Jin-woo's carefully orchestrated plans had led him to this moment — the last piece of his revenge puzzle was within reach. With a calculated calmness, he arrived at the address where Do-hyun's mother, Eun-sook, lived. The neighborhood was quiet, serene, and seemed a world away from the chaos he had subtly unleashed in Do-hyun's life. But soon, even this sanctuary would be tainted with doubt and betrayal.
Eun-sook opened the door, her face lighting up with a warm smile when she saw him. She had met him once before through Do-hyun, years back, and her memory of him was nothing but positive. Jin-woo kept his demeanor respectful, humble, and carefully observant, a son-like figure who seemed trustworthy and gentle.
"Mrs. Yoon," he greeted with a courteous nod. "I hope I'm not intruding. I wanted to check in… I've been worried about Do-hyun."
Eun-sook's face softened, and she ushered him inside, offering tea as they settled in her cozy living room. Jin-woo subtly introduced doubts about Do-hyun's recent behavior, hinting at changes he'd observed in him, behaviors that worried him. He framed his words carefully, making it seem like genuine concern rather than direct accusation.
"It's just… I noticed he's been a bit distant from everyone," he murmured, lowering his gaze as if hesitant to reveal too much. "I thought maybe he was going through something, but he won't talk to anyone about it."
Eun-sook frowned, concern creasing her brow. "He hasn't visited me as often as he used to either. Maybe he's… hiding something?"
Jin-woo placed a comforting hand over hers, his expression filled with gentle empathy. "Mrs. Yoon, I'm sure it's not you. Sometimes people just lose sight of what matters… I just hope he realizes what he has before it's too late."
Over time, he visited Eun-sook more frequently, always under the guise of concern for Do-hyun's well-being. Gradually, she came to rely on his visits, her trust in him growing with each encounter. Jin-woo was attentive and kind, offering her comfort in a way she hadn't felt in years. One evening, as they sat together, their conversation grew intimate, and the unspoken tension between them finally surfaced. Their connection became deeper, more personal, as Jin-woo became a presence she couldn't ignore.
He maintained their connection, visiting her frequently, and each time, he ensured that the trust and intimacy between them only grew. And then, on a day he knew Do-hyun would be near, Jin-woo arranged a visit, making sure their paths would cross.
That afternoon, as Jin-woo and Eun-sook shared an affectionate moment by her window, he caught sight of Do-hyun in the distance, his face twisted in shock and horror as he realized the betrayal unfolding before him. Jin-woo held Eun-sook close, his gaze meeting Do-hyun's over her shoulder, a dark glint of satisfaction in his eyes.
Do-hyun's entire world unraveled in that instant, and Jin-woo knew his mission was complete. The anguish on Do-hyun's face, the final blow to his pride and security, was the ultimate fulfillment of his plan. As Do-hyun stormed off, Jin-woo's satisfaction lingered, knowing that he had taken everything from the man who once betrayed him.
The message arrived as expected. Do-hyun, blinded by his rage and desperation, had summoned Jin-woo for a confrontation, no longer able to bear the slow, torturous unraveling of his life. Jin-woo smirked as he read the message, already preparing the final steps of his plan. He invited Eun-sook along, and though he assured her it was just a chance to get some fresh air, he knew this encounter would leave an irreversible mark.
They arrived at the secluded park, where Do-hyun was pacing with furious intensity. Jin-woo made sure to guide Eun-sook to a hidden spot nearby, instructing her to stay out of sight, but close enough to overhear the exchange. She was curious, perhaps a bit uneasy, but trusted Jin-woo enough to follow his lead.
As Jin-woo approached, Do-hyun's eyes narrowed, the hatred radiating from him like a palpable force.
"Finally brave enough to face me?" Do-hyun sneered, his fists clenched.
Jin-woo chuckled softly. "Oh, I've been waiting for this, Do-hyun. You thought you could betray me and get away with it, didn't you? That I wouldn't see right through you."
Do-hyun's face twisted with anger. "And what exactly have you 'seen,' Jin-woo? You're nothing but a parasite, crawling into places you don't belong!"
Jin-woo leaned in, his voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "You used me, used everyone. To you, people are nothing but tools, things to possess and discard. Yoon-jin, Soo-ah, even your so-called 'friends' — all just tools for your filthy desires."
Do-hyun's sneer turned into an ugly grin. "And so what if they are? They're just women. Tools to be used for what I want."
At that moment, Eun-sook stepped out of her hiding place, her face pale with shock and disappointment. Her son's cruel words struck her like a slap, but her gaze hardened as she approached. Without hesitation, she raised her hand and slapped Do-hyun across the face, the sound echoing in the quiet night. Do-hyun staggered back, looking at her in stunned disbelief.
"Am I just a tool to you, Do-hyun?" she demanded, her voice trembling with a mixture of heartbreak and rage.
Do-hyun stammered, trying to collect himself. "Mother, I—"
Before he could finish, she turned to Jin-woo and, with a sense of finality, pulled him close, pressing a lingering kiss to his lips. Her actions were deliberate, a clear and unbreakable declaration in front of her son. She looked back at Do-hyun, her gaze filled with disdain.
"Jin-woo is more of a man than you'll ever be," she said coldly. "He sees people for who they are, not as things to own."
With that, she took Jin-woo's hand, ready to lead him away. But Jin-woo had one last thing to say.
As he stepped up to Do-hyun, he lowered his voice, a smirk curving his lips. "Oh, and by the way, I'm the one who's been with all your girlfriends, too. They needed someone who'd treat them with respect — something you clearly know nothing about."
Do-hyun's face contorted in fury, his fists clenched and shaking. Before he could react, Jin-woo pulled a small vial from his pocket, placing a single pill in Do-hyun's mouth forcefully and whispered.
"I just made you swollow a filthy poison pill like you."
Do-hyun's glare turned to a mix of confusion and fear. , He wanted to screams but he hesitated Jin-woo's icy gaze left him no choice. Trembling, Do-hyun swallowed his voice along with the pill, his mind racing as Jin-woo leaned in close, his voice a mere whisper in Do-hyun's ear.
"The antidote… you'll find it at the pool where you wanted to steal my wife," Jin-woo murmured, a smirk playing on his lips. "But hurry. It won't last forever. And while you're fighting for your life, I'll be right here… with your mother."
As Do-hyun stumbled away in a frantic dash toward the pool, Jin-woo turned back to Eun-sook, taking her hand with a reassuring smile. He led her back to her home, their night filled with a closeness and intimacy that left no doubt about the depth of their connection.
Meanwhile, Do-hyun's frenzied search at the pool was futile, as he realized, too late, that he'd already lost everything — including his own sense of self.
After an evening spent savoring the culmination of his revenge with Eun-sook, Jin-woo left her sleeping peacefully, oblivious to the darkness he was about to unleash. He walked calmly to the pool, where he had left Do-hyun scrambling to find the nonexistent antidote.
The scene before him was almost pathetic. Do-hyun, pale and shaking, was slumped against the edge of the pool, drenched in cold sweat. His eyes were wide, darting around in desperation, convinced his time was running out. When he noticed Jin-woo approaching, his face twisted with both terror and a sliver of hope.
"Where's the antidote?" Do-hyun rasped, his voice trembling. "I did what you said, Jin-woo… please, just give it to me."
Jin-woo knelt beside him, his expression unfeeling, holding out a piece of paper. "Not quite yet. First, I want you to write something for me."
He handed Do-hyun a pen, and as he spoke, his voice was slow, methodical. "Write that you're a filthy, pathetic excuse for a human. Admit everything you've done, all the people you've used, the lives you've ruined." He leaned closer, his tone dropping to a chilling whisper. "Show some accountability… for once in your life."
Do-hyun's hands shook, but under the weight of Jin-woo's gaze, he began to write. Each line Jin-woo dictated was filled with degrading admissions, an acknowledgment of his own cruelty and the emptiness that had driven him to manipulate everyone around him. By the time he reached the end, his own words had condemned him, leaving him staring at the paper, broken.
Jin-woo took the letter from him, scanning it with satisfaction. But then, with slow deliberation, he pulled out a damp cloth from his pocket, wiping away the marks with practiced ease, leaving Do-hyun's handwriting intact.
Do-hyun's eyes widened in realization, his face going white. "W-What… What are you doing?"
Jin-woo's smile was devoid of warmth. "I'm giving you one last choice, Do-hyun. This letter? It's your farewell. A final confession for a man who's finally accepted what he truly is." He tucked the letter into his pocket and looked Do-hyun dead in the eye. "You were never poisoned, Do-hyun."
Do-hyun's shock morphed into rage, but before he could react, Jin-woo slipped on a pair of gloves and slapped him hard, sending him staggering backward, off-balance. With ruthless efficiency, Jin-woo shoved him into the pool. Do-hyun splashed wildly, his flailing arms creating a cacophony of panicked thrashing as he gasped for air.
Jin-woo knelt by the edge of the pool, watching calmly as Do-hyun's struggles grew weaker. "You see, Do-hyun," he murmured, "this is the end you wrote for yourself. No one's coming to save you. No one's left to care."
As the water stilled, Jin-woo rose, his face emotionless. The final, perfect silence settled around him. With no evidence left but the damning letter, Jin-woo walked away, his steps slow and measured, leaving his past and his revenge submerged in the pool's depths.