AAE -- Wishes Of The Heart

Chapter 223

written by LoveCR2 -- 2005

edited by All-About-AAE -- 2019

 

"Anyone who behaves like this, disregarding all social propriety, is no daughter of mine!! I am so disappointed, Sun-Mi." -- Song Jin-Suk

 

 

PYONGCHANG-DONG, SEOUL ...

 

"Welcome, Chairman Yoon," Jin-Woo greets the last arrival as he enters the enclosed garden terrace. "Please have a seat."

 

 

Jong-Ki joins Jin-Woo, together with President Kim Sun-Dal and Director Yoo Seung-Hwan at the patio table. In the humid, sunny, late afternoon warmth, the men have eschewed neckties and suit jackets, relaxing under the patio umbrella with open dress shirts and sleeves rolled up.

 

"I'll have my usual," Jong-Ki instructs Lee Soo-Hee, who -- still dressed for the office in her navy DKNY skirt suit, nude stockings, and black Nine West pointed-toe 85mm pumps -- is preparing the executives' drink preferences from memory at the outdoor wet bar.

 

Once everyone is served, Jin-Woo stands to address the impromptu gathering...

 

"First I have an important announcement to make... Lee Soo-Hee has accepted my proposal to move up from the position of essential admin assistant to beloved wife," he breaks the news with a bit of humor, then calls to Soo-Hee, "Come here, Dear."

 

To hearty applause, Soo-Hee steps up to join Jin-Woo. He slips his arm affectionately around her slender waist, pulling her closer, as he announces their plans...

 

"We'll be marrying in a few weeks. You'll be receiving invitations soon, and we look forward to your presence at the wedding."

 

Sun-Dal lifts his drink to signal a toast, "Here's wishing prosperity and fruitfulness to the happy couple!"

 

"Coming from you, that's asking for a lot on Lee Soo-Hee's part," Seung-Hwan jokes, bringing an instant blush to her face.

 

 

After a round of applause, Soo-Hee retreats to a chair by the bar to take meeting notes, and Jin-Woo retakes his seat at the table.

 

"I bring this meeting of the Executive Committee to order," he declares. "Chairman Yoon, will you open discussion?"

 

Jong-Ki relays the latest news, "This morning, my son called out of the blue, and asked if it is possible to return to MBS."

 

"Now that's a surprise! "Why the sudden change of heart?" Seung-Hwan voices skepticism.

 

"Only that he's worked through some things, and believes that he made a mistake in resigning," Jong-Ki reports.

 

"Actually, I suspect he was influenced by Jin Sun-Mi," Jin-Woo clarifies the reason. "They met up again recently."

 

"Hyung-Chul wants his position back, just to impress a woman? What kind of hold does Jin Sun-Mi have over him?" Seung-Hwan scoffs disapprovingly. "And why her? Didn't she resign to run off with Michael Atwater on a 'Love Boat' cruise?"

 

"If you believe the rumors," Sun-Dal is quick to defend his 'niece' from disparagement. "Anyway, what does that matter, except for the result?"

 

"I understand Chairman Yoon's desire to accommodate his errant son, once again," Seung-Hwan replies critically. "But should the Company? What kind of example are we setting, by allowing a person to abandon his responsibilities, then come back without consequence?"

 

Jong-Ki catches the indirect reference to Hyung-Chul's backing out of his arranged marriage with Joo-Hee. "True, my son hasn't shown the best judgment at all times, but I take some responsibility for that, from my own poor decisions that affected his life."

 

"I'm for extending a second chance," Sun-Dal chimes in.

 

Jin-Woo jokes, "Of course, you're the poster child for second chances."

 

"But where will he fit into MBS? Anything other than Chairman is a demotion, and loss of face," Seung-Hwan raises a point. "And I doubt the Board of Mun-Yung will approve a position there until he demonstrates a bit more gravitas again."

 

"I share your concern," Jong-Ki agrees. "Even if it was available, returning him as MBS Chairman sends a wrong signal. We've already changed Chairmen twice in less than a year."

 

"Joo-Hee and I were discussing things, and she raised a possibility," Sun-Dal shares his wife's input in her absence.

 

"We're all ears," Jong-Ki replies. "Go on..."

 

"It involves developments at GNN," Sun-Dal explains Joo-Hee's idea. "So I called President John White today to verify the rumor, that with the success of GNN becoming a leading international cable news network, he's slated for a Senior VP appointment in the BBC soon. He's willing to recommend Hyung-Chul to follow him, if the MBS Board agrees to back his nomination."

 

"I think we have a solution here," Seung-Hwan agrees with the idea.

 

"But will Hyung-Chul be willing to relocate to London, with Sun-Mi in Seoul?" Jin-Woo questions the likelihood, given the present circumstances.

 

"Maybe Jin Sun-Mi can be persuaded to rejoin GNN, and relocate with him," Sun-Dal suggests.

 

 

"Forget about Jin Sun-Mi," Seung-Hwan declares flatly, "If Hyung-Chul wants a comeback, he'll do exactly as we say! As far as I'm concerned, it's this, or nothing.... Chairman Yoon?"

 

"Agreed."

 

"Let's take it to a vote," Sun-Dal pushes for a quick decision.

 

"I need a second to nominate Hyung-Chul for the position at GNN," Jin-Woo states the purpose of the vote for procedure.

 

"I second the nomination," Jong-Ki signals his vote.

 

"Objections?" Jin-Woo asks, and when no one speaks up, concludes officially, for the record, "The final vote for nomination is unanimous."

 

"I'll call him in and present our terms," Jong-Ki takes responsibility for the next step.

 

 

"Any other business?" Jin-Woo asks, wanting to wrap up the meeting. "If not, do I have a motion to adjourn, and a second?"

 

"Moved," Jong-Ki replies.

 

"Seconded," Sung-Hwan adds.

 

"This meeting is adjourned," Jin-Woo states.

 

With the formalities completed, Sun-Dal immediately broaches the next round, "The cards are awaiting us. Shall we go in?"

 

 

As it on cue, Joo-Hee appears at the French doors, casual in a blue cotton shirt and capris that show off her still youthful shape. In her arms, she is carrying the latest addition to the family.

 

"I'll need a few minutes to get the refreshments ready," she informs the group to hold off coming in.

 

Seeing the baby, Jong-Ki inquires, "How is Dae-Woong these days?"

 

"Growing like a weed!" Joo-Hee exclaims proudly. "He's insatiable! ... I've just fed him, again."

 

"He definitely has his Daddy's appetite," Seung-Hwan jokes, poking fun at Sun-Dal's expanded girth.

 

That raises a chuckle all around...

 

 

"So cute," Soo-Hee remarks. "May I take him for you?"

 

"He needs changing first," Joo-Hee replies, directing her husband to step up, "Dear, he's all yours, while I get to the refreshments."

 

She passes the baby into Sun-Dal's waiting arms, then turns to Soo-Hee and smiles...

 

"Congratulations on your engagement," she gives her a warm hug... "I wish you both the greatest happiness..."

 

 

Across the garden terrace, Jong-Ki and Seung-Hwan are talking privately...

 

"Don't say anything to anyone yet, but my daughter tells me she's expecting ... again!" Seung-Hwan boasts about the good news.

 

"Congratulations!" Jong-Ki shares his enthusiasm.

 

"I told you my Joo-Hee was a special prize!" Seung-Hwan needles his friend. "Too bad your son didn't see that. We could be celebrating on both sides."

 

"I hear you," Jong-Ki agrees. "But it's like talking to a wall. He refuses to consider any arrangements I've suggested since that debacle of a wedding. Still, I've made it clear to Hyung-Chul that I expect to see a grandchild before I leave this world, and it better be soon."

 

"True, you never know when the grim reaper will come calling," Seung-Hwan notes. "I was fortunate last year, when he swung and missed. How's your ticker these days?"

 

"My doctor has been pushing me to resign for the last six years, but I'm still holding on," Jong-Ki replies proudly. "Having my son back in the traces takes a burden off. Now we just have to persuade him to take the next step, and start a family."

 

 

"By the way, where is Hyung-Chul?" Seung-Hwan asks. "I thought he'd be joining us tonight."

 

Jin-Woo, joining the confab last, has the answer, "When I setup the meeting. he texted that he had another engagement tonight with Jin Sun-Mi."

 

"Another engagement? With Jin Sun-Mi?" Jong-Ki repeats, musing, "Perhaps he'll have similar news to add to yours..."

 

 

 

MEANWHILE, IN SINDU-RI, CHUNGNAM-DO ...

 

"Daddy... Mom... this is Ha-Eun... my daughter..."

 

Sun-Mi nervously makes the introduction at the door of her parents' new home.

 

 

Noticing the absence of a wedding ring, Jin-Suk immediately demands answers...

 

"You were away all this time, without any reasonable explanation, and come back with a baby?" she barks out the accusation. "Where's the father? ... Is he afraid to show his face to your parents after what he did?"

 

She glares toward the white Lexus SUV sitting in the car park, focusing on the occupant of the driver's seat...

 

Sun-Mi lowers her eyes meekly... "I will explain everything, if you'll just listen and hear me out."

 

"Of course," Kui-Sung replies, "Come inside, Sun-Mi."

 

 

He takes the baby carrier from Sun-Mi's hand, leading her into the living room, with Jin-Suk trailing, still riled up.

 

"Take a seat," Kui-Sung offers Sun-Mi, then speaks to Jin-Suk, "Dear, get our daughter something to drink. She must be tired after the long trip from Seoul."

 

"I'll bring tea. We already have the water heating," Jin-Suk mutters, heading for the kitchen.

 

 

"Why is Chairman Yoon waiting in the car?" Kui-Sung asks once Jin-Suk has left.

 

"Senior agreed to drive so I could look after Ha-Eun," Sun-Mi explains. "Otherwise, he's not involved."

 

"Why haven't you called? Your mom was worried sick for months," he admonishes his daughter. "If only we'd known that you came back to Seoul, it would've been easier."

 

"I'm sorry, Daddy. I wanted to, but I was afraid it might upset Mom even further."

 

"Regardless, we're your parents! You should come to us, first, before you make such an important decision."

 

"With the situation as it was, that wasn't possible," Sun-Mi claims.

 

"What situation?" Kui-Sung asks suspiciously, his eyes narrowing, attuned to hear the worst. "Did this man -- whoever he is -- force himself on you? I swear I'll kill him, big time!"

 

"No, Daddy. I assure you, this was entirely my choice," Sun-Mi answers calmly, trying to defuse her father's building wrath.

 

 

"Last time I heard, it takes two to tango," Jin-Suk states contemptuously as she enters the room with the tea tray in hand. "That doesn't change, even if you're catting around, like Young-Mi..."

 

Seeing the dismay on Sun-Mi's face, Kui-Sung snaps back, "Isn't that too harsh, Dear, making such assumptions about our daughter?"

 

"Anyone who behaves like this, disregarding all social propriety, is no daughter of mine!" she vows adamantly. "I'm so disappointed, Sun-Mi! How could you do this to us? Bringing such a shame on the family?!"

 

Sun-Mi blanches, tears filling her eyes, so Kui-Sung speaks up, "Dear, please, this isn't helping. Sit down. Let's hear from Sun-Mi first."

 

Jin-Suk sits next to her husband on the couch, facing Sun-Mi with her arms crossed, her mind already made up.

 

 

Sun-Mi lowers her eyes, avoiding the disapproving stare. "It's not at all like you think, Mom. Ha-Eun is adopted, from the orphanage."

 

"You adopted an orphan?! Whatever for?!" Jin-Suk incredulously raises new criticisms. "Shouldn't you marry first? What man will be willing to accept a situation like this? Haven't you had enough scandal in your life? Why go looking for more trouble?!"

 

Sun-Mi cringes under the verbal assault, taking the hits without response.

 

"Don't you have anything to say for yourself? Jin-Suk demands explanation.

 

"Yes... I'm sorry, Mom, but this could be something of a shock to you," Sun-Mi answers.

 

"Humph! ... What could you say now, that is any more shocking than what I've already seen?" Jin-Suk scoffs.

 

"Shhh... let her talk," Kui-Sung quiets his wife.

 

"It's just that, Ha-Eun ..." Sun-Mi starts tentatively, then hesitates, thinking back to Hyung-Chul's encouragement...

 

... 'Even if you get hurt, isn't it better to live openly with the truth? That way you'll be able to take a step forward' ...

 

 

"Go on, Sun-Mi," Kui-Sung encourages her.

 

"Ha-Eun's birth mother is... Young-Mi..." she blurts out, instinctively shrinking back in anticipation of the inevitable tongue-lashing coming her way...

 

But instead she hears a sharp, throttled gasp, Sun-Mi raises her eyes, to see what is happening...

 

Jin-Suk's face is dark red, turning purple as she clutches at her heart, struggling for breath. Then her eyes roll back and she slumps, unconscious, against the couch cushions...

 

 

Horrified, Sun-Mi jumps up, going to her mother's aid... searching desperately for a pulse...

 

"Daddy! Get help!" she shouts out in fear. "Call an ambulance! ... I think Mom is having a heart attack! ..."