was easier than dealing with Oh In-joo.

"We should do something to pass away the time while we're waiting for your mother to break her silence."

"Last time we were here, Grandpa taught me about guns and self-defence."

"The old man must be going senile."

"I enjoyed it. He's very good at explaining things. I'm very interested in how machines work. The mechanism of guns is fascinating. Did you know that the pistol originated in the 16th century? Early handguns were single-shot. The pistols were loaded with a lead ball and fired by something called a flint striker. Reloading was necessary after every shot."

"I was thinking of something more wholesome. And age appropriate. Sport maybe. Something like soccer. At your mother's orphanage. The boys there were mad about soccer."

"I've never played soccer. I've never played any sports. Seen it on tv though. Many times."

"Want to try?" The boy nodded eagerly. "Let's see if the old man has something here among all his junk that we can use."

For the longest time In-joo was confident she had done the right thing. That was easy to do so. At a distance. Nights of self-talk. Repeated self-talk. Quiet interactions with the ceilings of motel rooms. All manner of temporary housing were privy to her inmost thoughts. She had been far away from everything familiar. But especially him. It wasn't just about reminders of good times but seeing him face to face made her lose her nerve. Staring at the torment in every inch of his face. Speaking of the agony of a thousand cuts. The realisation at what she'd done to him finally penetrated the layers of rationalisation she'd carted around these past 7 years. Her sacrifice was irretrievably in vain. No one was happy. Least of all him.

But why not? Why wouldn't he just stop loving her and move on? She was indispensable right? There was nothing special about her. There were other women. Better women. Right?

The thought that he had been living alone all this time. Stuck in time. Was a punch to the gut. Everything she did to protect him so that he could have a fresh start. That didn't happen. She made a bargain with the devil and the devil didn't see it through. Worse the devil's voice was still blaring in her ears.

"If you don't want anything of his past to come out then stay away. Stay away and never go near him again. That's the only way he can be saved."

She was disturbed in her reverie by shouts of laughter. They came from outside. She looked out the window. She saw Do-il joined by Jin-u kicking around running after a plastic drink bottle. The boy was in too much of a hurry to get to his object. So he slipped. And he fell on his bottom. But there was no angst. He was grinning from ear to ear. She couldn't remember the last time he beamed so brightly.

A thought struck her at that moment. It was accompanied by a sting of regret that gave her whiplash. That was followed by a barrage of emotions she couldn't give names to quickly enough. Do-il and Jin-u together. The magic was undeniable. They were two people who should be together. It was right that they be together. She was devastated by the realisation. By her choices and actions she had deprived them both of something precious — time with each other.

What have I done?

What have you done, Oh In-joo?

Jin-u had been right all this time. Why didn't she realise it sooner?

The last 7 years have been hell for me.

Do-il's words came back to her in like a rush of sea water on a shore. Why? Why did she separate two people who should have been together? Why? What right did she have?

Fear. Did this. Fear. Divided them. Fear took her son away from his father. How dare she?

Jin-u caught her surveilling and waved. Do-il turned to see who Jin-u was looking at. As soon as their eyes met, she tumbled to the floor. How could she face him now?

Dinner was a quiet affair. The four of them sat around the coffee table and ate in silence. For the most part. In-joo had raided Hee-jae's pantry. With whatever she could find, she whipped up a meal. Everyone was doing her efforts justice but the cook's appetite seemed non-existent.

"Oh In-joo. Why aren't you eating?" Her son demanded. "There won't be anything left for you."

Do-il peered over his rice bowl and noticed that she was staring at the dishes dazed. Her body was present. But the rest of her was elsewhere.

"If my being here makes you uncomfortable, I can eat elsewhere." He offered, sliding backwards with his feet pushing against the floor.

"No it's fine. I'm just not that hungry."

Do-il decided that progress had been made. There was no perceptible hostility coming from Oh In-joo.

He thought it an opportune moment to make a conciliatory gesture. Still he saw himself treading on eggshells around her.

"I was just telling Jin-u that I've really missed your cooking." He braced himself for any kind of reaction. "You haven't lost your touch."

She alternated a glance between Jin-u and Do-il and offered them both a watery smile.

The boy saw this as his cue to move things along. "Dad was telling me about your famous hotpot. I've never tried it before. I want to."

His mother was surprisingly amenable. "One day, kiddo. When I have a bit of time. We'll have to buy a small gas stove first."

"If I remember correctly, there's still the one in the apartment." Do-il interjected.

"Yes, of course. Trust you to remember everything."

"Only everything to do with you."

The last remark sent her heart doing familiar acrobatic routines.

Trust him to know just what to say. Trust Choi Do-il to still have that effect on me.

As far as father and son were concerned, things seemed to be going well.

"In-joo. You should have something to eat. You look pale and thin. Even if it's just rice and soup."

"Yeah Mum. Eat something."

She surveyed her companions. Everyone else had stopped. They seemed to be waiting for her. To humour them, In-joo picked up her spoon. She dug into the rice bowl scooped up a portion and dipped it into the soup. She felt all eyes on her with every movement. With confected enthusiasm she shoved the contents into her mouth and swallowed hard. Some soup dripped from the corners of her mouth.

As if it were second nature, Do-il pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped her mouth. "Take it easy."

"Thank you. You are thoughtful as always." In-joo was eerily compliant. Nobody was sure what to make of this change of heart.

"It's what I should do. Have some more."

"I guess I'm more tired than I thought."

"Come. I'll help. You've worked hard. Rest later. The three of us can clean up."

Do-il carefully pried the spoon from her hand. She offered no resistance. He took that to mean that she was in tacit agreement with whatever he had in mind. He scooped up a portion of rice, soaked the rice in the soup before bringing it to her lips. Automatically her mouth opened up to receive the morsels offered up to her. It was her chance to gaze at him up close. Examine all the contours. She didn't know if the chance would ever come up again.

Breakfast was done. She had set the others were still in bed. It was the least she could do after being offered hospitality. She barely slept. Not that she tried very hard. She waited until sunrise before making her move. She dropped a peck on Jin-u's forehead before heading out. She slung her handbag over her shoulder and tiptoed to the door. She slipped into her shoes and stood up. It was time for her to go. She left a message on the coffee table so no one would miss it. It was time to make her exit. The boy would be safe with his father. He would be much better off with his father. This would be her mea culpa. This would be her penance.

She had her chance. She owed Choi Do-il this much at least.

As soon as she was some distance away, she picked up speed. Do-il, Jin-u and Ahjussi would be up soon and she had to get away as far as she could. She couldn't let herself be found. The forest was exactly the kind of place to get lost in and never be seen again.

"Dad. Dad. Wake up. Mum's gone."

Do-il who was already half awake sat up. "What is it?"

"It's Mum."

"What about her?"

"She's gone."

"What do you mean gone?" He sprung up from the floor much more alert.

"She made breakfast for all of us and left. She left us this note. Here."

Do-il snatched the note from the boy's hand and skim read it. He leapt off the floor and ran to the bathroom dousing himself with water from the tap.

Oh In-joo why do you keep doing this?

"Did she take her bag with her?"

"I think so."

Do-il turned on the tracking app on his phone. "Gotcha. She's in the forest. Several kilometres away from here. What is she thinking? Trying to navigate that kind of terrain."

"We've done this before. Trekking through the forest in national parks. We even did a hike around Jirisan once."

"Really?"

"She always said we had to stay fit and be able to survive any kind of terrain."

"That's crazy. What is she running from?"

Choi Hee-jae seemed to magically appear. "I'll go look for her. I know this area better than you. You stay here with the child."

"At the risk of sounding ill-mannered. You stay here with the boy."

"Do-il."

"Choi Hee-jae. She's my woman. She's my problem. Remember? I won't rest easy until I see her."

Hee-jae saw the grim determination set in his son's jaw and relented. "Fine. But take this walkie talkie with you just in case."

Her flat-soled sneakers weren't ideal but she didn't have a lot of time to get ready this time. A hike was not on the itinerary this time. But she never expected Do-il to find them so quickly. Or easily.

She could feel the effects of fatigue from top to toe. She hadn't slept much for over two days now. A throbbing headache. A collection of bones and muscles refusing to budge. Traipsing in an unfamiliar forest with no discernible trail on an empty tank had been a terrible idea from the start but her desperation to get away overrode all good sense. She ran then walked. She felt herself running out of steam. She slumped against a large pine tree and took a sip of water out of the bottle. Her legs were revolting even as she tried to use the trunk to prop her up. She managed a short distance before tripping over a rock she didn't notice and falling face first onto the ground.

She had a dream. She dreamt of Do-il. Or someone resembling him. In this dream he was next to her. The scent of his cologne mixed with sweat was a familiar one. She was a prisoner of the past. He was calling her name. Shaking her. Holding her in his arms. In and among the confusion of smell sight and sound she chided herself for being a hopeless cause. Even now she was still thinking of him, unwilling to move on.

"Choi Do-il. Do-il. Why are you here?" She heard herself saying. Her speech was slurred. The dream was more vivid than usual. It seemed so real. The scent of him reached her nose again. She'd never smelled anything in her dreams before.

"Oh In-joo. What am I going to do with you?"

"Leave. Take good care of Jin-u. I'm so sorry. I didn't want to be a burden."

"You're the most ridiculous person in the world."

"Just go."

"No. No way. Not a chance."

"So stubborn."

"Who's the one being stubborn? Shush now."

"Do-il. Take care of Jin-u when I'm gone."

"Don't be silly. You're not going anywhere. At least not without me."

"You're a better man than I gave you credit for. I'm sure you'll be a good father to Jin-u."

She felt herself rocking back and forth. Where was she? Was she on a boat?

"Stopping saying stupid unlucky things. You're going to be fine."

"I'm so tired." She was slurring. The weariness that began in the head had spread to the rest of the body. "I don't know if I can keep going."

"You're going to be fine Oh In-joo. I need you to be fine. Jin-u needs you to be fine."

"I missed you so much. I really missed you."

She didn't want the dream to end.

That was the last part of the dream she remembered before everything went dark.

When In-joo opened her eyes next it was dark. Her surroundings unknown. The last thing she recalled was the forest. She had no idea where she was. None of her limbs were interested in paying heed. Her head barely moved an inch above her pillow and fell back down. When her eyes got used to the darkness she realised that she wasn't alone. The skinny figure of a boy was lying next to her on the bed. On her left, his father. She could hear his soft breathing. But it was the faint whiff of waning cologne that gave him away. It gave her a measure of comfort to know that he was not far away. He must have found her. As he always did. Eventually.

Though briefly awake her eyelids were heavy. Soon she succumbed. Yielding to the fatigue and whatever cosmic forces that were out of her reach. Her body craved sleep and she didn't have the wherewithal to fight the urge.

When her eyes opened again daylight taken up residence. She could see around her. She was recuperating in some kind of hospital. The curtains that separated the beds were drawn back. She could see everything. Light was breaking through everywhere. The boy and his father were nowhere to be seen. Only the voice of a garrulous nurse who had too much time on her hands dominated the airwaves in close proximity. A young twenty-something probably not long out of training.

"Good afternoon Ms Oh In-joo. I'm Nurse Park. I'll be attending to all your needs. Good to see colour in your cheeks. Your husband took your son out to lunch. They should be back soon. They've been by your bed side the whole time so we encouraged them to go outside for some fresh air. You are so lucky to have such an attentive family. Even your father-in-law has been in here bringing in food and whatnots." She pointed at the cornucopia of fruits, snacks and drinks on the bed trolley.

In-joo had the mind to contradict the nurse about her complex relationship with the Chois but in her present state an explanation would be more trouble than it was worth.

"How long have I been in here?"

"About 3 days."

"I've been sleeping for 3 days?"

"Pretty much. You were exhausted. Sleep deprived. And malnourished. Whatever were you thinking — traipsing through the forest in your condition? Fortunately all you got were a few bruises and cuts. You're lucky your husband found you. People get lost in the forest pretty easily and not everyone makes it out unscathed. And that poor man was worried sick when he brought you in here. He was almost as pale as you were. The boy was trying to hide the fact that he was crying."

"Nurse Park. Are you trying to undo all the good we've done?"

She had the grace to look embarrassed. "Sorry sir. This is the director of our hospital."

"Just a small regional medical centre. I am Dr Park Jun-hee. You lost consciousness before coming here. It is no wonder that your family was worried. But we managed to convince them that the bedside vigil was unnecessary this morning."

"Thank you both very much."

"We're just doing our job." The doctor observed In-joo shifting around and cautioned. "Don't be in too much of a hurry. You're not completely out of the woods yet. You need rest. Plenty of it."

The door slid open and Jin-u raced through it and threw himself onto the bed.

"Mum. You're awake."

"Are you alright?"

"Of course. I've just had lunch."

"I can still see the traces of jjajangmyeon on the sides of your mouth." She grabbed a tissue and used it to wipe his mouth."Was it tasty?'

"Not bad. I had chillies with mine. Dad also ordered me an extra egg. He says I'm a growing boy."

In-joo scanned the room and stared blankly at the door. "Where is your father?"

"He's outside. Making a call."

"I see."

The doctor interpreted the abrupt change in expression as fatigue.

"Remember child. Don't tire your mother out. She needs to rest. The nurse and I will leave now."

Jin-u went over to the next bed and grabbed the pillow. He promptly placed it behind his mother's back to prop her up.

"I'm fine, Kiddo."

"Dad says we need to take better care of you. He told me that we need to pamper you and let you eat whatever you want."

"He said that?"

The boy nodded vigorously. "Oh I almost forgot. We bought some bunggeopang. I must have left it in the car."

"There's no hurry. I'm not hungry. Sit here. I want to hear what you did with your dad this morning."

"Apart from lunch not a whole lot. We did go to the park across the road. We took pictures. But Dad was too worried about you for us to be out too long."

"Was he really worried?" The boy caught the eager note in the question.

"Mum." The boy put on his most serious demeanour. "Do you love Dad?"

In-joo was taken aback. "Jin-u. This is a very personal question. Why are you asking?"

"You're making Dad very sad and worried."

"Did he get you to tell me this?"

The boy shook his head. "He didn't. But I want to know because I want him to live with us. And I want all of us to be a family. Grandpa included."

"Is it that important to you?"

"Not just to me."

"I want your father to be happy."

"What about me? Can't I be happy too?"

"Kiddo."

"Dad is just behind the door. Probably pacing up and down the corridor. He wants to be in here. But he thinks you will run away again if you see him. I don't understand why you can't tell him what's going on."

"Jin-u. It's not that simple."

"Isn't it? I don't understand. My father is a good man. He cares about us."

"There are bad people who want to hurt him, And us."

"Mum. Didn't you tell me that when bad things happened to you that Dad always came to help you? Unless they were lies."

"I wasn't lying. But."

"But what?"

"I can't depend on your father to protect me from everything."

"Why not?" The boy frowned.

"Because. I need to learn to look after me. And you. Of course."

"But isn't family about relying on each other?"

"Up to a point."

"But why did you go to Grandpa not Dad for help?"

"I wanted your father to be safe."

"But wouldn't Grandpa be in danger too?"

"Not necessarily. He's a former soldier. He can take care of himself."

"So then it's also possible that Dad wouldn't be in danger either."

"Oh Jin-u. You don't know the whole story. The decision was mine to make."

"Oh In-joo. If we don't know the whole story, how can we know what the right decision is?"

Jin-u huffed into his crossed arms. He then flung himself onto the next bed, rolled over and buried his face in the sheets.

In-joo tossed and turned. It was so quiet that she could hear the crickets chirping outside. It was a country hospital after all. Was it the heat? Was there too much blanket? Or wasn't there enough? On then off then on again. Temperature wasn't the problem. The unfinished conversation with Jin-u was. The boy took after her in that regard. If he had the mind to kick up a fuss he would. But was he wrong? Her mind was buzzing with thoughts. Reluctantly, she opened her eyes and saw the silhouette of a man slouched over an armchair. Was he asleep or awake? She held her breath. She dared not move. His head was leaning to one side. His eyes closed. He was making good on his promise to stick with her. Instead of frustration, relief was the only thing she felt.

She was on the verge of unleashing tears. She was no match for his persistence apparently. She held back the urge to reach for the hand that was dangling by the side. No touching. Only looking. She would have to be content with that. So she stared and breathed in that familiar fragrance lingering on damp skin after a good soak under the shower. It was the same scent she snuggled up to on those cozy mornings as coffee and pancakes filled the space that was theirs.

It was a fit of madness that caused her to leave. She ran so that she would not have to witness the same misery in his eyes that she suffered. Seven years of sins crashed on her like falling bricks from a wall being demolished to make way for something new. The pain she would have to bear for a time but this cat and mouse game was being brought to an end against her will. No longer could she keep the tears at bay. They fell. And fast.

She heard him stir. Her fingers went to work at once to stem the tide of tears.

"You're awake." She heard a question rather than a statement.

She sniffed and gave herself permission to sound upbeat. "Can't fall back to sleep."

"Everything alright?" The concern in the offhand remark was palpable.

"Yeah. I think it's the heat."

He was now standing. "You sound stronger." There was a meaningful pause. "It's a relief."

"I'm sorry I gave everyone a scare."

"As long as you're fine." She couldn't decide what the emotion was.

For several seconds they fell into awkward silence. Small talk had run its course.

"Do you need something to drink? Water maybe?"

"A drink might help. Warm milk."

"One warm milk coming up. I'll see what I can find in the kitchen."

She could hear the soft footsteps as he shuffled past her. So close. Close enough to touch. The cologne again. Weaving its magic in its path. Beckoning. Calling out to her.

"Thank you. Do-il."

The shuffling stopped.

"There's no need for that between us. Oh In-joo. I'm just glad that you haven't tried to chase me out of the building." She had chanced it and was met by his good humour. Gratitude washed over her.

In that moment Jin-u's reprimands came to mind. It was the prod that she needed.

As if lit by a spell she leapt out of bed drawn by the scent of him. On barefoot she fell onto his back. Her arms pressed around his waist with all the strength she could spare.

"Choi Do-il. I've missed you so much. You have no idea how much."

He swung round to face her. Both hands on her shoulder.

"I think I have some idea." His warm hand travelled the breadth of her cheeks. She trembled with desire at the delicate movement of his fingertips revelling on her cheeks.

"I'm so sorry. Jin-u's dad. I am so sorry."

With one arm he swept her up into an embrace. With both arms firmly around her slender frame he squeezed her and held her as if her life depended on it.

"I missed you too. Oh In-joo. I missed us so much."

6 and a half years earlier…

The star member of the Violent Crime Unit walked into the building in the aftermath of a drug raid.

"Who's that sorry-looking sap over there? Man looks like he's lost all his money."

"Worse. He's lost a woman."

"Yikes. That's a bit careless of him."

"Haven't you heard? Apparently she ran out on him."

"Really?" Shin Seon-jae examined the young distraught man standing at the entrance with the eye of the expert.

"Hard to believe right? Good-looking ambitious executive going places."

"Maybe she found a better deal."

"Unlikely. It's as if she's just disappeared from the surface of the planet. She's gone completely off-grid. No mobile phone. No credit cards. No paper trail. Is that even possible?"

"It could have been a domestic situation."

"Could be. But he's been in and out of here for three months. Worried sick."

"Some of these guys are psychos."

"I dunno. What's really interesting is that he works for Distomos. One of their project managers in finance."

"Distomos? Isn't that the pharmaceutical company that's currently in the middle of a lawsuit over the marketing of a psychotropic pill or something?"

"The very same."

Notes:

I fell ill over the Easter weekend and am only just on the mend. Getting more sleep now which is great.

I can't believe how long this chapter ended up being. Have fun with it. I hope.

Chapter 7: To Have and To Hold

Chapter Text

Several hours earlier…

"Mr Choi. I have bad news for you about the two uninvited guests to your family reunion."

"I'm all ears, Detective."

"They got on out on bail with the help of a fancy corporate lawyer."

"I imagine there's more to this lawyer that you're dying to tell me about."

"There is. He's a certain Mr Park and has represented Distomos Pharmaceuticals in a number of instances."

"I see." Do-il became quiet for a few minutes. "I am slightly acquainted with this Mr Park. We've passed each other in the hallway on several occasions. We've even exchanged greetings and documents."

"So you don't need me to send you a picture then?"

"No. But my curiosity about this Mr Park has reached an all time high."

"We did a bit of digging on your gatecrashers. They are known members of a drug syndicate operating out of Southeast Asia. Recently arrived in the country. Well-financed from the looks of things."

"Go Im-soo seems to have gone up in the world."

"You know her too? She's identified as a known associate of the two men in question."

"A blast from my checkered past. Unfortunately. An unpleasant human being I would rather never have crossed paths with again."

Detective Shin heard the grimness in the other man's voice.

"I see she was also an employee of Wonryeong."

"A picture is beginning to emerge from all this, Detective. But I don't have all the pieces yet."

"I don't suppose it makes you jump for joy to know that Ms Go is also back in town."

"Hardly. But things make sense now that her name's come up."

"Does it explain your fiancee's disappearance?"

"It might."

Present…

In the morning when Hee-jae arrived at the country hospital with bags of food, he noticed the boy peeping through the crack between the door and the frame. His curiosity was immediately aroused.

"What are you doing standing out here?"

"Shhhhh. Grandpa."

"Why? What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong. In fact, everything's great." The boy was clearly chuffed about something. As if he was responsible for its success.

"What's going on? What's happened that's put you in such a good mood?"

"Mum and Dad slept together last night." The boy gestured with his fingers to reinforce his point. "Isn't it great?"

"They what?" The look of bewilderment on Hee-jae's face gradually morphed into one of horror. He dropped whatever he was carrying. "Here? In public?" He hard slapped his forehead, not knowing where to look. He grabbed the boy by the scruff and use his leg to slam the door shut.

"Shhhhh. Grandpa. They're still asleep. Don't wake them."

The feeling of intense discomfort gradually turned into relief. He had let his imagination run wild. The grandfather closed his eyes, counted to three and breathed in deeply.

"Kid. What don't you and I go somewhere for breakfast? We should er… give them some privacy."

"Sure. Great idea. I'm starving."

When the light finally invaded his consciousness, Do-il squint opened his eyes and found that strides made during the night were still status quo. Her head was resting against his chest oblivious to the melodies of nature and white noise. His arm draped protectively around her. The warmth of her breath reached his skin. It felt right. They'd finally come home to each other. All was well. His heart was brimming with goodwill for the whole world. He would have sung if he could. In that state of quiet repose all he could do was smile.

He was a beneficiary of a miracle after all.

He felt no need to wake her. He himself was content to stay as he was for as long as he could. It was a moment to savour and bask in. Such moments of stolen tranquil were a rarity when situations were in a state of constant flux.

"What's the time?" He could feel the vibrating murmurs competing with his own heart beat for his attention.

"No idea." He muttered in response. "Does it matter?"

"I suppose not."

He sighed when she rolled onto her back and into a sitting position. "Can't we stay like this all day?" He whined.

The lady took pity and served up a peck on his right cheek.

"I would love to but I don't want to be the butt of hospital gossip for the next few days."

He acknowledged the reasonableness of her claim but didn't let it go without a pout.

"Choi Do-il. You will be the death of me."

The pout quickly switched to a grin. "That's my line." Before she could stand up, he grabbed hold of her arm to keep her close. He steered her shoulders to face him. "Not so fast."

"You're going to make things difficult for me, aren't you?"

"If you behave well. It'll be a smooth ride from here on in."

She fired him a scowl in response.

"But seriously there's something I need to return to you and there's something we need to talk about."

She was puzzled. He lifted his jacket hanging off the back of the armchair and groped around the lining. He drew out what appeared to be a bunch of keys attached to a keyring. He fiddled around for some moments and detached a diamond ring from it.

"This ring has been crying out for its owner for 7 years. I think it should be returned to her as soon as possible. Wouldn't you agree?"

In-joo stared and gasped. Her heart began pounding. Her hands went straight to her mouth.

He gently lifted her left hand and slipped the ring back to where it once resided.

"Do-il. I."

"You're not going to take if off again, are you? I won't allow it."

"Do you really think I deserve…"

He sighed. The wrinkles on his forehead became more pronounced. "Hey. Hey. Are we going to have this conversation again?"

"I don't know what to say."

"Well, don't say anything. Just nod to everything I say from now onwards."

She gave him a gentle nudge to the ribs. "Everything?"

"When we leave this place, let's go and get our marriage registered."

In-joo gave no response. Her face gravitated towards the floor. She didn't were else to look or what to say. Her legs were swinging from the bed.

Do-il let silence do its work. Awkward as it was. He imagined what she was thinking. And he imagined what he would say. Still he didn't feel the slightest bit guilty. A part of him felt he was owed. A part of him knew she would eventually come round. The hesitation was not unexpected. He'd waited 7 years. Another few hours wouldn't make much of a difference.

"Wonder where the kid ran off to. Lured away by food no doubt."

"Do-il. Do we have to? It's only a piece of paper."

"If it's only a piece of paper then it shouldn't be any big deal, right? You're just signing on the dotted line."

She sighed. "I can't out talk you."

"What about the boy?"

She stared at him baffled. "Jin-u?"

"Doesn't he have the right to feel secure?"

She delivered a series of quick nods before replying "So it's commitment you want from me." More nodding. "I don't blame you. Especially after what's happened."

"No. That's not it at all. That piece of paper, as you call it, is to prove to the world my commitment to you and our son."

"It's a bit over the top, isn't it? It's nobody's business but ours."

"Is it? Then tell me why someone went to so much trouble scaring you into leaving me?"

Her eyes grew large. "You know who?"

"I have some idea."

She recognised the steel in his eyes. "I guess I can't keep anything from you."

"Those two guys that followed you to the bus station are Go Im-soo's lackeys."

"It started with the orphanage incident. She called me minutes later."

"It fits with the timeline."

"I was so scared she would do something to you. She knows everything about your past."

"The only way she hurt me was keep us apart. Don't you see? She always suspected that I was in love with you."

"This was about revenge?"

"Not entirely. There's more to it I'm sure."

"Do-il. I'm scared."

"I know. But I want you to trust me." The interrogative manner hid a thinly veiled plea. "Do… you… trust me?"

Her nods came without a moment's hesitation.

"That's all that matters."

Slowly he moved in for a hug and cradled her face in the crook of his arm.

"Mum. I've found her. We're back together. As suspected, you have a grandson."

"I see. I was wondering why you haven't been in contact."

"It took a bit of doing."

"It must have."

"We're getting married."

"When?"

"We're off to the registration office once we reach Seoul. And then a wedding in a few days."

"You're not in Seoul."

"We're at Choi Hee-jae's place. It's a long story."

"I'm sure it is."

"Aren't you going to try and talk me out of it?"

"Would that make any difference? Would you change your mind?"

"I know how you feel about her."

"I didn't want you to hang around waiting for her. As long as it's what you want."

"It is. And the boy needs a father."

"I know how you feel about that."

"I'm not expecting you to approve."

"Son. I'm last person in the world who has any right to tell you how to live your life."

"You're my mother."

"Who was absent for most of your adult life."

"But you're not now. And Oh In-joo is about to become family. I just want to know how you feel about that."

"To be honest. I don't know how I feel about her. But you love her. And I like the idea of having a grandson of course."

"Thanks Mum. I know it's not easy. But I know you'll love the boy. He's got Choi Hee-jae eating out of his hand."

"Does he? Should be fun to watch. Reminds me of something. It's also about time your father and I had a proper chat."

"Your mother and I will head into Seoul first. You will follow with your grandfather. We have business to take care of and a surprise for you."

"What is it?" Jin-u's eyes were as large as saucers. He was doing little dances around the company.

"It wouldn't be a surprise if we told you." His father stooped down and pinched his nose.

"It's fine. I'm sure you have a plan, Dad." The boy came to an abrupt standstill.

"I want to keep my promise to you and your mother."

"I know."

Do-il turned to his father. "Choi Hee-jae. You have to…"

"I know, I know. We've gone through it several times already. You can be such a nag."

"It's my family that we're talking about."

"No. Correction. It's our family."

"Grandpa. I'm looking forward to travelling with you. During the long drive you can tell me more stories about Iraq and Afghanistan."

Alarm bells went off in Do-il's brain.

"Choi Hee-jae. No gun talk and don't ever give the kid a gun."

"What do you take me for?"

"I'm just reminding you of your responsibilities."

"Grandpa has promised to take me fishing."

"Really?"

The boy and his grandfather both nodded in concert with unholy glee. Do-il alternated leery glimpses between the two, directing the most intense glares at his father.

"It's true. He's buying me a fishing rod when we get to Seoul. We're going to his favourite spot." Jin-u winked at his grandfather when he thought his father wasn't looking.

"I've even got the rod picked out."

Do-il grimaced. He gave them both the evil eye. "I'm not sure if I want you both doing anything together."

At this point In-joo thought a timely intervention was needed. She put her arm around him and drew him away.

"Don't worry. I'm sure they'll be fine together. Look how well they've bonded."

"That's what I'm worried about."

On the road in the car, his fiancee and bride-to-be was chuckling and giggling to herself as she stared out the window enjoying the breeze blowing against her face.

"What's so funny?"

She tried for a straight face. She rearranged her face starting with her eyes then her mouth to appear more serious. But unsuccessfully. Before long she burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter.

"What?" His curiosity was well and truly piqued. "C'mon. Tell me. What's the joke?"

"You are." She guffawed. "This side of you."

"What side of me?"

"You know. This whole paranoid nagging Dad shtick. It's so so so…"

"So what…"

"Adorable." She broke into giggles. "Choi Do-il. I didn't know you could be like this."

He scratched the side of his head. He wasn't sure what to make of it. Or why concern for his son would invite so much humour.

"It's almost as if you relish being a father."

"Are you teasing me?"

She waved her hand and held her stomach. "It's too cute. You're so cute. Just when I think I can't love you more."

"Did you just say that you love me while teasing me about my parenting skills at the same time?"

"I think you are a great father." Her speech then took a more measured tone. "It makes me regret so much more that you weren't there when he was born. Now that I think about it, I was selfish. I didn't consider what you might have been missing out."

He squeezed her hand. "Jin-u is a thoughtful kid. You did a good job raising him by yourself."

"But he's right. He needed a father. And a grandfather. The last few days I've noticed the difference. He's happier. Free to be a boy. He doesn't feel like he has to be an adult and take care of things."

"Kids like stability. It was the same for me."

"I just wish I had…"

"There's no point in dwelling on the past. Oh In-joo. The future is what I'm thinking of. Our future. Remember that."

"I feel like I owe you so much."

"I think I liked it better when you were giggling and making fun of me."

"I'm being serious."

"So am I. More than anything I want you… us… to be happy. Yes, the past is a dark cloud hanging over us that will take time to dissipate but you here next to me is the start of a new journey. Or era. Or whatever you want to call it. I am grateful for that second chance. Not everybody gets that."

"Me too. I am grateful too."

"And if you're really adamant about owing me anything, there's a lifetime of opportunities to make it up to me."

With that comment his heart-stopping grin crept its way back into the conversation.

"Now that you put it that way, I'm wondering what I'm signing up to."

"Just keep your seatbelt on and trust me."

In-joo was met at the local gucheong by her younger sister bursting to give her a piece of her mind. She was dragged to one side, away from the men and given an earful.

"You are a hopeless cause. You are insane. You know that don't you, Unni? First you tell us in no uncertain terms that you're not interested in getting back together with Choi Do-il. Then you disappear suddenly for five days and then remember that you have a family. You reappear and call to announce to the rest of us that you're getting married to Choi Do-il. What the heck is going on?"

"I'm sorry In-kyung but Choi Do-il seems to be in a hurry for some reason. It's all part of some grand plan."

"Are you really back together? He hasn't kidnapped you or threatened you?" In-kyung flashed a suspicious gaze across the lobby.

"No he hasn't. And yes, we're back together."

In-kyung took a few steps back and meticulously inspected her sister from top to toe. "Well, you don't look stressed. Or upset."

"I'm fine. Honestly. Best I've felt in years."

"Not as gaunt looking either. At least he's looking after you. What happened? What made you change your mind?"

"So many things. So much has happened. But our son needs his father."

"You're doing this under obligation?"

"Not exactly." In-joo offered a smile and a dreamy look. "Look at that face. Do you think I can say 'no' to that?"

"Probably not. But seriously, you still love him right?"

"I find myself craving the smell of his cologne."

"Where are we off to?"

"Home. Where else."

When he finally got into his side of the car, he saw that she was poring through the piece of paper with their personal signatures and seals. She was running her fingers through each line. He watched her do it once. Twice. And then a third time.

"What? Trying to make sure that you're married to the right guy this time?"

"You're right. Choi Do-il. There is something magical about this piece of paper."

He smirked before saying. "You're a bookkeeper. You should know the importance of pieces of paper. Pieces of paper make the world go round. Money. Documents. Statements. Reports. Receipts. Remember receipts?"

"I was a former bookkeeper. And yes, I know the importance of receipts. But this is different."

"Of course, it's different. It's an IOU."

She was about to slap him with the piece of paper and stopped herself. Instead she dropped it gently on the dash for fear of crumpling it.

"Don't make me regret signing it. Choi Do-il."

"You won't."

"Where did you get that confidence from?" She was shaking her head in disbelief.

"I ask myself the same question every day. I imagine it's in my genetic makeup. Gives me an unfair advantage."

"Tsk. How is it that you've become more arrogant with age?"

"Don't know. Probably comes from being blessed with a clever son. And a gorgeous wife."

He gave her a peck on the cheek before turning on the ignition. It had the desired effect. She gifted him with a bright smile.

Her eyes lit up. "I think I now know what this piece of paper means to you."

"Oh yeah?"

"It's a deposit."

"Hmmm… Oh In-joo. There's hope for you. I think we might evetually be on the same page.

It was the third complaint in three months for Shin Seon-jae. Grieving relatives were like handling difficult children but when there's three lots of them — one can only conclude that a pattern of sorts is forming. They were obliged to look into it. Of course St Benedictus Hospital denied that there were anything unusual about the deaths. They dished out the usual stonewalling tactics. Mentally ill elderly patients at the end of their lives burdened with all kinds of co-morbidities. It was only a matter of when. Detective Shin was inclined to feel the same except that the third complainant was the tenacious and noisy wife of an assemblyman. According to her statement, her 80-year-old mother "died suddenly". She was doing well just a couple of days before. The higher-ups wanted this "dealt with" ASAP. At the very least, he had to go through the motions. Be seen to be doing something. Make a few inquiries. Dig a little. Write the report. File the report. Blah blah blah.

When he dug around, he found that the other two complaints were essentially saying the same thing. While he objected being an errand boy for the privileged, the emerging facts about this stank from Yongsan to Busan. It made his nose twitchy and his feet itchy.

Everyone knew about St Benedictus' reputation. A large vault for rich people's secrets. So seeing expensive European cars lining up its streets and carpark was no great surprise. But the older gentleman who walked down the lane with his personal assistant seemed vaguely familiar. He made it a point to memorise the license plate attached to the luxury vehicle. His well-honed detective instincts set off alarm bells. Moreover the director of the hospital was bowing obsequiously to this very important personage. Definitely more than a good customer.

As he got into his own vehicle, Shin Seon-jae reminded himself to take another look at a the medical and autopsy reports.

"What's this?" In-joo was out of the vehicle. She gasped in awe of the spectacle in front of her. A large two storey house in Yongsan.

"This, my lady, is home."

"Home? I thought we were going back to the apartment."

"There's three of us now. Jin-u needs more room to run around and play."

"But it's still too big for 3 people."

He scratched his forehead. He scrounged up his face. He deliberately kept his gaze on the building. "Well, I was thinking that we might be expanding our current base."

"How many children are you thinking of having?"

"I haven't come up with an exact figure. But at least one more."

"This house is big enough for an entire sports team."

"Well, if you're amenable. I won't object."

"Are you turning me into a battery hen?"

"I'm offended that you're thinking in such crude terms. What kind of man do you think I am?"

"I'm offended it never occurred to you."

"I'm open-minded about the whole thing. Especially if…" He whispered the rest in her ear.

Her entire face went bright red. "Choi Do-il. You are so…"

"There's 7 years of catching up to do. My vow of celibacy only covers the period of your absence."

She raised a hand and looked like she was going to hit him. A thought must have occurred to her because she let it fall without laying a fingertip on him. Her entire demeanour changed in an instant. Her eyes darted diffidently from left and right trying desperately not to smile.

"I suppose I owe you. Still I can't promise anything. It's also been a while for me."

"Let's not wallow in such negativity. On this special occasion I only ask for the pleasure of your company in the absence of any distractions."

"You planned every last detail, didn't you?"

He slipped his fingers in between hers and locked them into a clasp. "I think you're going to like what I've done to the bedroom."

Anna Jang excused herself and made her way to the ladies room. Her shimmering red pencil skirt and sleeveless white top attracted soft murmurs from nosy onlookers. She was in the middle of a meet and greet with the future in-laws at a high-end restaurant seen by all the important people who could afford to be seen in that place. The plan was to wed to the heir of KGS Group. Lee So-hyeon. Not her first choice but he had pots of money and no siblings to compete with. Not very bright but not bad to look at. He was gaga about her and she wasn't revolted about being in the same space as him.

There was a sign that said "Cleaning in Progress" placed strategically outside the door but it didn't deter Anna. She seemed oblivious to its existence and swung open the door.

Once inside, she pulled out a compact from her clutch bag. She started powdering her face and was joined by another patron who had been leaning against the wall at the far end.

Anna put on her lipstick before speaking. "We finally meet face-to-face Ms Go Im-soo."

"I regret that it hasn't been under better circumstances. Things moved faster than I had expected. Thank you for getting my guys out on bail."

"We have a business arrangement and I am obligated to facilitate your activities especially when we have common interests."

"It is regrettable that Choi Do-il now knows I'm involved."

"I imagine it's why you've returned."

"7 years ago when you contacted me, your proposition appealed to me immediately. I need to see through what I've started. "

"You've no doubt savoured every moment of your revenge against Oh In-joo."

"And Choi Do-il. He betrayed Park Jae-sang and he broke my arm. Separating those two was letting them off easy."

"Unfortunately they seem to be on a path to reconciliation and out of our reach."

"I can still make good on my threats."

"No. You can't touch Choi Do-il." Go Im-soo tried to make head or tale of that inscrutable look on Anna Jang's face.

"Do you still have a thing for him? Even after all this time?"

"He's a key person in the company. He knows things. Crucial things. If we ruffle his feathers there's not telling what he'll do. Besides, the chairman recruited him personally."

"I had people watching the hospital that Oh In-joo's mother was having surgery in. We were going to move in and give her a scare but they had her mother transferred somewhere else unexpectedly."

"I sense the hand of Choi Do-il in it."

"I've never understood why he would go to such lengths for Oh In-joo."

"It is baffling. But I have to concede that true love exists for some people. The rest of us are relegated to the sidelines. We watch. We cringe. We try not to let envy get the better of us. Or rage against the cosmic forces that govern the universe."

"So what do we do now?"

"Do you know that they have a child together?"

"I was told that she was seen with a boy at the bus station. It makes sense why he would be so quick to get back together with her after all this time."

"He's the image of his father in almost every way."

"You've seen him?"

"I have."

Chapter 8: For Better For Worse

Chapter Text

She let her fingers lace through the buttonholes of his shirt after vehemently insisting on helping him get dressed for work. The combined allure of his aftershave and his cologne was adding to the feeling of intoxication in the moment. She was skating on cloud. Ecstatic from the afterglow of a night spent in getting their bodies reacquainted. She savoured every act in the ritual. Her fingers pressing every single button into its rightful place. It gave her an excuse to be close. To touch. An excuse to make love all over again. She felt every single breath and timed them to her own. She was loath to let him go.

"I don't imagine that you bought this house only in the last few days."

"Found it 7 years ago. Thought it would be a good investment. I wasn't planning to move into it at the time."

"Do you really have to go into work this morning?" She wrapped both arms around his waist and leaned her head at the exact spot where his heart was beating.

"I'm afraid so. I've been away for too long. There are things needing my attention. Besides there are things there that need investigating."

"Honestly I'm worried."

"I know you are. What is bound to happen needs to happen."

"I just wish we could run away and leave all this behind us."

"The problem with that is we might not be able to come back to the country."

"Is that really such a terrible thing?"

"Think about it. Your mother's here. So's mine. I don't think at this stage of their lives they're keen on travelling or making big changes."

"True."

"Frankly I'm not a fan of giving up without a fight. I don't like the idea that Go Soo-im or her confederates having the upper-hand. I can't imagine spending the rest of my life looking over my shoulder. Wondering if that knife in the night will come from the back. Wondering what they're going to do next. No thanks. I'm not marching to their tune."

"I don't know what's happened to me. The younger me wouldn't have run away without putting up a fight."

"You're a mother now. Your priorities are different. Besides, I'm glad that you're playing it safer these days. It was hard keeping up with you in the old days. Second guessing myself. Trying to make head or tail about what it was that you were up to. The number of near heart attacks I suffered going after you."

"I was a handful, wasn't I? I can't believe how reckless I was."

"It must be why I'm crazy about you."

"There's something seriously wrong with you. You know that, don't you?

"That, I imagine is why regardless of what happens we inevitably find our way back to each other. Oh In-joo."

The silver SUV tailed him all the way to work. He had observed it from across the road when he dropped by his apartment to pick up a few things. He didn't bother shaking the tail. At least they were where he could see them. Better him than the other members of the family.

He drove straight into his parking spot. The complex was still relatively empty. He waved to the guard who was hanging around the entrance as he strolled towards him.

"Wondering where you've been, chief."

"Yeah, I was on leave. Dealing with family matters."

"Everything okay, chief?"

"All good now."

The guard tipped his cap. His attention went back to his phone.

Do-il walked a few steps further and was met by the head of security. He was standing by the lifts.

"Chief. The chairman wants to see you."

"How timely. I was just about to pay him a visit. Have you been waiting long?"

"Not that long, sir." The head of security motioned for Do-il to follow him. "It's my job to follow orders anyway."

"Must be serious. This personalised service."

"I just do what I'm told."

"Don't we all?"

"So. Doc. Let's have it. What's the deal with the deceased?"

"It's everything we'd expect for a woman of her age and condition."

"I know that look your face, Doc." Detective Shin grinned. "There's something bothering you."

"Hmmm. I must be getting old. I've become predictable. But it must be a relief to the public of South Korea that the head of Violent Crimes doesn't miss much."

"What did you find? Explain to me in language that an idiot can understand."

"There are traces of a psychotropic drug. An antipsychotic. That in itself isn't a problem. Normal for a woman suffering from bipolar. But we can't identify it on any of our databases."

"What do you mean?"

"It's an unknown drug."

"Unknown?"

"It's not currently available on the market. Nor has it been approved for use anywhere in the world."

"So what's it doing inside a dead elderly woman's body?"

"Good question. One I'd like the answer to also. But that's your purview. Detective Shin."

Detective Shin stared thoughtfully at the piece of paper in front of him. "The hospital."

"It would be the logical place to start your inquiry."

"But why?"

"Also a good question."

"Money? There must be better ways to earn money. The risks can't be worth that much."

"Let me know when you find out. Detective."

When Do-il walked in the office, the wrinkles that adorned the chairman's face were in rapidly shifting states from one second to the next. He was engrossed in the documents in front of him. Chairman Jang evidently had a lot on his mind. The head of security was about to announce Do-il but was stopped. Do-il gestured for him to leave.

Do-il remained by the door. He stood very still observing the chairman's expression. There was enough distance between them that he could remain unnoticed for a time. Whatever it was that was causing the chairman angst, it wasn't him at least. The older man's face turned red. He looked like he was about to explode. And something else must have intruded his rumination because he shrugged his shoulders afterward. He started shaking. Violently. As a silent observer Do-il felt like he was trespassing on something deeply personal. Embarrassed for the other, Do-il swung round and faced the door.

Minutes passed before Jang Ho-jun realised that Do-il was in the room.

"You're here. Don't just stand there. Come over." The older man beckoned. "Take a seat."

"Good morning sir. I didn't mean to intrude on anything. But Head of Security insisted that you wanted to see me as soon as possible. I can come back if you need some time."

"It's fine. You came at the right time. But first, your family situation. Did you sort everything out to your satisfaction?"

"Yes sir. Everything's good. For now. Thank you for understanding. I appreciate it."

"Of course. Family comes first. Always. I'm glad for you." Jang Ho-jun managed a smile. He seemed to be choking back an onslaught of emotions. "Hope you do better than I ever did."

"Is everything alright, sir?"

"It's about Kevin."

"Have you found out something new?"

"Yes. Unfortunately."

Do-il stared eagerly at the chairman. "Is it what we both thought?"

"If you mean murder then yes."

"Do you know who?"

"I have a good idea." The chairman sighed and the tears he was trying to hold back trickled down his face. "That's where you come in."

"Me, sir?"

"Kevin trusted you. You were his friend. The closest thing to a brother."

"Mr Chairman. You overestimate my abilities."

"No. Not at all. The first day we met, I knew you were the right person."

"Does it have to be me? There are others who have been here much longer than I."

"I want someone who will protect the company."

"What about Ms Anna?"

The chairman's face darkened. "If she gets control of it, she will destroy this company eventually. Everything she touches turns to ash."

"I understand your predicament, sir. Before I give you my answer, I need an honest answer from you."

"What is it?"

"Ms Oh In-joo. My former fiancee. Did you ever threaten her?"

The chairman relaxed and met Do-il's steady gaze without blinking. "No. Of course not."

"Someone connected with the company did. Someone with enough authority to get Lawyer Park involved."

"Trust me. Do-il. That wasn't me."

The boy settled into a camping chair rather too big for him. His swung his feet back and forth as he watched his grandfather cast his line into the water.

"Do you come here all the time, Grandpa?"

"Not all the time. But at least once a week."

"It's so clear. I can see myself in the water."

"Yeah, not many know about this place so it's not as polluted. It's peaceful. The fishing's not bad too."

"I didn't realise how easy it was to thread the bait onto the hook."

"You're a smart boy, Kiddo. You pick things up quickly."

The boy grinned modestly. "I can't wait to see what we catch today."

"If we're lucky we'll see a sogarli or a gangchunchi. It's more likely we'll see a keuri."

They were both silent. Jin-u gawked intently at the lines his grandfather had put out.

"Grandpa. Did you take my father fishing too?"

"I was serving in the army at the time. I wasn't around a lot. We didn't do much together."

"Is this why Dad seems angry with you all the time?"

"You catch on quick Kiddo."

"To me you're the best grandfather."

"You're a good boy."

"Wait till you spend more time with me. I'm just happy. At least I belong somewhere now."

"The truth is I have so many regrets about your father. I couldn't protect him. Or his mother. But with you, I feel like I have a second chance to make things right."

"What's my grandmother like?"

"I haven't seen her in a very long time. She suffered a lot when she was in prison. It's the main reason why your father doesn't talk to me much."

"She went to prison?"

"Yeah. For something she didn't do."

"Why?"

"Our family got involved with some very bad people."

"Are these the same people threatening my mother?"

"Who knows? Maybe. I think it's unlikely. Most of them have run away or are dead now."

Do-il sank into his office chair checking his phone for messages. There was one from Choi Hee-jae assuring him that the boy was well. Distrusting his father had become a habit to the point that this paradigm shift in their relationship was making his head throb. Having to rely on him after years of sporadic interaction was not his idea of certain reliability. Still he and Jin-u were getting on like a house on fire. Choi Hee-jae was surprisingly eager to have a relationship with the boy.

As he was mulling over family matters, he heard a knock on the door. That was quick. Word of his return must have spread like wildfire.

"Come in."

The door opened and Anna Jang walked in with a clipboard. "Heard you were back, Chief Choi."

She was friendly. Not overly. She had a gaze he couldn't make head or tail of. Curiosity perhaps. Or was she in an interrogative mood. He couldn't tell. He couldn't care less.

He played it cool. "Had some family matters to attend to that's all." No doubt she had eyes and ears everywhere doing her bidding. Still he felt no need to volunteer any information beyond what common politeness dictated.

"Everything alright?" She even sounded sincere in her concern.

"Nothing serious. I needed to catch up with family I hadn't seen in a while."

"How's your mother?"

"She's fine. Thanks for asking."

She stared at him. Her usual petulance was absent. But small talk aside, she was there for a reason. She was fidgeting.

"I was wondering…"

She never got a chance to finish her sentence as they were both interrupted by another series of knocks.

"Come in."

This time it was Jason Park.

"Hi Stranger. You actually remember that you work here."

"Hey. I only took a few days off. Considering how I've taken no time off over the past 7 plus years, it's a mere drop in the ocean."

"Hmmm… You look good at least. Rested. It's an event worth celebrating. Drinks tonight? The usual spot."

Anna looked indignant. "I was about to invite him out to drinks."

"Why don't all three of us have drinks together?" The garrulous Jason was brimming with ideas.

"Got to take a rain check on that one, Jason. I have a date tonight."

"A date? With a woman? Not your mother surely?"

"No. Not my mother."

"Good God in heaven. The monk of Distomos is finally moving on and descending from his holy pagoda. He has finally deigned to join us mere mortals and partake of fleshly appetites."

"Perhaps."

"Who's the lucky woman?" Anna Jang asked casually affecting an air of nonchalance.

"Who is the unlucky woman you mean." Jason gave Do-il a hearty slap on the back. "He's not much of a catch."

"The women around the office would beg to differ, Director Park."

"But you wouldn't be one of them, would you? Director Jang." Jason fired a comeback shot across the bow. "Now that you're about to marry one of the richest men in the country."

"Yeah, I heard from the chairman. Congratulations."

"It's a good business deal. Nothing more."

"Now, Anna. I have some business to discuss with our chief financial officer here. So go on your merry way."

"You're such a pain, Jason."

"That's what old friends are for."

Anna Jang bestowed Do-il a lingering look before heading out the door and closing it behind her.

The muscles on his face relaxed as soon as he heard a click. "You my friend are a lifesaver." He initiated a high-five. Jason responded.

"You owe me."

"Fine. I owe you a drink."

"No. You owe me an explanation. Your hot date. Is it her? Your ghost? Is she back?"

Do-il nodded.

"She really came back. Next thing you know the sky's falling."

"Not exactly. I had to do a song and dance."

Jason shook his head. "You are a strange creature, my friend. I've never heard of anyone taking this monogamy thing so extremely seriously especially when you had no reason to."

"My mother thinks I'm mad too. There were many times over the past 7 years that I thought I was crazy for holding on."

"Seems to have paid off for you. She must be something special."

"She is. To me. But that's not the end of the story."

Jason's face lit up as if confronted by an epiphany. "That kid. The one that was in here with you the other day. He's yours, right?"

Do-il said nothing but smirked with a smugness calculated to annoy.

"What did you do in your past life buddy? How is it all the good stuff stuff happens to you?"

"Just lucky I guess."

The moment Detective Shin sauntered into the office he was accosted by one of his overworked and underpaid subordinates. The dark circles around his eyes seemed more pronounced than usual. The head of Violent Crimes didn't even get to his comfy chair at the head of the "long table" to rest his weary feet. "Long table" was their nickname for the office space they spent more time eating and sleeping in than their own homes.

"Boss. That license plate number you got me to check out?"

"Yeah. What about it?"

"You'll never guess who that car belongs to."

"Who?"

"Jang Ho-jun."

"Jang Ho-jun. Jang Ho-jun. What? Wait." Detective Shin clicked his fingers several times. " Hold on. You don't mean Chairman Jang of Distomos Pharma."

"Yup. Our favourite chaebol institution."

"What's he doing at St Benedictus?" Shin Seon-jae stroked his chin.

"If I'm to hazard a guess, I'll say he's either got a relative stashed there or there's a business connection. Big Pharma. Psychiatric hospital. Seems like the perfect marriage of supply and demand."

"I'm inclined to think the former. I don't see why a man of his status would personally deal with the hospital when he has other people to do that for him. They have a large sales team at Distomos."

"It's going to be tough to find that out. These places are tight-lipped."

"I know a guy." Detective Shin dug into his jacket pocket and pulled out his phone.

"Right. I forgot. You know a guy."

After spending an hour with a hairdresser, In-joo took a cab to the hospital that her mother was transferred to. She slipped on a new pair of sunglasses after changing into a new outfit purchased from a high end label. It was her disguise. Not a cheap ensemble but calculated to impress. In-kyung had given her the address the day before and it was some distance away from the other hospital where their mother had surgery. Several times she turned to see if anyone was following behind. She was relieved when she arrived at the hospital but continued to scan her surroundings as soon as her heels touched the ground. Indeed the clothes maketh a woman. As soon as she stepped into the hospital she sensed that all eyes were on her. It wasn't disdain. It wasn't ridicule. Those were familiar reactions. As she ambled down the disinfected corridors, she commanded a respect that had always eluded her. A respect that was accorded to other people while she shrank into the background. But today signalled the dawn of a new era. Oh In-joo was no longer invisible.

The apparel were weaving their magic. Her gait. Her posture. She was oozing a newfound confidence. Her strides were the same length as yesterday but the steps had a difference cadence. Tap. Tap. She sashayed across the floor two inches taller. When she sauntered into the lift, reverential men made room for her.

She soon found the room where her mother was convalescing. In-hye was there by the bed, sketching. The view of the outside was spectacular. The entire city of Seoul seemed to be near and yetso far.

"Mum. In-hye." In-hye acknowledged the greeting and moved her seat closer to the window.

"In-joo. You've come."

"How are you feeling?"

"A little drowsy but not bad otherwise."

"That's a relief. I was so worried."

"I like the haircut. The dress really suits you. A good look."

"I'm going for a new look since I've decided to stick around."

"I heard you registered your marriage with Chief Choi."

"He sprung it on me. Sorry for not giving you all any warning."

"He's a good man. Persistent. I'm surprised he held out so long."

"Mum. It's not like I wanted to keep him waiting."

"But you did. Anyway. You're both adults. You need to figure this stuff out yourselves. Don't disappoint him anymore."

"Mother! How can you take his side against your own daughter."

"Why? Have I broken some rule? At least he has good manners."

"Tsk. You're talking like you know him so well." The daughter shot her mother a scornful look.

"He came to see us in The Philippines three times."

"He did?"

"He didn't tell you?" Mother nodded. "I suppose he wouldn't. He thought you might be hiding out there. He even helped us out of some trouble your father was in."

"I really believed he would just move on."

"Many men would. Frankly he could have done better for himself."

"Hey. I'm your daughter." In-joo affected an indignance she didn't feel. A broken clock could be right twice a day. "Imagine a mother taking the side of an outsider over family."

"Outsider? You're both officially married now." Mother had enough strength to lift her finger. She wagged it with unexpected vigour. "You're very lucky Oh In-joo. I hope you realise it."

"Thanks for seeing me at short notice."

"It's fine. Detective. It's better to meet in person. Away from the office. Out of the hearing of others."

"Order whatever you like. Lunch is on me."

"Must be important." He eyed the detective warily. "And serious."

"I'll get down to business. It's about the chairman of Distomos. How well do you know him?"

"A little more than most probably. He recruited me 7 years ago. But I may have to shoot you later if I'm forced to divulge company secrets."

"What is his relationship with St Benedictus Hospital?"

Do-il relaxed. "Oh that. His wife is a patient there."

"I thought that must be it."

"Why the sudden interest in the chairman?"

"It's ongoing investigation. Can't say too much. But I saw him there."

"I see. It's nothing seedy. If you're wondering. It's a tragic story of a family who lost a talented son. I think it tore them all apart. His mother was devastated by the whole thing. She fell apart completely."

"Chairman Jang had a son?"

"Passed away 10 years ago. Under strange circumstances. The old man and I think it's homicide. Although officially it was closed as a suicide."

"You have a personal interest in this?"

"He was a classmate from university. It's how I met the chairman. We crossed paths at his funeral."

"Tell me more about why you think the son's death wasn't a suicide."

"The findings didn't fit what we knew about him. Drugs? No way. Kevin was always clean. Straight as an arrow. Perfect to the point of sickening. A highly disciplined athlete. He was devoted to his family. He wasn't your spoilt chaebol kid. He was the right candidate to succeed his father. Sometimes fate gets it right, you know. But weeks before his inauguration as the company's CEO, he takes a swan dive off the roof of his building. Not a chance in hell."

"I can't imagine a man in Chairman Jang's position would just let it go."

"It's become his obsession. Apparently he's found the killer. But he won't tell me who it is."

"I hear there's a daughter. Former model and now Director of Research and Development."

"Yup. Anna Jang."

Something in Do-il's voice caught Detective Shin's attention. "Not a fan?"

"Can't say that I am."

Shin Seon-jae noticed that Do-il had become reticent.

"Care to share?"

"She has a reputation where men are concerned."

"Has she hit on you?"

"More than once in fact. Still does from time to time despite my best efforts at rebuffing."

The detective stared at his subject with all the ferocity of a watchdog.

"Do you think she's behind the threats to your fiancee?"

"Given all the facts, it seems to be a logical conclusion to come to don't you think, Detective Shin?"

3 years earlier…

Jason Park dashed into the emergency area where he was greeted by Choi Do-il who had brought the patient in. She was lying on one of the many beds with an IV attached. Bed No. 3.

"Thanks for coming but I have to go."

"What happened?"

"Don't know. She came into my office on the pretext of having something to say to me. And fainted a minute later."

"One of these days she's going to go too far and OD."

"You don't think that this is going too far?"

"For her. This is normal."

"Anyway, you two psychos can look after each other."

"What's the hurry?"

"The cops have found another Jane Doe and I've been asked to identify it."

"And you call me a psycho."

"Just take care of things here. The last thing I want is her to think that I care."

"That's cold man."

"Extreme situations call for extreme measures."

Do-il didn't wait for an answer. He scrambled out of the ward and out the door with inhuman haste.

Jason dropped himself on the corner of the bed and glowered at the patient.

"You know that you're crazy, don't you?"

He got no response. So he slapped her legs with some force.

"Stop pretending. I know that you're awake."

The patient gradually opened her eyes. "You're so noisy." She yawned loudly. "Where am I?"

"'Where am I?' You missed your calling. Why didn't you go into acting?"

"Family reasons. You know that."

"Why are you doing this?"

"You know why."

"It's not working, is it?"

"I'm wearing him down. He'll see me eventually."

"Wearing him down? He left you behind to look at a dead body. He couldn't leave fast enough."

"He's not as indifferent as he used to be."

"He is only giving you face because of the old man. Don't delude yourself."

"I like him."

"You probably do if you're trying this hard. But there's only one woman on his mind. And it's not you."

"His devotion to her is out of this world. Which only makes him much more attractive."

"This is a battle you can't win."

"Why are you so quick to take his side?"

"Because he is someone the chairman needs in the company. And for good reason."

"What about me? I'm a member of the chairman's family. I'm indispensable."

"Are you? Sometimes I wonder about that."

Present…

"So she kept all these threatening notes all this time?"

"She didn't. The boy did. But only for the last two years obviously."

"He gave them to you?"

"He thought I should know why they were running all the time. In his words: 'My mother was an idiot but she had reason to be afraid.' He also dated all of the notes."

"It's uncanny how much the boy is like you."

"Lucky for him."

"So you suspect Director Jang from Distomos is in league with Go Soo-im?"

"It's a no-brainer. I don't know why I didn't think of Go Soo-im right from the start."

"One woman likes you. The other one hates you. This is probably why I'm still single. Give me gangsters, traffickers and murderers anytime."

"I know exactly how you feel."

Chapter 9: For Richer or Poorer

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

A muffled caterwaul zigzagged its way through the room. Everyone leapt an inch off their seat. The master of ceremonies tapped on the microphone in the hope of piercing through the deafening chatter that saturated the space within its walls. It had the desired effect The crowd of about 100 fell silent instantly. All eyes shifted to the stage. Now that he had the floor greetings were given introductions were made. A low hush reverberated as the chief spectacle of the occasion sashayed into the spotlight. The bride. Glowing in her figure flattering dress. Her head held high. She took the time to survey the crowd. And pose for the cameras. Raucous cheers and whistles ensued. Her lacy strapless gown shimmered under the warm yellow lights. The groom emerged close behind her with well-timed steps. He strode in dressed immaculately in black. His hair styled and combed to the back. The women in the crowd who worked with him day in day out thought he never looked more suave. For the happy couple a hearty applause arose out of every corner in this converted warehouse. Family lined up the front row including their visibly enthusiastic 7 year-old-son who was lapping everything up. Among them, in a seat of prominence — the chairman of Distomos somewhere in the middle of the festivities.

Their hands met. More applause. The bride and the groom raised their arms in a gesture of triumph. Each having eyes only for the other. Smiling from ear to ear. An approving murmur reverberated round the room.

The master of ceremonies cleared his throat.

"Hard to believe, right? The most eligible bachelor of Distomos has finally been taken. A day of celebration for the men. A day of mourning for the women. Or is it also a day of mourning for us bachelors… losing one among our ranks?"

Guffaws and chuckles rippled through the crowd. Someone shouted. "When's your turn, Chief?" He brushed off the heckler with a wave.

"But seriously. I want to congratulate you both. Your romance is truly the stuff of fairy tales. You've waited a long time to be together after a period of separation. Fate brought you both back together and today on this occasion, in front of all these people, you're announcing to the world that nothing can keep you apart again. We will be watching. With a great deal of interest. And indeed we will hold you to the promises made here today."

"The groom, our chief financial officer Choi Do-il will now say a few words to his beautiful bride."

The master of ceremonies passed the microphone to the groom who found himself unusually nervous.

"Thank you all for coming. It was short notice but I am grateful that you made the time. I was in a hurry because I found the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with and was terrified to lose her again."

A cacophony of chortles from the crowd emanated from various places. The noises bounced off the walls and the high ceiling. The groom grabbed the microphone and spoke with a tinge of trepidation that was rare to witness.

"About a month ago, before we registered our marriage, Ms Oh In-joo asked me why we had to do things officially. Why a piece of paper that states our marital status was so important. At the time I said that this piece of paper was a promise. My promise to her. And to our son. To protect them to the best of my ability so that we can be a family. A real team. A united one. I promised them that all the obstacles that kept us apart for seven years, I will deal with them one at a time. This is what this marriage means to me. It's not just about building a life together but about how I want to live my life as a man who prioritises being a husband and a father. This is just one of the many steps I will take and I plead with you all to be my witnesses."

When he concluded there was a two second pause. Then he was greeted by a deafening wave of cheers from the crowd. When the applause finally died down, the MC repossessed the microphone.

"It's indeed a rare sighting of Chief Choi — a side of him few of us have been privy to until now. Who knew that he had such a sentimental side. A great speech as one might expect." He paused for a mere second before continuing. "Our bride has a few things she would like to say too."

The bride flashed a smile as her fingers wrapped around the mic. She felt a surge of confidence as her husband slipped his arm around her waist.

"I'm not good with speeches but I want to thank our families for being here today to support us in this special celebration." The bride was glad that she could barely make out the crowd of people in front of them. "I want to thank my mother and sisters for all that they've done to make this possible. Most of all I want to thank our son who is wiser than his own mother because he gets all the credit for bringing this family back together. I don't know how I could have survived the past few years without our beloved Jin-u. Because of him, we've been given this second chance. I don't feel as if I deserve it but I'm grateful for every single moment."

As if on cue, Jin-u ran up the steps and onto the stage. His mother lowered herself and he ran straight into her arms. They'd never hugged more tightly. Dad wanted in on the action too and scooped them up with both arms.

I suppose this is what happiness looks like for some people. How exhausting.

Out there among the hoi polloi, the future mistress of Distomos was thumbing up her nose at the proceedings. The odours surrounding her seemed to disagree with her.

"You've been very quiet Director Jang."

"Weddings are such a bore. You've seen one. You've seen them all."

"Really? I find them unerringly fascinating."

"How so?"

"It's a feast for the inquisitive. A place to study humanity at close quarters."

"Pray tell. I'm all ears."

"Chief Choi relishes the role of the family man to the point of being territorial. There's a defiance in his manner during his speech."

"Oh yes?"

"He's an interesting man. Until now I've always considered Chief Choi a bit of an enigma."

"On that we are in full agreement."

"But the bit where he talks about removing obstacles one at a time…"

"Yes?" That part is interesting. Perhaps he suspects?

"He's itching for a fight it seems."

"A fight, you think?"

"On second thought, it's obvious. He's throwing down the gauntlet. Directing his ire at someone in this room."

"Maybe his family has objections to the match."

"I doubt it. Look at them. They are thrilled. It's something else. Or should I say someone else? I wonder who." Anna Jang's conversational partner cast her eye around the room.

"A man picking a fight on his wedding day? What a laugh."

"Picking a fight? I think he's just declared war."

So he knows… ?

"Enjoying the wedding, Director Jang?"

"Hmmm."

"I suppose not." The master of ceremonies had done his duty and stepped off his stage. He emptied the champagne glass in a single gulp. "Nothing interests you unless you're the centre of attention."

"This is a peasant's wedding. The decor hardly passes muster. The table settings are shabby to say the least. I'm surprised the chairman condescended to come."

"It's not bad for a wedding with only a month's preparation." The master of ceremonies gave his attention to the families. "If your nose sticks up any higher, you're going to get a stiff neck. At least the peasants are enjoying themselves."

"Humph. Not sure what the hurry was."

"Don't you? That's why she's the bride and not you."

"Stop it with the snide comments already, Jason."

"Snide comments? I'm the epitome of congeniality. Everyone knows that except you apparently. My oldest friend."

"Who's that woman?"

"What woman? The bride?"

"Idiot. I'm talking about the one sitting between the chairman and the sisters. She has a boy with her. Looks to be about 10."

"Probably a relative."

"I don't think so. She's barely said anything to anyone the entire time."

"Now that you mention it, she looks vaguely familiar. Where have I seen her before?"

"You've seen her before?"

Jason squinted in the general direction of their subject. "I'm not sure. But there's something about her that jogs the memory."

"I'm more curious about the boy."

"Suddenly feeling maternal now?"

"As if." Director Jang snarled and then took on a wistful tone. "He reminds me of someone. A boy I used to know."

One month earlier…

His grandson had fallen asleep in the car. He was lying face down on the backseat. Choi Hee-jae was twiddling his thumbs. He sat in his vehicle for half an hour staring at the traffic of people and vehicles roaming past him. He was pondering plenty about the last few days. The last two days in particular. He considered his role in the boy's life. He considered his role in the life of his son. The inevitable comparisons were made. His own track record came up short. He looked up and stared at the house in front of him. He hadn't seen her for quite some time. Would he be considered an interloper charging in where angels fear to tread?

Eventually the boy stirred. His limbs twitched. They shifted around. Minutes later he sprang up and peered out the window.

"Where are we?"

"We're outside your grandmother's house."

The boy stretched out his arm and pointed to the abode in question. "That one?"

His grandfather nodded.

"Are we staying there tonight?"

"At least one night. Your father's arranged everything."

"Great. Let's go." The boy flung open the door and was about to leave when he noticed that his grandfather wasn't moving from his seat.

"Jin-u."

"What's wrong, Grandpa?"

"I think it might be best if you just go on your own. I'll watch you from here and make sure nothing bad happens."

"Grandpa. Come with me."

Hee-jae tapped his forehead. "I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why? Didn't you promise Dad that you would take good care of me?"

His grandfather said nothing.

"What if my grandmother hates me? What if she gives me a hard time? What she chases me out of the house. Especially after what my mother did to my father."

"She won't."

"How can you be sure?"

"She's not that kind of person."

"So what are you worried about Grandpa? Come in with me."

"I owe her too much."

"Then come with me. Pay her back whatever you owe."

"I can't. I shouldn't."

"Then I'm not going to leave this car without you."

"Jin-u. There's a lot of history that you don't know."

"Well, I have time. I'm still young. I'm not going anywhere. Tell me about this history."

Hee-jae sighed. He knew he was fighting a losing battle. "This stubbornness. You are really a child of your parents."

"It's in my genes. So you're responsible too."

"So-young. It's just me. I'm delivering the boy as promised."

They both stood on the steps leading to the door. They waited. Nervously. Anxiously. Eagerly. They were on tenterhooks. The boy clung on to his grandfather's hand. He rocked back and forth on the spot. He kicked his shoe against the concrete. Grandfather glanced at his vehicle when his eyes weren't on the door or the door knob. With his empty hand the boy fiddled with the strap of his bag pack. His grandfather leaned against his suitcase as his greatest fears loomed large. They were immediately alerted by the sound of slippered feet coming towards them growing louder. Accompanied by the noise of jingling keys. Jin-u mentally counted the number of steps. And the number of times the rattled keys rang in his ears.

They could hear the latch inside slide across. The door creaked as it opened revealing a brightly lit living room. The lady of the house appeared from behind the door clutching tightly to both ends of a pink knitted shawl.

"Sorry about being late, Grandma. I fell asleep in the car. Grandpa didn't want to wake me."

"As soon as the boy goes to bed, I will take my leave. I won't stay. Long."

"Come in. Both of you." Hee-jae was given the impression she sounded faintly amused.

Grandfather and grandson leapt to attention and obeyed their benevolent commander. With a certain degree of dread on the part of the grandfather. Her back was facing them as she led them to the dining area. Her reaction to their arrival remained a mystery until she ambled into the kitchen. To the relief of both, the expression on her face boded good will for her guests. Her grandmotherly gestures exuded warmth.

"Sit." Like obedient soldiers they both fell into the closest seats at the behest of their commanding officer.

"Jin-u. Do you like hot chocolate?"

"I've only had it once. But I got greedy and drank too much of it. I threw up afterwards. After that Oh In… I mean… my mother wouldn't let me have it again."

"Your mother. Is she strict with you?"

Jin-u pressed his eyes together as if giving the matter his full concentration before answering. "In some things. Reading and writing. Having proper meals. That kind of thing."

"So you can read and write?"

"Of course. My mother can be a slave driver but I like reading. She taught me the basics but once I started reading sentences, I moved on to bigger books. I've even spent afternoons reading encyclopaedias."

His grandmother set down a green mug in front of him. "I didn't know what you like so I hope this suits you."

"It's fine Grandma. I'm not picky." He lifted the mug to his mouth. "Moving around as much as we did, I ate whatever was in front of me. You wouldn't believe what I've eaten."

"Careful. It's hot."

He blew into the mug before taking a sip. "It's good. Thank you Grandma. You've gone to some trouble."

"You have good manners. Your mother has taught you well."

"She tries."

Hee-jae was silent during the entire exchange. The boy was doing well on his own. No need to bring attention to himself. It was up to the lad to make the sale. He was the one on display. But he wasn't on trial. His mother was. The lad was to all intents and purposes Exhibit A. To his credit he knew it and played to his audience while keeping his nose clean. His mother would have been proud.

"Hee-jae. I almost forgot. I made you your favourite tea." She got up and walked to the kitchen.

The boy grinned at his grandfather. His grandfather winked back approvingly. His fingers were firmly crossed.

"I should leave now, So-young. The boy's in bed.

"You aren't driving all the way back to your place at this time of night, are you?"

"No. I'm bunking with Kim Jee-ho at his place. He said I could."

"It's still so far away. Stay here. I have so many spare bedrooms."

"I don't want to inconvenience you."

"Tsk. What inconvenience? We're family. Besides, I'm sure the boy would love having you around. You two seem to get on."

Hee-jae scratched the back of his neck. "If you don't mind. If you insist." He alternate glances between the boy lying in bed and the window.

"I'd like the adult company. It gets lonely around here."

The implications of the remark were obvious.. Still Hee-jae wasn't sure how to proceed immediately.

"I'm sorry."

"About what?"

"The fact that you're living alone."

There was a twinkle in So-young's eye. "So. You should stay. Keep this old lady company."

"Is it a good idea? Won't it be awkward?"

"We're talking now, aren't we?"

He scratched his beard and shot her a sheepish look. "I suppose so."

She'd been waiting all evening to make her move. Preparations had been made prior to her arrival. Her source came up with the goods as usual. Of course her source had the money to pay for it. She hid behind a surgical mask and looked every inch the nurse. She cautiously slid the door open with the flair of an old hand. She stepped into the room and scanned it from ceiling to floor and wall to wall. The lighting in the room was dim but was able to discern the figure lying on the bed. The patient seemed to be sound asleep. Better still there was no one else there with the patient. No one to get in the way. In her eagerness it never occurred to her to ask why.

It was so quiet that anyone within metres could hear a pin drop. Her footsteps were muffled by the soft-soled shoes that she was wearing. She also had gloves on. Glove in hand she carefully drew a syringe out of her pocket and reached for the tubing connecting the IV bag to the patient. Confident that there was no one to hear her, she broke the silence.

"Oh In-joo. You should have stayed away. I let you off easy last time but time seems to have affected your memory. Other people get hurt because of you but you just don't care. Your mother will pay for your sins." She spoke in a matter-of-fact voice. "Just remember this: Choi Do-il can't be everywhere all at once."

She promptly emptied the contents of the syringe into the tubing. Seeing that her job was done she turned to leave. Only to be met by Oh In-joo in the flesh. Palm first. A strike across her face. Before she knew what was happening her arms were pinned to her back and she felt the cold steel of handcuffs circling her wrists.

"Go to hell. Go Soo-im. Who do you think you are? Some kind of priest? God? I hope you go to jail and never see the outside ever again."

Go Soo-im alternated dirty looks between In-joo and Do-il who had also made his appearance.

"Oh In-joo. Choi Do-il. How did you know?"

"That's for us to know and for you to spend the rest of your prison sentence wondering about."

Do-il nodded. The signal for the two hefty cops who had her in their clutches drag a wriggling Go Soo-im out of the room. Husband and wife were content to fade into the background watching an old adversary carted with a high degree of satisfaction.

"She's wanted for a whole range of other crimes including drug trafficking so she'll be spending a fair amount of time behind bars."

"I'm worried that she will talk about the 70 billion won and other things related to Wonryeong that involve you."

"She can say whatever she wants. She has no proof."

"Are you sure she doesn't…"

"I made sure of it. Besides I know a thing or two about her financial interests. A bit of insurance just in case things went south."

In-joo stared at her husband and fired him a stern look.

"Now you. Choi Do-il are terrifying."

"Don't you ever forget it."

"How can I?" She leaned over and dropped her voice to a whisper. "It's very very sexy."

"Mother. Dad. You're back!" The boy tore through the living room and leapt into his father's arms.

His father lifted him up and down. "Why do you feel heavier only after a few days?"

"Grandma thinks I'm too thin. She made all this food. You wouldn't believe it. All I did at her place was eat and sleep. We brought back a ton of yummy side dishes. They're in the fridge."

"Where's Choi Hee-jae?"

"He's in the garden."

"Why?"

"He's making me a swing. He's going to build me a cubby house too. He's already bought all the materials for a greenhouse, Mother."

Do-il turned to face his wife. "Are you growing something?"

"Orchids. Ahjussi… I mean… Father-in-law is going to help me."

"I can do it too, you know." Do-il transformed into a grumpy old man in an instant. "You could have asked me."

"Of course. But you're far too busy at work and scheming against our enemies."

"Are you making fun of me?"

"I wouldn't dare."

"That reminds me. We have a couple of visitors dropping in tomorrow night. They'll be staying with us for a couple of weeks at the most. Until they find their own place."

"A couple of weeks? Who?"

"A friend from the US. She's bringing her son with her."

"She? A woman?" In-joo narrowed her eyes. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

"There is. But it's not what you're thinking."

"Oh really."

"Really." He swept her off her feet and lifted her off the floor. "What kind of man do you think I am?"

"Choi Do-il. Not in front of the boy." His wife gaped uncomfortably.

"Why not?"

"I'm not here. Parents. I'm going outside to see how my swing is coming along."

Keeping a straight face, the boy pressed his lips together and skipped towards the back door.

His father whistled and speedily whisked his mother up the stairs.

The friend from the US arrived as promised. The adults had all sat down to dinner. In-joo studied her visitor with a cautious curiosity. Said visitor was simply dressed and made up. There was nothing particularly striking about her. Her visitor oblivious to being scrutinised was completely preoccupied with the feast laid in front of her for her benefit.

"You made all this, Ms In-joo? That's amazing."

"It's nothing really." In-joo muttered modestly. "Hope it suits your taste Ms Lee."

"I'm sure it will." The other woman's enthusiasm and friendliness was exactly what the doctor ordered. It disarmed her host immediately. "Sam. It's time for dinner." She scanned the space around them. "Sam? Where's that boy? Sorry about his manners. He's used to being on his own."

"He probably went into Jin-u's room. I'll get them." Do-il took off.

In-joo brimming with curiosity initiated some harmless small talk.

"So Ms Lee have you just returned from the US?"

"I've been back a month. But I've been visiting relatives in Yeosoo. We're thinking about settling in Seoul. It's better for Sam's education long term."

"Will Sam's father be joining you?"

"Didn't Do-il tell you? I guess not. It's really no big secret. Sam's father died before he was born."

"Oh I'm sorry. It's rude of me. I've made you uncomfortable."

"I think you're more uncomfortable than I am." Ms Lee was palpably amused. "It's been 10 years now. I miss him but I don't dwell on the past."

"It must have been hard."

"More for Sam than me. He never knew his father. I get by. Thankfully Sam's father left some money and a house behind."

"Did you go to Wharton too?"

"Me? No way. Not smart enough. Not rich enough either." Her self-deprecating laughter was hearty. In-joo thought she'd met a kindred spirit.

"So how did you and Do-il meet?"

"He didn't tell you? It's not exactly classified information." Ms Lee was grinning. "He and Sam's father were friends at Wharton."

Just when I think I know everything about him, Choi Do-il continues to surprise.

"After talking to Ms Lee Bo-ra I realised that I really don't know much about your life between your childhood and before I met you in Wonryeong."

"There's really not that much to know. It's pretty boring. Honest. I studied. Occasionally I'd play some sport. Passed exams. Then I worked. Travelled here and there mostly for work."

"But Sam's dad must have been a good friend if you're letting his family stay here."

"I suppose you can call him that. A friend. Something like that at least."

"What else would you call him?"

"Considering what I was being groomed for, I tried not to get close to anyone. Besides, I can't really call myself a friend if I didn't even know he was in such a serious relationship."

"How did you get in touch with her then?"

"Me? She found me first."

"Why?"

"She wanted my help."

"For what?"

"I can't say. Not yet at least. It's complicated."

"It's always that with you." In-joo looked like she had just sucked a lemon.

"Unfortunately it has to be that way for now. But there's something else we have to talk about. Something far more important."

"What might that be?"

"A wedding. We have a wedding to plan. A wedding to attend."

Notes:

When I first embarked on this project I was confident that I would be able to complete this in timely fashion because I had everything plotted out and I thought I would have the time (and energy) to get it done. Unfortunately, a colleague of mine had family issues, went on leave and I was asked to fill in here and there for 4 weeks. What began as a 4 week casual job has just turned into a 9 week stint with extra responsibilities. It's been an exhausting time trying to navigate day and evening classes on top of all my other commitments. I'm feeling somewhat burnt out and now I'm feeling under the weather as a result of the stress.

I haven't abandoned the project and I intend to finish it at some point. But it will be slow because making the switch in my headspace has been harder than expected. I am of course flattered by the affection for the story.

Thank you for understanding.

Chapter 10: Of Toil and Blood

Chapter Text

A month earlier…

"Is breakfast ready? I'm starving, Mother."

"Wash your hands first."

"Why are you so sweaty so early in the morning?"

"Oh. 'Morning Dad. Grandpa and I have been training out the back."

"Training? What training?" A wary note crept into his father's voice.

"Weights. Martial arts. That sort of thing." The boy grabbed a piece of toast from the large platter at the centre of the table. With the butter knife, he proceeded to spread it with a layer of butter. Then he slathered on top of it a layer of jam. Strawberry cooked in sugar. "We've been practising my stance and punches."

"He's not pushing you too hard, is he?" His mother caught the displeasure radiating out of his father's eyes.

"Nah. If anything he's too soft on me." The boy took a bite out of the corner of the toast. "He treats me like I'm a kid."

"You are a kid." Do-il scowled. "Why is he doing all these unnecessary things?"

"I asked him to." The lad swallowed a piece of toast that was tumbling around inside his mouth.

"But why?"

"I want to get stronger." The boy stuck a new piece into his mouth and was chewing nonchalantly. "Besides it looks cool. There's no one cooler than Donnie Yen."

"Did you know about this?" That question was directed to the lady of the house.

"Uh huh. Father-in-law consulted me and I agreed it would be a good idea. In fact, I'm keen to do some training myself. Some self-defence. Increase my upper body strength."

"Did no one think to ask me? Or at the very least inform me?"

"You're busy. You have a job."

"I'm not so busy that I have no time for my family."

"Are you angry, Dad?" The boy scooped up a fried egg and dropped it on his own plate. "Don't be. Grandpa understands my limitations."

"Humph." Do-il averted his eyes and hid them behind the tablet he was browsing with. He took to grumbling under his breath. "I've become a stranger in my own house. I don't know what's going on. What a joke."

As if pre-arranged, mother and son glanced at each other trying hard not to smile.

"Jin-u. Why don't you ask Grandpa to come for breakfast? Tell him it's getting cold."

"He's having a shower."

"Go see if he's finished with his shower." His mother gestured with her head for him to leave the room.

"Okay."

As soon as the boy ran out of sight, she bent over to slide her arms around her husband's neck and snuggle up from behind.

The visible tension that had been building around his shoulders relaxed. She was immediately rewarded with a more amiable disposition. That grin. The one he reserved for her alone. The one that put her at his mercy. He stopped his browsing and put his tablet down on the chair beside him. For one unspoken minute they were immersed in familiar fragrances and savoured one another's caresses.

"What good deed have I done to be seduced so early in the day?"

"I just felt like it."

"Felt like it? What else do you feel like doing?"

With a display of finesse and strength, he swung her round and sat her on his lap.

"Talking."

"Only talking?" His groan was accompanied by an affected air of umbrage. "About what?"

"Our son. Your father."

This time the husband reciprocated with a grimace. "If you're trying to cold rain on my parade, you've succeeded."

"Idiot. Time and place." She granted him a peck on the forehead as a concession. "You can't be so biased that you can't see that it's a good thing for Father-in-law to be here, right?"

"The jury is still out on that."

"C'mon. You can see that Jin-u enjoys having him here."

Her husband grunted and rolled his eyes.

"And Father-in-law is trying really hard for Jin-u. For you too."

"I'm not a child. You don't have to humour me."

"I'm just trying to make you see reason." She was beginning to sound exasperated.

He saw the warning signals and capitulated. "Fine. Fine. You're right. As usual."

Short term pain. Long term gain.

"Now who's humouring who?"

Her husband fondled her hair. "You're adorable beyond words when you're angry."

"I'm not…" She glared at him. "Don't change the subject."

"I'm not changing the subject. I'm paying you a compliment."

"You've changed the subject."

"Fine. I changed the subject. But can't we just talk about us?"

"Depends on what you mean by 'us'."

"Since when did you become so pedantic?"

"I have to keep up with you somehow. Can't have you and our son bullying me for the rest of my life."

"Oooh. I like the sound of that. Especially the part about the 'rest of my life'."

"Whatever. I just want us. All of us. By us I include Father-in-law and Mother-in-law. I just want us all to get along."

"Are you sure this isn't some kind of seduction ploy?"

"I'm serious."

"Fine. Fine. We'll do everything you say."

"That's better."

He pointed to his cheek. "Well, since you approve. Let's seal the deal."

In-joo found his petulant demands endearing. She looked to her left. She looked to her right.

"Don't worry. There's no one here." He was breathing in her ear.

As she leaned over to complete the transaction, he swung round just in time for their lips to collide in holy harmony.

Under the stairwell with earshot, a grandson and his grandfather had their backs against the wall with their eyes tightly closed giving the affectionate couple their privacy. With the goal of avoiding detection.

In-joo took several deep breaths before leaning over the kitchen sink. The soup was simmering over the stove. There was food warming in the oven. The rice was cooked. The heat under the wok had been turned off. She had no memory of being this nervous at her first job interview. Or at her trial all those years ago. This meal felt ten times worse. It was as if she was on trial again. No. Not a trial. An interrogation by law enforcement. Not about her culinary skills. Not that. She was the main dish being served up on a platter. Her street creds as a mother and wife were under the microscope this evening.

Oh In-joo was suffering a bad case of mother-in-law jitters. She also had a sudden attack of nausea. The toilet was becoming an attractive alternative as a refuge.

Jin-u went over to his mother and patted her on the back. "You've worked hard. Oh In-joo. You'll be fine."

"You think so?"

"Of course. I've paved the way. Laid the groundwork. It will be a piece of cake."

"Piece of cake, my foot. You're not the one who left Choi Do-il without saying a word for nearly 7 years. You're her grandson. Easy for you to say. Blood and genetics are on your side."

"Finally. Oh In-joo. Now you understand my superpower. I am my father's son."

"I don't have the energy to argue with you, you traitor."

The damsel was in deep distress and her husband swept in for a timely rescue. For the first time the boy was at the receiving end of some dark stares from his father. The austere tone in his father's voice had him straining to attention.

"Jin-u. Why don't you see what else your grandfather needs help with?"

Despite being shaken by this side of his father, Jin-u muttered under his breath. "Sheesh. You adults. When I'm inconvenient you gang up on me."

"Jin-u. Your mother's already so nervous. She doesn't need more pressure. Least of all from you."

"Fine. I'll go."

Do-il watched the boy disappear out of sight before speaking.

"Oh In-joo. Are you alright?"

"Just a little on edge that's all. I'll be fine."

"Do you need something to take the edge off? A drink perhaps?"

"Maybe. No. I shouldn't. What would your mother think if she found out that I've been guzzling alcohol? No. No. Bad idea."

"What about a hug?'

Her limbs loosened up. She let herself fall and he caught her in his arms with the deftness of an acrobat.

"I'm paying for my sins." She had her head tucked into his chest. He felt the wetness from her cheeks on his skin.

"Look at me. Oh In-joo. Mother doesn't hate you."

"You're just saying."

"I know so. Trust me." Their eyes locked together. "If she hated you, she wouldn't have agreed to have dinner."

"I guess."

"Don't let your guilt get the better of you. All that matters is that I've left the past behind and that I love you. Mother knows that and she's happy for us. Okay?"

"Okay."

Moments passed. Neither said anything. His fingers brushed lightly across her hair. He maintained his gaze as if placing her under an enchantment. She was sufficiently mesmerized that she fell under whatever spell it was that he was casting. The tension from her body dissipated. It was just the two of them. The kitchen cupboards, the stove top, the sink and fridge all disappeared from sight. Their lips were barely an inch from coming together.

Then the doorbell rang. A shout in close proximity sounded out the obvious.

"Grandma's here."

Dinner went off without much of a hitch. Much to In-joo's relief. It was an event. The entire Choi family breaking bread together in almost 3 decades. After heaping praise on the cook they proceeded to admire the new swing outside in the backyard. Genuinely. Politely. Begrudgingly. With all the small talk out of the way So-young sat down on the swing in an act of good faith regarding the contraception and invited In-joo to join her. Moments later, her grandson came out with a tray.

"Here Grandma. Here's your cup of tea."

"Good boy." She took a sip and patted the boy on the head. "Now men. You go off and doing your thing while we women get better acquainted."

"Straight to the point. No beating around the bush. Mother means business."

"I'm getting old. I don't have time to waste going around in circles. Now go. Don't worry. I'm not going to eat anyone."

"I didn't say anything. Mother dear."

"I know what you're thinking."

She shooed them off. Do-il winked at In-joo. The male members of the family all grinned and drifted off together inside the house with a rare display of camaraderie.

So-young dug into her pants pocket and pulled out a smallish object wrapped in awagami paper. She took In-joo's hand and placed the item in her hand.

"I want you to have this."

"Mother-in-law. You don't…"

"It's the only thing of value that I own. I want my only daughter-in-law to have it. Take it."

In-joo felt the emotion in the other woman's voice. That compelled her to accept the gift with no further protest. She unwrapped it and saw that it was a jade bracelet.

"It was part of my dowry when I married Do-il's father. I don't expect you to wear it. It's rather old-fashioned and probably won't match your wedding gown. But I want you to have it. I don't have daughters so it's only right for you to have it. Maybe it's something to give to your future daughter-in-law as a family heirloom."

To her surprise, In-joo slipped the bracelet on her wrist without hesitation. "It's lovely. Thank you so much." She lifted her arm it in the direction of the closest light source to admire it. "Of course I will wear it at the wedding and I will keep it safe until Jin-u gets married."

With both hands So-young clasped In-joo's hand. A tear rolled down her cheek. "I am so happy for both of you. I really am."

The day before the wedding…

"You look like a princess, Unni. It's a beautiful. Goes especially well with your engagement ring."

"I was worried that I might have put on weight the last few weeks. But it's a relief. I can still get into it."

"It flatters your figure."

"To be honest I wasn't sure about this wedding at first but now I'm glad he insisted."

"Why?"

"I really messed things up, you know. I feel like I'm showing off when I have no right to."

"I don't think Brother-in-law sees it that way."

"Yeah. I know. The more I think about it, the more I've come to realise that wearing this dress feels more like a responsibility. The ring as well."

"What do you mean?"

"It's me saying to everyone that I'm making a promise to be there for him for the rest of our lives. I know I don't deserve all of this. But on the other hand it's more of a reason to take our marriage seriously. It's a burden and a privilege. We dress up, have a big celebration with lots of people around us. We make it a big deal. Why is it? We're telling the whole world that we're committed to one person and there's no one else. It's not about showing off. It's about showing our determination."

"Wow Unni. That was some speech. How did you become so smart?" In-kyung feigned a stunned expression.

"I'm not sure if that's an insult or a compliment."

"I hope I'm as lucky as you are, Unni."

"I'm sure you'll do better than me, In-hye. You're smarter and stronger than I will ever be."

"You give yourself so little credit."

In-joo shook her head. "I'm just stating facts." She placed her hand on her sister's shoulders. "In some ways you understood Do-il better than I did."

"She's an artist."

"She's observant and patient."

"Isn't that the same thing?"

"When I was overseas, I got a chance to see another side to Brother-in-law that's all. I don't think I had any special insight."

"It doesn't explain why I had no idea why he left Greece and came back for me."

"Often the person who is closest to the action can't see what's right in front of them or the big picture the way an outside observer does."

"Frankly. The reality is that you're just a lot more perceptive than I am."

"Does it matter? You are loved for who you are, Unni."

Present…

"What the hell do you think you are doing?" The chairman of Distomos hurled a stack of manilla folders in the direction of his daughter. Papers were flying in all directions. A small bundle dropped to the floor.

"What's the matter Mr Chairman?"

"The police have been here sniffing around asking questions."

"Why?"

"Do you think I'm a fool or do you genuinely not know?"

"Father…"

"Do you really think of me as your father or does that word just roll of your tongue out of habit?"

For inspiration Anna turned to Kang Jin-hee who was standing at her father's side. His face told her nothing. The man was an infallible creature of habit. The perfect attendant. Willing and dependable. Perfectly inscrutable. He would obviously be no help to her. The gears in her mind were churning at breakneck speed.

"Is this about the cancelled project?"

"Is this about…" The father was aghast. "What were you thinking, Anna? The project was supposed to stay cancelled."

"What's wrong? We did everything you ordered."

"You weren't happy with what I ordered so you got creative."

"I didn't…"

"The director of St Benedictus just confirmed that continuing with the experiment at the hospital was your idea. The police were there asking questions too. Who the hell do you think you are? The chairman of this company? Jack Kevokian?"

"Even you must admit that the idea was good. It had so much potential. But you didn't give it much of a chance and shut it down at the first sign of trouble."

"Haven't we had this conversation before? We had to shut it down. To keep the police out of our hair. People died. There were lawsuits. You are lucky that we were able to keep it under wraps. But it cost us big. The company was haemorrhaging from all the payouts."

"What about the slush fund?"

"What about the slush fund?" Her father slumped into his chair. Sweat was pouring down the edge of his face. "The same slush fund that is used to pay off politicians and families when things go south? You mean that one? It isn't a money tree."

"I am trying to find a cure for my mother's condition!"

"Are you? Are you really? Do you care anything about this family?"

"What do you mean? I'm busting my guts for the company, aren't I?"

"Are you? Or are you doing all this just to prop up your own ego?"

"Father! You always think the worst of me."

"Only because you keep giving me reason to." Jang Sang-ho sounded weary. "I've given you chance after chance to get it right. But the hole you're digging just keeps getting bigger."

"That's a lie. You've always thought of me as a consolation prize."

"If I did, you'd be in jail already."

"You're just mad that I'm not Kevin."

"Let's not go there."

"Kevin was the golden haired child. He was everybody's favourite. He did everything right. He was perfect."

"Is that why you killed him?"

Anna was taken aback. The entire room was enveloped in silence. She stared blankly at her father. She stumbled backwards. On her face an expression akin to terror was gradually taking shape.

"What are you saying? How can you even…? Everyone knows it was suicide."

"Everyone? I never believed it. Choi Do-il doesn't either. Your brother taking drugs? It never made sense to me. But I never imagined that it would be you."

"I adored Kevin. I looked up to him. He was the only person who accepted me the way I was."

"But you went too far. He found out what you were up to."

"There was nothing to find."

"Drugging men in hotels. Blackmail. That's nothing to you?"

"I needed money."

"You always needed money."

Her eyes were bloodshot. Anna was in a tearstained daze. "He was so angry. I'd never seen him so angry. He looked like he hated me. His eyes. You should have seen his eyes. I couldn't bear it."

"Your own brother." Jang Ho-jun stretched out his arm and with a finger pointing in accusatory fashion. In the course of the exchange, he had aged a decade. "How could you?"

"I never meant to. I swear. I loved him. But he wanted me to turn myself in. I had to protect myself. It was self-defence."

At that moment the chairman clutched his chest. He fell forward. His face slumped directly on top of scattered documents on his desk. It was only a thud but his companions thought an earthquake had hit Seoul.

"Mr Chairman. Mr Chairman." Kang Jin-hee sprang into action anxiety writ large on his wrinkled face.

Anna Jang stood petrified like a pillar of stone. She was numb all over. All she could do was look on helplessly at her unconscious father as her entire frame trembled uncontrollably until her legs crumpled into a jumble. And the rest of her with them.

When he got off the rollercoaster, it occurred to Do-il that he hadn't been on one since his university days. Even then he had to be dragged to the theme park kicking and screaming. By Kevin. Yeah, it was Kevin that talked him into it. Before he knew it, he was holding candy floss in one hand and a large soft drink in another. Fake ponies, bumper cars and giant tea cups seemed like such a waste of time to a young ambitious financial whiz. He couldn't see the attraction. Today was an entirely different story. He was doing his fatherly duty. The word "fun" came to mind once or twice.

"I'm glad we came. I hope you enjoyed yourself."

Do-il held back a strong desire to laugh. It sounded strange. For a moment it seemed like their roles reversed. The boy was being awkwardly considerate.

"That's supposed to be my line." He chastised the boy half-heartedly.

"I know you came here for me."

"Yes, I did. I'm not a fan of these sorts of places. But somehow I managed to have fun."

"It's me, right Dad? It's because of me."

"Of course." It was pointless to prevaricate or evade the implications because it was true.

"I knew it. I felt that something was different this time."

"What's different?"

"It's hard to say." The boy concentrated hard on his drink. "But every little thing we're doing seems more important."

HIs father smiled and patted him on the head. "We are making memories, son. Taking pictures in our heads so that we can carry them wherever we go."

The boy allowed the words and their ramifications to land. He nodded.

"Dad. I want to go on the big ship again."

"Are you sure? You've just stuffed yourself with food."

"This time I want to sit on the opposite side of you."

"Okay but why?"

"I want to have a picture of you having fun in this place to keep in my head."

His phone pulsated in his jacket pocket. He considered ignoring it again except that it'd been ringing on and off for the past hour now. The fact that the caller was relentless indicated a high degree of urgency.

"Jin-u. I'm going to have to take this call. Sorry about that. But it could be an emergency."

"It's fine Dad. Take it."

Do-il hit the green button albeit reluctantly and put the phone to his ear. Almost instantly a frown replaced his curious expression. His eyes were focused on one spot but not on anything in particular. There was an air of grimness about him from how his lips were sitting. He barely spoke. Occasionally he grunted in response. Jin-u was riveted. Trying to decipher what the nature of the call was.

At last his father hung up. He spoke immediatley.

"I'm sorry, Jin-u. But we will have to cut this outing short."

"It's okay. I have enough pictures in my head."

Do-il managed a smile. "Do you mind if we swing by the hospital on our way home?"

"Is someone hurt?"

"Yes." There was a short pause. "A very important person in my company."

"The chairman?"

Do-il looked surprised momentarily but that quickly changed to faint amusement.

"He's had a heart attack."

The boy nodded. "He took many pills at the wedding."

"Should I drop you off first at your grandmother's place?"

"I don't mind going to the hospital with you. Really."

"I'll make it up to you when all of this is over."

"I'm counting on it."

The pungent smell of disinfectant that marked the facility was less pronounced in the top floor. Instead it was oddly mixed with a lemony air freshener with a touch of something rose-like. The combination was soothing. He took a few sniffs as he settled in the far corner in a stooped position with a view to everything while hidden from unfriendly eyes. Jin-u watched a consistent flow of men in dark suits filing in and out of the chairman's VIP suite. He concluded quickly that life was different for powerful rich people. Even their friends were different from ordinary people. The mood was sombre and respectful. It was like the one time he went to church with Grandma Choi. He couldn't tell if these people came because they liked the patient but settled on the possibility that there were benefits to showing up at such an important man's sick bed.

He took special notice of an older man. He didn't say much. He was there long before they were. There was something about him that rang bells. He didn't smile. But he wasn't sad or angry. He was ushering the guests in and out of the bedroom with graceful efficiency. As if he had done it thousands of times before. He was used to doing things that were boring to most people. The boy pondered long and hard over his subject who had piqued his interest for reasons unknown.

Is that was his only job? It must be tiring. Who is this ahjussi? Where have I seen him before?

"Hi Kiddo." His musings came to a halt with the appearance of a friendly face and a familiar burst of energy.

"Hello Uncle Jason."

"Feeling bored yet? Can't be too much fun for a 7 year-old kid sitting here watching old fogeys do business."

"Doing business? How?"

"These old men are members of the board of our company and shareholders."

"Aren't they here to visit the chairman?"

"Yes and no. Because the chairman is sick, someone else needs to be the chairman until he gets better."

"Like an acting chairman?"

"Smart kid."

"Who is that man? The one that brings people in and out of the chairman's room."

"Him? He is the chairman's personal assistant. He does everything the chairman tells him to."

"Everything? Like a servant?"

"Everything. The word "servant" though a bit old-fashioned sums it up perfectly."

The boy scratched his chin. "Doesn't he get tired?"

"If he is, he doesn't show it. He's been with the chairman since before his children were born."

"That's a long time. He's very loyal."

"That's why the chairman trusts him."

"Was he at my parents' wedding?"

"I don't think so. Why are you so curious about him?"

"I don't know. I think I've seen him before."

"Where?"

"I can't remember."

Jason was about to make a comment when the boy's father walked in on their conversation.

"What can't you remember?"

"Dad. Are you finished? Can we go home now?"

"Yup. All done. Sorry about the wait."

"I didn't mind. It was fun watching all the adults."

"Choi Do-il. You really hit the jackpot with this kid."

"I know, right?" The father went down on one knee and touched the boy on the shoulder. "You're next by the way, Jason."

"Lucky last." Jason ruffled the boy's hair as he made his move. "One of these days, Jin-u, you should come round to your Uncle Jason's place with your dad and hang out for a whole day. I can introduce you to a whole world of video games — X box, Playstation, Nintendo. You name it, I have it.

"Sure. If dad says it's okay."

"I'll twist his arm."

"Jason. Don't keep the chairman waiting."

"Fine. Fine."

Father and son watched the chief of operations knock on the door and disappear into the chairman's room.

"C'mon let's go and you can slowly tell me all your observations about the people who walked in here today."

Do-il grabbed his son's hand while they both ambled out of the VIP suite.

"Have I told you how beautiful you are — Oh In-joo?" In-joo's husband rolled over under the duvet to give her a peck on the cheek.

"Is everything alright?"

"Why wouldn't everything be alright? Making love under the light of the moon with my favourite wife and snuggling up to her in bed is paradise itself."

"Favourite and only wife I hope." She shot him a stern look. "But you're changing the subject."

"I'm not. I'd rather not talk about other things right now. It spoils the atmosphere and mood. We won't have too many moments like this in future."

"So something's up."

He sighed. "I can't escape the scrutiny of my observant wife."

"One of the things we promised each other when we signed that piece of paper was that we wouldn't hide important things from each other."

"I'm not hiding anything. There's a time and place for all that. I'm prioritising couple time."

"Telling me what's troubling you is couple time."

"You know what I mean."

"Maybe I do. Maybe I don't. If you don't tell me, how can I be sure?"

"This is sacred space. Talk of work doesn't belong here."

"If your troubles at work are affecting your ability to focus on family matters, then talk of work will intrude into all kinds of spaces in this home."

"I was going to tell you everything tomorrow."

"Tell me now. I don't think I'll be able to sleep anyway. I'll be up wondering what's going on the whole night."

Do-il realised the sense of what she was saying. She was resolute in her position. She was immoveable. She was in that kind of mood.

"I've never told you why I started working for Distomos and Chairman Jang. He recruited me for a particular reason."

"For the same reason your services were valued in Wonryeong I imagine."

"That's just a small part of why I was brought in."

"Are you trying to keep me in suspense?"

"This story really begins with the chairman's son, Kevin."

"Sam's dad."

"How did you guess?"

"The timing of everything. Sam and his mother staying with us. The two of them sitting next to the chairman at the wedding. How am I doing?"

"Not bad. Oh In-joo. I think I'm finally rubbing off on you."

"I know it's not exactly what you signed up for."

"I signed up for you. Choi Do-il. And if you're game. I'm game."

"It's risky."

"Nothing worth doing isn't."

"I am surprised."

"You shouldn't be. When you told me that Go Soo-im was in league with the chairman's daughter, I knew that there was no running from this. You were right. We shouldn't have to watch our backs for the rest of our lives. We're no saints but I don't fancy being pushed around by powerful people either."

"Oh In-joo. You're unbelievably sexy when you talk tough."

"Detective. It's been a while."

"That stuff you asked me about? I have something for you."

"And…"

"I think your hunch is right. The old man probably always suspected it was his daughter."

"It makes sense. She's always been up to some kind of hankypanky."

"I have some bad news for you though. I'm going to have to investigate your company."

"It's not my company. By all means, investigate. In fact, I hope you do and leave no stone unturned."

"But I heard that…"

"I don't owe these people anything."

"Aren't you close to the chairman?"

"We have intersecting interests. But I don't fool myself into believing that I'm anything more than a pawn in this larger chessboard."

"Your cynicism is refreshing."

"I've been around these kinds of people most of my life. The only thing that matters to them is blood."

Chapter 11: Stormy Weather

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Her hair was up in a neat bun. She wore a lacy dress and a large floppy hat with a light pink bow. The new pair of beige heels were surprisingly snug. She didn't want them but he insisted. The extra height, he pontificated, would give her that extra confidence… that extra bit of gravitas… and credibility with the wealthy set. To get them to open their overpriced wallets and dig deep for her passion project. Hope Orphanage. For 7 years she couldn't openly be associated with it. Since the day of the explosion she kept her distance but from time to time she checked in to make sure there was enough money to keep the place running.

It was open day. She was the guest of honour as the orphanage's most beloved patron and consistent donor. She was tasked to give a speech to her betters. Not just a reward for her generosity. She now had the distinction of being the wife of the newly appointed CEO of Distomos Pharmaceuticals Inc. She had clout and was intent on exploiting it for every penny. Part of the deal meant shaking a few hands and prolonging her repertoire of small talk platitudes even if she collapsed from dehydration.

Speeches were hardly her forte. But for those homeless children she would take a deep breath or two and ascend the steep hill of public speaking. She surveyed the turn out. A modest crowd doing its best to look interested in their surroundings as they take their seats. Perhaps they were unaccustomed to the heat of the morning sun outdoors hosted by a basketball court in disrepair. It was all part of the plan. The organisers hoped to drive home the point. The show. A minor inconvenience for a greater good. Her maintained her focus on the director. It was obligatory. She barely heard a thing he said. Her mind was elsewhere even while she remembered to smile at the director and staff members who were eyeing her at various times with keen interest.

"As the director of the Hope Orphanage I would like to welcome our most honoured patron, Ms Oh In-joo to the stage to say a few words."

At the mention of her name, Oh In-joo descended back to earth. Apparently the director had finished his speech. She set aside all wool gathering, stood up to the polite applause and ensured that her feet were poised to move with the kind of gait befitting a person of her social status. She masked every emotion surging through her from head to toe with the brightest smile she could manage.

Breathe. Breathe. One step at a time. You got this. Oh In-joo.

Once she was standing behind the microphone. A switch turned on. The nerves settled themselves and the sea of eyes turned into a blob of faces fading into the background. Her lips slipped into a co-operative state. They formed a smile readily as if they knew what was required of them on such an occasion. Even her vocal cords sprang into action. In-joo was mistress of the occasion. There could be no room for error.

"Thank you Director Lee. Thank you Ladies and Gentleman. It's a beautiful day and I want to thank you for coming. It may sound trite but Hope Orphanage is truly a place that's close to my heart.

"7 years ago. There was an explosion. Repairs were made in the kitchen and dining area so that there would be a functional kitchen. There were insufficient funds to do more than make repairs and a paint job. Our purpose here today is to raise enough money to build a new canteen. As a longtime supporter, I'm throwing my weight behind this project and I hope our distinguished guests will see the value of contributing to such an important endeavour.

"My youngest sister In-hye, who is an artist and art historian at the Seoul Gallery once showed me a print of Rembrandt's "The Storm on the Sea of Galilee". She told me that it was one of her favourite paintings. I don't know much about art but what my sister told me stayed with me since that time. The painting based on a story in the Bible was about one time Jesus was in a boat with his disciples. There was a terrible storm. So horrific that his disciples, experienced fishermen, were in a state of panic. They woke him. He got up. Stilled the storm and they were safe.

"I can't claim to be religious but for these children I want to be that kind of support. A shelter and a refuge. In an uncertain world for children who have no family, with no one to protect them I want to be someone who will hold each hand and give them a leg up. I can't help every orphan in South Korea but in this place I can help one child at a time. As someone who has been lucky enough to have enjoyed the protection of others, I want to return the favour.

"My hope is that you will join me. That together we can all make a difference in someone else's life."

"Good speech. Mrs Choi."

In-joo detected a timbre of sarcasm but brushed it off.

"Director Jang. What a pleasant surprise. Thank you for coming." "It was my day off. I was curious. I just wondered what the wife of our new CEO got up to in her spare time when she wasn't at home making side dishes or beef ribs."

The snug new pair of heels shifted slightly. Its wearer suddenly suffered an overwhelming itch to lift it off the ground and direct it at the other woman's exposed legs. Out of respect for the occasion and the organizers, she suppressed a strong desire to inflict pain.

"My beef ribs are very good. You should try it sometime. Even my mother-in-law says it's better than hers. Jason had some the other day and he had extra helpings."

"Jason? Really? Is that an invitation? I don't know when I'll be able to take you up on your offer. I'm generally very busy."

"I'm so glad you're not too busy to come today. The staff and children appreciate all the help they can get. The turnout has been better than what I expected."

"Well, don't get too used to it. These kinds of people are fair-weather networkers. It suits them to come here and show-off their philanthropy."

"That's fine. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement. They get their free publicity. The orphanage gets some money. Works for me."

"You don't sound as simple as you look. Ms Oh In-joo."

"I am as simple as I look. Director Jang. I am a wife and a mother. My family means the world to me. If anything were to happen to them, or if anyone tried to hurt them, I don't know how far I would go for them. I hope I'm never tested to that extent. Again."

Director Anna Jang had a vague inkling that the comment was a veiled threat. One that was in all likelihood meant for her. Before she could reply, a woman in her late twenties sauntered up to Oh In-joo and whispered directly into her ear.

"Excuse me. Director Jang. It seems that Ms Im So-jin wants a word with me. Let's catch up another time."

Director Jang wrinkled nose as she watched Oh In-joo conducted herself with quiet elegance and fortitude in her interactions with one of Distomos' shareholders. She went away with a begrudging acceptance that Choi Do-il understood his woman with prescient acuity.

"A month in the job and Business Weekly wants to interview you already."

"Not interested."

"You and Amos Lee from TOP Enterprise are competing for youngest CEO of the year."

"They can give the award to him for all I care. I don't intend to stay in this job long."

"Why not?"

"I'm taking my family overseas."

"Then why take the job at all?"

"A debt to an old friend."

"How can a smart guy like you be so unambitious?"

"Who says I'm not ambitious? I have an agenda like everyone else."

"You know, the old man asked me to keep an eye on you."

"I know. That's why he didn't put you up for the job."

"You're okay with that?"

"Shouldn't I be? A man has the right to protect what's his."

"And the door swings both ways."

"Yes. It does."

"What are you up to?"

"I'm just doing my job. Jason."

"And that is…"

"Exactly what I promised the old man. To protect the company and navigate the rough seas ahead."

"What rough seas ahead?"

"You'll see soon enough."

"Are you going to cause trouble?"

"Me? Cause trouble? I'm the clean-up crew."

There was some commotion around the reception area. Distomos hadn't seen this kind of activity since forever. The wife of the new CEO had a 1950s style crescent hat, a smart two piece suit with heels to match. Behind her a queue of men in aprons pushing carts of large pots. The word on the office grapevine was she had made beef ribs soup for the staff.

"So Madame. Where do you want us to put these soup pots?"

"Where do all the cleaners and security people hang out?"

"On the ground floor. Around the back."

"Lead the way." The wife of the new CEO was directing traffic. "Hi Jason."

"What in heaven's name are you doing?" Jason caught a whiff of the aroma that filled lobby. "Don't tell me that it's your famous beef ribs."

"Want some?"

"I'd love to sink my teeth into some of those except that I've made a prior arrangements."

"Another time then."

"Well, I know where you live. But you don't have to try too hard you know."

"It was Director Jang's idea. She asked about my beef ribs and I thought, 'Why not?'"

"She was interested in your beef ribs?"

"Apparently."

"I am surprised."

"She's full of surprises. She even attended my fundraising event at Hope Orphanage and donated. A rather generous amount I might add. According to the director."

"Now that is surprising." Wonder what she's up to.

"Anyhow, I have to be on my way. I'm curious about how the company functions at the grassroots level."

"Ah. You're here for the gossip."

She put on her most innocent wide-eyed expression. "I'm just here to earn brownie points with the most important people in the company."

She whipped out her sunglasses and slipped them on with panache. Strutting to a gawking audience of bystanders burning with curiosity about the CEO's wife, eager to partake of her catwalk antics.

"You're the wife of the new CEO? You're very pretty. And a good cook."

"Thank you, Ahjumma. You don't have to flatter me. I don't have any power here."

"Eun-mi never flatters anyone. Believe me."

"None of the higher ups ever come to visit us. Not since…" The most senior cleaning lady looked at the others.

"The chairman did from time to time."

"That's true. He did He's a good man."

"His wife used to as well. She was the same as you Miss. Very considerate. She always asked about our children. Our families. She remembered everything."

"I've never met her."

"Of course you wouldn't have."

"She's sick."

"Shhhhh. We don't talk about that."

"Tsk. Everybody knows that she collapsed about 10 years ago. She's never recovered."

"Oh no. What happened?"

"We shouldn't talk about it. It's the chairman's private business."

"It's fine. I don't want you to get into trouble."

"It's not a big secret. Most people here don't remember her anyway."

"The family's been very unlucky. All this money hasn't done them any good."

"Yeah. I know exactly what you mean. Ahjumma. Although being poor wasn't great, at least I had my sisters."

"You come from a poor family?"

"We weren't very poor but we did struggle a lot. Some of it had to do with our dad's gambling."

"No wonder you don't mind hanging out with the likes of us."

"To be honest, I much more comfortable here than anywhere else in this building."

"Our CEO has a good wife."

"I'm trying."

"I'm home."

"Dad! You're back early. I thought you were in meetings all day."

"Meetings can wait. It's not every day my son has a birthday."

"You remembered."

"Of course." He pinched the boy's nose. "Our first birthday together. How can I forget?"

The boy who had just turned 7 skipped around his father and started humming a popular trot tune.

His wife slipped her arm around his waist. "Are you staying for dinner?" To the boy she directed her sternest expression. "Stop prancing around. It's exhausting to watch."

"Let him. It's his birthday. He's excited. I'll stay for dinner and then I'll be out again to meet a very important client."

"Thanks for making the time. Yeobo."

"Yes. Father." The boy had on his most pathetic face. "I'm so glad that you made the time to have dinner with us so that I won't be disappointed that you forgot to give me a present."

"Is that a hint?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Choi Jin-u. How can you make demands?

"As a matter of fact, I have something for the birthday boy."

The boy had a gleam in his grin bright enough to compete with the lighting in the room.

"You're spoiling him."

"It's his birthday. And I've never given him a birthday present before."

"What is it?"

"It's very practical. I assure you, Oh In-joo."

"What is it? Dad. Show me. Show me."

Do-il reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a box. "Open it."

The boy looked like hungry puppy with its tongue hanging out. He lifted the lid open.

"It's a watch. Wow."

"You shouldn't give him something so expensive."

"It's not just any o'l expensive watch either. Come let me put it on for you, Son."

The father removed the watch from its resting place. He proceeded to attach the strap around the boy's tiny wrist.

"Now. I'll let you keep it. On the condition that you wear it all the time."

"Of course." The boy was staring at the timepiece. "It's really cool, Dad."

"Glad you like it. But remember…"

"I have to wear it all the time. Got it. Does it have GPS tracking?"

"Smart kid."

"Of course. I'm your son."

"Don't you forget it."

"Alright you two. Instead of patting each other on the back all night, why don't we have dinner instead?"

"Good thought. I'm starving."

The birthday boy was ready for bed. Dressed in his pyjamas. Teeth all brushed. Face wiped. He'd gone for his nightly inspection. Mother had given her stamp of approval. He skipped out of her room and scampered into his only to run into Grandpa.

"Grandpa. What is it? What are you doing here?"

Grandpa stuck his neck out to peer out the door to assess the situation outside. Then he whispered.

"I didn't want to give you your birthday present in front of your father. I don't think he would approve. And I would never hear the end of it."

"Oooh. Another present. What is it?"

"I was afraid it wouldn't arrive on time but it arrived a couple of days ago."

The grandfather handed the boy a box the size of a mobile phone. "Happy Birthday. Hope you like it. Kiddo."

The boy ripped throw the ribbon and flipped open the lid.

"Is that a pocket knife?"

"Yeah. A Swiss army knife."

"This is so wicked. Grandpa."

"Do you like it?"

"What do you think? Of course." The boy jumped around and threw himself at his grandfather for a hug.

"I wouldn't normally give something like that to a 7-year-old but you're a smart kid. You won't do anything stupid with it. Besides you've been using my old one already."

"This is awesome. And I promise to take good care of it."

"You can use it the next time we go fishing or camping."

"Definitely."

"Don't tell your father about this."

"I won't."

"Now. Go to sleep. Your first day at school. You don't want to miss that."

"I'm so excited Grandpa. I don't know if I can go to sleep."

"I'll stay with you until you fall asleep."

"Tell me one of your stories."

"Okay. Just one."

He glanced at his watch. Half-past 11. She should have been asleep. Everyone else was. He noticed that she had stirred slightly as he walked in and slipped under the covers up against her.

"Still awake?" He was careful to keep his voice below a whisper.

"Yeah."

"I was hoping not to wake you."

"It's fine. I was looking through some old photos before. I only just turned in. How was the meeting?" She raised her self and threw the covers to one side. Her fingers reached for the switch under the lamp and flicked it on.

"Yeah. You know how it is."

"Do you trust him?"

"As much as I trust anyone." His wife edged closer and snuggled up to him. "There are always risks. But knowing what I know about him, I think he will hold up his end of the bargain."

"Let's hope so." She heaved a loud sigh. "Our son deserves to have a normal life with his family."

"Speaking of which, he seems to be sleeping soundly. I thought he would be too excited about tomorrow."

"It's grandfather magic."

"I wonder what story he embellished this time."

"Don't begrudge the boy his precious interactions with his grandfather."

"I don't." His wife shot him a disbelieving look. "Really."

"Good."

Husband and wife maintained a measure of silence as they meditated on the rhythms of the other's breathing. Their minds in unspoken harmony of thoughts about their son and what his future held.

It was the husband broke the contemplative mood. With three words that his wife never expected to hear. "I envy him."

Her head jerked back reflexively. Her eyebrows shot up. She shook her ears to dislodge the ear wax.

"It's true. I envy him." He echoed with emphasis. "Really. I envy him."

"Never thought I'd hear you admit it."

"Who knows? Maybe it's all Oh In-joo's nagging. A tiny bit has rubbed off on me."

"I don't nag." She flicked his forehead playfully. "I observe."

An "ouch" fell from his lips and he gifted her with a smile before falling into a more meditative stupor.

"Jin-u knows more about his grandfather more than I know about my father."

"It's not too late."

"I don't know." HIs eyes reddened. He choked back a heap of unwanted emotions. "I don't even know how to have a civilised conversation with the old man."

"You do."

"There's too much resentment and guilt between us."

"Not as much as before. You're living under the same roof. Even having meals together."

"We don't actually exchange words."

"What is that Chinese proverb? The journey of a thousand miles begins… with… er…"

"A single step."

"Exactly."

"Aren't you asking too much?"

"I don't know. These days I feel like I'm living a miracle."

"Trying to turn me into a believer?"

"Me? No. I'm just trying to give my son a life I didn't have growing up."

"Spoken like a real mother."

While the Chois were in various states of slumber in their home, elsewhere others were planning disruption.

"Did you find out where he went?"

"Yeah. It's what you suspected."

"I thought he was being too quiet. What a pity. I really liked him."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Let's go on with our plan."

"Tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow."

"I'm going to miss you, Grandpa."

"Me too. But I'm sure you'll have plenty of stories to tell us when you get home." He gave the boy a hug. "I'm looking forward to that."

"Choi Hee-jae. He's going to be late." The words came off perfunctory rather than irritated. Old habits refused to die without a fight. Hee-jae smiled and patted the boy on the back.

The wife jabbed the husband in the ribs.

"Single step. Remember?"

"You're not trying hard enough."

"I'll be back before you know it, Grandpa."

"Have a good day Kiddo."

With a hint of redness around his eyes, the boy turned to face the exit. "I'm ready."

"You didn't have to drop me off. Father."

"So formal. Of course I had to. It's your first day at school."

"I'll be fine."

"No doubt. But It's a special day. And I wouldn't miss it for anything."

"Adults. You turn everything into something big."

"I am taking pictures with my mind too. When you become a father yourself, you will understand."

"Sure. Whatever you say."

"Have a good day. Don't give the teacher too hard a time."

"Bye Dad. Go before you are late for work. I don't want to be responsible for you getting into trouble."

When Anna Jang got into her mother's room at St Benedictus' Hospital, she noticed the orchids immediately. Not the usual floral fixture. She quizzed the trainee nurse immediately.

"Oh that. That's from a visitor."

"Visitor? My mother doesn't usually have anyone apart from family visiting."

"It was someone from your company. Or a relative of someone who works for your company. She came in the early afternoon. Very kind. Knew exactly what to do."

Anna was genuinely mystified. Who knew that her mother was a patient here? And an employee at Distomos too. Her curiosity got the better of her.

She went to the main reception to ask to see video footage of people going in and out of her mother's room.

"It's very irregular. Miss."

"My family are long time patrons of this facility. And it concerns my mother."

"I can't authorise this."

"I know the director personally."

The woman went directly to the landline and pushed a few buttons. "Miss Jang here says she wants to see some security footage of Room 3456." There was a pause. "I see sir. Yes sir."

"The director will see you in his office. This way please."

Anna Jang paced back and forth. She came to an abrupt halt. She narrowed her eyes as if in deep thought. A moment later she paced back and forth again. Then stopped. She sank into the closest chair.

"Do you know who this woman is?"

There was no answer. She was in a daze. So the director posed the question again. "Miss Jang. What's wrong?'

"I don't know." She stammered. "Maybe nothing."

"Do you know this woman?"

"Yes. I think so." The director saw a slight quiver in her lips as she murmured.

"Who is she?"

"If I'm not mistaken, she's the wife of our company's CEO."

The director heaved a sigh of relief. "It's probably just a courtesy call then. She's trying to impress the shareholders. Score a few points for her husband."

"Maybe." Anna fidgeted in her seat. "Maybe not. They're not that type of people."

The director re-examined the footage at length. Fast forwarding, pausing and zooming in turn. "She spent a lot of time arranging the orchids."

"Orchids are her hobby. She even brought in a variety to decorate the lobby and her husband's office."

The director frowned. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "She spent more time on the orchids than she did with Mrs Jang."

"Let's see that again."

The two of them with uncanny timing peered into the monitor without knocking heads.

Oh In-joo was, as the director noted, oddly fastidious about her floral arrangement. She spent a good 20 minutes shifting the stems and vase around like a disgruntled artist for whom reality and the vision seem irreconcilable.

Half-heartedly, she took a seat next to the patient who was oblivious in her slumber. Oh In-joo appeared to be speaking to the patient for a few minutes. She held the woman's hand for another few before getting up and strolling towards the door.

"I want to take a look at that vase."

"Hi Mother."

"How was your first day of school, Son?"

"Not bad."

"Is that it? Just 'not bad'?"

"It's only the first day. Most of the children were studying something on their own. And we were allowed to choose a research topic for our science project."

"Already?"

"I am eager to start."

"What about your classmates? Do you like them?"

"There was a boy I talked to. He's also interested in cars and space travel."

"That's pretty good for your first day."

"As I said, 'Not Bad'."

"Are you hungry? There's gimbap in the brown cooler bag. Freshly made."

"I am ravenous. If there's one downside to that school, it's the food. Your cooking is so much better."

His mother smiled. The compliment was heartwarming. She took a peek at the rear vision mirror and saw him rummaging the lunch bag. She observed that he had found his prize before giving full attention to the traffic flow. She activated her indicator, veered off to the right and onto the highway.

"This is really tasty Mother. I noticed you changed one of the ingredients."

"Oh yes, that's…"

Before Mother could say what it was she'd added, a truck came tearing down behind them with no thought to the speed limits. It came up close and rammed straight into them. The impact was decisive. Their vehicle spun for several metres and the mother lost control of the wheel. Until it screeched into the left shoulder and into the fence.

It all happened too quickly. Mother found herself in the grip of an airbag. She had no idea how much time had lapsed since she spoke.

"Jin-u. Son. Are you okay?" Her head was throbbing with pain. She lifted her head to look.

No answer. She panicked and pushed herself to turn around. Her headache was worse. "Jin-u."

There was no sign of Jin-u at the back of the vehicle.

He recalled the last time he stumbled into the emergency ward in a similarly frenzied state looking for her. They were in Singapore. He was afraid then and the thought he could lose her at the time caused him to realise a few home truths. But today he was angry. With himself for not taking the proper precautions. With the perpetrator or perpetrators for crossing that unspoken line.

When he found her, she was in the emergency ward raising hell. She was weakened. Her hair dishevelled. Clamouring at the top of her voice to leave to find their son. Wrestling with the staff who were trying to pacify her.

"Ms Oh. You can't be discharged at this moment. You're in no state to be out there. Trust the police. They will find your son."

"In-joo."

She heard her name and stopped. When she saw him, her anxious face twisted into several permutations of distress before her defences broke down. She wailed.

"Do-il. Jin-u. I… I… lost our son. I was careless." He barely made out the words between the sobs. "I lost our son."

"In-joo. It's okay. I've got this. Remember his birthday present? I can find him."

Immediately the sobbing quietened into a whimper "Really?" Her tear-stained face regained some composure.

"I just came to see how you're doing. But I'm on my way to look for him."

In-joo rubbed off her tears quickly. "What are you doing here then? Go."

Do-il fell on his knees. "Are you going to be okay?"

"Don't worry about me." They hugged briefly before she pushed him away. "Just find our son."

"Promise you will stay here until I get back. Don't wander off."

"Promise." She nodded frantically. "Go. Go. And be careful."

It was comical dual act to behold. They took the freight elevator where they hoped to be missed. Where no soul would accidentally come by at this time of night. No deliveries were expected. They waited for the cover of darkness to move the files to their new location.

"Maybe it's best we destroy them."

"Not a chance. This is my life's work."

"But what if…"

"It's the risk I'm willing to take."

"Director Jang. I went along because you assured me that all the resources of Distomos would protect us from any repercussions in the event of…"

"That hasn't changed."

"But if your new CEO…"

"Whatever his title, he's just an employee. I am the owner's family."

For the first time in all their interactions, the humble director of St Benedictus Hospital sensed that there was something vaguely troubling about Director Jang. Something… unhinged even. That glazed look in her eyes made him hesitate. He wondered why he hadn't recognised the signs before as an experienced clinical psychiatrist. Perhaps he was swayed by her confidence and the sales pitch. He had been far too eager to believe that she had something genuinely to offer and was willing to take him along for the ride. Even now there was something hypnotic about her delivery. That was her talent. She could sell the world the moon if her life depended on it.

"Anyway, these files belong to me. It was my idea. My project. My baby."

Something within told him that no amount of persuasion or protest on his part would be of use. It was time to sever ties with her in fact. Sooner or later she would be a liability.

"Fine. Take them. But keep them in a safe place."

"I don't need you to tell me that."

"Good luck. Director Jang. Hope things go the way you want."

"You're talking as if we'll never meet again."

She unlocked her vehicle and climbed into it. She behaved as if she was mildly intoxicated but he knew for a fact she hadn't drunk anything. In the mood that she was in, she wouldn't see reason. She turned on the ignition and stepped on the accelerator.

As Anna Jang was about to activate her front gate remotely, she noticed a man in a bomber jacket who looked his early forties get out of his vehicle. With his hands in his pocket, he strode towards her.

"Ms Anna Jang."

"Who wants to know?" She recognised him from the pictures the private investigator took.

"Lieutenant Shin Seon-jae." He flashed his badge.

"What can I do for you at this time of night where civilised people go home to bed?"

He ignore the jibe. Anna Jang was living up to her notoriety. "I have a search warrant for your house and your vehicle."

"Can this wait, Detective?"

"Unfortunately no. You're a person of interest in a kidnapping. And a suspect in a conspiracy to commit medical fraud."

"It sounds like I need to contact my lawyer."

"Feel free. But meanwhile, I'd love to take a look at the back of your vehicle."

Notes:

Thank you all for your patience and for hanging on in there. Things should start getting better in the next couple of weeks.

Chapter 12: Till Death Do Us Part

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Do-il swung out of his vehicle with grave urgency. The door whammed shut with a bang at the end. He strode then ran to the other vehicle with no thought for the cracking of debris under his sole. Both hands tensed up. He tightened them further into fists. The anger which he pushed to one side during the longish drive resurfaced from the pit of his stomach. That crazy Anna Jang. Was there nothing she wouldn't do? Kidnapping. Then he recalled her rap sheet of dirty deeds over the past decade. Murder was high on that list. His fists clenched ever more tightly. The father in him was raring to do some serious damage.

His eyes bored down on the abandoned vehicle as he made his approach. He took brisk steps and noted that his father had already made his way to the location and surveying the vehicle with the demeanour of someone who had done it all before. He was all geared up for a mission. For the second time in his adult life, Do-il was glad of his father's presence. It's what he'd always wanted. That he was there for him in his greatest hour of need.

"Looks like he went that way on foot." Hee-jae pointed in a northerly direction towards the forest. "I see footprints leading that way. He must have figured out that the boy had a tracking device on him." He waved the birthday watch around before slipping it into an empty pocket in his vest.

"He?"

"See the size of the footprint. Look at the shape. Army boots most likely. And the impression of the print shows that he's carrying a bit weight."

"What the hell is he doing here? Bringing a child to this place?"

"Familiar territory. A good hiding place for a man who knows his way around. Ex-military no doubt."

"Choi Hee-jae. I…"

Hearing his name, Hee-jae cast his eye in the direction of his anxious offspring and scrutinised him from head to foot. "Have you got anything else to wear? You are dressed entirely inappropriately for this outing."

Do-il let loose an expletive, turned and headed back to his vehicle. Focus man. Focus.

"Don't leave without me."

The old man served up a mock salute in assent.

He opened the boot of his vehicle and got to work immediately. He swapped his dress shoes for a pair of well-cushioned trainers. He threw his designer work jacket off. In its place he slipped on an well-worn winter jacket he kept for just-in-case moments like these.

As soon as he was properly attired, he ran up to where his father was. His father's mind was elsewhere. He was using a pair of binoculars to surveil the landscape.

"See anything useful?"

His father whisked out a hand gun from a duffle bag that was lying on the ground.

"If he is what I think he is, we shouldn't go in unarmed."

"Is this a good idea? Jin-u is being held captive."

"I don't think we should go in unprepared."

"Fine. No shooting unless absolutely necessary."

"Have you called the cops?"

Do-il nodded. "I wasn't sure what we were up against."

The father observed the grimace on the son's face. The son noted that his father carried off an air of business-like calm.

"Father. I want to say…"

"There's no need. It's my grandson up there too. The most important thing is that neither of us gets dead. I don't want to be the bearer of bad news to the woman you love."

"Gotcha. Ditto. Old Man."

"Let's go and get my grandson back to where he belongs."

After trampling through muddy terrain for several kilometres they spotted a makeshift tent in a distance. A view through the binoculars confirmed that the small figure inside the tent was indeed Jin-u tied up in a bundle and gagged. Next to him was his captor whose face was partly obscured by the cap he was wearing. He was most definitely armed.

"I'll go round the back." Hee-jae offered. He slapped his son on the back. "Do what you have to and divert the attention of the scumbag."

"Be careful. Dad."

"You too. Son."

As if taking a stroll in the park, Do-il moved at a leisurely pace towards his intended destination. He hollered as he quickened his steps going forward. A startled bird flew off in the opposite direction. No doubt other smaller creatures scampered away from his path.

"Jin-u. Dad's here to take you home. So sit tight."

As he continued on his designated route Do-il occasionally heard the crunch of twigs or the rough grind of pebbles under his steps.

"Jin-u. Are you alright? Everything's going to be okay. Hold on. Your mother and grandfather are waiting at home for you."

He heard the brief movement of rustling leaves. I must be getting closer. That piece of scum must be nearby.

He could sense he was in close proximity when he heard a sharp emotionless voice perforate the landscape and invade his thoughts.

"That's far enough. Mr Choi Do-il."

"Not far enough. Captain Park Jeong-won. You kidnapped my son. And if it weren't for the fact that I prioritise his safety. you'd be dead by now."

"It's nothing personal." The voice of the former captain sounded surprised. "I'm only interested in the chairman's personal slush fund."

"You could've just come to my office and asked politely."

"But there would be no incentive for you to give me what I want."

"Probably not. But you could have come after me and leave my family out of this. At least it would have been a fair fight, Captain Park. Using a child as bait must be very demeaning for an ex special forces soldier. I imagine that is Anna Jang's idea. She has a history of playing dirty. And you have a history of cleaning up after her."

"You're trying to rile me. It won't work.'

"Maybe. But I'm a father and it should at the very least give me the right to insult my son's kidnappers. Surely you won't begrudge me that."

After a couple of turns Do-il saw that he was only metres away face to face with his son's captor.

"Don't come any closer. I will shoot if I have to." Capt. Park was standing at this point.

"Shoot then, Captain Park. As you rightly surmise, I am the only person who knows anything about the chairman's slush fund. If you hurt the boy, you can be sure you'll never get this piece of information out of me."

Right out of the corner of his eye, Do-il observed his father glide through the terrain noiselessly. Hee-jae had advanced to the back of the tent and was making gestures requesting for more time.

"You seem determined to play Russian Roulette with your son's life." Captain Park was brandishing his pistol in the boy's direction.

Do-il raised both hands and took two steps back.

"Let the boy go. I can be your hostage."

"I don't need you as my hostage. I just want the money in the slush fund to go to a designated account."

"All of it?"

"Every single cent."

"Let's do it."

Park Jeong-won reached inside the bottom of the tent. He groped around the darkness before taking out a tablet. He hurled it across to Do-il who caught it with both hands before it could hit the ground.

"You've given this a fair bit of thought. I'll give you that."

"Get to it."

Do-il's deft fingers flew across the screen as he entered the details. He boomeranged the tablet back to its owner.

The owner of the tablet gasped. "$10 000? You must be joking."

"No joke. I don't gamble on the life of my family members."

"Where's the $30 million?"

"Ask Anna Jang."

"Don't mess with me."

"Wouldn't dare. But it's due to her that there's only $10 000 left."

"What does she have to do with this?"

"Most of it was spent on her projects. Or should I say, on compensating her subjects and their family members."

"She told me there should have been at least $30 million left."

"There was about 50 million at one point. But the chairman has spent a fortune cleaning up after her all these years."

"You're lying."

"Why would I? You have a gun pointed at my boy's head." Do-il narrowed his eyes at his opponent. "Besides you know her habits. You helped her kill Kevin after all."

"That was an accident."

"Well, Kevin's not here to confirm that one way or another."

While the two men were engaged in verbal jousting that was becoming more heated, Hee-jae had snuck up to the boy unseen from behind. The boy's eyes grew wide. Hee-jae put his finger to his lips to signal his intentions and slowly set out to untie the lad.

"It wasn't murder. She didn't mean to kill him. She only wanted to scare him. She just wanted him not to report her to the cops."

"I really don't get the two of you."

"There's nothing to get."

"She had you all this time but she had to mess with one guy after another. And then you stupidly stuck by her all this time."

"She's a bit sick in the head. That's all. She's not a bad person."

"At least we agree with the part where she's sick in the head."

As soon as those words left his lips, they heard the sound of pebbles falling across twigs. Capt. Park swung round reflexively. He saw Hee-jae taking off with his booty and automatically pulled the trigger. Do-il reacted with his feet but not quickly enough to prevent the captain from discharging his weapon or causing a change in the bullet's trajectory It hit the back of Hee-jae who had already taken the precaution of shielding the boy and putting his body armour over him. The impact was decisive. Boy and grandfather hurtled straight for the ground.

Do-il got close enough to the otherwise occupied Captain Park and leapt onto him applying all of his body weight. This knocked the gun out of the captain's grasp and rolled down the slope. Do-il heard the boy scream out "Grandpa". His first instinct was to rush to the boy's side. Unfortunately Captain Park recovered almost instantly and threw a timely right hook of his own. Do-il felt the blow to his stomach and slumped onto his back. With no obstacle to hold him back Park turned to exit the scene. His goal was clear. The boy. And there was now no one in his way. Do-il released a groan and dragged his fractured bones forward commando style.

Torn between staying and running, Jin-u espied the captain lurching towards him. He dug around in his shoe for his pocket knife and flicked it open. As Captain Park swiped for him, Jin-u ducked down and stabbed the man's leg with all his might. The pain was enough to stop Park in his tracks though not enough to stop him from grabbing the boy with one hand. Inches off the ground Jin-u still clutching onto his pocket knife was flailing around and managed to take another stab at his captor's legs. Reacting to the sting of the cut, Park dropped the boy.

In the background the continuous blaring of sirens got louder and louder. A wounded Do-il snickered. The cavalry seemed to be taking its own sweet time. Help never seemed to be on time.

Fortunately for them Jin-u had bought his father enough time to recoup. Seeing the state of things, Do-il scrambled onto his feet and rushed headlong like a bull into Park who was bent over at that moment. Entangled, the two men tussled and exchanged a series of blows which left them gasping for breath. A bedraggled Do-il shouted for Jin-u to make a run for it.

"But Grandpa's bleeding. I can't leave him."

"He'll be fine. Just go. Run. Hide."

"But…"

"For God's sake, Choi Jin-u. Do what you're told." The burst of anger belied a desperate plea. "I am your father."

Scolded into action, the boy rose to his feet. Tears streamed down his mud-stained face. As he turned to run, an exhausted but resolute Park Jeong-won staggered towards him in a last ditch effort to reclaim his hostage. In his desperation Do-il remembered the gun tucked away in his jacket. He drew it out and aimed for the captain's legs. The first shot hit the back of his right leg. The second hit him in the left leg. The third went directly into his rear end. At that point Goliath was brought down.

With the greatest difficulty Do-il got up. He limped over to his target and fell atop him.

"Leave my family alone." He dealt a blow on the jaw. Another. Then another. In frenzied succession he hit Park Jeong-won several times.

"Dad." The boy who had been watching whimpered. "Your hand is bleeding."

Jin-u's father heard the words but they did not land. His fury-filled emotions were in overdrive. His fist seemed to have gone into autopilot. What finally stopped him was the crack of gun fire mere metres away.

"Choi Do-il. We'll take it from here. Let it go. Or I might have to charge you for murder."

Do-il flopped to the ground next to the unconscious captain. "The police. Always late to the party."

Detective Shin and a coterie of his colleagues had descended on the landscape. He slipped his weapon back into his holster. "At least we got here to stop you from doing something you might regret."

"Dad." The boy was shaking. He was pointing at Hee-jae's seemingly lifeless body. "Grandpa is bleeding too much."

Spent as he was, Do-il raised his head high enough to gape numbly at the figure of Choi Hee-jae lying in an unhealthy pool of blood.

In the emergency ward where his injuries were being tended to Do-il wondered about many things. The hustle and bustle faded into the background. Foremost in his mind was his father. He wondered if his father was alright. As he wondered, the curtain drew open to reveal a young resident with paperwork in hand.

"Are you the guardian of Mr Choi Hee-jae?"

"Yes, I'm his son. How is he?"

"We've removed the bullet but he's lost a lot of blood. Our stocks of AB positive are low at present."

Without batting an eyelash he offered. "I too am AB positive."

"We'll get you tested to be sure. Normally we wouldn't…"

"It's fine. Take what you need."

It was a small price to pay. The boy was safe. That was all that mattered.

Many hours later when Do-il opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was his son and wife. In that order. She had been gently mopping his forehead and cheeks with a damp towel.

"Dad. You're awake." The boy was visibly relieved. "You slept so much. Mother was worried."

"We were all worried."

Do-il closed his eyes and grinned. "I am such a lucky guy to have a beautiful woman and a smart kid worrying about me. I should get into fistfights more often."

His wife slapped him lightly on his shoulder. He winced. "Hey."

"Behave."

"How's your grandfather?"

"He's recovering in that bed over there."

"I gave him my blood and now I have to share a room with him? Where's the justice in that?"

"Stop fussing."

"Dad. You were amazing. The way you took that captain down. Mother, you should have seen him."

"I have. A long time ago. I'm just glad he's not dead."

"Such a wet blanket."

"I don't relish being a widow so soon."

"Is Choi Hee-jae going to be okay?" Do-il raised himself to look.

"Yes. The doctor said so. Now get back down on that bed."

"Yes Ma'am."

"Dad. I was really scared. I thought Grandpa was going to die."

"I know."

"Would have been my fault if he did."

Do-il patted the space beside him. The boy climbed up and snuggled up next to his father.

"Let you on a secret. Kiddo. I was scared too."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I was scared that something bad would happen to you."

"I was sure you would find me."

"The most important thing to us, Grandpa and I, is your safety. We will do anything to keep you safe. That's our responsibility. As your elders. Our job is to protect you. You have a long life ahead of you. We don't want you to miss out."

"Because we're family?"

"Because we're family."

"I wanted to give you a bit of time before I gave you the third degree."

"You're being very considerate Detective Shin."

"You look better now than what you did even a few days ago. You're being well looked after that's for sure."

"No arguments from me on that front. So what's the state of things? Is Park Jeong-won well enough to do any talking?"

"He's unsurprisingly reticent."

"He's loyal to a fault. But he did confess to me that they were both was involved in Kevin Jang's death."

"What's his relationship to Anna Jang?"

"A distant cousin on her mother's side from what I've heard. An errand dog who wags and bites at her command."

"How did you know about him?"

"I didn't think she could handle Kevin's body by herself. She had to have help. Besides Kevin's wife happened to mention him once. She heard about him through Kevin.

"The late Kevin Jang never told his family about his secret marriage?"

"I think he knew it wouldn't be well-received. It was the one thing in his life he wanted to choose for himself. He was the good son and was happy to go along with whatever plans his father had for him. Except on this matter."

"What a messed up bunch."

"Every family has its own problems. Money can't fix these kinds of things. Wasn't it the Russian author Tolstoy who said, 'All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.'"

Detective Shin didn't reply. He cast a penetrating gaze at Do-il instead. He gradually shifted his line of sight to the window. And placed his focus there. It would be minutes before any words came out of his mouth again.

"I should also let you know that we have Director Jang in custody. She's lawyered up but there's surprisingly a lack of interest from the chairman. I wonder what his intentions are."

"You should do whatever the law allows you to do. Throw the whole book at her if you have to."

"You're very confident about this."

"The chairman gave me carte blanche more or less."

The detective sighed. "Hurray for the wealthy. They are adept at getting others to do their dirty laundry for them."

"Our interests happen to align."

"So this was payback."

"Why not? Besides, I did you a favour too."

"Hope I never cross you CEO Choi. You are a dangerous man."

"Aren't we all when it comes down to it? When we're pushed too far."

"And a part-time philosopher too it seems."

"Close encounters with death does that to you."

In a conciliatory gesture the detective held out his hand. Do-il grasped it. Both men shook hands and laughed.

She sauntered into the interrogation room. It wasn't her first time in one. The last time she was on the other side of the table. This time she was a mere visitor. She was dolled up for the occasion. For effect. A new two-piece suit. Complete with high heels. The idea was irresistible. Make an impression. Rub salt vigorously on a festering wound. The high and mighty Anna Jang in cuffs. That was a sight to behold. A sight she would have paid good money to have front row seats to. As it was, the view was free.

The suspect sat down. She frowned. Her hair uncombed. Her makeup faded. She was an unkempt husk of her model self. The confident shrewd operator had all but disappeared completely.

"I thought I asked for Choi Do-il. What are you doing here?" It wasn't her usual drawl that In-joo heard but a growl.

"I'm here in his place. He's still recovering in hospital. No thanks to you."

"I don't want to talk to you."

"But I want to talk to you." In-joo leaned forward. "I have a lot to say."

"Not interested."

"But I insist."

"Why?"

"You went after my child."

Anna Jang went quiet. Her entire body tensed up. After some time her hands relaxed.

"I was desperate." The shamefaced expression was accompanied by a mutter.

"How desperate can you be? A chaebol daughter holding a prominent position in the family business."

"You have no idea what it's like. All that money and it's out of my reach. I had plans and I was prevented by short-sighted, last century thinking."

Anna fidgeted in her seat. She fiddled with her nails. In frustration she scratched her head.

"Does murder and kidnapping feature in your plans with regularity?"

"I haven't murdered anyone."

"Your own brother. What about him?"

"It was an accident. I just wanted to threaten him. Just for him to leave me alone. I didn't think the drugs…"

Then she stopped talking. Abruptly. As if something suddenly occurred to her. She glared at In-joo suspiciously. "You're trying to trick me. Get me to give myself away." The dullness in her eyes lit up. "Helping the police get a confession." She scanned the room like a cat on the hunt.

"As you can see the cameras are not on." In-joo pointed. "I'm not here to do the police's job for them."

"Then?"

"I have a score to settle with you."

"It's was never anything personal. Ms Oh In-joo."

"Oh yeah? You almost ruined my life. It feels very personal."

"Ms Oh. I don't know what you're talking about." She looked genuinely baffled.

"Don't you?"

"I'm not interested in this game you're playing, Ms Oh. It's not fun at all."

"No. I suppose not. You're much happier playing games with other people's lives. A boy spent the first 7 years of his life without his father."

There was a glint in Anna's eyes. A split second of mischief peeped through of them.

"Oh that. Yes. It was my idea. But Go Soo-im took it and ran with it. I think she wanted to kill you many times but for some reason you always managed to get away in time. Anyway I persuaded her that it was better this way. The torture of being separated would make for a sweeter revenge. Who knew? That Choi Do-il would be so devoted despite his checkered past. The boy too. I didn't factor that."

In-joo's eyes turned red but she fought back the tears with every tissue of her being. Her hands clawed the table. Then she let them slip and fall beside her. A swell of nausea surged then ebbed. She fingered the diamond on her ring before launching into her speech delivered with an eerie calm.

"You know I thought of many ways to pay you back. Hit you. Kick you. Spit on you. Even kill you. But none of those things will ever bring back all those lost years. More importantly none of that is me. I have many shortcomings. I know I'm not a very clever woman like you. But I like my life the way it is now. I am thankful for my second chance. For the life that I now have."

In-joo drew her hand out from under the table and waved it under Anna's nose.

"See this ring? Like you said, I am married to a man who loves me and we have a son together. It's more than what I deserve. So I don't want to lose all that again for a criminal like you. So I've come to this conclusion: You're not worth it. I don't want to spend a single moment obsessing over what you did to me. To us.

"I realised that the best kind of revenge is to live a happy life surrounded by the people I love. My family and friends, who have always been with me, are all I need. Life is too short to do anything else. There will be ups and downs. But we will weather the . This is the best kind of pay back for a woman who tried to take all that from me. I am going to live well while you spend the best part of your life behind bars. From this day you are irrelevant to my life and my future.

"This is the last time we talk. Hopefully this is the last time we meet face to face. Ms Anna Jang. I hope you understand if I don't wish you the best."

In-joo stood up. She didn't wait for a response. She pushed out her chair, turned around and sashayed straight out the room with no urge to linger or look back.

She breathed normally again when she was back at the hospital sitting next to her husband in his hospital bed. She leaned against his shoulder and watched him peel her a mandarin.

"Was it hard?"

"A bit. At first. Then the words just came. Still don't know how I did it."

"You really didn't have to put yourself out for that person."

"No. I think I had to. But not for her. It's my penance. I owe it to you and Jin-u."

Her husband handed her a cluster of mandarin segments and sighed. "Are you never…"

"No. I'm never going to erase it completely from my mind. And that's okay with me. It's my scar. It will remind me of what I did. But… it will also remind me of what I have right now."

"What do you have right now?" He wiped his hands before stretching his arm out around her.

"The kind of life I've always wanted. To be with people who care about me. A supportive family that I can rely on in every season. A situation I should never take for granted. But also to be someone others can depend on — a shelter in a storm."

Her husband leaned over and buried his face in her hair. Whiffs from lavender and grapefruit shrouding every strand sent him into a contemplative silence. His lips brushed lightly against the strands and emerged from his trance with the fewest of words.

"Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto."

He blinked. His eyes opened briefly and then shut. They opened again. This time for much longer. A steady stream of sights and sounds passed through his eyes and ears. Hospital. The smell wafting past confirmed it. He had no notion of how long he'd been lying in the hospital bed when he regained consciousness. Still he felt the warmth of something damp caressing his arm. To his surprise he saw the blurry figure of his son bending over and tending to him.

"It's about time. Choi Hee-jae. That nap of yours seemed to go on forever. The ladies were getting worried."

Hee-jae coughed. "I was shot. Rascal. That sort of thing tends to knock the wind out of a man's sails."

"It's obvious that you're getting old." Is he making fun of me?

"How long was I out for?"

"9 days."

"Really? I must be getting old."

His son nodded. "You lost a lot of blood. But the docs here patched you up nicely. You were in and out of sleep towards the last couple of days."

Hee-jae eyeballed his errant offspring for a minute or two. "What are you doing?"

"What does it look like I'm doing?" His son was mopping his brow and the rest of his face.

"This is not like you."

"Well, I'm officially designated your guardian so there's no one else. Besides, you don't want to expose yourself to the women. Or put the fear of God in them."

The befuddled expression softened into stifled amusement. Hee-jae wisely maintained his silence while he watched his son play nurse.

"It was a close call. I am grateful. Father." The ring of sincerity caught Hee-jae's attention.

"All this courtesy is scaring me. Punk."

"I'm serious."

"I know you are. Which is why I'm wondering what happened to the rage-filled Choi Do-il who despises his father."

"I don't despise you."

Hee-jae fired his son a sceptical scowl.

"I might have been slightly annoyed in the past. But not anymore." The earnestness was refreshing but jarring.

Hee-jae's scowl broke into a grin. He kept his thoughts to himself. Being the patient he was content to watch as his son worked the towel, dipping it in and out of the basin.

"Your scars. I saw them."

"I guess you would. Didn't scare you, did it?"

"I'm your son. Remember? Not your grandson." Do-il averted his eyes. "I didn't know. To be honest. I didn't want to know."

"It's nothing to brag about. All part of the job. I did what I had to. Rightly or wrongly. I was glad that I made it back. Not everybody did."

"I should have asked you a long time ago."

"It's okay. You weren't wrong about me though. You were right to be angry."

"Not for this long. I missed out on so much. Jin-u showed me that."

"Yeah. He's a good kid. A blessing. He's been my second chance."

"Mine too."

The boy at the centre of that conversation bounced into the room the next morning. Bright-eyed. Enthusiastic. Eager to talk. And jubilant.

"Grandpa. You're awake." The boy climbed onto the bed beside his grandfather. "The colour has returned to your cheeks."

"Are you supposed to be saying stuff like this? It's the sort of thing adults say."

The boy threw himself around his grandfather. "Grandpa. I'm so glad you're alive. I was so scared."

"What about you, Kiddo? Are you okay?"

"Nothing much. A few cuts and bruises. See this bruise here, Grandpa. It's changed colour."

"Jin-u. Your grandfather's just woken up. You shouldn't wear him out first thing in the morning."

"It's fine. I'm happy to see him. Thanks for bringing him around before school."

"Grandpa. Grandpa. You should see what I built in school."

"You've made something already."

"Yeah. Yeah. Mother. Show him the pictures."

"Where are your manners? Say 'please'."

"Please."

Hee-jae reached for his glasses as the phone was handed to him.

"It's a rocket."

"Uh huh. When you're better, I want you to come and see it. My teacher said that it's good enough to enter the national science competition."

"That's amazing. You must have put a lot of effort into it." The grandfather patted the boy on the head. "I suppose you're enjoying school."

"I am." The boy nodded. "I have something to tell you." He proceeded to whisper conspiratorially.

Then he cleared his throat. In a loud voice he declared to his mother. "I need to have a man talk with Grandpa."

"What conversation are you going to have that I can't be a part of?"

"Please Mother. I need to talk to Grandpa alone."

His mother pretended to look offended. "Fine. Fine. I know when I'm not wanted. But don't take too long. You're supposed to be in school in an hour's time."

Grandfather and grandson watched her strut out the door and close it behind her before either of them said another word.

"So what is this big secret that you can't let your mother know about?"

"There's this girl in my class. I need some advice on what I should do."

"Hoho. It didn't take you too long."

"I haven't decided if I like her."

"Then?"

"She follows me around and she's been giving me these cookies she made herself. Or so she says."

"Are the cookies good?"

"They are delicious."

"Does she annoy you? All that following around?"

The boy spent a few moments deep in thought. "No. I rather like it. Does that mean anything? Does it mean I like her?"

"Maybe. But why aren't you asking your father or mother about this?"

"What kind of man do you think I am? I can't do that."

"Why not?"

"It's embarrassing."

"But you're telling me."

"That's different."

"How?"

"You're my grandfather."

Notes:

Very close to the end now. Action sequences aren't my strongest suit so I'm begging everyone's pardon.
There are few loose ends that need tying up so I'll be needing at least another chapter to do all of that. Appreciate all the love and interest.

Chapter 13: Shelter from the Storm

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

It was a moment that Do-il had looked forward to. It was the moment that signalled the beginning of the end of his association with them. The Distomos family. A wretched privileged lot that he was eager to see the back of.

"Are you sure you won't stay?"

"It's kind of you, Mr Chairman. But no." The smile on his face was a grim one. It did not reach his eyes. "But thank you for taking care of my family all these years in my absence. I appreciate it."

The chairman was stunned into silence. He understood the implications of the utterances though not the intent. The calm in the delivery unsettled him.

Their eyes immediately made contact. Wariness. Suspicion. Calculated reticence. Each waited for the other to make the next move. To speak. Or not to. If not, what next? The silence was pregnant with possibilities. Only some soft breathing could be heard. In the end it was the chairman who put an end to the silence.

"How long have you known?"

"In the scheme of things… not long. But long enough."

"You seem very relaxed about it."

"You're implying that I should be otherwise."

"A lesser man might be."

"I am just an ordinary man, Mr Chairman. 7 years separated from the woman I love and the son I didn't know existed. Of course I'd be lying if I said I'm not angry."

"Then?"

"I'm a patient man. Mr Chairman. I learnt while I was working for Wonryeong and for Park Jae-sang that Rome wasn't built in a day."

"How did you find out?"

"I was wondering when you'd get to that." The smile that had masked his inner thoughts went AWOL. The face became a canvas of inscrutability. "It was Jin-u. My boy."

"He did? How?"

"That day when you collapsed. Sir." All the intensity of the words could be felt through Do-il's eyes. There was a tinge of sarcasm in the 'sir'. "He went to the hospital with me. He recognised Secretary Kang Jin-hee. He couldn't place him at first but after thinking through it further, we put two and two together. Of course I've had my suspicion before that but talking to him confirmed things for me."

"Ah. I see." The chairman paused and let the newly acquired information sink in. In his mind he explored the implications. "What did he see exactly?"

"He saw Secretary Kang on several occasions at various locations where they were hiding. My wife thought he might be associated with the people who were threatening her so every time she saw him, she took off."

"It wasn't our intention to frighten her."

"I know. You were really trying to protect them."

"But…"

"You knew the whole time. You knew where they were. But you never once thought to tell me."

"I'm sorry. But I needed you. If you knew Anna had been up to…"

"My son needed me too. My son grew up without his father for those early years." It was the first time the chairman ever heard Choi Do-il raise his voice in front of him.

"I am sorry. Truly. I make no excuse for myself except for this. But I am father who lost his son."

"Yes. You are. And because you are a grieving father that I let you off lightly. But you took advantage of a powerless father."

The chairman sighed and closed his eyes. "I dreaded this day for a long time. But I knew it had to come. Having you by my side was a double edged sword. Still it was a cost I was willing to pay."

"I know it's also why you let the police take your daughter. Why I had to be the one to lead them to her."

"That's why I chose you. Choi Do-il. I knew you'd understand."

"The company was the only thing left you had to protect."

"The day that Kevin died. A part of me died with him."

Do-il nodded. "Kevin was the reason I agreed to work at Distomos. To find out the truth."

"Why did you care so much?"

"I don't know. In my better moments I tell myself that it's because he's the closest thing I've had to a friend. He would have done the same for me. The truth is I was curious. I really wanted to know how he died. Why he died. I had an inkling or two six months in the company. So don't think too highly of me. Like most people I don't have high-minded ideals about justice. Unless I'm personally affected."

"What now, Choi Do-il? What do I owe you? What is my penance?"

"I won't give you the satisfaction. Besides I'm not religious. Forgiveness isn't my thing. You can't give me back those lost years. Not even $50 million can make up for it."

"The remaining slush fund. That's fine. Take it. As far as I'm concerned you've earned every cent."

"For a guy who once thought money was sacred above all else, it should be strange that I don't feel remotely tempted. I don't know what's wrong with me these days. Money seems so uninteresting. But you won't get to play with it either."

"What are you talking about?"

"You're very lucky Mr Chairman. Kevin was a better son than you know. And now that I am a father myself I've come to realise what kind of legacy I want to leave behind."

"You're back."

He slumped onto one of the dining room chairs and loosened his tie. "I am. Thank God. What's for dinner? I'm starving."

"All your favourites. Side dishes from your mother. How was it?"

"Said good-bye to the chairman and told him to get stuffed. Politely, of course. He has a bad heart. And I don't want to be the one to deal the death blow."

"Did you tell him about Sam?"

"I gave him a hint."

"Yeobo!" His wife glared at him horrified.

"Why? Feeling sorry for him? Don't."

"He's an elderly man. He may not have that many years left. He should know he has a grandson."

"He will figure it out sooner or later. He's an intelligent man. If he doesn't, it's his own fault."

"Choi Do-il. How can you be so... so callous?"

"Me? Callous? Have you forgotten what that family did to us?"

"No. I haven't. But."

"Don't expect me to let them off the hook so easily."

"Of course not. But the truth is. That family can't be blamed entirely for me running away either."

"Oh In-joo. Must we…"

"Hear me out. I was the one who ran. It was my choice."

"But you were…"

"It's no excuse. You were right. I didn't trust you enough. I simply didn't. If I had, that family couldn't have manipulated or used us. That's the truth I couldn't face until recently."

"In-joo. You don't need to do this to yourself."

"But that's my point."

"What point?"

"I made mistakes too. Big ones. I could have picked up the phone. Even sent a letter. But I didn't. Because I was afraid. Because I didn't believe in you. In us. They played divide and conquer. For a while they were winning. Because I let them. Because I didn't trust you."

Do-il open his mouth to reply. With surprising speed she put her hand over it to stop him.

"I'm past making excuses for myself. I was wrong. Saying that out loud is freedom. And you're right. We are stronger together."

"You don't have to forgive these people."

"Maybe. But I am a person who has been forgiven. It almost feels like I'm obligated to forgive that family. Somehow I can't be too angry with them because I acted selfishly too."

She sat in the chair next to him and looked him in the eye. In earnest.

"You've given this a lot of thought. Oh In-joo."

"Every day since you asked me to sign that piece of paper."

"It seems like it's become a burden. Which was never my intention."

"No. Responsibility. I am partly responsible for this family. To protect this family to the best of my ability. To protect what happiness we have."

"No one expects that of you." He squeezed her hand.

"I know. But I can do what I can to help things along. That's what family's about. It isn't up to one person to make it all work."

At that moment their offspring chose to insert himself into the dialogue and betweenn them.

"Mother. What are you and dad talking about? You look so serious. Is everything okay?"

"Sorry. Daughter-in-law. I tried to tell him that he shouldn't interrupt but he was so worried."

Do-il lifted the boy and sat him on his lap. "We're fine. Kiddo. Better than fine. Ooof. You're getting heavy."

"Your father and I are talking about the future."

"Are we going to Greece, Dad?"

"Possibly. If your mother agrees. Are you still keen?"

"Let's talk about this later. The food's getting cold."

"Oh yes. Back to dinner. I almost forgot that I was starving."

The boy insisted and neither of the adult males in his life could think of a reason not to. So it was off to the jjimjilbang for all three. It was for the boy's sake. That became their rationale. Hee-jae scanned the locker room with a growing sense of unease. And he was attacked by pangs of regret. How he let himself get talked into this was foremost in his thoughts. It felt like all the eyes in that room were on them questioning their existence. He was an intruder in someone else's backyard directionless and confused.

"This is awesome. All three of us together in a steam house."

"That bucket list of yours is very long, Kiddo."

"I was a bit envious when one of my classmates said that he comes here every week. He brags about it all the time especially when he heard that I've never been to one."

"I think he's jealous that you're smarter than he is."

"I am smarter. But he's lucky to have grown up with his father."

Both father and grandfather leapt to their feet and came to attention. The despondent mutter at the end of statement hit them both at all the sore spots. Any reservations both were experiencing were immediately dismissed by spasms regret and obligation.

"Your grandfather and I will take turns to give you a scrub."

The boy's eyes lit up. "Great idea." He skipped around before sitting down on his stool.

"Do-il. While you're doing that, I'll scrub your back."

"No problems." Hee-jae was temporarily dumbstruck when his son turned around and winked at him. He reacted with a head scratch. He spent most of his time wondering if he had been imagining things.

Elsewhere at home In-joo and So-young were properly gloved up and plunging their hands into the two large tubs of kimchi they were preparing. One with cabbage, shallots and chives. The other was cubed daikon. On the bench top was a tray of chestnut jelly cooling down next to a boxful of freshly seasoned perilla wraps.

"So when's your sister having her baby?"

"In about a fortnight. All being well."

"Not expecting any problems?"

"There shouldn't be. She was practically glowing when I saw her yesterday. I think she's a bit grumpy about how she's stuck at home in this hot weather. Although she was grumbling, I think she's happy to be waited on hand and foot. Not just by her husband but by my mother too."

"Your mother's very blessed to have three daughters."

"I used to wonder about that all the time. Did she really think we were a blessing? Or did she see us as a burden? But I think she's changed a lot since my father died. Not having to worry about debtors all the time has been good for her."

"I wish I had more children. Still considering what I put our family through maybe it's for the best. But it's nice. Coming here. All of us enjoying meals and conversation together. It's something I never dreamed of."

"I'm sorry. Mother-in-law. I've wanted to say this for a long time. I made you and Do-il sad."

"There's no need to feel guilty. I was angry for him but seeing him like this with his own family now, I suppose I've come to realise that happiness doesn't come easily for anyone. But when it does it should be held on to with both hands for as long as it lasts. It would be hypocritical for me to be angry with you especially when I left my son motherless for so long. Your father-in-law and I made many mistakes too. There's much we regret. But the boy. Jin-u. He is a gift. Whether he knows it or not. Whether he is doing it deliberately. He has brought us all together so that all our regrets can be washed away."

"I am thankful that you think this way. Rest assured, I don't take it for granted."

So-young smiled. Tears began welling up in her eyes which she quickly rubbed away with her arm. She patted In-joo on the hand and got up. She ripped her gloves off and threw them into a bin nearby.

"I should put the chestnut jelly into the fridge. Seems cool enough."

"It's okay. I can do that." In-joo reacted instantly and stood up. At that moment the entire room seemed to be spinning all around her. She took several deep breaths while trying to regain her balance.

"What's the matter? Are you alright?" So-young rushed to her side and In-joo clutched onto her instinctively.

"Probably got up too quickly. I feel a bit dizzy."

"Why don't we take a break? Let's go to the sitting room and put up our feet for a bit. I'll make us some tea."

In-joo slowly removed her gloves and allowed herself to be ushered onto the sofa in the next room. She released a sigh as she watched So-young scuttle off with another kind of smile into the kitchen.

"Oh In-joo. Are you okay?"

She opened her eyes and saw her husband and child staring down shooting her concerned looks.

She yawned. She experienced a strong reluctance to sit up. "Was I sleeping?"

"Yeah. Grandma said that you fell asleep before she could bring you tea."

An awful realisation gradually dawned on her. "Dinner."

"Relax. Mum's got it." Her husband held her back as she struggled to put her legs together.

In-joo's mouth fell open and she put her hand over it in horror. "How can I let her…"

"It's fine. It's all done. It's almost 7 anyway."

"Did I sleep for almost 4 hours?" Her shame increased tenfold.

"Sounds like you needed it." Her husband leaned up close and lowered his voice. "Don't worry about Mum. I think she really enjoyed it. She seems very happy."

"It's so embarrassing."

"I think you're stressed and worn out from everything. I don't think you've been sleeping too well either. But she insists that I should take you to the doctor's tomorrow."

"I feel fine. Now."

"But if I don't take you to the doctor's tomorrow, I won't hear the end of it. She will nag at me until I give in."

"Is my son talking behind my back?"

"Mother-in-law. I'm so sorry. Leaving you to do everything by yourself."

"No need to stand on ceremony. We're family."

Do-il nudged In-joo with a touch of the elbow. This made her jump. He threw her a see-I-told-you look.

So-young's affable expression changed into one of horror. "What are you doing? Son." She almost bit his nose off.

"What?" He was taken aback by her response.

"You can't treat your wife so carelessly. Be gentle with her."

"I am always gentle with her."

"I just saw you jab her in the waist."

"I'm fine. Mother. Really. He didn't hurt me."

So-young fired off a scowl in Do-il's direction. "You need to take better care of your wife. Choi Do-il. Don't be so careless."

"You don't have to tell me twice."

So-young looked like she was about to say something more but refrained. "Anyway, it's time for dinner."

As his mother made her way to the dining room, Do-il turned to his father in a spirit of inquiry and was met with a baffled shrug. The mind of Ahn So-young was an unfathomable repository of which they had no access to at that point.

"Thanks for inviting us over. Dinner was lovely as usual. Sam really likes being with Jin-u. They have a lot in common. And Sam doesn't have a lot of friends."

"Have you found him a school yet?"

"I've put him in an international school. It suits him. And it gives me time to think about what I should do next while I'm in Seoul."

"There's a reason why we asked you over."

"We think that this choice should ultimately be made by you."

"Sam's grandfather. Do you want him to know about you and Sam?"

Ms Lee Bo-ra didn't have a ready answer for them. She fell into a meditative pose.

"You were right not to say anything while Anna Jang was in the picture. But seeing that she's currently awaiting trial…"

"That I might want to approach the chairman?"

"Something like that."

"Why?"

"He's not very well at the moment."

"Of course if you don't want to have anything to do with him, that's okay too. But if you want to, we can help."

Bo-ra got up from her seat and walked to the window. She kept her gaze on the boys who were outside. Jin-u was showing Sam his new bow and arrow set that his grandfather had given him.

"You know, the last time after we were here, Sam was telling me about all the things Jin-u was learning from his grandfather — self-defence, fishing and physical training. It was the first time I'd ever heard him talk this much. And with so much… I don't know… excitement maybe? He reads a lot on his own. More than most kids his age. He's a good kid. Doesn't complain much. But all this guy stuff. I think he misses it."

"You're both welcome to visit at any time."

"Frankly, I don't want him to have anything to do with that family or the company. But the thought that of him growing up not knowing about his father's parents… doesn't sit right either."

"I know exactly how you feel." In-joo had made her way beside Bo-ra and slipped an arm over her shoulder.

"I'm not afraid of losing him. It isn't that. But his father wanted him to be free to choose his own path because he couldn't. I'm just afraid that…"

"I can help. Ms Lee Bo-ra."

"I'm sorry to drag you into all this. I tried my hardest no to. But Kevin said that you were the most reliable person."

"I'm sure he said that just to soften me up for the kill."

"He left you a letter."

"Do I want to read it?"

"It's up to you."

"It's not going to make me cry, is it?"

"Why are we here again?"

"If I don't bring you here, my mother will nag me to death."

"You can be such a wuss."

"There's no harm in having a check-up. You've been a bit pale and under the weather lately."

"It's just fatigue."

"Just go through the motions. Get the receipts. Then we can inform Mother with confidence that there's absolutely nothing wrong with you."

"Shhhh…"

The doctor had walked back in. She sat down and turned to face the couple.

"The results are in. It is just as I suspected. Congratulations. You're expecting a baby. 6 weeks pregnant."

"I'm pregnant?"

"You're pregnant?" The husband gasped before his surprise turned to elation. "She's pregnant."

"You both look surprised. Not an unpleasant one I hope."

"We are surprised."

"But happy."

"Very happy. I'm ecstatic."

"Well, Ms Oh's husband. From here on end you'll have to take very good care of your wife."

"Trust me Doctor. I'm never letting her out of my sight. Not for a single moment."

Epilogue

A year later…

"Put that tablet down, Kiddo." They were by the water basking in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun.

"Stop calling me that. Oh In-joo. I'm now an older brother to someone."

"Yes. Yes. Choi Jin-u. You're all grown up. But I thought you were looking after your baby brother."

"I can multitask, you know."

"Are you chatting to your Korean girlfriend?"

"She has a name. Han-na. How many times do I have to tell you this? I knew I shouldn't have told you about her."

"Does she know you have a Greek girlfriend?"

"Mother. She's not my Greek girlfriend. How many times do I have to tell you that? We are collaborators. We're doing research together."

"Whatever. If you're not going to take care of your brother, pass him over to me."

"Fine. I'll just turn off the tablet."

"You're at the beach. It's a beautiful day. Why are you wasting time messing around online?"

"Well, Dad is on the phone."

"That's different. It's business. Anyway your father has a good reason to be on his phone. You don't."

Jin-u took to muttering under his breath. "Adults. Bullies. Tyrants that abuse their power over minors."

At this point Dad returned to hear the back end of the disputation.

"Why are you two bickering on such a beautiful sunny day? It feels like the ushering in of bad luck."

"Your son is being difficult."

"He's my son now?" Her husband broke into a grin. "He must have committed some grave sin."

"He's not looking after his brother properly. He's too preoccupied with that tablet. That's why I didn't want him to bring it."

"I'm watching him carefully. He's happy enough lying in his pram staring at the sky. He's fine. You're worrying for no reason."

Jin-u's mother glowered. She fired a warning shot which the 8 year old lad recognised as a danger signal.

"It feels like I just walked into a war zone." The father plucked the sun block from his wife and began rubbing her back.

"Who were you talking to?"

"Ms Lee Bo-ra. She wanted some investment advice. Even offered a commission."

"Did you take it?"

"She insisted although I told her that we don't really need the money."

"Children are expensive. Especially geniuses who want to build rockets and all kinds of crazy flying machines. She has an entire $50 million to play with and I'm sure she doesn't mind throwing some our way."

"Ms Lee? Sam's mother?"

"Yup."

"How's Sam?"

"He is great. Enjoying school. Doing well. His mother said he sent you an email."

"Dad. Can I look? Please. Please."

"Push your brother over here first."

Jin-u obediently dragged the pram over to where his father was before whipping out the offending device.

His father reached down and scooped up the baby. Cradling the baby, Dad paced back and forth. He began humming a well-known children's song.

"You could have left him in the pram and pushed it around."

"Child-rearing isn't about convenience or efficiency."

"Oh really. Since when did you become an expert?"

"I'm a father. What other qualification do I need?"

His wife hid a smile behind the fashion magazine that was more a prop than reading material. It wouldn't have mattered what she said, the second time father was completely fixated with the newborn in his arm.

"Dad. Dad. Sam wants to visit us during his holidays. Can he?"

"As long as his mother says it's okay."

"He sent me a photo of him and his grandfather. They went fishing together. He said he got that idea from me."

His mother peered over her magazine. "Does he spend a lot of time with his grandfather?"

"At least once a month. Sometimes more often. His grandfather has retired now. Uncle Jason is now running the company. Sam says he visits his grandmother at the hospital regularly too. She's started to say a few words."

"Is he well?"

"He sounds… happy… I think."

"That's good." His mother retired behind her reading material after making all the appropriate noises. His father was busy with the baby rocking him to sleep.

"Dad. Can I go over and see how Grandpa and Grandma are doing?" The boy was looking through a pair of binoculars now that he was done with the email.

"Are you sure you won't be interrupting anything?"

"They're just staring at the sea."

"Fine."

"Mind your manners. Kiddo."

"Sure. Sure. Oh In-joo."

She threatened to throw the magazine at him while he stuck his tongue out. Seeing that he had perhaps pushed his luck too far quickly made his getaway.

"That boy will be the death of me. No respect for his elders."

"You said so yourself. He's my son."

"Fed the baby?"

"Yeah." She yawned with her reply.

"Good. It gives us some couple time." Her husband rolled over on the bed and snuggled up to her.

"Not a chance. I'll probably have to give him another feed in a couple of hours."

"That's two hours. It's plenty of time."

"I'm exhausted." She yawned again as if to strengthen her claim.

Her husband pouted.

"I need the sleep. Don't disturb me."

"A rare moment to ourselves and all the lady wants to do is sleep."

"Now you know what I had to go through by myself all those years."

"It's not as if I was trying to escape from my parental responsibilities."

Before he got to the end of his meek protest, he heard a gentle snore.

He sighed. Kissed his wife on the cheek. And got up. He ambled to his older son's room. The lamp light was still on. The boy was fast asleep on his stomach. Books strewn all around him. He had kicked off his blanket to one side. The father picked it up and threw it over the boy. He stirred momentarily and then stillness. The father leaned over. Turned off the lamp. Before he exited he kissed the boy on the head.

He tip-toed his way to the baby's room. Bubs was grizzling, half asleep. Or more accurately, fighting sleep. Dad lowered the side of the cot and stooped down beside the baby. The father was entranced by the tiny figure fighting to keep his eyes open. He laid his hand on the little body and patted it gently.

"You incredible little thing. You probably don't understand a word I'm saying and it's all just noise. But you are far more precious to me than you will ever know. You and your brother both. Considering all the things I've ever done, I don't deserve any of this. But here you are. Living proof that a second chance is possible."

The second-time father continued patting the baby until he himself fell fast asleep with his head lying at the edge of the cot.

Choi Do-il…

If you're reading this, it probably means that I'm no longer around to take care of Bo-ra and the kid. Yeah it sounds like a bit of a drama cliche but when you're from a rich family with secrets made worse by poor decisions, who knows what can happen.

There's always been something of a mental health issue in the family. It's hereditary. I noticed it with Anna even from a young age. My father and I have had arguments over the years about what to do with her but he's old fashioned about these things. Lately she's crossed a few lines and we've managed to cover them up but I don't think that can be good for the family in the long run. The inevitable confrontation will have to come. I dread it. My parents dread it. But it has to be done.

Now that I'm likely dead, I want you to take care of my wife and child. I know it's a hard ask because a guy like you has a complicated life with problems of your own. Surprisingly though, there's no one else I trust more. There's no one else that's more capable. (Don't let that get to your head though) However if you decide that you can't be bothered with other people's problems, I won't hold it against you or threaten to haunt you. But I'm a husband and a dad now which is why I'm being such a nuisance. You'll understand one day if ever by some miracle you become a father yourself.

Despite what you've said to me in the past I hope you will find someone to be happy with. I know it's not like us to be sentimental but for some reason I am in that frame of mind at the moment. I'm glad to have found Bo-ra even if I couldn't be there to watch our son grow up.

Give what help you can. Bo-ra will take all the help she can get. All I want is for my kid to have the kind of life I couldn't have.

Thanks from the afterlife… whatever that looks like…

Regards

Kevin