[Sim Seju]

Since Kevin and I returned home from our holiday, our lives have returned to be the mess they were before we left. A few days away changed our perspectives on our lives. Hadn't it been for the trip, we would've experienced massive burnout with the ungodly amount of drama that awaits us.

Too bad the crumbling marriage between Nina and that piece of shit with his puncheable face isn't the only issue. I've also come to learn about the mysterious messages delivered to Himchan, as well as a paternity test that's meant to set up Daegwang. I'm worried. I don't know if everyone is able to recover from these hassles.

I'm stuck in the middle, with no visible exit. How I'll find the way is one matter; if I do, however, is a completely different story. I keep going through the anonymous text message I received at the end of the holiday and which I kept secret until now because I want to show Nina in person.

I haven't managed to tell her yesterday in front of Daegwang because we were busy discussing her messages; plus, my brother ended up leaving early because he claimed he was busy. I think it has to do with Himchan, but I can't confirm it.

***

I scroll down my Instagram timeline out of boredom, expecting the usual recipes or posts on fashion, music and news from the world. However, what I find shocks me. It's a video montage of Nina and Alivia together in intimate moments. I promise myself to report the video as soon as possible, but not before finding out who made and posted it.

I quickly notice the name behind that user: Angelina Hartman. According to Nina, she's very close to Alivia. But, why would she betray the two of them? Maybe Angelina is jealous and wants Liv just for herself? Or does she want to warn Bret about his not so beloved wife possibly cheating on him?

To make sure she doesn't have harmful motives, I contact her through direct messages on Instagram, asking her to remove the video. I justify myself pointing out she might've used stolen contents.

She doesn't answer yet, which leaves me hanging. In the meantime, I read the anonymous message once again, this time loudly. It sounds as dangerous and menacious as the first time. The more words resonate in my mind, the more I'm convinced Bret or someone close to him sent it to me.

I have to find out. I have to rely on authorities if I want to find relief, and a solution to Nina's long standing problem with Bret.

***

Three hours have passed since I sent Angelina that direct message on Instagram, but things haven't changed. In the mean time, I've forwarded the threatening anonymous text to the police. They've told me to come back if I have more material. I have to convince Nina to allow me to share her chats with us, and possibly the ones with Bret.

As I start to make dinner, I hear a ping coming from my phone. An Instagram notification. Angelina has answered. I feel confident she'll do as I asked and there won't be any issues.

Okay. I've spoken too early. Not only she's hellbent on keeping the video, she has posted yet one more. It stars Nina, Liv and... Durlene Horsley! Isn't she the girl who has a fling with Daegwang? How is she involved with Nina? Too much to process... Or maybe not as much as I think... Angelina is one of Bret's assets!

I don't bother answering her again. I save copies of the videos for the police, then report her on all social media. Apart from Instagram, she's particularly active on X, TikTok and Snapchat, all platforms where she has spread an impressive amount of misinformation over the years.

Those suckers want to take us down with every means. They'll have to work a lot harder to reach their hateful goal.

***

The art gallery is the exact last place where I'd expect to meet Seo Saejeong. I don't know what's her involvement in this mess, beside being the author to the notes for Himchan and being allegedly friends with Angelina.

She stares at a glass sculpture at the center of the hall, protected by a display case in a resistant material. Maybe a special type of glass, but I can't tell. She turns her focus away from the piece of art as she notices my presence. "Seju, Seju... Here you are." She flashes a forced 32-tooth smile.

"Saejeong. You're a bad unnie, you know? Following me at the art gallery. You must have something in mind. Spill," I tell her, my arms crossed. I hope it has nothing to do with the guys, especially Himchan. The way she messed with his head through those two notes is sick.

She extracts something from her bright red bag. A small purple case. She opens it, revealing a golden ring with a ruby. "See this? This is the most precious ring in my collection. I've haven't found the right one yet, though." I think I understand what she means, but I let her continue.

"I thought you were into another type of guy. Why do you find my brothers attractive?" I should've realized by myself: she finds their bank accounts alluring. Although she herself is quite rich, she will never say no to an opportunity to improve her social status further.

"Do I really have to answer? I think you can find out by yourself. Have some intuition." I have to pay attention. This has to be another of her mind games. Not a silly one, though: a potentially harmful one. Why can't she find anyone else to set up? Why necessarily one of my brothers?

"Well, your social status doesn't keep up by itself. You have to work harder than the day before to maintain it—or, possibly, make it better." She winks at me as I answer, much to my growing confusion.

I continue, frustrated at her flimsy attitude. "Look, I know you may see Himchan or Daegwang as tickets to your ambitions. The point is, you're dead wrong and-"

She gives me her deadliest glare as she cuts me off. "Excuse me, are you insinuating I'm a desperate gold digger? How dare you?" She shrieks, but I don't pay her much attention. I don't trust her and don't see who would with her short temper and arrogance.

Her tone grows harder and colder as she goes on with her rambling. "Do you think I'm a cold hearted bitch? Have you ever tried not to address people based on your pointless prejudice?" Prejudice? For real? Now she pretends she can corner me by playing the victim card. I'm not stupid enough to fall for it, though.

"That's not prejudice. I act the way I do with you because I know you. Now, cut the crap and just admit you want my brothers to set them up." My voice is firm, measured, yet fierce. There isn't even a hint of hesitation. This shrieking witch has to be put in her place.

For the first time, she is the one to crumble under pressure, which is unusual for her. "So what? Is wanting a better future a fault? You think I'm happy because I'm rich, right? Well, I have feelings, too." What if she has a point? I've always had a low opinion of her based on what happened in the past and because she has history of seeking a convenient marriage at all costs disregarding the other party.

But what if, this time, she's moved by other factors, including love? If that's the case, then why doesn't she admit it?

I don't have time to ask her because she changes subject. "One last thing, Seju. Tell your friend Nina not to worry about her hubby and Angelina. They think they have dirt on her, but they're bluffing." Before I can ask for an explanation, Saejeong leaves the gallery without turning her back.

How the fuck does she know Bret McCullum? And, most importantly, why is he bluffing according to her? I have to warn Nina as soon as possible. This can really make or break her plan.