"Are you going to sleep already?"
This was a rare moment for Mi Rae. When she arrived at her cozy apartment, she didn't remove her make-up or change into comfortable pajamas. Suddenly a video call connected to her cell phone.
That was the main reason why Mi Rae didn't delete her ex- in-law's numbers. Because only through them she could reach Hyun Ki. He called from Young-Ran's cell phone who said that Hyun Ki was fussy for insisting on calling his mom.
Young Ran didn't like being in charge of Hyun Ki. But the Park family was prohibited from leaving Hyun Ki's care completely to the family household staff. Actually it was also a condition of the judge why they gave custody to the Park family. Because they would be involved in Hyun Ki's upbringing and education.
The Park family was too stubborn and agreed to the judge's terms. Mi Rae didn't have the same chance. Because her family background was not good. Her mother left her when she was in elementary school for another man. Her father was only a fisherman who was rarely at home. Mi Rae works in the entertainment world who somehow—thanks to the Park family's good lawyer—believes that Mi-Rae would be a bad influence on Hyun Ki's growth and development.
"Not yet Mama, I have to talk to you or I won't sleep. I'm waiting for Aunt Ran to come home before I can call you," Hyun Ki said enthusiastically.
Mi-Rae could see it on her phone screen. Her sweet son hugged a piece of paper. His face blushed slightly and his eyes sparkled. However Mi-Rae also saw a hint of sleepiness in his eyes. It was almost ten o'clock at night. Hyun Ki should be asleep already.
The boy was obedient all the time. So when he made a request like this, usually the Park family rarely refused. They were quite fond of Hyun Ki because he was the first grandchild of their family. Also because he was smart and handsome. It could be said that most of the efforts of the Park family to get custody of their grandchildren were not just because they wanted to upset Mi Rae.
The conglomerate family had already made various plans for their little prince. Just like his biological father used to be forced to attend various schools and courses; to prepare to become the next heir. Young-Ran was different, she was the youngest child and she was also a girl so she could freely choose her own career.
It was not difficult for Young-Ran to succeed in the entertainment world. Reportedly CJ Group bought almost half of the shares of an entertainment agency company. Young-Ran had an attractive face and a conglomerate background. She used her money and family name to succeed. Unlike other actresses who have to step up from the bottom even woo the producers for small roles.
"Look at what I drew, I really like it so I have to tell you at all costs," Hyun-Ki showed a white paper with crayon stains all over the place.
He drew a playground and there were three people there holding hands.
"That's Mama, Papa and Hyun Ki," said the boy innocently. He did not understand the fact that his parents had separated. Mi Rae wanted it. She fought in court alone when Do-Hyun was in Germany to take care of his family's company. He was hardly ever by her side when she lived at the Park family home.
Do-Hyun was always busy and said that everything he did was for his future with Mi-Rae and Hyun Ki. His family sent him abroad and left his wife and children at his parents' house. Mi-Rae was lonely and had no friends. The servants even bullied her. No one was on her side.
Mi-Rae couldn't easily contact Do-Hyun because her in-laws forbid it. They say, Mi-Rae has got Do-Hyun and was the daughter-in-law of the Park family. She has hindered Do-Hyun's career. So was she not satisfied that she wanted to ruin Do-Hyun's career in Germany?
Do-Hyun who felt guilty for marrying young— succumbs to his family. He only occasionally calls Mi-Rae. It goes on for years until Mi-Rae felt she had lost her love. Being apart for too long, it was only natural that Do-Hyun might have forgotten about his wife and children.
Then, Mi-Rae had a friend. He was a young man who worked as a family driver. He treats Mi-Rae well like a young lady of the house. However, when Mi-Rae finally felt that she could survive in that hellish house— Do-Hyun called her and emotionally accused her of having an affair with the driver. But Do-Hyun said he would forgive his wife as long as she promises not to do it again.
To Mi-Rae it was as if her husband had stabbed her in the heart with a dagger. She has been loyal. She survived a lonely life without happiness at his parents' house. But when Do-Hyun called he accused her of having an affair?
Mi Rae files for divorce. Do-Hyun immediately agrees. She left the house with an injured soul. But the only happiness she had, which was Hyun Ki, was also taken away from her.
Mi-Rae wanted to say that Hyun-Ki's papa and mama were no longer together. But she didn't have the heart. Hyun Ki did not know that fact. He only knew that his mother and father were working. Her heart ached when every time he called, her son apologized for disturbing his busy mother.
"Hyun Ki wants to meet mama, Hyun Ki miss you," the boy began to tear up. Mi-Rae's heart seemed to be torn apart. She could see that Hyun Ki wasn't getting the love he needed. The Parks start turning Hyun Ki into the next Do-Hyun. He would lose his precious childhood for the sake of becoming the successor of the Park family.
"Mama also wants to meet Hyun Ki,"
"But mommy is still working, isn't you?" Hyun Ki said.
"Yes," said Mi-Rae, hiding the feeling of choking in her throat from almost crying.
"Later, when we meet, give the picture to mama, okay?"
"Yes,"
"Yes, Hyun Ki is a good boy, Let's go to sleep. Don't be late for school tomorrow. Hang up the phone first," said Mi-Rae. They gave each other a sweet long distance kiss before the video call stopped.
Hyun Ki walked into Young Ran's room with her cell phone. There he saw his aunt was speaking with someone through her other phone. She looked like she was about to go to a party. It was Monday night now, it was ten o'clock at night. The front door of her house was open because Young Ran was about to get out with her car again.
Hyun Ki slowly put down the phone without any intention of reprimanding Young Ran. Then he went to the terrace while hugging the picture of the playground he wanted to give to Mi Rae. He stepped outside when no one was looking. The security guards were so busy themselves that they didn't notice that their precious young master had left the house late at night in only pajamas and slippers.