The morning light poured into Chaewon's kitchen as everyone sat down for breakfast, enjoying the warmth and togetherness that had grown over the past few days. Yeji looked around the table with a soft smile, her heart full of gratitude.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Chaewon, Chaeryeong, for letting me stay here," she began, her tone heartfelt. "I've felt so at home with you both. But... I think it's time for me to move on."
Ryujin's fork paused mid-air as she looked at Yeji in shock.
"Wait-what?" she asked, looking between Yeji and her father. "Is it something about the house? You're welcome here as long as you want, right, Dad?"
Chaewon nodded, smiling warmly at Yeji. "Of course, Yeji. You're like family here. You're welcome to stay as long as you need."
Yeji shook her head softly. "It's not that. I love it here, and I'm so grateful. But I've been feeling a little restless. I have a private house I built in Gangwon, somewhere peaceful and out of sight. I need a fresh start, somewhere away from the city and all... everything with Lia," she admitted. "I just need peace, you know?"
Chaewon gave a thoughtful nod, understanding her desire for peace.
"Well, if that's what makes you happy, Ms.Yeji, then I support you. You've been through a lot, and you deserve some time for yourself. Know you'll always be family here."
Chaeryeong reached across the table to squeeze Yeji's hand.
"We'll miss you, but I get it. Sometimes you need that distance."
Ryujin, however, had an expression of determination on her face.
"Yeji," she said, her voice gentle yet firm, "if you're going to Gangwon, then please-let me come with you."
Yeji looked at her, surprise written on her face.
"Ryujin, you don't have to-"
"I know I don't have to," Ryujin interrupted, taking Yeji's hand in hers. "But I want to. Being with you is all that matters to me. I'll keep working on my business, manage it from there. Just... let me stay by your side, Yeji. I want to make sure you're safe, that you're truly at peace."
Yeji's face softened, her cheeks warming at Ryujin's words. She felt her heart swell as Ryujin leaned closer, her eyes holding that unwavering, protective warmth.
"Please," Ryujin continued, her voice soft and full of emotion. "I just want to see you smile every day. Let me be there to share this new beginning with you."
Chaewon chuckled, watching the tender moment between them. "Ms.Yeji, you'd have a hard time saying no to that, wouldn't you?"
Yeji blushed, giving Ryujin's hand a small squeeze. "Alright, Ryujin. I would be lucky to have you with me."
Ryujin grinned, pulling her in for a quick, joyful hug. "Thank you, Yeji. I promise, I'll make this new chapter everything you're hoping for and more."
The room filled with laughter and warmth as Chaewon, Chaeryeong, and even Yeji joined in, each heart lighter as they looked forward to what lay ahead.
As they started their journey to Gangwon, Ryujin and Yeji said their goodbyes to Chaeryeong and Chaewon, then headed out in Ryujin's trusty Ford Ranger. Midway through the trip, Yeji suggested they stop by the orphanage where she grew up, a place full of memories-and where she and Ryujin had first met. Ryujin smiled and agreed, making a quick turn toward the familiar route to the orphanage.
Arriving at the orphanage, Yeji was immediately welcomed by Sister Marie, the kind-hearted nun who had looked after her like a mother. Sister Marie embraced her tightly, her face lighting up with joy.
"Oh, Yeji! Look at you-you've grown into such a wonderful woman! I heard the news... is it true they turned you away because they found their real daughter?"
With a gentle voice, Yeji shared the entire story, from Lia's scheming to her departure from the mansion. Sister Marie listened with deep sympathy, her face clouded with worry for Yeji.
Then, the nun's gaze shifted to Ryujin, recognition flashing in her eyes. "And you... I remember you, too! You were the little one who always found ways to meet Yeji outside the orphanage. Look how much you've grown."
Both Ryujin and Yeji exchanged shy smiles, touched by Sister Marie's warm words. Soon, they found themselves playing with the children at the orphanage. The kids ran around them, giggling and calling them a perfect pair.
One child, with a mischievous grin, looked up and asked,
"Ms. Yeji, Ms. Ryujin, do you think you'll have a baby as beautiful as you two?"
Yeji laughed, a bit flustered. "Oh, no, no. I'm not pregnant! And you're too young to be asking such questions!" she teased, ruffling the child's hair.
As they played, Sister Marie excused herself and motioned for Yeji to follow her for a private conversation. Once they were alone, Sister Marie took a deep breath, her expression turning serious.
"Yeji, there's something I need to tell you," she began softly. "Years ago, someone came here asking about you. They seemed certain you were their child. They never left any information or proof; they simply vanished as mysteriously as they arrived. But I remember it vividly, because... they seemed so certain."
Yeji's eyes widened. "Do you think... do you think they could really be my parents?"
Sister Marie nodded gently. "I wish I could tell you more, but they left no details. Just a feeling, Yeji-a feeling that maybe, someday, you'd find them."
Hearing this, Ryujin stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on Yeji's shoulder.
"Yeji, no matter what happens, you have me," she whispered softly, her eyes full of sincerity. "I'll help you find the answers you're looking for, no matter where it leads."
Yeji's heart raced, warmth spreading through her chest as she looked at Ryujin.
"Thank you, Ryujin. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Ryujin leaned in, her voice gentle but playful. "You'll never have to find out, Yeji. I plan on sticking around... even if that means a few extra wild kids calling us 'Mom and Dad' someday."
Yeji laughed, her cheeks flushing. "Oh, you're impossible! But... I wouldn't have it any other way."
As they left the orphanage, hand in hand, both felt a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that whatever happened next, they'd face it together. Their love had deepened in ways neither could have predicted, as they continued down the road, ready to chase dreams and answers side by side.
As they continued their nighttime journey to Gangwon, As Ryujin maneuvered the car to the side of the road, she felt a slight drag. She quickly checked her tires and sighed, noticing the flat. Yeji, watching Ryujin with concern, leaned over and asked,
"Love, is everything okay?"
Ryujin nodded but looked a little exasperated.
"Looks like we've got a flat tire. But we should be able to make it a bit further. I'll find us a nearby hotel where we can stay tonight, and I'll change it first thing in the morning. Is that alright with you?"
Yeji nodded, "Yes, let's do that. Safety first."
Finally, they arrived at a cozy-looking hotel, and Ryujin went to handle their check-in. Yeji, exhausted, sank into one of the lobby sofas to wait. As she glanced over, she noticed the receptionist leaning a little too close to Ryujin. She watched as the woman handed Ryujin the keycard, lingering on her hand, and added an extra sweet smile, her eyes sparkling as she made an attempt to flirt with Ryujin. There was even a subtle lip bite, followed by a playful wink that Yeji did not miss.
