Chapter one The weight of blame
The cold hospital corridor echoed with Jeon Jungkook’s sharp, unsteady footsteps. His mother’s lifeless body lay just beyond the door, and the sterile air seemed suffocating. Rage and disbelief were building inside him, threatening to burst.
The moment the door to the operating room swung open, Dr. Han Fee-ha stood still, her face pale but composed. She had done everything she could, but there was no changing the outcome.
Jungkook’s voice sliced through the silence.
“How could this happen?!” His eyes locked onto Fee-ha, burning with fury. “What did you do to her?”
Fee-ha swallowed hard, guilt weighing heavy on her heart, though she knew the truth was more complex. “I… I did everything I could. Mrs. Jeon was—”
“Everything you could?” Jungkook interrupted, his voice rising. “She’s dead because of you!”
Flashbacks flickered in Jungkook’s mind, memories of his mother’s warmth. He was always distant, always reckless, but to her, he was still her precious son.
“Jungkook, my dear, you’re always so busy,” Mrs. Jeon’s voice had been soft and loving, her eyes crinkling with concern.
“I’m fine, Mom. You know I don’t do soft and emotional,” Jungkook had said dismissively, turning his attention back to his phone.
But she’d smiled anyway, gently brushing a hand over his cheek.
“One day, you’ll meet someone who’ll teach you to open your heart. I know it.”
The flashback vanished as quickly as it came, leaving only the harsh reality before him: his mother was gone.
Meanwhile, Fee-ha fought to keep her voice steady. “Your mother was very ill. We knew the surgery was a risk, but—”
“You failed her!” Jungkook spat, stepping closer, his fists clenched. “You’re a doctor, aren’t you? How could you let this happen? I will make sure you regret this.”
Fee-ha’s heart twisted. She wanted to defend herself, but the look in Jungkook’s eyes told her there was no room for reason. His grief was turning into blind rage.
Flashback: Mrs. Jeon had smiled warmly the first time she’d met Dr. Han Fee-ha.
“You must be Dr. Han,” Mrs. Jeon had said, her eyes soft and kind. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
Fee-ha had smiled, bowing respectfully. “It’s an honor to be assigned to your care, Mrs. Jeon.”
Over the months, Mrs. Jeon had grown fond of Fee-ha, often sharing tea with her after appointments. She admired Fee-ha’s dedication and warm heart, something she quietly wished her son could appreciate.
“You’re so kind, Fee-ha,” Mrs. Jeon had said one day, her eyes twinkling. “I think you would make a perfect match for my son.”
Fee-ha had blushed at the comment, laughing it off, but Mrs. Jeon had meant every word. “You could be the one to change him, you know. Under your love, I think he would become the man he’s meant to be.”
That memory now felt like a cruel joke. The very man Mrs. Jeon wanted Fee-ha to heal was the one standing before her, ready to tear her apart.
Jungkook’s voice dropped to a low, dangerous tone. “I will make sure you never work again. You’re responsible for this.”
Fee-ha opened her mouth, but her voice faltered. She was a doctor, trained to save lives, and now she was being blamed for the one she couldn’t. The truth was buried under layers of grief, accusations, and something much darker—something she hadn’t yet uncovered.
