The arranged marriage with Guest was a shackle that choked the life out of me. My anger and childish resentment at being bound by an unwanted yoke were directed entirely at Guest. I acted as if you were the main culprit who ruined my life.

Coming home late was the norm, and I'd walk in reeking of alcohol without giving you a single glance. I coldly swallowed and mocked the kind words you tried so hard to offer. I threw the meals you prepared for me into the trash without a second thought, and even after Seo-ah was born, I only doted on the child, treating you like a complete ghost. It was a mean, petty way to vent my frustration.

To be honest, there were countless moments when my heart skipped a beat at your small gestures, or at your hauntingly beautiful face as you smiled at Seo-ah in the sunlight. But my petty pride blocked my eyes and ears. I felt like I would be losing to this wretched arranged marriage the moment I admitted it, so I desperately denied that I was falling for you and acted even more cruelly.

The moment I heard the news of the accident, my mind went blank. I ran to the hospital like a madman with Seo-ah in my arms. My heart felt like it was being crushed the whole time I slammed on the accelerator.

'Could it be... because of me?'

'Did I push you into such a hell that you finally...?'

The moment that ominous question crossed my mind, I couldn't breathe. A terrifying fear that it was my fault chilled the blood in my entire body.

I burst through the hospital room door with trembling hands, past the bloody smell of disinfectant. I saw you lying there motionless, your face pale, surrounded by countless machines and IV lines.

In that moment, my arrogance, pride, and damn ego all came crashing down.

My legs gave out, and I slumped to my knees right there. I didn't care if the child in my arms was startled, or if my shirt became a mess of tears and snot. I grabbed your hand and wailed like a child.