"Sometimes the reality is so twisted that I feel I was never a part of it."

----

Majestically walking towards the
crematory, making all the heads turn, Y/N wore an all-black outfit. Her hair was tied into a low ponytail, her eyes sullen due to misery, her aura intimidating the onlookers and she was guarded by at least five men, who helped her walk past the reporters, bugging her for an explanation for the tragedy that recently occurred and the outcome of it.

The boss and one of the prominent employees were brutally murdered and everyone was waiting for a single answer.

Who'll be the next head of Hangang after the ruckus?

Steadily, she placed the white chrysanthemums on Mr. Jun's grave and wished he landed up in hell for all the sins he had done. Once she was done, she walked towards Mrs. Kwon's grave and placed a beautiful bouquet of her favourite flowers- white lilies on it, her head spinning with all her memories.

'You should tell me your love story.'

That's what she said, giggling. How much Y/N wished to at least see her face, maybe if she didn't assign her this task... Maybe...

She would've been alive.

Crematory always brings up bitter memories in her mind, be it her parents, her husband and now, Mrs. Kwon. Certainly, she was caught in a guilt trap.

She solemnly stood in front of her collegue's grave, fighting with her own tears for a while until she heard the screeching voices of the reporters, ready to bash her with numerous questions.

Ignoring all the buzzing questions, she walked towards Minhyuk, the only son of Mrs. Kwon. His state was anything but devastating, he silently gazed at his mother's grave and not a single tear fell from his eyes. He just stood still, like a lifeless rock.

Steadily, his eyes glanced at the woman in front, her own tears fighting their way back and consolingly patting his shoulders. His reddened eyes slowly made contact with hers. Finally, a lone tear subsided from his black orbs, the agonizing portrayal of his misery.

"She's happy, wherever she is right now," Y/N whispered, loud enough for the boy to hear and he couldn't help but burst into tears. The woman, being shaken by his outburst, instantly pulled him into a hug and caressed his back, her tears falling subconsciously.

"M-mom... S-she's gone f-forever!" He wailed, choking on his voice and sobbing uncontrollably.

"Miss Min! Would you-" The blaring voice of the reporter hit her last nerve and she shot the darkest glare on his side, her eyes reddened as if laser light beaming through it, ready to pierce into the poor man's soul. She motioned the guards to throw out these people who were now acting like a 'bugging pest', not even letting the dead rest in peace.

"It's going to be alright." She carerresed the boy's back who didn't seem to calm down and let him cry as much as he wanted.

With a few more words of sympathy coming from her side, she made her way back towards the law firm as she was urgently called up for the meeting along with the board members.

----

[Y/N POV]

Blankly sitting across a group of twenty old men, who were busy shackling up the papers and discussing amongst themselves, I was playing with my pen. The events of the past few days- Jaehoon's blood-curling revelations, Jungkook's lookalike JK, two horrific murders... Everything was lingering in my head like a whirlwind.

I was urgently called up for this meeting including the crucial members of the law firm to elect the next CEO of Hangang law firm. I'm pretty sure some old man from this room having a long work experience would be chosen, not like I care. I do what I like, what I feel, the boss has no say in my work nevertheless because they all know what sort of power I hold here.

Clicking the top of the pen I was caught up in my thoughts until Jaehoon tapped on my shoulder pulling me out of my trance.

I slightly flinched and then paid attention to the respected member of the board, announcing the name of the next CEO.

"Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are bound to choose the next CEO of Hangang. Looking through all the conditions, work experience and cases each individual has solved amongst all the eligible and capable members present here, we've come to a conclusion. It was truly hard to choose this person as the next head but we think the work experience doesn't define one's ability and so, hereby I announce, Miss Min Y/N as the next CEO of Hangang Law Firm." The member announced, taking me aback by shock.

Never in my dreams, I thought of being the head of this law firm, I was satisfied with my current position and other than that, being at such an elite position at my age and work experience was close to impossible. This announcement, honestly, took me in disbelief.

"She might be the youngest amongst us but she deserves this place. Miss Y/N, please come up on the podium." He looked in my direction and called me up, my eyes widened to that of a tennis ball.

Letting out a deep breath, I gained up my composure and got up from my position and held my chin high, walking with confidence towards the podium.

I bowed a little in respect towards the announcer and stood in front of the mic, thinking of some words that would probably appear fitting for a CEO.

"Thank you for giving me this prominent opportunity. Let's work hard for the better and make the glory of Hangang law firm reach the sky." I gave a small speech of acceptance and the others clapped, having credence in my words. I bowed in respect towards everyone and finally, made my way towards my seat.

As expected, I was welcomed with a 'congratulations' from the other board members and Jaehoon flashed a quick genuine smile towards me. After a while, I walked back towards my new cabin.

Well, my cabin as the CEO.

Never in a million years did I even dream of being in this position anytime soon but life surely was throwing me bombastic surprises.

Just as I opened the door, I was welcomed by another unexpected person.

"Mrs. Jeon." That was the only word that came out of my mouth and she looked in my direction, grinning.

----

For an awkward thirty minutes, we sat in front of each other, in the private room of the café. Come to think of it, this is the same place where I met her for the first time and my life turned upside down.

"Congratulations on being the new CEO of Hangang." She sucked in her breath and tried to start a conversation, not like I'm interested. I know there must be something she wants from me. It ain't an everyday event for her to come up to me.

"You can drop in the formalities, Mrs. Jeon. What is it this time?" I sipped my coffee and kept a blank face, but she just smiled.

"Can't I come to meet my daughter-in-"

"Don't... Refrain from calling me that. I know I might get replaced if you wish to. I'm your toy aren't I?" I cut off from speaking anymore and kept my word. Enough of this.

"You ain't, you were never one and you can never be replaced." She swiftly replied, her calm demeanour unwavering. My eyebrows twitched in annoyance at her replies, it's as if she doesn't care about anything other than herself.

"Oh really? Tell me the reason why. Why me?" I questioned, my palms turning into fists and stared at her. She looked up at me and let out a breath and continued.

"Because you're the daughter of my best friend. She would've been alive if I hadn't called her that day. It was her wish to get our kids married, that was the least I could've done to lessen my guilt!" She implored, hot with emotions and that honestly, made me speechless for a good two minutes.

Was this true?

Did I have a wrong image of her set in my mind?

"It... It wasn't your fault. It was an accident."

'No, it was a murder. You know that.' My mind spoke out.

I looked at the other side, warm embers welling up in my eyes remembering my parents, it's been a while since someone spoke about them. Especially after Jaehoon's claims that they were murdered, my insides churned with pent-up anger and regret and now, talking about them like this... I can't have control over my emotions.

"You love my son a lot, don't you?" She questioned and I nodded my head in affirmation. She softly held my hand and caressed it, the warmth of her soft hands encoursing on mine.

"Stay by his side, please." She pleaded, her eyes softening. I think this is the first time I've noticed, the ego-stricken Mrs. Jeon letting out her plea. Truly, had it been a few months ago I wouldn't have believed that my said 'mother-in-law' has a good side to herself.

"Where were you when he was going through all that mess? He was so alone, do you have any idea about that?!" I brushed off my hand from hers, coming back to reality when I realised what Jungkook had gone through all this time without his family to offer a supporting shoulder.

"He loathes his family, I tried to talk to him but he never picks up the call." She explained her stance whilst choking on her voice making me flinch, this was truly unexpected.

Now that I think of it, it makes sense why I never saw Jungkook talking about his family at all.

"Why?" I questioned in a low voice, my tone devoid of any emotions.

"It's our fault, we pressured him a lot from the beginning to take up the family business and then the marriage. Now when I think of it, maybe... Maybe if I supported him a little back then, he wouldn't have been so distant." She continued, which I listened to attentively. Tears welled up in the corner of her eyes and her voice became hoarse, evident that she was trying hard to control herself from crying... Just like me.

"Trust me, I'm happy for him. He's living his dream, that's enough for me. I don't have any remorse for pressuring him to marry you because I know, you're the best one for him." Her eyebrows twitched due to nervousness.

"Have you ever asked him what he wanted?" I let out a deep breath, which I was holding for God knows how many minutes and questioned the woman.

"Yes, I have. You've fought a whole goddamn case because of his ex! I'm a mother Y/N, I know who's good and who's bad for my son. Moreover, he's happy with you, that's what matters to me." She answered and she sounded genuine.

I couldn't help but feel bad for her at this point. Maybe, what she did to her son was wrong at some point but she tried her best to make up for that blunder. Maybe, it's my loss of parents that makes me emotional in such cases either way I don't want Jungkook to regret not meeting his parents before it's too late.

I know how much it hurts once you lose them forever.

"I'll... I'll try to make him have a conversation with you." I solemnly took her trembling hands in mine and rubbed soothing circles on her knuckles. Warm tears finally flowed from the corner of her eyes and she displayed a rare, beautiful smile which took me by surprise,

Mrs. Jeon smiling.

Woah!

In the beginning and in my last life, I always counted her as an eccentric and egoistic woman but now that I look at things with a wider view, she seems like a good person, who just wants to spend some time with her son.

----

[A/N POV]

Time passed away hastily and the two women talked about random topics and when all of the chit-chats were over, mere silence starked upon them. Y/N zoned out for a good two minutes as if to form sentences in her mind because what she was going to ask next wasn't something pleasant. It might be a huge shock to the other.

"I want to ask something," Y/N asked, finally breaking the thick ice and Mrs. Jeon glanced at her, nodding and portraying a small smile.

"Yes?"

"How many brothers does Jungkook have?" As soon as she asked this question, her smile fell as if she had witnessed a ghost but Y/N's demeanour remained constant- stern and straightforward.

"He has two elder brothers, both passed away-" The younger didn't let her continue and banged her tightened fist on the wooden table.

"Don't lie." She dead-planned, her voice devoid of any emotions, making the older confused as ever.

"What?!" The older exclaimed in shock, she pondered how the younger got hold of such an information.

"The eldest son of the Jeons... He's alive." Y/N finally revealed, making the other's eyes go wide like that of ping-pong balls.

"How do y-you-" The other cut her off from speaking further, whilst rolling her eyes. It didn't matter to her if she appeared rude, what angered her was the fact that the older hid such an important piece of information from everyone, in turn, resulting in everyone's life at stake.

"That doesn't matter. Jeon Jukyung didn't commit suicide. He's JK are you aware of that?"

"What?! That monster was long abandoned by the family, we had no idea of his whereabouts." Mrs. Jeon revealed and by the looks of it she sounded genuine and she hated Jukyung as much as Y/N did, her tone said it all. She didn't even want to put that bastard's name on her tongue let alone talk about him but that didn't change the fact that she hid that he was alive.

"Why didn't you let anyone know that he's alive?!" Another question was thrown by the younger and the older sighed.

"Our family's name was put on stake, what do you think will happen to the Kingston group if it gets revealed that the eldest son is a maniac?!" The older spoke out, making the other scoff in disbelief.

"I can't believe what lengths rich people can go to save themselves." She taunted, her tone stern and rude.

"I'm sorry..." Mrs. Jeon lacked words, she didn't know what to say in such a situation but a bigger blow awaited her when Y/N revealed JK's true intentions.

"He's out for blood, he murdered my parents, your second son and now, he's behind Jungkook."

"What-What do you mean?" She stuttered, disbelief painted on her face.

Steadily and with great culpability, Y/N the whole story to the older, fighting with her warm embers from flowing. She gasped, clapping her hands to her mouth and tears streamed from her eyes, unable to believe what sort of mess her monster of a son had created.

"I-I'm sorry, Y/N. I know my apologies won't recover for anything that has happened but please forgive me." She held the younger's hands, sobbing continuously and the other's eyes softened looking at her painstriken state. She sighed and handed her some tissues, without uttering anything. Once she was certain that the elder had calmed down, she spoke further.

"I'm going to adopt his daughter after everything is clear."

"I would support you in your decisions." Mrs. Jeon didn't object and accepted, portraying a small reassuring smile.

"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave." Y/N announced, hastily taking her belongings, ready to go out but the elder held her from her wrist, making her halt in her speedy actions. She glanced back at her back and the elder spoke out.

"Can I hug you? You look like your mother, seems as if she's alive." She requested, almost pleading and the younger gave in, feeling extremely sorry for the woman.

All of her children left her side, must be so tough for her as a mother. Y/N made a mental note to not be so rude to her from now on, she judged her wrongly and Mrs. Jeon didn't deserve her hostility.

The elder slowly wrapped her arms around the other and pulled her into a warm, loving hug. Y/N couldn't bring herself to hug her back, she froze on her position and just listened to her reassuring words, acting like a medicine to her wounds.

"I'm not your birth mother, but I love you the same way she did. Always remember, everything happens for a reason and in the end, the truth and kindness wins. It may be tough now but everything will be alright real soon. You're deserving of a lot of love and happiness and so, never stop hoping for it."

Her words struck through the younger's bleeding heart and she instantly burst into tears, her strong facade finally falling down and the elder just patted softly on her back to help her calm down. No more words were exchanged but the close proximity with someone who loved her the same way her mother did, was enough to break the thick layer of a serious woman and make her a little girl again, running to her mother for reassurance and love.

----

Small kids ran throughout the playground in the kindergarten, while Sarang sat on the small stool, a cute puppy sleeping on her lap. Jaehoon adoringly watched his niece happily caressing the pup's luscious golden hair, a small smile spread on his lips while observing her being happy and smiling beautifully.

He remembers how happy she appeared when she was with Y/N the other day and the excitement she had when she showed him the new dresses the lawyer bought for her, after a long time he saw that shining twinkle in her brown doe eyes and he couldn't help but smile himself.

The only wish he had was for Sarang to live her life happily, with people she could call as her parents.

Momentarily, the pup on her lap abruptly woke up from his sleep as soon as she listened to the voice of her owner. Her little tail wagged happily and she sprinted towards a small boy, most probably Sarang's age who happily embraced the pup, as if he just found her after a long time.

Sarang's smile fell off and a sad pout made its way on her face. Jaehoon looked over the situation and asked the girl, "Should I bring her back?"

She finally turned her attention towards her uncle and shook her head as a 'no', but her cheerful voice was replaced by a gloomy tone.

"But I thought you loved her?" His brows crouched in confusion when he heard her answer because if he had to kill a person for his beloved niece, he would gladly do that, there are no buts in it.

"Although it hurts but I'm happy if she's happy." She replied in her honey-toned voice. Such a small and sweet reply which made him stare at her in disbelief. Surely, this little girl spoke worldly things almost like a grandma but he couldn't help but smile and caress her hair.

Suddenly, his mind flipped to a small memory of Y/N... happily smiling with Jungkook.

He felt a stab in his heart when he saw that. Certainly, emotions couldn't be controlled because he knew he had fallen in love with this woman, who was happily married to the man of her dreams.

He stared into oblivion and sighed, agreeing with Sarang.

"True. Although it hurts, I'm... happy if she's happy."

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POTATO'S NOTE:
Yes, I'm back after a month! I know it's been quite a while but I was really busy in my personal life.

Nevertheless, I'm so happy we're closer to the end of the story. I can't believe I can write a story THIS LONG but yes, here I am. How are your thoughts in this chapter?

Any theories?

Istg this is so true! 🥺