Chapter 12

“Thank you, Mom.”

When she became a high school freshman, her dad died in a car accident caused by a drunk driver.

Her dad had a normal but steady job. He was the head of the family. After he passed away, her mom and she had to take on that role together.

Even though it was hard to take care of herself, they supported each other and shared the responsibility.

During those times, her mom’s friend, Aunt Yein (Isung’s mom), also helped them a lot.

She brought nice clothes and good food and shared in their sadness and pain.

But then, she ended up doing something wrong with Aunt Yein’s son. She was about to marry another man, but she broke off the engagement.

Her mom held her hand tightly and gave her a warm smile. Tears came to her eyes. Her mom accepted her without asking for reasons or judging her.

“Starting tomorrow, I’ll start calling people. Let’s just say the reason is personality differences. That should be okay, right?”

“…Yeah.”

“But canceling the wedding and honeymoon won’t be cheap, will it?”

“I’ll handle it. Don’t worry about that.”

She didn’t want to show her anger and sadness to her mom. She knew her mom would feel even worse than her.

So, she forced a smile. As if nothing had happened. Or at least, tried to believe that.

Ding dong dang. Ding dong dang.

Seong checked the intercom and saw his mother’s face. He walked to the door.

Click. As soon as the door opened, Choi (the driver) gave him a bag, probably filled with side dishes, and walked away. Then his mother came inside.

As soon as he saw her, he grumbled.

“There’s too much. I can’t eat all of this.”

“Put it in the fridge quickly. It’s way better and healthier than takeout. Do you know how much care the aunties put into making this?”

“Tell them thank you for me.”

“It’s my money. Also, sign a few autographs. My friends at the club asked.”

She searched the living room for autograph paper and a pen. While putting the food away, he answered:

“Oh, for that rich-lady bragging club?”

“Yeah, you’re the only thing I can brag about.”

“What? Isn’t Dad your pride and joy?”

She closed her mouth tightly. Maybe he went too far. To be honest, his dad was both a pride and a fear for his mom.

His mom had married the son of a powerful law firm owner. Everyone treated her like Cinderella back then.

Now, she’s the lady of that law firm and leads social clubs like a queen.

But at home, she lives under his dad’s strict rules, barely able to breathe.

“Your dad wants to see you, you know.”

No way.

Since childhood, his dad had controlled him strictly. School and his emotions were the only places he could breathe.

“Just wait until you turn twenty. After that, live the way you want.”

Like Gamjeong said, he waited eagerly to become an adult. He entered law school, just as his dad wished, but later followed his heart.

He joined Gamjeong’s theater club and decided to become an actor, just like the actors Gamjeong loved.

His dad was furious. In the end, he left home—more like escaped.

His mom still lives under his dad’s shadow, walking on eggshells.

Maybe her social club is her only escape. Or maybe it’s Gamjeong’s mom—her only true friend.

After what happened with Gamjeong yesterday, he hadn’t contacted her yet. She probably went to work today and would see Godohun and Seoyeora. They’d probably argue again.

Would they argue about canceling the wedding?

“You know, your dad seems more relaxed now that you’re doing well. He’s proud. Even if he grumbles, when others talk about you, he lifts his chin. The world knows who you are now.”

“You’re overdoing it. Be proper in front of those ladies.”

He sat at the table and started signing the papers his mom gave him.

“How many do you need?”

“Twenty-nine. More people keep asking. The names are here.”

She handed him her phone with the names. He started writing.

“Oh, by the way, Hyejin called today. Jeong is canceling her wedding. What happened? You knew, didn’t you? Didn’t Jeong say anything to you?”

“She did.”

“Why? There must be a reason.”

There definitely was—Godohun and Seoyeora. But why did his heart ache like it was his fault?

“Who really knows what goes on between men and women? Didn’t Aunt Yein say anything?”

“She just said it was due to personality differences. Didn’t tell me details. I should visit soon.”

“Don’t dig around. That family must be stressed already.”

He felt confused too. Gamjeong must feel even worse. But is it selfish of him to wish he was the reason, not Godohun?

He had hurt Gamjeong too much yesterday. But he couldn’t stop. After tasting her soft skin, he lost control.

It wasn’t just acting. The kiss, the touch—it was real.

“When’s your next project? You’ve been working non-stop.”

“Next shoot is in two months. Until then, I have to prepare and take lessons.”

“So you have some free time? Visit home. How long will you keep ignoring your dad?”

Since leaving home, he’d only visited during holidays, and even then, only for a short meal. He and his dad didn’t talk at all.

His mom was always anxious in the middle.

Poor mom. Living in fear, unable to even breathe freely.

“Why do you live with Dad if you’re scared of him?”

“Because I love him.”

Her answer surprised him.

“Then why are you scared of him?”

“When we dated, I liked his charisma. He was handsome, rich, and had presence. He had everything. But after marriage, those things became weapons that crushed me. I didn’t know being with someone with so much could feel so heavy. That’s why they say don’t marry someone too different from you.”

“Nice life lesson.”

“Yeah, real-life education. All I had was my beauty. Your dad fell for that. But beauty… doesn’t last long.”

“You’re still beautiful.”

He complimented her to cheer her up. Thanks to her regular skin clinic visits, she really did look young.

“Not that it matters. I have bad taste in men.”

“If you know that, leave him. That prison of a house. I’ll get you a place.”

“Thanks, but I told you—I still love your dad, even now.”

“Ugh. What’s so great about him?”

“Have you ever really loved a woman? If you had, you’d know. That feeling of wanting to be by her side no matter what.”

His heart thumped strangely. Maybe he finally understood why he couldn’t let go of Gamjeong.

Maybe he really was like his mom after all.

“Aunt Hyejin must be really disappointed. You should comfort her, Yein.”

“Okay. But I won’t dig around. She must be really heartbroken. I’ll buy her some top-quality beef.”

His mom gave a bright smile. She still had a girlish heart. That’s probably why she always stayed weak in front of his dad.

“Did you comfort Jeong?”

Comfort… Could he even call it that? It felt more like danger than comfort. A risk that might break their friendship.

He had touched her, kissed her, gotten close—just like his own selfish heart wanted.

No, maybe not as much as he wanted…

“I’ll comfort her.”

His mouth set in a firm line.