Joo Won had cleared out his penthouse apartment as he was no longer the fake heir. He didn't need to formally quit the company as Lee Joo Won as a person never existed in the Hwang Group.
He moved in with Ji Woo for the time being. Recently Joo Won discovered his knack for cooking. He decided to get a professional degree by enrolling into a cooking school in the US.
It was decided that he and Hana will accompany Ji Woo and So Hee to the US for YERIN group's deal with the artist management agencies there now that YERIN's name was cleared.
Hana will return with So Hee and Ji Woo leaving Joo Won there for 4 years.
The two couples reached the US, booked 2 suites. While Ji Woo and So Hee went in meetings with the US artist agencies, Hana and Joo Won roamed around like tourists in the US although they spent more than a decade in this place.
The four of them meet in the dinner in the hotel's luxurious restaurant. After the dinner was over, the two couples wish each other goodnight and retired for the night to their respective suits.
The atmosphere in the luxurious hotel suite was thick with a silent, thrilling current. The door clicked shut behind Ji Woo and So Hee, sealing them into a world of their own for the first time. The spacious room, with its plush king-sized bed and soft, ambient lighting, felt both enormous and intimately small.
The professional facade they'd maintained all through dinner and the elevator ride up now melted away, leaving a slightly nervous, intensely aware energy in its place. They stood for a moment in the doorway, exchanging awkward, shy glances that quickly dissolved into soft, knowing smiles.
"So," Ji Woo said, his voice a little huskier than usual as he ran a hand through his hair. "Here we are."
"Here we are," So Hee echoed, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She hugged her arms, not from cold, but from the sheer, overwhelming anticipation humming through her.
He took a step closer, then another, closing the distance between them in the quiet room. "No interruptions tonight," he murmured, his eyes dropping to her lips.
She tilted her head with her eyes looking up at Ji Woo with her smile turning playful yet tender.
He reached out, his fingers gently brushing a strand of hair from her face before cupping her cheek. His touch was electric, and she leaned into it, her eyes fluttering closed for a second.
"I've waited a long time for this, So Hee," he whispered, his forehead now resting against hers.
She breathed out, her hands coming up to rest on his chest, feeling the strong, steady beat of his heart beneath her palms. This time, there was no dropped purse, no startled father, no running away. There was only the quiet understanding in their eyes, the soft meeting of lips, and the beginning of a long, uninterrupted night where they could finally explore the love that had been waiting for its moment to truly begin. The world outside the hotel windows, the city lights of a foreign country, faded into insignificance. Tonight, their entire world was contained within these four walls.
The world fell away—the fear, the lies, the weight of everything he had survived—until there was only heat. Skin against skin, breath mingling in the dark, two bodies finding solace not in words, but in touch. Ji Woo as if drunk in the spirit of the electric atmosphere, was kissing So Hee. All these years of yearning found expression in his demanding yet delicate kisses. He explored every corner of her honeydew lips, if he could, he would devour them. Breathless So Hee pushed Ji Woo to stop to be able to breathe. Ji Woo stopped for a moment before again carefully placing his lips on hers leading So Hee into the bed before them.
With his slow deliberate touch, he removed her clothes. So Hee shivered with every tough of Ji Woo. Once the bra was fully open, he didn't rush. He gently pushed the fabric from her shoulders, letting it whisper down her arms to pool silently on the plush carpet at their feet. The air seemed to leave Ji Woo's lungs in a soft, reverent rush. His gaze, dark and full of raw wonder, fell upon the gentle slopes revealed by the fallen piece of seductive black innerwear. They were, to him, a landscape of breathtaking beauty—two soft, pale mounds that held an immense, gravitational power, pulling him in, stealing his breath and his reason
Then he leaned in.
He lowered his head to the sensitive, fluttering hollow at the base of her throat. His lips were soft, warm, and impossibly gentle as they pressed against her skin there. So Hee's head fell back of its own accord, a soft, involuntary sigh escaping her. Slowly with gentle touches from his lips, he placed several kisses on her breasts. With his hand, he gently cupped them, kissing as if there is no tomorrow, then taking his mouth onto the hard nipple. He never knew their feel could be so tantalizing. He sucked as if he found some nectar. Her breaths turned into moans. He cupped one breast while sucked the other as if he did not want them to feel left out. Finally while keeping his eyes fixated at her, his hands traced the curve of her waist. He slid down under the cover kissing from her stomach, her navel, gently coming down to her hairless soft hidden orchid, dew-kissed and tender. He kissed and she trembled. He with the tip of his tongue tasted the sweet juice of the orchid. Trying to feel every inch of the sacred cleft, he inserted his tongue into the sacred gate. Oh the sweet feel of the warm nectar. Ji Woo could not stop himself from sucking it dry. Feeling the root of his strength increase more and more, he unbelted his trousers before asking her, if she is ready.
So Hee nodded her head reclining with her whole body bare. She got up and knelt on the bed while slowing caressing the gentle sword that stared at her asking her to join in the combat. Kissing it softly, she took the erect branch in her mouth slowly yet passionately, taking him on the nineth cloud. She gave him more than he asked for.
At last, he laid her down and found his way to the secret garden, penetrated it with his long, erect, big branch while she wrapped her legs around his waist pulling him in a tighter embrace. He could not be gentle here. As if a hunger took over him, in an out he went in a swift motion. She could not stop her moaning. Clinching the corners of the pillow below her head with both hands, she let her garden be destroyed by a huge staff that does not want to show mercy. Her moans filled the air, he got more turned on by her delicate sound. The staff's movement became faster, both of them panting. It was an exquisite torture—a slow, deliberate unraveling that left So Hee weak-kneed and breathless. They were utterly, completely captivated, lost in the discovery of each other, pulled into an orbit from which they never wanted to escape. The world had narrowed to this single point of contact, to the sound of their mingling breaths in the silent, luxurious room. After what felt like an eternity of bliss, the rain of pleasure poured on both the garden and the trunk.
The frantic, hungry energy that had consumed them earlier slowly ebbed, leaving behind a deep, humming contentment. The room was quiet, except for their synchronized, slowing breaths. The crisp hotel sheets were tangled around their legs, and the only light came from the distant city skyline glowing through the parted curtains.
Ji Woo lay on his back, one arm curled tightly around So Hee, holding her close against his side. Her head was nestled in the hollow of his shoulder, her cheek pressed against his still-damp skin, rising and falling with the steady rhythm of his breathing. One of her arms was draped across his chest, her fingers absently tracing idle, soothing patterns of Ji Woo's muscle there.
His other hand was splayed possessively, gently, on the curve of her hip, his thumb making slow, unconscious sweeps back and forth.
There were no words. None were needed. The frantic whispers and breathless promises had all been spent. Now, there was only the warm, heavy weight of satisfaction and the profound peace of being exactly where they were meant to be.
His lips, swollen from their kisses, found her forehead in the darkness and rested there for a long, tender moment. He inhaled the scent of her hair—a mix of hotel shampoo and her own unique fragrance that was now imprinted on his soul.
So Hee let out a soft, sleepy sigh, nuzzling closer into his neck. The last vestiges of tension drained from her body, leaving her boneless and heavy with sleep. The nervous excitement from earlier had melted into a security so deep it felt like coming home.
They drifted off not as two separate people, but as a single, intertwined entity. Ji Woo's last conscious thought was a silent vow, a feeling more than words:This. Forever.
And So Hee, wrapped in his warmth and his scent, fell into the deepest, most peaceful sleep of her life, a faint, unconscious smile gracing her lips. They slept tangled together, a mess of limbs and sheets, their dreams undoubtedly sweet and filled with each other, finally whole after so long apart.
****
After four years
Clips of Zombie Idol Savior gameplay went viral as popular streamers streamed the game. The game also won the Game of the Year award. Even idols played the game winning other idol's tickets. The idols who were not sure how the game would do reached out via their agencies and lent their likeness to the game. It was a massive success for Ji Woo and YERIN.
However, amidst this triumph, the CEO of YERIN is distracted. With his wedding just two days away, he can no longer focus on work. Ji Woo, who had been waiting for Joo Won's return to Korea before the wedding, went to the airport to pick him up. Meanwhile, Hana accompanied So Hee for her wedding gown shopping.
D-DAY
The ceremony began with the soft, melodic sounds of a string quartet playing a rendition of "Come Thou Fount." The groomsmen, including a jet-lagged but beaming Joo Won (Ji Woo's best man), and the bridesmaids, led by Hana, processed down the aisle.
Ji Woo, looking exceptionally handsome in a tailored classic black tuxedo, waited at the altar with the pastor. His usual CEO composure was replaced by a visible, genuine nervousness and awe.
Then, the music shifted to the familiar chords of "The Wedding March." All guests rose and turned. So Hee appeared on the arm of her father at the end of the aisle. She was a vision in a elegant, lace-adorned mermaid gown that was both modern and timeless. Her veil, held in place by a delicate hairpin, flowed behind her. As she walked slowly towards Ji Woo, her face radiated a peace and happiness that moved everyone in attendance. With an oath to protect each other from any and every incoming zombie attack, the two said "I do" and the guests erupted into laughter. After the pastor announcing them husband and wife, the newlyweds locked lips.
After the ceremony, they greeted every each other's parents—a common practice showing respect to them. The air was filled with the sounds of celebration, heartfelt toasts from Joo Won and Hana, and the clinking of glasses urging the couple to share shy kisses. The menu was a lavish mix of Western cuisine and Korean wedding staples like galbi (marinated short ribs) and mandu (dumplings). As the evening wound down, Ji Woo and So Hee slipped away for a moment alone on a balcony, overlooking the sparkling lights of Seoul. The immense success of ZIS and the pressures of YERIN felt a world away. In that moment, they were simply Ji Woo and So Hee, beginning their greatest adventure yet—as one with the world as their witness.
Joo Won, having found his true calling far from the world of corporate intrigue, invested his earnings and experience from the culinary school into his passion: food. He opened "The Centauri," a sleek, modern restaurant in the heart of Seoul's affluent Cheongdam-dong district. Its concept was open kitchen being the centerpiece, allowing guests to witness the culinary artistry firsthand. And what artistry it was. Joo Won's dishes, a fusion of classic western techniques with unexpected Korean twists with unbelievably low prices, were hailed as "out-of-this-world" by food critics. His signature dish, Gochujang-Braised Short Rib with Pear Puree, became legendary. He even employed many young people from the orphanages and taught them his art so that they can learn and get inspiration from him.
His past renown as the "fake heir" and his undeniable handsome yet grim features, now softened by a genuine smile, made him a magnet for publicity. He often went viral for his looks and good food. The restaurant was constantly booked, with a line of eager diners—and admirers—often stretching out the door. It wasn't uncommon to see groups of young schoolgirls, playing hooky to crowd the entrance, their phones held high to capture a glimpse of the charismatic chef.
This attention frequently grated on Hana who worked a demanding job as a lead project manager at JW Games (a highly successful subsidiary of the larger Hwang empire, which Ji Woo had thoughtfully placed under her leadership). Despite knowing his heart belonged entirely to her, a flicker of jealousy would ignite whenever she saw a particularly bold admirer vying for his attention. Joo Won, ever perceptive to her moods, had developed his own foolproof method to quell her frustrations. The moment he saw her eyes narrow and her arms cross, he would calmly walk out from behind his kitchen counter, take her face in his hands, and kiss her deeply, right in front of the startled onlookers. It was a silent, powerful declaration that never failed to dissolve Hana's anger into a flustered, happy blush.
Their love story culminated in a warm, intimate wedding, surrounded by their closest friends—Ji Woo and So Hee. Soon, their family grew. Hana gave birth to beautiful twins: a boy, who had his father's thoughtful eyes, and a girl, who possessed her mother's fiery spirit. The twins, Hana and their extended family became the true remedy for Joo Won, so the medicines lost their purpose and therefore sat forgotten in the bedroom drawer.
Not long after, Ji Woo and So Hee got married, they welcomed their own blessings: 2 robust, energetic boys who were a perfect blend of their father's sharp intelligence and their mother's gentle warmth.
Despite his bustling success and the joy of his own family, Joo Won never forgot Mrs. Hwang. Every week without fail, he visits her in the hospital. The moment he enters her room, her face, often blank and distant, lights up with an incandescent joy. Her memory, fractured by trauma, has erased the painful truth of her son's death. In her mind, Joo Won is not Joo Won; he is her beloved Bae Hoon, returned to her.
She often reaches for his hand, her eyes welling with tears as she laments the past. "I'm so sorry, my Hoon," she would whisper, her voice trembling. "I hurt you so much. It was all my fault you were hurt and left. But you're back now. Your mother will never let you go again."
Joo Won's heart always aches during these visits—a complex mix of sorrow for the real Bae Hoon, pity for the grieving mother, and a profound sense of duty. Without a hint of hesitation, he kneels by her chair and gently hugs her, allowing her to cry on his shoulder. "It's okay, mom," he murmurs, using the term for mother with tender care. "I'm here now. I'm not going anywhere."
These visits became a family affair. He often brings Hana and the twins. Mrs. Hwang, overjoyed that her "son" has built such a beautiful family, delights in her "grandchildren."
These visits became a family affair. He often brings Hana and the twins. Mrs. Hwang, overjoyed that her "son" has built such a beautiful family, delights in her "grandchildren." The children, guided by their parents' gentle explanation that "Grandma is sick and gets confused," understand the delicate situation. They never correct their grandma when she calls Joo Won as Bae Hoon, but fill the room with laughter, calling her "Halmeoni" and sharing stories and drawings with her. For them, she is not a villain with a tragic past; she is simply their kind, unwell grandma who loves them dearly.
Hana visited her father in prison, carrying the heavy weight of unanswered questions. When she finally asked why he had used his own daughter as a tool to watch over Joo Won, her father revealed a truth so painful that only he and her mother had ever known it. Before he became Secretary Baek, he was an orphan himself at Good Hope Orphanage. Then the late chairman— Chairman Hwang's father found him, and his life was claimed—body and soul—for the Hwang empire.
The lies he built to protect Hana and her mother were meticulous. Actors played his parents until their carefully orchestrated 'deaths'.....a performance timed with cruel precision. Hana was old enough to carry ghost-like memories of grandparents she never truly had, but young enough to never dig for the truth beneath their graves.
Yes, he had carried out the Hwang family's dirtiest tasks for years, but not out of choice. It was gratitude chained to duty.....an unpayable debt for food, shelter, and the semblance of dignity that the Hwangs had once given him. To them, he was a servant who could not say no. To himself, he was a man trapped between loyalty and gratitude, obeying orders no matter how demeaning, because that was the only life he had known since childhood.
Hana's tears fell freely as she listened, her heart breaking for the father she never truly understood. She despised herself for her helplessness, for not having been there to lift him out of his misery.
But she remembered the day she had confronted him, crying over Joo Won's scars. In her anguish, she had blamed him. "If you have any remorse left—for me, for Mom—then help him." Secretary Baek had listened. He never saw tears in his daughter's eyes. Not when the chairman called his daughter names, not when she was pushed away in the playground by the real Bae Hoon. So, for the first time, he acted. He handed her every document. He handed over Chairman Hwang's phone. He did not do it for justice. He did it for her.
But even after this, she knew he could not escape the punishment he now faced—and she, too, bore the stain of complicity, for she had carried out the Hwangs' will in her own way.
Joo Won, however, looked at them with a quiet, weary compassion. To him, both Hana and her father were not villains but survivors—people who, like himself, had done whatever it took to endure in a world that had never given them a choice.
Another one of Joo Won's most solemn and important acts was to ensure the real Hwang Bae Hoon was finally honored. He arranged for a proper headstone to be placed in the family plot, giving the identity-less ghost a permanent and respectful place in the world. The stone was elegantly simple, inscribed:
Hwang Bae HoonBeloved Son of Mr. and Mrs. Hwang December 25, 1996 – June 16, 2003
In doing so, Joo Won accomplished two things: he gave a name and a resting place to the ghost whose identity he had once borrowed, and in the process, he finally set himself free from the shadows of that deception. He was no longer the "fake heir"; he was the man who had ensured the real one was remembered.
This gravesite became a sacred place for his family. During holidays or on quiet Sundays, Joo Won would often visit with Hana and the twins. They would clear away any fallen leaves, place fresh flowers—often the bright, cheerful ones a child would like—and spend a moment in quiet reflection.
The twins, with the simple acceptance of children, grew up knowing the story of the uncle they never met. They understood that this was grandma's real son, who had gone to heaven a long time ago. They would often tell him about their week, their small voices soft in the quiet cemetery. "We're taking good care of grandma, Uncle Bae Hoon," they would say, a promise made to a name on a stone.
It was a ritual of remembrance, a testament to the intricate, healing family Joo Won had built—one that honored the past while firmly embracing the present. The ghosts were finally named and acknowledged.
The two families became inseparable. Ji Woo and So Hee and Joo Won and Hana bought homes which were just a short drive apart and which were filled with the joyful chaos of children playing. Weekends were often spent at the sprawling park near the Han River, the four adults sharing coffee and conversation on a picnic blanket while keeping a watchful eye on their little ones. They hosted lively get-togethers, where Ji Woo and Joo Won would man the grill, So Hee and Hana would relax and talk, and the sound of laughter and clinking glasses to their motto-No matter what. Wherever we go. We find each other would echo late into the Seoul night—a perfect picture of hard-won happiness and enduring friendship.
THE END