Chapter Eighty-two: Confrontation and Unspoken Truths.

Soo Jeon and Min Jun walked through the familiar halls of the Kang family home, their footsteps echoing off the pristine marble floors. The air felt heavy, filled with the weight of anticipation. As they approached the living room, Soo Jeon's heart raced, her palms slightly sweaty despite Min Jun's comforting presence.

They entered the spacious room where Mrs. Kang sat, her expression cold and composed. Mr. Kang was absent, as usual, leaving the confrontation solely between Min Jun, Soo Jeon, and his mother. Mrs. Kang stood, her elegant hanbok immaculate as ever, a clear sign of her formality.

"Thank you for coming," Mrs. Kang said curtly, her voice betraying no emotion. "Please, sit."

Min Jun pulled out a chair for Soo Jeon before taking his own seat, his eyes never leaving his mother's. "What is this about, Mother?"

Mrs. Kang took a deep breath, glancing briefly at Soo Jeon before turning her gaze back to her son. "I've been hearing things lately," she began, her tone sharp. "Things about your relationship. About Ji-Eun."

Soo Jeon felt her stomach twist at the mention of Ji-Eun's name, but she remained silent, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

"What about Ji-Eun?" Min Jun asked, his voice firm, though there was an undercurrent of frustration.

Mrs. Kang's eyes narrowed slightly. "She came to me, upset, telling me about how you've treated her. She says you've abandoned her, and yet, you two were once very close. She showed me some… photographs."

Soo Jeon's chest tightened, instantly knowing what Mrs. Kang was referring to—the same photos Ji-Eun had posted online. She had expected something like this, but hearing it from Mrs. Kang made it feel more personal, more threatening.

"Mother, those photos are from years ago," Min Jun said, his patience thinning. "Ji-Eun is trying to manipulate the situation. You know that Soo Jeon and I are engaged."

"Engaged or not," Mrs. Kang interrupted sharply, "Ji-Eun was part of this family for a long time. We had high hopes for her. She still cares for you, Min Jun."

Min Jun's jaw clenched, but before he could respond, Soo Jeon spoke up, her voice steady but calm. "With all due respect, Mrs. Kang, I understand Ji-Eun's past connection to this family. But Min Jun and I are committed to each other. That's the truth. We love each other, and we're moving forward with our lives."

Mrs. Kang's gaze flickered to Soo Jeon, her expression unreadable. There was a long, tense silence before she finally spoke.

"I don't doubt that you care for my son," she said, her voice cold. "But love isn't enough in this world, Soo Jeon. Min Jun has a family to think about, a reputation. And Ji-Eun is—"

"Ji-Eun is not part of this family anymore," Min Jun cut in, his voice resolute. "I won't let her continue interfering in my life. I won't let her manipulate you, Mother. I chose Soo Jeon because she's the one I love, and that won't change."

Mrs. Kang's lips pressed into a thin line. It was clear that she wasn't used to being defied, especially not by her son. Her eyes turned hard as she looked between the two of them.

"You're making a mistake, Min Jun," she said, her voice icy. "And you'll come to regret it. This engagement—it won't last. Ji-Eun isn't going to give up so easily, and I won't let you ruin your future for a fleeting emotion."

Soo Jeon's heart sank at Mrs. Kang's harsh words, but Min Jun stood his ground, his expression unwavering. "I'm not ruining my future. I'm building a new one, with Soo Jeon."

Mrs. Kang rose to her feet, the tension in the room thick and palpable. "If you walk out of here with that decision, you're choosing her over this family."

Min Jun stood, pulling Soo Jeon up gently with him. "I'm not choosing anyone over this family," he said softly, but firmly. "I'm choosing love, and if that means you can't accept it, then I'm sorry. But I'm not walking away from Soo Jeon."

Soo Jeon's heart swelled with emotion as Min Jun squeezed her hand. Mrs. Kang's eyes flashed with anger, but there was nothing left to say. The battle lines had been drawn, and Min Jun had made his decision.

"Very well," Mrs. Kang said, her voice like ice. "But don't come running back when this all falls apart."

Without another word, Min Jun and Soo Jeon turned and walked out of the room, leaving Mrs. Kang standing in the cold silence of the Kang family home.

---

Outside the House

As they stepped outside, the cool evening air washed over them, a stark contrast to the heated exchange inside. Soo Jeon let out a long breath, her hand still firmly in Min Jun's.

"I'm sorry," Min Jun said, his voice soft but filled with determination. "You shouldn't have had to go through that."

Soo Jeon shook her head, squeezing his hand gently. "I knew this wouldn't be easy. But I'm not going anywhere, Min Jun. We'll face this together."

Min Jun smiled, a warm, relieved expression spreading across his face. "I don't deserve you."

"Yes, you do," Soo Jeon said, her voice tender. "We deserve each other."

They stood there for a moment, wrapped in the quiet comfort of the night, knowing that the road ahead wouldn't be without challenges. But as long as they had each other, they were ready to face whatever came next.