[Sim Himchan]

Someone is out there to destroy Blythe. And our family. There has to be a mistake. Daegwang has never slept with her. Chances that he made her pregnant somehow are zero. So, who is behind that? I doubt it's Ryan. He himself doesn't see to be aware of the fake test just yet.

Anyway, I have to juggle both that and the new message I found beyond the fence with Daegwang. It comes to my mind again. 'The door that closed to you many years ago reopened. Now, it's up to you to take a chance once more.' As I compare it with the other note, I realize they must've been both written by the same person.

As much as I'd like to try and decipher the handwriting now, I decide that Blythe's false pregnancy test is the main priority and I have to find a way to debunk it. I can't let anyone take advantage of the situation to abandon her or ruin Daegwang.

The moment I prepare mentally to head to the police station to request an investigation for the test, I receive a phone call. Yes. At the wrong place, the wrong time and, most importantly by the wrong person.

Seo Saejeong. Yes. That sucker.

"What do you want?"

"Where are your manners? Like, at least say hello." She's unpleasant and arrogant even on the phone. I don't want to get started on how she is face to face. One wrong word, and Hell will break loose.

Still, I insist on my position. "What the fuck do you want now?"

"Tsk tsk. Himchan, Himchan, don't be a bad oppa. Just relax."

"I'm busy right now."

"You're lying, I can sense it from here. You just don't want to talk to me, is it that? Well... You can't hide anymore, Himchan. Time is ticking for you and your precious siblings, so be careful of what you wish..."

"Saejeong. Take your empty threats and shove them in your ass."

"Come on... Do you really think I've forgotten everything? Remember: there might be a door that has closed, but there's also a chance it opened again... Now, think carefully. I-"

I interrupt her, unable to conceal my contempt at her mind games. "You... It was you all along!"

"Wake up, Himchan! I did you a favor, if anything."

"You wrote those notes without signing them, planted them at my garden and then you have the audacity to provoke me. Fuck off, Saejeong." I hang up on her. I've had more than enough. I'll tell Daegwang and Seju straight away. She has been the main cause of my distress.

Of course, she isn't done yet. The same number pops on the screen of my phone. I don't pay her any attention. My family deserve to know she's the reason why I've been a hot mess lately, and can help me put an end to her stupid games.

***

I feel like a heavy burden has been lifted from my head. The police have accepted to investigate into the paternity test. Hopefully, justice will be done and Blythe will be able to restore peace in her family. I wish she'd leave Ryan, though. That man is so toxic. Even though he doesn't know about the content of that yellow envelope, his diffident nature and explosive jealousy are harmful to the balance of family life. She deserves much better.

The moment I move on from a chapter of drama, however, karma is ready to bite me back on my ass. I receive the ump-teenth call from Saejeong. Either she's a stalker, or she's in love. Obviously, I don't consider either option acceptable.

"Saejeong, haven't you got a life? Why are you bothering me again?"

"Himchan, stop being a stuck up punk and listen to me for once. I'm coming at your place, whether you like it or not. So, get ready."

"Fuck you." I don't want her in my house. Why does she have to disturb me when I'm so messed up? She has ulterior motives and sounds insincere; this is only one of the many reasons I wish she'd stay the furthest possible from me.

Not even thirty minutes after our conversation on the phone is over, she's already here, waiting at the threshold. I know because I'm not expecting visits from anyone else today. I was foolish when I thought she'd be trolling me. Instead, she's dead serious.

I open the door with the initial intention to slam it back on her face. However, I'm not quick enough. She manages to poke her nose in and push me away. As she waltzes in, I realize she's here to bargain something much bigger than simply earning my attention. The two notes have been a mere excuse for her to play me.

She takes off her shoes and throws them at a corner. Then, she sits on the couch. She doesn't even wait for me to do anything. At this point, I feel obligated to keep her as a guest out of respect. I offer her a pint of beer, which she gladly accepts.

She smirks. "Not bad. I mean, your house. But it could be a little lighter."

I grind my teeth in a defensive stance. This is my house. Unless she's an interior designer, she has no business making pointless comments about my decor or my lighting. So, I just point out, "I try to save energy by keeping lights off when I don't need them. Yeah, I only keep them on a few hours a day."

Her answer is a disdainful sneer. "Noble of yours, I see, but, please, this house looks like a vampire coven. When I say to light it up a bit, I mean it for real." She takes a long sip of her beer. "But, hey, we're not here to discuss about your housing habits. I'm here because I have an offer for you."

My eyes narrow as soon as she mentions a potential bargain. "What's the catch? You know I don't trust you a bit."

"Well, my parents know your father very well. They've conducted business together until not long ago. Auctions, exhibitions... you name it." What does my father have to do with what she's planning?

I don't feel comfortable asking questions just yet, so I stay quiet and let her continue. "Last year, in the middle of a sculpture exhibition, I overheard my father talking to your parents. They mentioned being aware of your family's heirloom." How the fuck do they know? My parents, especially Mom, have carefully avoided mentioning it all this time.

After yet one more sip, Saejeong concludes. "In other words, I've heard there's someone who's interested in the main shares of the heirloom." I think I understand who this person is, but I'm not ready to make assumptions yet. "This means you and your siblings have to defend it."

"From them, you mean?"

"Yeah, yeah. I think they have some leverage against you all, especially you, Himchan. So, if you don't want to lose everything, you have to accept this offer." I gulp. I think I know what she means. I don't want to give her my shares. She'll use them for her ulterior motives. I don't trust her.

"Either you and Daegwang have to marry me. If you comply, I'll help you sort out your mess. If you don't, you'll lose your share of the inheritance." I should've known better before not kicking her out with force. This is a trap, and I've just fallen for it.

I'll make sure I don't say, "Yes, I do" to this conniving viper.