"It's crazy how well he hid you," the voice sliced through the stillness of the air, sending a shiver racing down Yeon-Jun's spine. With a growing sense of unease, he turned his head, scanning the shadows for the source of the unexpected intruder. "But one thing the chairman fails to realize is that I have more control over this mansion than he could ever hope to."
As the figure approached, a vague sense of recognition ignited within Yeon-Jun, although he couldn't quite place where he had encountered him before. "I heard the old man splurged on a new phone for you. Didn't know he had it in him to be so generous," the stranger remarked, extending a brand-new phone toward Yeon-Jun. His tone was cheerful, as if he was trying to lighten the mood between them. "I assumed he wouldn't allow you any means of communicating with the outside. So, here—take this. It has a functioning SIM card. Just be sure to stash it away where no one can find it." Yeon-Jun accepted the device hesitantly; he could sense an ulterior motive lurking beneath the surface, yet it was his only connection to the world outside. He swiftly pocketed the new phone, and with a flick of his wrist, produced his old one to type a message to the man.
"Who are you?" Yeon-Jun typed, holding the screen up for the man to see. The stranger's eyes widened in realization, and a sheepish smile crept across his face. "Hee-Jun Go. I'm the secretary and a close confidant of the person you'll soon be marrying. And I must say, of all the possibilities I considered, you were most definitely not on my list," he added, his awkward smile mirrored by Yeon-Jun, who couldn't shake the notion that he recognized Hee-Jun from somewhere.
"Have we met before?" Yeon-Jun typed quickly, flashing the message at Hee-Jun, who nodded in confirmation. "I've visited your cafe before. Your coffee... It's like a warm embrace. Each sip feels like coming home," Hee-Jun remarked with sincerity. Yeon-Jun, however, did not share that sentiment—he had never been fond of coffee and couldn't recall what that feeling was like. Perhaps he would have to try it again to understand.
"Anyway, it was nice to formally meet you." Hee-Jun performed a polite bow, which Yeon-Jun instinctively reciprocated, though a knot of confusion tightened in his chest. "I initially came here to possibly dissuade you from this marriage, but it seems that's not an option for you right now. So, I'll take my leave. Take care." As Hee-Jun turned to exit, he paused briefly to pluck a delicate flower from a nearby bush, leaving Yeon-Jun with a mix of bewilderment and amusement. "What a weird guy," he muttered to himself.
"Should I tell him? Should I not? Should I tell him? Should I not?" Hee-Jun stood just outside the front door, grappling with the decision of whether to inform Woo-San about Yeon-Jun's identity. "The chairman likely wants it to be a surprise. What harm would it do? It's not as if he'll call off the wedding." He inhaled deeply, eventually deciding that discretion was the wiser path. "He'll definitely ask: who is she? I can imagine his response—it must be one of those second or third daughters trying to secure their inheritance. But what if it's a guy? That might come off as too blunt. Though considering the chairman's openness about his orientation, it wouldn't be entirely out of the question."
Just as Hee-Jun was rehearsing the conversation in his mind, he spotted Woo-San's sleek black car pull up, the engine purring ominously in the quiet evening.
Woo-San emerged from the vehicle, slamming the door behind him with a deafening crash. "Pay the driver," he instructed tersely as he strode past Hee-Jun, who instinctively grasped his arm, stopping him in his tracks. "Sir!" Hee-Jun called out, but Woo-San swung around, his temper flaring. "What!?" His expression was furious, the tension palpable. He knew. Letting go of Woo-San's arm, Hee-Jun bowed apologetically, turning away to settle the fare with the driver before hastily jogging after him.
"I understand you're upset, but storming in there won't help anyone," Hee-Jun implored, positioning himself in front of Woo-San to impede his frantic march. "He's being held here against his will," Woo-San shot back, anger lacing his voice, yet Hee-Jun was determined to redirect the conversation. "You can't make that assumption. As far as we know, he walked in willingly, fully aware of the situation he was stepping into."
"You think this? You?" Woo-San's brow furrowed in incredulity. "That's your brother! The one you've been desperately searching for all these years. And you're just going to let him marry me? Just like that?" Woo-San scoffed, pacing around in frustration, disbelief etched deeply into his features.
"From our standpoint, he's simply another child who was trafficked by Mr. Cha. We can't know who he truly is," Hee-Jun responded sharply, his voice thick with emotion. "And even so, it doesn't change the fact that he came here of his own will. If you truly want to bring justice to those children, you need to follow our plan. This may be our only chance to get a valuable witness, and I'm not willing to lose it. All you need to worry about is being a good husband." Hee-Jun's eyes gleamed with a fierce combination of fear and determination, his heart racing with the weight of his brother's identity. To him, Yeon-Jun was no longer someone who could be his brother—he couldn't be. He was a person who was trafficked and raised by a criminal whereas Hee-Jun's brother died years ago.
"If I allow my emotions to surface now, I might burn down this house and everyone in it," Hee-Jun declared firmly. "And the only way to maintain my composure is for you to be careful with your words and your emotions." He paused, casting a troubled glance at Woo-San before turning on his heels to leave. "And just to be clear, my brother burned to death in front of my eyes. I would be crazy if I were looking for a dead person. I would appreciate it if you refrain from bringing up such painful memories for me, sir."
After announcing he would begin working as Kyung-Min's secretary, an air of disapproval thickened the atmosphere. Yeon-Su, with a mix of disbelief and concern, confronted him. "Are you really going to work there?" he asked, eyebrows knitted together. Yixan chimed in, her voice tinged with frustration, "What about the cafe? This was your dream." But deep down, they both understood that Sung-Hoon was not about to back out; he seemed trapped in a spiral of guilt and regret that neither of them could fully comprehend.
"As far as I can see, you're throwing your life away," Yeon-Su said, directing his criticism pointedly at Sung-Hoon. The harsh truth hung in the air like a heavy fog. It was painfully evident that Sung-Hoon was not pursuing this new job out of aspiration, but out of a sense of obligation tied to his unresolved feelings for Yeon-Jun. "What about the house we were working on together? Are you throwing that away too?" Yeon-Su's voice dripped with bitterness, but his eyes betrayed a deeper concern. He wanted Sung-Hoon to confront the reality of his situation—that he was now a stranger to Yeon-Jun.
Yixan, attempting to soften the blow, interjected, "What you're feeling isn't love or regret; it's guilt. That guilt is suffocating everything around you." But Yeon-Su pressed on, stepping closer to Sung-Hoon, meeting him eye to eye as he spoke with unyielding intensity. "If you care so much about Yeon-Jun, then you need to stop caring. He doesn't want that kind of commitment from you, especially considering everything that's happened."
Resigned but no less resolute, Yixan added, "You're throwing the life you built for someone whose life you destroyed." With urgency, she grabbed Sung-Hoon's arm, jolting him from his reverie. "What will happen if he calls off the marriage? Do you think he will turn back to you? Or look for his brother or childhood home? Those doors are closed now, Sung-Hoon. He has no desire to return to the very people who hurt him. You! You need to let go."
Tears brimming in his eyes, Sung-Hoon pushed Yixan away gently and turned to Yeon-Su, his voice filled with finality. "I won't be staying here," he said, his throat tightening. "I hope you and So-Min take good care of everything here. If you need anything, know that I'm just a call away." With a heavy heart, he stepped outside and cast one last glance at the building—a tangible representation of his efforts, overshadowed by guilt. The cafe, which he had painstakingly created, was never truly meant for him; it was an endeavor designed to ensnare Yeon-Jun, a man who, ironically, loathed coffee. Why would he go to such lengths? To keep Yeon-Jun close, to shield himself from the fear of loss. He felt compelled to atone for his father's failures by holding onto Yeon-Jun, believing that if he could just keep him by his side, the burden of guilt would lift.
"Don't worry, Yeon-Jun. Hyung will always be there with you," he whispered to himself, acknowledging that this was a promise that could only lead to further regret—a dangerous trap of his own making.
"I heard doors slamming shut earlier. Have we completely lost respect for our guests?" Yui-Hyuk inquired as Hee-Jun stepped into his study, a smile gracing his lips. Hee-Jun sighed deeply, rolling his eyes in exasperation.
"I know you've been aware of Yeon-Jun for quite some time," Hee-Jun began, fatigue evident in his voice and the weariness reflected in his eyes. "I also know that Woo-San's feelings for him weren't the sole reason you chose him from among so many others. Why?" It was a straightforward question inviting a simple answer, yet it quickly spiraled into a multitude of questions lacking any right answers.
"I assumed you had made the connection between Yeon-Jun and me; I just didn't realize how deeply you had delved into it." Yui-Hyuk grinned knowingly, alluding to Hee-Jun's familial ties with Yeon-Jun.
"I've been aware for quite a while. One brother with the culprit, the other with the one aiding the culprit. Both of them under the illusion of unwavering loyalty." Hee-Jun's tone carried an indifferent monotone, betraying no hint of emotion.
"I always suspected you were sharp." Yui-Hyuk settled into his chair, adjusting his posture for comfort. His gaze drifted to the flickering flames in the fireplace, igniting memories of the day Hee-Jun's parents tragically perished. "Fires can be soothing yet terrifying," he mused, casting a sidelong glance at Hee-Jun. "I often told your parents that you reminded me of fire—calm when undisturbed, yet dangerous when provoked. Your father never quite agreed with that sentiment. He called you cold. Saying you lacked the emotional depth to care about something enough to evoke a reaction. Frankly, I think he was right. What do you think?" He lingered on Hee-Jun, hoping for some flicker of emotion in response to the mention of his parents. Instead, he was met with a dull, expressionless gaze; there was no spark of emotion, no reflection of thoughts behind those eyes. "Have you forgiven me?" he asked, the question falling flat but laden with profound significance for both of them.
"He couldn't live like his father," Hee-Jun finally broke the silence, his voice steady and resolute. "Sung-Hoon wasn't built for that kind of life. It was clear that my father was the cornerstone of your existence, even though he never sought that role. In the end, Mr. Cha chose to kill them—Hae-Seong and Hui-Jun alongside. To be successful, one must become the Kims, but how can anyone rise to their level when pledging loyalty? He's gone now, Uncle Kim. So too are Hae-Seong, Hui-Jun, and their parents. You can finally let go." Despite the weight of his words, Hee-Jun maintained his indifferent demeanor, while Yui-Hyuk struggled to suppress the emotions building within him. If he spoke, he surely would cry, but he held his tongue.
"Do you remember the day you first arrived here...?" Yui-Hyuk asked, his voice laden with nostalgia and solemnity. "Woo-San had asked who you were, and you replied 'Hee-Jun,' fully aware that he was not alive. Why? Why would you cast aside that identity, especially when I tried so hard to ensure you embraced it? Why would you do that?"
"It was never your decision to make," Hee-Jun replied, leaning in to offer a supportive pat on Yui-Hyuk's back as he began to cough. "Not after what you did. It was mine. The world knew Hae-Seong died grabbing his brother's hand, and I wanted it to stay that way. Hee-Jun and Yeon-Jun are distinct individuals with entirely separate identities, memories, and lives. No amount of effort from you can resurrect what has been changed, regardless of how hard you try." He took a step back, regarding Yui-Hyuk from a slight distance. "Your karma awaits you, but it's not me who prays for it. It will come from your own blood. Prepare yourself, Yui-Hyuk Kim. The day Yeon-Jun is bound to Woo-San will be the day the consequences come knocking at your door. Because you know as well as I do that with the Kims, nothing surpasses the power of love." He bowed politely. "Good talk." With that, he turned sharply and exited the room.
What startled Yui-Hyuk more than Hee-Jun's indifference was the realization that Hee-Jun had come to terms with the fact that Yeon-Jun was simply a stranger, a life thrown into his path under unwanted circumstances—a solitary witness who could bring Hae-Seong justice. He accepted that Yeon-Jun should remain nothing more than a catalyst for his plan, a truth he had internalized long ago.
"Of course..." Yui-Hyuk murmured to himself, a sense of resignation filling his words. "My karma is on its way. And strangely, I feel a sense of relief... relieved that it's from your hands. Perhaps in this way, I'll face fewer souls to account for in the afterlife."
"I tried my best, but I can't change the outcome," Yixan murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she strolled along the familiar path to her apartment. It was dark, and her steps were getting faster every second. "Should it even bother me anymore?" she pondered, wrapping her arms tightly around herself as a light breeze ruffled her hair. "If you really think about it, it shouldn't. After all, he's never going to take our advice, so why should I let it weigh me down? I should focus on my own happiness—yes, happiness," she reiterated, attempting to reinforce her own resolve.
As she rounded the corner to her apartment, a sudden sight made her heart leap into her throat. "Oh my god!" she shrieked, stumbling backward in surprise. It was only when the figure shifted in the fading light that she recognized him. "Secretary Go?"
Hee-Jun smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling like the stars beginning to peek out in the dusky sky. "A little birdie told me you hold secrets well," he replied playfully, swiftly brushing off the dust from her shoulders as he helped her back to her feet. Yixan brushed a loose strand of hair from her face, still slightly disoriented, but curiosity bubbled within her. Just as she opened her mouth to question his unexpected presence, Hee-Jun reached into his pocket and retrieved a small, elegant box.
With a deft flick of his wrist, he opened it to reveal a stunning ring, its large diamond sparkling brilliantly under the soft glow of the streetlights. "Yixan Xiao," he declared, his voice taking on a serious tone, "would you do me the honor of marrying me as Yixan Kim? I don't think I can keep pretending anymore."