How can one claim innocence in the face of so many testimonies and physical evidence? Isn't it better to have someone to help you out at this time?

Sherida Macallis didn't have such a person on her side.

She can only voice her anger at the betrayal and incompetence of the people she had to do these stunts for her. 

She was left alone in the interrogation room stunned by the meticulous information the two cops gathered about her and her deeds. 

She frowned when reality crashed upon her head.

Prison! She can truly go to prison because of those things. 

Her father had to help.

"Hey. Don't I have a lawyer? Where is he? You can't do anything to me without my lawyer." Sherida yelled as loud as she can to whoever was listening outside. This went on for five minutes until Officer Llyod returned to the room.

"Miss Macallis. Your father rejected our proposal to call individual lawyers for him and his family. This means you are your own counsel unless you have the means to contact a lawyer on your own. You still have your one phone call. I'll give you some time to make a decision."

He left without waiting for her response. 

As a matter of fact, he didn't expect one because her face became white as chalk after he uttered the first sentence to her. Sherida realized even further how deep in ruin she was.

"Who.. who can I call?" she said softly. She moved her hands to bury her face in them but metal banging against each other. "Ugh! Stupid... Take these things off. They're hurting my wrists." Her annoyance made her stray from the pressing situation for a while before it returned. She had no one to call. A few names popped up in her head but knew that it will spark more problems. She can't play the 'wronged pretty princess' this time. The families that could have helped were the ones facing ridicule at the moment. The others who she can say are acquaintances are nobodies with no power to move any influential lawyer.

What to do?

                                                                      ~~~~~~~~

The wife was spiraling in despair about her future prospects.

The daughter was cursing her lack of people on her side.

But what of the man who dragged them both into his mess?

 Handcuffed Josef Macallis and Kyle Lanley were escorted to their specific interview rooms . Chained to the metal desks, the two sat loftily on the chairs waiting for their interrogators.

A veteran detective and a seasoned FBI agent entered the two rooms. In their hands were files boxes and laptops, greeting the men solemnly they made themselves comfortable and began the questioning. 

The police chief was situated in another room watching the live feed of both rooms. Accompanying him was a young man in an immaculately pressed tailored suit. His appearance was clean-cut and of an elegant disposition. The chief generously offered the main seat for the young man and sat beside him. The FBI agent who was assigned this cleaning job, mimicked the police chief's action. The three officers and agents who witnessed this had some silent questions of this young man.

Though he had the typical look of a handsome Caucasian man, they can tell he was of foreign background. His blonde hair was lush and tucked neatly behind his ears. Grey eyes were steady and held no fluctuating emotion towards his surroundings. 

This was Seref Floran.

One of Eros Delacourde's trusted aide.

It was known throughout the circles in society that moved everyone's day to day life how meticulous the Delacourdes were. To earn the position of an aide to one of the 'princes' from the main family was an honor to the person and an envious title for others. Others know how ruthless one must be to be in that family.

Seref was appointed the overseer for Pasadena while the boss and his main assistants are away.

"Have this finished within an hour. The media will become impatient soon. You will make a statement of vague charges at the end of the day. Within the next week, the main charges will be sent to our chosen media houses. Please document everything. We wish for this to be completed soon. It is very annoying." Seref spoke in neither a docile nor dominating. It was steady and filled with authority. There was no loophole for anyone to argue.

"Yes, sir." The two senior officials answered dutifully and placed their focus on the interrogation.

The younger ones who were listening in flinched at this tone and order. A police chief and a senior agent were taking orders from an outsider. Their views were turned.

Was it all true? There's always someone behind the scenes. They were all characters in someone else's world.

"Please state your name, age, and the date of today."

       "According to your earlier refusal when the Miranda's Rights stated, do you wish to stay with that answer?"

"Are you adamant in refusing to call or appoint a lawyer for your family members?"

     "Would you please tell us your journey to your current success?"

"What is your relationship with ......."

These were the first questions given to both Josef Macallis and Kyle Lanley. It was all recorded and physically documented. The questions were straightforward and didn't lead to an ambiguous nature. To a layman this was normal procedure but to the officers viewing the interrogations, they frowned.
The detained were being asked common questions that can be found in their personal information data. Why start so simple? Weren't these men responsible for lives that were in constant danger? Layman's living? WHy so docile with them?

They were about to question their superiors when both senior cops in the room opened the box they entered with and began to read.

At first Chairman Macallis and his assistant held proud expressions on their faces, their confidence and high self esteem placed them in a state of calm during this 'unsettling' experience. Their confidence came from the achievements they succeeded in, the wealth they both had at their disposal and the fool proof backup plans they made. 

When those who make it to the pinnacle they create for themselves and gain superiority in their stagnant state, they tend to ignore those above them.

This is the current state the two are currently in.

The cops began to read reports on the Macallis' first housing projects, its success and popularity. They continued by picking out certain figures, netting the link together before crushing it all together. When the evidence of fraud, public endangerment and bribery were placed in front of them, the two men distinctly heard a little crack on their pinnacle.

This went on for another hour. The arrogance changed to disbelief. Fear and anxiety began as more charges piled up. The evidence was clear and each truth had documents to back it up.

Their pinnacle was crumbling.

Kyle Lanley weakly asked for a lawyer. The cop and agent opposite him frowned. 

"You waivered your rights for an attorney during this investigation, sir," the officer answered.

Kyle began to calculate his survival if he goes against Macallis. A lesser jail sentence? His eyes flickered to the FBI agent who didn't speak a word for over an hour. He was quietly listening on as the offenses dropped one by one. 
Kyle knew he had little possibility of walking out of the station. All of their secrets were dug up. He was meticulous in cleaning up what they did. Someone recovered it all. The thought of someone having the means to do that made him shudder. What can he do?

Right! Those Korean fuckers. If they're going down, it will be right for their business partners to follow.

"How much off of my sentence will I get if I give you some information?"

                              ~~~~~~~~

In the interrogation room of Josef Macallis, the FBI agent received an email from his colleague. The contents were viewed and it took everything in him not to laugh aloud at the turn of events. The mentality of these 'rich' people was fascinating. Another example was the man in front of him.

The well-known chairman was now a dying fish on the mainland. He was trying to refute some of the offenses but evidence always trumps his excuses. His eyes lost its luster and arrogance. Slowly it was all coming clear. Macallis faintly realized that everything before him was clear-cut. The police dug up a lot of incriminating things but he couldn't understand why things came to light. He paid off a lot of people and held a knife over their heads, why did they cooperate with the cops so easily?

Was he missing something?

"Mr. Macallis? Are you okay?" the cop asked. 

Josef was able to pull himself back from his minor enlightment by the call of his name. "Ah, yes." He answered in a defeated voice. It wasn't staged because this was his true feeling. If he, the one under heavy investigation, query about the original report on him, he will have another layer of gulit placed on his image.  In addition to that, he can't keep on denying everything. From the content volume in the box, he was smart enough to know that he was cornered. He can give the authorities this round.

He began thinking of the status of his companies and stocks. Was the appointed CEO keeping his company afloat? How bad is the public outrage? 

What about his investors? 

His enemies? This was the right time to pick him apart. 

What is going on out there?

Josef can only thank the heavens that his secondary business was away from the public's eyes. During the trial proceedings he can have his lawyer get him some leniency. Having a criminal record is one black mark one shouldn't have on his public record but he had to grit and bear it. He must keep his position in the business circle. If he and Kyle are jailed, the only person who can keep up appearances is his only child, Sherida. 
He frowned at the thought of putting that child as a placeholder. She didn't understand the business, nor knows how to act appropiately. 
'Fuck it. If she was more pleasing to the eye then she could of trapped that Korean kid. He's a perfect fit for his company now. I have no other choice but to leave it to her,' he cursed inwardly.

"Officers," Macallis deeply sighed and tried to lift his hands to rub his tired eyes. The restriction of the chains, added to his slump shoulders placed him in an image of defeated opponent.

The two men opposite him gave him a nod to continue with whatever he cooked up.

"I-It's best for me to simply agree to all of this," he continued and gestured to the evidence placed before him. "If we go on, it will be like beating a dead horse - useless. I have no more to say. I wish to simply follow the proceedings of my incarerations and wait for my trial."

"Are you saying you're willingly owning up to each offense and crime we have here on you?" This was the first time the FBI agent spoke. It not only confused Macallis by his initiative to speak but his words; he was now cautious with his next words.

"With everything Officer Marlo brought forward, I surely can't refute any. Its wise for me to give up and wait."

The fed smiled and uttered one word - "Smart."

"Excuse me?" Macallis placed his attention on the man.

"I didn't want to add to your troubles but I have some bad news for you. Do you wish to hear it now or at a later time with your lawyer?"

This time he had to think about it. He was thinking with a clear head, Macallis knew now that anything is possible. If he says yes, then according to the bad news he may fall in a deeper pit. Saying no will leave him in an anxious state until the next time he sits in a room like this.

 Won't it be safer to let all the bad wash over him and wait for the good news after? 

What news can the Feds possibly dig up in so little time? The Bureau covers a wide range of illegal activities. Its one in a million chance that they will pick up on his secondary business.

Macallis was solemn when he answered positively to the agent. 

"Mr. Macallis, your matchmaking business 'Promise me Forever' with your business partner Min Hanjool was reported to Immigration Authorities. It was a humble citizen showing concern for their neighbor which snowballed into us, the FBI, becoming involved."

No response came from the man. He was visibly stunned. His eyes were wide, filled with shock. The Fed didn't give him a chance to digest the news.

"Can you explain to me the procedures you did with our country's Immigration Department along with the US and Korea Embassy? During out investigation, the documents for authorization and permission from the secondary parties were all forged. Not to mention their entry. We were forced to seek overseas help with this case. Mr. Macallis do you know the sentencing for human traffickers?" This time the agent removed his calm demeanor. Even the officer beside him showed his pure disgust and disdain for this man.

That was one of their bottom line and what they fight against with the help of the families under the Seal.

How can they stay calm?

"Mr. Macallis!!! Please explain the purpose for the affliated wedding chapel in Las Vegas. Mr. Langley has cooperated with us and we are waiting on our associates in New Mexico. We also have all the 'documents' we need to place you in jail for the rest of your life. The only question is - are you willing to chat with us?"

How lucky was the chairmain to win that one in a million chance!

                                                                                              ~~~~~~

One family was destroyed. Another family was about to be reunited.

"How is he?" The concerned voice of Eros Delcourde filtered through the earpiece of Assistant Isla.

"Anxious. He's putting away the miscellanous itmes he had us purchase in the apartment for his mother and ... step-father?"

".... I think its uncle. You can clarify this with Jin."

The two were a bit confused as to how to address Madam Han Eun-Kyung's bodyguard. It was clear that Jaejin shared a strong relationship with the man but a title hasn't been confirmed publicly of the two.

"Will do. Overall, he's in a happy state. The guys have confirmed their entry at the airport and should be here in less than thirty minutes. The staff for the selected apartment have been thoroughly checked and testimonials on them have been verified. The kitchen is stocked and according to the young master's guidance, appropiate clothing have been purchased for the two." Isla finished her report with a warm smile.

Eros chuckled on the other end of the phone. "He's such a filial son. Good job. Watch over him, don't let him get too emotional. I don't want him too overwhelmed. Alot has happened over the past weeks. There might be a situation when he sees his mother. Please handle it gently."

"Yes, young master, I will listen to instructions." Isla's smile widen. Their boss was speaking freely now. Usually his commands were sent through his friends who were always by his side but things changed gradually over time. His friends no longer held their protective circle but gently pulled him into society with the help of Jaejin. This was a great progress for the Second Prince.

"I'll be returning in two days. I'm leaving him in your hands. Don't disappoint me."

"Please trust me with the young mater's welfare. I won't let you down." Isla was solemn with her words. She cared for Jaejin like an older sister and want nothing but unobstructed happiness for him. He was a delicate yet stubborn flower she and everyone around him wish to protect.

"Good."

The call was ended abruptly. This made her laugh. It was Eros's style to do things straightforwardly including mannerisms.

Tucking away her phone, she left the penthouse and made her way to the family suite that was prepared for Jajin's mother. Two floors below the private penthouses, this apartment was designed for long term stay whether it was businessmen or families, even wanderers. Four suites were like this in the hotel and are usually booked in advance. Thanks to the loyalty the owner had for his previous young master, he quickly made the adjustments. 

Entering the suite, she immediately took off her shoes and placed them in the corner and slipped into a pair of disposable slippers. This wasn't new. This practice was developed when she first worked as Jaejin's at-home-nurse. A few things were introduced to her and she learned from Jaejin, his mother instilled her homeland etiquitte in him from manners all the way to keeping a clean home so he can be independent when he leaves her side.

"Young master?!"

"The master bedroom."

Isla followed  his voice and found him placing the final touches on the beautifully made bed.

"You're so wife material," she blurted out. Her young boss had his hair held back with a colorful head band and dressed in loose casual clothes optimum for household chores. The entire suite was more lively and welcoming, this was all of Jaejin's efforts. Who wouldn't want someone of this caliber taking care of their home.

"Hey~" His cute complaint was too much for her, she couldn'r help but smile at the guy. 

"Sorry, young master. Your mother and uncle have arrived. Thirty minites until they reach the hotel. I've already booked a private box in the lounge downstairs. Why don't you get ready? Freshen up," she offered.

Jaejin's onyx eyes glittered with happiness. His excitement was infectious. She can feel how much he was longing to see his mother. Her heart ached as she recalled how long the two have been apart and was stuck with short monitored phone calls. All that they went through were confided in her.

"Alright. I won't be long. I will meet you downstairs." 

He didn't wait for her confirmation, he rushed back to the penthouse and meticulously chose his outfit for his reunion. He no longer hid behind baggy clothes and lengthy hair. It will be novel to dress fashionably to bring back joy to his mother. She loved to dress him in bright colors to match his personality when they were together in New Mexico. From young he knew his mother cherished these moments because one day he would have been taken from her. Eun-Kyung doted on him but never let it spill onto him being spoiled. She taught him well. He was and still is her pride and joy.

"I have to make sure my face is washed carefully. Umma can spot the difference," he mumbled under his breath as he chose his outfit. Walking further into the closet to the jewelry section a notification sound on his phone. Retrieving it, he saw Eros's name.

'I'll be home in two days. What do you want as a gift?' - Eros

Jaejin grinned mischieviously. There was certainly something he always wanted. It was too girly for a man to wear it but he did his research and say the male version to it. They were only available at a certain exclusive boutique. Maybe its his feminine side that had the obesession to grab one, but here was someone granting that opportunity.

'A rich-widower robe. Red Satin. Jusame Boutique.' - Jaejin

Two minutes passed.

'Am I missing something? Is a plot being carried out at the moment?' - Eros

'There's no plot at the moment. We aren't married and you haven't signed over all your assests to me. You're safe at the moment.' - Jaejin

'Makes sense. I want an interesting death.' - Eros

'I'll make it a grand show worthy of your name.' - Jaejin

His cheeks hurt from the silly grin on his face. Their weird conversations went up a level since they parted and teasing each other became second nature.

'Anxious?' - Eros

'Yes. Excited also. Thank you.' - Jaejin

'You're happy. That's all I need.' - Eros

'You're so easy to please.' - Jaejin

'Isn't that a good thing?' - Eros

'Definitely so. Oh, don't forget a greeting gift for Umma and Uncle. Your price range is less than $5000.' - Jaejin

'......  ^_^ ...... okay.' - Eros

Jaejin was dumbstruck. Not by the emoticon that was used but the hidden conjecture behind it.

'Please think of the mortals below you, god Eros. Your riches are blinding.' - Jaejin

'Heh. Will do from now on.' - Eros

'Leave me. I'll be cleaning thyself in a few moments.' - Jaejin

'Your teasing words have become eloquent. I like it.' - Eros

"Pfft~ This guy." 

Checking the time, he took a quick shower and got dressed slowly. He made sure his hair was neatly groomed, and that his face was clearly washed along with his face cream evenly applied. After looking at himself in the standing mirror, his cheeks burned up in self-embarassment. 

He was truly a momma's boy.

The stone grey jeans was wrinkle free, the tan low cut shoes were clean with neatly tied laces and the horizontal striped tan and white sweater was perfect on his body. His tall stature and handsome looks made his image look pure. 

He took a few photos and sent them to his partner.

'Sigh. I will be home soon, sweet Jin.' - Eros

"This guy only knows to say sweet words. Tsk! Miss the guy though," he said to himself. 

Chasing away the momentary sad feelings, he left the penthouse and met up with two body guards who were waiting for him by the elevator.

"Young master!" They slightly bowed their heads in greeting and called the elevator to their floor.

"Hello. How far are they?" he asked quietly as they waited on the slow moving metal box.

"If you calculate the time and road traffic, plus the driver, fifteen minutes," one answered.

Jaejin nodded in acknowledgement and began to fidget with his belt, leaving the guards amuused. It wasn't a secret to them on how high the pedestal which the young master placed his mother on was. They had a inside joke on what level both young masters placed their respective mothers. It was cute to watch how filial they both were.

"Contact Isla. Let the chef start the orders. I know she won't stay in the lounge for long, so a quick meal will suffice. She will want to unwind after that mess."

"Yes, young master," they answered dutifully. Ushering him into the elevator, they had a comfortable ride down and an unhindered walk to the lounge. 
The private box was grand. The luxurious decor and furniture weren't gaudy. The colors and tones, also the design were beautifully matched. One or two potted plants were placed in good areas as not to take away attention from the aquarium that was wide as the wall itself.

Entering, one can feel relaxed. 

The three person table was already set, the waiter was setting up the mini bar in the corner and Isla was giving her final touches to the flower arrangements delivered to them an hour ago. He was genuinely touched when he read the names of the senders. They haven't met him in a physical sense yet they went out of their way to welcome his mother and uncle into the family.

Walking to the endtable beside the L-Shaped sofa, he picked up the card then glanced at the gifts placed on a large silver tray. A small arrangement of purple and white Wisteria sat elegantly in a marble vase and a Ficus Bonsai Tree stood stately beside it. Jaejin knew what each plant represented. Both catered to his mother and uncle's turning point and gifting them these plants are a sign of welcome and an outstretched hand waiting to be grasped. He read the card.

    'From one family to another,
Welcome to our family. You are not only the in-laws to our son but now his second set of parents as we are for Jaejin. This is a new path for you two. We wish you all the happiness that this world can offer, sincerely so. If you are in need for anything feel free to pull out the son-in-law card. Your fellow parents, Raizon & Arianna'

"They are really great people," he said softly. Isla caught his words and smiled in return. 

Family meant alot to everyone hence the blind loyalty and trust everyone had for each other. Roles of boss and subordinates were a facade for what was underneath that. Brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, they were all bounded by those titles. With Jaejin being the sole partner of their Second Prince, it was easy to accept his mother and uncle. They were now protected by the Seal. 

"Soon you will feel it ten fold when you offically meet them in Boston."

                                                                          ~~~~~~~

"It's so relaxing."

Han Eun-Kyung had a carefree smile on her face as she laid back in a relaxed position in the car. Ji-Hun couldn't help but relax also upon seeing that smile. It has been years since he saw this side of her. In his eyes, she will always be the goddess he fell in love with when he was a teenager. 

Coming out of his self- restraint, he reached for her delicate and languid hand that was on lap. He no longer had to hide his undying love for her. She was free from her family and her detestable ex-husband. 

He can have her now.

Eun-Kyung didn't refuse him. She smoothly intertwined their fingers and softly glanced his way. Oh how she wished he was the man who brought life to the son she loved. Ji-Hun was always her forbidden fruit, now she can have him.

His body relaxed when she didn't refuse him.

"Its a great state to visit or retire and also to quietly develop." The driver was Druex. This was his final task - Escort the inlaws to the young master. Simple.

"I was apprehensive when Jin chose a college in this state. I haven't heard of any through word of mouth so I had to research it myself."

"The best colleges are the low key ones in my opinion. The Art College that young master attends is very thorough in their teachings of art. A few famous movie directors and photgraphers are graduates from there but only folks who dive deep into the arts or are fans knows of this." Druex was a chatterbox when it comes to fun or interesting subjects. He was a great companion for the couple on their trip to Pasadena.

"Oh! That's a relief. Jaejin said the college was the best place for the field he wants to enter. I'm glad he chose well now but I'm worried about this career in this country." As any mother, Eun-Kyung will worry about her son's future. She wasn't too far from the ongoings of the society, to not know of trending jobs in the country. 
The career of an animator is profitable and competitive in the East but in the US, she didn't know how demanding they were.

"It depends on his path," Druex commented. He, too, know of how less popular jobs are treated and to get better treatment or oppurtunities, they look for remote jobs.

"Young master's works are in storytelling animation. The art work mimics Japanese anime portrayal but the story lines are western, sometimes Korean. They are pretty cool. I sent you the link of the latest one. You will like it. One of the character reminds me of you." The enthusiatic comment came from the body guard in the passenger seat.

"He reached that far already? I saw some artwork on his Instagram, I didn't think he went that far," Druex commented. He was genuinely interested that he forgot that he was talking to his new boss's mother. 

Eun-Kyung didn't mind. Her pride as a mother shone through. These men were talking about her child and commenting their admiration of his work. 

Who said her child was useless?

Her Jaejin was a gem; not to mention the tone of respect that was heard when he was referred to as 'young master'. Her child found a great home.

Ji-Hun saw the changes of emotions in her and that shine in her eyes whenever little Jaejin was on her mind. He squeezed her hand, showing her that he too was proud of the child.
The two quietly listened to the two who were talking about Jaejin's works but shifted to an arguement of a certain anime that had over a thousand episodes to date. 

They traveled in a cheerful atmosphere, arriving at the hotel safely. Four men in uniformed black suits approached the car when they parked. Ji-Hun became alert but was stopped by Druex.

"These four are a few of the young master's bodyguards. They will escort you inside and also be assigned to you whenever you decide to venture outside. This change will be great for you both, the young master will explain more in detail. Welcome to the Delacourde family, Madam Han and Master Ji-Hun!"

The cheeky smile of Druex left the couple in a daze. 

"Yes. Thank you." "Thank you."

Eun-Kyung and Ji-Hun left the confines of the car after that mind blasting news, only to be greeting enthusiatically by these intimidating men.

"Welcome, Madam and Master!"

"Oh! Thank you. This is all too much," Eun-Kyung returned.

"Respect and courtesy has been ingrained in our bones. It will be of no use to get them to stop." A firm yet melodic voice came from the entrance, directed at them specifically. The couple turned their head to see a tall, graceful blonde walking towards them. Her simple attire of a pair of jeans and a champagne colored sleeveless blouse didn't take away her professionalism and position within the entourage.
"Hello, Madam Han and Master Ji-Hun. I am Isla Ford, Young Master Jaejin's assistant."

'Assistant?!' Eun-Kyung was caught off guard by this. She knew her son was living comfortably due to the status of his boyfriend but she didn't expect it to be at this extent.

The couple greeted her with bewildered expressions while Isla was internally cursing her young master for not softening the blow on his family. Ah, this kid.

"Please follow me. He's anxiously waiting inside."

Hearing that her son was waiting, Eun-Kyung clutched onto Ji-Hun's arm and hastened her steps as she followed Isla. She couldn't help but feel nervous. Jaejin went through so much and she wasn't able to be by his side or comfort him. She lost the chance to be a mother in his time of need. Eun-Kyung felt guilty of this and had a thought that Jaejin will resent her for that. That negative thought vanished. Her sweet child preffered to be her support than she become his.

Her vision was slightly blurred as they walked. 

Ji-Hun boldly placed a kiss on her head, surprising her by this move. "Ji-hun." A slight blush rose on her cheeks making her even more ethereal.

"Little Jin hates to see you cry. Smile for me, my fairy goddess." His slow whisper in her ear made her blush brighter.

"S-Stop it, you." She cleared her throat to regain her calm but couldn't but stick closer to Ji-Hun. When they reached the lounge and made their way to the private room, it took everything in her not to rush in.

Isla opened the door. Ji-hun held Eun-Kyung's hand and allowed her to enter first. 

She didn't see the luxurious room, the colorful fishes, or the fine china on the table. She didn't even pay attention to the plants on the large silver tray.

All she saw was her son.

Eun-Kyung last saw her son with long beautiful dark hair with a seemingly permanent look of caution. Desperation was in his eyes to find a better place for them both and away from his father. It hurt her to see the son who should be happy, act that way.

There he was, standing before her with the brightest smile she has ever seen on the face that was similar to hers. 

"Umma!"

The tears she held rolled down her pearl-like face. Her black diamond eyes glittered under the room light and shone brightly with love for her son. Taking a step towards him, Jaejin did the same.

"Umma, please don't cry. Look! I'm safe and healthy." That innoncent smile struck her heart. She couldn't help but hear the voice of the five year old version of him, The last word resonated something within her.

Panic. Anxiety. Helplessness. 

She closed the distance between them and frantically looked at the places he was previously injured. His arm. His face. His leg. His stomach. When she saw faint marks from stitches and the obvious stab wound. Each discovery was an agonizing cry.

Jaejin felt weak. He couldn't stop his mother from crying. He hated it. She deserved to be happy every day.

"Umma.... I .... Umma..." He didn't know what to say. 

She pulled him into a tight hug, crying against his shoulder voicing her past fears in their native tongue. His eyes burned with tears as he listened on. His gaze moved to his god-father who silently stood behind his mother. The man who was his greatest hero stood there and allowed his emotions flow. 

His hero was crying.

His mother was crying.

They nearly lost him.

He almost left them.

Stiffly he wrapped his arms around his mother and apologized to her. Its a bit illogical because it was he who was plotted against but apologizing seemed to be right at the moment. 

"Aegiya. My Aegiya." His mother held him tighter and and gently stroked his head. "My precious Jaejin. Please don't scare mother like this again. You're my heart. Remember that." Her tearful voice tore at his heart.

"Yes, Umma." His own tears fell. Burying his face on her shoulder, he held onto her like a lifeline. She was with him now. It was all over. He's alive and she as well.

Yes, they were alive.

Ji-Hun stepped closer to them and placed his hand gently on Jaejin's head. A small smile was on his lips as he looked at both mother and son.

 "Its good that you're here, Little Jin."