Part 32

The first episode’s ratings were out. Although ratings didn’t hold as much significance lately due to the development of OTT services, it was still an important moment for her as it was her first drama after her comeback.

“As expected, Yoon Seowoo! Congratulations.”

“Thank you, Jung-ah.”

Jung-ah was genuinely pleased, as if it were her own achievement.

The drama received 10.5% national ratings and an instant peak of 16.2%.

Articles poured in with titles like “The Return of the Romance Queen,” praising the perfect chemistry between her and Sung-hyun.

Words like ‘washed-up actress’ and ‘divorce’ were conspicuously absent from the discussions.

“I watched it at home yesterday, and Yoon Seowoo, you’re as amazing as ever. Your talent is just undeniable.”

“Don’t make a big deal out of it. I feel embarrassed.”

“It’s true though. I’m not making it up. It’s just… too much…”

Jung-ah choked up while speaking.

“Hey, why are you crying?”

Seowoo teased Jung-ah, but her own eyes were also moistened. Seowoo understood why Jung-ah reacted this way, as she herself was feeling overwhelmed with emotions.

“It really feels like the real Yoon Seowoo has returned. Really… You’ve been through so much.”

Jung-ah understood how much her friend had suffered.

How many years she had struggled alone.

Thinking about those difficult times brought tears to her eyes.

Thud.

As they spoke, the door to the home office opened, revealing Seung-min’s figure. Seeing their faces, he chuckled knowingly.

“I knew it. Why are you two crying?”

Although he said it nonchalantly, Seung-min’s face showed genuine joy.

Seowoo quickly wiped her eyes, feeling a pang of guilt for being so emotional.

She wanted to repay those who had believed in her. Therefore, she felt a heavy burden to succeed.

Thankfully, she felt a sense of relief, thinking that she had gotten off to a good start.

“Let’s go eat.”

“Can we splurge on something expensive?”

Seowoo threw out a smile to lighten the mood.

 “Of course. You can have whatever you want. Anything.”

Seung-min responded immediately, his eyes crinkling with a smile.

“Just lunch and then we go?”

“Yeah. We start shooting at 4.”

“I haven’t told you yet, but I’ve been getting offers for ads. They’re all on hold, but it’s frustrating, you know.”

“Just wait a bit more. Once this is over, then I’ll do them.”

“Alright. I’ll have to be satisfied with this much. Putting you back in your place is enough.”

With a sincere remark, her eyes moistened once again.

They were like family.

People who genuinely wished for her happiness. Looking at them, Seowoo smiled comfortably for the first time in a long while.

***

“I’m here.”

Seowoo murmured softly as she entered the hospital room. Yongjae, lying on the bed, turned his head and greeted her with a feeble smile.

“Don’t get up. Just stay there.”

“I’m okay.”

As Yongjae tried to rise, Seowoo propped a pillow on his back to steady him.

“I saw it.”

“You did?”

“Of course. It’s my daughter on the screen.”

Yongjae’s face beamed with pride. Being without, he couldn’t even offer much help whenever she struggled.

Whether it was when she got married, when she faced a miscarriage, or when she was struggling after her divorce.

She always bore it inwardly without showing much. When Yongjae eventually found out, it was always too late.

It had always weighed heavily on his heart, but seeing his daughter overcome it all and return was simply admirable.

“You’re eating well, right?”

“So-so.”

Before heading to the set, Seowoo stops by Yongjae’s room for a moment.

Two years ago, Seowoo received a phone call. It was from the emergency room. They called because her contact list had only one family member listed – her daughter.

He had a stroke. While working as a security guard in the apartment, he suddenly collapsed, and since it was late at night, there was no one to discover him, so he ended up arriving at the hospital late.

As a result of missing the golden time, Yongjae’s mobility became impaired. Yongjae steadfastly refused Seowoo’s offer to move in with her, so she had no choice but to put her in a nursing home.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve bragged about my daughter being on TV.”

With a hint of pride in his words, Seowoo began to slice the fruit she had bought with a faint smile.

“I bought some yellow peaches that you like, Dad.”

“That sounds delicious.”

His pronunciation was slurred, but he could carry on a conversation. The only fortunate thing was that he could still use his left side, being left-handed.

So, it was a deliberate choice for her to buy ripe peaches, which were easier to eat.

“You must be busy, why did you come?”

“I just wanted to see you, Dad.”

“You don’t have to come anymore.”

As Yongjae glanced at Seowoo with watery eyes, she handed him a fork with a piece of peach on it.

Seowoo knows he’s only saying this because he’s worried about potentially facing harm because of him. But somehow, those words hurt so deeply. He’s the only one she has left.

“When you say things like that, I feel really disappointed.”

“Seowoo.”

“Never mind. It’s been a while since I came, but Dad, you’re really mean.”

Even with Seowoo’s reproach, Yongjae smiled, his eyes twinkling.

He had endured so much over the years. Yongjae’s face was lined with wrinkles. Just looking at him made Seowoo’s eyes well up with tears, so she forced herself to bow her head and resume cutting the peach.

“A few days ago, your husband came.”

“…….”

As Seowoo was cutting, she slowly raised her head.

Did Jiwook come? The only person he would address as her ‘husband’ was Jiwook.

Why did he come here?

Seowoo opened her mouth in confusion.

“Why?”

“Actually, even when he was in the U.S. his secretary kept coming regularly, but when he came back to Korea, he came in person. He apologized for being late and offered to take me to a better place, but I refused.”

“…….”

She hadn’t heard that before. When Seowoo remained silent, Yongjae added urgently.

“He kept sending money to me, but I never used any of it. I didn’t need money anyway. He told me not to tell you, but I guess that’s not right, so I’m telling you now.”

Seowoo looked away again and continued cutting the fruit. It seemed Jiwook came to see Yongjae because he couldn’t talk to her.

“I’ll return the money.”

“Seowoo.”

“I just stopped by before today’s shoot. Make sure you eat well and I’ll call you later, Dad.”

Seowoo tugged at the corners of her mouth and forced a smile.