MOTHER | vsoo |

04: Exposed

Baby, look—" I started, but the words barely left my lips before a sharp slap landed across my face. The sting wasn't just physical—it was humiliation and rage simmering under my skin.

"You bastard! We are not using my daughter as some kind of experiment to bring that skank back!" Irene screamed, her voice piercing through the silence of the parking lot. The word "skank" made my eye twitch, the rage bubbling just beneath the surface.

I inhaled sharply, steadying myself. "You know," I said with a chilling calmness, "I really applaud you. Maybe this is my fault, huh? Maybe I've been far too lenient with you. But don't you dare forget who pulled you out of the gutter you crawled out from. Don't forget, Irene, that I can put you right back there. And no one—no one—would notice. Not even Jang-mi."

Her defiance melted into fear, her head bowing as she mumbled a half-hearted apology.

II rolled my eyes, my patience wearing thin. Grabbing her arm harshly, I forced her to look up at me. "Look at me when I'm talking to you," I snapped, tightening my grip until she yelped. "Listen carefully. Jang-mi is my child as much as she is yours. You and I? We were a mistake—a short-term fling that turned into something I had to take responsibility for. That child was also a mistake, but you should be grateful I've stepped up for both of you. I could leave you penniless in the blink of an eye."

Her lips parted, perhaps to protest, but before she could utter a word, I slammed her back against the car door. Her breath hitched as tears welled in her eyes.

"You're going to tell Jang-mi that Jisoo is her real mother," I ordered, my voice dangerously low. "You'll tell her that her mother was very sick and had to leave for a long time. That's the plan. If you even think about defying me, I'll make sure you never see Jang-mi again."

Tears spilled down her face as she stared at me, trembling. "W-why would you do this?" she choked out. "Don't you care about her? You said she's your daughter too!"

Her words struck a nerve, but I gave her no reaction. Of course, I cared about Jang-mi. She was my world. But my heart—my soul—belonged to Jisoo. I would do whatever it took to get her back, no matter the cost.

"I care about you both," I said coldly, "but I want Jisoo back more than anything. You should understand that."

Irene's grief transformed into fury as she clawed at my face, her nails raking against my skin. "YOU MONSTER! I HATE YOU!" she screamed, her voice raw with anguish.

I had no choice but to grab her throat—not hard enough to hurt her, but enough to subdue her. Her struggles weakened, and she slumped unconscious to the ground. I sighed, wiping the blood from the scratches on my cheek.

"Ungrateful bitch," I muttered, spitting on the ground before hearing the sound of a familiar cry.

"Mommy!" Jang-mi's voice was laced with terror as she came running toward Irene. My mother stood behind her, her face tight with disapproval.

"I'll take her home," my mother said firmly, scooping Jang-mi into her arms.

"No," I objected, stepping forward. "She stays with me—"

"I'm taking her home," my mother interrupted, her tone brooking no argument. "Her bruises need to be looked after. And you..." She shot me a look that made me feel like a scolded child. "You need to figure out what you're doing before you destroy yourself and everyone else around you."

I clenched my fists but said nothing as my mother picked Irene up and carried her to the car. Watching them leave, I sighed, running a hand through my hair before heading back into the hospital with Jang-mi

Inside the hospital, Jang-mi clung to me tightly as I carried her. Her small, tear-streaked face rested against my shoulder.

"Sweetheart, shhh, okay?" I cooed, gently bouncing her in my arms. "Your mom will be fine."

"But why were you hitting mommy? I thought you loved each other," she sniffled, her voice cracking.

I winced at her words. "Well, sweetheart," I said softly, setting her down in a chair, "that's more of a one-sided thing." Her confused expression made me chuckle despite myself. "It's okay. You'll understand when you're older."

Her pout made my chest ache. She looked so much like Jisoo, especially in moments like this. That was why I'd been drawn to Irene in the first place—her resemblance to Jisoo was uncanny. But it was also a cruel reminder of everything I had lost.

"Jang-mi," I said nervously, crouching to her level, "there's someone I'd like you to meet."

"Who?" she asked, blinking up at me curiously.

Taking her hand, I led her to Jisoo's hospital room. My heart thudded painfully in my chest as I pushed the door open. Jisoo was asleep, her face peaceful but unfamiliar—distant, as if she were a different person entirely.

"You see that woman?" I asked, pointing to Jisoo.

Jang-mi frowned. "The one who attacked mommy?" she said, her tone suspicious.

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Jang-mi, listen carefully. Irene isn't your real mother."

Her brow furrowed. "Huh? Then who's my real mom?"

I took a deep breath, crouching beside her. "That woman over there... that's your real mother. Jisoo. She was very sick for a long time and couldn't take care of you. Irene stepped in to help, but now your real mom is better. She's back to take care of you."

Jang-mi stared at Jisoo for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she broke into a small smile. "Oh... so she's like my real mommy?" she asked brightly.

I nodded, relieved. "Yes, exactly. You and your mom used to go on amazing adventures when you were a baby. You probably don't remember because you were so little. But now that she's here, will you accept her?"

She thought for a moment, then nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! But... can I still have Irene as my second mommy? I like her."

My chest tightened, but I forced a smile. "We'll see, sweetheart. For now, let's get you home, okay?"

"Okay!" she chirped, climbing onto my back as I carried her out of the hospital. Her giggles filled the air as I jogged with her on my shoulders.

I glanced back at Jisoo's room one last time, my heart heavy with hope and fear.

She had to remember. She had to come back to me. Because losing her again wasn't an option.