A chilling hand reaching out to my child.

Even threatening to harm my family.

It would be a lie to say I felt no fear at all in that threatening moment.

Yoo Jung Hwa’s deformed thinking and viciousness, no longer seeming human, were as disgusting and horrific as maggots feeding on rotten meat.

Still, having endured countless times before, So Yeon, with calluses firmly formed from experiencing those intolerable things, could boldly stand up to her.

But Yoo Jung Hwa left first not because she was afraid of me. She must have been conscious of her image being villainized daily in recent entertainment news.

So Yeon kept fiddling with Hyunwoo’s small, tiny hand as she recalled what had just happened.

After the clash with Yoo Jung Hwa ended and So Yeon went up to the VIP room, she found it hard to leave even though Hyunwoo was sound asleep. She could predict well enough without precognition.

As long as she didn’t give up on Tae Seo Jun, Yoo Jung Hwa would commit vicious acts again anytime, and that brutal blade would surely target her and Hyunwoo.

Still, it was fortunate to have reliable Jessica. After entrusting Hyunwoo to her and leaving the room, So Yeon headed to the engagement party venue that was not yet over.

As it got late in the evening, the guests were fully immersed in the final entertainment of the party.

Although she had returned to the annex, So Yeon, unable to shake off Yoo Jung Hwa’s eerie afterimage, went out to the balcony opposite the party venue. She was trying to compose her mind, unsettled with anxiety, by looking at the open outside scenery.

So Yeon slowly inhaled the cool air brought by the autumn wind, and only then realized what she needed to do right away.

Before, out of self-loathing for coveting a man who wasn’t hers, and not wanting to leave even a small blemish on Tae Seo Jun whom she couldn’t help but love even for just one day, she tried to endure everything alone. But now she couldn’t do that anymore. It wasn’t something to do.

Exposing Yoo Jung Hwa’s shameful acts, the homework she had been pushing back until now, perhaps what she had tried to cover up and ignore for a lifetime. So Yeon couldn’t help but know that this was the right path to fully protect her child, more precious than her own life, from threats.

Since meeting Tae Seo Jun, every season had felt like a harsh cold wave to So Yeon, and she would find small sparks of hope in the biting chill.

That was occasionally hearing news about him from Yeo Do Soon, but last winter she heard no news at all, feeling as if not a single ray of sunlight was coming in, spending an exceptionally harsh and severe time.

The winter that seemed like it would never end retreated in the early spring of this year when she met Tae Seo Jun again.

Back then, just looking at him was exciting and good. This summer, when she missed and ached for him so much she could die because she couldn’t have him. Looking back on those seasons, even those harsh trials and pains were because of the love she chose herself.

Although she had only held an engagement ceremony with Tae Seo Jun so far, she was legally his wife. It had been about a week since Eom Hyunwoo became Tae Hyunwoo. So Yeon, with overflowing reasons to live life more vigorously from now on, clenched her fists and muttered to herself.

“Right! Let’s tell everything! Let’s say it all! If I can’t do even that, I’m really a fool, Eom So Yeon!”

For my child, if I can’t do even that, how can I call myself a mother? I’d be a real coward!

So Yeon’s lips slowly curved into a smile. Just by shouting her determination, she felt relieved. The anxiety disappeared without a trace, and her heart beat rapidly. As she placed her hand on that chest to pat her thrilled heartbeat, it was then.

“What is my fiancée doing here?”

“Oh my!”

Turning her head towards the low voice, So Yeon’s view was filled with an elegant man leaning gracefully against the circular balcony pillar.

“Ha, what? Why are you there!”

“I came looking for you. But, what were you saying you’d tell?”

“Well, that…”

Surprised but thinking this was perfect timing, So Yeon approached Seo Jun and said straightforwardly.

“About Yoo Jung Hwa’s trial, I’m planning to take the witness stand. I’m thinking of testifying in detail about that woman’s crimes from start to finish, is that okay?”

It was absolutely not an impulsive decision.

The investigation into Yoo Jung Hwa’s crimes is ongoing, and the trial is set for a month later.

If Eom So Yeon testifies in court about the top actress’s crimes, if that becomes known to the press, it’s unclear which direction it might go, but it was clear there would be a tremendous impact on So Yeon as an actress who had just risen to fame as a celebrity.

Calculating even that cunningly, Yoo Jung Hwa seemed quite relaxed even with the trial approaching.

As it was a difficult matter, So Yeon, after much deliberation, engraved in her heart and mind the determination to grasp the knife handle rather than be cut by the blade.

Because a dramatic attack and counterattack would be the best defense. Therefore, to safely protect Hyunwoo, she knew she had to put that into action, and now was the time to speak.

“If that’s what you want to do, by all means. I won’t stop you.”

Seo Jun had also seen the tense confrontation between Eom So Yeon and Yoo Jung Hwa. He only watched from afar not only because hotel guards were spread around ready to move if necessary, but because Eom So Yeon’s strong aura was already sufficiently overwhelming Yoo Jung Hwa.

“Okay. But before that, there’s something I absolutely must take care of.”

“What is it.”

“Your ear…”

She wanted Yoo Jung Hwa to know quickly that she would be taking the witness stand. As So Yeon carefully explained the reason and plan in whispers, Seo Jun stared at her intently for a while before chuckling.

“Is that really necessary? Do you think it’s even possible?”

“If you help me, it’s not impossible.”

“I’ll do my absolute best for my son, Mr. Tae Seo Jun.”

What should he do with this incredible woman who fearlessly and confidently answers that she’ll throw herself into such a dangerous situation? Seo Jun said with a laugh mixed with a sigh.

“It’s not a simple matter, so let’s talk about that later. For now, I have something I want to ask Eom So Yeon.”

“What… is it? Did I do something wrong?”

As So Yeon asked with an anxious look, Seo Jun pulled her waist towards him with his long arm in one motion and said.

“My fiancée only takes care of our son and neglects her fiancé, is that okay?”

“When did I neglect you? I just came to the banquet hall after putting Hyunwoo to sleep.”

“Then why are you here? If you came, you should have looked for me first.”

“I was going to. I just came out for a moment to get some fresh air before that.”

So Yeon smiled prettily and looked at Seo Jun, no, her man, lovingly with clear eyes.

“Take responsibility. Everyone else was dancing in pairs, but I couldn’t because I had no partner.”

She never knew that this elegant and beautiful man’s sulking could be this cute. So Yeon lightly touched Seo Jun’s collar and asked with a bright smile.

“Hehe, I’ll be generous. I’ll take responsibility. What would you like me to do?”

“I’m going to collect a lot. For Eom So Yeon especially, the interest rate is very high. Many times more than the time we were apart.”

“Then try to collect. I’m a happy woman with a fiancé and child even if I become penniless.”

Finding Eom So Yeon exceptionally beautiful today, he barely resisted the urge to hug her every moment. It was like a reward-like punishment Seo Jun was giving to his woman.

“Well, what? What should I do for… Ah!”

Seo Jun lowered his head deeply without warning.

Hot breaths mingled between the two lips that met in an instant.

So Yeon squirmed and patted his shoulders with both hands. The bright lights inside the banquet hall made it hard to see the dark outside due to the reflective glass windows. But not knowing this, So Yeon kept urging Seo Jun while staring at the window that seemed to clearly show the inside.

All Seo Jun could concede to such a So Yeon was moving his lips towards her temple. Along with the music echoing from inside, So Yeon laughed as she felt the moist sensation pooling near her ear, slightly shrugging her shoulders.

“Hehe…”

“Is it ticklish?”

“That too, and I’m embarrassed someone might see.”

“That doesn’t sound like something the beloved romantic actress should say.”

“That’s acting, you know.”

Seo Jun flashed an enchanting smile as he met her large eyes curved like crescent moons. Knowing she was vulnerable to that smile, Seo Jun seduced So Yeon like a fox.

“Shall we continue that acting in the room?”

“You mean just disappear like this? What about the guests?”

So Yeon’s eyes sparkled like crystals as she retorted with a blushing face.

Today they shared matching engagement rings.

It wasn’t just his mood that made her eyes seem more beautiful than those diamonds. There was no doubt that she, fitting perfectly in his eyes, was the loveliest and most precious thing in the world.

“Then let’s do that later. Shall we dance now, my fiancée?”

“That I can do as much as you like.”

Finding Seo Jun’s polite tone and manner even sexier, So Yeon’s pulse raced to her fingertips resting on his shoulders, overwhelmed with excitement.

Gently enveloping that hand, Seo Jun softly moved his feet to the string quartet music coming from the banquet hall.

It was at some point during this.

“Oh my, does it hurt? I’m sorry.”

So Yeon’s inexperienced feet stepped on Seo Jun’s.

“Not at all.”

But Seo Jun smiled as he placed So Yeon’s feet right on top of his own.

“W-what are you…”

“Eom So Yeon, just stay comfortable. I’ll handle the steps…”

So Eom So Yeon wouldn’t struggle anymore, wouldn’t hurt anymore.

Seo Jun brought So Yeon’s hands to his waist and said softly.

“Hold me tight. I prefer that.”

“…”

Was it his thoughtfulness that moved her? So Yeon, gazing up at Seo Jun with eyes that quickly became moist, gently wrapped her arms around his firm waist.

Thus embracing each other, Seo Jun and So Yeon began to dance together with slow steps.

Taking one careful step at a time.

Her haughty gaze swept across the mirror-like shiny lobby.

Soon after, Yoo Jung Hwa’s feet led her to the D* boutique in Elstella Hotel’s luxury goods section.

“Just opening now?”

“Ah, yes, yes!”

Who would have thought Yoo Jung Hwa would be today’s first customer.

Surprised by the unexpected appearance of the top actress, the store staff could only blink their widened eyes in a frozen state.

Some even marveled anew at the celebrity’s unrivaled beauty. Whether thanks to the luxury goods wrapped around her body or not, her front view was undeniably pretty, and even her back view was perfect with a dazzling halo.

“Well then, I guess I should buy something. They say if the first customer leaves empty-handed, the day’s business is ruined.”

“Well, um, yes, yes, that’s right.”

The staff and even the manager tensed up at her crisp voice befitting an actress.

“Is this new?”

Jung Hwa, who had been slowly walking through the middle of the cosmetics display, stopped, and the staff following closely behind her lined up to a halt as well.

“Yes, yes. It’s a newly released collagen cream. It has an excellent skin-adhering quality.”

“Is that so? It is what I’ve been looking for, but…”

Jung Hwa briefly responded to the manager’s explanation and reached for the tester cosmetics.

While she applied different types to the back of her hand and smelled them, the staff remained standing in place. The lipstick corner was behind the counter. As Jung Hwa slowly walked towards that area, three or four staff members stayed put while only the manager followed Jung Hwa’s movements.

Finally somewhat relaxed, the staff continued their small talk.

“I heard her father was a con artist? They said her family was some European chaebol, but it was all lies! Even that great educational background, all bullshit!”

“I didn’t believe those ‘they say’ articles either. But did you see that yesterday evening? Oh Min Jung going on a YouTube broadcast and exploding with anger.”

“Yeah, I saw that! She was ranting that Yoo Jung Hwa tried to kill her for no reason, and that she’ll soon pay for her crimes. Could it be true?”

“Well, we can’t fully believe Oh Min Jung’s words, but Yoo Jung Hwa is no ordinary liar either.”

“With the world in such an uproar, why aren’t proper articles appearing on TV news?”

Thus, yesterday Oh Min Jung had cornered Yoo Jung Hwa, and the frowning staff, though unaware she had been released after being detained, already knew about Yoo Jung Hwa’s life filled with lies through various internet articles.

Coupled with rumors of her financial state nearing bankruptcy due to excessive spending, that Yoo Jung Hwa’s family background was not the well-known overseas chaebol, and even her educational background of graduating from a prestigious foreign university was a blatant lie.

“How would I know? But soon enough, right and wrong will be sorted out. The Yoo Jung Hwa X-files circulating on the internet these days are no joke. If it’s not true, she’d voluntarily hold a press conference soon enough out of indignation.”

“Yoo Jung Hwa X-files? What’s that?”

“Her biological father died recently, right? Before that, there was a big traffic accident. They say Yoo Jung Hwa did it.”

“What? What could Yoo Jung Hwa lack to do such a thing! Come on, it can’t be true!”

“Besides that, there are numerous other crimes she committed, so horrific even I couldn’t believe it.”

“If that’s really true, she couldn’t be walking around like this!”

“Who can know what’s in a person’s heart? Anyway, it’s really chilling.”

“Shh!”

The staff’s whispering faintly reached Jung Hwa’s ears as she fiddled with a red lip balm right in front of the opposite line, but it suddenly cut off at some point.

The manager, who had been closely following Yoo Jung Hwa’s movements, rushed behind the counter and covered their mouths as soon as he grasped what the occasional sounds were about. But with her exceptionally good hearing, there was no way Yoo Jung Hwa hadn’t heard those sounds.

Jung Hwa’s slow steps, which had been making clicking sounds, came to an abrupt halt right in front of one of the employees. It was that female employee who had been gossiping the most, from the start of the chitchat to bringing up the X-files story.

Jung Hwa fixed her gaze on that employee’s name tag and recited each syllable.

“Kim… Mi… Ho.”

Yoo Jung Hwa’s voice was icy cold.

She was barely containing her greatly distorted mood.