Part 29

Seowoo covered her mouth in astonishment. Being pregnant was surprising enough, but twins? She was so shocked that she was at a loss for words.

“Normally, if one is found a bit later, the prognosis isn’t good, but both are clearly visible and have very good heart rates. There’s a bit of bleeding. If you notice any bleeding or severe pain, come to the hospital immediately.”

“…Yes.”

“You can change your clothes and come outside now.”

The doctor finished her examination and left the examination room first, and the nurse standing next to Seowoo helped her up. Seowoo quickly changed her clothes and hurried out.

She should be happy, but after two miscarriages, worry overshadowed her joy. She sits down in front of the doctor and asks anxiously. 

“I’ve had miscarriages before. Will it be okay?”

Seowoo detailed her previous miscarriages. The doctor, looking at the medical chart, replied nonchalantly,

“Currently, your blood test levels are stable, and the gestational sac is well-positioned. By the size, it looks about 7 weeks, and we’ve heard the heartbeat. Both babies seem fine. Don’t worry too much. If you notice any bleeding or severe pain, just come to the hospital. Since it’s early, coming in for a weekly check-up should be good.”

The middle-aged female doctor explained in detail with a reassuring smile. Seowoo’s racing heart finally began to calm down at the doctor’s smile.

“Don’t strain yourself, and I’ll see you next week.”

“Thank you, Dr. ……. I really appreciate it.”

After repeatedly thanking the doctor, Seowoo walked out of the clinic. 

Twins. 

Even hearing it with her own ears and looking at the ultrasound photo in her hand, she couldn’t believe it. Seowoo tried to calm her racing heart as she headed home.

***

Sitting at the vanity, Seowoo stared blankly at the maternity booklet given to her at the hospital. Just seeing the words [Maternity Booklet] stirred emotions she had long suppressed. 

Seowoo gently traced the letters with her index finger. She had never expected to be pregnant again. Especially with Jiwook’s child. He had been her childhood crush, and despite the heartbreak of their divorce, she had chosen to push through it because staying felt like suffocating.

“Being pregnant…”

Despite using contraception, the tiny probability that resulted in these two was nothing short of miraculous. Seowoo took out the ultrasound photo tucked in the maternity booklet. Two clear yolk sacs. Two hearts. It was unbelievable even seeing it with her own eyes. 

Her gaze fell on the picture frame in front of her. A hint of wistfulness flickered in her eyes.

“Mom will visit you Byul this week.”

She felt sorry that she hadn’t been able to visit often since the drama started filming, using busyness as an excuse. Thinking of Byul still breaks her heart, but at least now that the drama is over, she feels somewhat at ease.

A wistful smile tugged at the corner of Seowoo’s mouth.

Just then, his cell phone vibrated.

“Yes, CEO.”

• What were you doing?

It was Seung-min’s call. Now that the last episode of the drama had ended, all the schedules were nearly wrapped up.

“Nothing. Everything is finished, so I’m resting at home.”

Seowoo tucked her cell phone between her shoulder and ear and carefully placed her maternity notebook in a drawer.

Then she slowly walked out into the living room.

• Let’s have a meal together. We need to think about what to do next.

“…Right. I’ll stop by the office. When are you free?”

She felt she should talk to Seung-min, but she didn’t know how to start.

She can’t think of anything to say.

• How about lunch the day after tomorrow?

“…Oppa, will Jung-ah be there too?”

• …..

When Jung-ah’s name came up, Seung-min went silent. It seemed things were still unresolved between them.

Seowoo knew it wasn’t her place to interfere.

Yet, it pained her to see two important people in her life drifting apart like this.

“Oppa?”

• Let’s talk about that too. There are things I need to ask. Sort of killing two birds with one stone.

“What’s it about? Is it about Jung-ah?”

• Yes. Let’s meet and talk about it. 

Seung-min’s voice sank low. The occasional sigh she heard from him indicated he was deeply troubled.

“Okay.”

• You have a cosmetic ad shoot tomorrow.

“Uh-huh.”

• Do well. Call me if anything happens.

“Thanks.”

• Don’t mention it. You’ve worked hard. Rest well.

After a brief response, he ended the call.

Seowoo exhaled a sigh as she sat on the sofa.

Now at 7 weeks. Even if she tried to work as long as possible before showing, being pregnant with twins meant her belly would show soon.

With the divorce and her comeback already a topic of conversation, this was bound to become another issue.

If Jiwook found out…

It was a situation no different from before. Now that she had confirmed that she was pregnant, it was time to sort things out with Jiwook.

Seowoo buried herself in the couch with a sullen expression.

***

Jiwook’s cold gaze landed on the woman. He chuckled hollowly at the woman’s impromptu visit to his office.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Despite his icy voice, the woman didn’t flinch.

“I came because I couldn’t reach you. Your mother said I could find you here.”

A couple of days ago, Myeong-hye had contacted him.

When Jiwook didn’t answer his phone, Myeong-hye practically announced his schedule via text.

[Friday 7 PM at S Hotel. It’s the second daughter of Baeksan Corporation. I’ve arranged a meeting for you two.]

Ignoring the message had led his prospective marriage partner to track him down to his company.

Not only to Myeong-hye, but Jiwook wondered what was this woman thinking, coming all the way to his office.

As Jiwook continued to stare, the woman smiled and spoke.

“Should I keep standing here?”

“No. Just turn around and leave from where you entered.”

Apparently, she did not expect that response, as the corners of her mouth twitched.

“They said a wedding date has been set.”

“Is there such a thing as a wedding the parties themselves don’t know about?”

“I just told you. That’s why I’m showing up today.”

The conversation was getting nowhere. It seemed she really was considering marriage with Jiwook.

Before getting married to Seowoo, Kim Naeun was like this too. He couldn’t understand why they all acted like this. Jiwook took a moment to breathe and furrowed his brow.

“Are you so flawed that you need to marry a divorced man? What are you lacking?”

“Excuse me?”

“Otherwise, why would you marry someone who’s still seeing his ex-wife? Do I need to spell it out for you? Do I have to say it so many times to make you understand?”

Her face cracked.  Even as she fumed, Jiwook did not stop.

“So stop this and leave. I have no intention of marrying you at all.”

“Are you still seeing that woman, Yoon Seowoo?”

“We never broke up. We were separated on paper due to unavoidable circumstances, and we plan to reunite soon.”

The woman seemed unaware of this fact, and her pale face turned bright red. She clenched her fists and glared furiously.

“Your family is really rude.”

“Then please leave. It’s not far off.”

Eventually, the woman left his office. Thud. The door slammed shut.

F*ck.

His head throbbed. Jiwook pressed his temple and spat out a curse word.

He had to hurry up with the proposal before they left for their trip.

But first, he’d have to finish his unresolved issues with Myeong-hye and get things in order. 

Jiwook picked up the calendar in front of him and checked the date. His eyes gleamed sharply as he checked his schedule.