Chapter 24 – Unbearable Anger  

With his elbows resting on his thighs and his body slightly leaning forward, Seo-jun clasped his hands together.

In the VIP room’s reception area, five people sat on the sofa with serious expressions. Eom So-yeon and CEO Go Won-hoo faced Director Yoon Ji-wan and Writer Kwon Eun-young, while Seo-jun’s gaze encompassed the four of them in a triangular formation.

“I will…”

Conscious of Seo-jun entering her blurred vision, So-yeon calmed her aching heart and quietly parted her lips.

“I will step down.”

Her unwavering expression and composed voice came from her poised lips.

“I have no regrets. In fact, I have always been ashamed of hiding this truth about myself. I will never again deny or ignore my precious child because of the role I play.”

If the world looks at my choice with a skewed perspective, I will face that world with confidence.

If someone points fingers at me and my child, I will break those fingers.

I will not be intimidated.

I will become stronger as a mother.

She had resolved countless times not to be weak, and today was no exception. That’s why So-yeon could remain composed even at this moment. But she couldn’t stop her large eyes from reddening with emotion.

Because she felt sorry, so very sorry.

Because it hurt that she couldn’t bring herself to tell him, even though he deserved to know.

Because of the secret she missed the chance to reveal, the truth she still had to deeply hide.

Even if she said it was an unavoidable situation, it would now be nothing but a lame excuse. Every time she faced Seo-jun’s heavy gaze, she struggled to calm her endlessly pained heart, unable to allow even the smallest blemish on Tae Seo-jun’s future.

Without hesitation, So-yeon announced her willingness to step down if her involvement in the drama disrupted its progress. Her words plunged the room into a moment of chaotic silence.

At this point, CEO Go Won-hoo broke the silence by expressing his thoughts.

“I acknowledge that Eom So-yeon has caused confusion. First, I deeply apologize for that. However, I hope you can appreciate the sincerity in her revealing a difficult truth now, so as not to harm the company or Director Yoon’s work. Also, if we look at Eom So-yeon alone, isn’t she a promising actress? She is also a hard worker who does her best in her assigned roles.”

Of course, it couldn’t be said that Eom So-yeon was right to keep her personal matters hidden, but CEO Go, highlighting her strengths as an actress, pushed his point more assertively.

“Strictly speaking, she isn’t the main character, is she? As I mentioned earlier, I don’t see any problem with proceeding as is.”

As a company representative who needed to protect his actors, it was natural for Go Won-hoo to be biased. However, his argument had its own merits. Yet, Writer Kwon Eun-young, who sat with a troubled expression, seemed to have a different opinion.

“You need to be reasonable. This isn’t a simple matter. It’s a character from the female lead’s past life. Although it’s a supporting role, it’s a character that is identified with the main character, and I’m concerned that Eom So-yeon might damage the mysterious and elegant image of that role.”

After her immediate objection, Writer Kwon insisted that there should be no noise, given the significant investment in this project.

This was the reason Director Yoon was seriously contemplating.

Investors had readily provided an unprecedented amount of money because they wanted a drama more cinematic than a movie. To meet their expectations and enhance the work’s completeness, Tae Seo-jun was undoubtedly necessary, and that had been achieved with difficulty.

But now, it felt like the completed meal was about to be spoiled.

“Eom So-yeon is talking about stepping down, but what do you plan to do, Tae Seo-jun?”

Director Yoon Ji-wan, who had been sparing with his words until now, asked, and Seo-jun replied without hesitation.

“If Eom So-yeon is excluded from the drama, I will not set foot on the <Master of the Sun> set either.”

“……!”

Why on earth…!

So-yeon’s eyes widened in shock. She wondered if it was worth going that far because of her.

‘Could it be?’ No, it was ‘as expected.’

Director Yoon nodded once and continued asking.

“There’s already some footage shot. Why would you want to scrap all of that?”

Seo-jun, leisurely crossing one leg over the other, opened his mouth in a relaxed manner.

“I value promises. There’s already a signed contract, and if even a little of that written promise changes, the disappointment would be considerable. For everyone involved—the production team and, of course, Eom So-yeon, who let her personal life affect her professional work.”

Eom So-yeon has a child.

The moment Seo-jun first heard that, he was dumbfounded. Even though Go Won-hoo wasn’t one to spout nonsense, he almost tore his mouth open. It was that shocking and truly unbelievable.

However, when Eom So-yeon entered the room, she acknowledged it without hesitation in front of the four of them. She confirmed that what CEO Go said was true.

Seeing her confidently and boldly declare that she was a mother, Seo-jun felt like he’d been hit on the head with a hammer, his mind buzzing and burning.

Fine, let’s say everything you’re saying is true.

You’re a woman with a captivating appearance that anyone would be drawn to at first sight, just like I was. Naturally, men must have always followed you. You’ve probably had your fair share of relationships. A child? Well, that’s something that could happen too.

But why…?

Even knowing this, why…?

Despite the fact that she has a child with another man, despite the complexity of the situation, why can’t I give up on you, Eom So-yeon?

Seo-jun had long dismissed his interest in Eom So-yeon as unresolved regrets or simply a man’s instinct. He never thought it could be more than that. He realized he hadn’t known his own heart at all.

But this incident clarified that he was deeply infatuated with Eom So-yeon. The fact that he was reducing her shocking revelation to ‘just that much’ and not caring at all was evidence of how much he liked her.

Having finally realized his true feelings, Seo-jun’s thoughts could only deepen.

Can I truly let her go? Can I completely push her out of my mind and heart? No, I’m not someone who can do that.

If I could stop my feelings flowing towards you with such a reversal, I would have just passed by without calling your name from the company’s rooftop.

I have to continue this damn thing. At least until I can let go of you lightly.

That was the conclusion he had already reached.

Before Eom So-yeon even mentioned stepping down, Seo-jun had made up his mind and fixed his arrogant gaze towards the left sofa.

“I’ve finished speaking, so it seems like it’s time for the Director and Writer to give their answers.”

Mentioning scrapping all the ongoing filming and referring to the contract was pressure.

In this drama project, Tae Seo-jun held the power of success or failure.

Director Yoon persuaded Writer Kwon, saying that with Tae Seo-jun alone, the project’s success was a given and urged her to embrace both concerns and expectations.

But looking at it, aren’t these three men all in cahoots? Why are they all unanimously defending Eom So-yeon? What’s so special about her?

Was it an inferiority complex because of her young age and dazzling beauty? Or was it because she felt like an outsider? Writer Kwon’s voice came out twisted.

“That was when we didn’t know she was a ‘single mother’! Director Yoon, you know this too! A single actor’s scandalous issue can ruin an entire project! And now, a woman who gave birth to a child without even being married… This is an issue that the public will never understand!”

“……”

Writer Kwon’s unfiltered, disrespectful words and contemptuous gaze quickly turned So-yeon’s pale face into one of humiliation. Her lips, at a loss for words, trembled slightly. Such changes in So-yeon’s expression were impossible to ignore.

At least, not for Tae Seo-jun.

“Writer Kwon, Eun, Young.”

His clear lips, cutting each syllable like chopping wood, and Seo-jun’s deep, intense eyes furrowed instantly.

Unexpected emotion.

Unbearable anger.

***

Standing in front of the powder room mirror, Yeo-jin delicately adjusted her elegantly styled hair with a refined touch.

Next to her, Yeo-jung, watching her sister, had a dazed expression in her eyes, which carried a peculiar energy. Despite living a life of abundance, whenever she was with Yeo-jin, she always felt like a supporting character, and this position annoyed her endlessly.

But more than that, she was constantly jealous of her sister, who had the love of her husband and even the respect of her children.

Aware that her sister’s disgruntled expression wasn’t solely due to that, Yeo-jin chuckled softly.

“Yeo-jung.”

“Yes, sister.”

“Still, Won-hoo is running a business, isn’t he? He started a company on his own and achieved remarkable growth within just a few years. Where else could you find such a diligent son? Even if he inherits his father-in-law’s company later on, he’ll manage it well with his experience.”

“Oh, don’t even bring it up, sister. Our Chairman Go constantly scolds Won-hoo for still chasing his dreams. I’m walking on eggshells because of it.”

Yeo-jung grumbled, sighing deeply with a face full of concern.

“When I inherited the general hospital and the surrounding land from Father, you insisted on taking multiple buildings in the heart of Gangnam to pass them on to Won-hoo. Even if your son fails miserably, you can always help him with that. So, what’s there to worry about? Honestly, it’s Seo-jun, who refuses to take over the hospital and keeps doing other things, that’s the bigger problem.”

Though it was a desperate measure, mentioning Seo-jun’s unrelated issues seemed to lighten the clouded expression on Yeo-jung’s face. With that, Yeo-jin smiled brightly.

“They’re still young. Whatever they do, they’ll enjoy it, and even if they get hurt, they’ll recover quickly. So let’s not stress ourselves out too much. If we worry about disobedient children and get another wrinkle, it’s only us who’ll suffer.”

“That’s true, sister.”

“Seo-jun is probably in the room. Won-hoo might be with him, so let’s drop by there in a bit.”

As Yeo-jin packed her pouch and left the powder room, Yeo-jung, who had brightened up, closely followed her sister.

***

As a star drama writer, there was no need to verbalize the criticism that someone with such a broad perspective could only show such limited flexibility.

His sharp gaze was already relentlessly pressuring Writer Kwon Eun-young.

“Do you have a lover, Writer Kwon?”

“I… don’t…”

Not understanding why the topic suddenly shifted, Writer Kwon looked at Seo-jun with a somewhat dazed expression.

“Oh, since you’re married, you must have a husband.”

“Yes, but why…”

“Whether someone has one or not, let’s not twist their words or attach unnecessary meaning to them to intentionally belittle them. You should consider how it sounds to the listener. I’m saying this because even I find it very unpleasant.”

“You’re being too harsh! It’s Eom So-yeon who’s at fault, so why are you…”

“At fault.”

Seo-jun’s arrogant smile, cutting off Writer Kwon’s words, contained both a sneer and a scoff.

“Not being honest from the start was a fault. But that’s where it ends. Having a child or being a single mother isn’t a fault.”

After briefly pressing his lips together, Seo-jun raised his eyebrows and slightly tilted his head.

This was Tae Seo-jun’s behavior when he became extremely sensitive. Tension crept up Go Won-hoo’s spine, who was the only one aware of it. However, as if controlling his emotions, Seo-jun pressed his temple with his fingers and began speaking.

“I don’t understand why anyone would judge someone’s biological circumstances as right or wrong. Since you seem to know better, why don’t you explain, Writer Kwon?”

He was asking why Eom So-yeon, who was trying to be a proud mother, should be frustrated and what fault she had committed.

“That’s…”

Unable to withstand Tae Seo-jun’s cold voice and piercing gaze, Writer Kwon faltered and looked at Director Yoon. It was a plea for help from a fellow producer.

However, the voice that followed was not Director Yoon’s but Eom So-yeon’s.

“I’m sorry for causing confusion, but I won’t apologize for my personal matters. It feels like I’m committing a sin against my child.”

Choked with emotion because of Tae Seo-jun, who stood firmly by her side, So-yeon swallowed the lump in her throat. She couldn’t show tears here. She couldn’t falter or become weak every time a challenge regarding her child arose.

“My child’s nickname is ‘Haengppeumi’ (a combination of happiness and joy). When I found out I was pregnant, I was so happy and joyful that it overshadowed the fear of what was to come. I’ll gladly walk through any thorny path for my beloved child.”

She had secured a significant role in a good project, and if things continued, she would take a glorious first step as an actress. However, Oh Min-jung wasn’t wrong. Listening to the conversations, she realized she was indeed a parachute. Not because of the company, but because of Tae Seo-jun’s influence.

“So, I’ll say it again. It’s right for me, who hasn’t even started filming, to step down. It was a great opportunity, but I believe that if I work hard, even better opportunities will come.”

With her back and neck straightened, So-yeon spoke clearly with strength in her voice.

Anything gained without effort wasn’t truly hers to claim.