Leaning slightly forward with his elbows on his thighs, Seo Jun interlocked his fingers.

In the VIP room’s lounge, five people sat with serious expressions. Eom So Yeon and President Gu Won Hoo faced Director Yoon Ji Wan and Writer Kwon Eun Young, with Seo Jun’s gaze encompassing all four.

“I will…”

Aware of Seo Jun’s presence, So Yeon, feeling a throbbing pain in her heart, quietly parted her lips.

“I will step down from the role.”

Her expression was resolute, her lips delicately shaped as she spoke calmly.

“I have no regrets. In fact, I’ve always been ashamed of hiding this fact. I will no longer deny and ignore my precious child because of the role I play.”

If the world looks at my choice askance, I will face it squarely.

If anyone points fingers at me and my child, I will break those fingers.

I will not be intimidated.

I will become stronger as a mother.

I have repeatedly resolved not to be weak, and today was no different. So Soyeon could remain composed even now. But her large eyes involuntarily reddened, unable to hold back.

Because I’m sorry, so sorry.

Because it hurt me not to have told him something he rightfully should have known.

Because of that secret, too late to reveal now, that truth I must keep deeply hidden.

Any explanation would now seem like a mere excuse. Each time she faced Seo Jun’s intense gaze, her heart ached unbearably. Soyeon couldn’t allow herself to be even a small blemish on Seo Jun’s future.

Expressing her willingness to step aside if it caused any disruption to the drama, Soyeon spoke without hesitation, plunging the room into a chaotic silence.

Then President Gu Won Hoo broke the silence with his thoughts.

“I acknowledge that Eom So Yeon has caused confusion. I deeply apologize for that. However, I hope you consider the sincerity she showed in revealing this difficult truth now rather than later. Also, isn’t Eom So Yeon an actress with potential? She’s a hard worker dedicated to her roles.”

Though it’s not right to have kept her personal life a secret, President Gu emphasized Soyeon’s strengths as an actress with a more forceful tone.

“Strictly speaking, she’s not the main character. As I mentioned earlier, I believe we can proceed without any issues.”

As the company’s representative, it was natural for President Gu to protect his actress. However, his arguments had merit. Yet, Writer Kwon Eun Young, who had been sitting with an uneasy expression, apparently disagreed.

“Be reasonable. It’s not that simple. The role is the female lead’s past life character. Although a supporting role, it’s an integral part of the main character, and I’m concerned that Eom So Yeon might harm the mysterious and elegant image of that role.”

Writer Kwon, who strongly objected, emphasized that with such a huge investment in the project, they couldn’t afford any disturbances.

This was the reason behind Director Yoon’s serious contemplation.
Investors had freely offered an exceptional amount of funding because they wanted a drama more cinematic than a movie. To meet their expectations and elevate the quality of the work, Tae Seo Jun was undeniably essential, and after much effort, his participation was secured.

But now, it felt like ashes might be scattered over a perfectly cooked meal.

“Eom So Yeon is talking about leaving the show, but what about you, Tae Seo Jun?” asked Director Yoon Ji Wan, who had been quiet until now.

Seo Jun, without hesitation, responded immediately.

“If Eom So Yeon is excluded from the drama project, I too will not step foot on the set of .”

“……!”

Why…!

Soyeon’s eyes widened in surprise. She wondered why he would go so far for her sake.

It was a ‘perhaps’ that turned into ‘indeed.’

Director Yoon, nodding once, continued to inquire.

“We’ve already shot some scenes. Why would you want to scrap all that?”

Seo Jun, casually crossing one leg over the other, spoke in a relaxed manner.

“I value promises. There’s a signed contract, and if even a slight change occurs to that written promise, I would be greatly disappointed. Not just towards Eom So Yeon, who messed up her public duties due to personal reasons, but also towards all the producers.”

Eom So Yeon has a child.

The moment Seo Jun heard it, he was incredulous. Despite knowing that Gu Won Hoo wasn’t joking, he almost ripped his mouth open. It was that shocking and unbelievable.

But when Soyeon entered the room, she didn’t hesitate before the four people present and acknowledged it. Gu’s words were true.

The way she spoke as a mother was so bold and assertive that Seo Jun felt as if his head was hit by a hammer, his mind buzzing and burning.

Okay, let’s say her story is all true.

Being a woman with a face that anyone would be smitten with at first sight, men must have always flocked around her. She probably had her fair share of romances. A child? Well, that could happen.

But why, even knowing that…

Why can’t I let go of Eom So Yeon…

Despite knowing she has another man’s child, despite it not being a simple issue, why can’t I give up on her?