our crossed paths | jww.

twenty three.

Jiwoo stepped out of the car, thanking their family driver with a tired nod before making her way up the steps to her family home. The lights from inside spilled onto the front lawn, and even though it was evening, the house seemed as bright and grand as ever.

As she approached the door, Jiwoo's heart felt heavier. She knew what awaited her—this wasn't just a simple family dinner.

The door opened before she even reached for the handle. Her mother greeted her with a warm smile, one that masked a lot more beneath the surface.

"Jiwoo, you're finally here. Come in, darling. Your father's been waiting."

Jiwoo nodded and followed her mother inside. The house felt familiar, but at the same time, there was always an invisible weight hanging in the air. The dining table was already set with an elaborate spread, but there was a tension that Jiwoo couldn't shake off.

This wasn't just about family bonding.

Her father sat at the head of the table, arms crossed and a serious look on his face. Without waiting for any pleasantries, he spoke, "Jiwoo, I heard the news about you returning to the emergency department."

Jiwoo nodded, her chest tightening. "Yes, I got the news today. It was a bit sudden."

Her father set down his utensils, leaning forward. "Sudden or not, it's an opportunity. Don't mess it up this time. The board knows about the investigation, and although it's been cleared, there are still eyes on you. Don't embarrass this family again. Understood?"

Jiwoo bit her lip, the familiar sting of his words hitting her hard. It was always about the family's reputation.

"I understand," she muttered, lowering herself into the chair across from him.

Her mother, in her usual attempt to soften the mood, piped in with a smile. "But darling, you've worked so hard to get here, and I'm sure you'll do just fine."

"Now, about Wonwoo—how's that going? I haven't seen you two together in a while."

Jiwoo stiffened, her grip tightening on her fork. Of course, her mother would bring up Wonwoo. They hadn't yet fully opened up to her parents about their relationship, and Jiwoo wasn't in the mood for an interrogation.

"We have something going on," she said flatly, glancing at her mother. "But right now, I need space and time before I can open up more about it."

Her father's gaze sharpened at the mention of Wonwoo. "Space and time? Jiwoo, you don't have time to waste on frivolous relationships. Your career is on the line, and frankly, I'm not sold on this actor of yours. You need to focus on what's important—your work, your position. You don't have the luxury to get distracted."

Jiwoo felt the frustration simmering beneath her skin, but she swallowed it down, focusing on her food instead. She had heard this before, so many times. Wonwoo wasn't enough, her choices weren't enough—she wasn't enough.

Her mother gave her a sympathetic look.

"Don't mind your father, Jiwoo. You've been under a lot of pressure, but I'm sure you'll figure things out with Wonwoo. He seems like a good man."

Jiwoo offered a thin smile, but her mind was already wandering.

The more her father talked about her career and her responsibilities, the more she was transported back to those years in medical school—how she had pushed herself to the brink, not just for her dream, but for theirs.

Every sleepless night, every sacrifice, every moment of doubt, had been spent wondering if she was ever good enough. Had she ever made them proud? Or was she just filling their mold of what they expected?