Chapter 1 - The Mistake
The crystal glass in Beomseok's hand reflected the golden lights of the restaurant as he slowly swirled the liquid in the glass. Around him, laughter echoed between expensive tables, glasses clinked in celebration, and soft piano music filled the luxurious atmosphere.
Yet none of it reached him.
He sat alone.
Like he always did.
His perfectly tailored black suit, polished watch, and emotionless expression screamed wealth. But behind those unreadable eyes lived a man who hadn't known peace in months.
Buzz... Buzz...
His phone vibrated across the table.
Mother.
He stared at the screen for a few seconds before answering.
"What?"
"Beomseok, where are you? Why haven't you come home?" His mother's voice came straight through.
He remained silent.
"You're avoiding home because of your wife again, aren't you? I warned you not to marry her. Now look at this family..."
His jaw tightened.
"I told you back then not to ruin your future."
He closed his eyes briefly.
"Mother," he interrupted coldly, "I don't want to be around her."
"..."
"So I'm staying out."
"She's your wife, Minseok."
"I know."
"And she's carrying your child."
"I know."
His mother let out exhausted sigh.
"That girl has been waiting for you since dinner."
"..."
Without waiting for another word, he ended the call.
Minseok shut his eyes as his behavior made him feel worse.
He let out a slow, exhausted sigh before taking another sip from his drink.
His reflection stared back at him through the glass.
A successful man.
A broken life.
"How did everything end up like this?"
His fingers tightened around the glass.
"One mistake..."
"Just one mistake..."
"It ruined everything."
He started his way back home still wondering to himself.
