The Kim mansion had grown quieter since Jungkook’s departure for Busan. Though the walls still held the warmth of family, his absence left an unmistakable void—especially for Arin. Days turned into weeks, and weeks melted into months, yet Jungkook's presence felt increasingly like a distant memory.

Arin tried her best to adjust. She told herself that she had everything she needed—her son, her family, and her work. But there were nights when she stared at the empty side of her bed and felt the sting of loneliness creeping in. She had never expected Jungkook to stay forever, but a part of her had hoped that the time he spent with them might soften his heart, making him more present as a husband and father.

---

One night, a soft whimper broke the silence of the mansion.The night was still and heavy with the muffled sounds of crickets chirping outside the grand Kim mansion. The air inside was serene, with everyone deep in their slumber. But Arin was suddenly startled awake by the piercing cry of her son, Jungsoo. She sat up in bed, heart pounding, her maternal instincts kicking in immediately.

She scrambled out of bed, not even bothering to put on her slippers, and rushed to Jungsoo's nursery. The sound grew louder as she approached, sharp and insistent, tugging at her heartstrings. She pushed open the door to see her five-month-old son thrashing in his crib, his tiny face red from crying. His little fists clenched and unclenched as his legs kicked the air.

“Jungsoo, baby, what’s wrong?” Arin’s voice was soft, though her panic was evident. She reached down and gently scooped him up, cradling him against her chest. He squirmed in her arms, his cries not easing even a bit.

Her mind raced as she tried to figure out what could be wrong. She checked his diaper first—clean. She touched his forehead—no fever. She rocked him gently, humming a lullaby that usually calmed him, but tonight, it seemed like nothing worked.

“Shh, it’s okay, Jungsoo. Eomma is here,” she whispered, pacing the nursery with him. Her soothing words were drowned out by his cries, which seemed to grow louder with every second.

An hour passed, and Jungsoo still hadn’t settled. Arin was exhausted, her arms aching from holding him. Tears pricked her eyes as she sat down on the nursery chair, clutching him close. “Why won’t you stop crying? What’s wrong, my baby?” Her voice broke as she looked into his tear-streaked face.

Feeling overwhelmed and helpless, Arin began to cry too. “I don’t know what to do,” she whispered, her tears falling onto Jungsoo’s soft hair. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I wish I could make it better.”

The door creaked open, and Arin quickly wiped her face, turning to see Soojin standing there in her nightgown, her face calm but concerned.

“I heard him crying,” Soojin said softly, stepping inside. “How long has he been like this?”

“Over an hour,” Arin admitted, her voice trembling. “I’ve tried everything, but he won’t stop. I don’t know what to do, Mother. I feel so useless.”

Soojin gave her a reassuring smile and walked over, gently taking Jungsoo from her arms. “You’re not useless, Arin. This happens with babies sometimes. It’s completely normal at his age.”

“But he looks like he’s in pain,” Arin argued, her voice filled with worry. “What if something’s wrong? What if I’m missing something?”

Soojin adjusted Jungsoo in her arms, rocking him gently. “He’s not in pain, Arin. Babies cry like this for all sorts of reasons—they might be overstimulated, overtired, or just need to release some energy. Jungkook was the same way when he was a baby. Some nights, he’d cry for hours, and no matter what I did, he wouldn’t stop. I thought I was doing something wrong, but it’s just part of being a parent.”

Arin watched as Soojin hummed a soft lullaby, her movements calm and confident. Jungsoo’s cries began to quieten, though he still whimpered softly.

“How do you do it?” Arin asked, her voice thick with emotion.

Soojin smiled warmly. “It’s not magic, Arin. It’s just patience and a little experience. You’re doing an amazing job. But you need to stop being so hard on yourself. No one has all the answers, especially not in the middle of the night with a crying baby.”

Arin let out a shaky sigh, tears streaming down her face again. “I just want to be a good mom for him. I don’t want him to suffer.”

“You are a good mom,” Soojin said firmly, sitting down beside her. “Look at how much you love him, how much you’re trying. That’s what makes you a good mother. But you also need to take care of yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup, Arin.”

Jungsoo had finally calmed down, his little body relaxing against Soojin as his cries turned into soft hiccups. Soojin handed him back to Arin, who held him close, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

“Thank you,” Arin whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.

Soojin reached out and gently wiped a tear from Arin’s cheek. “You’re not alone, Arin. We’re all here to help you. Don’t ever hesitate to ask.”

Arin nodded, her heart feeling lighter despite the exhaustion. She looked down at Jungsoo, who was now dozing peacefully in her arms. “I love you so much, Jungsoo,” she murmured, her voice filled with a mix of relief and devotion.

Soojin stood, giving her a gentle pat on the shoulder. “Try to get some rest. You’ve had a long night.”

As Soojin left the room, Arin leaned back in the chair, holding Jungsoo close. The night had tested her patience and strength, but she had learned something valuable—she didn’t have to do it all alone.

And as the first rays of morning light peeked through the curtains, Arin watched her son sleep, her heart swelling with love. No matter how hard the nights were, she knew she would endure anything for him. He was her everything, and she would always find a way to keep going.

---

The days in the Kim mansion began to pass like a blur, filled with the delicate rhythm of baby Jungsoo’s growing-up milestones. Each passing moment seemed to hold a new wonder for Arin, who watched her son with a mix of awe and devotion. Though her days were often exhausting, her heart brimmed with joy as she experienced the beauty of Jungsoo growing up before her eyes.

It happened one quiet afternoon. Arin was playing with Jungsoo in the living room, lying on her stomach while holding a soft toy above him. Jungsoo was on his back, his chubby legs kicking the air and his tiny fists waving around.

“Peek-a-boo!” Arin cooed, bringing the toy closer to his face. Suddenly, his lips parted, and a small giggle bubbled out.

Arin froze for a moment, her heart skipping a beat. Then she gasped, her eyes widening. “Did you just laugh, baby? Did my Jungsoo laugh?”

Jungsoo giggled again, this time louder, his laugh like the soft tinkling of bells. Tears immediately welled up in Arin’s eyes as she scooped him up into her arms.

“You laughed! My baby laughed!” she exclaimed, holding him close and covering his face with kisses. Her heart swelled with pride, and for the rest of the day, she couldn’t stop smiling. That night, she recorded a voice message for Jungkook, her voice filled with excitement.

“Jungkook, he laughed for the first time today! I wish you could have seen it. It was the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard.”

Though Jungkook's reply was curt—a simple, “That’s good to hear”—Arin didn’t let it dampen her joy. She held onto the moment, replaying his laughter in her mind like a cherished melody.

---

One morning, Arin was folding laundry in the nursery, keeping a watchful eye on Jungsoo as he lay on his play mat. He was babbling softly, his tiny hands gripping a teething ring.

Arin turned to grab another shirt when she heard a sudden grunt and a delighted squeal. She spun around to see Jungsoo on his stomach, his wide eyes staring up at her.

“Oh my goodness!” she gasped, dropping the shirt in her hand. “You rolled over! Jungsoo, you did it!”

She clapped her hands, kneeling beside him. “My smart boy, you’re growing up so fast.” Her voice trembled with emotion as she gently turned him back onto his back.

“Do it again, baby,” she encouraged, her phone in hand to capture the moment. Sure enough, Jungsoo grunted and kicked his legs before rolling over again. Arin’s laughter filled the room as she recorded the moment, her heart bursting with pride.

That evening, she showed the video to the entire family. Soojin beamed with pride, and Minho nodded approvingly, but it was So Mun who clapped the loudest, declaring, “Jungsoo’s a strong little man!”

---

When Jungsoo reached six months, Arin began noticing that he had become unusually fussy. He gnawed on everything—his toys, her fingers, even the hem of her shirt. One evening, while feeding him mashed bananas, she noticed something white peeking from his gums.

“Oh, Jungsoo! Is that a tooth?” she whispered, gently feeling his gums with her finger. Sure enough, the tiny ridge of a tooth was beginning to poke through.

“Mother!” Arin called, rushing into the kitchen with Jungsoo in her arms. “His first tooth is coming in!”

Soojin chuckled knowingly. “That’s why he’s been so cranky lately. Don’t worry, it’s normal. Just rub a cool teething toy on his gums—it’ll help.”

Arin spent the next week doting on him even more than usual, soothing his discomfort with gentle massages and cold teething toys. When his first tooth finally broke through, she felt an overwhelming sense of pride.

“You’re getting so big, my little prince,” she whispered one night as she rocked him to sleep, her fingers brushing his soft cheek. “Mama’s so proud of you.”

---

At seven months old, Jungsoo started showing signs of mobility. He would push himself up on his hands and knees, rocking back and forth with determination. Arin watched him with encouragement, clapping and cheering every time he tried.

One afternoon, as she sat on the floor with him, holding a colorful rattle just out of his reach, Jungsoo finally managed to propel himself forward.

“You did it!” Arin exclaimed, tears streaming down her face as she hugged him. “You crawled, my baby! Eomma is so proud of you!”

From that day on, Jungsoo became unstoppable. He explored every corner of the house, his curiosity boundless. Arin had to baby-proof the mansion, enlisting So Mun’s help to cover sharp edges and lock cabinets.

One evening, Jungsoo crawled into the living room, where Minho was reading the newspaper. The usually stoic man put it down, watching as Jungsoo pulled himself up to stand, using the edge of the couch for support.

“He’s a strong one,” Minho remarked, a rare smile tugging at his lips. Arin’s heart swelled with gratitude for the family’s love and support.

---
By the time Jungsoo was nearing ten months old, his babbling had become more consistent. Arin had noticed he often mimicked the sounds she made, his tiny mouth forming words that were still too early to articulate fully. One afternoon, as they sat on the soft rug in the nursery, surrounded by colorful toys, Arin decided it was time to start teaching him something more meaningful.

“Jungsoo,” she began, holding his tiny hands and looking directly into his sparkling eyes. “Can you say ‘Eomma’? That’s me. I’m your Eomma.”

Jungsoo blinked at her, his lips parting in a curious little “oh.” She smiled, her heart melting at his innocence. “Eomma,” she repeated, tapping her chest gently. “Eomma.”

“Ehhh…” Jungsoo gurgled, his voice high and sweet.

“Yes! That’s it! Eomma!” she encouraged, her excitement making him giggle. She clapped her hands, leaning in to kiss his chubby cheeks. “You’re such a smart boy, my Jungsoo. Mama’s so proud of you.”

Over the next few days, Arin continued her little lessons, pointing to herself and repeating “Eomma” until Jungsoo started forming the syllables. The first time he said it clearly, Arin’s breath caught, her eyes filling with tears.

“Did you just say Eomma?” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “Say it again, baby. Please.”

“Eomma,” Jungsoo repeated, his toothy grin making her heart ache with love.

She hugged him tightly, her tears falling freely. “You’re amazing, Jungsoo. You’re everything to me.”

Her next challenge was teaching him “Appa.” Despite everything, Arin wanted Jungsoo to know who his father was, even if Jungkook wasn’t as present as she wished he could be.

“Jungsoo, can you say ‘Appa’? That’s your daddy,” she said one evening, showing him a picture of Jungkook she kept on her phone. Jungsoo reached out, touching the screen with his tiny hand.

“Appa,” she said softly, her voice tinged with hope.

“Ah… pa,” Jungsoo babbled, looking at her with wide eyes.

Arin’s heart leaped. “That’s it! Appa! Your Appa loves you so much,” she said, even though she wasn’t sure if it was entirely true. Still, she believed that Jungkook cared, even from a distance.

When Jungsoo finally said “Appa” clearly a week later, Arin recorded it on her phone and sent the video to Jungkook. The text accompanying it read:

Jungsoo said “Appa” today. He’s growing so fast, Jungkook. I hope you’re proud of him.

It had been a while since Jungkook had replied to her messages with anything more than a polite acknowledgment, but this time, his response was different.

Her phone pinged almost immediately, and when she opened the message, her heart skipped a beat.

"He really said it? Our Jungsoo said 'Appa'?"

Before she could even type a reply, her phone buzzed with an incoming video call. She quickly answered, and there he was—Jungkook’s face filling the screen, his eyes shining with an emotion she hadn’t seen in months.

“Where’s my boy? Where’s Jungsoo?” he asked, his voice filled with excitement.

Arin turned the camera toward Jungsoo, who was sitting on the rug with a toy in his hand. “Jungsoo, look! It’s Appa!”

“Jungsoo!” Jungkook called, his voice soft but full of joy. “Say Appa again, baby. Come on, say it for Appa.”

Jungsoo looked at the screen, his chubby hands reaching out as if to touch his father’s face. “Appa,” he babbled, his tiny voice bringing a grin to Jungkook’s face.

“That’s my boy!” Jungkook exclaimed, his voice cracking slightly as he laughed. “You’re amazing, Jungsoo! Say it again, baby. Appa loves you so much.”

“Appa,” Jungsoo repeated, giggling as Jungkook cheered for him.

Arin watched the interaction, her chest tightening with a mix of happiness and longing. She could see the genuine love in Jungkook’s eyes as he spoke to their son, and for the first time in a long while, it felt like he was truly present.

“You’re getting so big,” Jungkook said, his gaze softening as he looked at his son through the screen. “I’m sorry Appa’s not there with you, Jungsoo, but I’ll come see you soon, okay? Keep saying ‘Appa’ so I know you’re waiting for me.”

Jungsoo responded with more babbles, and Jungkook chuckled, wiping at his eyes quickly before speaking again. “Thank you, Arin,” he said, his voice low but sincere. “Thank you for teaching him. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

Arin smiled, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears. “He’s your son, Jungkook. He knows who his Appa is, even if you’re not here all the time.”

The call ended after a few more minutes of laughter and encouragement, but for Arin, that moment stayed with her. For the first time in what felt like forever, she saw a glimpse of the Jungkook she’d hoped to see—a father who adored his son and a man who, perhaps, was still finding his way back to them.

---

As Jungsoo grew, Arin’s life became a rollercoaster of emotions. Each milestone filled her with pride and joy, but they also reminded her of Jungkook’s absence. She often wondered if he felt the same pride she did, even though his calls remained infrequent and brief.

Despite the ache in her heart, Arin poured all her love into Jungsoo. He was her anchor, her reason to smile, even on the hardest days. Watching him grow, she realized that her love for him was stronger than any pain she might feel.

And so, the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months. Jungsoo continued to thrive, bringing light and laughter to the Kim mansion. And though Arin sometimes wished things were different, she found solace in the joy of watching her son grow into the bright, spirited child he was meant to be.

Jungkook had only returned to the Kim mansion once after his departure to Busan, and that too for a fleeting moment. It was So Mun's first birthday, a day of joy and celebration for the entire family. The mansion was adorned with decorations, laughter echoed through the halls, and the sight of So Mun toddling around brought warmth to everyone’s hearts. Jungkook arrived just as the cake was being cut, his presence causing a ripple of surprise and relief among the family members. Arin’s heart fluttered with hope at the sight of him, though his distant demeanor quickly reminded her of the growing gap between them. He smiled softly at So Mun, crouching to wish the little boy a happy birthday and even holding him briefly in his arms. Yet, his interactions were restrained, almost mechanical, as if he were fulfilling a duty rather than genuinely sharing the family’s joy.

Jungkook barely stayed for an hour, leaving almost as suddenly as he had arrived, citing pressing work in Busan. His departure cast a bittersweet shadow over the evening; the family tried to focus on the happiness of the occasion, but his absence lingered in their minds. Arin, in particular, couldn’t shake the pang of disappointment. While she appreciated his effort to attend, even for a brief moment, it was a stark reminder of how much he had distanced himself from them. As the party continued, Arin couldn’t help but glance at the door, hoping for some sign that he might return, though deep down, she knew he wouldn’t.

Despite the challenges, Arin found immeasurable joy in watching Jungsoo grow. From his first laugh to his first word, every milestone was a reminder of the beauty of motherhood.

One evening, as she sat in the nursery, watching Jungsoo sleep, Arin whispered, “I wish your Appa could see all of this. I know he loves you in his own way, but sometimes I wonder if he knows just how special you are.”

Her tears fell silently, but she quickly wiped them away. “It’s okay, though. I’ll make sure you always feel loved, no matter what.”

With that resolve, Arin continued to pour her heart into raising Jungsoo, finding strength in his laughter and light in his presence. Though Jungkook’s absence left a void, Arin chose to focus on the happiness her son brought into her life, cherishing every moment as they built their little world together.

---
Arin stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her blouse as she looked at her reflection. The soft hum of the house felt quieter than usual today, and it wasn’t just because Jungkook wasn’t around. Her mind was preoccupied with the reality that she was about to leave her baby behind, something she’d never imagined she would do so soon. The bittersweet feeling churned in her chest as she adjusted her hair, running her fingers through it to try and smooth out the nerves.

She had decided to return to work after Jungsoo had turned seven months old. While she’d loved every moment spent at home with him, Arin knew it was time. Arin had tried to delay this moment for as long as possible. She had spent every day since his birth with him, nurturing him, watching him grow, but now, the reality of her responsibilities as the CEO of Kim Corporation could no longer be avoided. She had made a decision—one she hoped was the right one.

The nanny arrived early, preparing to take care of Jungsoo. Arin glanced at the clock, her heart racing as she walked into the living room, where Jungsoo was playing with his toys on the floor. His chubby fingers were wrapped around a soft stuffed bear, and he giggled as he shook it. Arin knelt beside him, watching his innocence and cherishing every second of this peaceful moment.

“You’re growing so fast, my sweet boy,” Arin whispered, brushing a strand of hair out of his face as he looked up at her with those wide, trusting eyes. His little hand reached up to touch her face, making her smile through the lump in her throat.

“I’ll be back before you know it,” she promised, kissing the top of his head.

"You’ll be fine, my sweet boy." Arin kissed his little hand, trying to convince herself as much as him. But the thought of leaving him in someone else’s care, even if it was a nanny she had personally selected, left a lump in her throat.

When Arin had mentioned her return to work, she had hesitated, knowing her mother-in-law, Jeon Soojin, would want to help. But she couldn't bear the thought of burdening Soojin, even though she had expressed her willingness to assist. Her mother-in-law, Jeon Soojin, had already insisted on looking after him. “Arin, you don’t have to worry,” Soojin had said, with a gentle smile. "I’ll take care of Jungsoo. Don’t think twice about it. I’m his grandmother. It’ll be my pleasure." Arin knew Soojin's plate was already full, especially with her own life and responsibilities. Miso had her clinic to run, and Taehyung, despite his kindness and his attempts to ease her worries, had his own empire to manage. Even Jungkook’s father, Minho, was busy at work, leaving Arin to feel like she was imposing."I don't want to burden you," Arin explained, trying to suppress the lump in her throat.

"Arin, I can take care of him alone," Soojin had insisted countless times, her voice gentle but firm. "I’ve raised your husband and your brother-in-law. I can handle Jungsoo just fine. But I understand that you’re worried. Also we have maids at home already. It won’t be a burden, Arin. I’m his grandmother. You don’t have to worry.”

But Arin couldn’t shake her concerns. The idea of leaving Jungsoo for the first time, even for a short while, seemed impossible. What if something happened to him? What if she missed out on something important in his development? The weight of these thoughts was almost too much to bear.

Arin couldn’t help but feel torn. “I appreciate it, Mother, truly. You’re already helping so much. I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed , and burden you” she said, her voice trembling with uncertainty. “And the nanny... it’s just that I feel better knowing someone’s here with you.”

“Arin,” Soojin said, her tone soft but firm, “You’re not a burden. I’m more than capable of taking care of Jungsoo. I want to do this for you. You don’t have to do everything yourself.”

But Arin couldn’t bring herself to fully agree. “I know you’re capable, but I don’t want you to be stressed. You’ve done so much for me already, and I just—”

She was interrupted by the sound of Jungsoo cooing softly, a little sound that pulled Arin’s attention back to him. Her eyes filled with love as she picked him up, holding him close. “I know you’re just a little baby, but Eomma has to go to work now.”

Soojin, seeing the hesitation in Arin’s eyes, softened. “Arin, I know you care deeply for Jungsoo, but it’s not like you’re leaving him forever. You need to go back to work, and I’m here for him. If you still feel unsure, I will work with the nanny. That way, you’ll have peace of mind, and I’ll have some help. But know this, I’ll take care of him as if he were my own.”

Arin was quiet for a moment, her chest tightening with the thought of leaving her son. She had to admit, it wasn’t just about the practicalities. It was the emotional struggle of letting go, even if only for a few hours each day. “You’re right,” she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I trust you. I just... don’t want to leave him.”

Soojin smiled softly, reaching out to gently pat Arin’s arm. “Alright, we’ll have the nanny, but I’ll be helping too. I want you to focus on your work. You’re doing so much already, and you deserve to do this for yourself okay, dear. You’ve raised a beautiful child. I see how much love you have for him. He’ll be fine. And I’ll help, with the nanny, of course.”

Arin nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. She kissed Jungsoo on the cheek one last time before handing him to Soojin, who cradled him gently in her arms. "Thank you," Arin whispered. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

As Arin straightened up and began gathering her things, she heard Taehyung’s footsteps approaching from the hallway. He had just returned from a meeting and smiled at her when he saw her heading toward the door.

“Ready to go back to the office?” he asked, his usual cool demeanor softened by a trace of sympathy in his voice.

Arin smiled weakly, her fingers fidgeting with her purse. “Yeah, I think so. It’s just hard… leaving him behind.”

“I know,” Taehyung replied, his voice genuine. “But he’s in good hands. You shouldn’t worry. You’ve done an amazing job with him, and he’s growing up strong. You’ve earned this time for yourself.”

Arin nodded again, though her heart remained heavy. “I’ll try not to worry. Thanks for being supportive.”

Soojin smiled warmly. “Don’t mention it, Arin. Just go and do your best at work. We’ll be fine here.”

With a final look at Jungsoo, who was now reaching for his toys on the floor, Arin turned and left the house, stepping into the car that would take her to the office. As the car moved through the busy streets of Seoul, she felt the weight of the day ahead pressing down on her, but she also felt a quiet sense of gratitude.

Arin was walking into a new phase of her life—one where she was balancing her work with her responsibilities as a mother. It wasn’t easy, and there were moments of doubt, but she knew she was doing what was best for herself, her son, and her family.

As the car sped toward the office, Arin reminded herself that it was okay to ask for help, to lean on her family when needed. And, for now, she was going to focus on making the most of this new chapter.

The office was buzzing when Arin arrived, and the weight of her new responsibilities settled on her shoulders. She hadn’t been away for long, but it felt like a lifetime. Everyone seemed eager to welcome her back, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of being torn between two worlds—her role as a mother and her role as the leader of her company.

As she walked through the doors, she was met with a flurry of activity. Her assistant handed her a stack of documents that needed her attention, and her team was already preparing for the meetings ahead. Arin could feel her stress rising, but she forced herself to remain calm. She had done this before. She had balanced her work and personal life for years. She could do it again.

Throughout the day, Arin found herself struggling to focus. She felt a strange sense of longing every time she thought of Jungsoo at home, waiting for her to return. As much as she loved her work, her heart ached to be away from her son. But she knew she had to persevere.

The first few hours were the hardest. She had several meetings with key clients, some of whom had been anxiously waiting for her return. As the CEO of the company, she needed to project confidence and authority, but inside, she felt frazzled, as if everything was spinning out of control.

But then, a surprising knock on her office door broke her thoughts.

“Come in,” Arin called, her voice strained but composed.

The door opened, and Taehyung stepped in, a cup of coffee in his hand. He knew she’d need it.

“I thought you could use a break,” he said, walking over to her desk and placing the coffee in front of her. “I brought your favorite blend.”
Arin smiled, her heart warming at his thoughtfulness. “ Thanks a lot that's exactly what I need,” she murmured, taking the cup. The warm liquid soothed her, if only for a moment.

Taehyung leaned against her desk, folding his arms across his chest.“How are you feeling?”

Arin smiled, but it was a smile filled with exhaustion. “Nervous,” she admitted, sinking into the chair behind her desk. “I’m happy to be back, but I’m also worried about leaving Jungsoo behind. I feel like I’m missing something.”

Taehyung nodded sympathetically, sitting across from her. “I get it. I remember how I felt when So Mun was born. I wanted to be with him every second of the day. But I also knew that I had a job to do. You can’t be everywhere at once.”

Arin looked at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. “It’s hard, you know? I want to be a good mother, but I also want to be a good CEO. It feels like I’m being pulled in two directions.”

Taehyung leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. “I know how you feel. When So Mun was born, I was so torn between my work and my family. But eventually, I realized that both sides of me mattered. I’m still a father, and I’m still a businessman. I had to learn to juggle both, even if it was difficult.”

Arin’s gaze softened as she listened to Taehyung’s words. He was always there for her, offering advice and understanding, never pushing her to choose one path over the other.

“You’re not alone in this,” Taehyung added, his voice gentle but firm. “We all have our roles to play, but we don’t have to do it alone. I’ll help you however I can. And remember, you’re doing your best.”

Arin felt a surge of relief wash over her. Taehyung had always been like a brother to her, and his words gave her the strength she needed.

She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Thanks, Taehyung. I don’t know what I’d do without you all.”

He grinned, the familiar teasing glint in his eyes. “Well, you’re stuck with us now. We are not going anywhere.”

For the rest of the day, Arin tried to focus on her work, but her thoughts kept drifting to Jungsoo. Even though she had the support of her colleagues and her family, it wasn’t the same as being with her son. As the hours passed, she felt a tug in her chest, a longing that only a mother could understand.

By the time the day was over, she was eager to go home. When she walked through the door, the first thing she saw was Soojin, sitting on the couch with Jungsoo in her arms. He looked up at her with wide eyes, a tiny smile spreading across his face.

Arin’s heart fluttered. She had missed him so much.

“I’m home, my love,” Arin said softly, kneeling beside Soojin.

Jungsoo cooed, reaching out toward his mother. Arin couldn’t help but laugh, lifting him up into her arms. “Mommy missed you so much,” she whispered, kissing his forehead.

Soojin smiled at the scene, her heart full of warmth. “He was a good boy today. He didn’t cry too much.”

Arin smiled, her heart swelling with love. “I’m glad you two are okay. Thank you for taking care of him.”

“You’re welcome, Arin,” Soojin replied, her tone full of affection. “I’m happy to help.”

As Arin looked at her son, her worries began to melt away. Yes, balancing motherhood and work was difficult, but with the support of her family, she knew she could do it. Every day would be a challenge, but it would also be a rewarding one. For Jungsoo—and for herself.

---

By the time Jungsoo was ten months old, he had become the center of the Kim family’s world. His laughter echoed through the halls, his curiosity bringing life to every corner of the mansion.

He and So Mun were inseparable, their innocent bond a source of endless joy. The family would often gather in the evenings to watch them play, their smiles erasing the weight of their individual burdens.

Though Arin’s life was far from perfect, she found solace in these moments. Her son was her anchor, his presence a reminder that love could flourish even in the absence of a partner’s support.

---

Yet, in the quiet hours of the night, when the mansion was still, Arin couldn’t help but feel the sting of Jungkook’s absence. She thought of all the moments he had missed—Jungsoo’s first babble, his first attempt at crawling, his infectious laughter.

She sent him updates regularly, carefully curating photos and videos to share the milestones of their son’s life. But his responses remained distant, and the calls she longed for came less and less.

“It’s not like he was ever fully present,” she whispered to herself one night, staring at her phone. “But now, it feels like he’s slipping further away.”

Despite her disappointment, Arin refused to let it consume her. She focused on the love and joy she shared with Jungsoo, determined to give him the best life possible.

---

Life continued in the Kim mansion, each day bringing its own challenges and joys. Arin found herself growing stronger, her love for her son guiding her through the moments of doubt and loneliness.

Though Jungkook’s absence remained a shadow over her heart, she chose to focus on the light—her son’s laughter, the support of her family, and the strength she found within herself.

And as the seasons changed, so did Arin. No longer waiting for Jungkook to fill the void in her life, she realized that she had everything she needed right there in front of her. Because in Jungsoo’s smile, she found a love that was unwavering—a love that was enough.

_______________________________________

Author's Note:

Hey, lovely readers!

We’ve come to the end of yet another chapter, and I just want to take a moment to reflect on the whirlwind of emotions. Jungkook’s brief visit for So Mun’s birthday was bittersweet, wasn’t it? While it was a momentary glimpse of the man Arin and Jungsoo long to have more present in their lives, it left a sense of emptiness in its wake. Arin is trying her best to hold everything together, but we can see how Jungkook’s absence weighs heavily on her heart.

As for Jungkook, he’s missing out on all those precious firsts—Jungsoo’s first babbles, the way he reaches for his mother with tiny hands, and those little moments that make parenthood so special. It’s heartbreaking to think how those milestones are slipping through his fingers, leaving memories he may never get to be part of.

Do you think Jungkook will ever realize what he’s losing by staying distant? Or is it already too late for him to bridge the gap between him and his family? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

As always, don’t forget to vote, comment, and share if you’re enjoying Shattered Vows. Your support means the world to me, and I’m beyond grateful for each and every one of you who’s following this journey. Until next time, take care and keep dreaming big!

Next update: don't know!

—StarlitWings