fateful existence

@ overcome.

Jaelyn sighed softly sighed softly to herself as she saw the welcome sign to Seoul. She never thought that she would ever come back to the place she lived for most of her life but here she was. The only reason why she was moving back was that so she could be closer to her family, especially since her father was sick. Jaelyn looked up into the rearview mirror when she heard her 2 year old son, Jaeho, cooing happily and couldn't help but smile at him.

The last couple of years were tough on Jaelyn, especially since she is a single mother, providing everything for Jaeho. She doesn't receive any support from Jaeho's father, nor does she wants it. Things between them left on bad terms, mainly due to his parents who didnt give two fucks about her or anyone that isn't successful and wealthy. Jaelyn shook the thought of her sperm donor and his evil family out, and just focused on herself and Jaeho for the rest of her drive to her parent's house.

---

Minhyuk was at a work party to celebrate him being successful in buying out another big company and merging it with his. The party was being held at a very fancy venue that sat right by the pier. The party was all exclusive. Only his employees, his family, friends, who were also business owners like him, plus their significant others were there. The local, national, and international news reporters were there also, to do a live cover of the event. Minhyuk was talking to his friends Wonho and Kihyun about general stuff while they congratulated him.

"So when are you going to find a woman and settle down, my man?" Kihyun teases his Minhyuk slightly as he pulled his wife closer to his side and kissed her cheek. "I'm telling you, the married life is amazing."

Minhyuk shrugged his shoulders, "Not sure. Probably never. I dont think it's something I desire." He said and finished his scotch before putting the empty glass on the bar top. Minhyuk nodded at the bartender to give him a refill. "Honestly I like what I have. I like being able to not be committed to one woman, and getting the benefit of getting my dick wet with whatever woman I want." He chuckled, then smirked when his date for the night had wrapped herself under his arm and pulled to his side.

Minhyuk looked at Wonho who had an arm wrapped around his girlfriend's waist, giving him a devious smirk. "What about you, Wonho. When your wedding?" He teased, knowing that Wonho didnt really want to be with his current girlfriend, but she was the one his parents chose for him.

Wonho looked over when he heard his name, but he snorted quietly in response, shaking his head. “Don’t bring me into your bickering,” he said, though he was amused with the entire thing. It all reminded him of who he wanted to be with, though, and what he’d lost because of his family. But, there wasn’t anything he could do about it now; it’d been a few years since he had seen Jaelyn after all, and he was certain she’d moved on by now. Shaking his head with the thought, he looked over to his girlfriend - the one he was stuck with because his parents preferred her. He didn’t know why, she wasn’t really great at all, not even in bed.

Shaking his head, he leaned back in his seat, peering over at Minhyuk with a smirk. “Besides, I’d never marry her, you and I both know that.” He didn’t bother to add on to that, because he knew Minhyuk knew what he meant; his friend knew everything that had happened between him and Jaelyn, after all. And Minhyuk knew how much he really couldn’t tolerate his current girlfriend.

“Plus, I’m sure you’ll settle down eventually.” He chuckled, because he knew it wasn’t true. But, Wonho wasn’t one to judge. Minhyuk could do whatever he wanted to do; Wonho just wished that he could, too, but he wasn’t that lucky.

---

Riley smiled to herself as she walked with Myeong along the beach by a pier, giving her daughter’s hand a squeeze. She knew there was a big party going on nearby - and she knew whose party it was, because of all the press on it, but she tried not to think about it or worry about it. She’d promised Myeong that they would go to the beach today and the last thing she wanted was to go back on her promise to her daughter. Still, the thought that Minhyuk was nearby put her on edge, and she made a mental note to stay below the radar as much as possible.

Breathing out with the thought, she sat down on the sand with Myeong, beginning to build a castle with the toddler, encouraging her as much as possible. She’d given up everything for her daughter - and she would keep doing it. More than anything, she wanted to make sure her daughter never got hurt; she wanted to protect her from as much as possible.

@ overcome.

Two hours later, Jaelyn made it to her parents' house, which was her childhood home.  She felt her chest get heavy because Jaelyn started to feel all the emotions she kept buried when she left town and everyone she loves behind.  She hated that she left her family because they never got to see Jaeho being born or hold him and they missed all of his firsts.  Of course Jaelyn would video chat with her parents so they could see her grandson, but it's definitely not the same.  Sighing to herself, Jaelyn wiped her cheeks noticing the tear stains.  "Come on baby boy, let's go say hi to Lito and Lita" she said before unbucking herself so she could get Jaeho out of his car seat. She grabbed his favorite plush dinosaur toy ten closed the door to her car and headed to her parent's front door.  Jaelyn sighed and took a couple deep breaths m, trying to pull herself together before knocking on their door.

---

Minhyuk laughed slightly at Wonho's statement.  He knew what his friend meant even without saying much.  The two of them go way back, really since they were toddlers. They basically knew each other inside out.

He watched his date and Wonho's girlfriend leave their side to grab a drink and chitchat.  Once he knew that the girls were out of ear shot, Minhyuk looked at his best friend.  "Do you still think about her?" He asked, knowing he probably does. He watched his friend tensed slightly at the comment but nodded before going into details.  Minhyuk could understand his feelings because he often thinks about Riley, although the break up was kind of mutual.  However, he was sure that she had moved on, has a husband and a family.  So, he believed that she must be doing well for herself although they havent spoken to each other since the break up.

Sighing he finished his drink as he continued to listen to Wonho.

Jaelyn’s mother looked up from her seat with her husband when they heard the knock at the door. She was certain it was Jaelyn and Jaeho and she smiled, patting her husband’s hand when he went to stand. “I’ll get it,” she promised, wanting him to relax while he could, not wanting him to push himself in the state that he was in.

Standing, she made her way to the door, looking forward to meeting Jaeho in person, wanting to spend time with her grandson. But, she also just wanted to spend time with her daughter, because it had been so long.

“Jaelyn,” she greeted when she opened the door, smiling fondly before she moved to hug her daughter tightly. “It’s so good to see you.” She was reluctant to let go, but she noticed Jaeho and she smiled, releasing her hold on Jaelyn to crouch down in front of him. “And hello to you. I’m so happy we get to meet.”

---

Wonho’s mind had been wandering, absorbed in his thoughts of Jaelyn. He found himself wondering how she was doing, how her life was going, whether she ever thought of him the way he thought of her, whether she missed him the way he missed her. But, his thoughts were interrupted when he heard Minhyuk’s words and he tensed, peering over at his friend.

As troubled as he was with Jaelyn being brought up, with her being a topic they were now discussing, he couldn’t lie to his friend, and he found himself nodding before he cleared his throat. “All the time,” he admitted, frowning to himself. He couldn’t help it, though. She’d been the love of his life, and he’d lost her, and he hated it.

With a sigh, he leaned forward, staring down at his drink. “I always wonder how she’s doing, where she is, what she’s doing,” he said quietly, shaking his head, “Then I wonder if she wonders about me, you know? But there’s nothing I can do about it, she’s long gone.” And she probably had a whole new life. One without him in it. He couldn’t blame her, though, not after everything that happened.

@ overcome.

Jaelyn looked at her son who seemed shy now that he was meeting his grandparents in real life instead talking to them the through a computer.

"Its okay Jae, it's Lita.  Go give her your bear hug." She told Jaeho, letting go of his hand.  Jaelyn  watched Jaeho look at her once more before running to her mom to give her a hug. She smiled watching the two before she looked up and saw her father sitting down in his recliner chair.  He looked more frail in person than from the computer screen. Jaelyn walked over to him and gave him a hug, not letting him go.  It was then, when Jaelyn couldn't hold it any longer and began to sob.  All of her feelings she tried to hide, were now overflowing.

"I'm so sorry daddy. I'm sorry for leaving and didnt come back until now" Jaelyn cried over and over. Feeling like it was her fault that he was sick.

Jaelynn felt his arms rub her back along with her mom's arm and Jaeho holding onto her leg. Soon, she was able to stop the tears and picked up her son and gently placed him on her dad's lap.  "Jae say hi to Lito and give him your bear hug. I'm sure he would love it."

---

Minhyuk listened to Wonho, feeling for his friend. He didnt know what to say afterwards, and felt bad for asking his friend about his ex.  "I'm sorry man." He apologized. "I know how much she meant to you and vice versa.  I guess the only thing we can hope is that she is doing okay." He said and pat his back and then drops the topic while Wonho's girlfriend walked back towards them.

"I'm going to get some fresh air and walk around the pier.  If anyone asks, that's where I'll be." Minhyuk informed his friend before grabbing his drink and headed outside.  He was able to sneak out of party without being held up by the press.  As soon as the fresh air breezes lightly against his cheek and the smell of salt from the ocean hit his nose, Minhyuk took a deep breath and then smiled softly.  He decided to walk around the pier but ended up walking towards the beach.

Wonho's words were starting to take over his brain, which made him think about Riley again.  He hadn't thought about her since the break up and that was a few years ago.  Although it was a mutual break up, it was the only one he had since then because he gave up on wanting serious relationships and resorted to one night stands.  However, just like Wonho, Minhyuk also wondered about Riley. He hope she was doing well for herself, but he also hoped that she still think about him and that she was single because she didnt want anyone but him.  He knew that was selfish on his part, but it was what he hoped, but he knew she deserved to be happy.

Minhyuk was so deep into his thought that he didnt realize he bumped into someone until he stumbled back slightly.  "Shit. Sorry." He said and then went to help the person up, but froze when he saw the woman he bumped into. She looked just like Riley, but it couldn't be her.  "No way that can't be her. Must be the alcohol fucking with me." He muttered to himself.

Jaelyn’s mother watched Jaeho quietly, but she smiled, relieved to feel Jaeho hugging her and she gave Jaeho a gently squeeze and rubbed his back. Pulling away, she looked over to Jaelyn, her heart aching with seeing her daughter sobbing as she hugged her father and she made her way over, rubbing her back gently. “It’s okay, Jaelyn,” she said quietly.

Her father was relieved to see Jaelyn and he smiled, pleased to feel her hug, and he returned her hug and he squeezed her weakly. “There’s nothing for you to apologize for, sweetheart. We understand,” he assured her gently, “We’re so glad to see you. We’ve missed you.”

And when Jaeho was placed on his lap and hugged him, he smiled and returned the hug. “And we’re so happy to meet you in person, too,” he told the boy gently, “It’s a dream come true.”

---

Wonho shook his head slightly when Minhyuk apologized, aware that it wasn’t like his friend was being malicious in any way. Sometimes it just hurt to think about Jaelyn, though. It hurt to think about what he had, about what he could have had, about what his life could be like if he still had Jaelyn as a part of it all. He was sure it would always hurt, but he couldn’t do anything about it.

“It’s alright,” he said eventually, leaning back in his seat as he sighed, “It just sucks sometimes.” Or, all the time, really. And he was sure Minhyuk knew, he understood. While their situations weren’t entirely similar, they’d talked about it all enough that they knew all the details and they sympathized with each other. “At least we have each other.” He offered a joking look but nodded when Minhyuk mentioned walking out. “Alright, I’ll let them know if they ask.”

He looked over as his girlfriend came over and she settled into her seat beside him, leaning against him and trying to rub up on him, but he ignored her, doing his best not to roll his eyes at her behavior. It didn’t even surprise him that she decided to act this way at this point, as if she was convinced that the relationship between them actually meant more than it really did.

---

Riley had been enjoying her time with Myeong, determined to keep her thoughts and concerns focused anywhere but on Minhyuk. The last thing she wanted was for her thoughts to focus on Minhyuk so much that she spiraled and fell into a rabbit hole of thoughts of what ifs and of how things could have been.

Breathing out, she shook her head, trying to distract herself, trying to find something new to focus on, and she grinned as Myeong threw sand around. “Careful, you may get sand in your eyes,” she teased lightly, laughing with amusement as Myeong giggled.

Standing, she shifted to lay out a beach towel so she could relax with Myeong, but she felt somebody bump into her and she fell to her knees. What surprised her most, though, was the voice. She’d recognize that voice anywhere. Looking up, she was shocked to see Minhyuk standing right there, but for now, he didn’t seem to immediately realize it was her - which was probably better. “No, it’s okay,” she quickly assured, standing to brush herself off.

@ overcome.

Jaelyn wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand to get rid of the stray tears and watched her parents and her son interact with one another.  She felt her heart warm up even more seeing that.  Jaelyn didnt have any doubt that her parents and Jaeho wouldn't mesh, because her parents had always been in his life but through a computer screen.  So she sat back and let her parents have time with their grandson, while she grab their stuff from her car.  Jaelyn only brought their necessities while they stay at her parents' place until she could get her own apartment.

Two hours later, Jaelyn had put Jaeho down for a nap before coming back to the living room where her parents were.  She sat next to her mom on the couch and hugged her.  "I missed you and daddy so much.  I hate that I've been away from you for three years. And I'm sorry that I became a disappointment." Jaelyn said sadly.  "I really appreciate that you are letting me stay here until I can get back on my feet again.  But my main concern to make up the lost time we had." She told her parents.  She knew that they would do anything for her and Jaeho, especially since she was their only child, but all Jaelyn wants to do is make them proud again but also do whatever she can to take care of her father and enjoy her time she has left with him.

---

Minhyuk was about to conclude that the woman he bumped into was just a stranger that looked like his ex.  That conclusion changed when he heard the woman speak.  There wasn't a doubt that it couldn't be her.

"Riley?" He called her name, just to be sure.  He knew it was her indeed, when he saw face pales.  Minhyuk smirked softly seeing her reaction, but his eyes roamed her body up and down for a moment, drinking in her features.  Riley had always been beautiful in Minhyuk's eyes, but goddamn, Riley gotten more beautiful than the last time he saw her.

"Wow, it's been a while.  You look good." He complimented, while trying to keep his eyes on hers instead of just her body.  However, his attention was removed from his ex, to the little girl right beside her calling for her attention.

"Oh wow you're a mom.  Congrats." He said but then he got a full look at the little girl and he noticed something about her.  She was a splitting image of Riley, but he also noticed some of his features in her that were definitely present.  It was then he knew that the little girl was his.  Minhyuk felt a mixture of panic, surprise, some happiness, but mainly anger and that anger was now showing on his face.

"So when were you going to tell me that I have a daughter? Or were you just hoping that I wouldn't notice?" He said, almost in a low growl.

Jaelyn’s mother smiled when Jaelyn sat beside her and she returned the hug, rubbing her daughter’s back gently, just glad to have her in her arms again, having missed her more than she could put into words. “We’ve missed you so much, too, sweetheart,” she murmured, her voice and words gentle, and she pulled back, brushing Jaelyn’s hair out of her face gently, her expression softening. “You’re not a disappointment, Jaelyn.”

“Your mother’s right,” her father quickly added, not wanting his daughter to feel that way about herself, and certainly not wanting her to think that they thought that way about her, because they didn’t. “You made a decision that you thought was best for you. We could never hold that against you, and we’d never be disappointed by that. You’re a brave girl, and we’re proud of you.”

Her mother nodded in agreement, reaching to take Jaelyn’s hand to give it a squeeze. “You’ve been doing all of this on your own. Alone,” she reminded quietly, “And you’ve been doing an amazing job. You’re an amazing mother to Jaeho. We couldn’t be more proud. You did all of this. We missed you, yes, but we understand that you were going through a hard time. You’ve done nothing wrong.”

Nodding, her father offered a smile as he watched her. “And we’re just glad you’re here,” he said honestly, softly. “We’re looking forward to having you in the house again, spending time with you, reconnecting with you. We’re just… Happy to be a part of your life again.” And he was glad they got to be a full part of Jaeho’s life now, too. At this point, he knew that neither his wife nor he could ask for anything more, because this was enough. This was all they wanted.

---

Wonho tried to relax as the party continued, but he was finding no enjoyment in it. His girlfriend had gotten sloppy drunk, so he’d called an uber to come get her and take her home, because he wasn’t ready to leave yet, but he also didn’t want to be the one to have to deal with her. Leaning back in his seat, he drank more, trying to get his mind off Jaelyn. Now that Minhyuk had put her in his mind, he couldn’t get her out of it, which wasn’t surprising at all.

After all, he knew he couldn’t avoid thinking about her. She’d been the best part of his life and he was hyper-aware of that fact. He was even more aware of how miserable he’d been without her, how much losing her had affected him. But, he tried not to think about it too much, certain it would just make him feel worse.

Shaking his head, he ran a hand through his hair, wondering if maybe he should leave. The party was winding down a bit already, after all, and nobody was asking where Minhyuk was, so it wasn’t like he had any obligation to stick around to tell anybody that Minhyuk had gone out to get some fresh air - and he didn’t blame Minhyuk one bit.

Swallowing the last of his drink, he stood up, deciding that he wanted to leave, and he made his way out, waving to a few people as he passed. He wasn’t sure where he was going; all he knew was that he wanted to get out of there. He felt an overwhelming need to just get away from all the business and drama of the party, wanting to clear his head a bit, needing to find some way to get Jaelyn off his mind again.

---

Riley paused, surprised and worried, because Minhyuk ended up recognizing her, and she could feel herself tense and panic a bit. While she’d known it had been a risk coming here, she’d hoped beyond hope that maybe she would have been lucky and there would have been no chance Minhyuk would have come out towards the beach and seen her. But, it turned out, luck wasn’t on her side at all.

“Uh… Yeah,” she said quietly, shifting a bit, and she could admit that Minhyuk had matured since she’d last seen him, he looked even better now than what she remembered, but she swallowed, trying to force away the attraction. It wouldn’t matter, anyway. “You look good, too. It’s, uh… Good to see you.”

But, then Myeong was calling for her, tugging at her pants, and she felt the tension in her reach an all new high, because she didn’t want Minhyuk to notice Myeong. Again, luck wasn’t on her side. “Uh, yeah, I am,” she murmured, hoping he didn’t realize the similarities between himself and Myeong. “Thanks.”

She cringed, though, when she noticed the change in Minhyuk’s demeanor, and she knew what it meant. She knew that he knew. And his words confirmed that, causing her to shift. “I… Didn’t know how to tell you,” she told him, watching him, “I found out after we broke up, and I worried you’d just… Say I was lying, or accuse me of cheating. Or worse, you’d just want nothing to do with her either way.”

@ overcome.

Jaelyn started to feel the weight of the burden and guilt she had been carrying for over 2 years being lifted off after hearing her parents tell her that they are not disappointed, but proud of her.  She always wanted to make her parents feel proud and she also wants to make Jaeho proud of her, and just hearing that made her feel better.

"I love you mom and dad." She told them probably felt like the millionth time today.

The next couple of hours were spent catching up with her parents, doing her motherly duties once Jaeho woke up from his nap, unpack her and Jaeho' belongings, and help her mother prepare dinner.  Now it was nearing 11 at night and Jaelyn was washing the dishes from dinner, while Jaeho was in bed for the night and her mom helping her dad with his nightly routine before going to bed as well.  Jaelyn placed the last dish she washed, in the rack then drained the sink so that it would be empty and clean.  Finishing the last bit of tidying up in the kitchen and putting in a load of laundry in the washer, she smiled when she saw her mom approaching her.  "Hey mom, why dont you go relax and watch some tv. I took care everything in the kitchen and put in the last load of laundry in the washer." She smiled and placed a kiss to her cheek.

"I am going out to Myomee to get some dessert.  I passed by it earlier on my way over here and I've been wanting it for a while....did you want me to bring you back anything?" Jaelyn asked, but when her mom declined, she nodded and grabbed her keys.  "Okay, well Jaeho is down for the night so you dont have to worry about him.  I won't be long, but if you need anything just let me know." Jae smiled and kissed her mom's cheek before heading out to her car.

---

Minhyuk was still pissed, as he realized that he had a daughter this whole time and not knowing until now.  It actually made him more angry when he heard Riley's excuse to not tell him.

"That doesn't give you the excuse to not tell me.  You never even gave me the chance to have a say. You just made the decision for me, and a bad one at that.  I honestly I thought you knew me better to even think that I would say any of those things." He said through gritted teeth.  Minhyuk was hurt and pissed, but he was keeping his control, not wanting give the wrong impression to his daughter.

He took a breath before dragging his hand down his face to call himself down.  "I get it that we were young back then and having a baby wasn't in the plan, but I would worked my ass off to provide for our daughter. I'm not some asshole guy who just leaves the responsibility of being a father.  But because of you, she has no memories of me and I missed a lot of her firsts.  And when she grows up, she is going to think that I didnt love her or that o abandoned her." Feeling the anger and hurt even more, he shoved his hands into the pockets of his dress pants, clenching his fists together to keep his calm which was getting harder to do.  He removed his angry gaze from Riley and then looked at his daughter with soft features.  He watched her get shy and hid behind Riley's leg, which broke him.

"What's her name?" He asked her with a low voice, keeping his anger pushed to back burner.  When he heard Riley hesitate at first before telling him their daughter's name, Minhyuk crouched down to Myeong's level and smiled softly at the little girl.  "Hello Myeong.  I'm your daddy.  You are so pretty, my angel." He introduced himself to her.  "Can I get a hug? It would make daddy really happy."

Wonho had been wandering around, for the most part, trying to focus on anything at all besides Jaelyn. He scrubbed a hand over his face as he walked, though, thinking about how his life was now, compared to how his life had been back then. He’d been so… So happy, so carefree, so in love. And, now, he was certain the only thing he felt was misery.

The moment that thought crossed his mind, though, he quickly tried to force it away, because he knew that would lead back to thinking about what ifs, or wondering what he could have done or changed to keep Jaelyn in his life back then. And that would only serve to make him more miserable, which was the last thing he wanted right now.

Sighing quietly, he lifted his gaze, peering around a bit, though he spotted Myomee up ahead, and he blinked, surprised. Or maybe he really shouldn’t be surprised. In the state he was in, maybe he should have expected to wander to a place he knew Jaelyn had loved, relive some old memories that maybe should stay buried.

He was about to turn and walk away, put as much distance between himself and this place as possible, but his eyes caught sight of Jaelyn coming out of Myomee. He hadn’t seen her in years but he’d recognize her anywhere. “Jaelyn?” he called in shock and, before he could stop himself, his feet began carrying him to her, “Jaelyn, is that really you?” As he drew closer, he noticed subtle changes, an increased beauty in the woman he’d always loved.

---

Riley shifted uneasily as she listened to Minhyuk, chewing on her lip for a few long moments. “I wasn’t thinking,” she said quietly, “I just… I panicked, Minhyuk.” And, she wished she hadn’t, but she’d been alone, she didn’t have anyone she could rely on. It wasn’t her best moment, she knew that, but she couldn’t turn back time and change it.

She frowned, though, when Minhyuk started talking about what Myeong would grow up thinking. “You think that’s what I tell her?” she asked, watching him, “That that’s what I would let her believe? I thought you knew me better.” She used his own words against him but looked towards Myeong to calm down, to breathe.

Feeling Myeong grip at her leg, she reached down to stroke her daughter’s hair gently. “Myeong,” she said, looking to Minhyuk, “Her name is Myeong.” She watched Mihyuk as he crouched down, her heart aching, and she felt guilty knowing that all of this was because of her.

She saw Myeong hesitate and, shifting, she crouched down in front of Myeong with a small smile. “Go on, sweetheart,” she murmured, leaning to kiss her forehead, “Go say hi.” Myeong watched her for a moment and hesitated before carefully moving to Minhyuk to hug him.

@ overcome.

When Jaelyn pulled into the parking lot of Myomee, she felt all giddy.  It has been over 2 years since she last stopped by her favorite dessert shop.  Last time she went there, the shop was starting to get some heat, but Jaelyn was the number one customer because she started going there since the place opened. However it's now booming, because there was a line of people, waiting to order their sweet treats.

Smiling while turning off the car, Jaelyn got out and joined behind the line.  She admired the place, seeing the changes and the things that remained the same.  Soon it was her turn to order her dessert.  Jaelyn greeted the cashier before ordering her favorite item from their menu.  "One Cookies 'n Creme Bingsu and one Myomee Iced Latte." Jaelyn smiled brightly as she couldn't wait to taste the sweet dessert and latte.  She took out her debit card to pay for her order and grabbed the bag and her cup before leaving the shop.

Heading back to her car, Jaelyn took a sip of her latte letting out a little moan of pleasure.  She was just about to approach her car when she heard her name being called.  The voice sounded like Wonho, but she didnt see him.  Her name was called again and the voice was closer but now Jaelyn could clearly tell it was Wonho calling her and that's when she panicked trying to run to her car to get away, but he blocked her path making her drop her drink and her bingsu, making a mess on the ground.  "W-what are you doing here Wonho?" She asked, not wanting to look at him.

---

Minhyuk felt his anger ease when his little girl draped her arms around his neck.  He gave his daughter a light squeeze like a bear hug. "That was the best hug I have ever had." He told Myeong, smiling more when he heard her giggle.

"You so pretty, just like your mother, but you got my hugs and my nose." Minhyuk tapped her little nose with his index finger. 

Letting out a soft sigh, he stood up and faced Riley with his hands shoved back into his pockets.  "Now that I know she is my kid, I want be a part of her life, starting now.  I'm not going to miss another second of her life." He said and looked back at Myeong who was no longer paying attention to the adults as she was occupied with the sand.

"I also want visitation rights and partial custody. Just the weekends, so that o can have my one-on-one time with her." He said, trying to negotiate, but also to let Riley know that he will fight to have his rightful parental rights if she tried to play games.  However, he hoped it would not get to that point. "We can start with supervised visitations at your place."

Wonho felt his heart lift when he heard Jaelyn’s voice, feeling like it’d been forever since he’d last heard her voice. And, dammit, it might as well have been forever, because life without her had been that miserable. But, the fact that she was indeed standing there before him was almost unbelievable, almost surreal, and he was silent for a few long moments, trying to convince himself this wasn’t a dream or some drunken hallucination.

“It really is you…” he said, almost in shock, surprised at the relief he felt with the fact that he was seeing her again, that she was in his line of sight, that he was in her presence again. He paused when he heard her question, though, and shook his head slightly. “I… Uh, I don’t know.” He frowned slightly. “I was just walking aimlessly and found myself here.”

But, it was a place they’d frequented before, why would she be so surprised by the fact that he was there? “Why are you here, though? What are you doing here?” His brows furrowed with confusion as he realized something. “I thought you left. When did you come back?”

---

Riley watched the pair, her expression softening, but she smiled slightly, unable to help it. Myeong looked so happy, and, God, her smile practically mirrored Minhyuk’s, it was an amazing sight. Her heart eased in her chest and she stayed quiet as she watched them, wanting to give them time to just get to know each other.

Before long, Myeong got distracted with playing in the sand again, and Riley looked over to Minhyuk when he began to speak. She shifted slightly, uncomfortable. Not because she wanted to keep Myeong from Minhyuk anymore, but because she was sure Minhyuk would probably never forgive her for keeping Myeong a secret in the first place.

“Of course,” she said quietly, nodding slightly to Minhyuk’s demands, dropping her gaze for a moment. “We’ll… Have to figure out holidays, too.”

@ overcome.

Jaelyn sighed to herself, wishing that she could disappear instead of being in front of Wonho. She was feeling a range of emotions at once, which was scaring her because here she was, facing her ex who she once loved...or maybe she never stopped loving her although he and his family had hurt her.

"I-I d-did leave..." She answered, cursing herself mentally for stuttering. "I just got back here earlier today." Jaelyn continued, but avoided making eye contact with her. "I thought it was...safe to come back home..." She looked down at the ground seeing the mess on the ground by their feet from when she dropped her drink and dessert. Jaelyn sighed and looked back at him. "I need to go. Have a good night Wonho."

Jaelyn unlocked her car door and got in. Her eyes locked with his and she could see hurt and hope in his, but hers only shows hurt and fear. Deep down, she knew that Wonho never actually hurt her, his parents did all because she wasn't rich or come from a rich background. They thought that she was using him for money and when they found out she was pregnant with their grandchild, they tried to make her get an abortion, because they didn't want the press to know that their son knocked up a street rat. This was more of his parents doing, but Wonho never stood up for her, their unborn son at the time, or for their love and that hurt her even more.

Jaelyn shook her head and broke eye contact with him. She didn't want to keep reliving the past and she seeing Wonho wasn't helping either. She turned her car on and quickly to drove back to her parent's house, with tears rolling down her cheeks.

---

Minhyuk was surprised that Riley agreed to his request with no hesitation, but happy nonetheless. He nodded, and placed his hands in his pocket. "I won't take holidays with her from you. I can come by and spend time with her." He said although he would love his family to spend time with his daughter, but he wasn't ready to let his family know yet. He wanted to make up lost time with his daughter first before bringing her to his family.

Minhyuk looked at his daughter and just felt himself brighten up by just seeing her smile. He looked back at Riley and got a really good look at her. She was beautiful and if he was honest with himself, he hated that the two of them brokeup, although it was mutal. He was sure that she wouldn't be interested in dating him again, especially not now after he was an ass towards her 10 minutes ago. However, he was hoping that the more he spent with Myeong and Riley, they will become a happy family.

"Have you two eaten anything yet?" He asked, smiling when Myeong's eyes brighten up with eagerness. "I'll take that as a yes from our little princess, what about you Riley?"

Wonho’s brows furrowed. He didn’t even understand what that meant. Safe to come back home? As if he’d ever hurt her or caused her harm? His jaw clenched with the thought, wondering why she’d ever think such a thing. He’d always been good to her, he’d always put her needs above his own. He’d always put her before himself.

He wasn’t even sure what to do at this point, finding himself staring at the spot she’d left, the items she’d dropped in her hurry to escape him. Shaking his head, he tried to get a hold of his thoughts, his mind swirling as he tried to piece together everything that had happened, and tried to make sense of any of it. But he found himself failing to even do that, and that just frustrated him all the more. Turning, he left the spot, intent on heading home, but he wasn’t sure what to do from there, especially with knowing that she was back. He knew where her parents lived, but he wondered if he should go there to get answers, or if that would just make him seem even worse in her eyes.

Sighing, he entered his home, slamming the door as he tried to get his thoughts in order, but all he could think about was Jaelyn and how he just wanted to see her again and get answers about everything.

---

Riley couldn’t help but feel relieved when Minhyuk decided he wouldn’t take Myeong from her during the holidays. Her daughter was all she really had - her parents hadn’t wanted anything to do with her after she’d decided to go through with the pregnancy, - and she hadn’t wanted to be alone in those times. “Thank you,” she murmured with a small nod.

Her gaze went to Myeong, and she couldn’t help but wonder how this would go. A part of her worried that it would just be a phase for Minhyuk, but she convinced herself that he was better than that. She knew he was, but she still worried, mostly because she didn’t want Myeong to be hurt in it all. For a moment, she peeked towards Minhyuk, and she could admit to herself that, even now, she was as attracted to him as she was years ago. She forced that thought to the back of her mind, though, certain he had a whole new life, and imagining how hot he probably still looked shirtless wasn’t going to change the fact that their relationship had ended long ago, even if her love for him had still remained.

She blinked, though, and smiled. “Oh, we haven’t eaten yet,” she admitted quietly, “We were gonna stop and get food on the way home.”

@ overcome.

Jaelyn was glad that she made it home safely while she was a crying mess.  She quickly got out of her car and ran inside her parents' home, not even making sure that her car was off or that the doors were locked.  Jaelyn didnt run in any particular direction, but she collapsed onto the floor in front of her father, who was sitting in his rocking chair.

Jaelyn's mother came out into the living room from the kitchen as she heard the ruckus, before asking her what's wrong.

"H-he f-found me.  I..I thought it was safe for me to come back home." She cried onto her dad's lap.  Seeing Wonho today instantly brought back the pain memories she has with him and his parents.  Jaelyn had only been back in Seoul for less than a day and Wonho has already shown back up into her life.

"W-what if he finds out about Jaeho? He is going to take him from me or worse, his parents causes harm to him and me." She criee louder, feeling her body shake with anxiety and fright.  However, she heard her son start crying from the other room, knowing that he woke up from the ruckus that Jaelyn was making.  She got up from her knees and headed into the room to tale care of Jaeho.

---

Minhyuk nodded his head. "Let's go get something to eat.  We'll go somewhere where its private. I dont want people knowing about Myeong, especially the press.  And I'm sure you dont want then all over you and her either." He says, standing back up. "I know of a place, but I hope you dont mind me riding with you.  I would get my car and drive myself, but my parents threw me a work party and there are lots of cameras there so they would be someone that would try to follow me." He explained, omitting that he also had his flavor of the night still at the party.

"Of course you can ride with us daddy! Right mommy?" Myeong said cheerfully as she wrapped her tiny arms around his legs, making Minhyuk's heart warm.  "Thank you baby girl." He chuckles softly, then easily picked his daughter up so that he could carry her in his arms as they walked towards Riley's car.  Minhyuk was glad that she was giving him a chance to be in Myeong's life, although he didnt really give her much of a choice, but he was still appreciative.  He never thought he would be a father, in fact he never gave it much of a thought. But seeing Myeong, he instantly fell in love with the little girl and immediately went into dad mode.

@ overcome.

Wonho wasn’t sure what caused him to keep walking, his mind wandering and traveling back to Jaelyn constantly. He couldn’t fight his thoughts, and he couldn’t force them away. He was so distracted by his thoughts that he didn’t really realize where he was going.

It wasn’t until he stopped walking and saw the familiar house in front of him - Jaelyn’s parents’ home. If she was anywhere, he knew she’d be there. Before he could really stop himself, he approached the door and lifted his hand to knock on it.

---

Riley listened to what Minhyuk had to say, though she was grateful that he was being mindful of what could happen if anybody found out about Myeong. Watching him, she offered a small nod. “Okay,” she murmured quietly, “You can ride with us.”

She watched him carry their daughter, her heart swelling with the sight, because it was something she’d often imagined, even though she’d made this decision. Shaking her head to clear her mind, she led the way to the car. “Do you want to drive or ride in the passenger seat?”