The sea and sky of Malaga were exceptionally vivid and blue.

Aboard a yacht, they arrived at an unnamed small island, heart-shaped as he revealed – why even mention that?

That reminded her of a conversation with Hyun Woo, who once asked why hearts looked the way they did, and she said it symbolized two hearts joining to form perfect love.

Cleverly, Hyun Woo had then inquired if that perfect love wasn’t about them, twinkling his black, bead-like eyes. How did she not realize he was indirectly asking about his father? She merely nodded, her heart aching.

His explanation now brought back that conversation, stirring thoughts that maybe she was the barrier between their father-son relationship, barely holding back tears.

Fluttering on the secluded island’s beach, So Yeon watched Seo Jun, more princely than any fairytale prince, making her heart race.

It was bliss.

Feeling as if she owned the beautiful world, the time with him was sweeter than honey.

But the inevitable reality awaited. Someday, she’d have to uncover the secret of her child, yet for now, these complicated, anxious thoughts faded enough to be momentarily forgotten.

It was just for one night.

Since their first meeting, he had been special to her, but now, he held even more significance.

His feelings might not be genuine, perhaps just a fleeting curiosity for what he couldn’t have. Even if Seo Jun’s feelings were just that, for today, she wanted to believe it was love.

If they must part, she’d prefer to believe it was love. She needed to embrace that love from him for the rest of her life.

Her parents warmly accepted her growing belly, assuring their support, but advised her to prioritize her life. Though they spoke lightheartedly, their disappointment must have been as profound as their expectations.

So she lived with this emotional debt, enduring challenging days.

She felt like the mermaid who couldn’t tell her prince, fading into foam. She longed to reveal that her child was his, but the time wasn’t right. Only when their relationship was more solid. Until then, it had to remain a secret.

Enduring the pain she had caused her parents and the hard-earned happiness with him, she dreaded the thought of becoming a blot or burden in Seo Jun’s life.

She just wanted to be remembered as a decent woman in his memory, a small consolation for when she reflected on her journey, even without him. Those memories would be the lever for the rest of her life.

She would never regret coming here.

She would fervently imprint the memories of these few days, the happy times with him, in her mind.
Even if it turned out to be madness, if she could fulfill even half, no, a quarter of those expectations…

Buried deep in her heart, So Yeon’s smile radiated like a lustrous, pearly white.

She cheerfully continued the conversation.

“Since when have you been so handsome, Tae Seo Jun?”

Her playful curiosity shone brightly on her beautiful face.

“…”

When were you so pretty?

Feeling too shy to ask, Seo Jun silently gripped her small, delicate hand tighter and walked with her on the sand.

Was it fate from the beginning? A connection that couldn’t be severed? If God confined him to this tiny island and allowed him to choose just one person to stay with forever, it would probably be her.

Her shiny, long hair fluttered in the sea breeze, her face beaming with love. Seo Jun, capturing her image on his camera, chuckled awkwardly. It felt strange and unfamiliar to him to want to preserve this moment in a photo.

Returning to the mansion from Heart Island, Seo Jun had to pause the yacht mid-sea, prompted by So Yeon’s childhood dream of swimming in the open ocean.

Her casual remark had him stop the boat immediately. Grateful yet amazed, So Yeon grinned.

“Aren’t you swimming, Seo Jun?”

“I’m not too keen. Heard there’s been frequent shark sightings around here lately.”

He joked playfully with a scary undertone.

“Eek! You’re joking again, right?”

She knew he wouldn’t set the stage for her to swim if it were true. Flustered by her reaction, Seo Jun shrugged with a smile.

“I don’t believe anything without experiencing it firsthand. I act on what I want to do.”

“So, are you telling me to just plunge in?”

“Perhaps. Whatever Eom So Yeon wants, it’s her freedom.”

“Fine, you asked for it!”

Swiftly shedding her white cardigan, she plunged into the deep blue sea in her swimsuit, bravely and energetically diving in.

She swam around the yacht, showing off her prowess, while Seo Jun watched her graceful movements from the deck.

After enjoying her swim, So Yeon effortlessly climbed back onto the yacht.

Clap, clap, clap!

“Not bad.”

Complimenting her courage and swimming ability, Seo Jun clapped.

“Any reward for that?”

“…”

Even though he knew she was jesting, Seo Jun raised his lips into a charming smile.

“Isn’t this smile enough?”

“That’s my reward?”

“Yes.”

“Ahh, really… Haha…”

Amused and overwhelmed by his audacious response, So Yeon burst into laughter.