Episode 7
Haena couldn’t help but let out a sarcastic, twisted compliment under her breath.
Even though Hong Ido and the original Haena weren’t that far apart in age, he just felt like an old man.
“It’s been a while, Father. Have you been well?”
Haena bowed politely with a full 90-degree bend and smiled brightly.
She was going to be the most respectful little kid ever—like one straight out of a Confucian school.
“Haena, you…”
Hong Ido looked startled by Haena’s smile, but the surprise quickly faded.
Actually, it looked more like he just lost interest in her again.
As if he assumed this was just one of Haena’s weird games.
“…Yeah. I’ve been… well.”
He looked down at Haena with a confused face.
“You… are you okay?”
If that’s supposed to be a father’s way of checking on his daughter… that’s just sad.
“Yes! Thanks to your concern, Father.”
“…Then go back to your room now.”
Wow, this guy really has no heart.
Your cute little daughter talks to you sweetly, and that’s all you say?
If I were Haena’s mom, I’d kiss her a hundred times the moment I walked through the door.
When my own parents came home from work, no matter how tired they were, they always hugged and kissed me before bed.
“Why do you keep sending me to my room, Father? Are you very tired?”
“If you’re really tired, you can just say so. Don’t just send me away.
It makes me feel really hurt.”
Haena said bluntly, then spun around and marched to her room.
I don’t want to waste time talking to you either, old man.
Even after Haena left, Hong Ido just stood there in the entryway, frozen.
“…Hurt…?”
He mumbled that under his breath.
“Ah! Director!”
At that moment, the nanny Uiryeong walked by and rushed over, surprised.
“You’re back?! You should’ve called us! Is your luggage still in the car? I’ll go—”
“No. It’s fine.”
“Huh?”
“I left my luggage at the hotel. I’ll be staying there for a while.”
“At a hotel? You’re not staying here?”
Ido nodded.
“Haena seems uncomfortable around me.”
“No! That’s not true! Miss Haena cares about you so much—”
“She’s the kind of child who would have panic attacks just from seeing me.”
Ido paused, remembering how calm Haena was earlier. But he shook his head.
“…It might have looked fine just now, but if I stay near her too long, she’ll get sick again.
It’s better for her if I stay away.”
“Director…”
Uiryeong looked flustered and couldn’t say anything.
Ido gave a small nod and stepped further into the house.
“I only came today to greet Father. Is he home?”
“Oh, the chairman isn’t here right now. He said he’ll come later for dinner.”
“Then I’ll return later.”
He was about to leave without hesitation, but—
“Wait, Director!”
Uiryeong quickly stopped him.
“Please, don’t go. Wait here for the chairman.
Miss Haena has really changed lately.”
Ido looked puzzled, remembering Haena’s behavior earlier.
That was the first time he’d seen her act like that.
Usually, whenever Haena saw him, she’d freeze, unable to speak.
Then she’d burst into tears and have a full-blown panic attack.
But just now, she’d spoken clearly and brightly—something she hadn’t done since her mother died.
For a long time, just seeing him made her extremely stressed.
Even when he asked why she was crying, she couldn’t answer properly.
“U-Um… Mom…”
That was all she’d ever managed to say.
The symptoms had started after Haena’s mom passed away.
Even when other adults asked why she cried every time she saw her dad, she’d shut her mouth tight and refuse to talk.
Ido had tried everything—counselors, doctors—but nothing worked.
If anything, her symptoms got worse.
“It’s likely… that seeing you reminds her of her mother.”
“!”
“It’s rare, but not impossible.
The trauma of losing her mother may be triggering these reactions.”
That one line from the doctor had shattered Ido.
When he asked if it could be fixed, the doctor said it would take time and lots of therapy.
But even after all the effort, nothing improved.
Haena would faint just from seeing him, and Ido was afraid she might get hurt—so he avoided her.
Even earlier, when he told her to go to her room, it was because he was scared she’d cry and collapse again.
…It’s been so long since we had a real conversation.
That short talk with her had been sweet, smart, confident, cute…
So lovable.
Just like my daughter… smart and well-spoken.
Ido nodded to himself.
“Miss Haena is really doing well lately.
She’s polite with all the adults too.
Since her kindergarten is under renovation, she’s been studying with tutors—and they say she’s been cheerful and
doing great.”
Uiryeong took the chance to explain all the changes in Haena.
“It’s only been two weeks since she started acting like this…
But we’re just so happy to see her getting better.”
“…Two weeks?”
“Yes, and her meals too—”
“Then it’s not safe yet.”
“!”
Ido’s tone suddenly turned cold again.
“If it’s only been two weeks, it’s too soon to be sure.
I’ll try to talk to her once I know she’s truly doing better.”
He hesitated for a moment, then added,
“Last time… I thought she was okay, so I spoke to her.
But she fainted and didn’t wake up for a while.”
There was a time Haena had seemed better.
Just as Ido thought she was stable, he tried talking to her—and she cried, had a seizure, and fainted.
And then she got a high fever and had to be taken to the emergency room.
She recovered quickly, but Ido was left with trauma from that experience.
He wanted to be close to his daughter more than anything.
But Haena’s health mattered more.
The doctor had said high fever in a young child could cause brain damage—and that terrified Ido.
“For now… I’ll just stay in my room.
Please keep Haena from coming near me.”
His firm tone left Uiryeong speechless.
She just nodded silently.
She understood how he felt.
“Okay. Homework—done.”
Why are they giving this much homework to a seven-year-old?
Isn’t this borderline child abuse?
If she weren’t used to working until 1 AM in her past life as a K-office worker, she wouldn’t have made it.
Most kids wouldn’t last.
Haena started wondering if chaebol children had human rights.
She looked at the clock—it was already dinner time.
She hopped down from her chair and went to find her nanny—Uiryeong.
That was her name. She looked so sad when Haena forgot it last time… she’d better remember it now.
Anyway, where was Haena’s dad?
He came back after so long, but didn’t even bother to look for his daughter?
That hurt a little.
She’d grown up with kind, loving parents—even if they were poor.
Now she was in the complete opposite kind of family, and it didn’t feel great.
Even if you’re not rich, having a happy family is way better.
If only her real parents were here—everything would be perfect.
No money worries, lots of good food, peaceful walks together…
“I miss you, Mom… Dad…”
She mumbled quietly.
And just then, she heard someone behind her.
