So Yeon’s eyes welled up with tears at her mother’s final words.

“I can’t live apart from Hyun Woo again! I refuse! The past two months I’ve spent with Hyun Woo in Korea have been so happy! You know that better than anyone, Mom!”

“Yes, I know. That’s why I’m saying this.”

“Knowing that, how can you say such a thing!”

Who wouldn’t be crushed seeing their daughter’s tears fall like pearls?

Yet, Yeon Hee spoke firmly and clearly.

“You bring the child’s father to me! Bring him to find Hyun Woo with you. It’s his duty as a father to show that commitment to his child. I’m not asking for more than that. If you or he can’t do even that, then neither of you deserves to be a parent!”

“Mom, please…”
The provided Korean text has 24 lines. Here is the English translation, maintaining the exact same number of lines as the original:

“Don’t cry. From now on, it’s all up to you. I’m not forcing you two together. But it would be nice if things worked out. Just remember, he can’t reveal himself as the father to Hyun Woo unless things go well.”

Yeon Hee’s heart ached despite her stern words.

But she had to endure the agony, knowing that clinging isn’t the only form of love. This was necessary for Hyun Woo to receive complete parental love and grow up in a happier environment.

Even if things between So Yeon and the child’s father didn’t go well, at least Hyun Woo should not be hurt.

It was their last day in Jeju Island.

Yeon Hee went to the beach with her two daughters and grandsons.

If yesterday’s atmosphere was like a sudden typhoon, today was peaceful, as if a storm had exhausted its energy. The weather was so clear that the sand felt unusually soft.

The three adults sat on a mat, while the two boys busily built sandcastles near the water, within their grandmothers’ view.

Among others at the beach, So Rin’s son wandered off to another part of the shore with a friend, leaving Hyun Woo alone, insistent on finishing the incomplete sandcastle.

“Mom, I’ll go to Hyun Woo.”

Watching her son, So Yeon lightly got up, prompting So Rin to cautiously ask her mother.

“Why didn’t you ask who Hyun Woo’s father is?”

“If you’re so curious, why didn’t you ask?”

“Well, I’m just a third party. It’s a sensitive issue.”

“I actually didn’t want to ask. If I knew, I might have gone after him. I refrained because the thought of him would torment me more once I’m back in Canada. Better to see him when So Yeon brings him.”

Yeon Hee’s gaze followed So Yeon, who had moved near the rocks, busily showing Hyun Woo something.

“Wow! This one’s really big!”

“Does it scare you?”

“No, Hyun Woo is brave, not scared!”

“Hehe, really?”

Hyun Woo hesitantly stepped back, seemingly repulsed by the wriggling hermit crab So Yeon brought close to him.

“Already caught five? Shall we go release them?”

“Yeah!”

So Yeon and Hyun Woo headed to the gentle waves. She needed to have an important conversation with him.

Last night, she told Hyun Woo they had to return to Canada for a while, using the excuse of her having some work. He nodded in understanding, but the image haunted So Yeon, causing immense heartache.

“Hyun Woo, Mommy made Grandma upset.”

“Are you gonna get scolded?”

“No. Grandma hugged me like this…”
The provided Korean text has 24 lines. Here is the English translation, maintaining the exact same number of lines as the original:

So Yeon wrapped her arm warmly around Hyun Woo, who was sitting curled up.

“But Grandma loves Hyun Woo so much, she doesn’t want to part. She might be sad for a while without you.”

“I don’t want to leave Grandma either.”

Hyun Woo crinkled his nose, a habit that came naturally when he spoke his heart.

“So, I was thinking, maybe Hyun Woo could stay a little longer with Grandma. Mommy will come to get you soon.”

“I’ll hug Grandma for you, until Mommy comes.”

“Really? Will you do that?”

“Yes! But Mommy has to come quickly, okay?”

“Of course! Mommy will come to get you soon.”

“Pinky promise!”

“Right… Promise, Hyun Woo…”

So Yeon’s eyes reddened as her son’s tiny finger touched hers.

But she couldn’t let her tears show.

If she suddenly started crying, she’d be a lesser mother than her own child.

Tap, tap…

Jung Hwa quietly entered the dimly lit hospital room, her thin heels clicking softly. She sat down on a chair beside the bed.

From head to toe, her father, Yoo Byung Hwan, lay motionless, almost like a vegetative state. He shifted his bloodshot eyes to stare intensely at Yoo Jung Hwa.

“…”

“…”

Jung Hwa silently observed her father, whose voice had weakened so much that he could barely utter a groan.

But her gaze was cold.

No, it was chilling.

As cold as a fish’s eyes, devoid of any emotion, indifferent to others’ suffering.

“Just stop hanging on. It’s time to go. Yes, it was me. I caused your accident.”

“Uh-huh…!”

Yoo Byung Hwan’s eyes bulged, gasping for breath upon hearing Jung Hwa’s calm voice.

He had felt it for some time now. The horrific accident that befell him was not unrelated to his daughter. But Yoo Byung Hwan refused to believe it, thinking his daughter could never do such a thing.

Now, at this moment, he realized the unimaginable truth. That his daughter was the mastermind behind the dreadful accident.

“You and this family were nothing but pain to me! So please, just go. I never thought of you as a father, but as a last gift, give me peace. Stop tormenting me!”

“Cough…”

Shocked by Jung Hwa’s words, Byung Hwan convulsed, shaking from head to toe.

“Khh…!”

Even as Byung Hwan writhed in agony, Jung Hwa didn’t press the call button. She quietly waited until everything was over.

Once the room fell silent, she finally called for the doctor and nurses.

Shortly after, the doctor, offering his condolences, declared the death.

Yoo Byung Hwan.

Dead.