Inha
February, 2026
Rage boils through my veins as I leave Yena's hospital room, clenching my fists so tightly my nails cut into my palms. I can't believe what I just heard. I thought Yul a lot of things at first, but I believed I could at least trust him with Yena's safety. The one thing I never would've thought Yul could do was ever put Yena in danger. Maybe I was foolish for thinking Yul was as devoted to her as I was. I respected him for that once, and look where that got me. My wife, broken in a hospital bed, and one child down.
My chest aches like someone's carved my lungs out every time I think about it. The baby…our baby…gone. Just like that. Yes, the child was not mine by blood, but he would've been my family regardless. I blink back tears as the afternoon replays in my head.
I was the only one that got to hold the baby. Shaking so badly I thought might drop it after the shock of that phone call at work when the police rang to tell me about Yena. The mad drive to the hospital and blur as I ran faster than I ever have in my life. I made it just as they pulled the baby's lifeless body from hers.
They let me hold him. Even still and blue they still had him swaddled in blankets so that I could hold him for a few precious moments. He was perfect. Just weeks from being born, from living. I will never be able to remove the image of his still face from my head. I'm almost glad Yena didn't have to see it, and that they had taken the body away by the time Yul got there. He didn't deserve to see what could have been.
I shake my head, trying to clear the images out. Focus on the rage, the impulse to do something.
I pull out my phone with shaking hands and dial the number for my head of security, Jaewon.
"Get the footage from every traffic camera at the intersection where Yena was attacked," I bark out as soon as he answers. "I want the plate numbers and makes of every vehicle involved. Have them roll out the face recognition software. Find the low-lifes."
"Right away, Sir," Jaewon responds without hesitation.
Hanging up, I immediately call Joonki, my family's lead private investigator. "I need you to dig into everything you can find on Joo Yul's father—Nam Daehyun. Specifically any outstanding debts, loans, business dealings. Whoever he's in trouble with led to Yena getting attacked."
"Consider it done, Inha-ssi," Joonki says confidently. "We'll find the bastards responsible."
I take a few deep breaths, trying to calm the storm inside me. Yena is alive, I repeat to myself like a mantra. She's alive and I need to be strong for her right now. But I swear on everything holy, I will make whoever did this pay dearly. Yul's recklessness has gone too far this time.
I walk back into Yena's hospital room, my heart feeling like it's being crushed in a vise. She looks so small and fragile lying there, her face pale and bruised. Tears stream silently down her cheeks as she stares blankly at the wall.
The sight of her like this, so blank and desolate, is a knife twisting in my gut. My strong, vibrant Yena, always full of life and laughter, now just an empty shell. The guilt and rage warring inside me makes me want to scream, to lash out at someone—anyone—for doing this to her.
But I can't. Not now. She needs me.
Crossing the room, I take her hand gently in mine. Her skin is cool to the touch and she doesn't react at first. I sink into the chair beside her bed, cradling her hand between both of mine as if to transfer some warmth back into her.
"Yena-ya..." I murmur, my voice thick. "I'm here, sweetheart. My beautiful love."
Finally, she turns her head slowly towards me. Her incredible eyes, usually so bright and full of joy, are dull and haunted. It's like she's looking straight through me. A choked sob escapes her and she squeezes her eyes shut, tears leaking from the corners.
The wrenching pain in my chest threatens to swallow me whole. I scoot my chair closer and pull her carefully into my arms, pillowing her head against my shoulder. She's pliant and unresisting, like a lifeless doll. I press my lips to her hair, rocking her gently as her body shakes with silent sobs.
The betrayal cuts so deeply because I truly thought of Yul as family. He was supposed to be someone I could trust with Yena's life, with our children's lives. But his recklessness and lies have led to this nightmare.
Not knowing if Yena would even still be alive when I arrived at the hospital was the worst moment of my life. If I lose her now...I don't know what I'll do.
Holding her tighter, I silently vow to myself that I'll get to the bottom of this. I'll make the ones responsible for hurting my Yena pay dearly. And Yul...I'll deal with him later.
Nothing else matters except protecting my family now. I'll do whatever it takes.
***
Hours pass and I'm no closer to finding the scumbags responsible for hurting Yena. My people have scoured traffic cam footage, but the intersection was a blind spot. No clear shots of any plates or faces. I feel useless, like a dog chasing its tail.
Rage and desperation claw at my insides. I can't just sit here while the ones who did this remain free. Yena deserves justice. Our child deserves justice. If my resources aren't enough, I know who to call, though the thought makes my gut twist.
Gritting my teeth, I punch in the number I've avoided for years now. It rings once before the familiar voice answers curtly, "Yes?"
"Mother," I say tightly, the word tasting like ash on my tongue. "I need your help."
There's a weighted pause, then a soft indrawn breath. "I heard about Yena. You have my deepest condolences for your loss."
I close my eyes briefly against the stab of pain. "Save your hollow sentiments. I need you to use your...resources to find the ones responsible."
"I see." Her tone is carefully measured. "And what will you give me in return for this favor?"
I knew this was coming. Nothing is ever free with my mother. "What do you want?"
"Now, Inha," she chides lightly. "You know I don't make the requests. I'll provide you the information, and you'll owe me one. To be collected at a later date, on my terms."
My jaw ticks, but I'm out of options here. For Yena, I'll agree to anything.
"What is it going to cost me, exactly?" I make myself ask.
My mother is quiet for a few seconds. I don't think for one second she doesn't know exactly what to ask for. She's probably been planning for the day when I would come to her with a favor and knows exactly what her asking price is. She's just enjoying herself. Savoring the moment.
"You will take the open spot as vice chairman, and eventually inherit my spot as chairman of the copy, as is expected of you. You will take the lead on all future projects and obey my instructions to the letter on each. And finally, you will relinquish your earned stocks in the company to me."
I suck in air between my teeth. She's not pulling her punches. I've been denying the vice chairman position for years because I don't feel I've earned it and I don't want to inherit my mother's business. I stayed and worked my part in the business for this long to pacify her and support my family, with the eventual goal of breaking off and forming my own LLC. This is essentially her way of collaring me. Of exercising control since I'm no longer under her thumb. She's been fuming since I married Yena and she lost that control, as Yena had the only real power to make me go or stay. But my mother can get back executive power at least in my work-life if I readily consent to it.
"What do you gain from making me gives up my shares?" I question, knowing there's an ulterior motive to that too.
"Just think of it as incentive to behave," my mother drawls.
Ah, so she wants to cut off the possibility of independent income. My hands fist at my sides.
"Don't worry, I will keep them in trust and transfer them to Yuji's name when she's of age," my mother reassures me, her tone delighted.
Yuji. Not the boys. Not Seulgi. To my mother, the only grandchild worth acknowledging is her only biological granddaughter. She's never asked to see the boys, never even asked about Seulgi, but she's been pestering us for years to get visitation with Yuji, which I've staunchly denied her. I'm surprised she didn't ask for that as one of her conditions, but of course, my mother's smart. She knows access to Yuji would require Yena's cooperation, and she already knows Yena will never back down to her.
I don't trust her, and these conditions will no doubt be more beneficial to her than I'm sure I understand. But I can't think of anyone else who would have the resources to help right now. And right now there's just about nothing I wouldn't do to ensure Yena's safety.
I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and swallow the bitter pill of surrender.
"Fine. Do whatever it takes to find them."
"Good boy," she purrs in that simpering tone I've always hated. "I'll have my people look into it immediately. You'll have your answers soon."
Ending the call, I resist the urge to hurl my phone across the room. Dealing with my mother is like cutting myself on rusty nails. But if she can deliver the snakes that hurt my wife, it will be worth it.
I'll pay any price for Yena. To keep her safe, to give her justice...I'll agree to any terms. Even making a deal with the devil herself.
Several days later
I pull up to the dingy warehouse on the outskirts of the city, jaw clenched tightly. My mother's information had finally paid off—this rat-hole is where the lowlife scum who hurt Yena were holed up.
Throwing the car into park, I climb out and straighten my suit jacket, nodding curtly to Jaewon. "Remember, I want them alive if possible. But if they resist..." I trail off meaningfully.
Jaewon gives me a feral grin. "We'll try not to damage them too badly, Sir."
The sound of tires on gravel makes me turn. Three black vans screech to a halt behind my car, my men piling out like ants from a kicked mound. Jaewon starts issuing rapid hand signals and they fan out, forming a perimeter around the building.
"Let's go to work," I mutter, pulling on my gloves. My men holding clubs, metal pipes, and crowbars swarm toward the doors.
At my nod, Jaewon kicks in the side door. We pour inside, fanning out quickly to clear the space. There's a startled shout, then the sound of flesh striking flesh. I pivot towards the ruckus.
Three men in cheap suits scramble up from a card table, hands raised defensively. Men all over the room sit up and jump to attention.
I step forward, letting them get a good look at my face. I don't need to speak. I can tell by the looks on their faces that they know who I am. The thugs rush forward, stupidly taking on my guys with wild fury.
I stalk forward, fists clenched, as the thugs rush at my men like idiots. I sidestep a clumsy swing from one of the goons.
Jaewon's men move with cold precision, weapons flashing as they systematically take the thugs apart. I catch one square in the face with a vicious right cross, feeling bone crunch beneath my knuckles. He drops like a sack of bricks.
Another comes at me from the side, a length of pipe raised high. I twist out of the way and his swing goes wide. Grabbing his wrist, I yank him forward and bury my knee in his gut. He wheezes out a pained grunt and folds over.
One by one, the thugs fall to the ruthless assault of my men. We pull no punches—these scum deserve no mercy after what they did to Yena. The anger, the grief, the all-consuming need for vengeance fuels every blow.
Spinning to face my next opponent, I duck under his wild haymaker. My fist lashes out in a brutal body shot, doubling him over. I bring my elbow down on the back of his neck and he crumples bonelessly.
The air fills with the harsh sounds of combat—grunts, dull impacts, the crack of breaking bone. The scent of sweat and blood hangs thick in the air. These animals hurt the woman I love more than life itself. Hurt her so deeply, so unforgivably. For that, they'll know a tiny fraction of the same pain.
One by one, the last thugs drop, leaving only the ringing of silence in their wake. My men stand among the groaning, broken bodies, chests heaving. I scan the sea of beaten, bloodied faces, looking for their leader.
All I see are men, and I know that's not who I'm looking for. I have a name already.
"Over here, boss!" one of my guys calls from near the back of the warehouse.
I stride over to where two of my men have a woman pinned between them. Even with her arms wrenched behind her back, she holds her head high, glaring defiantly.
"Kim Yunhee," I say flatly, looking her up and down with disgust. "You're the one who ordered the hit on my wife."
She lets out a harsh bark of laughter. "Your old lady was collateral. We were collecting on a debt. I'm sure you understand, it's just business."
White hot rage spikes through me and I backhand her viciously across the face. Her head snaps to the side, but she just grins at me, a thin trickle of blood leaking from the corner of her split lip.
"Oooh, did I strike a nerve, rich boy?" she taunts. "Shoulda just given us the money we were owed."
I motion to one of my guys over my shoulder. Watch her while he comes forward and hands me a leather briefcase, a gold Kang family emblem emblazoned on the front. A little touch of flair from my mother, of course. I throw the heavy briefcase at her feet, the thud echoing in the cavernous warehouse. Her brow furrows as she looks from me to the case and back again.
"Open it," I growl, jaw clenched tight.
My guys let go of her arms and take a step back. She narrows her eyes at me, but complies, snapping open the clasps. Her expression shifts to one of surprise as she takes in the stacks of cash inside. Reaching in, she starts counting rapidly, fingers rifling through the bundles of won notes.
I stand motionless, hands balled into fists at my sides as she takes her time verifying the amount. The anger simmering inside me threatens to boil over with each passing second. I want nothing more than to wipe that smug look off her face permanently. But I hold myself back—for now.
Finally, she snaps the case shut and looks up at me, grudging respect in her eyes. "Well, well...you really did bring the full amount. Impressive."
"Fifty million won," I say flatly. "The exact sum Joo Yul's debt was sold to you for. We're square now."
Her tongue darts out to lap at the fresh split in her lip from my earlier blow. "Guess the rich boy had it in him after all. You love that little wife of yours that much, huh?"
The insinuation in her tone ignites my fury anew. In three strides I'm across the room, grabbing her by the throat and slamming her back against the wall. She grunts in pained surprise, eyes going wide.
"Listen very carefully," I hiss in her face, tightening my grip until she starts to choke. "If you or any of your miserable thugs ever come near my wife again, I'll make sure you receive a memento even you can't forget."
Keeping her pinned with one hand, I reach into my pocket and pull out a wicked-looking folding knife. Her eyes go round as saucers when I flick it open with a snap of my wrist. The blade gleams razor-sharp in the dim light.
"Get the message?" I growl, leaning in so close our faces are only inches apart. I nod down at the briefcase.
"You see the crest on that? Do you know what the Kangs are capable of? How easy it is for me to make someone go missing?"
I shove her back hard again, making my point. "Stay away from Yena. From Yul. From my entire family. Or I'll make sure you're sent back to your masters in pieces, understand?"
She's trembling now, eyes fixed on the knife as I press the flat of the blade against her cheek hard enough to leave a thin red line. A thin whine issues from her throat as she gives a tiny, frantic nod.
Sneering in disgust, I release her and she sags against the wall, sucking in ragged gasps. I turn on my heel and stalk away, jerking my head at my men.
"Clean up this mess," I call over my shoulder. "And make sure every rat-hole they crawl from is filled in. I want them to disappear."
Sliding the knife back into my pocket, I allow myself a grim smile as I head for the exit. Yena is safe now. I've paid the butcher's bill.
And made it crystal clear what will happen if anyone else threatens what's mine again. Next time...I'll leave more than just a warning.
I slide into the driver's seat of my car, adrenaline still coursing hot through my veins from the confrontation at the warehouse. The tires screech as I stomp on the gas and peel onto the freeway. I have to drive for several miles before I can get my breathing under control and calm myself.
I'm out of range of the warehouse when I finally make a decision. Yanking my phone free, I punch in Yul's number with a shaky finger.
It rings only once before he answers, voice tense. "Yeah?"
"It's done," I say flatly, the words leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. "The debt is paid in full."
There's a sharp indrawn breath on the other end of the line. "How...? How did you manage that kind of money so fast?"
I lean my head back against the headrest, bone-deep exhaustion settling over me now that the rush has faded. "Don't ask questions you don't want the answers to, Yul. Just be grateful I took care of your mess."
There's a long moment of charged silence.
"I don't know what to say. How can I ever pay you back?" he asks, voice thick with emotion.
A harsh bark of laughter escapes me. "You can start by never putting Yena in danger like this again. Be a real husband to her. Protect her better than you did."
The line goes quiet for a minute. When Yul speaks again, his voice is subdued. "You don't have to tell me that. I'll never forgive myself for this."
Rubbing a hand over my face wearily, I sigh. "If you had just come to me from the beginning...it would have been alright."
"Inha..." He trails off, unable to find the words.
"Save it," I mutter, cutting him off. "Just focus on Yena's recovery. Be there for her."
My throat works as I swallow hard against the lump of emotion rising. "Don't make me have to fix things for you again, Yul."
Ending the call, I toss my phone onto the passenger seat and grip the steering wheel tightly. My knuckles ache from the beatings I doled out, a fitting punishment. If only I could absolve the anguish in my heart as easily.
I close my eyes, Yena's battered, haunted expression swimming up from my memories. The thought of her going through that trauma alone while I was obliviously at work makes me feel sick. Some husband I turned out to be.
A part of me wants to tell her everything—the debt I know owe my mother, the beatings, the threats I issued to those animals. To lay it all at her feet and beg for forgiveness. But I can't bring myself to burden her further after all she's been through.
It's better she not know. The balance between myself and Yul is obviously way off now, but we can work that out between ourselves. Yena doesn't need to know about any of this ugliness or what it cost me to get it.
No, it's better this way. I'll keep those demons buried, locked away where they can never taint her light again. Yena deserves to recover in peace, to start fresh and move forward untainted by the ugliness.
I'll refortify the walls around us, guard her with every breath. And pray that it's enough.
Gripping the wheel tighter, I start back toward the hospital, to be back at her side.
I only wish Yul had listened then. I wish he had gone back and supported her like I told him to. Wish he had been the better husband I asked of him when I paid his debts. Maybe then I would've been able to forgive him. Maybe it would have prevented what happened next.