Hey, wonderful readers!

Before you dive into this chapter, I just wanted to remind you how much your support means to me. I see you all reading, and it makes my heart so happy, but I’ve noticed the comments section is looking a bit... empty. Cries in writer.

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Much love,
StarlitWings

_______________________________________

ARIN

The sound of my pen scratching against paper echoed softly in my office. I was reviewing a stack of proposals that needed my attention, but my mind was elsewhere, floating through the currents of the past three years.

Three years. It had been three years since Jungsoo was born, and life had shifted in ways I could never have predicted.

If someone had asked me five years ago where I saw myself, I would’ve confidently answered, “Building a legacy in the business world.” Back then, my dreams were as crisp and clear as the tailored suits I imagined myself wearing: climbing the corporate ladder, running Min Enterprises, and becoming one of the youngest business moguls in the country.

Never, not once, would I have envisioned myself as a wife, a mother, or a daughter-in-law. Yet here I am, sitting in my spacious office at Kim Corporation, surrounded by papers and reports that demand my attention, lost in a haze of memories and thoughts.

It’s been two years since Jungsoo’s first birthday. Two years since that lively celebration where laughter filled the house, and hope, however fleeting, flickered in my heart. But life has a way of moving forward relentlessly, no matter how much you wish it would pause. Now, my son is three years old—a curious, energetic boy who fills the silence of our home with his laughter and questions.

But Jungkook… Jungkook is like a shadow, always there but never truly present. He comes home only for brief moments: birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. Thanksgiving was the last time I saw him in person. That was months ago. Since then, he exists in our lives only in two dimensions—through phone calls and video chats.

Sometimes, when Jungsoo misses him, I’m the one dialing his number, holding the phone as my son eagerly chatters away, his tiny hands clutching the screen like it’s a lifeline to his father.

“Appa, I built a big tower with my blocks today!” Jungsoo had exclaimed last week, his voice high-pitched and excited.

“Did you, Jungsoo-ah? That’s amazing,” Jungkook replied, his deep voice tinged with warmth. “Make sure to show me when I come home, okay?”

“When?” Jungsoo asked innocently, his eyes wide with hope.

Jungkook had paused for a moment too long. “Soon, my little architect. Soon.”

But soon is a word that has lost its meaning in our household.

One night,The room was dimly lit, with the soft glow of the moon streaming through the curtains. Jungsoo, dressed in his favorite dinosaur pajamas, held the phone tightly in his small hands. He was lying on his bed, surrounded by plush toys, as I perched beside him.

“Appa, what are you doing?” Jungsoo’s voice was soft, his eyelids already drooping.

“Appa is working, Jungsoo-ah,” Jungkook replied, his voice steady but laced with exhaustion.

“Why always working?” Jungsoo pouted, shifting on the bed. “Come home.”

There was a pause on the line, the kind that felt heavier than it should. I could hear Jungkook take a deep breath. “I will, soon. But you need to sleep now, hmm? Eomma is there to give you goodnight kisses.”

Jungsoo turned to me, his face crinkling. “Eomma kiss me, but Appa kisses better.”

I chuckled softly, planting a kiss on his cheek. “There. Now Appa doesn’t win.”

“Never,” Jungsoo said, his eyes sparkling with mischief before turning back to the phone. “Sing me the song, Appa. Please?”

Jungkook didn’t hesitate. His deep voice began humming a lullaby, the same one he sang every time they called at bedtime. As the melody filled the room, Jungsoo’s eyes fluttered shut, and he slowly drifted off, clutching the phone as if it were his father.

-----

It was a Saturday morning, and Jungsoo had just finished his breakfast. He was unusually excited because I had told him we’d call Jungkook. As soon as the call connected, Jungsoo practically shouted into the phone.

“Appa! I ate all my food! Eomma said I’m a good boy!”

Jungkook’s laughter was immediate. “Did you, Jungsoo-ah? What did you eat?”

“Egg and rice!” he exclaimed, his tiny hands gesturing animatedly as if his father could see him. “But no green stuff.”

I rolled my eyes, taking the phone from him. “He means vegetables. He picked out all the peas again.”

Jungkook sighed dramatically on the other end. “Jungsoo, how will you grow big and strong like Appa if you don’t eat your vegetables?”

“I’m already big! Look!” Jungsoo declared, standing on his tiptoes and stretching his arms as wide as he could.

I turned the camera to show him, and Jungkook laughed again. “You’re right, you’re almost taller than Appa!”

Jungsoo giggled, then suddenly lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Eomma said no candy today. Can you tell her yes?”

“Yah, Jeon Jungsoo!” I scolded, making Jungkook laugh harder.

“Nice try, buddy,” Jungkook said, his tone warm. “Listen to Eomma, okay? She knows best.”

Jungsoo groaned but nodded, pouting at the phone.

------

It was a rainy afternoon, and Jungsoo was busy coloring when he suddenly asked to call his appa. Once the call connected, he immediately held up his drawing to the camera.

“Appa, look! It’s you!” he said excitedly.

Jungkook’s voice softened. “Wow, is that really me? You made Appa look so handsome!”

Jungsoo nodded vigorously. “You have a big head!”

I couldn’t help but laugh as Jungkook pretended to be offended. “A big head? Jungsoo-ah, that’s not very nice!”

“It’s because you’re smart!” Jungsoo quickly added, grinning cheekily.

Jungkook chuckled. “Okay, I’ll accept that. Thank you for the drawing, buddy. Can I hang it in my office?”

“You don’t have it,” Jungsoo replied with a frown.

“I’ll take a picture, and then it’ll be in my office, okay?”

Jungsoo seemed satisfied with this answer and returned to his coloring, mumbling about making another one for me next time.

-----

It was late at one night, and I was cleaning up the living room when I heard Jungsoo’s soft sobs. I hurried to his room and found him clutching his stuffed bunny, tears streaming down his cheeks.

“What’s wrong, my baby?” I asked, scooping him into my arms.

“I miss Appa,” he whispered, his voice trembling.

My heart clenched, and without hesitation, I dialed Jungkook’s number. It was late, but he answered on the second ring.

“Arin? Is everything okay?”

“It’s Jungsoo. He misses you,” I said softly, handing the phone to our son.

“Appa,” Jungsoo cried, his tiny voice breaking. “When are you coming home?”

Jungkook’s silence was heavy before he spoke. “Jungsoo-ah, Appa misses you too. So much. But I’m working hard so I can come home soon.”

“Promise?”

“I promise,” Jungkook said, his voice firm yet gentle. “And until then, you have to be a good boy for Eomma, okay?”

Jungsoo nodded, clutching the phone as if it were his lifeline. “I love you, Appa.”

“I love you more, my little bunny,” Jungkook replied.

After a while, Jungsoo’s tears subsided, and he fell asleep clutching his bunny and my hand. I sat there for a long time, staring at the phone, wishing that Jungkook’s promise could somehow erase the ache in both our hearts.

I sighed, leaning back in my chair as my gaze fell on the framed photo on my desk. It was from Jungsoo’s second birthday—a rare moment when Jungkook had been there, holding our son as he smiled wide, his cheeks smeared with chocolate frosting. I remember how Jungsoo had clung to him that day, how happy he’d been to have his appa there. And I remember how my heart ached knowing it wouldn’t last.

The truth is, I’ve learned to adapt. I had no choice. As the CEO of Kim Corporation, my days are consumed by meetings, decisions, and the constant pressure of running one of the country’s leading companies. But when the workday ends, I shed the title of CEO and become “Eomma.” I’m the one who kisses scraped knees, reads bedtime stories, and tucks a little boy into bed each night.

When Jungsoo turned two, I made the decision to move back to the apartment Jungkook and I once shared after our marriage. Back then, it wasn’t a home filled with love or warmth; it was just a space we cohabited because of our arrangement. Jungkook was rarely home, caught up with his demanding job at the police station. When he was there, the atmosphere felt distant, as though we were just two people living separate lives under the same roof.

Moving back wasn’t about rekindling old memories. It was about finding a more manageable space, a place where I could focus on building a life for myself and Jungsoo. The big family mansion felt too grand, too empty, especially with Jungkook’s prolonged absences.

Now, the apartment is a completely different place. It’s no longer cold and lifeless but filled with Jungsoo’s laughter, toys, and the scent of freshly baked cookies when we spend afternoons together in the kitchen. It’s become a home—one that I’ve built for us, even if Jungkook isn’t part of it most of the time.

I still remember the day I told them. It was a quiet afternoon, and everyone had gathered in the living room of the mansion after lunch. Jungsoo was happily playing with his blocks, under the watchful eye of his babysitter, Mrs. Choi, who had been with him since he was born.

Clearing my throat, I said, “I’ve decided to move back to the apartment.”

The words hung in the air for a moment before Taehyung, always the first to speak, broke the silence.

“What?” he asked, his deep voice tinged with disbelief. “Why would you do that? You’ve got everything you need here.”

I glanced at Miso, who was sitting beside him, cradling their son, So Mun. Her brows furrowed slightly as she studied me, though her expression held more curiosity than judgment.

“It’s not that I don’t appreciate everything,” I began, my tone steady but gentle. “But I think it’s time for me to establish a space for myself and Jungsoo. The mansion is... it’s too big. It doesn’t feel right anymore, especially when it’s just the two of us most of the time.”

“You’re not alone here,” Taehyung countered, crossing his arms. “You’ve got all of us, and Jungsoo loves playing with So Mun. Why uproot that?”

“I know,” I replied, offering a small smile to him and Miso. “And I’ll bring Jungsoo over often to spend time with everyone. But... the apartment will give us a sense of independence. A place where I can build something just for the two of us.”

Taehyung’s lips thinned, and I could tell he was holding back another argument. Miso placed a calming hand on his arm and spoke softly. “Arin, if this is what you think is best, then we’ll support you. Just promise you’ll call if you ever need anything.”

“I promise,” I said, grateful for her understanding.

Jungkook’s father, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke up. “You’re moving back to the apartment? Alone? With a child? Do you think that’s wise?”

His tone wasn’t harsh, but it carried a weight of disapproval.

“Father,” I said respectfully, “I’ve thought about this a lot. I’m not doing this recklessly. Mrs. Choi will continue to help with Jungsoo. She’s been amazing with him, and she’ll be with us at the apartment just like she’s been here.”

“You think that’s enough?” he pressed. “Raising a child isn’t just about logistics. What about the environment? The support?”

Miso spoke up then, her voice calm but firm. “Appa, Arin has been managing everything perfectly so far. If she feels this is the right step, we should trust her judgment.”

Jungkook’s mother, looked torn. She had always been supportive of me, but I could see the concern in her eyes. “Arin-ah, you know we only want what’s best for you and Jungsoo. Are you sure this isn’t... too much? Managing the company, being a mother—it’s a lot of responsibility.”

“I know, mother,” I replied softly. “But I’ve been doing it all this time. Moving to the apartment doesn’t change that. It just gives us a place to call our own.”

She nodded reluctantly, though her worry didn’t completely fade. “If this is what you want... we’ll support you. But promise me you’ll let us help if you ever feel overwhelmed.”

“I will,” I assured her.

Taehyung, who had been silent since Miso’s intervention, finally sighed. “Fine. But if you need anything—anything—don’t hesitate to call. I mean it, Arin.”

“Thank you,” I said, genuinely touched by his protectiveness.

Later, as I prepared to pack up Jungsoo’s things, Miso pulled me aside.

“Are you sure about this?” she asked quietly.

“I am,” I replied, meeting her concerned gaze. “I need this, Miso. For me and for Jungsoo.”

She nodded, a soft smile on her lips. “Then I’ll support you. Just don’t forget we’re always here for you.”

That night, as I tucked Jungsoo into bed, I felt a sense of bittersweet resolve. Leaving the mansion meant leaving behind a safety net, but it also meant stepping into a space where I could truly begin to build a life for myself and my son—a life that, while missing a crucial piece, would still be filled with love and purpose.

Some days, it feels like I’m living two lives. By day, I’m Arin, the poised businesswoman who commands boardrooms and negotiates deals. By night, I’m mother, the woman who kisses her son’s scraped knees, reads bedtime stories, and holds him close when he whispers, “Eomma, I miss Appa.”

A sigh escaped my lips, and I leaned back in my chair, closing my eyes for a moment. How did I get here?

The knock on my office door broke through my thoughts, and I straightened up. “Come in,” I called.

My assistant, Jihyun, stepped in, holding a folder in her hands. Her professional demeanor didn’t hide the sympathy in her eyes—she must have noticed my distracted state.

“Sorry to disturb you, ma’am,” she said, setting the folder on my desk. “But these are the reports you requested for the quarterly review. I thought you’d want to take a look before your next meeting.”

“Thank you, Jihyun,” I replied, offering a faint smile.

She hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “I also scheduled a meeting with the marketing team for tomorrow at 2 PM. They want to discuss the upcoming campaign for the new product launch.”

I nodded, mentally noting the addition to my calendar. “That’s fine. Anything else?”

Jihyun hesitated again, her gaze flickering toward me uncertainly. “Ma’am, if I may... you seem a bit distracted today. Is everything alright?”

Her observation caught me off guard, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure how to respond. But then I realized there was no harm in being honest.

“I’m fine, Jihyun,” I said, my voice soft but steady. “Just thinking about how much things have changed over the years. Life has a funny way of surprising you, doesn’t it?”

She smiled gently. “It does. But you’ve handled everything so well, ma’am. It’s inspiring to see how you manage everything—work, family, and your little boy.”

Her words warmed me more than I expected, and I gave her a genuine smile. “Thank you, Jihyun. That means a lot.”

With a respectful nod, she excused herself, leaving me alone once more.

As she left, I leaned back again, my thoughts drifting once more. It’s a juggling act, balancing the demands of my career with the responsibilities of motherhood. And while I’ve managed to excel in both, there’s a part of me that feels stretched too thin, like a rubber band ready to snap.

Some nights, when the house is quiet and Jungsoo is fast asleep, I lie awake thinking about Jungkook. Does he realize how much he’s missing? Does he think about the milestones he’s absent for—the first words, the first steps, the endless little moments that make up a child’s life?

I don’t resent him. At least, I try not to. I know his work in Busan is important, but there are times when I wonder if he’s lost sight of what’s truly important.

I turned my attention back to the papers on my desk, but my thoughts continued to drift. Life had indeed changed in ways I never anticipated, and though it wasn’t always easy, I had come to embrace the chaos.

As I glanced at the clock, I made a mental note to check on Jungsoo’s babysitter, Mrs. Choi, later. She always kept me updated on his day, from his meals to the stories he insisted on hearing before his naps. He was my grounding force, my reason for pushing forward—even on the days when the weight of everything felt unbearable.

This is my life now, I thought. And while it wasn’t what I’d envisioned all those years ago, it was mine, and I was determined to make the best of it.

A soft buzz from my phone pulled me out of my thoughts. It was a reminder for the upcoming meeting. With a deep breath, I pushed aside the weight in my chest and focused on the tasks at hand.

Life doesn’t pause for anyone, not even when your heart feels stuck in the past. And as much as I miss the man who should be by my side, I have a little boy who needs me to be present—for both of us.

One step at a time, I remind myself. One day at a time.

-------

The sky outside my car window turned a soft shade of lavender as I drove home, the day’s fatigue settling into my bones. Work had been hectic, but I was grateful to be heading back to my haven—my son, Jungsoo.

As I pulled into the parking garage of the apartment building, the familiar warmth of home washed over me. It had been over a year since Jungsoo and I moved back here, leaving the grandeur of the Kim mansion behind for a simpler life. The apartment held memories, both good and bittersweet, but now it was where Jungsoo and I built our little world.

The moment I unlocked the door, I was greeted by an enthusiastic squeal.

“Eomma!” Jungsoo’s tiny feet pattered against the wooden floor as he ran to me, his arms outstretched.

I crouched down just in time to catch him in a tight hug. “My baby! Did you miss me today?”

He nodded vigorously, his chubby cheeks bouncing with the motion. “Missed you lots! Mrs. Choi said you busy-busy today.”

I chuckled, ruffling his soft hair. “Eomma was very busy, but now I’m all yours. Did you have fun today?”

Jungsoo pulled back and started babbling excitedly, his words tumbling over each other in his rush to tell me everything. “I drawed a sun! And—and a bunny! Mrs. Choi said it’s cute, but bunny’s ears too big!”

“Oh no!” I gasped dramatically, making him giggle. “Did you tell Mrs. Choi it’s a special bunny with big ears?”

“Yes! Special bunny!” He grinned, showing off his tiny teeth, then grabbed my hand to lead me further inside. “Come, eomma, see bunny!”

Mrs. Choi appeared from the living room, a warm smile on her face. “Good evening, ma’am. Jungsoo was a delight today, as always.”

“Thank you so much, Mrs. Choi,” I said sincerely. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“It’s my pleasure,” she replied. “He’s such a joy to be around. I’ve tidied up, and he had his snack earlier, so you should have a little time to prepare dinner.”

I smiled, appreciating her thoughtfulness. “Thank you again, Mrs. Choi. Have a good evening.”

She waved goodbye as she left, and I turned my attention back to Jungsoo, who was busy rummaging through his toy box.

“Alright, my little bunny artist. How about you keep me company in the kitchen while I make dinner?”

“Cook! Cook!” he exclaimed, bouncing on his feet.

I picked him up and carried him to the kitchen, setting him down in his high chair with a few crayons and a blank sheet of paper. “You can draw me something while I cook, okay?”

“Okay, eomma! I’ll draw lots and lots!”

As I prepared dinner, I glanced over every so often to see Jungsoo diligently coloring. “What are you drawing now?”

“A big castle!” he replied proudly.

“Wow, a castle? Who lives there?”

“Me and eomma and Appa!” he said, his voice full of innocence.

My hands stilled for a moment, but I quickly recovered, stirring the soup on the stove. “That sounds like a very special castle,” I said softly.

By the time dinner was ready, Jungsoo had finished his masterpiece. “Look, eomma! Castle!”

“It’s beautiful, my little artist,” I said, holding up his drawing. “We’ll put this on the fridge later.”

“Yay! Fridge!”

Dinner was a lively affair, filled with Jungsoo’s giggles and messy attempts to eat with his spoon. His cheeks were puffed out like a squirrel’s as he chewed, making me laugh.

After dinner, I cleaned up while Jungsoo played with his toy cars in the living room. Once the kitchen was spotless, I scooped him up for his bath.

“Nooooo! Five more minutes!” he protested, squirming in my arms.

I laughed. “Five more minutes means no bedtime story.”

That did the trick. “Okay! Bath!”

Once he was clean and dressed in his dinosaur pajamas, we settled into his bed for storytime. Tonight’s book was about a brave little fox, and Jungsoo listened intently, his eyes wide with wonder.

“Eomma, am I brave like the fox?” he asked, his voice small and sleepy.

“You’re the bravest boy I know,” I whispered, brushing his hair back.

Satisfied with my answer, he yawned and snuggled into his blanket. “Love you, eomma.”

“Love you more, my baby,” I replied, kissing his forehead.

As I turned off the light and watched him drift off to sleep, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. The days were long and often exhausting, but moments like these made everything worthwhile.

In the quiet of the apartment, I sat by the window with a cup of tea, reflecting on the day. Life wasn’t perfect, but it was mine, and for now, that was enough.

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Author's Note:

Hey, lovely readers!

I know, I know—this chapter might feel like a filler, but I promise it’s an important one! Sometimes, it’s the quieter moments that lay the foundation for the emotional rollercoaster ahead. Don’t worry; the story is about to get much more interesting, with twists and turns that will keep you on your toes.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for reading this book. Seriously, seeing the reads go up makes me so happy! But... where are my comments? Not even one? Come on, guys, I need your thoughts, even if it’s just “I like this!” or “Keep going!” Your votes and comments mean everything to me—they’re what keep me motivated to write late into the night (and trust me, I’m running on caffeine and vibes right now).

So, if you’ve enjoyed the journey so far, please take a second to vote and drop a comment. Let’s build this little community together, and who knows, maybe your feedback will inspire something amazing in the next chapters!

Much love,
StarlitWings