Don't Blame Me || Jeongcheol

Chapter 9

It was a week later, Jeonghan was at his computer, working on some plans for his next heist, when he noticed a new message blinking in the corner of the screen. He clicked on it, expecting it to be spam or a work-related notification, but instead, he saw that it was from his old company. His eyebrows furrowed as he read the contents of the message.

Jeonghan's heart sank as he read the message. His old boss, the same one he had left under bad circumstances, was asking for him to retrieve his diamond, the very same diamond Jeonghan had stolen from the auction. Jeonghan couldn't believe it. Of all the things his old boss could have contacted him for, why was it for this?

Jeonghan's mind raced as he considered his options. He could ignore the message, but he knew his old boss wouldn't give up easily.

The man had a reputation for being ruthless and relentless. Jeonghan scowled, conflicted. He had moved on from that life, built a new one as a thief. Going back to that life, even for a short time, felt like a step backwards.

Jeonghan leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. He glanced over at Haneul, who was coloring quietly at the table. The child was blissfully unaware of Jeonghan's inner turmoil. Jeonghan's heart clenched at the sight. He had sacrificed so much for his son, and he didn't want to risk losing him by getting pulled back into his old world.

Jeonghan's mind involuntarily drifted to the memory of Haneul's mother. It was a painful and traumatic memory, one that still haunted him to this day. The woman had died soon after childbirth, leaving Jeonghan to raise their son alone. He had never known love, never felt the warmth and comfort of a family. It was just him and Haneul against the world.

Jeonghan's heart ached at the memory. He had loved the woman, in his own way, even though they hadn't been meant to be together. Her death had left a deep wound in him, a scar that would never fully heal. And now, with his former boss demanding the diamond, Jeonghan couldn't help but feel as though he was being torn between two worlds, two versions of himself.

Jeonghan looked over at Haneul again, the child blissfully unaware of the thoughts swirling in his father's mind. Jeonghan's love for his son was the one constant in his life, the one thing he could cling to when everything else was uncertain. He knew he would do anything to protect Haneul, even if it meant facing his past head on.

A month passed with no signs of Scoups or his old boss. Jeonghan was relieved at that, not wanting to face them for some time.

Jeonghan arrived at his apartment, a weary look on his face. It had been a long day at work, filled with meetings and negotiations in his normal job. All he wanted now was to see his son and relax. He unlocked the door and stepped into the apartment.

Expecting to see Haneul waiting for him like he usually did after pre-school. But the apartment was strangely quiet and empty. Jeonghan's heart skipped a beat, a sudden sense of dread rising in his chest.

"Haneul?" Jeonghan called out, his voice echoing in the silence. There was no answer. Jeonghan's breathing quickened as he scanned the room, looking for any sign of his son. But Haneul was nowhere to be seen.

Jeonghan's mind raced as panic gripped him. Where was Haneul? The neighbor usually dropped him off every day after pre-school. Had something happened to his son?

Jeonghan quickly pulled out his phone and dialed his neighbor's number, his heart pounding in his chest. The neighbor picked up after a few rings, her voice bright and cheerful.

"Hello, Jeonghan!" she greeted.

Jeonghan's voice was tense as he spoke, "Hello, sorry to bother you. Have you seen Haneul today?" The neighbor's tone immediately changed, concern creeping into her voice.