[Seo Saejeong]

The moment I realize I've been outplayed has to be the most dramatic I've lived in five years, since Mom and Dad kicked me to the curb with shame because I refused a proposal they deemed "convenient." It was actually an excuse to justify their interest in nothing but profit.

If anything, the Sim siblings are getting miles closer to their part of the notorious inheritance. Yeah, I admit it: my family was closer to Park Eunil's side and I was supposed to play by their rules and be their ally. Too bad I wasn't interested in him at all. My eyes have been on Himchan all the time.

Still, I was too proud to recognize what I want from him isn't just his money. The most precious thing to me is his heart. The point is, I've hurt myself to a point of no return, which means I have no other choice than come clean once for all.

There's a couple of things I'm satisfied about, though. Eunil won't get his filthy hands on his cousins' share of the inheritance. Angelina Hartman and Bret McCullum will be prosecuted for their actions. And, most importantly, I'll be able to get back on my feet even after suffering consequences for meddling with Himchan, Daegwang and Seju. It's not like they can't be thankful for how I casually pulled them out of trouble.

Now, it's time for me to take a step back before I can get closure to the people I've hurt with my ambiguous actions.

***

I sit at the most exclusive table at The Stranger's VIP lounge. This one is usually reserved to the most influential people in the area, as well as celebrities. I used my good connections to secure a spot here. This comes to no surprise to anyone I've invited, except for Kevin, Seju's boyfriend. I suspect he doesn't feel too comfortable in such a place.

Never mind. All that matter is that there's finally a way to put the pieces of the puzzle together. This is why I take the first word. "Those fuckers will get the lesson they deserve. The fact they all conspired together to ruin you all is beyond disgusting."

None of them is convinced, though. I feel someone will still label me as a hypocrite and accuse me of conspiring with Bret, Angelina and their gang especially because of the notes I sent Himchan.

This is why I continue. "I owe you all an apology. I brought you extra trouble when you were already dealing with your own issues."

Instead of being upset or, worse, resentful at me, Himchan sounds thankful when addressing me. "Honestly, if it hadn't been for your notes, I wouldn't have cared about the mess as much as I did." He makes a good point. It's not something to be taken for granted, considering how much we had beef until a few weeks ago.

Blythe adds, "I didn't know you were aware of Angelina's acts. How did you discover her involvement in that paternity test set-up?"

I grin as I call for a first round of drinks. Then, I sigh. "She got in touch with the firm where Park Eunil works. He's Himchan, Daegwang and Seju's cousin, and aimed to line his pockets further by stripping them of their fair share of their family's inheritance."

"Oh shit. Why would he use me as a pawn to hurt his cousins? That's cruel."

Daegwang intervenes. "Blythe, that's an understatement. He isn't just evil. I mean... There are barely any proper words to describe him and his side of our family."

"By the way, Daegwang, you and Himchan have been right all this time. My marriage to Ryan is unsalvageable. If he freaked out over a made up test, imagine what he'd have done with something even worse."

I shake my head. Both Blythe and Nina have been at the mercy of volatile men who have done everything in their power to display their toxicity and project it on them. This was the first thing I should've noticed when I was desperate into getting married, not net worth or perspectives of improving my status quo.

In particular, I address Nina. "You know, I've always saw through your potential. It's sad that scumbag suppressed it for his personal gain."

"Saejeong, can I ask you a thing?" Her question surprises me, as well as Seju. "Do you think you can find a way to cast Liv, as well? We were actually meant to-"

I cut her off. "Darling, Liv is already under contract. She has been since last September."

"Oh, really? Then, we'll discuss a possible performance together for next Thursday... Anyway, she took me in after, you know..."

My focus turns to Seju and Kevin. "Now, what's next for you two?"

Kevin bursts into laughter. "We'll take our time to relax. We've had enough emotions for now." Seju agrees with him. Not long ago, I found out the two of them were pulled out of their holiday to help Nina.

"Exactly. We all need to unwind a little bit. Who agrees?" Everyone raises their hands, including myself. Just because I like drama, it doesn't mean I have to live through it all the time. It's time for some peace, especially after the others have suffered so much at my hands, as well.

Durlene, who has stayed quiet all this time, nervously glances at me. Her hands are visibly shaking. I know for a matter of fact that she's still awkward around Daegwang. I'm torn between wanting to make sure they reconnect and staying out of their business. Ultimately, I choose not to cause further trouble and don't intervene directly.

Instead, I just give her some encouraging words. "Know that, even though I made some serious mistakes, I've always made sure to try and fix them, no matter the cost." She nods, even though she doesn't look too convinced.

We spend the rest of the night partying like no tomorrow, forgetting the serious staff and abandoning ourselves to the pleasure of energetic music, booze and good company.

***

As The Stranger is about to close, while the rest doze off in the night, I stay behind with the Sim siblings and Kevin to make a final recap on what can await us from now on. Seju yawns, but I don't mind. She has to be tired not only for this eventful night, but also from what happened over the past months.

"So, I guess it's goodbye for now," I say, knowing anything is possible. We could lose touch for a long time or be calling or texting each other tomorrow. For the first time, I'm not eager to have my future planned to the last detail. It's good to live life day by day—it contributes to create more vivid, longer lasting memories.

"Who knows?" is Daegwang's answer. Well, technically it's a question, but it makes sense. It means that there's open room for everything, that nothing is set on stone just yet.

I turn to Himchan. "I mean, I hope we've found the closure we needed. That is, unless you're still mad at me."

"Aren't you the one who insists on not clinging on the past?" he asks gravely. Touché. He's made his point perfectly.

I don't know if he and I are meant to be a thing. At least, he seems to have moved from his previous position. Only time will tell if we'll be able to make more steps forward.