Chapter 8: The Closure Part I

Disclaimer: I don't own these BOF characters but the new ones

Published: February 11, 2019

"So I have decided that you will marry Joon-Hyun."

"Omma!"Ga Eul stood up so abruptly that she almost lost her balance.

In an instant, Mrs. Chu was beside her daughter, holding the young mother's arms so that the baby would not slip down.

All the Im were also standing up now, except for Madam Im.

"Ga Eul." "Unnie." "Noona."

She glared at each of the Im siblings before ending at Joon-Hyun.

"And you agreed? This is insane, Oppa. Where did this come from?"

But he just kept quiet, his expression showed that of guilt. She could tell that he was also forced into this.

Frustrated with him, she turned to her mother-in-law who was now red in the face at Ga Eul's outburst.

"Omma, you should know that I will never keep Ki Eui away from this family. This is her family but you or any other member of this family have no right to decide on my future, my life. No right at all. It's up to me whether I remarry. Me. Not you. One more thing, how could you even think of this when it was just only months that Joon-Ho…"

She passed the baby to her mother.

"Joon-Ho would agree!" protested the elder Im.

"How would you know?" Ga Eul's voice had raised to match the elder's.

"Unnie…" Joon-Ho's sister was on the edge of bursting into tears while the brothers were shifting uncomfortably on their seats. They had never seen Ga Eul like this, all riled up. She had always been the nice, kind, soft-spoken one with occasional remarks that made them cringe when things did not sit well with her.

"Because he was my son. I know my son well. He loved this family and would never break us up. He would keep this family together, through whatever means. I also know that he wouldn't want the family business to fall to outsiders. He would make sure that the business stays in the family. He was loyal and would never betray the family."

Madam Im's stares were piercing and Ga Eul felt like she had been punched in the gut. Where did this come from? The insinuation of the elder woman's words cut hard and deep.

Did her mother-in-law think that she was going to sell the family's business off to outsiders? Did she think so low of her? And was their business far too important than building a good close relationship with Ki Eui? Was Ki Eui just a tool to keep the business running? And why should the heavy responsibility be dumped on Ki Eui's shoulders? Why was the need to train her early? Why couldn't Ki Eui lead a normal life like other children of her age? Come to think of it, was it mandatory for the first born child or grandchild to be the family's Heir? Why couldn't the other Im's grandchildren, should they exist in the future, be an heir? Who on this God's world made the ridiculous rule in the first place?

Did her mother-in-law also think that by her and Ki Eui not living with them meant the family was broken? That she would keep Ki Eui away from them? Didn't they know her well by now? She had never not tell Ki Eui, though a baby, about her Im family. She would make sure that Ki Eui knows her relatives from both sides of the family.

So to ensure the Im's family business stayed in the family she had to marry Joon-Hyun Oppa? The Joon-Hyun who was like a big brother to her?

No. Absolutely no! Even if she died and came back from the dead for gazillion times, the answer would still be no!

She was deeply hurt.

"Ga Eul," Joon-Hyun's voice was soft. "You got it all wrong. Omma doesn't mean it that way. Omma and all of us love Ki Eui and you very much. You're our family. Omma means well. And we also know that you won't deny us of Ki Eui."

Did she say all those things out loud?

"Then why? Why force this upon you and me, Oppa? Surely Omma has made it clear that all Omma is concerned is the family's business." She bravely glared at the elder who was also returning the glare as intense.

"Watch your language, young lady!" howled Madam Im.

Mrs. Chu held on Ga Eul's arm. She agreed with everything that her daughter had said and she definitely did not condone Madam Im's actions toward her daughter.

"Omma, I don't want to be rude but this is not right. You have no right to shove this to our faces. You have no right to even think about it. How could you? This matter should at least be discussed first. With me."

Joon-Ho's sister was now kneeling next to her mother to help calm the old woman. The Im brothers, on the other hand, were really on edge. Ga Eul could tell that all of them did not agree to their mother's plan but something was holding them or making them shut their mouths up.

"Oppa, what about Yu-Ri?" Yu-Ri was Joon-Hyun's girlfriend of five years.

"What?" All the Im siblings were taken aback while Madam Im's had gripped the arms of the chair tightly that her knuckles turned white.

Sadness clouded Joon-Hyun's face. His girlfriend of five long years had unnecessarily and un-involuntarily became another victim in this situation. Countless times he had expressed his disagreement to his mother but she turned to deaf ears. Her decision was final.

"This is not about her, Ga Eul," warned Madam Im.

"Why not, Omma? This is her life too, and Oppa's. If you really love us like you say you do, are you going to be happy to see Oppa, Ki Eui and I live a miserable life because we don't love each other like a husband and wife should, just so the Im family could keep the business?"

But the elder just pursed her trembling lips. Never had she had her children questioned her decisions as strongly as Ga Eul had. If she was not seated, she would have slapped the young mother in order to teach her some lessons.

Embittered, Ga Eul held up her hands and shook her head. "I'm sorry. I can't do this. I can't be here anymore. This is too much." She could not accept this. This was her life that they were talking about, and Ki Eui's.

"Don't you dare leave, Ga Eul! Ki Eui is my granddaughter. She is MY Joon-Ho's daughter. She belongs here with her family."

"I'm really sorry, Omma. I can't. I'm sorry." Ga Eul was really upset and before she said anything regrettable, she needed to leave.

"Fine, you want to leave? Leave but Ki Eui stays here."

"Omma!" Cried Ga Eul and the Im siblings simultaneously.

Mrs. Chu shook her head. It was time for her to voice out her mind.

"Bit Na-shii. Ga Eul loves you as she loves me. She respects you very much. You are a wise smart woman and but you have gone too far. Joon-Ho will be sad if this is how you have turned out to be. Why have you?"

But Madam Im continued to stare at her daughter-in-law, jaw clenched in anger.

"We came here because we knew that all of you missed Ga Eul and Ki Eui very much as you mentioned this so many times during your phone calls. Also for Ga Eul to show Ki Eui her father's place, which is also her place and also her Im family's place. It doesn't matter if Ga Eul decided to stay here or with her father and me, or elsewhere but this place will always be Ki Eui's, so we hope. And you know that Ki Eui will forever be an Im regardless of where she resides. But instead, you surprised us with this? Forcing marriages upon our children is not the way to solve this matter. It's not right and not fair to all. They are adults and have all the rights to decide what's best for them. From what I see, there's no basis for this forced marriage at all. I hope you think of this again in a more rational manner. Once you have, give us a call."

"Mrs. Chu, we're sorry," was all that Joon-Hyun could say. He had anticipated a protest, an objection from Ga Eul just like all of them did but never thought that it would turn out this way. What if Ga Eul decided to cut ties with them for real? They did not want to be out of Ki Eui's life. She was their link to the late Joon-Ho.

Mrs. Chu and Ga Eul were about to leave when the former looked at the still seething Madam Im. Mrs. Chu thought deeply.

"Bit Na-shii. Do you know what I think? From a mother's perspective? I think you are sincere in loving Ga Eul and Ki Eui but what you're just feeling now is insecurity. Since Joon-Ho is gone you're afraid that they won't love you anymore. You're afraid of losing them, like you losing Joon-Ho. That's why you want to keep them in the family by marrying Ga Eul to Joon-Hyun-shii and raising the heir issue. If I am right, please don't worry about it. I know my daughter. She will never forget you and this family, whatever her decision is going to be. This is her family too."

Madam Im's expression changed to ones that Mrs. Chu perceived as shock and shame but she pretended to miss them. She would let Ga Eul's mother-in-law ponder on her words.

"Thank you for the ride earlier. We'll just catch a cab."

"Wait, Mrs. Chu, Ga Eul. Our driver will send you back." Joon-Hyun stopped them. "I'm sorry too for this. Omma is just not feeling well and has been worrying about lots of things, lately."

Mrs. Chu gave the man an understanding smile but Ga Eul refused to meet him in the eyes. She was still too hurt.

"Thank you, Joon-Hyun-shii."

Ga Eul finally conceded to the tears the whole drive to the hotel.

At the Im Mansion, the Im siblings were arguing with their mother. They blamed her for making Ga Eul leave, taking Ki Eui away, fearing that they would not get to see the mother and baby again. They also regretted not opposing the marriage hard enough, knowing that Ga Eul would never agree.

All these times, they were obedient children. Even if they did not agree with their mother's decisions or actions, they could only voice out their opinions. In the end, whatever the mother had decided, they had to oblige even if they did not like it. Yet this? This was one that they should fight against.

"Omma, is Mrs. Chu right?" asked the daughter.

"Of course not. I have to do whatever necessary in order to make sure the business stays in our family. This is our legacy. Your late father had built this and we are going to keep it going within our family."

"But there are other ways, Omma. This marriage idea shouldn't come up at all. It's not necessary."

"What other ways?" If only looks could kill as she glared at Joon-Hyun.

"Omma… you know the ways. Forcing Ga Eul and me into a marriage is not the answer. Please, Omma. I don't love Ga Eul and she doesn't love me that way. I love Yu-Ri and so do you. Before Joon-Ho died, you approved of us getting married. But now? Please, Omma. If you want an heir so badly, Yu-Ri and I will give you an heir. Ahnjong, Joon-Kwang and Joon-Ki can too."

It was the same argument over and over again.

"Yes, Omma. Noona is a kind caring, person. Even if Noona and Ki Eui don't stay here, she won't have the heart to keep Ki Eui away from us. She's not heartless," added Joon-Kwang.

Ahnjong and Joon-Ki agreed.

Madam Im had had it. Why couldn't her children understand her? Haven't their family values, and history taught them anything?

Frustrated, "Because I don't want her to marry that So Yi Jeong!"

"Are you still at your mother-in-law's place?" A text from Yi Jeong came in the next day.

"Didn't stay there last night. We're at our hotel room. Change of plan. Leaving later at 3."

In less than 5 seconds her phone rang loud.

"Yeoboseyo, Ga Eul-yang. What happened? Why the change of plan? Are you alright? Mrs. Chu? Ki Eui?" He sounded worried.

"Yeoboseyo, Sunbae. I don't want to talk about it, please? Not yet. I'm sorry, Sunbae."

She was not ready. Her heart was still hurting and so was her head for sleep deserted her the night before.

"OK. I'm here whenever you're ready." It hurt that she was not willing to share. She was obviously not feeling alright but he must not blame her. There must be a reason. However, he wanted to help ease her problem. Knowing that she was sad was alarming.

"Thank you, Sunbae. How are you and Ye-Jin?" She tried to inject some cheer in her voice and most importantly, to distract Yi Jeong from the matter.

"We're good. Thank you for asking. Ye-Jin asks about you and Ki Eui all the time. I'm also calling to see if we can meet you and Ki Eui before you go back. But since you're leaving at 3, looks like we won't have the time."

There was frustration in his voice for he was still at work and had one important meeting coming up at half past two. Ye-Jin had been whining on wanting to see them again.

"I'm sorry, Sunbae."

"How are you going to the airport? I can send my driver."

"No. That won't be necessary. Jan Di is on her off-day. She's taking us there. But thank you for the offer, Sunbae."

"Oh, alright then. Have a safe journey and don't hesitate to call if you need any assistance."

"OK, Yi Jeong Sunbae. Thank you. I'm sorry that we couldn't meet you and Ye-Jin."

"That's alright, Ga Eul-yang. It's just not meant to be… this time."

An uncomfortable silence built up between them. He wished by some miracle his meeting was canceled in the last minute.

"Ye-Jin will miss you and Ki Eui."

"I'll miss her too. Give her a kiss and a hug from Ki Eui and me?"

"I will. Ga Eul-yang, I…"

"Goodbye, Yi Jeong Sunbae."

"Goodbye, Ga Eul-yang. Text me when you arrive?"

"I will." And she ended the call.

Yi Jeong leaned against his chair. Something was definitely troubling Ga Eul and he intended to get it out of her. Leaning back against his chair, he searched the Photo Gallery on the phone. A longing smile curved up his lips.

"I miss you, Ga Eul-yang."

Two months had passed and Madam Im was still not on speaking terms with Ga Eul. Ga Eul's sister-in-law, however, did call a few times to ask how they were doing. Ahnjong apologized on behalf of her mother and asked Ga Eul not to take into the heart of what happened. She mentioned that all of them missed Ki Eui dearly. What she did not inform Ga Eul was that Madam Im insisted that Ga Eul called her and apologize first.

Yet Ga Eul had not despite her parents' suggestion that she called her mother-in-law. They rationalized that although they did not agree with what Madam Im had done, she was still Ga Eul's mother-in-law. Mr. Chu also reasoned that Madam Im might have changed her mind during these passing months and that the idea to marry Ga Eul to Joon-Hyun was not made with calm thorough thoughts. Furthermore, by being the first one to pick up the phone, Ga Eul would prove to them that she was true to her words that she would not keep Ki Eui away. However, she was just too hurt and upset. "Maybe one day, Omma." That was her answer every time the matter was raised up. She, though, never forbid the Im from coming to visit Ki Eui if they wanted to. That, she made very clear to Ahnjong. It was now up to them.

Since the incident at the Im Mansion, she also did a lot of thinking. She needed to start working so that she would not rely on Joon-Ho's money that she inherited. She did not want to be forever financially tied to the Im family and had it used to force her in accepting unnecessary decisions made by the Im. So she opened up a saving account for Ki Eui with the money.

After the accident, Mrs. Chu wanted to focus on helping Ga Eul. Hence, she had transferred the management of her kindergarten to her partner, Mrs. Kong. Ga Eul informed her intention to work there. In fact, when they moved from Seoul, she had also assisted her mother and Mrs. Kong in managing the kindergarten. By working there, she would also be able to take Ki Eui along.

Her mother disagreed at first, reasoning that Ga Eul might want to go back to the Im Mansion and it would be a hassle for the kindergarten to find a replacement. But the young mother was resolute with her decision. Even just before Madam Im's 'ultimate demand', she had decided that she and Ki Eui would not be living there but would visit them a few times a year. Her parents had no choice but to accept and respect her decision.

During these times too, Ga Eul kept in contact with Jan Di regularly mostly via text messages. They exchanged news and she shared some points and tips on pregnancy. Jan Di was not really happy that Ga Eul decided to stay with her parents which meant they continued to be far away from each other but she respected the former's decision. Whatever that made Ga Eul happy, she was all for it.

Then, there was Yi Jeong. So Yi Jeong Sunbae. What should she do about Yi Jeong Sunbae?

Twice he had come to visit since she came back from Seoul; one on his own and another with Ye-Jin. She recalled the time when he came alone.

That day

"Yi Jeong-shii. It's nice to see you again. Come in, please. Ga Eul is upstairs putting Ki Eui to sleep. She'll be down soon."

Mrs. Chu held the door open for the man. Ga Eul had mentioned a day earlier of his arrival.

Bowing, "Thank you, Madam." And followed the elder to the living room.

"Ga Eul's Appa is at work but he sent his regards."

"Thank you."

"Anything to drink? Hot or cold?"

"Just hot tea, please. Thank you."

"I'll be right back. Make yourself at home."

While waiting, he shot out a few emails with regards to work and also to Ye Jin's caretaker, asking about his daughter. Ye-Jin was initially upset that she could not follow him on this trip but after some coaxing and explaining, she let him go with a promise to take lots and lots of Ki Eui's pictures.

"Yi Jeong Sunbae, sorry to keep you waiting."

Ga Eul came in with a tray in her hands. "Omma went to look after Ki Eui."

He inwardly thanked the elder woman for giving them the chance to talk alone.

"How are you?"

"Good. Thank you. And you? Ye Jin?"

"We're good too. She sends her love, hugs, and kisses to you and Ki Eui."

A smile graced Ga Eul's face. Ye-Jin was such a sweet loving little girl.

"Ga Eul-yang, have you given a thought on my suggestion?" It was a job opening at one of Yi Jeong's friends' art and craft school.

"Yes, I have and I've called the owner. I appreciate your help, Sunbae. Thank you but I'm afraid I don't have the experience that they need and I haven't touched the clays for years."

He had been deliberating on whether to offer her a position at his Museum but at last, decided not to. Well, maybe not yet. Hence, he asked around.

"Oh. I'm sorry."

"Hey, it's not your fault, Sunbae. They needed someone with more experience. Don't worry about me. I'm actually thinking of applying for a job at Omma's former kindergarten. They don't have enough teachers there."

"I can still ask my other friends, Ga Eul-yang. If you need to polish up your pottery skill, I can help you with it."

"No. It's alright, Sunbae. I appreciate your help but I think working at the kindergarten is better for me and Ki Eui."

She gave Yi Jeong an apologetic smile and he smiled back, acknowledging it. Silence filled the room for a while.

"Yi Jeong Sunbae." "Ga Eul-yang."

Small laughs erupted from the two of them.

"You first, Ga Eul-yang."

"I know there's more to this visit than just asking about the job and Ki Eui. What is it, Sunbae?"

Ga Eul never failed to amaze him. Her ability to read him had never ceased even after all these years. She might even already knew what he wanted to say, yet she still asked.

He took a deep breath hoping that the courage did not run away, and locked her eyes. Those beautiful eyes that were showing so many emotions right now, most that he wanted to free her from.

"I know you know that I love you, Ga Eul-yang. I always have."

A sharp breath left her and she slowly nodded.

"I know that I can't replace Joon-Ho in your life and Ki Eui's, and I'm alright with that. I've come to accept that. In fact, I'm not going to replace his place, especially as Ki Eui's father. No. I'll never do that but I'd like to be given the chance to be in your life again and in Ki Eui's life."

"Yi Jeong Sunbae. You're a wonderful man and an amazing father. Ye-Jin is very fortunate to have you. I'm also sure that you already love Ki Eui like your own."

"Yes, I do."

Stapling her fingers together, "But what you're asking from me now is not an easy thing and I know you know that."

A slight dip of his head confirmed her words.

"Ki Eui and I are so fortunate that you and Ye-Jin love us and hoped that one day we'll be together. But I need to rebuild my life for Ki Eui and I want to do this on my own. For now."

She pressed a palm on her chest. "Joon-Ho is still here. Will always be here. I don't know if this heart will ever be opened to another."

Immediately Yi Jeong's head lowered down as he closed his eyes from the pain that slashed through his heart.

"Or when…"

His head snapped up and he was met with her shy eyes. Was there hope for him after all?

"Ga Eul-yang…"

"I can't thank you and Ye-Jin enough since that day the both of you came here. Seeing you and Ye-Jin again back then had opened my eyes that I need to be a good mother to Ki Eui. Wait. Where am I going with this?" She lightly knocked her right temple and scowled at herself.

"I love Ye-Jin like my own. I do and I… I care about you too, Yi Jeong Sunbae. Very much. But to be in a relationship right now like how you hope for is not an option for me. I need to focus on Ki Eui and myself. You and Ye-Jin will still be in our lives, just not in the way that you want to. I'm sorry."

"Will there come the time when your heart is ready to…"

Cutting him off, "I don't know. Only time will tell."

Her back straightened, surprised at herself for being able to have this conversation with him. Was it normal to be talking about the possibilities of opening her heart to another when the memory of her late husband was still afresh? Would she be considered as betraying Joon-Ho? A part of her screamed yes yet another whispered no, rationalizing that the future, though unknown, was full of possibilities. Adding to the whisper, the believer-of-destiny in her justified that one could only plan and wish, but in the end, it would always be the already-written destiny. One that might be of the total opposite of what was planned and wished for.

The creases on his forehead disappeared at her words, replaced by a gentle smile. He was going to keep being optimistic and pray that one day she will accept him. He was going to wait. No matter how long it would take him.

"I respect your decision, Ga Eul-yang and to hear that you allow Ye-Jin and me to be in your life truly means the world to us. Thank you."

His world halted when she suddenly hugged him tight.

"No. Thank you for coming back into my life, Yi Jeong Sunbae."

Enveloping her small warm body in his arms, he had to keep his happy tears at bay. "I'll always be here for you and Ki Eui. Whenever you need anything, never hesitate to tell me. That's what good friends are for, right?"

He would take whatever that she was offering right now.

"Thank you for understanding, Sunbae."

"Because I love you."

End of that day

Right now she was looking at a very large bouquet of flowers. A gold colored card that came with it wrote: "All the best wishes in the world for your interview tomorrow." and underneath the message was a "We love you, Aunt Ga Eul" written in squiggly handwriting. At the bottom of the card were two signatures: SYJ and SYJ with two red hearts.

It only meant one thing. The father and daughter duo were in town. Ga Eul's heart did a jig at the thought of seeing them. As if they knew that she was thinking of them, a ding notified a text message coming in.

"Let's have tea tomorrow after your interview. I'll send a car to pick you and Ki Eui up at home."

She could not wait.

"I'm coming." She practically rushed to the door with Ki Eui in her arms.

And froze when the door opened to reveal the person outside.

"Oppa."

"Ga Eul." Joon-Hyun smile widened when he saw his niece. "Hi, cutie pie."

"Oppa…this is a surprise. What… what are you doing here? Did you just arrive?"

The man glanced back to an awaiting black car.

"Omma and Ahnjong are in the car."

Stretching her neck a little, she saw the car window scrolled down revealing a smiling waving Ahnjong. Ga Eul waved back.

Out of politeness, "Would all of you like to come in?"

"Uhmm... we're hoping to take you out. Omma wants to talk to you."

"Oh… but I…"

"Aunt Ga Eul!" Ye-Jin was running toward the house while Yi Jeong followed. Curiosity was evident on his face as he looked alternately from the car to Ga Eul to Joon-Hyun.

"Ye-Jin Sweetheart."

"So Yi Jeong-shii." Joon-Hyun's voice was cold but he still stretched out for a handshake.

"Im Joon-Hyun-shii. A surprise to see you here," Yi Jeong's handshake was firm.

"I'd say the same."

Ga Eul could feel the tense coming out from her brother-in-law. Everybody, apart from Ye-Jin stood looking at each other hoping that someone would speak first.

"Joon-Hyun."

Madam Im with the help of Ahnjong had exited the car and Joon-Hyun rushed to them.

The look on the old woman made Ga Eul uncomfortable. "Sweetheart, would you please go in and ask Halmoni to come here and take Ki Eui? Halmoni is in the kitchen."

"OK, Aunt Ga Eul."

"Omma, how are you? Ahnjong?"

Ga Eul and Yi Jeong bowed a little as a show of respect.

"How do you think I'd be? My late son's wife ignored me for months."

Ga Eul's face reddened at the accusation and so had Yi Jeong's. He wanted to correct Madam Im but Ga Eul's expression stopped him.

"Omma…" Ahnjong protested. This was not how it was supposed to be.

"Ga Eul, what's going on?" Mrs. Chu came out with Ye-Jin trailing behind.

"Oh, Bit-Na, Joon-Hyun-shii, Ahnjong-shii. Do come in. It's hot out here."

"No, thank you. We won't be long."

"That's ridiculous. You came all the way from Seoul. You have to come in and we don't want to arouse the neighbors' curiosity."

Ga Eul thanked her mother inwardly. Her mother-in-law was a stubborn woman and her instinct told her that this was not going to be a nice warm meeting. Neighbors would be suspicious with all of them standing outside the house. Furthermore, Ki Eui had started to squirm uncomfortably. It was an extra hot day.

After what felt like a long time, the Im agreed.

"Make yourselves comfortable. I'll make some drinks."

"That won't be necessary. We won't be long."

The Im sat close to each other while Yi Jeong had Ye-Jin on his laps.

"So Yi Jeong-shii, how are you here at my daughter-in-law's house?"

Everybody was taken aback at the old woman's direct question. Her voice and expression clearly showed that she was not pleased to see Yi Jeong and Ye-Jin there.

"With all due respect, Madam, I happen to have some business meetings here and since I'm good friends with Ga Eul, I think it's not wrong to come to visit."

He challenged the older woman with a stare. He was not blind to see that Ga Eul's mother-in-law did not like him.

"Do you make it a habit to bring your daughter on business trips?"

"Excuse me?" It would have been a natural curious type of question but the tone that came with it was meant as sarcasm and Yi Jeong's patience began to dwindle down.

"Omma."

Mrs. Chu shook her head in disbelief.

"Not a habit but yes, on most trips. My good daughter doesn't interfere with my meetings. I've taught her so. If that's what makes you curious, although I strongly believe it's not your place to question it, to begin with."

"So Yi Jeong-shii." Joon-Hyun had shifted in his seat. The air in the living room had gotten tenser.

"Oh, it is my place, So Yi Jeong-shii. Especially when my granddaughter and daughter-in-law are concerned."

"Omma. What do you mean? How is Yi Jeong Sunbae and Ye-Jin being here a concern?"

"And you have no right to dictate who can or cannot visit Ga Eul and Ki Eui," added the now fuming Yi Jeong.

"Bit-Na-shii. What is going on here?" asked Mrs. Chu.

"Ga Eul, I don't want you and Ki Eui to associate yourselves with him."

"Omma! You have no right!"

The raised voice made Ki Eui cry and Ga Eul glared at her mother-in-law. Her heart was beating fast and her body trembled in anger. She could not believe her mother-in-law's audacity to rule her life. This was not the mother-in-law that she used to know when Joon-Ho was still alive.

Ga Eul tried to calm Ki Eui but the baby would not stop crying. Mrs. Chu then excused herself to get Ki Eui's milk.

"Omma, is this the real purpose of you coming all the way here? To tell me how to live my life? To give me a list of people who can be my friends? I thought you're here because you care about Ki Eui and me?"

"Ga Eul Unnie… We, Omma does care about you two," said Ahnjong. She was on the verge of crying, ashamed of how her mother was right now. They were supposed to come and further discuss with Ga Eul regarding the latter and Ki Eui or even at least come to an agreement on some arrangement for all but her mother had gone too far by 'attacking' So Yi Jeong.

"Ga Eul, you are part of the Im family and being an Im, I have the right to. We have to keep up the Im's name and reputation."

"Excuse me? Are you implying that I am tarnishing the Im's name and reputation because we are friends? How dare you?" Yi Jeong had reached his patience limit with each word that came out of the older woman. By now, he was already standing up after putting Ye-Jin down.

Simultaneously, so was Joon-Hyun, ready to protect his mother.

"Stop! Stop it!" cried Ga Eul making Ki Eui wailed louder. By this time, Mrs. Chu had come in with a bottle of milk and quickly took Ki Eui from Ga Eul. Ye-Jin too started to shake and sob, shocked at what was happening.

"Omma, I don't know what your problem is but I don't condone what you're doing to Yi Jeong Sunbae. It's worse enough that you want to dictate how I should live my life and now this? What has he done to you to be treated this way? And you have the audacity to do this in MY house, MY PARENTS' house? It doesn't matter that you are my mother-in-law but you've crossed the line and you are very disrespectful. Please leave. All of you."

"Ga Eul!" "Unnie, please!"

But Madam Im continued to hold her head high as she glared at Ga Eul and Yi Jeong. How dare of Ga Eul to raise her voice at her and to defend that So Yi Jeong. It seemed that her daughter-in-law had her loyalty wrong.

"Ga Eul, you don't know who this man really is. Who his family is. They are bad people, Ga Eul. You dare to defy me, your mother-in-law, because of him?"

"What the h… on earth has my family got to do with this? And how dare you. Leave my family out of this." Yi Jeong gritted his teeth as an attempt to control himself from doing anything that he would regret.

"Oh, I know you and your family. I know your family well. Why don't you go back and ask your crazy mother?"

"OMMA!" "WHY YOU!"

"Bit-Na-shii. It's best that all of you leave. I won't let you disrespect my guest and his family and you are upsetting my daughter and granddaughter. Please leave."

"This isn't over, Ga Eul. I will do everything in my power to have Ki Eui with me."

"Is that a threat, Omma?" Ga Eul had had enough.

"Believe me it is. Let's go Joon-Hyun, Ahnjong."

After the Im left, Ga Eul felt exhausted and angry. Who was that woman? That was not her mother-in-law that she knew, and what did she mean about Yi Jeong's mother and family?

Meanwhile, Yi Jeong had to pacify the crying Ye-Jin. His daughter should not be a witness to such a situation with all the yelling and screaming. It was too much for her young mind.

"Yi Jeong-shii," called Mrs. Chu.

"Yes, Madam?"

"I'm so sorry for what happened."

"Please, don't Madam. It's not your fault. It's hers. I don't understand why she was so hostile toward me and my family. I need to ask my Omma and Harabeoji about the Im family."

"That would be best." Mrs. Chu then turned to her daughter. "Ga Eul, how are you feeling, sweetheart?"

"Shocked, angry, tired, I… I can't believe all these, Omma."

"There must be a reason."

"But what, Omma? It doesn't make any sense. Why was she so angry at you and your family, Yi Jeong Sunbae?"

"I don't know, Ga Eul-yang. That's what I intend to find out."

"And her threat. Omma, Yi Jeong Sunbae. Is she really serious to take Ki Eui away from me? I won't let her. No. Never." She quickly took Ki Eui from her mother and held the baby tightly.

"You're not going to leave Omma. No. Omma won't let them take you."

"I'll make sure that will never happen, Ga Eul-yang." And Ga Eul mouthed thank you.

"Appa, I'm tired," said Ye-Jin.

"Let's go back to the apartment, Baby."

"Let Halmoni get you some water and cookies first."

"No thank you, Halmoni. I… I want to go back and sleep." The whole ordeal had drained her.

"I'm so sorry that you had to see all those, Sweetheart." Ga Eul gently caressed Ye-Jin's cheek, feeling guilty. Furthermore, their plan to go out was ruined.

"I'll call you later and we can discuss this further, Ga Eul-yang."

"OK, Yi Jeong Sunbae."

"Please send my regards to Mr. Chu."

"I will."

A.N.: I am very sorry for the very late update. Though I did get chances here and there to read other BOF stories, working on this update was hard. My apologies to keep you waiting. Also, things have been crazy these past months and there were lots that I have to deal with and am still dealing with. To be honest, I'm going through a very major life-changing event right now. So this chapter MIGHT be my second last post here in this amazing wonderful website. There's just one more chapter to the end. I truly love being part of this community. The love and support are incredible and being here are among the things that make me happy. Gazillions thank you for making my days. Thousands of apologies too for any hurtful words whether through my stories, reviews and/or reply to my reviews. I wish you all the very best of wishes. Thank you.