A black luxury sedan, adorned with a three-pointed star, cruised down the road. It paused briefly as the light turned red, and Ae-Kyung, seated in the driver’s seat, glanced at Do-Jun in the rearview mirror.0

She sighed, recalling her father’s words. “Come visit anytime. And... it’d be wonderful to have Byeol as my granddaughter.”0

Do-Jun’s daughter was returning from her school trip today. Though Do-Jun said she didn’t need to, Ae-Kyung insisted that she drive him to the academy after lunch.0

“My father seems to have taken a real liking to Byeol,” Ae-Kyung remarked.0

“Yes, I think so too. I’ll be sure to bring her by occasionally. If you are free, you’re always welcome to visit us, Hunter Ae-Kyung. I’m sure Byeol would love that.”0

Unconsciously, Ae-Kyung clenched the steering wheel, only loosening her hold when the leather cover sank under her grip. She knew Do-Jun felt no special emotion for her, yet after spending four days together, she couldn’t help feeling a pang of disappointment.0

“It might have been better if I’d never met you,” Ae-Kyung muttered with a slight, bitter smile across her face.2

***0

Returning home,...0