Convening a board meeting to prove herself wasn’t difficult. Due to dissatisfaction with the rough management of Seo Hong-gyu and Seo Se-ji, the directors had many complaints, and with the success of the new business and the achievements accumulated in the company so far, Taein was appointed as the temporary representative director.

Taein had built a firm castle that wouldn’t be taken away again, even if they somehow managed to escape like minnows.

And she received news that her father’s remains had been found. It was difficult to find the body due to the fire accident at the Hwaseong factory, but they eventually found it.

Taein went to meet her mother, Eun-seon, with Arin. Eun-seon had almost recovered by now. There was color in her pale face, and she seemed to have regained her energy.

As Arin couldn’t walk steadily, Taein tightly held her hand and went with her to Eun-seon.

“Arin.”
Arin blinked her large eyes at the voice calling her as affectionately as her sister.

“It grew just like the imagined image. Taein’s face looks exactly the same as when she was young.”

Arin, who had still been hiding behind Taein, slowly approached Eunseon.

“Um, are you really my, um, mom?”

In reality, Arin had no attachment to the existence of a mother. The person she had believed to be her mother until now had subjected her to abuse and insults.

The affectionate mother existed only in books. Eunseon, looking up with cautious eyes, had a face very similar to Taein’s. Perhaps because of that, it didn’t feel unfamiliar.

“Come here, let’s hug.”

Eunseon, who came down from the bed, opened her arms. Arin, who had hesitated, approached Eunseon and hugged her. It was warm. Although Youngmi had never hugged her, it felt strangely familiar, as if she had been hugged like this before.

“I-Is this really my mom?”

“Yeah, I’m really your mom.”

Eunseon’s embrace was so warm that Arin stopped crying.

Taein, who had been watching the two, approached and joined the hug.

After that, with Nokhyun and Eunseon, they confirmed their father’s remains. Taein, who had become stronger in the meantime, took care of Eunseon, who had collapsed crying over the memory of that day.

Taein became a mourner, and after eight years since her father’s death, a funeral was held.

As the incident had caused a stir, reporters flocked in countless numbers, but Kyeong and Jeha skillfully kept them at bay, allowing Taein to hold the funeral without any problems.

Nokhyun put aside her work at the company and consistently stayed by Taein’s side. Taein, who had lived fiercely among less fortunate family members, now seemed to have truly found a real family.

For Eunseon, Arin, and her husband Nokhyun, she vowed to live and become stronger, even if it was for their sake.

Taein went to the police station as a witness. She handed over all the collected data and transcripts.

Once soulmates, Jo Young-gap and Seo Hong-gyu now vehemently denied the charges, tearing each other apart.

“Jo Young-mi’s ex-husband also died in a fire accident, just like the one I had. They probably conspired together.”

“Yes, we’ll investigate. Thank you for your cooperation.”

Taein politely bowed her head and left the police station.

She couldn’t compensate for her life, no matter what punishment they received, but her heart felt much lighter than before.

The next schedule was meeting her mother-in-law, Mora. Of course, it wasn’t a promised meeting, but Taein occasionally visited Mora. She was concerned about Mora, who neglected cancer treatment.

“Another sudden visit, not surprising anymore.”

As expected, Mora spoke bluntly. Taein, without paying any mind, took a seat next to Mora.

“If a guest comes, at least offer some tea, Mother.”

“I can’t make it anyway.”
For some reason, Mora prepared the tea herself without calling Najudeok. Taein placed the egg tart she bought from the department store on a plate. It was something Mora liked.

“I heard the news.”

“It’s news known to the whole nation. I know you even went to the funeral home.”

“……. ”

Mora awkwardly coughed. How did she find out about the visit she made secretly?

“You don’t have to see it that way. I know, it’s a miserable life. But now, you’ll be happy.”

After saying calmly, Taein smiled. Mora, feeling embarrassed, turned her gaze awkwardly.

“If you come without any reason, you should bring Arin with you.”

“Does Arin like it?”

“It’s not like she particularly likes it, but she eats well and looks cute.”

As Taein laughed, Mora frowned.

“Oh, you. Get treated. You have to see your son-in-law. Your son-in-law must be so handsome.”

Taein brought up the reason for visiting Mora without hesitation. Taein, who had been lonely, wanted to build a family for some time now. And now that she loved Nokhyun, she wanted to have a child even more.

At those words, Mora’s face showed a slight surprise.

“Son-in-law?”

“Yes.”

Mora hesitated for a moment. Nokhyun and Taein’s child. It would be pretty, for sure.

Unable to answer right away and just looking down, Taein took Mora’s hand.

“I need you too. Mr. Nokhyun thinks the same.”

With sincere words from Taein, Mora couldn’t refuse. She felt sorry for Dohyun, and she had no face to show Nokhyun. So she paid the atonement and didn’t get treatment. Only later did she feel bitter at the thought that it might have hurt Nokhyun.

After ending her contemplation, Mora slowly spoke.

Nokhyun came straight home after work. It was because Taein, who had been staying at her parents’ house, came to their newlywed home.

The thought of being together after a long time made his heart flutter again.

Nokhyun, who arrived home, immediately looked for Taein.

“Did you come?”

Taein ran out barefoot. As if surprised by Nokhyun’s unexpected arrival, she tilted her head, and Taein blushed, embarrassed.

“Yeah, did you wait long?”

Today, Taein was acting strange. She couldn’t meet his eyes properly, and her face was unusually flushed. Moreover, her attire was different from usual.

She wore a slip and put a thin silk gown on top of it.

“Um, I have something to say…….”

“What is it?”

At Nokhyun’s words, Taein, whose lips were trembling, closed her eyes tightly and spoke.

“I think we should have a child.”

Surprised, Nokhyun cut her off.

“Right now, this is…….”