Chaewon was calling someone and was worried to the bone.

“God…where are you, Wonyoung?” Chaewon spoke as she dialed again.

Ever since they commenced the ‘spa plan’, Chaewon and Wonyoung hadn’t talked since. Wonyoung decided not to stay at the Lee household and the family didn’t mind. But what worried Chaewon is that Wonyoung didn’t spare any word about her whereabouts and that she hadn’t apologized for yelling at her.

Chaewon sighed and felt dejected until she noticed Wonyoung’s luggage. She read the address and had an idea. With that, she got changed and decided to go there.

Chaewon arrived at the destination. Starship Orphanage, as the sign read. She went in and asked if Wonyoung was there and got her answer from the person-in-charge.

“Miss Soyu. Nice to meet you.” She lent a hand.

“Me too, Miss Soyu. I’m Chaewon…Wonyoung’s friend.” Chaewon spoke. “Is she here?”

Soyu nodded and Chaewon followed her. During the walk, Soyu talked. “Wonyoung isn’t aware that she’ll have a visitor today.”

“Well…I didn’t inform her.” Chaewon said.

“A surprise visit, then? Just when she grows older, she gets visitors.” Soyu added. “Wonyoung’s a good kid. She was sent here when she was four after her parents died in a car accident. Unfortunately, she wasn’t lucky to get adopted and she stayed here since.”

Chaewon never thought Wonyoung had that story. She also got information from Soyu that when Wonyoung worked in Spain, she gave monetary donations to the orphanage and gave gifts to her fellow orphans. Chaewon thought Wonyoung was a saint.

“Many orphans came and went and only thirteen were left, including Wonyoung.” Soyu said as they stopped at a park. “The remaining orphans are like family to her and she’ll do whatever it takes to help them and make them happy.”

Chaewon saw Wonyoung in the playground, gathered by her unnies and various little children. Wonyoung gave the kids gifts of treats and her two unnies some shirts.

“Noona, where’s my pair of rubber shoes?” A little boy climbed on her back.

“What about my dress, unnie?” A little girl sat beside her.

The kids continued to ask until Wonyoung had to calm them down.

“Kids, be thankful of the gifts.”

“It’s fine, Yeonjung-unnie.” Wonyoung added. “I’m sorry, kids. We don’t have the budget right now. Your big sister Wonyoung had to help a friend. She’s pitiful if I don’t help her.”

The kids reacted but understood Wonyoung. They even asked if it was the friend she always talked about and Wonyoung nodded, making the kids cheer. Chaewon felt her heartstrings played properly and she had tears of joy. How could she not realize that Wonyoung really cares about her?

“But I promise in the next batch of gifts, okay? Rubber shoes, dresses, whatever you guys want!” Wonyoung added and gave more treats to the children.

They said their thanks and got an even number of treats, even the unnies. Wonyoung noticed Chaewon and was shocked to see her. But all she can give was a sad smile.

“Kids, your big sister Wonyoung has a visitor!” Soyu went to the crowd. “Let’s go back to our quarters.”

“Come on, kids. Let’s play board games!” Yeonjung helped Soyu in gathering the kids up.

“Bye, kids. See you later.” Wonyoung waved.

“Bye, Noona!” The same boy from a while ago waved as she was carried by Yeonjung.

Wonyoung watched them return and now, the two of them had the playground to themselves. It was then that she and Chaewon had to talk.

“Wonyoung-ah…I’m sorry…” Chaewon started. “…I dispossessed your unnies and the children.”

“It’s okay…” Wonyoung patted her back. “…actually, it’s not…” Wonyoung broke contact and looked at her. “…because the more we play onto this act, the more people we hurt.”

“I know…” Chaewon mumbled, eyes watery. “…it’s just so hard because…all my life, my family pictures me as the sibling to which my parents expect to be successful, especially Mama Eunbi…”

“Chaewon-ah…”

“Because of that, it’s hard to tell them…” Chaewon’s tears fell. “…that I failed…and that I’m just a maid.”

Chaewon couldn’t help her tears and broke in front of Wonyoung. Wonyoung held her wet hand and said, “Chaewon-ah, they’ll understand. They’re your family. They’ll always love you.”

Chaewon looked up. Wonyoung sighed and wiped her tears away. “And if they won’t love you, so what? I’m still here and I love you…even if you’re an annoying sometimes…”

Chaewon nudged Wonyoung but it was a nudge of affection. Wonyoung wrapped an arm around Chaewon and comforted her, with Chaewon leaning her head on Wonyoung’s shoulder.

For Chaewon, she will never know when she’ll be ready to tell the truth. But for Wonyoung, she trusts her timing and she’ll be there for her, whatever happens.

+++

The three older sisters could only stand still with their servants and Erii. Eunbi was with the Yuehuas, staring at the wall of achievements. Yuri and Yena were by the side and were beside each other, being lovey-dovey as they are.

“Impressive! Your house is so shiny, Eunbi. It’s full of gold,” said Zhengting.

“Why, thank you.” Eunbi added. “My wife used to say, ‘We may not have much money, we’re still rich with gold.’”

The other siblings wowed. For Sungyeon, he thought it was also fascinating…

…until he saw Chaewon and Wonyoung arriving just now.

 “Well, it’s not true. These are all fake!” Sungyeon said, just as he looked at Chaewon.

“What do you mean?” Eunbi asked.

It was a palpable tension, mostly for Chaewon. All eyes were on her as they waited for Sungyeon’s answer.

“These are gold-plated! Look!” Seongjun answered for his father.

The Yuehuas chuckled and the Lees joined in. Sungyeon agreed with his son and added. “Of course! Would you display them if they’re real?”

“Anyway, Ssamu has arrived.” Eunbi acknowledged. “We can start with the fitting.”

The Lees gathered on one side while the Yuehuas were in the other, presenting the gowns. Sihyun and Geumryul take credit for designing them, just like what they did to their attires during the formal courtship.

“Pst. I checked Goeun’s Twitter.” Hitomi whispered to her sisters. “She returned from Taiwan. We still have a chance to stop this wedding.”

The gowns were presented and they were more than what the Lees imagined. It was full of color and design based on a specific sea creature. The Lees were speechless and they didn’t expect the Yuehuas to be VERY serious about the wedding’s concept.

“What do you all think?” Sihyun asked. “Do you like it?”

“Uhm…Sihyun-ah?” Eunbi pointed at the gown on the farthest left. “Is that going to be my gown?”

“Yes, Eommonim.” Sihyun touched the brown gown and attached its veil that looked like an open shell. “You’re the Mother Pearl.”

Miho almost spilled the glasses of juice, shocking the Yuehuas. Miu held the tray for her and went to get another batch.

“So…” Seungyeon spoke. “…do you all like it?”

Repugnant. Hyewon spoke.

“Repugnant? Meaning?” Sungyeon asked.

“Unique!” Chaewon spoke. “My sister meant that the gowns are unique!”

“You gave the wrong meaning plus you sugarcoated it.” Hyewon sighed then spoke. “Mr. Cho, the gowns are ugly. It’s unattractive and it doesn’t suit us. We can’t wear them during the wedding. I’m sorry.”

“But you need to wear them!” Seungyeon said.

“Dad. You don’t have to force them.” Yena spoke.

“Agreed, Dad.” Sihyun and Yiren added.

“But these gowns are expensive!” Geumryul objected.

“Then we’ll pay for them!” Minjoo addressed. “How much are they?”

“Each gown cost more than $10000,” said Zhengting.

“Lend me some money, Ssamu-unnie.” Minjoo mumbled while nudging her.

“Oh, no! It’s fine!” Chaewon said. “We can wear the gowns! Let’s just wear them!”

Hyewon batted for the sake of their family. Chaewon thought it had to be done to compensate the efforts of the Yuehua family...

…and also, not to raise the suspicion with regards to her skeleton in the closet.

“Well, just as we thought.” Seongjun said. “You can’t pay for these gowns.”

“I’ll pay for all the gowns.” Hyewon batted.

“Showoff.” Minjoo mumbled.

“No, no, no, no! This can’t be!” Sungyeon objected then looked at the couple. “I want your wedding to be perfect.”

“Evan, we’re sorry. My children didn’t mean to offend…” Eunbi spoke for their family. “…it’s just that…it’s really too much.”

Sungyeon objected again, facing Zhengting. “Bro, this can’t be! We’ve worked hard for this for Yena! We took care of everything and there’s no time for changes!”

“Don’t worry, bro. We’ll take care of this.” Zhengting said then faced the Lee family. “I believe that in when it comes to family businesses, there’s always compromise. Because we didn’t inform you about the preparations – let alone consult about the gowns, we understand why you don’t want to wear them.”

“Thank you, Jung – “

“But I don’t want to waste my family’s efforts…” Zhengting added. “…so why don’t we just play for it?”

Both families were shocked. It was then Zhengting explained.

“If the Lee family wins, they can wear whatever they want to the wedding. They can even only wear undergarments. It doesn’t matter.” He added. “But if the Yuehuas win, it’s wearing the gowns, man!”

The Yuehua family was touched by their head’s words.

“My decision is final and irrevocable.” Zhengting said. “It will then depend on the choice of the Lee family. Game?”

“Game.” Yuri said, shocking her family. “What game will we play?”

+++

It was a game of charades and each family must participate, with Yena and Yuri as scorers for their families. The first round was for the Lees, with Wonyoung acting out the correct guess. The hints were the following: movie, live, three syllables, one word.

The action was Wonyoung doing a T-pose.

“Rio! Rio!” Minjoo guessed.

“That’s an animated movie, you dingdong.” Hyewon mumbled.

“Well, Passion of Christ!” Minjoo huffed. “Take that for a live movie.”

“Trying to be a smartass...” Hyewon mumbled back. “It’s doesn’t even have three syllables.”

Wonyoung posed again and Chaewon got it right. “Titanic!!”

The Lees cheered and earned the first point. The second round commenced with the Yuehuas and it was Sungyeon who did the poses. The hints were the following: song, English.

“Crazy.” Minjoo guessed.

“How’s that even an English song?” Eunbi wondered.

Sungyeon did another pose. His hand did a gun-like gesture and pointed it towards Chaewon.

“Secret Agent?” Hyeongseop guessed.

“That’s not even a song.” Sihyun remarked.

“She Bangs?” Zhengting guessed.

The Yuehuas were correct and got their point. Sunngyeon even made the gesture towards Chaewon and the latter felt uneasy. Nonetheless, both families had one point. The third round was for the Lees with Miu doing the actions. The hints were the following: food, Korean, Hyewon.

“Bitter gourd?” Minjoo guessed. “Bitter gourd juice?”

“How can bitter gourd juice remind you of Kwangbae-unnie?” Hitomi spat. “Goodness, Minguri-unnie.”

“Peanut bitter! Bitter bread!” Minjoo guessed again as Miu pointed at her stomach.

The countdown was heard and of everyone in the Lee family, Minjoo did all the guesses. It was then at the final second that Minjoo answered. “Samgyeopsal!”

The Lees cheered and they got their second point. Then again, they wondered why pork belly was the answer.

“That’s because Kwangbae eats like a pig. With that, she always has a full belly.” Minjoo realized then glared at Hyewon. “Hence, samgyeopsal.”

Hyewon glared back but the Lees now have their second point. The fourth round was for the Yuehuas with Zhengting doing the actions. The hints were the following: song, English.

“Great?” Geumryul guessed, getting a nod.

Zhengting then pointed at Chaewon again. The Lee family wondered until Sungyeon guessed. “Pretender.”

Zhengting nodded. Sungyeon then guessed the entire song. “The Great Pretender!”

The Yuehua family cheered and got their second point. The Lees were confused about them pointing at Chaewon. For Hitomi and Hyewon, they were a bit tensed.

It was the fifth round and the Lees were next, with Chaewon doing the action. The hints were the following: movie, Korean, Minjoo.

“Ah! Ah!” Chaewon pointed at Minjoo.

“Anaconda?” Hyewon guessed, getting a shake of the head. “Oops. I thought it was about a snake.”

Minjoo glared back. Hyewon thought it was a payback. The Yuehua noticed the tension and couldn’t help their apathy.

“When Harry Met ty?” Hyewon guessed again, triggering Minjoo.

“No!” Chaewon snapped as time was running out.

“Sorry. Sally, I mean.” Hyewon did a peace sign.

“Goodness, unnie.” Hitomi face-palmed.

The countdown went on and when the time ran out, the Lees couldn’t guess it. They wondered it until Chaewon snapped out the answer.

“Peter Piper’s Practical Principles of Plain and Perfect Pronunciation, starring Piper Peter!” She added. “Minguri was the AD plus she had a cameo!”

“Oh! So stupid!” Miu face-palmed.

It was now a tie of two points. The sixth round commences with the Yuehua family. Seongjun did the honors of doing the actions with the following hints: movie, English.

Seongjun looked back and repeatedly pointed at Chaewon. Eunbi noticed that again, even Minjoo thought that they’re playing her sister up.

“Maid!” Sungyeon spoke.

“Maid in Spain?” Zhengting added.

Seongjun shook his head and pointed at Hyewon next.

“Maid in Manhattan!” Sungyeon guessed.

The Yuehua family got their third point, taking the lead. They cheered, even Sungyeon was laughing. The Lee sisters were tensed, with Minjoo feeling angry since they were messing with Chaewon. But what’s worse was Eunbi’s uncontained anger because she got up and stopped the game.

“What’s so funny, Evan?” Eunbi raised, crossing her arms.

The Yuehuas went quiet, with Sungyeon raising an eyebrow back. Yuri persuaded her to continue the game but Eunbi declined.

“No, Jjoyul. Something’s off.” Eunbi said. “They’ve made fun of your Ssamu-unnie all night.”

The Yuehua children lowered their heads while the parents looked apathetic. The Lees felt more tensed, especially Chaewon.

“Why are you making fun of my daughter?” Eunbi asked.

“Eunbi…we don’t have a bad intention.” Zhengting reasoned.

“No. You’re subjecting my daughter into the of your jokes!” Eunbi was close to snapping. “Why are you subjecting her to such ridicule?!”

“Because your daughter IS ridiculous!” Sungyeon added with a laugh.

The families couldn’t believe it, even Yena was crossed with her father’s actions.

“My daughter’s ridiculous?” Eunbi raised then slapped Seungyeon’s crotch with her fan. “You’re the one who’s ridiculous!”

The Yuehuas were silenced, even Hyewon averted Erii from the scene. Seungyeon winced a bit and was shocked to be angered by Eunbi herself.

“You’re ridiculous because of your phony English accent, your ty face, and your small !”

Everyone was shocked again. For the Lee sisters, they never thought their mother would flip out like that, even Minjoo thought her mother was savage. Despite the actions done, Yena and her siblings were quick to comfort their father.

“You’re in my house. You have no right to insult or ridicule any of my children!” Eunbi spat. “Those actions are despicable! Get out of my house!”

“Dads...” Yena comforted Sungyeon and Zhengting. “Love…”

“Eomma…” Yuri went to comfort her mother then sighed. “Love, all of you need to leave…for now.”

“Please leave.” Hyewon spoke.

“Go on. Get out of here,” said Minjoo.

“The exit is that way.” Hitomi pointed at the door.

“It had been my pleasure to leave! But before we do…” Seungyeon huffed, regaining his composure and pointing at Eunbi. “…I want to make something clear!”

Seungyeon adjusted his pants and held his crotch. The sight made Hyewon cover Erii’s eyes and ears.

“My is big! My balls are perfectly real! All in all, my privates are not fake!” Seungyeon batted. “They’re not like your daughter!!”

“My daughter’s not fake!!” Eunbi snapped and wanted to knock the out of him.

“Eomma.” Hyewon and Yuri stopped her.

“Well, not according to my investigation!” Seungyeon added.

“Who gave you the right to investigate my daughter?” Eunbi asked.

“As the maid in Spain!” Seungyeon snapped. “Let’s go, everyone! Take the gowns!”

The Yuehuas slowly made their leave. Yena apologized to the family and had a little talk with Yuri before leaving. The Yuehuas ranted about the Lees until they were out of sight. The Lees were left in their own home and so did the tension.

“Chaewon.” Eunbi called. “Is there something I need to know?”

Hitomi and Hyewon gathered with Erii. Wonyoung backed away next to Miu and Minjoo. Miho was behind as Chaewon stood up, lowering her head. For Yuri, she was there by Eunbi’s side to ease her.

“What?!” Eunbi snapped at Chaewon to say something.

“Ssamu. Just tell the truth.” Hyewon spoke. “It’s about time.”

Chaewon went mum. Her head was lowered and her hands were shaking.

“You know about what they were talking about?!” Eunbi snapped at Hyewon.

Hyewon may be composed but she could never do so in front of Eunbi. Even if she knew, she had no right to tell.

“We knew it last year, Eomma.” Hitomi answered.

Chaewon looked up, her shock growing more through the passing seconds. “You knew…l-last year?”

“Yes…when Kwangbae-unnie was supposed to go to Madrid for her vacation since it was her birthday.” Hitomi added.

“Then you said that I shouldn’t go because you had a teacher’s conference in Paris.” Hyewon joined in. “I went to Madrid anyway…and I saw you at the bar.”

Chaewon’s eyes had gone watery. She knew it would come but she never thought it would come sooner. She was still uncertain if she should tell the truth. Who knows what her family might think?

“I didn’t draw your attention…because I know you’d feel humiliated.” Hyewon added. “And I don’t want to humiliate you until you’re ready to tell the truth.”

“What truth?” Minjoo drew closer to her siblings. “What do you know that I don’t?”

“Unnie, don’t meddle.” Hitomi spoke.

“Meddle? Ssamu-unnie’s still my sister.” Minjoo spat. “This is still my sister that you’re pressuring.”

“Minjoo – “

“We’re not pressuring her.” Hyewon defended.

Eunbi threw her fan hard and slammed it on the floor, drawing the attention of her children. She asked again. “So, what’s the truth?”

The children were silent. Hyewon looked back at Chaewon, persuading her to tell the truth. “Ssamu…”

“Hyewon!” Eunbi reacted, almost crying.

“Eomma…” Yuri comforted her.

“Eomma…why me?” Hyewon asked.

“Please!” Eunbi begged, tearing up. “Hyewon-ah!”

“Eomma, it’s better if you hear it from Ssamu herself.” Hyewon said then looked back at Chaewon. “Ssamu, we’re your family. Whoever must know you – the real you…that’s us. It should be us. Are you going to lie to us for the rest of your life?”

“You think this is easy for me, Kwangbae?!” Chaewon wept.

“That’s why you need to tell the truth now.” Hyewon spoke. “That way, you’ll be free and you won’t have to suffer from that burden in which you’ve kept for so long.”

“Alright! I’ll admit it!” Chaewon spat.

Chaewon faced Eunbi and apologized, weeping her burden out. She confessed that when the crisis hit Spain, she was one of the teachers that got expelled from the school because the principal said that she wasn’t smart enough. She also admitted that she didn’t have an MA because she wasn’t granted a scholarship, that after she was expelled from the school, she had double jobs just so she can have some money to send for their family, as a waitress in the bar where Hyewon saw her and as a maid to a Spanish home, meeting Wonyoung. She also confessed that she asked Wonyoung to lend her money so that she can come home to Korea.

With all the confessions, Chaewon lost it and knelt in front of Eunbi, holding her hand and crying her heart out. She apologized for her incompetence, for lying to her, and for all that happened in her life in Spain.

“Do you honestly think...that I wouldn’t understand you?” Eunbi asked, tearing up.

“It’s not like that, Eomma…” Chaewon got up, still crying. “I know that you’ll love me no matter what…but I’m the one with a problem. I couldn’t accept that I’m just like this…that I’m a failure…”

Chaewon sobbed, making her family teary. She held onto Eunbi’s hand as if letting go would make Eunbi reject her forgiveness altogether.

“I couldn’t accept that I couldn’t reach the dreams you had for me…that I’m the loser among all your children…”

“Yah, unnie!” Minjoo spat, already crying.

“…and that whatever I do, I’ll never be as good as Kwangbae-unnie.”

Hyewon was shocked. She even had to clarify if Chaewon was talking about her. “Me?”

“Yes, Kwangbae-unnie. You!” Chaewon spat while wiping her tears. “You’re the one who’s so good at whatever you do. Even if I have to put my blood, sweat, and tears on what I do, I won’t cut close to your capabilities!”

Hyewon gulped and teared up. She never thought Chaewon felt that way towards her.

“Because you’re so good at everything, right?” Chaewon sniffled. “You’re intelligent, you’re pretty, everything! You’re everything!”

Now, Chaewon and Hyewon were neck to neck with the waterworks. Even if it hurts, Hyewon had to be the rock to Chaewon’s pleas.

“I love you because you’re my unnie…but the truth is that I’m envious…” Chaewon added. “I’m envious of you, Kwangbae-unnie!”

“Buy why are you angry?” Hyewon asked, pointing at herself. “Why is it my fault? Why do I feel like it’s my fault?”

It was then that Hyewon also shared her inner feelings and the truth she had for so long. Hyewon didn’t care about her hard persona anymore. She had to let her family know about her feelings too.

Jealousy also sparked the truth Hyewon had. There were many things she wanted to be and wanted to have that she could never be and she could never have. She wished she had Hitomi’s maternal instinct, she had Yuri’s charm and innocence, she had Minjoo’s sullen yet adventurous side, and that she had Chaewon’s sense of humor because she liked it, just as much as Eunbi did. But what sparked the words was that of Hyewon making a conclusion that she never got much attention from her mother...

…because Eunbi paid attention to Chaewon the most.

“Are you saying…that I’m unfair?” Eunbi asked.

“No, Eomma…” Hyewon reached and held her hands. “…I’m saying you have your favorites.”

Eunbi thought she would never do such a thing. Hyewon teared up to enlighten her and continued to say her feelings.

“Eomma…do you remember in grade school during the moving ceremony and graduation?” Hyewon asked, wiping her tears. “I graduated as valedictorian in our batch that I had a lot of awards and medals. Ssamu had only one medal during her moving ceremony but you praised her more than you praised me…”

“Unnie…” Chaewon teared up again.

“Eomma, do you also remember the time I went home from school during my first year in junior high?” Hyewon added. “I was so hungry at that time. I ate the meal you saved for Ssamu and you got mad at me.”

Eunbi couldn’t believe what she was hearing, let alone her sisters. Hyewon wasn’t usually the one to share. It goes to show that the most silent ones have the loudest voices in the most significant moments.

“I also remember one time when you went to Myeongdong Market and bought pants for us.” Hyewon said again. “I was the only one left at home and I wanted to pick…but you said I shouldn’t and wait until all my siblings got to pick. You said I’m the eldest so I should give way to my dongsaengs.”

Eunbi teared up even more. She had little recall on those memories and Hyewon was right about them. “I’m sorry…I didn’t know you felt that way…”

“It’s okay, Eomma. I understood your reasons and accepted them.” Hyewon held her hands again, her tears dropping on them. “You treat us differently. I understand that you favor Ssamu and Jjoyul while Papa Chaeyeon favored Minguri and Hiichan…and that’s okay…”

All of them had their waterworks. Hyewon thought there’s a misinterpretation, that her family thought she had no right to say anything that could displease them. But she also realized they they’re her family. They need to know the real her. They need to be truthful to each other, understand each other, and love each other.

“It’s really okay, Eomma…because the simple things you and Papa Chaeyeon had done for us was enough.” Hyewon spoke, tears dropping from her eyes that they dripped on her shirt. “You raised me. You gave me food. You gave me the opportunity to go to school. You clothed me. You loved me. All of those things were good enough for me…” She then looked at a sibling. “…because growing up, Minguri was there.”

Minjoo looked back at her unnie and more of her tears dropped. She couldn’t believe it herself that Hyewon could notice her, let along say her name, after all they’ve been through.

“She’s the only one who favors me…” Hyewon sniffled. “…favored me, I mean…”

Minjoo looked away and cried by herself. Hyewon couldn’t help her own for she wanted to wail like a broken child.

“Because…ever since I came home, I haven’t heard anything from you except that I’m arrogant, I have a bad attitude, I’m cold, and that I’m too frank, tactless, and sarcastic of what I say and I’m sorry…” Hyewon broke down. “I’m sorry if I’m stone cold in your eyes and of what you do for me. I’m sorry!! I’m sorry…”

“Unnie…” Yuri sniffled. “…that’s not true…”

“No, Jjoyul. It’s okay. Maybe that’s what I am…because I chose it. I had to be like that, especially when I went to New York for the first time…”

“Unnie…” Minjoo sniffled.

“You were right, Minguri. Maybe I was too ambitious. Maybe my career was more important.” Hyewon added. “But I didn’t do it for myself. I had to go for us…for our family’s future.”

Hyewon explained it all. She had to go to work overseas. One, the opportunities in Korea were little. Two, they were buried in debt because of Chaeyeon’s medical support. Three, Eunbi’s medical support needed to be met as well because of an operation. Four, Yuri had to go to college. Five, Chaewon needed money to go to Spain. Six, Hitomi had a low salary in being a teacher. And seven, Minjoo had no permanent work and Hyewon never wanted to stop Minjoo from aspiring her dream as an AD and an actress because to Minjoo, that’s she was good at her field, that it’s what she loved, and that’s where Eunbi will be proud of her.

The rest of the Lee family were in tears, feeling guilty for giving mistreatments to Hyewon on all those times. They didn’t realize that Hyewon had taken her responsibility very seriously for their family to thrive on. She had become their pillar in the midst of their suffering.

“So, even though I wanted to go home…because it’s lonely, it’s hard to be all alone, and I miss you all so much…” Hyewon sobbed. “…I had to bear it all. I had to be strong and I had to be brave because I needed to.”

Little Erii was a witness to everything and felt bad for her own mistreatments towards Hyewon. She was aware that Hyewon was never a bad person and that her Daddy loved her so much. When she heard about what Hyewon had been through, she had to understand and be open in letting Hyewon in her life.

“And just because I look strong and brave doesn’t mean I have no feelings and that I don’t get hurt…” Hyewon sniffled and wept. “…I’m human. I’m still imperfect…and I get hurt too…”

Eunbi kept apologizing to Hyewon and she was reminded that she wasn’t being talked badly. Hyewon eases her despite her tears for she never wanted her own mother to blame herself.

“I thought I was being fair…because in my heart…I loved you all the same way…” Eunbi joined in tears as she looked at her children. “I’ve mostly looked at Chaewon and Yuri because they’re the weakest among you five. They were sickly when they were children that they needed the most attention. But you three…” Eunbi looked at Minjoo, Hitomi, and Hyewon. “…you three have been independent. You three are brave and strong. I’ve always believed…that you can handle anything…”

The Lee family were still in tears. Eunbi apologized again that Hyewon hugged her and apologized as well. Eunbi even gave her a forehead kiss and whispered. “I’m so grateful for all you’ve did for us. I’m proud of you for that. I love you, my Kwangbae.”

Hyewon wept her gratitude as she broke from the hug. Eunbi went to Chaewon and held her hand. “I’m also proud of you, Ssamu. I’m grateful to you because you also sacrificed to work outside the country for us. And I want you to know that whatever happens…I will love you. I will love you for who you are, my Ssamu.”

Chaewon apologized again and hugged Eunbi tight, crying her heart out. She and Hyewon hugged next and apologized to each other, even Hyewon told Chaewon that she wasn’t a loser. Eunbi pulls Hitomi, Minjoo, and Yuri and gave them hugs and kisses each, even apologies.

“Eomma, I’m the one who should be sorry. I’m the real loser here. I haven’t done so much to repay all that you’ve done for me.” Minjoo sniffled. “But Eomma, even if I’m a rebellious black frog of this family, I just wanted you to be proud of me.”

“I know, Minguri…” Eunbi hugged her tighter.

“That’s why I’m setting my life straight now…” Minjoo added and sobbed.

“I know.” Eunbi said again. “I know you’ve worked hard as well. I’m proud of you and I love you, my Minguri.”

Minjoo added her apologies. Eunbi couldn’t help but huddle all her children in a giant hug. The siblings hugged back and it was a wonderful sight to see a family fixing their broken foundations in order to stand firm again.

“I’m not perfect…but I am your mother.” Eunbi added. “I will always love you the best way I know how.”

The Lee family hugged again, even the witnesses were in tears. They called everyone and they gathered through a large hug.

The grudges have been tossed aside. The arguments have ceased. The insignificant matters were gone. Most importantly, the family and their bond have been intertwined with love and have been strengthened for a bright future.