“You had my baby?”

“Yes, I do. She was born in February.”

“So, you were pregnant when you left me?”

Taeyeon nodded her head painfully. Those moments in the past came haunting her and it was the worst memories she had in her lifetime.

“I left quietly because I realized I was pregnant. I wanted to tell you, but you were going to leave me anyway.”

“You should have told me. Then I would never leave. I would have thought of something and we could run away together or something.”

“No, Soo Yeon. You would never do that. And even if we did, we would never be happy. We would constantly hate each other because you know it, Soo Yeon. You love your parents.”

“So, you took everything in and tried to survive on your own?”

“I told you before. Before I leave, if things get tough for you, I’d leave and let you be happy.”

“But I wasn’t, Taeyeon. I wasn’t happy at all. I lost you. I lost myself. The day you walked away from my life was the very same day you took my heart with you. I regretted hurting you, Taeyeon. I thought we could at least be friends, but I was stupid enough to think that we could be that.”

Taeyeon smiled before she scoots nearer to Soo Yeon. Taecyeon was watching them from the kitchen. The two women were rather calm, so he took the initiative to give them privacy. He was relieved.

Taeyeon had this calming effect on Jessica. This was the very first time he witnessed Jessica was being rationale and patient despite the intensity of their issue.

“I saw Wheein at the hospital. Yongsun dragged me along when Ahjussi asked her to visit Wheein.”

Soo Yeon nodded.

“I was just surprised at how similar she was to me. She loves Art.”

“She’s you. She’s the mini you. The moment she was born, all I could see in her was you. She was such a dork; she loves to sing yet she’s shy and reserved in front of strangers. But when she was at home with you, she would be her most comfortable self.”

“Was it tough for you when Wheein was born?”

“It was tough watching her evolving into you.”

“So, you were hard on her because you hated me?”

“I never hate you, Taeyeon. I just felt like I shouldn’t put Wheein through the same thing as I did. I became tough on her because I wanted her to be better than me.”

“I understand what you mean. You want the best for Wheein, right?”

“Yes. I saw Yongsun too at the hospital. We spent time talking. She spoke highly of you; she grew up as a happy child, didn’t she?”

Taeyeon smiled widely as she recalled her baby daughter. She was over the moon on the day Kim Yongsun was born. The first time she held her daughter, she felt like she knew the little one for the longest time.

“I tried to give her everything; the best of me and more of me. She was raised without a father; and her biological mother was not with her. I wanted her to feel like she’s perfect as she is. And she’s you, Soo Yeon. She’s the princess of the household. Whatever she wanted; she would get it.”

“This is crazy, Taeyeon. You raised my daughter and I was raising yours. And how are we supposed to tell them the truth?”

“Actually, I don’t see anything wrong with their relationship. They are not blood-related. It’s just complicated because it involves us.”

“You’re okay with them dating each other?”

“All I want them to be happy; Wheein and Yongsun.”

“Are you ever going to reveal the truth to Yongsun?”

Taeyeon had a long thought about this before she met up with Taecyeon. Initially, she was terrified and worried that the girls’ relationship would complicate matters. But after she calmed down, she realized that the girls may not need to know the truth after all.

The only issue was her. And Jung Soo Yeon. The two of them were the ones who needed to meet and having a closure over everything else. If Soo Yeon was okay with them dating, then Taeyeon wouldn’t have any issue either.

“If there’s no necessary need to reveal, I suggest we should just let it be. After all, Yongsun’s dating Wheein and Wheein is growing closer to me. I can give her the same attention as I did with Yongsun. Like as though I gained her back through Yongsun.”

Taeyeon’s words were sinking into Soo Yeon’s thoughts. If they were to reveal the truth, it would be disastrous and probably deteriorate everyone’s relationship. And she was not willing to lose Wheein and she would love to get to know Yongsun.

“Yongsun spoke to me about you too. She did mention that she shared her dinner with you and the two of you just talked.”

“Yeah, she was so full of life; she’s always smiling and she’s very optimistic. And she’s really matured for her age.”

“She’s you, Soo Yeon. She has this aura in her that makes people sit down and listen to her. She commands your attention so easily and everyone is attracted to her charisma. She’s not icily cold like your aura but she has your confidence.”

“But she’s a dork.”

“Well, she stays with me. What do you think? Wheein is sophisticated in her own ways.”

“She was a dork; I trained her to be different. But I’m sorry that Wheein didn’t grow up happily as a child.”

“Wheein has never complained to me about that. She gives me this impression that she understands how you think, and she respects you.”

“So, what are you going to do about them being together?”

Taeyeon sighed.

“I’m going to let them be.”

Soo Yeon stared at her for the longest time. Gosh, Taeyeon aged beautifully. She may be in her forties but Taeyeon looked the same as she was before, 20 years ago. And Soo Yeon misses her so much. Subconsciously, she reached out for Taeyeon’s arm; the latter remained still but her eyes were focused on Soo Yeon.

“Then what about us? What are you going to do with us?”

Taeyeon opened slightly but she couldn’t find words to say. She searched for answers in Soo Yeon’s eyes and she could see clearly how much the other woman longed for her. She cupped her palms around Soo Yeon’s cheeks and caressed lightly.

“How come you didn’t find someone else?”

“I couldn’t.”

“Why not? You could have lived happily with someone who can love you better.”

“I cannot forget you, Kim Taeyeon.”

“Then how is Taecyeon oppa coming into this picture?”

“He’s just a fatherly figure to Wheein. We could never be together. He has his own family to look after even though he has divorced with his wife. But they spent so much time together; it made me feel like I was the 3^rd party.”

“At least Wheein grew up with a father figure. Yongsun grew up with people teasing her; making fun of her; she’s a child without a father and her father hates her that’s why he left the family. She heard many awful things, but I kept telling her that she has me. Although sometimes I contemplated telling her the truth; but I knew I couldn’t.”

“Poor baby.”

“But I think it’s our punishment, Soo Yeon.”

Soo Yeon’s eyes focused on Taeyeon for the longest time. She loves this woman. But, she chose to let her go so easily. And even after 21 years, even after Wheein has grown up into this beautiful woman, Soo Yeon still found herself missing Taeyeon every single day.

“It’s our punishment for not able to come back together because we did this to our daughters. Our daughters’ relationship is the punishment we need to face because we did this to them. We made it happen.”

Soo Yeon understood Taeyeon’s words. She knew right from the very start; since Taeyeon sat down next to her. She was still soft and gentle; attentive and caring but there was a distance between them. It felt like as though she saw a glimmer hope but that would never come true.

“I love you, Soo Yeon. I still do. But my world has revolved around Yongsun and now, Wheein as well. We can never go back to the past, but I think we can still be close friends.”

Soo Yeon’s lips curled into a smile. It hurt though. It hurt to realize that things cannot be back together but at least, they have a connection that would give her a chance to still be in Taeyeon’s life.

“Are you saying that we can still be friends?”

“We can be the best of friends. I’m not sure if you want this but it’s the only way to keep Yongsun and Wheein close to me. And most importantly, to have you back in my life so that I can still love you in the best way that I could.”

Soo Yeon nodded. This was for the best of all four of them. She couldn’t be selfish anymore. If this was the best option for her to stay near Taeyeon, then she would take it.

“Let’s do this then. Let’s just not tell the girls anything.”

-

Jessica was smiling away; Taeyeon exchanged numbers with her. And Taeyeon’s warm hug was still lingering. Her scent was still in the living room and the most memorable thing about today was Taeyeon’s smile.

She missed seeing that smile.

“So, things are going to work out somehow, huh?”

She glanced behind her shoulder; Taecyeon was staring at her. She has told him what the two older women would be doing. For the sake of the two girls, the older women would just stay as friends.

“I guess so. For Yongsun and Wheein sake.”

“The two of you are going to be good friends?”

“Yeah, that’s the best option.”

“You know, be friends but live together. Do things together; just like a lifetime companion.”

“Without the commitment and intimacy?”

“Well, you can still be intimate. I mean, the girls are old enough to know what they can do. But I still think you should be honest with them.”

“I guess so but not now. Not when Wheein is warming up with me now and I can still see Yongsun because of Wheein.”

“You’re going to pay attention on Yongsun too?”

Jessica nodded.

“She’s my daughter, Oppa. My own biological daughter. I have a lot of things to make it up to her.”

“I understand. I will just support you from here. Do what you think is right for you.”

-

“So, you met Soo Yeon?”

“Yes.”

“And what did she say?”

“She’s fine with it.”

“Yongsun’s girlfriend is your biological daughter?”

“Uh huh.”

“She’s pretty?”

“She’s like me. Totally like me.”

“I must meet her.”

“I will ask Yongsun to bring her home one day to have dinner with you before you leave for US.”

“But how do you feel?”

Heechul was concerned. He felt that the two older women should be honest about the whole thing but Taeyeon has her reservations. He respects her.

“It’s weird. I saw Wheein before. I visited her at the hospital. And that moment when she was in that vulnerable state, I was hugging her; my heart felt so bad. I wanted to protect her; like how I would protect Yongsun.”

“That’s a motherly instinct. She has a connection with you.”

“I would like to embrace her like my own daughter, but I know I cant. I guess, by keeping Yongsun close to me; would mean Wheein would be always be there; within my grasp.”

“That is sad.”

“I know but I don’t wish to hurt them. We made the mistakes; Soo Yeon and I will not make them pay for it.”

“But I feel that the two of you should find time to explain to the girls; both at the same time.”

“I’ll think of it later. For now, let’s just leave it as it is.”

Heechul nodded; he was certain Taeyeon had thought things through and Soo Yeon had agreed. Let the two ladies decide for their future.

-

Yongsun was on her bed; her mother was busy cooking in the kitchen. She was getting bored because Wheein was out of bounds on that day. She had informed Yongsun that she would be spending the day out with her mother.

“KIM YONGSUN!”

Her mother was calling out to her; the girl grudgingly got out from bed and went to the kitchen. Her mother was gesturing her to set the table. Yongsun was surprised at the amount of food on the bar top.

“Omma, who’s coming?”

“Wheein and her mother.”

“WHAT?!”

“Why? Are you nervous to meet your mother in law?”

“What?! What mother in law?!”

“Can you just set the table and get ready?”

“When did you ask her?”

“I told Wheein to invite her mother over. Didn’t she inform you?”

“NO!”

“Okay, she’s probably wanting to screw you over.”

“Mom, your language!”

“What? You kids can say it so freely, your mom can’t?!”

“That’s not even the point!”

“Are you going to help me or not?”

Yongsun was mumbling to herself but she somehow managed to set the table. She then took the phone from her back pocket and texted Wheein.

“JUNG WHEEIN! BABY? WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME?”

Seconds later, Wheein replied.

“I told you. I texted you yesterday.”

She did?

Yongsun scrolled through her messages; and yes indeed. She did text her about the meeting. What the heck was she doing that she didn’t read Wheein’s messages?

“YOU DIDN’T READ RIGHT?”

“ERR, I THINK I OVERLOOKED!”

“YOU! YOU IS DEAD! NOW OPEN THE DOOR, I’M REACHING WITH MY MOTHER IN LIKE 10 MINUTES.”

Yongsun’s eyes grew larger. She dashed for the washroom without replying her girlfriend. She only had 10 minutes to look her best.

“OMMA! WHEEIN IS REACHING! AND I WILL TAKE A QUICK BATH AND GET READY! CAN YOU OPEN THE DOOR FOR ME!”

“YA! IM NOT YOUR SERVANT!”

“OMMA PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE~!”

“FINE FINE! NOW HURRY UP!”

Taeyeon shook her head when her daughter ran past her. Kim Yongsun is such a dork sometimes.

-

“Who was that?”

Jessica was watching Wheein smiling to herself as her fingers ran across her phone screen; typing at the fastest speed. Wheein smiled sheepishly.

“Texting Yongsun?”

“Yeah, she was about to scold me for not telling her about the appointment today, but I did. So, she’s probably feeling stupid and guilty. I bet she’s running around the house, panicking.”

“Is she always like this?”

“She’s a dork; a cute and funny dork to be precise.”

“She’s that adorable huh?”

“Mommy, I bet you. You will fall in love with her!”

Jessica smiled; nodding. Of course, she would fall in love with Yongsun. She’s her biological daughter. Wheein put her phone away and then grabbed her mother’s hands. She squeezed them tightly; her heart filled with gratitude.

Wheein didn’t imagine that her mother would agree to this lunch appointment. She was invited by Yongsun’s mother.

-

“Wheein ah, is it okay for you to invite your mother over for lunch with me and Yongsun?”

“Huh?”

“You think your mother will agree?”

“I’m not too sure about this. I mean, it was not easy for her to accept us.”

“I’m sure she will agree. Talk to her nicely.”

“Okay but I won’t promise, Auntie Kim.”

So, Wheein went home with a heavy heart. It was almost difficult for her to open but she knew she had to do it. Fortunately for her, her mother was in a good mood.

“Mommy?”

“Hm?”

“Erm, Yongsun’s mom invited us over for lunch.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

“Will you come?”

“Sure, why not?”

Wheein was stunned. What happened to her Mommy?

“Are you sure you’re my Mommy?”

“Why?”

“You agreed so easily?”

“Well, I told you before. If you love Yongsun and you want to stay with her, I’ll let you. As long as you’re happy with your life, I’m okay to everything.”

Wheein was apprehensive. She was swarmed with weird thoughts in her mind; it was so impossible for her mother to agree her so readily.

“You’re not going to say anything mean, right?”

“Jung Wheein, am I that bad?!”

“NO! I’m just surprised. I can’t help it! Sorry, Mommy! I didn’t mean it that way.”

“Just tell me when. I will clear out my schedule for you.”

Wheein has decided. Her mother had gone crazy.

-

Unknown to Wheein, Taeyeon had contacted Jessica earlier. She had told Jessica first before she asked Wheein.

“I’m going to get Wheein to ask you.”

“Why do you need to do that? You can just ask me.”

“Soo Yeon, we’re not supposed to know each other.”

“Oh, right.”

“And I’m pretty sure Wheein will freak out when you agree so easily.”

“You know your daughter really well huh?”

Taeyeon laughed; her voice resounded in Jessica’s ears. She missed that laughter so much.

“Soo Yeon ah, I’m doing this for us; for our daughters. Let’s just have this dinner and you can share with me everything about Wheein and I’ll do the same for Yongsun.”

“I guess that’s the best way.”

“And about us, please don’t worry. I’ll not love you less; neither would I stop. It’s just that we can’t be together.”

“I understand. I’m just glad that we’re doing this together. At least, you’re with me now; next to me. That’s good enough.”

“But I think Wheein will freak out. You suddenly turn nice.”

“Am I that really bad?!”

Taeyeon couldn’t stop giggling on the other side of the phone; leaving Jessica even infuriated. Like mother, like daughter.

-

“Mommy, I love you.”

Wheein suddenly confessed. Her daughter has been smiling so much and it made Jessica felt like this was worth it after all.

“I love you too.”

“Even if my heart is full of Yongsun, you know you will always hold the deepest depth of my heart and I’ll do anything for you.”

“Don’t lie. You won’t give up on Yongsun.”

“Okay, anything but that.”

Wheein pouted. Jessica smiled before caressing her daughter’s cheek.

“Are you happy, Wheein ah?”

“Very. I’m extremely happy now.”

“Good. That’s all I want from you.”

Wheein’s eyes were b with tears before she buried herself in her mother’s embrace.

“Thank you, Mommy!”

Jessica nodded but she tucked Wheein under her chin. The younger woman wrapped her arms around her mother; pulling her closer and hugged her tighter. She then gently kissed the top of Wheein’s head.

But her mind was swarmed with many things. One of those was Taeyeon.

Wheein ah, Taeyeon is your biological mother. Will you freak out if I tell you that I’m not your mother? Will you hate me, Wheein ah?

-

Yongsun got ready quickly. Taeyeon was doing last minute touches on her food before ensuring the house looks clean. She still felt nervous having Soo Yeon to come over her house after 20 years. It was like dating Soo Yeon all over again but only this time, they weren’t.

Yongsun ran around the house; searching for her stuffs. Taeyeon rolled her eyes.

“Why are your things all over the house?”

“Omma, you’re mean!”

“What?”

“Why didn’t you tell me about this meeting? I could have gotten ready.”

“What are you trying to get ready with? It’s just lunch. I just wanted to know Wheein’s mother better.”

“Still! You could have given me the heads’ up! This is an important meeting for me.”

“You want to make a good impression huh?”

“Of course!”

“You’re such a dork.”

“Omma!”

“You’re pretty, smart and confident. Look at those trophies on the shelf. You’re good with sports and stop flaunting your biceps to me.”

“Omma, did I follow Daddy?”

“Huh?”

“Omma’s so lousy with sports.”

“Ah, yeah. You have your Daddy’s genes.”

“And you’re not ever going to tell me about Daddy?”

Taeyeon looked on; biting her lower lip. She knew she couldn’t run but for now, she would try.

She would try to keep the secret a little longer.

“I’ll tell you when I’m ready.”

“Okay!”

Yongsun ran off to the living room; sitting on the sofa; waiting for her girlfriend and perhaps future mother in law. And Taeyeon looked at her.

Yongsun ah, your biological mother is here. What will you do if I told you the truth?

-