AUTHOR

As the security guard unlocked the company gate, signaling the start of another workday, he proceeded to ensure that everything was in order. However, as he stepped inside, he was immediately struck by a horrifying sight: bright red blood smeared across the office floor, leading directly from Daehee's room. Curiosity mixed with dread compelled him to approach the door, and with legs that felt unsteady, he pushed it open. What he saw next was beyond comprehension-a lifeless body slumped in a chair. His heart raced, and his mind spiraled into chaos as he realized that the deceased was none other than the company manager, Lee Daehee. Overwhelmed by panic, he hastily moved the body to the cafeteria freezer, tears streaming down his face as he grappled with the shocking reality of the situation.

The clock ticked towards 7 a.m., and employees began trickling into the office, each absorbed in their own routines. The atmosphere was soon filled with the usual sounds of typing and chatter, but that calm was shattered by a piercing scream. Everyone froze, turning their attention to a woman emerging from the kitchen-the cafeteria cook. Her face was pale, and she was visibly shaken as she stumbled closer to her colleagues, pointing frantically back towards the kitchen. Confusion swept through the room as she stammered, "B-body... There is a B-body in my f-freezer." Her legs shook uncontrollably, and her hands covered her mouth, stifling her cries. One brave employee ventured into the kitchen to investigate, only to return with a look of sheer horror that mirrored the cook's panic.

Just then, the CEO of the company, Jungkook, entered the scene, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. The employees, still reeling from the shocking revelation, were so engrossed in the unfolding drama that they barely noticed his arrival. As he approached, he surveyed the room, his brow furrowing deeper with each passing second. "G-good m-morning, sir," they stammered in unison, their voices trembling. Jungkook's confusion only deepened as he asked, "Is everything okay? Why do you all look like you've seen a ghost?" Just as one employee was about to explain the situation, another emerged from the kitchen, breaking the tension with a chilling question: "Now what should we do with the dead body?" The room fell silent, the weight of the moment settling heavily on everyone present.

Jungkook stood frozen in disbelief as he stared at the lifeless body lying in the cafeteria freezer. His hands instinctively flew to his mouth, trying to stifle the gasp that escaped him. He stumbled backward, desperately clutching the counter for support, but his legs gave way beneath him, and he collapsed to the floor. Tears streamed down his face as he struggled to comprehend the horrifying scene before him. The sight of Daehee's body, cold and still, filled him with a mix of shock and sorrow. Just days ago, he had wanted to share something important with Daehee, but now that opportunity was lost forever. The thought of their unfinished conversation gnawed at him, leaving him feeling even more confused and heartbroken.

Gathering his strength, Jungkook pushed himself up and approached the body, his heart racing with a mix of fear and anger. He reached out to touch Daehee's head, but it fell limply to the side, revealing a gruesome gunshot wound. The sight of Daehee's closed eyes, which once sparkled with life, now seemed to reflect a deep sense of worry that Jungkook couldn't shake off. Overwhelmed by emotions, he felt a surge of rage and desperation. "You can't leave me, Lee Daehee! You promised me you would always be there!" he shouted, his voice breaking. In a frantic attempt to save his friend, he declared, "Call an ambulance! He needs to get to the hospital!" With determination, he raced toward his room to grab his car keys, but his path was abruptly blocked by Daehee's bodyguard, Park Daehyun.

Daehyun's expression mirrored Jungkook's shock as he processed the grim reality. "What is happening, sir? I waited for him all night, and now everyone is saying he's dead. This can't be true!" Jungkook felt a wave of despair wash over him, his voice trembling as he insisted, "We have to get to the hospital right now!" However, Daehyun shook his head firmly, his tone serious. "No, sir. If we go to the hospital, they will demand a postmortem, and the police will get involved. That could lead to trouble for us." Jungkook's frustration boiled over as he replied, "I don't care! Who would dare to kill Daehee? You don't understand; his daughter will stop at nothing to avenge her father. Daehyun felt very shocked to see the ceo of Jeon Traders being scared of an ordinary girl.

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As soon as I stepped into my room, I collapsed onto my bed, feeling completely drained. Today had been one of those days where everything seemed to go wrong. Tomorrow was supposed to be special because I was finally going to meet the girl I had always dreamed of being with. But now, I was filled with dread about how to explain my reasons for leaving her. I never meant to betray her trust; she meant the world to me. I lay there, staring at the ceiling, tears streaming down my face as I thought about the pain that awaited her.

Lee Heejin was the kind of girl who cherished her father more than anyone else in her life. The thought of her finding out about her father's death was unbearable. She loved him deeply, even more than she loved me, and I couldn't help but feel a wave of guilt wash over me. How would she react when she learned that her father had been killed while I was around? I was just her ex-boyfriend now, and she had moved on to someone else, a man I had always wished to protect her from. It felt like I was losing her all over again, and the weight of that realization was crushing.

I shook my head, trying to push these thoughts away, but they only seemed to grow stronger, dragging me deeper into despair and anxiety. My plans had completely fallen apart, and the loss of Lee Daehee felt like a heavy burden on my heart. He had made a promise to me, and now he was gone, leaving me to grapple with the consequences. I couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness as I let these thoughts consume me, eventually drifting off to sleep without even realizing it.

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AUTHOR

Daehyun sat on the edge of his bed, his hands shaking with anxiety. He was overwhelmed with the thought of how to break the news to Heejin about her father's tragic death. After a moment of contemplation, he made his way to the kitchen, grabbing a glass and a bottle of water, along with his inhaler, which he desperately needed to calm his nerves. He then moved to the couch, where he sat with his phone clutched tightly in his hands. Daehyun was burdened with the heavy knowledge of what had happened; he was the only one who knew that Daehee had been killed by a kidnapper. Now, he had to find the right moment to share this devastating news with Jungkook, but first, he needed to focus on telling his daughter about her father's death.

Taking a deep breath, Daehyun sighed heavily as he prepared to make the call. He used his inhaler to steady his breathing and took a sip of water to soothe his dry throat. Just as he was about to dial Heejin's number, his phone rang unexpectedly. To his surprise, it was her calling him. When he answered, her cheerful face appeared on the screen, and it made his heart ache even more. "Hi, Daehyun uncle! How are you?" she beamed, her smile brightening the room. Daehyun forced a smile in return, but it felt fake and hollow. A simple "Hi" was all he could manage, as the weight of his sadness pressed down on him.

Heejin's next words struck him like a bolt of lightning. "By the way, where's Dad? Tomorrow is my engagement, and he's not answering his calls. Can you show me his face?" Daehyun felt a lump form in his throat as he bit his lip, trying to hold back tears. "H-he... He died, Heejin," he stammered, his voice breaking. To his shock, she laughed, thinking he was joking. "My father can never die, uncle! Stop joking and give him the phone!" she insisted, her smile fading as she sensed something was wrong. Daehyun shook his head, unable to find the words to comfort her, knowing that the truth would shatter her world.

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I can't believe what I just heard. My heart sank as the phone slipped from my fingers, hitting the floor with a dull thud. I had just called Uncle Daehyun to invite him to my engagement tomorrow, filled with excitement and anticipation, but instead, he dropped the bombshell that my father had passed away last night. At first, I thought it was some kind of sick joke; I never imagined he would say something like that. "Uncle, this isn't funny. Please just let me talk to Dad; he's not answering my calls," I pleaded, my voice trembling with disbelief. But then I heard the pain in his voice as he repeated the words, "He really died." The gravity of the situation began to sink in, and I felt a wave of denial wash over me. "I can't accept this," I insisted, but Uncle Daehyun's voice was urgent and filled with sorrow. "You have to believe me, Heejin. I need you here, but it has to be just you; your mother won't be able to handle seeing him like this." I felt a surge of determination as I stood up from my chair, my mind racing. "I'm on my way," I said, knowing that I had to face this heartbreaking reality.

After finishing my conversation with Uncle Daehyun, I ended the call feeling a heavy weight in my chest. The reality hit me hard: my father was really gone. I had planned to start packing my clothes, but just as I turned around, I was startled to see someone I never wanted to face at that moment. My father had passed away, and there stood my mother at the entrance, looking confused and desperate. "What do you mean he's dead? Who's dead, Lee Heejin?" she demanded, her voice rising with panic. I shook my head, trying to find the right words. "No one, Mom," I whispered, but it was clear she wasn't buying it.

My mother's voice grew louder, filled with anger and fear. "DON'T LIE TO ME!!! TELL ME WHERE IS YOUR FATHER? I WANT TO TALK TO HIM!" Tears welled up in my eyes as I watched her unravel. I felt completely helpless, caught in a storm of emotions. I walked over to my closet and grabbed my suitcase, trying to focus on packing. But as I started to put my clothes inside, she would angrily throw them back out. "I want answers, Lee Heejin! I WANT ANSWERS!" Her screams echoed in the room, and I finally snapped. "HE'S DEAD!!! HE DIED!" The words hung in the air, heavy and painful. My mother stumbled back, her face pale. "Who... How...?" she stammered, and I could see the shock washing over her.

I closed my eyes, feeling the weight of the moment. "I don't know how!" I replied, my voice breaking. I dropped my bag and grabbed my keys, knowing I had to take control of the situation. "You need to handle this, Mom. I know you're sad, but I have to deal with things too." She didn't respond; instead, she dashed to her room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I let out a deep sigh, taking one last look around our home, filled with memories that now felt bittersweet. With a heavy heart, I stepped outside, ready to face whatever came next.

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Everyone gathered in the somber atmosphere, dressed in black, as the prayers were finally recited. Heejin was still missing, and I felt a knot of worry in my stomach. I turned to Daehyun, hoping for some reassurance, and he informed me that Heejin was on her way to Seoul. Her flight was just about to land, but the burial of Daehee was already underway. Standing in the graveyard, my heart felt heavy as I watched the final moments of Daehee's life unfold. I couldn't shake the memory of the promise he made, a promise he never had the chance to fulfill. It hurt deeply, but I felt powerless to change anything. After all, he had been working to save my company, so it was hard to place blame on anyone.

Just then, Park Dong Wook approached me, saying, "Sir, everything is taken care of. If you need anything else, please let me know." I simply shook my head and gestured for him to leave. My mind was elsewhere, and I was still processing the loss. Suddenly, I spotted Daehyun sprinting toward me, urgency in his steps. "Let's go, sir. We need to pick up Heejin," he urged. I hesitated, feeling the weight of the situation. "No, you go alone. Tell her about her father, but be careful. She tends to get emotional during times like this," I replied, my voice heavy with concern.

Daehyun looked puzzled and asked, "But how do you know, sir?" I let out a small chuckle, trying to lighten the mood, "Honestly, I just have a feeling." Before he could press me for more details, I turned and walked away, needing a moment to gather my thoughts. The reality of the day was overwhelming, and I knew that the next steps would be just as difficult. I hoped that Heejin would find the strength to cope with the news, and I wished I could be there to support her through this painful time.

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As I sat in my car, a wave of unease washed over me, making it hard to breathe. The atmosphere in Seoul felt unusually heavy, almost suffocating. I wasn't usually like this, but everything felt different now. I had no appetite; the thought of eating or drinking made me feel even worse. Even though my throat was dry and I desperately needed water, I couldn't bring myself to ask for it. All I could think about was finding out what had happened to my father, and that thought consumed me.

I could feel my breathing becoming more rapid, and it seemed like Uncle Daehyun noticed my distress. "Stay calm, Heejin," he said gently, but I couldn't help but let out a small laugh. "Calm? How can you expect me to be calm right now?" I replied, my voice shaky. He let out a deep sigh, understanding the weight of the situation. "I know this is a huge tragedy for you, but you need to be strong," he urged, trying to offer some comfort. His words felt like a heavy burden, and I couldn't hold back the tears any longer.

"What did I do to deserve this, Uncle? My mom is locked away in her room, and when I asked our neighbor about her, they said she hasn't eaten anything," I cried, my face buried in my hands to hide my anguish. I felt so lost and helpless, and the pain of the situation was overwhelming. Uncle Daehyun placed a comforting hand on my back, trying to console me as I sobbed loudly. In that moment, I felt a mix of sadness and frustration, wishing for answers and hoping for a way to ease the pain that had taken over our lives.

After a while, I managed to calm myself down as the car came to a halt at the graveyard, guiding me toward my father's resting place. My breathing was still a bit shaky, but I held onto my determination and stepped into the graveyard. There, I found the headstone that read, Lee Daehee, born on February 14, 1973, and passed away on December 14, 2024. The sight of it made my heart ache, and I felt a mix of sadness and anger bubbling inside me.

I settled down beside the grave and began to talk to him, pouring out my feelings for what felt like hours. "Who was he, Dad? I swear I will make him pay! Please, just tell me who he is!" I pleaded, my voice cracking with emotion. As I knelt there, burying my face in my hands, a sudden thought struck me like lightning. I felt a surge of adrenaline and jumped to my feet, racing away from the grave. Daehyun uncle, who had been quietly watching, quickly followed me, trying to understand what was happening.

I jumped into the car and urged Daehyun uncle to get in too. Without wasting a moment, I drove straight to the company where my father had worked. I parked hastily in the lot and practically bolted out of the car, my heart pounding in my chest. People stared at me with puzzled expressions as I rushed inside, my eyes filled with tears and my hands shaking uncontrollably. My nose and eyes were red, and I could hardly catch my breath. Anger fueled my every step as I sought out the CEO, desperate to confront him and demand answers about what had happened to my father. Daehyun uncle tried to intervene, but his efforts were futile against the storm of emotions swirling within me.

I barged into the company without bothering to ask for permission, and the receptionist attempted to stop me, but her efforts were in vain. Once I entered, I made my way to the employee section and shouted at the top of my lungs, "WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MY FATHER'S DEATH?" My anger boiled over, and I began to hurl objects around the room in a fit of rage. "WHERE IS THE CEO? I WILL SUE ALL OF YOU, AND I WILL CALL THE POLICE TO HAVE YOU ARRESTED! YOU ARE ALL GUILTY OF MY FATHER'S MURDER!" My uncle Daehyun tried to restrain me, but I was too far gone in my fury to listen. After a few moments of chaos, the CEO finally emerged from his office, looking startled and concerned. "Jungkook..." i said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He stepped closer to me after glancing at the shattered items scattered across the floor. "Hee-," he started, but I interrupted him, "You... You're the one, right?" I instinctively took a step back, trying to create some distance before he could finish his thought. He advanced toward me, and I could feel the tension in the air as everyone around us watched, clearly eager for the unfolding drama. Suddenly, Jungkook grabbed my hand and pulled me into a nearby room, swiftly shutting and locking the door behind us. "So this is the surprise you have for me after I come to Seoul? My ex-boyfriend is standing right in front of me, the one who is accused of killing my father."

"I didn't kill your father, Heejin," he insisted, but I couldn't help but laugh bitterly. "Proof?" I challenged, staring at him with a mix of anger and hurt. His eyes reflected guilt, but I needed more than just his word. "I said proof, Jeon Jungkook! I need evidence that you're not the one who took my father's life! I will sue you!" My voice rose as I shouted at him, frustration boiling over. "Don't you trust me? I know what I've done to you, but... not even a little?" he pleaded. I let out a dry chuckle, shaking my head. "I lost my trust in you the night you abandoned me in that dark room. You have no idea how terrified I was without you there," I whispered, leaning closer to him, my voice barely above a breath.

"I promise you, Jeon Jungkook, I will make sure you end up in jail! You will face serious consequences for what you've done," I declared, pushing him away with all my strength. I stormed out of the room, my heart racing as I fled the building and made my way to the car. Leaning against it, I let the tears flow freely, my eyes already puffy from crying. Little did I know, someone was watching me intently from his office window. It was none other than Jeon Jungkook, his expression a mix of regret and concern as he observed my breakdown.

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"Heejin, how can I make you understand that I'm not the one who killed your father? He was helping me with something important. Why would I ever want to harm him?" I sat in my office chair, my mind racing with thoughts about the recent events. Sbs was right there, so close to me, and I couldn't help but notice how much she had changed. She used to be full of life, but now it seemed like she had stopped taking care of herself. Her once round cheeks had become gaunt, and I could hardly recognize her. It was hard to believe that the vibrant girl I remembered was now so different.

I let out a small laugh, thinking to myself, "She has really transformed." Just then, I heard a voice beside me. "Who? The girl who just walked in?" I turned to see Dong Wook standing there, a curious smile on his face. "When did you get here?" I asked, surprised. He replied with a grin, "I came in while you were busy talking to someone who wasn't even there." I chuckled again, feeling a bit lighter. I told him to get back to his work, and I returned to my tasks, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Heejin and her struggles.

After a while, I decided to take a break and get myself some coffee. As I walked to the kitchen, my mind was still occupied with thoughts of Heejin. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was deeply wrong with her. It was hard to see someone I cared about go through such a tough time. I hoped that somehow, I could help her find her way back to the person she used to be. As I brewed my coffee, I made a silent promise to myself to be there for her, no matter what it took.

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I found myself sleeping in my dad's old room, the place where he used to rest. It felt like a mission I had to complete, one that I was willing to pursue no matter the cost. I had made a promise to myself: I would uncover the truth behind my father's death and bring his killer to justice. Deep down, I believed that Jungkook was not capable of taking my father's life. Sure, he might betray me in other ways, but I couldn't picture him as a murderer. Still, a part of me struggled to fully trust him, and that uncertainty weighed heavily on my mind.

After waking up, I made my bed and noticed a picture of my father on the nightstand next to mine. It was a bittersweet reminder of the bond we shared. I thought about calling my mom, but I hesitated, knowing she would probably ignore my call like she always did. It felt pointless to reach out when she hadn't even checked in on me after my arrival or asked about my father's grave. I quickly took a shower to clear my head and headed downstairs for breakfast, trying to shake off the heavy feelings that lingered.

While I was eating, my phone rang, and it was Kai. "Sorry, sorry! I was really busy yesterday. Good morning, love! How are you doing?" he asked cheerfully. I managed a weak smile and replied, "I'm fine, Kai. How about you?" He encouraged me not to stress, reminding me that he was always there for me. But as he spoke about my uncle's death being part of destiny, tears began to fall. I couldn't help but question why my father had to be taken from me. When Kai asked if I loved him, I found myself hesitating. I realized I didn't feel the same spark with him that I had with Jungkook. I wanted to love Kai, but my heart seemed to resist. After a brief conversation, I ended the call, feeling guilty and confused about my emotions. It made me wonder how much I had changed over the past seven years, and why trust felt so elusive now.

I was lost in my own thoughts when I felt my uncle's hand gently resting on my shoulder. "What's wrong, Heejin?" he asked with concern in his voice. I managed to smile, even though it felt forced. "Oh, it's nothing. Just lost in thought," I replied, but my voice was hoarse from all the tears I had shed. It felt like my life was falling apart. First, I lost my father, then my ex-boyfriend, and now I was facing the possibility of losing my future fiancé. Today was supposed to be my engagement day, but I hadn't mentioned to Kai that I had met Jungkook, and he hadn't brought up the engagement either. I appreciated his sensitivity in not pushing the topic, which made me feel a little better. After finishing my breakfast, I glanced toward the exit, feeling a mix of emotions.

Today was a significant day because I was supposed to learn more about the person responsible for all this pain. As I stepped outside, I was taken aback by the swarm of reporters gathered at my door. "Miss Heejin, can we ask you a few questions?" they shouted, their cameras flashing. Panic surged through me, and I quickly shut the door, my heart racing. "What's going on?" my uncle inquired, noticing my distress. "Uh... it's nothing... just the reporters are outside," I stammered, feeling overwhelmed. I dashed to my room, locked the door behind me, and took a deep breath. I didn't want to create a scene that would tarnish my father's memory. He had always been a man of honor, and I wanted to uphold that.

I stood up and walked over to my father's almirah, searching for some of his clothes. I wasn't in the mood to go out; all I wanted was to stay home and feel close to him. As I rummaged through his belongings, memories flooded my mind. Each piece of clothing held a story, a moment in time that reminded me of him. I felt a mix of sadness and comfort as I touched the fabric, wishing I could turn back time and have him back in my life. The world outside felt too chaotic, and I just wanted to hold onto the memories of my father for a little while longer.

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I was sitting in my office, my mind racing with thoughts of her. What had she done to deserve this? She was just an innocent girl caught in a terrible situation. The anger bubbled inside me as I imagined the person who had taken her father away from her. I felt a surge of rage, thinking about how I would confront that person, but deep down, I knew that those were just empty threats. I couldn't act without solid evidence, and even if I found the culprit, the police would just take them away from me. I felt helpless, unable to do anything to support her. How could I convince her that I wasn't the one responsible for all this? Maybe if she spent some time in my office, she would see the truth for herself. That's when I decided to call Daehyun to get Heejin's number.

As I dialed the number, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Hi, Daehyun," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. After a brief exchange, I made my way back to my office, my heart racing. When I finally got through to Heejin, I could hardly believe I was calling her "miss." It felt so formal, and she was so much more than that to me. I could hear the confusion in her voice when I asked to speak with her. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. "I'm not a killer, but I can help you find the real one," I insisted, hoping to gain her trust. Her laughter stung a little, but I pressed on, determined to convince her.

When I proposed that she work in my office, I could tell she was taken aback. "What!?" she exclaimed, clearly shocked by my suggestion. I explained that being around the people in my office could help her gather information and possibly lead her to the truth. But she was hesitant, insisting that she was a lawyer and didn't know anything about my work. I wanted to tell her that I would teach her everything she needed to know, but she cut me off, saying she didn't have time for nonsense. As the call ended, I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me. It was clear she wasn't interested, but I wasn't ready to give up. I decided I would go to her house and pick her up, hoping to change her mind in person tomorrow.

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I arrived home in just half an hour, and as I stepped through the door, I noticed a woman waiting for me. It was my mom, Jeon Seulgi, and I couldn't help but smile at her. I moved in to give her a warm hug, but before I could reach her, a little girl clung to my leg and wrapped her arms around me. "Kookie, you're back!" she exclaimed. Looking down, I saw Chayoung, my niece and the daughter of my older sister, Jeon Somi. While my sister has been happily living her life with her husband, it seems that Chayoung finds even more joy in my company. I guess I have a special way of attracting her attention!

Chayoung pouted playfully, reminding me, "Kookie, you're late! I told you to be on time." I never insisted that she call me with respect; I prefer to keep things casual between us. After all, she is the cutest little person in my life. I grinned at her and suddenly scooped her up, carrying her toward the car. "I was late for a reason," I said, watching her eyes widen with excitement. "Chocolates?" she guessed, and I pretended to pout dramatically. "You guessed it right again! How do you do that?" I handed her the chocolates, and she dashed back to her mom, who was holding her baby brother. "Look, Mom! He's crying non-stop!" Somi's face turned worried as I approached the baby, who was indeed wailing. I took him in my arms, and for a moment, he quieted down, but I could feel that his forehead was burning hot.

Realizing he had a fever, I quickly told Somi, "We need to get to the hospital. Get in the car, and don't worry, we'll be there soon." My mom nodded and said her goodbyes as we rushed off. Once we arrived at the hospital, we headed straight to the pediatrician, who happened to be my friend, Kim Seokjin. Somi went inside with the baby while I waited outside the room, feeling a bit anxious. As I sat there, my eyes wandered around the corridor, and I noticed an elderly lady struggling to maneuver her wheelchair. She looked frail, and it was clear she was having a tough time. I stood up and approached her, asking, "Where do you need to go, ma'am?".

She beamed with a sense of comfort. "Sweetheart, I was in my room. I stepped outside to enjoy the garden and lost track of time; I didn't even notice it had turned to night. Since no nurse came to check on me, I decided to make my way back to my room on my own." Hearing this made me really upset. How could they neglect her like that? "Don't worry, I'll make sure to report this," I assured her. She smiled back at me, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you, dear. You will find all the happiness in your life, I promise. Just wait and see."

Happiness? Could I really feel that after everything that had happened? I let out a sigh and forced a smile in her direction. "Are you feeling stressed?" I asked, but as soon as the words left my mouth, my smile faded, and it felt like the world around me froze. It was as if I had vanished from existence. Memories began to flood my mind, and her face became clearer. I could see her fair skin, silky hair, fluffy cheeks, and those lovely pink lips. A warm smile crept into my heart as I prepared to leave her room. We exchanged stories; she asked about my life, and I shared my worries about my nephew who was suffering from a high fever. Her concern was genuine, and it made me feel a little better.

Just as I was about to step out, a sudden scream pierced through the air, jolting me back to reality. I quickly turned to see what was happening in the room. The sound echoed in my ears, and my heart raced as I rushed to find out who was in distress. It was a moment of panic, and I felt a surge of adrenaline as I moved closer to the source of the noise, ready to help in any way I could.

I turned my gaze to the girl sitting on the bed, where a nurse was gently wrapping a bandage around her injured wrist. "Sir..." I heard someone call out to me, and when I looked up, I saw it was Daehyun. "Sir, you're here," he said, and my attention immediately shifted back to her wrist. "What happened?" I asked, my heart sinking as he let out a heavy sigh. "She tried to take her own life." My jaw tightened in anger and frustration. "I need everyone out of this room right now!" At that moment, she finally met my eyes, and I could see the deep sense of defeat reflected in her expression. It was clear to me that she wasn't to blame for what had happened, but I also knew that hurting herself was not the solution.

The nurse quickly gathered her things and left the room, leaving behind the ointment that had been applied to her skin, while the bandage remained untouched. I took a seat beside her, but she continued to stare blankly ahead. "Why are you hurting yourself like this?" I asked softly. She let out a scoff, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "What do you want me to do? Dance around, throw a party? My father died, and I didn't even get to say goodbye! Do you think I can just forget that? Just because I'm talking to you doesn't mean I've moved on or that we're friends. I still hate you for leaving me alone in that situation." I felt my heart sink as I looked down, realizing she was right. I had made many mistakes, and I deserved her anger. "Okay... let me help you with the bandage-" I started, but she interrupted me.

"You don't have to feel sorry for me," she snapped. I reached out and took her hand gently. "I'm not doing this as a boyfriend, a friend, or a boss. I'm doing this as a fellow human being. You're in pain, and I want to help you. The ointment is going to sting, and I can't just stand by and watch you suffer." She didn't respond, but I carefully wrapped her wrist with the bandage, hoping she would understand my intentions. "I'm not forcing you to accept my help, but if you ever want to talk about your father or anything else, I'm here for you," I said as I stood up to leave. As I took one last look at her face, I stepped out of the room. "You've become so fragile, Heejin," I thought to myself with a heavy sigh. Just then, Daehyun approached me and asked, "Did she actually listen to you?" I couldn't help but laugh a little. "She never really listened to me... not even back in the day," I admitted quietly, almost to myself. Daehyun's expression changed as he looked down, feeling a bit sorry for me. To comfort him, I gave his shoulder a reassuring pat, trying to let him know that everything would be alright. "Don't be sad. Just...Take care of her. She's so precious to me". I smiled, patted his shoulder and left from there.

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I was busy at my desk when Daehyun walked into my office, a friendly smile on his face. "How are you doing, Daehyun?" I asked, hoping to lighten the mood. He replied that he was doing fine, but I could sense something was off. "And... what about her?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued. He suddenly looked uneasy, and I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. "She... she left Seoul this morning and went back to Busan," he said, and just like that, my smile faded away. "Oh... so she didn't want to look for the killer?" I asked, my heart sinking. Daehyun shrugged, clearly unsure of what to say, and I nodded, feeling a wave of disappointment wash over me. As he left, I couldn't help but wonder what was going on with her. Was she gone for good? Would she get back together with Kai? Was this really the last time I would see her? A tear finally slipped down my cheek as I sighed deeply, realizing that she had truly left me behind.

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As I stepped through the door into my house, a wave of cold air followed me inside, reminding me of the chilly world outside. I felt a heavy weight in my chest as I thought about how I would face my mother after losing my father. It was a struggle to gather the strength I needed, but I knew I had to be brave. With a deep sigh, I made my way toward their room, but first, I decided to grab a glass of water to steady my nerves. I couldn't shake the feeling that my mother had never really been there for me before, so why would today be any different?

In the kitchen, I filled a glass with water and leaned against the counter, lost in thought. Memories flooded my mind, and I couldn't help but think about the last time I saw my father. I recalled the words I wished I could say to him, how things might have been different if he hadn't cheated on me. I felt a mix of sadness and anger, and after finishing my drink, I knew it was time to face my mother. I took a deep breath, trying to push away the dread that was creeping in.

When I finally opened the door to her room, my heart dropped at the sight before me. There, hanging from the ceiling fan, was my mother, lifeless and still. The stool lay on the floor, clearly knocked over in a hurry. I stood frozen in shock, unable to comprehend what I was seeing. My mother had taken her own life. The glass of water slipped from my fingers, shattering on the floor as I screamed, "NOOOO!" The sound echoed in the silence, a desperate cry that filled the empty space around me.

─── ⋆⋅TO BE CONTINUED ⋅⋆ ──

SNEAK PEAK

"Heejin, I hope you don't judge me too harshly. The truth is, I never felt the same way about you and your dad as I did for my true love. I wanted to return to him, but then I found out I was pregnant with you, which changed everything. Since I couldn't go back to him, I convinced myself to treat your dad as my final love and just carry on with my life. That's why I struggled with my feelings towards you." I let out a small, defeated laugh as I read the letter my mother had left behind for me." So she's telling me that she never loved my father?"

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I really want to be a part of your company, Mr. Jeon. My heart raced when I heard her say that. "Are you really certain? I mean, you're a lawyer," I replied, surprised. "I can pick things up quickly," she insisted. "Plus, I'm hoping for a position that isn't too overwhelming." A smile spread across my face as she finally returned to stand in front of me. "But what about your engagement?" I asked, curious. She let out a deep sigh. "it's  over between me and Kai."

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