il mio primo e ultimo amore

Gray Past

They were invited to an orphanage by the investors the Cassanos have been collaborating with.

As they strolled through the place, hand in hand, listening to the manager's explanations, Fabio and Antonella observed the children.

Antonella adored all children, not just her own, but her assistant Bianca's love was greater for children–evident in her warm smiles and discreet waves when she wasn't looking at her.

Bianca to Antonella is how Maria is to Cha Young, and Bianca's husband, Pietro, was akin to Luca for Vincenzo.

As they grew closer, they learned more about each other's lives. Life had been particularly unkind to Bianca, who was infertile—a heartbreaking reality for her and Pietro, who longed for a child. Before accepting the orphanage invitation, Antonella had discussed Bianca's situation with Fabio.

As the tour neared its end, Antonella, who had been observing Bianca for any sign of interest or peculiar emotion towards the children, felt a twinge of disappointment. That was until she noticed Bianca's gaze fixed on a child with a look of deep empathy, yearning, and affection.

Following Bianca's line of sight, Antonella saw a boy sitting uncomfortably on the ground, his opal eyes brimming with tears. The sight tugged at Antonella's heartstrings, as she had always struggled with witnessing the innocent in pain.

As they bid farewell to the staff, Antonella notices Bianca's gaze repeatedly drifting back to the silhouette of the little boy. In that moment, she knows what decision to make.

They decide to stay in Korea for a week or two, allowing time to prepare the necessary legal documents. That night, Antonella discusses the matter with her husband.

A few days later, they are having tea. Bianca and Pietro are present when the little boy, now better dressed but with eyes still betraying fear and grief, walks in with the officials. The papers are placed on the table, and Antonella grabs Bianca's hand, whose eyes never leave the boy.

"Sign the papers, Pietro," Fabio says wisely, a faint smile tracing his lips.

What follows are tears of joy and a haze of emotions.

That is when Park Joo Hyeong starts to live again.

Young with scars.

But scars that start to heal.

He doesn't forget his mother.

So one night, in this new unfamiliar place that starts to feel like home a day before he turns eight, he writes a letter to his mother.

To tell her he's fine, he misses her and hasn't had the courage yet to call them 'Mama Papa'.

Years pass by like this.

Joo Hyeong lives again but the shadow of his mother and the days in orphanage and the grief and the living for the hope of it all doesn't leave him.

So, he asks his mother something wise and elderly, something that makes Bianca chuckle fondly and caress his hair.

To change his name.

"Life is unfair to many of us bambino. We love you the way you are, you don't need to change your name to live with us."

And then he noticed how her mother's eyes softened.

"And someday, you may seek answers that the name Cassano alone cannot provide."

Her answer leaves Joo-Hyeong pondering, but being young, he can't grasp its meaning yet.

He spent nights wondering about it.