Act one [✅]
Act two [✨]
Act three [Yet to be confirmed]
Kim Riel, a captivating blend of beauty and intellect, harbored a trove of hidden secrets within her. Yet, there were mysteries concealed from her as well. Life had never prepared her for the p...
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"You're nothing but a Step Cousin to me" - Riel
Author's P.O.V
In-Yeop's mind raced as he grappled with the possibility that Inho might be his child. The timing aligned—five years ago, when he and Riel had parted ways, she was eighteen. But could it really be true? He needed answers.
Suppressing his emotions, In-Yeop watched as Inho chattered with the others. The boy was adorable, with eyes that mirrored Riel's. Yet, In-Yeop couldn't allow himself to hope. He'd been burned before, and the scars still lingered.
As the room buzzed with introductions, Inho, oblivious to the turmoil within In-Yeop, continued playing with the other kids. In-Yeop approached him, heart pounding.
"Inho-ya," In-Yeop began, "where is your father?"
Inho stared at him blankly and spoke, "It's none of your business," in a cold tone. His words cut through In-Yeop like a knife. Was this rejection or mere defiance?
—Time Skip— —Night—
In-Yeop saw Riel alone, her silhouette illuminated by the moonlight. He couldn't ignore the gnawing ache in his chest any longer. He pulled her into his bedroom, pinning her against the door and locking it.
Riel's gaze met his. She looked different now—stronger, more resilient. But her eyes held secrets, and he wondered what else she hadn't told him.
"Riel," he said, his voice low. "We need to talk."
She glanced at him; her expression guarded. "About what?"
"Inho." The word hung heavy between them.
"Is he...?" In-Yeop hesitated, unable to voice the question that haunted him.
"What about Inho?" Riel frowned. Her defensiveness was palpable.
"Who is Inho's father?" In-Yeop finally asked, desperation coloring his tone.
"It's none of your business," Riel replied in a cold tone, avoiding eye contact with In-Yeop. The pain in her eyes was unmistakable.
'Like mother, like son,' In-Yeop thought bitterly. The secrets they both harbored threatened to tear them apart.
The room felt heavy with unspoken truths, emotions swirling like a tempest. Riel's heart raced, torn between love and pain. She had built walls around her past, but In-Yeop's presence threatened to breach them.
"Are you going to tell me or not?" In-Yeop's voice grated, irritation lacing his words.
"Nope!" Riel's defiance was a fragile shield. She couldn't afford to reveal the truth, not now.
In-Yeop scoffed, "Is Inho adopted?"
"No," Riel replied firmly, her gaze unwavering. "He's my own blood."
