A chilling touch reaching out to my child.

Even a threat to harm my family.

If I didn’t feel any fear in that threatening moment, it would be a lie.

Yoo Jung-hwa’s distorted thinking and maliciousness, which no longer seemed human, were as repulsive and dreadful as maggots infesting rotten meat.

Nevertheless, having endured countless ordeals, So-yeon, who could no longer overlook those undeniable events, faced them with firm determination.

But it’s not that I was scared that Yoo Jung-hwa left the scene first. It was probably because she was conscious of her image, which had been turning into a villain in recent entertainment news.

Recalling the recent events, So-yeon continued to stroke Hyun-woo’s small hand.

Even after the clash with Yoo Jung-hwa was settled, So-yeon, who had ascended to the VIP suite, didn’t let her guard down, even though Hyun-woo was deeply asleep. It was predictable enough.

As long as she didn’t give up on Tae Seo-jun, Yoo Jung-hwa would continue her malicious deeds at any time. And that ruthless blade would undoubtedly target both me and Hyun-woo.

Still, it was fortunate to have dependable Jessica. Entrusting Hyun-woo to her, So-yeon left the room, heading back to the unfinished engagement party venue.

As it was late evening, the congratulatory guests were fully immersed in the final enjoyment of the party.

Returning to the annex, So-yeon, who couldn’t shake off the eerie remnants of Yoo Jung-hwa, went out onto the balcony on the opposite side of the party venue. She looked at the expansive outside scenery, trying to calm her restless and turbulent emotions.

Inhaling the fresh air brought by the autumn breeze, So-yeon slowly calmed her agitated heart. It was then that she realized what she needed to do immediately.

Previously, she had tried to endure everything on her own, not wanting to inflict even a small scratch on Tae Seo-jun, whom she had loved for just one day, despite feeling guilt for pursuing a man who wasn’t hers. But now, she could no longer do that. It wasn’t appropriate.

The task she had avoided until now, revealing Yoo Jung-hwa’s flaws, perhaps uncovering the blemishes she had tried to bury for a lifetime. And thus, protecting her precious child from threats completely. So-yeon couldn’t deny that this was the right path.

Since meeting Tae Seo-jun, every season felt like a harsh winter chill for So-yeon, who found a small spark of hope in the chill. Hearing occasional news about him through Yeodo-sun was that flicker of hope. Last winter, no news reached her, making the season feel particularly harsh and severe.

The winter that seemed never-ending finally receded with the early spring when she met Tae Seo-jun again.

It was thrilling and enjoyable just to look at him. The summer of this year, which she longed for and suffered from not being able to possess him, felt like a season of intense trials and pain chosen for the sake of love.
So-yeon had only gone through the engagement ceremony with Tae Seo-jun, but legally, she was already his wife. It had been about a week since Eom Hyun-woo became Tae Hyun-woo. Now, So-yeon, brimming with reasons to live more powerfully, clenched her fists tightly and muttered to herself.

“That’s right! Let’s say it all! Let’s spill everything! If not, you’re really a fool, Eom So-yeon!”

For my child, how can I not be his mother if I can’t do that? Seriously, such a scaredy-cat!

So-yeon’s lips drew a slow arc. Despite just making a resolution, it felt refreshing inside. Anxiety disappeared completely, and her heart beat rapidly. When she placed her hand on her chest to comfort her overwhelmed heartbeat, it happened.

“Mrs. Eom, what are you doing here?”

“Mom!”

Turning her head toward the direction where a low voice came from, So-yeon’s view was filled with a man leaning against the balcony’s circular pillar, exuding an elegant and graceful presence.

“Ha, what is it? Why are you here!”

“I came to find you. But, what are you saying?”

“That’s…”

Surprised as she was, So-yeon, who found it convenient, approached Seo-jun and said straightforwardly.

“It’s about Yoo Jung-hwa’s trial. I plan to testify on the witness stand. From one to ten, I intend to testify about every crime she committed. Is that okay with you?”

It was not an entirely impulsive decision.

The investigation into Yoo Jung-hwa’s crimes was ongoing, and the trial was scheduled for a month later. If So-yeon testified in court about the crimes of the top actress, and if it became known to the media, she couldn’t be sure how it would turn out. However, it was clear that it would be a significant blow to So-yeon, who had recently risen as a famous star herself.

Yoo Jung-hwa, who had calculated even that, seemed quite composed even with the trial approaching.

Considering the difficulty of the situation, So-yeon, who had pondered extensively, engraved the determination to hold a knife instead of getting stabbed in her heart and mind.