Jessica was on her way to the hospital. Wheein’s girlfriend came to visit her and the younger girl was getting better. She was eating and happy. Hearing that, Jessica felt glad and bitter at the same time. She was glad that her daughter’s health was improving and bitter because it wasn’t her doing; someone else.

She was determined to make things work with Wheein. She knew she had to make amends and change things between them. She was still not ready to lose her daughter completely.

As she came nearer to Wheein’s room, she overhead giggles and laughter. She recognized Wheein’s little giggle but not the other. Well, she didn’t have to guess. She knew who was there with her daughter. She stood at the door; peering her head in between the glass panel. She saw Wheein smiling widely; her hands holding another girl’s hands tightly. She had never seen her daughter’s genuine smile and she was startled to hear Wheein laughing heartily. It triggered her memory of Taeyeon. She gripped the doorknob tightly.

“Madam Jung?”

Ahjussi was standing behind her; she turned slightly and acknowledged him.

“How long has that girl been here?”

“She was here since yesterday. She didn’t go home. She wanted to make sure Wheein eats and sleeps properly.”

“That’s nice of her.”

Jessica was debating in her mind; whether she should invade her daughter’s happiness. She was afraid that Wheein would change again if she sees her mother.

“Don’t think of running away, Madam. You know Wheein loves you.”

“But she’s so happy now. Can you hear her laughter?”

“Yes, I do but that doesn’t mean she won’t welcome you. Or you’re still not ready to meet Yongsunnie?”

“Yongsunnie?”

“Her name is Kim Yongsun. She’s a bright child. Always smiling; happy and loving. She’s full of affections and she has a great personality. I promise you, Madam Jung. You will adore this girl.”

“You speak highly of her. I’m inclined to believe you.”

“Give them a chance. And give yourself a chance too. This is the only time you and Wheein can work things together.”

Jessica paused for a second; Ahjussi made sense. Then she spoke up again.

“Ahjussi, if I become unbearable with the girls, pull me out of the room.”

“I will but I’m pretty sure you won’t.”

Jessica couldn’t understand where Ahjussi got his confidence from. But for once, she wanted to trust him. And she would.

-

“Eat this.”

“No.”

“Ya, you only had one bite of your breakfast this morning. It’s not enough. You’re thinner than the last time I saw you.”

“The last time you saw me was yesterday. It didn’t make any difference in 1 day.”

“Jung Wheein.”

“Kim Yongsun.”

Yongsun folded her arms; glaring at her girlfriend. Yes, Wheein was as stubborn as a bull when it comes to taking care of her own health.

“Don’t you want to get better?”

“I do.”

“Then why aren’t you eating properly?”

“This is only way I could get my mother to do my bidding.”

Yongsun’s eyes softened. Her girlfriend was silently rebelling against her mother by short-changing her own health. She cupped her palms on her girlfriend’s cheeks. Although she was against the way Wheein rebelled against her mother, but she sympathized with Wheein as well. She once again was thankful that her mother loves her the way she felt best.

“Wheein ah, you know your mother cares about you.”

“I prefer your Mom. She’s caring; she’s loving and she’s so soft. The way she handles me; the way she persuades me to eat – I have been longing such affection from my Mommy.”

“But she’s also the reason why you’re here and I met you. I fell in love with you because you came into my life and your mother gave that life to you. I need to thank her for delivering you into this world.”

“Stop it. You’re so greasy. Did you learn from Moonbyul unnie?”

“Shut up. It’s my utmost gratitude. By the way, Hyejin is coming to visit you tomorrow. She’s going to kill you for making her worry. Moonbyul would love to jump on you because you hurt me but I had gave a red card warning to her.”

“Crap. Hyejin’s going to nag at me.”

“You deserve it. Now eat before I complain to her more.”

“Hey! No fair!”

Nevertheless, Wheein started chewing on the porridge that the nurse has prepared for her lunch. Of course, she would. Yongsun was feeding her like a baby. While the young couple enjoying each other’s company, Jessica stepped into the room with Ahjussi.

Wheein noticed her first and she got really uptight. She sat up straight immediately; her hands placed neatly above her lap. She suddenly became so prim and proper. Yongsun was puzzled at first but glanced over her shoulders. She was smiling at first when she noticed Ahjussi but that smile faded when she saw another woman behind him.

Then it made sense. Wheein’s mother had finally came.

-

Jessica overheard Yongsun’s conversation with Wheein. She was right; Wheein was silently rebelling against her. But she was surprised when Yongsun defended her. For a moment; she was thankful. And she was relieved when Wheein listened to her.

The moment she entered the room, Wheein’s behaviour changed – 180 degrees turn. She was no longer smiling; she was solemn and serious just like how Jessica trained her to be. Jessica was regretting this.

“Mommy.”

Wheein managed to speak up; but it was soft and almost inaudible. The bubbly Wheein earlier on had changed drastically. Jessica nodded; mirroring her daughter’s behaviour. Ahjussi was shaking his head; behind her.

Things were getting awkward all over again.

But Yongsun was still the same as she had always been. She gave a wide smile and greeted Jessica animatedly.

“Good morning, Auntie Jung!”

Jessica was startled and Wheein was watching in horror. She didn’t warn Yongsun earlier on; she pulled Yongsun’s arm but Yongsun assured her. She smiled at Wheein before squeezing her hand. She then stepped closer to Jessica and stretched her hand out.

“My name is Yongsun. I’m Wheein’s friend. Pleased to meet you, Auntie Jung.”

“Morning, Yongsun. It’s nice to meet you too.”

Yongsun then bowed politely before pulling a chair behind her. She placed it in front of Jessica.

“Please take a seat.”

Jessica watched as Yongsun showed no signs of nervousness; there was no air on this girl; she was genuine and bubbly. She was polite and well-behaved. Yongsun stood next to Wheein; her daughter was looking at her girlfriend, lovingly.

“Yongsun, take a seat too.”

“Ah, it’s okay. I’m leaving soon. My mom needs me at home.”

“Huh? You’re leaving me alone here?”

“You’re not actually alone. Your Mommy is here.”

Wheein then gripped Yongsun’s arm tightly; she didn’t want to be alone with her Mommy. And that look in her eyes were begging her girlfriend to stay longer. But Yongsun was a sensible child.

She shook her head and then hugged Wheein tightly. She whispered sweet nothings in Wheein’s ears. Then she cupped her girlfriend’s cheeks.

“Nothing will take you away from me this time. I’ll find you. And your Mommy is worried about you. Don’t treat her this way. No matter what, she’s the one who brought you into this world.”

Jessica’s heart ached so badly when she heard Yongsun’s words. Yongsun’s parents have brought her up well. She was grateful for Yongsun’s sensitiveness.

“I’ll get going. Wheein ah, I’ll visit you later. Do you have anything you would like to eat?”

“Your mother promised to cook for me.”

“Are you sure you’re going to eat her food? Her cooking is not that excellent.”

“Like as though yours is perfect.”

Yongsun rolled her eyes.

“Fine, I’ll bring it over. Now be good.”

Yongsun excused herself and left the room with Ahjussi; leaving both mother and daughter alone; awkward and quiet.

-

Meanwhile Taecyeon had hired a private investigator to check on Kim Taeyeon. The man was quick to give updates.

“Mr Ok, Kim Taeyeon is not married. She’s single.”

“Huh? But she has a daughter?”

“She’s a single-mother; she raised her daughter all by herself.”

“A single-mother?”

“Yes, her daughter is Kim Yongsun.”

Taecyeon was puzzled.

“Did you check on her daughter?”

“What do you need to know?”

“I mean, who is her father?”

“Kim Yongsun is not her flesh and blood daughter. Taeyeon was a surrogate mother; she carried someone’s else baby.”

Then Taecyeon recalled Jessica’s words. She too went through IVF and surrogacy. Wheein was not her real daughter; she belongs to Taeyeon. Now it was clear to him.

“Do you know who is Kim Yongsun’s real mother?”

“There is a name on the record.”

“What is it?”

“Jung Soo Yeon.”

Taecyeon felt faint. His mind was going in circles. He hung up the phone and then buried his face in his hands. Everything fell into place now.

And fate and destiny were intertwined once again.

Kim Yongsun is Jessica’s daughter.

Jung Wheein is Taeyeon’s daughter.

Their daughters finally met.

Taecyeon knew he had to do something before things go haywire once again. But he was relieved.

The two young girls were not blood-related. But this relationship has a new set of complication – Jung Soo Yeon and Kim Tae Yeon.

-

Taeyeon was busy cooking; she made a promise to Wheein yesterday that she would cook for her beef intestine soup. Surprisingly, it was also Taeyeon’s favourite. Yongsun loves it too. Well, her daughter loves anything that has meat; she’s truly Jung Soo Yeon’s daughter.

Suddenly there was a call; Heechul was calling.

“Oppa?”

“Taeyeon, where are you?”

“I’m at home. Why?”

“I need to talk to you. I’m coming over.”

“Okay, sure. Come over. I’m alone anyway.”

“Arasso. I’ll be there in 1 second.”

“Huh?”

Heechul hung up the phone and there was a knock on the door. Taeyeon rolled her eyes as she made her way to the door. Heechul was at the front door.

“You could have just knocked.”

“I just love disturbing you like that.”

“You’re still a choding despite being in your forties.”

“Don’t need to remind me of old age.”

“Yes, old man. Come in and have a seat.”

“Ya~”

Heechul settled on the sofa while Taeyeon brought a cup of tea for him. They settled down in the living room; Yongsun’s favourite rainbow blanket was on the sofa.

“This girl is still keeping this?”

“Yeah, that’s like her smelly pillow or something. She needs that to sleep.”

“Isn’t this Soo Yeon’s blanket?”

Taeyeon picked up the blanket and folded it nicely before pressing the towel gently with her hand. Yes, this blanket was Soo Yeon’s. She kept it for memory sake.

“Yup, this was Soo Yeon’s blanket.”

“Yongsun loves it.”

“I’m still surprised that Yongsun fell in love with this blanket. She found it in my bedroom cupboard when she was 5 and then she just said “Omma, this.” And since then, this blanket is like her precious thing in the world.”

“I guess, you cannot deny the affinity and bond Yongsun has with Soo Yeon.”

“But unfortunately, both will never know.”

Heechul nodded sympathetically. Then he recalled something weird happened this morning. Someone called him and informed him that a stranger was checking on Taeyeon’s background.

“Taeyeon ah, actually I’m here for a reason. The hospital called me earlier on; someone requested an info check on you and Yongsun.”

Taeyeon was stunned. She leaned forward and held Heechul’s arm.

“Who was it?”

“The hospital couldn’t disclose the name. They didn’t close either but somehow that person managed to retrieve your records.”

“Why would they check on me and Yongsun?”

“I’m just wondering. Could it be Soo Yeon?”

“Soo Yeon? But she’s in US. From what I heard the last time.”

“Maybe she’s back?”

“But I never told her anything and I have not been keeping in touch with our old friends. Nobody knew about Yongsun.”

“I’m not sure either. I’ll check on this person who’s checking up on you. Don’t be panic. Let’s be calm. We have Yongsun to protect. But I really hope this person is Soo Yeon.”

“Why Oppa?”

“Then you can reunite with her and live with Soo Yeon together with Yongsun.”

Heechul was hoping for this to happen for the longest time. Yongsun and Taeyeon deserve to be happy.

“But Yongsun is unaware of her history.”

“That’s why we need to let her know before she finds out herself.”

Taeyeon suddenly had a migrane coming on. Who the heck was checking on her?

-

Meanwhile Wheein was alone with her mother. It was so awkward that the silence was almost deafening. She wasn’t too sure what she should do or say. And her mother hasn’t spoken anything ever since she arrived. It was making Wheein felt even worse than before. All the happiness she felt earlier on with Yongsun disappeared totally.

“She seems like a nice girl.”

Her mother finally broke the silence. And Wheein was a little wary of her mother’s words.

“Mommy, please don’t hurt her.”

Jessica was surprised when she heard those words. Why would she hurt someone’s else daughter?

“It’s my fault. I’m the one who need her so badly. So, please don’t hurt her.”

“You think Mommy would hurt her?”

“If you could hurt me, I don’t see why you wouldn’t hurt Yongsunnie too.”

Jessica was utterly disappointed with herself; with Wheein. Her daughter thought she could hurt someone else but hearing Wheein’s words tore her apart. That was her daughter’s impression of her. Was she really a bad mother to her?

“Am I really a terrible mother to you?”

Jessica’s voice quivered. And surprisingly, Wheein kept still and silence enveloped them again. The usual obedient Wheein was no longer there; the stubborn and strong-headed Wheein had replaced that once obedient Jung Wheein. She was determined to hold on to Yongsun this time.

But she couldn’t agree to Jessica’s question either. She was not a terrible mother; just a strict, over-possessive and over-protective mother. Wheein was suffocated by her.

“You’re not a terrible mother. But there were times I felt suffocated and I couldn’t break free. I would fall into depression every now and then because I couldn’t fight for myself. I don’t hate you, Mommy. I just felt that you were just holding a tight leash on me that I felt like I was just a possession; not your daughter.”

Wheein was a little taken aback with her own bravery. She wouldn’t dare to say such things before she met Yongsun. But Yongsun gave her the reason to fight for her own happiness; but Wheein was worried that she might be appear rude to her mother.

“Please forgive me, Mommy.”

And what happened next was not what Wheein had imagined. Jessica was on her knees; hands on the cold floor and tears fell profusely. Wheein was stunned but immediately tried to get down from the bed. But Jessica stopped her; she just held on to her daughter tightly; buried her face in her daughter’s lap.

“Mommy, what are you doing?”

Jessica couldn’t answer; she was overwhelmed with the pain in her heart that she could do nothing but cry. She couldn’t find any words to say. Wheein, on the other hand, was terrified with her mother’s sudden behaviour. She has never seen her mother like this; Jessica Jung was never this pathetic.

Wheein wondered if she broke her mother too.

“Mommy, what’s going on? Can you please stand up?”

“Just stay where you are, Wheein.”

“Mommy…”

Jessica then slowly looked up; Wheein was crying too. It hurt her daughter to see her mother reduced to this.

“Mommy, why are you doing this? Please stand up. Sit with me instead.”

“Wheein, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you; to treat you like this. You’re the most important person in my life, Wheein. I cannot live without you. You know that. I just cannot afford to lose you. You’re my everything, Wheein ah.”

Wheein stared at her mother; this was the very first time her mother had ever spoken her innermost feelings to her. And honestly, it was killing her inside. She felt conflicted; her love for Yongsun and her love for her mother.

She went down on her knees so that her eyes were on same level with her mother’s. Her mother’s tears – she wasn’t supposed to cry for her daughter but, her mother readily shed tears because of her. She wiped Jessica’s tears away.

“Mommy, please stop crying. It hurts.”

But Jessica couldn’t control herself. And Wheein tightened her hold around her mother’s small frame. Both were crying; heart breaking.

“Mommy, I’m sorry.”

“No, Wheein. It’s not your fault.”

“But I have never seen you crying like this. This scares me. You’re not going to leave me, are you?”

“How could I leave you when I cannot live without you?”

“Mommy, I’m not going anywhere. I’m still your Wheein. I’m still your daughter.”

“I know. And I’m always going to be your mother. I just realized one thing. I had a tight hold on you and I hardly give you space for you think, breathe and grow into the person you were supposed to be. Watching you losing weight; not talking to me and falling sick – all these were just your way to rebel against me.”

“I’m sorry, Mommy. I won’t do it again.”

“No, it’s okay. I love you so much, Wheein. Your happiness means so much to me and I want you to be happy. I’m going to allow you to date your girlfriend. I won’t stop you.”

Wheein was stunned; she pulled away and stared at her mother. Jessica had stopped crying and a smile was replaced instead. Wheein was still unsure but Jessica assured her.

“If this girl makes you happy, then I will let her be with you. Thanks to her, my baby is eating again.”

“Baby?”

Wheein whispered softly. This was probably the first time Jessica called her; her baby. It was like how Taeyeon had called Yongsun. She was envious of that.

“You’re my baby, Wheein. Nobody else can replace my little baby.”

Wheein had never felt relieved and happy. She was excited too. Both mothers have approved of them; of her and Yongsun. They could be together and live happily like how they wanted to.

“Mommy, thank you so much!”

“Anything for you, Wheein.”

Both mother and daughter hugged each other.

-

Later in the evening, Yongsun came by again. Taeyeon had cooked for Wheein but she couldn’t come along. She had to attend to something urgent. But Wheein was sleeping when she arrived.

“Aigoo, my baby is so cute when she’s sleeping.”

Yongsun leaned closer and kissed Wheein’s cheeks. She was so happy to be with Wheein again. And Wheein seemed happier; she was smiling in her sleep.

“Wonder what she’s dreaming of now.”

Yongsun couldn’t help but smiled too. She climbed on the bed and laid next to Wheein. She wrapped her arms around Wheein and pulled her closer. The soft hug made Wheein snuggled into Yongsun’s embrace further.

“I love you, Wheein.”

Yongsun whispered. She closed eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep; probably joining her girlfriend in their sweet dreamland.

-

Taeyeon managed to find out the name of the person who had asked about her and Yongsun. Heechul gave her the address of the person’s office. His name is Ok Taecyeon.

Taeyeon had no idea who he was. She didn’t have any recollection of Ok Taecyeon. So, why was he checking on her? She finally reached his office and was lucky enough to get him before the man left. He was preparing to leave his office when his secretary brought Taeyeon to him.

“Mr Ok?”

Taeyeon wasn’t surprised when he appeared stunned to find her standing in front of him. He knew who she was. Taeyeon was getting frustrated.

“You know me, don’t you?”

“Yes, but how did you find me?”

“I have my ways. But do I know you? I don’t think I remember seeing you in my life before.”

The man had thoughtful face before he sighed. He then suggested having coffee at the nearby café.

“I can explain further.”

“Sure.”

They settled down for a cup of coffee. Taecyeon was staring at Taeyeon; the latter didn’t back down either. Then the man smiled.

“My name is Ok Taecyeon. I was born in US before returning to Seoul 10 years ago. You may not know me, but I know you. My wife knows you too.”

Taeyeon frowned. He mentioned wife. Then she remembered Soo Yeon. She was supposed to leave for US to get married to her so-called fiancé. Could this man be Soo Yeon’s husband?

“When you mentioned wife, you’re referring to Soo Yeon, aren’t you?”

Taecyeon nodded. The nerve of this man. Taeyeon’s mood suddenly changed. So, why would Soo Yeon’s husband did a check on her?

But Taecyeon could sense it. He quickly explained his reason.

“Miss Kim, there’s something you need to know. If you give me a chance to explain, you’ll understand. But it might be confusing and it might get overwhelming.”

“What is it that you need to tell me? I want to know why you’re checking on my daughter, Yongsun.”

“I’m aware of Yongsun’s real parentage. You’re not her real mother. Yongsun is Soo Yeon’s daughter.”

“So, what are you trying to imply? I’m not going to let you take Yongsun away from me. I raised that child on my own!”

“No, I don’t have that intention at all.”

“Then why?”

Taecyeon sighed.

“Let me tell you what exactly happened to me and Soo Yeon.”

Taecyeon started telling Taeyeon everything; right from the beginning till the end. Taeyeon listened; her heart was breaking apart once again. She learnt the truth now. Soo Yeon hasn’t forgotten about her.

“But there’s something else you need to know.”

“What is it?”

“Both of you went for the procedure, am I right?”

“Yeah?”

“You were not the only one who got pregnant.”

Taeyeon’s eyes grew larger. It couldn’t be.

“Taeyeon ah, you have a daughter too. Soo Yeon was pregnant with your baby when she left US.”

Taeyeon slumped to her chair. This revelation was a little too much for her to handle.

-

Jessica watched as Yongsun and Wheein slept comfortably on the bed. They looked cute together. She subconsciously smiled to herself. It brought back her memories of those times she spent with Taeyeon.

Taeyeon used to hug her tightly while sleeping. Jessica could never forget Taeyeon’s warmth. Sometimes she thought she could still feel it. While reminiscing about her past, Yongsun woke up from her short nap.

She saw Jessica on the sofa. She immediately stood up; and bowed. Jessica then motioned her to move over. Yongsun obediently went over to her side.

“Sit next to me, Yongsun.”

Yongsun swallowed hard but nevertheless sat next to Jessica. She was nervous but Jessica’s smile somehow put her at ease. Her heart was beating fast.

“Yongsun ah, thank you.”

“Huh?”

“I’m letting you to be with Wheein. Just promise me that you will look after Wheein and stay next to her for the longest time. Don’t ever hurt her. Even if it gets tough, just continue to stay with her.”

Yongsun was pleasantly surprised with the sudden confession. She reached out for Jessica’s hands and squeezed them tightly.

“I’m never going to leave Wheein. Even when she decided to break up with me out of the blue, I refused to accept it. I was worried; really worried for her. She lacked confidence; and always terrified to make a new move. I just wanted to protect her.  That’s how I truly feel towards Wheein.”

Jessica smiled with tears b in her eyes. Ahjussi was right. Yongsun’s such a pleasant child; and Jessica felt very comfortable with Yongsun. When the girl reached out for her hands; Jessica was taken aback.

But there was one tugging in her heart when Yongsun smiled at her. It felt familiar. And Yongsun made her feel things in her heart.

“Oh, I have some food. My mother made it for Wheein but she’s sleeping. Have you eaten?”

“Not really but it’s okay. You can keep for Wheein.”

“Omma made a lot. I can share mine with you. Stay here, I’ll heat up the food for you.”

Yongsun gave her a quick smile before running off. And Jessica felt her heart clenched.

Why is this girl making her feel so much things in her heart? Like as though she’s someone Jessica wanted to meet for so long.

-