“The heartbeat is a bit smaller, but it’s strong. Congratulations, you’re going to be a dad of twins!”

As the doctor offered his congratulations, Hwi-gang felt a wave of reality wash over him. The moment his grandfather’s face flashed in his mind, his eyes glistened with emotion. He had never expected such joyful news. Following his grandfather’s advice to visit the obstetrics department had truly been a stroke of genius.

If they hadn’t done that, they might have been completely unaware, and their passionate encounters could have put the babies at risk.

“Grandpa will be so happy.”

“Yes, he must have had some foresight when he suggested we get the OB-GYN check-up.”

The obstetrician, sensing the solemn tone in Hwi-gang’s voice, nodded and said, “I’ve heard about your grandfather’s condition.”

Hwi-gang nodded, acknowledging the doctor’s words, then asked, “When is the expected due date?”

“I was just calculating that to share with you. One moment, please.”

After asking Seol-ah a few questions, the doctor announced the expected due date. Unfortunately, it was beyond the estimated timeframe for Hwi-gang’s grandfather. With a prognosis of only six months to a year, and the twins expected to arrive at 33 weeks – about eight months – the margin was slim. Although it was only a month’s difference, for someone in his grandfather’s condition, that time would feel like an eternity.

As Hwi-gang absorbed the news of the twins, his joy was overshadowed by the realization that his grandfather’s time might be running out, causing tears to well up in his eyes.

“Then I’ll see you in four weeks. However, if you experience any abdominal cramping or light bleeding, please call 119 and come to the hospital immediately. With twins, you need to be extra careful.”

Leaving the examination room, Hwi-gang turned to Seol-ah.

“I’m sorry, I haven’t properly congratulated you yet. Congratulations, Seol-ah.”

Seeing the regret on Hwi-gang’s face, Seol-ah shook her head.

“Don’t apologize. I understand how you feel. This is overwhelming for both of us.”

“No, it’s okay. And congratulations to you too—you’re going to be a twin dad!”

“Honestly, I still can’t quite believe it. How about you?”

“I feel the same way. It’s hard to grasp, but it’s also amazing to think twins are growing inside me.”

Seol-ah gently cradled her lower abdomen with both hands as she spoke, her expression softening with awe.

At that moment, Hwi-gang pulled her into his arms.

“I’m sorry for not being able to fully celebrate this joyful news.”

“Why do you keep saying sorry?” Seol-ah asked gently. “I know you’re worried about your grandfather. But, Hwi-gang, do you realize something?”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“If your grandfather hears that I’m having twins, it might lift his spirits. He said earlier that hearing news about his great-grandchildren could give him strength.”

“Yeah, I’ve been hoping for that too. I really wish he could hold his great-grandchildren before he goes.”

“Let’s do our best. There are stories of patients who have made miraculous recoveries even when they seemed to be at the end of their rope.”

Hwi-gang forced a smile, nodding at Seol-ah’s encouraging words.

“Let’s hurry; Grandpa is probably waiting for us.”

Hwi-gang said, taking Seol-ah’s hand. This time, she interlaced her fingers with his, sliding her fingers between his. Hwi-gang chuckled softly and gave her hand a tight squeeze.

Knock, knock!

After a formal knock, Hwi-gang opened the hospital room door. Secretary Hwang jumped slightly, greeting Hwi-gang loudly.

“Have you finished the tests already, Executive Director?”

“Shh, you’ll wake Grandpa.”

Hwi-gang replied, putting a finger to his lips, unaware that Secretary Hwang was intentionally speaking loudly.

“I’m not sleeping, Hwi-gang.”

Chairman Kang said, furrowing his brow as he struggled to sit up. Seol-ah and Hwi-gang quickly moved closer to him.

“Please, just lie back down, Grandpa.”

“No, thanks to the painkillers, I’m feeling a bit better now. So, did you have the tests done?”

“Yes, Grandpa, we did.”

Seol-ah quickly answered, her face lighting up with a smile. Seeing her joyful expression, Chairman Kang looked at her with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

“What did they say? There’s no problem with you having a baby, right?”

Chairman Kang looked intently at Seol-ah as if praying for a positive answer.

“Grandpa, I’m pregnant!”

Seol-ah exclaimed, eagerly grabbing his hand.

“What?”

Chairman Kang looked back and forth between Hwi-gang and Seol-ah in disbelief. The furrow in his brow softened, his eyes widening.

“Yes, it’s true, Grandpa. And there’s even better news—it’s twins! Seol-ah’s 7 weeks along, and both babies are very healthy.”

Hwi-gang said, pulling the ultrasound picture from his pocket to show Chairman Kang. Chairman Kang snatched the ultrasound photo from Hwi-gang’s hand, staring at it intently.

“Twins? Not just one, but two?”

Seeing the joy spread across Chairman Kang’s face, Hwi-gang nodded.

“Yes, they said it’s two. Look here, and here—can you see them?”

“Yes, I see them! There are two little black bean shapes.”

“Exactly, those black bean shapes are the embryos. We even heard their heartbeats. Just a moment.”

Hwi-gang played the recording of the heartbeat he had captured earlier for his grandfather.

“Oh my, that’s quite a strong sound! Let me hear it again. I just can’t believe it.”

 Chairman Kang said, listening intently to the heartbeat while examining the ultrasound photo in his hand. Feeling successful in his mission, Chairman Kang glanced at Secretary Hwang, giving him a subtle cue to take charge of the situation. Secretary Hwang, however, pretended to ignore it.

“Chairman, I think I’ll head out for the day.”

Secretary Hwang finally said, trying to excuse himself.

“Secretary Hwang, heading out? I haven’t even been discharged yet!”

Chairman Kang replied, feigning indignation.

As Chairman Kang glared, Secretary Hwang looked as if he might crumble under the pressure, bowing his head in submission. Hwi-gang sensed a strange tension between them. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but it felt like something was going on that he wasn’t aware of. Moreover, the sudden change in his grandfather’s condition was remarkable—his complexion seemed healthier, and he no longer looked like someone gravely ill.

Hwi-gang wondered if the news about the babies had been enough to revitalize his grandfather. However, Secretary Hwang’s anxious fidgeting was beginning to get on his nerves.

“Yes, hello?”

Suddenly, Secretary Hwang pulled out his phone and answered it, his voice slightly shaky as he began speaking.

‘Huh? When did the phone ring?’

Hwi-gang’s brow furrowed in confusion.

“Oh, yes, yes. What did you say? A misdiagnosis? How could such a mistake happen? Are you saying the chairman’s diagnosis got switched with someone else’s? Is that even possible?”

Secretary Hwang said, his voice sounding deliberately exaggerated.

At that moment, Chairman Kang interjected sharply.

“What are you talking about? Are you saying my diagnosis was a misdiagnosis?”

Secretary Hwang quickly covered the phone’s speaker and replied.

“That’s what they’re saying, Chairman.”

“What do you mean? How could my diagnosis be wrong?”

Chairman Kang shouted, his frustration evident in his rising voice.

Secretary Hwang continued the charade, speaking into the phone.

“It’s hard to believe that the medical staff at such a major university hospital could make such a mistake—”

Rrrrrrrrrrrr! Rrrrrrrr!

Just as he was in the middle of his dramatic performance, Secretary Hwang’s phone began to ring loudly. The ringing sound echoed around the room, causing everyone in the room to freeze.