“At first, it was difficult and challenging for me too. I became like this because I put in effort.”

“Even if I don’t understand it work-wise, you’re the only one who can match Director-nim’s mood. Didn’t you surprise him a lot earlier? Our Director-nim usually dislikes responding when someone replies to what he says. But you responded to Manager so affectionately.”

Affectionate? That’s an absurd statement.

Lajin thought Yunhee was exaggerating, but she didn’t refute it because it seemed good for the baby inside her belly.

“It’s already getting dark ahead. If I think Director-nim won’t be there… By the way, when are you planning to resign? Not next week, right?”

“Details haven’t been decided yet, but I plan to bring it forward as quickly as possible. Before anyone finds out.”

Since the moment of discovery, the child became the center of Lajin’s life. She couldn’t let go of that child.

“Then, are you thinking of returning to another company?”

She felt the need to tell Yunhee honestly.

Just in case Yunhee thought she was in Seoul and contacted her for work-related help or other matters, which could cause trouble.

And… although the possibility was slim.

If Jaehun were to look for her.

Because Yunhee, who knew all about her situation, would somehow prevent it.

“Ms. Yunhee, I’m leaving Seoul.”

Yunhee dropped the towel she was holding.

“What? Y-You’re leaving Seoul?”

“Yeah. I’m thinking of going to a provincial city.”

“Provincial city… considering the hospital and other facilities, wouldn’t it be better to stay in Seoul? Are your family going with you?”

“No.”

A strong determination appeared on Lajin’s face.

“I’m going alone.”

“Are you planning to raise the child alone? Do your family not know…?”

Looking at Lajin nodding, Yunhee suddenly started crying.

“Y-Yunhee?”

“Sob, actually, when my mom was pregnant with my younger sibling, my dad passed away in a traffic accident. Raising a child alone, how… how difficult and lonely it is…”

Trying to comfort the sobbing Yunhee, Lajin was drenched in sweat. To make matters worse, the staff came to set up the food, making the atmosphere even more awkward.

That day’s lunch was truly chaotic, with food seemingly going into the nose instead of the mouth.

After somehow finishing the meal and leaving the restaurant, Yunhee’s eyes were swollen.

On the taxi ride back to the company, the two stopped at a convenience store to buy ice cups.

“Director-nim will understand, right? I’ll say it’s because of my bare face, so I got upset.”

“Yeah. You’ll do that. Here, I’m putting in some ice.”

“Sigh. I’ll have to redo my makeup when I leave work.”

Yunhee closed her eyes and pressed the ice against her eyelids.

“Manager.”

“Yeah.”
“If it’s not just empty words and you really need help, feel free to contact me anytime. Regardless of time and place. When I was young, the neighbor lady knew everything about our family situation and took good care of us. I still visit her to pay respects during holidays. I’m so grateful.”

“I see.”

“So I made a promise too. I decided to become a person who helps others, just like the neighbor lady.”

“You’ve grown well, Ms. Yunhee.”

Yunhee chuckled, “So, please give me a chance to repay the favor. Got it?”

Lajin smiled and replied, “Yes.” A smile also appeared on Yunhee’s face beneath the ice cup.

Exiting the obstetrics and gynecology building, Lajin let out the breath she had been holding.

“Three months. Congratulations.”

Tears uncontrollably burst at the doctor’s words, and the doctor handed her tissues with a smile.

After barely stopping the tears, she stepped outside.

“To have a family of my own. Really… It’s truly unbelievable that there’s a baby inside me.”

It was overwhelming, to the point where words couldn’t express it.

Then she looked up at the sky. She thought of her face and the existence of parents whose life or death she didn’t know.

“How did you feel when you found out you had me?”

Was it considered a seed of despair and unhappiness rather than joy and blessings?

How could that be possible? She was so happy, so blissful.

How could she have thought of abandoning the baby?

“I don’t know what circumstances there were, but I will never abandon my baby. I will make my baby the happiest in the world. I will raise them with overflowing love and always make them smile. I don’t believe in the saying that fate repeats itself.”

With a firm determination once again, Lajin embraced her lower abdomen with her hands.

She couldn’t feel anything yet, but just placing her hands there made her feel warm.

“Mom will do well.”

Lajin looked around cautiously and took careful steps. After getting pregnant, everything she saw seemed dangerous.

What if she tripped on the sidewalk, or what if a bicycle suddenly approached from behind? Such thoughts kept coming to her mind.

While taking a deep breath and walking slowly, she suddenly saw the department store building in front of her. After thinking for a moment, she headed in that direction.

She thought she should quickly buy the supplements the doctor mentioned and eat them. The doctor even said that folic acid should be taken before planning for pregnancy.

“Is it too late? What if our baby hasn’t received enough nutrients?”

Unlike just a moment ago, her steps quickened. She felt anxious. The more delayed it was, the worse it seemed for the baby.

Arriving at the department store, she headed straight to the underground food section. Still, it was a well-known department store in Korea, so there should be many good products.

Lajin calculated everything recommended by the staff. It was the first time she spent so much money at a department store, but it didn’t feel wasteful since it was for the baby.

Now, as she was about to go home, she saw the sign ‘Baby Items’ written on the department store guide. Unconsciously, she headed to the 9th floor.

“Oh? Secretary Sa?”