Chapter 2

The Highway Bridge

Jung-Won enters his company and ends up going to his office. Everyone respectfully bows to him. As he enters his office, he is greeted by his friend and assistant, Gyeol Don-Hyun.

Don-Hyun looks at the iPad and begins telling Jung-Won about today’s meetings as Jung-Won sits at his desk. “At 10:00 a.m., Mr. Geun, you have a meeting with Mr. Kang. Following that, you must attend the news channel interview, followed by lunch with Mrs. Geun. Following that, you must sign all pending files as a matter of fact of the pandemic.”

Jung-Won nods and starts his work. Don-Hyun bows and exits his office. Jun-Won walks out of the office with his file and phone after a few moments.

***

Eun-Hee is working in the hospital, checking emails and patient reports on her laptop. Her phone abruptly rings, causing her to flinch. She looks at the caller ID, and a lovely smile appears on her lips. She quickly answers the phone.

“Hello, baby, I miss you,” she addresses Jung-Won, who is grinning like a fool.

“I miss you even more, babe,” Jung-Won says, making Eun-Hee’s heart skip a beat. “Come out. I’m standing outside your hospital. Let’s go out to lunch together.”

Eun-Hee smiles and hangs up the phone before heading out the door. After a few moments, Eun-Hee emerges and approaches her husband.

“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long,” Eun-Hee declares.

Jung-Won shakes his head and opens the car door for her.

“What are our plans?” she inquires as she adjusts her seatbelt.

“To your favorite restaurant near the highway bridge.”

She nods and goes to check her phone. Jung-Won looks at her phone and shakes his head before taking it from her grasp.

“We’re here to spend time with each other, baby,” Jung-Won says with a pout that makes Eun-Hee laugh.

She kisses Jung-Won’s cheek, making him giggle as well.

***

Soon-Ja is waiting for someone at the restaurant. She’s getting impatient now, looking everywhere for a person. Suddenly, a young man in his twenties approaches her and sits with her.

“You took a long time, Zuzu,” she expresses her regret.

“But now I’m here,” Zuzu says coldly.

“I’d like to ask you, Zuzu, when we’re going to get married?”

Zuzu’s eyes widen as she inquires. “What are you on about, Soon-Ja?” he stutters, which causes her to frown.

“I’m asking because you said we were getting married soon,” Soon-Ja asserts.

Zuzu shakes his head with a smirk on his face. “I told you, but I don’t want to marry you, anyway.”

Her eyes wells up with tears as he says this to her. “W-why?” Soon-Ja murmurs something under her breath.

“Who said I’d marry an orphan? I will never oppose my mother.”

Mrs. Wang, the orphanage’s owner, has only one child, Zuzu.

“Why are you torturing me, Zuzu?” Soon-Ja asks, sobbing.

“Stop annoying me, Soon-Ja!” he shouts at her, causing her to flinch and drawing everyone’s attention to them. “You’re such an idiot. How do you think I’m going to marry a nerd like you? My mother is correct; you are nothing but trash. That is why your parents threw you away.”

Before he can finish his sentence, he is knocked to the ground and falls to the floor. Eun-Hee grabs Jung-Won’s arm and pulls him back. Soon-Ja leaves the palace while still numb.

***

Jung-Won and Eun-Hee were waiting for their meals when they overheard sobs. They exchanged a glance before shifting their gaze to the table next to them. The boy was speaking harshly to a girl who was simply looking down, refusing to meet his gaze.

Jung-Won could feel her anguish. The boy’s words reminded him of his past. He couldn’t stop himself from punching him.

Eun-Hee stops him by saying, “Jung-Won, leave him,” and giving him a hug.

The restaurant’s manager approaches and bows to Jung-Won.

Jung-Won storms out of the building in a rage. He is standing next to his car, containing his rage, as Eun-Hee follows him.

“Hey, big guy, what makes you do that?”

A tear drops into his eyes as she touches his cheek.

Eun-Hee hugs him right away. “Hey, baby, it’s all right. You are not required to recall the past,” she says, sounding worried.

He shakes off the hug and nods.

When Eun-Hee’s phone rings, she is just about to speak… She looks at Jung-Won, who nods in agreement. Eun-Hee approaches him after the call and beams.

“Jung-Won, I have a crucial meeting close by. You go. I’ll be back with Dr. Haneul.” Before continuing, Jung-Won sighs as she speaks. “Take care of yourself.”

He receives a hug and a nod from her before leaving.

While she waits for Dr. Haneul, Eun-Hee sighs.

***

With her body numb, Soon-Ja is standing close to the highway bridge. Her mind keeps returning to Zuzu’s words. Soon-Ja is in such a hopeless state. She lacks direction and knowledge of what to do. As soon as she closes her eyes, a flashback occurs.

***

[Flashback]

In front of Mrs. Wang, Soon-Ja was seated.

“You’re twenty years old now, Soon-Ja. You are not permitted to reside here. In order to support yourself, find a place to live.”

Soon-Ja nodded in Mrs. Wang’s direction as she spoke.

Mrs. Wang sighed and went on. “There is no room for you, Soon-Ja. Just try to comprehend.”

***

Opening her eyes, Soon-Ja looks down at the water.

“I think after that everyone will be happy,” she sighs, preparing to leap.

***

Eun-Hee hands the file to Dr. Haneul and asks him to review it before sending it back to her. She glances over at a girl who is about to jump off the bridge at that exact moment. Eun-Hee turns to face her as her eyes widen.

Eun-Hee pulls Soon-Ja’s body over to her before she takes a step. When Soon-Ja is unconscious in her arms, Eun-Hee looks at him.

As he approaches them, Dr. Haneul sighs. “You did a good job, Dr. Young. Let’s transport her to the hospital.”

Dr. Haneul lifts Soon-Ja in his arms and rushes to his car while Eun-Hee nods. They put her in the backseat and head for the hospital.

***

Sighing, Jung-Won leans back in his chair. Why is Dr. Haneul acting strangely? Why does he keep attempting to approach my wife? As Jung-Won rubs his temples, the scene from today flashes across his thoughts.

“Who was that young woman? I believe I have seen her before.” As Soon-Ja’s image flashes through his mind, he murmurs. “Ignore it, Geun. Let’s concentrate on your task.” He lets out a sigh and gets to work.