*February 28, 1998 – The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital*
The air was thick with tension. A woman's screams echoed through the pristine white walls of the delivery room as she gripped the sheets beneath her, her body convulsing with pain. Sweat dripped down her forehead, her face contorted in agony as she pushed with all the strength left in her body.
"Just a little more, ma'am," the doctor urged.
Park Shinyu let out a deep, guttural cry as she gave one final push. The sound of a baby's cry filled the room, drowning out the chaos in her mind. Relief washed over her as she collapsed back onto the bed, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
The doctor lifted the newborn, wrapping him carefully in a soft white blanket before placing him in Shinyu's trembling arms.
Her vision was hazy, exhaustion weighing her down, but as she looked at the tiny face nestled against her chest, tears pricked her eyes. His little fingers twitched, his face scrunched up as he let out small whimpers. Shinyu's heart ached in a way she had never felt before, raw, overwhelming love.
"Taesan," she whispered, brushing a gentle finger over his delicate cheek. She swallowed the lump in her throat and spoke again, firmer this time.
"Jeon Taesan."
The door burst open, and a man rushed inside, his face flushed from running. Jeon Taewae, the president of Cessert Dealers, stood frozen at the sight before him—his wife, exhausted yet radiant, holding their newborn son.
His breath hitched. For a moment, all his business meetings, all the high-end parties, all the women, none of it mattered. His entire world was wrapped up in that tiny bundle in his wife's arms.
Shinyu looked up at him, a tired but knowing smile on her lips. "You almost missed it."
"I ran as fast as I could," Taewae murmured, stepping closer. His eyes softened as he gazed at his son. "God… he's so small."
She chuckled weakly. "All babies are."
Taewae reached out hesitantly, brushing his fingers over Taesan's soft hair. "He looks just like you," he whispered.
Shinyu raised a brow. "No, he has your nose. And your temper, I can already tell."
Taewae let out a breathless laugh, shaking his head. He leaned down and kissed his wife's forehead. "You did amazing."
Shinyu closed her eyes for a second, relishing the warmth of his lips against her skin. "We did."
Taewae pulled back and looked at her, his expression unreadable. "I swear, I'll give him the best life. Everything he could ever want."
Shinyu smiled, but deep down, she wondered.
Would Taewae ever truly change?
***
A few days later.
The massive estate gleamed under the morning sun as the car pulled up to the grand entrance. Maids and butlers lined up outside, ready to receive the new heir of the Jeon family.
Shinyu stepped out first, cradling Taesan in her arms, while Taewae followed, his usual businessman aura returning the moment his feet touched their luxurious property.
A well-dressed nanny stepped forward, bowing respectfully before carefully taking Taesan into her arms. Shinyu hesitated for a brief second before letting go, watching as the woman carried her son inside.
As soon as Taesan was settled in his lavish new crib, Shinyu turned to her husband, her expression darkening. "We need to talk."
Taewae sighed, loosening his tie. "Can we not do this today?"
"No," Shinyu said firmly, stepping outside with him onto the balcony. The cool breeze barely calmed the fire raging in her chest.
"I know about your little parties, Taewae," she said, arms crossed. "The women, the drinking—I know it all."
Taewae rolled his eyes. "Shinyu, am I the only rich man who does this? This is how it works. Every wealthy man cheats."
Shinyu scoffed. "So that justifies it?"
He smirked. "And don't act like you've been some saint either."
Her eyes flared with anger. "You did it first."
Taewae chuckled, shaking his head. "I don't have time for this nonsense."
"Nonsense?" Shinyu let out a bitter laugh. "Fine. If that's how it is, then I want my share of the company. And Taesan's."
His expression turned sharp. "Taesan's share?"
"Yes," she said. "I want my son's inheritance secured."
Taewae exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose. "He's staying with me."
Shinyu's body tensed. "No. He's my son. I carried him for nine months—I won't let you take him from me."
Taewae's voice was calm but firm. "For his sake, we need to co-parent him until he's at least five or six. We'll figure out the rest later."
Shinyu clenched her fists, every fiber of her being wanting to fight. But deep down, she knew she couldn't win—not yet.
"Fine," she muttered. "But don't think for a second that I'll ever forget this."
Taewae smirked. "Wouldn't expect you to."
***
*5 years later, 2003*
The once lively Jeon mansion had grown colder over the years.
A small boy, Jeon Taesan, ran through the grand hallways, clutching a piece of paper in his tiny hands. His dark hair bounced as he moved, his excitement bubbling over.
"Eomma! Look!" He skidded to a stop in front of his mother, holding up his drawing. "I made this!"
Shinyu glanced up from her phone, barely sparing it a glance. "Mm, yeah… nice."
Taesan's tiny hands lowered. His bright eyes dimmed.
He waited for a second, hoping she would look at it properly. Hoping she would say something more.
But she didn't.
His small shoulders slumped. He turned away quietly, his little footsteps fading as he walked down the hall.
He reached the massive framed portrait of his father, hanging high above the fireplace. He sat down on the floor, staring up at it.
His tiny fingers traced the edge of the frame.
"Daddy," he whispered. "I miss you… Where are you?"
The house remained silent.
And for the first time, Taesan realized, he was alone.