(Family Dinner )
Mrs. Kang, Taewon, and Yumi sat at a private table in the restaurant, waiting for Taesung, Taemi, and their partners.
The evening had a festive air, though Taewon remained silent and composed,
his hands folded neatly in front of him.
After a short wait, Taesung arrived with his partner. His partner stepped forward politely and greeted first "
"I'm Lee Jihan, Taesung's wife. It's an honor to meet you, mom"
he said, bowing gracefully.
Mrs. Kang's face lit up.
"Oh, dear! You're so pretty! I've always wanted to meet you,"
she said, pulling him into a warm hug.
Taewon glanced at him bow and returned it politely, emotionless.
Taesung grinned.
"Mom, I have a surprise."
Mrs. Kang's eyes sparkled.
"What surprise Taesung?"
Taesung nodded toward the floor.
Mrs. Kang looked down and froze in shock and excitement.
Standing with support from his father's legs was their two-year-old son.
"Oh… he's… Taesung's son?"
she stammered, almost in tears.
"Yes, Mom," Taesung said proudly.
"He's our son my and Jihan's.
We named him Kang Dan, after Jihan's father."
Mrs. Kang lifted him into her arms, tears of joy welling up.
"Exactly like my Taesung when he was little, so small and cute"
Yumi quietly approached.
"Hello, I'm Yumi."
Kang Dan, as if noticing his little aunt, kissed her cheek.
"Oh, my little sister!" Taesung said softly turning toward jihan,
"Jihan, this is my little sister I told you about."
Jihan smiled softly, charmed by the little girl.
"Nice to meet you yumi,"
"Nice to meet you brother-in- law"
yumi replied softly,
Kang Dan toddled over to Taewon and placed his tiny hand on his lap, smiling innocently.
Everyone paused in surprise. Slowly, Taewon lifted him onto his lap and kissed his head.
The boy immediately settled with him, obedient and smitten as he recognizing his uncle for the first time.
Not long after, Taemi entered with her husband, Kim Sunghoon.
Sunghoon held her hand, moving carefully to match her steps as she was visibly pregnant. Everyone rose to greet them.
Sunghoon bent slightly, kissing Mrs kang hand with impeccable politeness, leaving everyone impressed.
Taemi sat beside Taewon, holding Yumi's hand. Sunghoon introduced himself formally.
"I'm Kim Sunghoon Taemi husband nice to meet you all"
Dinner was served.
Kang Dan refused to leave Taewon's side, despite Jihan's gentle attempts to take him.
"Sorry for bothering you," Jihan said.
"It's okay," Taewon replied calmly, gently smiling down at the boy.
Taemi laughed softly.
"Looks like the kids are already in love with their handsome uncle. Mine is kicking my belly; I think they're smitten by the family's Enigma handsome uncle."
Laughter filled the table.
Mrs. Kang took a deep breath.
"Jihan, Sunghoon I'm truly sorry for all the troubles you suffered because of my husband. My kids unfortunately, got a father who likes to rule the world in his own way. No matter how much I wanted to welcome you, Mr. Kang never allowed it."
Jihan smiled softly. "It's okay, Mom."
Mrs. Kang glanced at him, touched.
"Oh, Jihan you're really sweet, just like my Jihyun."
She paused, then fell quiet.
The waiter brought out a cake.
Taewon cut it calmly. Despite the laughter and celebration, he didn't smile once
except for Kang Dan, who had his full attention. Everyone watched silently as the boy and Taewon shared quiet, gentle moments.
(After dinner)
When everyone left,
Taewon drove his mother and Yumi home.
"I'm going to my condo, Mom," he said, and left.
(Taewon's condo)
By 1 a.m., Taewon returned to his condo. The faint scent of Jihyun's pheromones lingered in the air.
As He entered Jihyun's room, sitting on the bed, eyes scanning the belongings unchanged since the day Jihyun had left.
Tears slid down his face.
"Jihyun you abandoned my heart so completely."
"Fr... From now on, I won't trust anyone.
I won't let myself love anyone."
"Jihyun-ah Today, I'm locking my heart. Everything that belonged to you it stays here. From today, you're fully out of my life. You won't be part of my future not even in my planning."
He sat for a while, collecting himself, then wiped his tears.
Finally, he grabbed his keys, locking Jihyun's room behind him. Everything remained as it had been.
He returned to his own room, took a bath, and lay down, his mind and heart completely empty.