73 : The Child Isn'st His?

Eun Young absentmindedly stared at her coffee. With the little teaspoon on hand, she was continuously stirring the brown liquid, watching the small whirlpool form at the center of the cup. Her life was like this coffee once. It used to be so calm and peaceful. Unexpectedly, a whirlpool appeared and it similarly sucked her into an endless pit of painful memories she would forever bring with her.

"Hello! Earth to Eun Young?" Dal Rae tilted her head at an angle that she would be able to see Eun Young's face better. "Are you okay sweetheart? Do you want something to eat?" She suggested.

Eun Young flashed a timid smile and slowly shook her head. She had to admit, seeing them earlier indeed triggered her adrenaline to rush. All of a sudden she just had this confidence and courage in front of them. Her blood vigorously coursed through her veins! However, even though it was just a short encounter, she didn't expect that it would drain her energy that much. Come to think of it, perhaps this entire day full of work load and emotional stress were the real culprits.

"You know what?" Dal Rae began as she propped herself up with her elbows on the table. "I'm really tempted to ask you again about how you're doing or... what's on your mind. But I know... I know what I said and I will keep my promise that I will wait for you to tell me yourself." She said.

Dal Rae got herself an apple slice. Swiftly, she popped the fruit inside her mouth and continued to talk while she munched. "Regardless, couldn't you at least give me a clue or something?" She shrugged. "I mean... its not like we haven't been friends for years already. Besides, you may not have noticed but I really tend to worry seeing you with a strong facade to mask your inner emotions. You don't have to keep it to yourself hun, I'm pretty sure that you of all people--"

"You were right." Eun Young suddenly intervened. She knew that Dal Rae had done nothing but try to help her in every way that she can. Even though talking about and remembering her husband's betrayal still hurts like hell, she couldn't keep it in anymore. All this while she thought it would be best to leave things like that and forget them as if they never even happened in the first place. Eun Young failed to realize that in this case, instead of healing over time, she only hoarded bitterness and pain.

"Pardon?" Dal Rae asked, confused with what Eun Young was meaning to say.

Eun Young sighed as she mentally prepared herself. "You were right earlier. The man you saw a while ago... that man was Min Jae." She confirmed. Dal Rae blinked for a few times as she absorbed this information. She certainly knew that it was Min Jae she saw earlier. However, for the sake of sparing her friend's feelings, she pretended as if she had only mistaken him for someone.

Dal Rae remained silent to give Eun Young the chance to proceed. "I'm sorry I kept refusing to talk to you about this. It's just... Gosh I don't even know where to begin!"

Eun Young took a deep breath. After mentally and emotionally preparing herself, she then slowly opened up to Dal Rae. She began telling her about Na Rae's visit during that time when they last went out together. Eun Young stuttered a few times as she spoke but nonetheless, she continued. She told Dal Rae about the mistress's pregnancy and how she was now living separately with the kids. It was all too much to tell in one sitting but Dal Rae remained attentive to her every word.

"I saw them too while I was on my way to the intensive care unit." Eun Young muttered. "They were walking down the hall together and... it still stings. I felt my heart tear apart all over again. I felt all sorts of emotions that moment and I was afraid that they'd see me broken. But of course... I'd hate to give them the satisfaction of seeing me in that state." She said, forcing a smile to somehow lighten up the mood.

Dal Rae chuckled lightly. "That's my girl!" She cheered. Dal Rae was really disheartened to have heard all this from Eun Young. It was terrible! She's been through much already and her beautiful soul doesn't even deserve a pinch of it. Dal Rae couldn't help but frown. "I really hope you didn't have to go through all that. If only I could've done something about it... I would!"

Eun Young shook her head with a sad smile. "Well... like they always say: 'Life is full of surprises.'" She replied. There was a short silence between them before Eun Young spoke again. "It's really funny how the person you love could end up hurting you the most, don't you think? Looking in that perspective, it's quite scary. But I don't think one could ever learn how to fully describe it without experiencing it first hand."

Dal Rae slowly nodded in agreement. "However, as much as we hate to admit it, the people we love are also the ones who make us truly happy." She gently said. "Ironically and stupidly, our hearts found happiness in them. No wonder sh** happens!" Dal Rae bitterly ranted. Having realized her careless use of words, she apologized and covered her mouth.

Eun Young stifled a laugh at her friend. "It's okay, I get what you mean."

Dal Rae sighed in relief and mentally scolded herself for being so reckless. She had to constantly remind herself to behave. She wouldn't want to add more fuel to the fire now, would she?

Eun Young sipped from the cup of her now cold coffee. Keeping her gaze on the brown liquid, she focused on her distorted silhouette. "I don't think I'd be able to forgive him though." Eun Young began. "Not when I keep remembering that he has a child with another woman."

Oh Dal Rae recalled seeing them earlier near the laboratories. If Eun Young was on her way to the ICU, she must've come across them by the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. However, what bothered Dal Rae was that she saw Min Jae and that woman by the area where most genetic tests and consultations are performed. Could it be...

"Eun Young, what if the child isn't his?" Dal Rae asked out of the blue. Of course, it was possible. The only way to prove the mistress's claims was to conduct a DNA test. That must've been why they were there!

Eun Young was left confused with Dal Rae's hypothesis. "What do you mean? Weren't they together earlier to have their child checked up on?"

Dal Rae immediately shook her head. "No. I mean... I'm not sure but... what if they went for a DNA test? I don't think Min Jae would easily give in to that woman's requests unless he sees for himself that this child is really his." She explained. She scratched her head and after a few seconds, she turned to look at Eun Young. "I know I shouldn't do this but... I know someone in that department and I was thinking that maybe I can give you a heads up with the results after a few days."