Ransomed Fiancée (Michaeng) ✔️

Summary (Part 13)

Chapter 4:

Chaeyoung was released on parole. She had intentionally told Jeongyeon her release date was a day later, not wanting to burden her. Instead, she chose to face this new life alone. She changed to a new phone and number, using the little cash she had to disappear to Gwangju, hoping to start fresh. She wanted to rely solely on herself. She was confident that with enough effort, she could rebuild her life.

However, no one seemed willing to accept Chaeyoung because of her criminal record. It felt like society was refusing to give her a chance. She spent weeks searching for a job, but every time they found out about her past, she was turned away. Chaeyoung knew only how to open a business, but to do that, she needed money, and she had to find a job first to save up. Some people recognized her and gave her mocking glares or threw sarcastic insults, calling her pathetic for going from being a "chaebol," the granddaughter of the wealthiest man in South Korea, to an unemployed ex-criminal.

Chaeyoung stared down at the monitoring bracelet around her ankle. She had been told she would only need to wear it during the early stages of her parole, and it would be removed after three months. But that bracelet didn't help her during interviews. People calling her a "dog on a leash." Chaeyoung didn't mind, though. She was focused on improving herself and surviving, even if some people thought she was shameless. Nothing could hurt her feelings—not the comments from strangers who knew nothing about her.

Despite Chaeyoung's efforts to stay hidden, Nayeon eventually found her and knew her location. She waited in Chaeyoung's small cramped apartment. Nayeon greeted her with a soft smile. The two of them talked and caught up.

Nayeon offered a job in her company and work with her, but Chaeyoung refused, wanting to rebuild her life on her own without anyone's help. Nayeon then offered money, but Chaeyoung declined again. She also suggested finding a more comfortable place for Chaeyoung to stay, but that was turned down as well. Nayeon, not giving up, decided to buy groceries for Chaeyoung and threatened to tell Jeongyeon her location if she refused. Chaeyoung reluctantly agreed.

Chaeyoung told Nayeon never to look for her again and not to visit her anymore. Though hurt by this, Nayeon understood that Chaeyoung wanted to be independent. Still, she couldn't help but worry. She took Chaeyoung's phone and saved her number, promising not to bother her and in exchange she made Chaeyoung promise not to disappear again and keep her contact information. Nayeon told her that if Chaeyoung ever needed help, someone to talk to, or anything at all, she would be happy if Chaeyoung reached out, even if it was just a text or a call every once in a while.

Chapter 5:

Chaeyoung survived on cup noodles and convenience store snacks, determined to keep searching for a job. She wasn't someone who gave up easily.

Her persistence paid off when she applied at a car wash on the outskirts of Gwangju. The owner, an old man, didn't ask many questions. He simply looked at her and asked if she was a hard worker. Chaeyoung nodded eagerly, and to her relief, she was accepted. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she thanked him repeatedly.

She soon rented a small house nearby which offered lower cost since it was further from the city. Remembering her promise to Nayeon, Chaeyoung texted her about the move. Nayeon quickly replied, asking if she could visit, but Chaeyoung politely refused. She didn't want Nayeon spending money on her again. Although, to Nayeon, the money she spent on Chaeyoung was insignificant, to Chaeyoung, it meant everything. She had learned the hard way how difficult it was to earn money and how valuable every penny truly was.

Chaeyoung worked hard at the car wash, and after three months, she no longer had to wear the monitoring bracelet. The old man was pleased with her work and often complimenting her on how hardworking she was. Chaeyoung had managed to save up some money. During her free time, when there were no customers and all the cleaning was done, she would sketch in her pad.