The Other Woman (HAESOO)[18+]

Running From The Pain

When individuals find themselves lost in thought or consumed by anxiety over a person or situation, the minutes and hours seem to rush by, oblivious to their struggles. Some glide effortlessly through existence, while others are pulled along by the weight of their burdens. He often questioned whether they were navigating through time or if time was simply passing through them. Recently, managing the various aspects of his life had become increasingly overwhelming.

Constantly shuttling between Korea and America, balancing his business commitments, caring for his children, and fighting a custody battle with Goeun—it all felt like too much. The mounting pressure was turning his hair gray.

Haein stood in line, preparing to board the plane back to America after yet another grueling custodial appointment at the court. Each visit felt like an emotional trial, not just for the legal matters at hand, but because he had to confront Goeun's face each time. The bitterness he felt toward her had deepened into a profound loathing, fueled by the web of lies and fabrications she spun against him in the courtroom.

It was clear to him that she was willing to play dirty, all in an effort to keep their children away from him, and it only intensified his disdain for her. As he waited to board, he was engaged in a phone conversation with Andrew, trying to distract himself from the turmoil swirling in his mind.

"Sir... really, she's doing fine," Andrew reassured Haein, sensing the anxiety radiating from him. Haein felt compelled to check on Jisoo at the hospital constantly, as she remained in a coma. She was battling locked-in syndrome, a rare condition that left her fully aware of her surroundings yet unable to move or communicate.

In the days since Haein had arrived in Korea, he had clung to a glimmer of hope: Jisoo had opened her eyes two days ago, a development that the doctor deemed a positive sign of her regaining strength. More importantly, there were indications of cognitive improvement in her brain activity. Despite this good news, Haein couldn't shake the frustration of being so far away from her when she needed him most. He longed to be by her side the moment she regained consciousness.

"Ugh, I'm just so desperate to see her! I want to be there... by her side... every moment!" Haein exclaimed, exhaling deeply in frustration. "Please, take good care of her while I'm away!"

Andrew smiled reassuringly, glancing toward the door of Jisoo's room.

"I will, sir. You don't have to worry about her. I'm watching over her and taking excellent care of her!" he replied confidently.

Haein felt a warmth spread through him at Andrew's words, grateful for the support and assurance that someone he trusted was there for Jisoo in his absence.

"Thank you! I really appreciate everything you're doing! By the way... is Daniel there right now?" Haein asked, his curiosity piqued. Andrew let out a sigh.

"Yeah, sir... that's why I'm not in the room at the moment. He insisted on being alone with her, and his gorilla of a bodyguard is watching me like I'm some sort of criminal!" Andrew replied, a hint of humor in his voice.